Hidden Legacy

Hidden Legacy
Lynn Huggins Blackburn

TO SAVE HER CHILDArriving home with the baby she’s adopting, Caroline Harrison finds her house vandalized…and an intruder intent on shooting her. She’s saved when police sirens approach, but all signs point to the little boy as the true target—and the assailant won’t give up. Now she has to rely on Detective Jason Drake, the man who once broke her heart, to figure out why someone’s after her soon-to-be adoptive son. Reunited after thirteen years apart, Jason can’t help but hope their love might be rekindled, but Caroline and her son’s safety comes first. Because if he wants a chance at a future—and a family—with them, they have to outrun a hitman.

TO SAVE HER CHILD

Arriving home with the baby she’s adopting, Caroline Harrison finds her house vandalized...and an intruder intent on shooting her. She’s saved when police sirens approach, but all signs point to the little boy as the true target—and the assailant won’t give up. Now she has to rely on Detective Jason Drake, the man who once broke her heart, to figure out why someone’s after her soon-to-be adoptive son. Reunited after thirteen years apart, Jason can’t help but hope their love might be rekindled, but Caroline and her son’s safety come first. Because if he wants a chance at a future—and a family—with them, they have to outrun a hit man.

“Could you walk me through what happened?” Jason asked.

“Okay.”

Unease crept through her as she reentered the house. Was it from replaying the horrible memory of earlier that night? Or was it because the man walking behind her stood on this same spot thirteen years ago and broke her heart?

She forced herself to stay in the present and went through the events of the evening, showing Jason how she’d come in, where she’d dropped her keys, the light that didn’t work in the garage.

Finally, she ran out of words. Someone had tried to kill her tonight. Her home, her haven, her sanctuary had been violated. And now Jason was back.

Oh, Father, how did my life wind up this way?

A gentle tug on her elbow pulled her back to the present. Jason edged between her and the car and looked deep into her eyes. “Caroline.” He swallowed hard and tried again. “You have no reason to trust me, or believe me, or even want me around.” Regret pierced every word. “But I promise you that I will not stop until we’ve found out what’s going on.”

Dear Reader (#u6fc7dc54-6373-5bd8-b88a-1e8a31c54c99),

I’ve been looking forward to sharing Caroline’s story since she appeared in my first book, Covert Justice. I hope you enjoyed Caroline and Jason’s journey to forgiveness and love.

Caroline’s life hasn’t turned out the way she thought it would, and she’s had to wrestle with whether or not she can trust a God who would allow some of the things that have come into her life.

Jason’s childhood was marred with difficult relationships that have affected the choices he’s made as an adult. He’s had to find a way to get past them and begin the process of forgiveness.

I think most of us have had similar experiences. Ultimately, we know God is in control, but we still struggle when difficulties come our way. Sometimes we blame Him or turn away from Him. When we do, I’m so thankful that He understands when we doubt His goodness. He’s a wonderful Father and is eager to receive us when we turn back to Him.

I’d love to hear your story of God’s faithfulness to you. You can connect with me on social media or via my website at www.lynnhugginsblackburn.com (http://www.lynnhugginsblackburn.com).

Grace and peace,

Lynn

LYNN HUGGINS BLACKBURN believes in the power of stories, especially those that remind us that true love exists, a gift from the Truest Love. She’s passionate about CrossFit, coffee and chocolate (don’t make her choose) and experimenting with recipes that feed both body and soul. She lives in South Carolina with her true love, Brian, and their three children. You can follow her real-life happily-ever-after at lynnhugginsblackburn.com (http://www.lynnhugginsblackburn.com).

Hidden Legacy

Lynn Huggins Blackburn

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

The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.

—Proverbs 29:25

For Emma—I adore you and am so thankful God chose me to be your mommy. I love you, pumpkin!

Acknowledgments (#u6fc7dc54-6373-5bd8-b88a-1e8a31c54c99)

Never-ending thanks goes to...

Brian—for supporting me every step of the way. None of this would be possible without you. I love you!

Emma, James and Drew—for making every day a real-life adventure.

My parents, sister and in-laws—for being my biggest cheerleaders and for the countless hours of babysitting that made this book possible.

My sisters in the Light Brigade—for your love and friendship, and for praying me through another story.

My critique partners—for talking me through plot points and off ledges.

Retired South Carolina family court judge Kinard Johnson—for gladly answering my rambling questions about wills and custody issues.

Daniel Fetterolf—for answering random questions about police procedures.

Lynette Eason—for so many things, but especially for reading the roughest of rough drafts.

Tamela Hancock Murray—for your guidance and for being a constant source of encouragement.

Elizabeth Mazer—for, once again, making the story so much better.

Contents

Cover (#u5e3cf018-0a37-5b6a-a7cf-61c02ab31597)

Back Cover Text (#uabf1128c-122b-50bd-a321-0aad8a3a580e)

Introduction (#u8e8ab27e-f034-5e13-a1f9-b753986615b7)

Dear Reader (#u4c47a465-601b-505e-a1ab-6bac9c763cf6)

About the Author (#uc46a9d5c-7cb8-56d1-a986-0c75b5e806e4)

Title Page (#uf421ef9d-1c4d-5f11-ad13-dcc049bc10c1)

Bible Verse (#u8e11d320-02af-5dcd-8a00-02ae46929b67)

Dedication (#ue93ed779-9e64-52fd-9276-967feda826d3)

Acknowledgments (#u8fe608d1-5d6d-5d1c-8217-da7043881b57)

ONE (#u0023b38d-ee42-535d-a597-f90b728f68c3)

TWO (#u97a6dac5-2936-517b-8908-8e4b12323e06)