A Soldier's Reunion

A Soldier's Reunion
Cheryl Wyatt

Despite a decade apart, this isn't the reunion Mandy Manchester expected!She thought she'd put high school sweetheart Nolan Briggs behind her. Now he's back…and the pararescue jumper literally sweeps her off her feet. He's ready and willing to rekindle what they once shared.Mandy, though, isn't prepared to put her heart at risk. He left her before–she won't trust him again. Can Nolan teach this grounded girl to take a leap of faith?

Not possible. Can’t be him. Can it?

Warmth radiated from a presence behind her. She inhaled deeply and forced the shock from her face. She used every ounce of strength to slowly turn around.

The instant his eyes lit on her face, his mouth slid open.

He stared.

Mandy stared.

Though his impressive frame was that of a man instead of a boy now, she’d know him anywhere.

“Nolan?” She hated the breathlessness in her voice. Despised the tears stinging at the sight of him. The welcome sight.

No.

Only because he’s rescuing you. Not because he’s Nolan, the only man you’ve ever loved.

Eyes as kind as she remembered explored her face. He seemed unable to speak for a moment. Or blink.

“Manda Panda?” It came out as a whisper.

The spoken name shot pain through her heart.

She didn’t want to hear it. No one had the right to call her that anymore. Especially not him.

CHERYL WYATT

An RN turned stay-at-home mom and wife, Cheryl delights in the stolen moments God gives her to write faith-driven action and romance. She stays active in her church and in her laundry room. She’s convinced that having been born on a naval base on Valentine’s Day destined her to write military romance. A native of San Diego, California, Cheryl currently resides in beautiful, rustic Southern Illinois, but has also enjoyed living in New Mexico and Oklahoma. Cheryl loves hearing from readers. You are invited to contact her at Cheryl@CherylWyatt.com or P.O. Box 2955 Carbondale, IL 62902-2955. Visit her on the Web at www.CherylWyatt.com and sign up for her newsletter if you’d like updates on new releases, events and other fun stuff. Hang out with her in the blogosphere at www.Scrollsquirrel.blogspot.com or on the message boards at www.SteepleHill.com.

A Soldier’s Reunion

Cheryl Wyatt

In his heart a man plans his course,

but the Lord determines his steps.

—Proverbs 16:9

To my critique partners and prayer sisters:

Pamela James, Cynthia Hawkins, Michelle Rogers,

Danica Favorite-McDonald, Camy Tang,

Robin Miller. I am thankful for your honest

assessments and encouragement. Can’t wait until

we all share shelf-space.

To my parents, Bill and Lois Blankenship. I

struggle to craft characters with traumatic pasts

and dysfunctional families because I was so

fortunate to have been born to the two of you. you

have encouraged every step of my journey and

championed my dreams. I love you and know you

love me.

To Melissa, Krista, Sarah, Joan and the Harlequin

team for making my books shelf-worthy. You are

incredibly talented.

To God, thank You for reuniting us when we stray.

That you are a God who chases is amazing. Thank

You for getting me through the bumps in this

story’s road.

To Billy, my personal hero, for filling our home

with hilarity and for being so laid-back you’re

horizontal when the house goes askew under

deadlines.

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three