The Nanny's Secret Baby

“Poor thing. I wonder what his story is.”

Jack shook his head. “There are all kinds of reasons why a mother can’t raise her pup,” he said.

Arianna drew in a sharp breath, and when he looked up, her eyes glittered with unshed tears. Funny, he hadn’t realized she was so sensitive. He put a hand on hers. “We’ll find him a new mama,” he reassured her.

She swallowed hard and nodded, and then Sammy started to fuss and the moment was over.

Dear Reader (#ua2df74c1-3254-5bf4-9655-a59c3e7e5894),

This third book in the Redemption Ranch series is special to me, because it’s about how we can be free to be our perfectly imperfect selves. Arianna feels shame about mistakes she made in the past; that sense of inadequacy, plus a promise she made to her sister, pushes her to keep a secret that should never have been. As for Jack, he believes he’s too staid and dull for a colorful, flamboyant woman like Arianna. The reality is that both of them are just as God made them to be, their mistakes can be forgiven...and they’re perfect for one another. How wonderful!

The cream-colored puppy, Buster, who shows up on Arianna’s doorstep has a real-life model: my own golden doodle, Nash. If you enjoyed Buster, visit @nash_the_goldendoodle’s (https://www.instagram.com/nash_the_goldendoodle/) Instagram account to keep up with a lot of dog shenanigans.

Thank you for reading, and may God’s blessings follow you wherever you go.

Lee

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

—2 Corinthians 5:17

This book is dedicated to all parents of children with autism, especially my friend Laura, who read parts of this manuscript to help me portray the condition accurately. All remaining mistakes are my own.

Contents

Cover (#uad1f6cb9-4243-5839-8674-6c043b9cd180)

Back Cover Text (#u76ae7b15-d3bc-50c8-9a8c-5e35f9bc1812)

About the Author (#u21b9f435-9adc-5229-9e20-c65371fb8464)

Booklist (#u5ce2460a-24a4-5c52-9980-1b82ffb8d0b5)

Title Page (#u8b3e1479-b95f-5a9a-b9a8-1e1ff5a8d10d)

Copyright (#u148f4576-7373-571a-8124-e69127eff93a)

Note to Readers

Introduction (#ufd83b654-4653-5e08-88e9-de3a94c6b93d)

Dear Reader (#u41182d22-7fea-5bfe-8b6d-f8d2502b7343)

Bible Verse (#uf47438bd-95f8-5e91-853e-5e889474575e)

Dedication (#uc2c61c42-bbdd-5428-ae20-a4f91ca4b8f9)

Chapter One (#u9be763c5-142f-5920-a4ce-e8e471b15577)

Chapter Two (#u839cd925-8846-53c2-a7a4-58aae75a33f4)

Chapter Three (#ufda9b955-1ecc-5a7d-889f-f00d540d549c)

Chapter Four (#u89451871-577d-58f1-905d-e152c8f8d4a8)

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)

Epilogue (#litres_trial_promo)

Extract (#litres_trial_promo)

About the Publisher (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter One (#ua2df74c1-3254-5bf4-9655-a59c3e7e5894)

Jack DeMoise watched his eighteen-month-old son bang a block against the doctor’s desk drawer.

“He’s going to need as much attention and support as you can give him,” Dr. Rutherford said. “We’re learning more and more about this condition. His best odds would be to get a TSS—therapeutic support staff—team on board right away. Hope your wife is organized!”

Jack drew in a breath and let it out slowly before meeting the other man’s eyes. “There’s no reason you should remember this from the intake papers, but I’m a widower.”

The doctor’s face fell, just a little. Most people wouldn’t even have noticed, but Jack was accustomed to reading emotions carefully, from small tells. It had been a crucial skill with his wife. “Do you work full-time yourself?” the doctor asked.

Jack nodded. “My job can be flexible, though.” Except when it isn’t. “I’m a small-town veterinarian. I’ve had several good babysitters, but I’m not sure any of them are up to...” He reached down and squeezed his son’s shoulder. “To helping me manage Sammy’s care the right way.”

The doctor frowned. “You need someone experienced with kids, someone who connects well with him. Ideally, a person with special-needs experience, though that’s not a requirement. A full-time nanny would be ideal.”

And where was he supposed to find such a person in his small Colorado town?