The Lawman's Surprise by Catherine Mann

Author:Catherine Mann
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2022-12-01T22:02:51+00:00

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With that kiss from Charlotte still firing through his veins, Declan struggled to pay attention to what was said during the couples’ cookout. Doc Barnett had bought an old farmhouse, a sprawling property bigger than anywhere Declan had ever lived. The place appeared darn near perfect, but still Nolan talked about the renovations, happening in stages so they didn’t have to wait to move in. He wanted his two grandchildren—Gus and Mavis—to have as little change as possible.

And he also wanted the place to be perfect for Eliza when they married.

To Declan’s eye, the whole spread shouted white-picket-fence bliss for kids and adults. Trees to climb. Lounge chairs and a picnic table for adults, with a miniature version for children. And playground equipment—a massive wooden set with a fort and swings shaped like horses.

Doc had grilled kabobs and fresh corn at a stone outdoor cooking station, complete with a grill, smoker and additional burners. He had an arm looped around his fiancée as she scooped ice cream cones for the children. The air was filled with the squeals of kids mixed with the low hum of an outdoor speaker playing soft rock.

They’d been joined by the O’Briens, as well as Micah Fuller, a contractor for the ranch who was currently working on restoring the Barnetts’ farmhouse. Micah had fallen for Susanna, the elementary school librarian, when attending a parent-teacher conference for his nephew who struggled with a learning disability. Susanna was there at his side while his nephew played with the other children.

Once the kids were settled with their dessert, the couples shifted to the side yard to play cornhole, women against the men.

Charlotte arced her arm back, then flung the small red bean sack toward the circular hole in the wooden board. The red beanbag slid on the smooth board, hovering on the lip of the opening. “Sorry again that we arrived late. We, uh, seemed to have caught all the red lights.”

Susanna adjusted the clip in her hair as she chuckled, the jeweled piece shaped like a line of books. “There are only two between here and the ranch. I know since I drive the route from school to the ranch quite often.”

“What can I say?” Charlotte shrugged. “Declan drives like a little old man.”

Declan spluttered as the men laughed and jeered good-naturedly, clapping him on the back. He cleared his throat, then interjected, “Well, I am a police officer. I can’t be setting a bad example to the public.”

Susanna waved aside the notion. “No chance of that. You’re a hero in this town, sheriff and military man. I was hoping you would come talk to the school kids during career week.”

Hero? If only they knew life wasn’t that simple. But that probably wasn’t what anyone wanted to hear during a kids’ circle time. “I’ll check my calendar.” He tossed his blue beanbag. And missed.

As Hollie took her turn, Charlotte stepped back and pulled out her cell phone. “I’m just checking in with Rory.”

Hollie juggled a

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