Unexpected Reunion

Unexpected Reunion
Carolyn Greene

A Soldier's ReturnFor four years, Ruthie Chandler avoided the man who broke their engagement–and her heart. But when her antiques shop mistakenly sells his ailing grandmother's doll, she comes face-to-face with the man she never forgot. Teaming up with Gray Bristow on this important mission won't be easy, but Ruthie suspects it's exactly what the disillusioned veteran needs. The doll is the key to Gray's family's past–and possibly his future. And it may be what finally brings the ex-soldier home to faith…and to Ruthie.Southern Blessings: Three friends find hope and love in Virginia

A Soldier’s Return

For four years, Ruthie Chandler avoided the man who broke their engagement—and her heart. But when her antiques shop mistakenly sells his ailing grandmother’s doll, she comes face-to-face with the man she never forgot. Teaming up with Gray Bristow on this important mission won’t be easy, but Ruthie suspects it’s exactly what the disillusioned veteran needs. The doll is the key to Gray’s family’s past—and possibly his future. And it may be what finally brings the ex-soldier home to faith…and to Ruthie.

Southern Blessings: Three friends find hope and love in Virginia

He owed her an explanation.

He needed to justify—to her as well as to himself—what he had done.

She reached for his hand, then seemed to think better of it. “Tell me, Gray.”

Her tone was kind. Soft. Caring. Infinitely patient.

She tugged her sleeves down to cover her hands.

“Go inside,” he said just as gently. “You’re cold.”

He had heard that when people got frostbite, the thawing hurt more than the actual freezing. All the more reason to stay frozen where he was. If it hurt this bad now, what might his heart feel like if he let the warmth back in?

“I’d rather stay out here with you.”

He pulled off his jacket and wrapped it around her shoulders. He resisted the temptation to leave his arms around her, but it was as if that brief contact had pried open a long-shut door to something inside him that he felt shouldn’t be examined.

Because if he did, he’d start questioning whether he’d done the right thing four years ago.

Unexpected Reunion

Carolyn Greene

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

We went through fire and water,

but you brought us to a place of abundance.

—Psalms 66:12

Why have I found such favor in your eyes…?

—Ruth 2:10

This book is dedicated to the memory of

my dear friend and fellow author Charlotte Lobb (a.k.a. Charlotte Carter), who loved, challenged, and treasured all those who were fortunate enough to know her, whether in person or through her stories.

Acknowledgments

To Day Leclaire, with gratitude and affection,

for 23 years of friendship, brainstorming,

learning, and laughter.

And much appreciation to Yuko Kimura-Koenig

for checking my use of Japanese words.

Any mistakes are all mine.

And thanks to my editor, Melissa Endlich,

for loving my idea for the Southern Blessings series and welcoming me into the Love Inspired fold.

Contents

Chapter One (#ub9bb7251-24f5-5a58-8f70-417498afbef7)

Chapter Two (#u4c27b015-50d6-5950-bd2f-37839c3a0724)

Chapter Three (#u317a85bd-2b23-5b5e-96cb-3d355e8c4e80)

Chapter Four (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Five (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Six (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Seven (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Eight (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Nine (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Ten (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Eleven (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Twelve (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Thirteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Dear Reader (#litres_trial_promo)

Questions for Discussion (#litres_trial_promo)