Lorraine Beatty - Her Handyman Hero

Building a Dream

Reid Blackthorn arrives in Dover on a personal mission—to make sure his terminally ill brother gets a chance to meet his daughter. Deceiving little Lily’s guardian isn’t his intention. Yet once Tori Montgomery mistakes Reid for her new handyman, he knows it’s the only way to be close to his niece. Tori is honoring her friend’s last wish by keeping Lily away from her father’s family. And once she learns who Reid truly is, she realizes there’s too much at stake—including custody of Lily—for her to fall for the former DEA agent. But in keeping a promise, is she losing out on her chance for a happily-ever-after?

“Looks like our little girl has had enough for today.”

Our little girl. Was that how he thought of them—as a family?

“She’s so beautiful when she’s asleep.”

“And quiet.”

Tori nodded. “She does like to talk.” Softly they made their way back downstairs.

He gazed her way and smiled. Her breath caught. His smile stole the starch from her knees. It was wide and warm and utterly charming. There was a small crease on one side of his mouth that was completely adorable. She couldn’t look away.

“Is everything all right?”

She nodded. “You should do that more often.”

“What?”

“Smile.”

He drew his finger across his chin as if embarrassed. “I haven’t had much to smile about in the last few years.”

“Well, it’s quite a sight.”

“You think so?”

“I do.”

“Then, I’ll try to find more reasons to display it.”

Tori looked into his eyes and saw a warmth and lightness she’d never seen before.

LORRAINE BEATTY was raised in Columbus, Ohio, but now calls Mississippi home. She and her husband, Joe, have two sons and five grandchildren. Lorraine started writing in junior high and is a member of RWA and ACFW, and is a charter member and past president of Magnolia State Romance Writers. In her spare time she likes to work in her garden, travel and spend time with her family.

HER HANDYMAN

HERO

Lorraine Beatty

www.millsandboon.co.uk

But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion,

and gracious, long suffering,

and plenteous in mercy and truth.

—Psalms 86:15

To my husband, Joe, for being my real-life hero.

Your help and support mean more

than you’ll ever know. I love you.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text Building a Dream Reid Blackthorn arrives in Dover on a personal mission—to make sure his terminally ill brother gets a chance to meet his daughter. Deceiving little Lily’s guardian isn’t his intention. Yet once Tori Montgomery mistakes Reid for her new handyman, he knows it’s the only way to be close to his niece. Tori is honoring her friend’s last wish by keeping Lily away from her father’s family. And once she learns who Reid truly is, she realizes there’s too much at stake—including custody of Lily—for her to fall for the former DEA agent. But in keeping a promise, is she losing out on her chance for a happily-ever-after?

Introduction “Looks like our little girl has had enough for today.” Our little girl. Was that how he thought of them—as a family? “She’s so beautiful when she’s asleep.” “And quiet.” Tori nodded. “She does like to talk.” Softly they made their way back downstairs. He gazed her way and smiled. Her breath caught. His smile stole the starch from her knees. It was wide and warm and utterly charming. There was a small crease on one side of his mouth that was completely adorable. She couldn’t look away. “Is everything all right?” She nodded. “You should do that more often.” “What?” “Smile.” He drew his finger across his chin as if embarrassed. “I haven’t had much to smile about in the last few years.” “Well, it’s quite a sight.” “You think so?” “I do.” “Then, I’ll try to find more reasons to display it.” Tori looked into his eyes and saw a warmth and lightness she’d never seen before.

About the Author LORRAINE BEATTY was raised in Columbus, Ohio, but now calls Mississippi home. She and her husband, Joe, have two sons and five grandchildren. Lorraine started writing in junior high and is a member of RWA and ACFW, and is a charter member and past president of Magnolia State Romance Writers. In her spare time she likes to work in her garden, travel and spend time with her family.

Title Page HER HANDYMAN HERO Lorraine Beatty www.millsandboon.co.uk

Bible Verse But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, long suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth. —Psalms 86:15

Dedication To my husband, Joe, for being my real-life hero. Your help and support mean more than you’ll ever know. I love you.

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Epilogue

Dear Reader

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

The house looked like a riverboat that had been dropped into the middle of a lush green yard.

Reid Blackthorn frowned, puzzling over what he was seeing. The old white Victorian was ringed on two levels with wraparound porches dripping with gingerbread and ornately turned posts and spindles. The stately tower perched on top of the roof resembled a steamboat wheelhouse. All it lacked was a large red paddle wheel to complete the picture. It wasn’t what he had expected to find when he came looking for the woman who had taken his niece.

He rubbed his forehead and inhaled a calming breath. Legally, Victoria Montgomery was his niece’s guardian, but he was prepared to change that if possible. His last disastrous undercover assignment for the DEA had made him realize he wanted more than chasing drug dealers. He was empty and burned-out. All he wanted now was a quiet, peaceful existence. His first move had been tracking down his younger brother in hopes of making amends for not honoring their mother’s dying wish. Reid had promised to take care of Eddie, but instead Reid had followed his need for justice and never looked back.

He’d found Eddie in a hospital dying from years of drug abuse and alcoholism, and his only wish was to see his little daughter. Reid went in search of the mother and child only to find out Judy Stevens had died several months ago and given guardianship to a friend. The Montgomery woman. What had alarmed Reid was the neighbors’ comments. According to Mrs. Fisher, the guardian was flighty, irresponsible and incapable of taking care of a five-year-old child.

Reid was the child’s only blood relative, and nothing would prevent him from making sure his niece met her father before he died. He glanced at the absurdly ornate home again, then at the small sign positioned to the right of the sidewalk. Camellia Tea Room—Closed. Whoever this flaky woman was, he would set her straight. His niece wasn’t going to be raised by some herbal-tea-drinking, small-town loon.

A car whizzed by on the tree-lined street, breaking his concentration. Time to act. He strode along the narrow walkway and up the wide wooden steps leading to the expansive porch. The old planks complained at his weight. The early-October air was thick with the smell of fresh paint. He raised his hand to push the doorbell, but a flush of anxiety caused him to pause. Maybe this situation required a little more backup than his own determination. He was new at this praying business and had no idea what to say to the man upstairs. He closed his eyes and simply asked for help before pressing the doorbell.