Uncle Sarge

Uncle Sarge
Bonnie Gardner

Kids aren't my specialty.U.S. Air Force Combat Controller Rich Larsen could parachute into danger in a moment's notice. But being besieged by his convalescing sister's two demanding children was an entirely different matter. Well, desperate means called for extreme measures. So the overwhelmed Uncle Sarge sent out an SOS to the pretty lady who had reunited him with his family.Before long, Jennifer Bishop worked a miracle on Rich's adorable wards–and on his heart. So much so that the rootless loner could almost picture them having a family of their own someday. Trouble was, a love-wary Jennifer had sworn off military men. Good thing Rich never backed away from a challenge!

Jennifer had been totally unprepared for the sight in front of her: Rich Larsen, bare-chested, wearing camouflage pants and holding a baby

Her breath caught in her throat. The vision was so sweet she almost wanted to weep. That innocent little boy with a halo of red peach fuzz snuggled against that hard, wide chest. The baby’s eyes were half-closed and he sucked on one finger.

This was, by far, one of the most tantalizing sexy sights she could ever have imagined. Jennifer swallowed, moistened her lips and swallowed again. What was wrong with her? How could she be lusting after the man as if he were a hunk-of-the-month calendar?

She just didn’t do stuff like that.

Then again, there was a first time for everything.

Dear Reader,

May is “Get Caught Reading” month, and there’s no better way for Harlequin American Romance to show our support of literacy than by offering you an exhilarating month of must-read romances.

Tina Leonard delivers the next installment of the exciting Harlequin American Romance in-line continuity series TEXAS SHEIKHS with His Arranged Marriage. A handsome playboy poses as his identical twin and mistakenly exchanges “I do’s” with a bewitching princess bride.

A beautiful rancher’s search for a hired hand leads to more than she bargained for when she finds a baby on her doorstep and a Cowboy with a Secret, the newest title from Pamela Browning. 2001 WAYS TO WED concludes with Kiss a Handsome Stranger by Jacqueline Diamond. Daisy Redford’s biological clock had been ticking…until a night of passion with her best friend’s brother left her with a baby on the way! And in Uncle Sarge, a military man does diaper duty…and learns about fatherhood, family and forever-after love. Don’t miss this heartwarming romance by Bonnie Gardner.

It’s a terrific month for Harlequin American Romance, and we hope you’ll “get caught reading” one of our great books.

Wishing you happy reading,

Melissa Jeglinski

Associate Senior Editor

Harlequin American Romance

Uncle Sarge

Bonnie Gardner

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

As always, to “Mud.”

To the best critique group ever: Lyn, Pat,

Kathy, Dianne, Debby and Ellen.

To Sue and Donna. You know why.

To all the air force combat controllers I have known and loved and sometimes hated. And to all the women who love them in spite of it all.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bonnie Gardner has finally figured out what she wants to do when she grows up. After a varied career that included such jobs as switchboard operator, draftsman and exercise instructor, she went back to college and became an English teacher. As a teacher, she took a course on how to teach writing to high school students and caught the bug herself.

She lives in northern Alabama with her husband of over thirty years, her own military hero. After following him around from air force base to air force base, she has finally gotten to settle down. They have two grown sons, one of which is now serving in the air force. She loves to read, cook, garden and, of course, write.

She would love to hear from her readers. You can write to her at P.O. Box 442, Meridianville, AL 35759.

Books by Bonnie Gardner

HARLEQUIN AMERICAN ROMANCE

876—UNCLE SARGE

Contents

Chapter One (#uecc153a3-3376-54b1-ac18-b3a06ec4f881)

Chapter Two (#u38bc6286-1322-5d54-9fb4-55f10e9ae25e)

Chapter Three (#ue3afc274-010f-5e6e-adde-93152ceeafd1)

Chapter Four (#uf6545860-b996-5ea5-97d4-a0585a7a13e7)

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)

Chapter Fourteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Fifteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter One

Looking at the grimy storefront window of the Checkmate Detective Agency in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, Rich Larsen shivered in spite of the humid, ninety-degree August heat. He wondered if he should have called first, but shook that idea away.

He was a technical sergeant in the United States Air Force and a member of the Special Tactics Wing, Silver Team, one of the air force’s most elite units. He could deal with a private detective on a side street in a military town. He drew in a deep breath and pushed open the glass door.