Shannon Farrington - Second Chance Love

His Brother’s Intended Bride

David Wainwright is not one to shirk his duty, and helping his late brother’s grieving betrothed is no exception. He’ll offer Elizabeth Martin comfort and support—he’ll even help her find a job. But most important, he’ll continue to hide his true feelings…that he’s always cherished his brother’s almost-bride.

Elizabeth needs to be strong for the sake of her family. So she accepts David’s friendship and assistance. But she hadn’t realized how much she’d enjoy and value her work at David’s side. Or how much he’d come to mean to her. He’s more than a would-be brother to her—and much more than a friend. Could she be ready to open herself to the risks of love for a second time around?

“You don’t have to hide the tears from me, Elizabeth.”

The understanding in his voice stopped her in her tracks.

“I know what you are feeling. He was my brother, my best friend. I miss him terribly.”

Pain pierced her heart, but David’s honesty was an invitation. She turned to face him.

“How do you do it?” she asked.

He left the ladder and crossed the floor. “Do what?”

“Get up each morning? Go about your tasks? Your new job? I can barely breathe.”

A look of compassion filled his face. It appeared as though he were about to embrace her, yet just before doing so, he stopped, rubbed his whiskered chin.

“I wish I could take away your pain,” David said.

Upon impulse, she moved into his arms. David held her tightly. Elizabeth knew full well the strength and security he offered was only that of a would-be brother-in-law’s kindness, yet even so, she soon gave in to temptation.

The same soap… The same shaving balm…

But the added hint of peppermint brought her back to reality. He is not Jeremiah. He never will be.

SHANNON FARRINGTON and her husband have been married for over twenty years, have two children and are active members in their local church and community. When she isn’t researching or writing, you can find her visiting national parks and historical sites or at home herding her small flock of chickens through the backyard. She and her family live in Maryland.

Second Chance Love

Shannon Farrington

www.millsandboon.co.uk

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For He hath said,

I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.

—Hebrews 13:5

For my father, who first inspired my interest in the Civil War, and my mother, who has lovingly put up with us both for all these years.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text His Brother’s Intended Bride David Wainwright is not one to shirk his duty, and helping his late brother’s grieving betrothed is no exception. He’ll offer Elizabeth Martin comfort and support—he’ll even help her find a job. But most important, he’ll continue to hide his true feelings…that he’s always cherished his brother’s almost-bride. Elizabeth needs to be strong for the sake of her family. So she accepts David’s friendship and assistance. But she hadn’t realized how much she’d enjoy and value her work at David’s side. Or how much he’d come to mean to her. He’s more than a would-be brother to her—and much more than a friend. Could she be ready to open herself to the risks of love for a second time around?

Introduction “You don’t have to hide the tears from me, Elizabeth.” The understanding in his voice stopped her in her tracks. “I know what you are feeling. He was my brother, my best friend. I miss him terribly.” Pain pierced her heart, but David’s honesty was an invitation. She turned to face him. “How do you do it?” she asked. He left the ladder and crossed the floor. “Do what?” “Get up each morning? Go about your tasks? Your new job? I can barely breathe.” A look of compassion filled his face. It appeared as though he were about to embrace her, yet just before doing so, he stopped, rubbed his whiskered chin. “I wish I could take away your pain,” David said. Upon impulse, she moved into his arms. David held her tightly. Elizabeth knew full well the strength and security he offered was only that of a would-be brother-in-law’s kindness, yet even so, she soon gave in to temptation. The same soap… The same shaving balm… But the added hint of peppermint brought her back to reality. He is not Jeremiah. He never will be.

About the Author SHANNON FARRINGTON and her husband have been married for over twenty years, have two children and are active members in their local church and community. When she isn’t researching or writing, you can find her visiting national parks and historical sites or at home herding her small flock of chickens through the backyard. She and her family live in Maryland.

Title Page Second Chance Love Shannon Farrington www.millsandboon.co.uk

Bible Verse For He hath said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee. —Hebrews 13:5

Dedication For my father, who first inspired my interest in the Civil War, and my mother, who has lovingly put up with us both for all these years.

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Epilogue

Dear Reader

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

Baltimore, Maryland 1864

David Wainwright stared past his brother’s casket to the place where Elizabeth Martin sat. Her beautiful red curls were pulled back tightly in a bun at the base of her neck. Head to toe, she was covered in black. In just a few short weeks the woman would have become part of his family, but not in the way David had hoped.

“I am the resurrection and the life. He that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live...”

The reverend presiding over the service recited the words of Jesus, but by the look on Elizabeth’s face, it appeared she found no comfort in the promise of eternal life. Pale and stunned, she stared at Jeremiah’s coffin. By all outward appearances she was the epitome of proper decorum, but the moment David caught her eye he sensed a storm below the surface.

If only you had left well enough alone , she seemed to say. I’d have given anything for just a few days with him as his wife.

Grief rolled through him in more ways than one. The loss of his brother was like a knife to his soul, and the sight of Elizabeth’s pain cut him just as deeply.

I’m sorry , he wanted to say. So sorry for everything.

She returned her focus to the minister, but David’s thoughts remained in the past.

Little had he realized when he first met her that his life, and that of his brother’s, would be changed forever. Elizabeth was a Baltimore belle, born and bred. Like many other women from her city, she had volunteered to serve as a nurse following the battle of Antietam. Scores of wounded soldiers, Union and rebel alike, had come to Baltimore’s US Army General Hospital for care and processing. David and Jeremiah were a pair of soldiers from Boston who had been assigned as stewards in the place. Elizabeth had worked in the ward alongside David. Jeremiah served next door.