Healing the Lawman's Heart

Healing the Lawman's Heart
Ruth Logan Herne

An Officer and a LadySingle mom Julia Harrison is the last person Tanner Reddington should get involved with. He's promised to stay away from all things baby. But the state trooper's protective instincts outweigh his misgivings when he meets the lovely midwife. Julia is opening a women's clinic in Kirkwood Lake, while raising two small boys on her own. Plagued by memories of the family he lost, Tanner fights the pull he feels toward Julia and her kids. But when an orphaned newborn brings Tanner and Julia together, they begin to consider their future…as husband and wife.

An Officer and a Lady

Single mom Julia Harrison is the last person Tanner Reddington should get involved with. He’s promised to stay away from all things baby. But the state trooper’s protective instincts outweigh his misgivings when he meets the lovely midwife. Julia is opening a women’s clinic in Kirkwood Lake, while raising two small boys on her own. Plagued by memories of the family he lost, Tanner fights the pull he feels toward Julia and her kids. But when an orphaned newborn brings Tanner and Julia together, they begin to consider their future…as husband and wife.

“Let me help.”

His hands took the key from hers and he slid it into the lock with careful deliberation. But it wasn’t the key that had Julia’s attention. It was the feel of his leather jacket beneath her cheek…the scent of sawdust…the rugged shoulders, sheltering her from the late-winter wind.

Hope stole over her. She tried to fight the emotion, but couldn’t. It began in his gentle, strong manner and was nurtured by his serious gaze and his bright smile. He’d seemed downright prickly last week, but she saw none of that now.

But you did see it, so don’t be fooled. People aren’t always what they seem.

The key turned easily when Tanner tugged the door their way. He finished locking it, dropped the key into her hand, then tipped his gaze down from over her shoulder. “We’re good.”

His words reminded her of old dreams, gone awry. A home, filled with children and a set of loving parents. Was she shortsighted to think the dream could still exist?

Multipublished, bestselling author RUTH LOGAN HERNE loves God, her country, her family, dogs, chocolate and coffee! Married to a very patient man, she lives in an old farmhouse in upstate New York and thinks possums should leave the cat food alone and snakes should always live outside. There are no exceptions to either rule! Visit Ruthy at ruthloganherne.com (http://ruthloganherne.com).

Healing the

Lawman’s Heart

Ruth Logan Herne

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

And I will betroth you to me forever. I will

betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice,

in steadfast love and in mercy.

—Hosea 2:19

To Angela and Kim, two amazing and wonderful women… God is good all the time. Men, on the other hand, are a work in progress. And to all who’ve kissed a sweet child’s brow goodbye too soon… May God hold you in the palm of His hand as you heal.

Contents

Cover (#udf7e6638-89a1-589a-a940-d2865c89eb7f)

Back Cover Text (#ua3e79eba-1783-5d93-92b0-1f06d25c0ca8)

Introduction (#ucdd9be1a-cec2-5aaa-a364-c902da1563cb)

About the Author (#ue979a869-1e19-5b7d-8969-6797afe29d5f)

Title Page (#u9eaed782-6dab-51e2-82b9-2b77d55472af)

Bible Verse (#ufb1565db-f21f-5fff-b771-3a17c7f8cdbb)

Dedication (#ua76570a0-b589-5a21-b23c-0dc982737534)

Chapter One (#u18b81331-2272-5212-809e-3b81b3713f0a)

Chapter Two (#u5eb8234d-688b-5ee1-bcc1-0c7ad5019fd4)

Chapter Three (#uf2f51b16-179e-5200-b2a2-ccbaa09bd381)

Chapter Four (#u8737cd68-fe74-5e47-b928-a958c26849e0)

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)

Dear Reader (#litres_trial_promo)

Extract (#litres_trial_promo)

Copyright (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter One (#ulink_ccc6cbbf-bc9a-5415-81fa-56058a155b1e)

New York state trooper Tanner Reddington scanned the sketchy neighborhood with a practiced eye. All was calm at present, but after a dozen years on the force, Tanner was no stranger to life’s quick changes.

A winter storm warning had advised local businesses to shut down for the day. Most had heeded the warning, but scattered bright windows said not everyone had closed up, despite the harsh conditions about to descend on Western New York.