Second Chance Romance

Second Chance Romance
Jill Weatherholt

Small-Town DaddyJackson Daughtry’s jobs as a paramedic and part-owner of a local café keep him busy—but the single dad’s number one priority is raising his little girl with love and small-town values. And when his business partner’s hot-shot lawyer niece comes to town, planning to disrupt their lives by moving her aunt away, Jackson has to set Melanie Harper straight. When circumstances forces them to work side-by-side in the coffee shop, Jackson slowly discovers what put the sadness in Melanie’s pretty brown eyes. Now, it’ll take all his faith—and a hopeful five year old—to show the city gal that she’s already home.

Small-Town Daddy

Jackson Daughtry’s jobs as a paramedic and part-owner of a local café keep him busy—but the single dad’s number one priority is raising his little girl with love and small-town values. And when his business partner’s hotshot lawyer niece comes to town planning to disrupt their lives by moving her aunt away, Jackson has to set Melanie Harper straight. When circumstances force them to work side by side in the coffee shop, Jackson slowly discovers what put the sadness in Melanie’s pretty brown eyes. Now it’ll take all his faith—and a hopeful five-year-old—to show the city gal that she’s already home.

Dear Reader (#u39b448fe-7b19-5423-92fa-39677bde9842),

Growing up in the suburbs of Washington, DC, one of my favorite areas was the Shenandoah Valley. The beauty of the valley was prevalent year-round, but autumn was always my favorite time to visit. The magnificent colors painted on the Blue Ridge Mountains were a constant reminder of God’s presence in my life.

In 2015, when I heard about Harlequin’s Blurb to Book competition, I knew this was my opportunity to complete a project I started in 2010 but never finished. Like Melanie, who dreamed of having a family once again, my dream was to write a book.

God created us to have goals and dreams. The funny thing was, my dream was to write a book, but I never dreamed of having it published. That’s what makes our God such an awesome God. He took my little dream and turned it into a magnificent gift just for me.

I encourage you all to have dreams; God is listening and He knows your heart.

I love to hear from readers. You can email me at authorjillweatherholt@gmail.com or follow my blog at jillweatherholt.com (http://jillweatherholt.com/). I’m also a contributor at inspyromance.com (http://www.inspyromance.com).

Blessings,

Jill Weatherholt

“Daddy, you’re making goo-goo eyes at Miss Melanie.”

Rebecca grabbed her teddy bear and buried her face to stifle the laughter.

Jackson and Melanie broke out laughing.

“I was not.” He examined Melanie more closely. “Was I?” He winked and slammed the passenger door shut.

“Can Miss Melanie come with us to the apple festival?”

“Well, that’s up to Miss Melanie.”

Rebecca jumped up and down. “Please, will you come with us?”

“Yes, please.” He plucked a brilliant red wildflower and handed it to Melanie.

She brought it to her nose. “Ah…it smells so good. And yes, I’d love to go with you.”

Rebecca skipped down the dirt path.

Melanie smelled the flower again as she gazed at Rebecca.

Jackson took a deep breath. “I think there’s nothing more beautiful than you holding that wildflower.”

He saw the color bloom on her cheeks.

Jackson couldn’t resist any longer...she was getting into his heart.

Weekdays, JILL WEATHERHOLT works for the City of Charlotte. On the weekend, she writes contemporary stories about love, faith and forgiveness. Raised in the suburbs of Washington, DC, she now resides in North Carolina. She holds a degree in psychology from George Mason University and a paralegal studies certification from Duke University. She shares her life with her real-life hero and number one supporter. Jill loves connecting with readers at jillweatherholt.com (http://www.jillweatherholt.com).

Second Chance Romance

Jill Weatherholt

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

Trust in the Lord with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways submit to Him,

and He will make your paths straight.

—Proverbs 3:5–6

To Derek, thank you for all of your patience

and encouragement. You’re my number one

cheerleader. And to my mother, father

and my sister, Jan, who’ve given me

a lifetime of support.

Contents

Cover (#ud7449e10-cf61-50ba-b4bb-9f36b084eb52)

Back Cover Text (#ub526d35c-9bf5-5cb0-82e4-183e37f74e33)

Dear Reader (#u6e9f6c94-30a4-5ec5-91b3-a033345e2211)

Introduction (#u3d62ac2e-fd4b-58ef-a625-9bf5fc69f616)

About the Author (#uf0c887c8-577b-5a10-8dc3-f26c63021a20)

Title Page (#u35e886fb-47d8-50f7-bcba-4579d00d72fd)

Bible Verse (#u1fe4b82e-72f2-5d57-a368-5a8744918771)

Dedication (#ua983c055-d136-5bc1-b392-033732c1d00e)

Chapter One (#u00c44233-c2d9-5837-8e40-d65769e334e4)