Ruth Herne - An Unexpected Groom

Hometown Healing

Kimberly Gallagher’s back in town to run her mother’s thriving wedding business. For a seasoned pro like Kimberly, fixing the high-stress nuptials of a senator’s daughter is no problem. But facing former police officer Drew Slade—the senator’s security chief and her brother’s former partner—is not what she signed up for. Drew knows that Kimberly blames him for her brother’s tragic death. But to single dad Drew, Kimberly feels like coming home. And despite her best efforts, Kimberly can’t help falling for him. Will their past continue to keep them apart, or will an unexpected truth reveal their happily-ever-after?

“Who broke it off?”

He did not just ask that, did he? As if it was his business? Because it wasn’t. Remembering the price tag on this gig made her play nice when she longed to tell Drew Slade to mind his own business. She couldn’t do that so she shrugged lightly. “He did.”

Drew studied her for long, thick seconds, long enough for her heart to do that step-toe dance again. Then he leaned closer. “He’s a moron, Kimber, but I might just send him a thank-you note.”

Kimberly was pretty sure her breathing paused as their eyes met. “What for?”

He winked.

Her heart stuttered. Because Drew Slade had just flirted with her. Sure, he was just trying to ease an awkward moment, but that one brief exchange was enough to stir up those old schoolgirl feelings.

But that was then and this was now, and a whole lot of ugly had passed under their respective bridges.

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.

An Unexpected

Groom

Ruth Logan Herne

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

—Ephesians 4:32

This book is dedicated to the family of NYS Trooper Andrew “A.J.” Sperr, a fine young man from my church who lost his life in the line of duty in 2006 while serving as a NYS State Trooper. May God bless his family and his fellow officers who still mourn A.J.’s loss daily. A memorial has been erected in Big Flats, NY, to commemorate A.J.’s life and service. The website for Sperr Memorial Park is sperrmemorialpark.org.

Acknowledgments Acknowledgments 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 Epilogue Dear Reader Extract Copyright

I actually got paid to research this book!

For eight years I was blessed to work as a bridal consultant in a wonderful store, Bridal Hall, in Rochester, New York, run by the Hall family. The Hall family taught me the ins and outs of wedding planning, bridal sales, organizing wedding parties, alterations and teaching me to be that friendly listener, so crucial to happy weddings! They then went on to employ two of my kids as they attended the University of Rochester on the “tuxedo” side of the store, renting out men’s formal wear and booking groom’s parties. On slow winter nights, my boss encouraged Beth and then Luke to bring their university books to study as needed. Their strong family ties and the way they embraced so many of their employees and customers was a first-class example of small business at its finest. I’m proud to acknowledge them in this book.

Also huge thanks to my local police departments. I am honored to include several local police officers/sheriffs among my friends and they deserve a public shout-out for their ongoing dedication and service. May God bless them heartily and keep them from harm.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text Hometown Healing Kimberly Gallagher’s back in town to run her mother’s thriving wedding business. For a seasoned pro like Kimberly, fixing the high-stress nuptials of a senator’s daughter is no problem. But facing former police officer Drew Slade—the senator’s security chief and her brother’s former partner—is not what she signed up for. Drew knows that Kimberly blames him for her brother’s tragic death. But to single dad Drew, Kimberly feels like coming home. And despite her best efforts, Kimberly can’t help falling for him. Will their past continue to keep them apart, or will an unexpected truth reveal their happily-ever-after?

Introduction “Who broke it off?” He did not just ask that, did he? As if it was his business? Because it wasn’t. Remembering the price tag on this gig made her play nice when she longed to tell Drew Slade to mind his own business. She couldn’t do that so she shrugged lightly. “He did.” Drew studied her for long, thick seconds, long enough for her heart to do that step-toe dance again. Then he leaned closer. “He’s a moron, Kimber, but I might just send him a thank-you note.” Kimberly was pretty sure her breathing paused as their eyes met. “What for?” He winked. Her heart stuttered. Because Drew Slade had just flirted with her. Sure, he was just trying to ease an awkward moment, but that one brief exchange was enough to stir up those old schoolgirl feelings. But that was then and this was now, and a whole lot of ugly had passed under their respective bridges.

About the Author 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 .

Title Page An Unexpected Groom Ruth Logan Herne

Bible Verse Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. —Ephesians 4:32

Dedication This book is dedicated to the family of NYS Trooper Andrew “A.J.” Sperr, a fine young man from my church who lost his life in the line of duty in 2006 while serving as a NYS State Trooper. May God bless his family and his fellow officers who still mourn A.J.’s loss daily. A memorial has been erected in Big Flats, NY, to commemorate A.J.’s life and service. The website for Sperr Memorial Park is sperrmemorialpark.org .

Acknowledgments Acknowledgments Acknowledgments 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 Epilogue Dear Reader Extract Copyright I actually got paid to research this book! For eight years I was blessed to work as a bridal consultant in a wonderful store, Bridal Hall, in Rochester, New York, run by the Hall family. The Hall family taught me the ins and outs of wedding planning, bridal sales, organizing wedding parties, alterations and teaching me to be that friendly listener, so crucial to happy weddings! They then went on to employ two of my kids as they attended the University of Rochester on the “tuxedo” side of the store, renting out men’s formal wear and booking groom’s parties. On slow winter nights, my boss encouraged Beth and then Luke to bring their university books to study as needed. Their strong family ties and the way they embraced so many of their employees and customers was a first-class example of small business at its finest. I’m proud to acknowledge them in this book. Also huge thanks to my local police departments. I am honored to include several local police officers/sheriffs among my friends and they deserve a public shout-out for their ongoing dedication and service. May God bless them heartily and keep them from harm.