Lee McClain - The Soldier And The Single Mom

A Second-Chance Family

When Buck Armstrong rescues Gina Patterson and her baby from a dark country road outside town, he intends to keep his distance. Gina and little Bobby remind the handsome veteran too much of all he’s lost. The vulnerable single mom seems equally wary of getting involved. But things change once Gina and her son settle into his sister’s boardinghouse. Being with Gina and Bobby makes Buck question his plans to leave town for a fresh start. Suddenly he has dreams of forging a new family, even though it will mean risking his heart. But can he escape his past for a chance at a happy future?

“I like it here, Buck,” Gina said.

“I think God may have sent me and Bobby here for a reason. I’m thinking maybe I’d like to stay.”

His ambivalence must have shown on his face, because she cocked her head to one side and spoke. “That bothers you, doesn’t it? How come? Is it about my resemblance to your late wife?”

“Somewhat.” Actually, he was starting to wonder how he’d ever mistaken her for Ivana. She had a plucky strength and determination, a set to her chin and a way of holding herself that were all completely her own. Still, he had questions.

“Look,” she said, “I’m sorry if I bring up memories for you. Maybe I’ll get on my feet quickly and be able to get out of here. But meanwhile…”

“Meanwhile, what?” He was holding her baby in the rainy twilight, looking at her and finding her beautiful, and feeling like he might be stepping into the biggest mess of his life.

Lee Tobin McClain read Gone with the Wind in the third grade and has been a hopeless romantic ever since. When she’s not writing angst-filled love stories with happy endings, she’s getting inspiration from her church singles group, her gymnastics-obsessed teenage daughter, and her rescue dog and cat. In her day job, Lee gets to encourage aspiring romance writers in Seton Hill University’s low-residency MFA program. Visit her at leetobinmcclain.com.

Dear Reader Contents Cover Back Cover Text Introduction About the Author Dear Reader Title Page Bible Verse Dedication 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 Dear Reader Extract Copyright ,

I hope you’ve enjoyed this latest trip to Rescue River, Ohio—a fictional town that incorporates some of my favorite things about my home state. For this book, I dug into the history of the Underground Railroad in Ohio. I also researched renovation and decor of historical houses...and veterinary tools...and twelve-step programs. I love all the things I get to learn about as I write my books. Yes, I’m a nerd!

Buck Armstrong first appeared in Rescue River as a minor character with a drinking problem, back in Engaged to the Single Mom. At that point, I certainly didn’t envision him as a hero with his own romantic story. But as people keep telling Buck, and as he finally comes to believe, people change...with God’s help. When he can embrace the fact that he’s a new creation, he can be the husband Gina deserves and the father little Bobby needs.

If you would like to keep up with all of my news and book releases, stop on by my website, leetobinmcclain.com. Sign up for my newsletter, and you’ll get a free story as a gift. And please come visit Rescue River again to read about Buck’s sister, Lacey, whose story comes out later this year.

Blessings,

Lee

The Soldier and the Single Mom

Lee Tobin McClain

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Therefore if any man be in Christ,

he is a new creature: old things are

passed away; behold, all things are become new.

—2 Corinthians 5:17

To Porter, the real-world model for Spike. Rescue pets rule!

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text A Second-Chance Family When Buck Armstrong rescues Gina Patterson and her baby from a dark country road outside town, he intends to keep his distance. Gina and little Bobby remind the handsome veteran too much of all he’s lost. The vulnerable single mom seems equally wary of getting involved. But things change once Gina and her son settle into his sister’s boardinghouse. Being with Gina and Bobby makes Buck question his plans to leave town for a fresh start. Suddenly he has dreams of forging a new family, even though it will mean risking his heart. But can he escape his past for a chance at a happy future?

Introduction “I like it here, Buck,” Gina said. “I think God may have sent me and Bobby here for a reason. I’m thinking maybe I’d like to stay.” His ambivalence must have shown on his face, because she cocked her head to one side and spoke. “That bothers you, doesn’t it? How come? Is it about my resemblance to your late wife?” “Somewhat.” Actually, he was starting to wonder how he’d ever mistaken her for Ivana. She had a plucky strength and determination, a set to her chin and a way of holding herself that were all completely her own. Still, he had questions. “Look,” she said, “I’m sorry if I bring up memories for you. Maybe I’ll get on my feet quickly and be able to get out of here. But meanwhile…” “Meanwhile, what?” He was holding her baby in the rainy twilight, looking at her and finding her beautiful, and feeling like he might be stepping into the biggest mess of his life.

About the Author Lee Tobin McClain read Gone with the Wind in the third grade and has been a hopeless romantic ever since. When she’s not writing angst-filled love stories with happy endings, she’s getting inspiration from her church singles group, her gymnastics-obsessed teenage daughter, and her rescue dog and cat. In her day job, Lee gets to encourage aspiring romance writers in Seton Hill University’s low-residency MFA program. Visit her at leetobinmcclain.com .

Dear Reader Dear Reader Contents Cover Back Cover Text Introduction About the Author Dear Reader Title Page Bible Verse Dedication 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 Dear Reader Extract Copyright , I hope you’ve enjoyed this latest trip to Rescue River, Ohio—a fictional town that incorporates some of my favorite things about my home state. For this book, I dug into the history of the Underground Railroad in Ohio. I also researched renovation and decor of historical houses...and veterinary tools...and twelve-step programs. I love all the things I get to learn about as I write my books. Yes, I’m a nerd! Buck Armstrong first appeared in Rescue River as a minor character with a drinking problem, back in Engaged to the Single Mom . At that point, I certainly didn’t envision him as a hero with his own romantic story. But as people keep telling Buck, and as he finally comes to believe, people change...with God’s help. When he can embrace the fact that he’s a new creation, he can be the husband Gina deserves and the father little Bobby needs. If you would like to keep up with all of my news and book releases, stop on by my website, leetobinmcclain.com . Sign up for my newsletter, and you’ll get a free story as a gift. And please come visit Rescue River again to read about Buck’s sister, Lacey, whose story comes out later this year. Blessings, Lee

Title Page The Soldier and the Single Mom Lee Tobin McClain www.millsandboon.co.uk

Bible Verse Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. —2 Corinthians 5:17