Lorraine Beatty: The Lawman's Secret Son

Suddenly a Father

Police officer Seth Montgomery knows all about order—but his world is thrown into chaos when he learns he has a five-year-old son. With little Jack suddenly in his care, Seth turns to neighbor Carrie Fletcher for help. Given her checkered past, Carrie prefers to keep to herself, but there’s no denying she cares for the boy—and her feelings for charming Seth are rapidly developing, too. When someone from Carrie’s past shows up threatening to jeopardize the life she’s worked so hard to build, Carrie will have to fight for her future with the new family she’s found...or risk losing everything.

“It’s Jack’s birth certificate. This is good news, isn’t it?”

“Look at the line for parents’ names.”

She read from the document. “Mother, Paula Ann Schulman. Father, unknown. Oh, Seth...”

The look of sympathy in her eyes wrapped around him, chasing away the sharp edges of his disappointment. When she reached out and grasped his forearm with her small hand, the warmth of her touch spread through him like a warm summer breeze.

“I’m sorry. I was hoping this would be the answer you needed.”

He took her hand in his, gently squeezing her fingers. “Me, too. Now I’ll have to wait on the DNA results.”

“When is that due?”

“Not for a few more weeks.” He looked into her sky blue eyes and realized he didn’t want to break the contact. Carrie abruptly looked away and tugged her hand from his.

He shifted his position slightly, though it did nothing to diminish his acute awareness of her softness or her beauty.

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, as well as 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.

The Lawman’s Secret Son

Lorraine Beatty

www.millsandboon.co.uk

But you, Lord, do not be far from me.

You are my strength; come quickly to help me.

—Psalms 22:19

To my grandchildren, Drew, Anna, Addie, Casie and Chey. You are my most precious treasure.

Acknowledgments

Chaz McClain, director of children and

family ministries at Lakeside Presbyterian

EPC Church in Brandon, Mississippi, for

his help in steering me in the right direction

with my heroine’s job. Your help made

all the difference and is greatly appreciated.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text Suddenly a Father Police officer Seth Montgomery knows all about order—but his world is thrown into chaos when he learns he has a five-year-old son. With little Jack suddenly in his care, Seth turns to neighbor Carrie Fletcher for help. Given her checkered past, Carrie prefers to keep to herself, but there’s no denying she cares for the boy—and her feelings for charming Seth are rapidly developing, too. When someone from Carrie’s past shows up threatening to jeopardize the life she’s worked so hard to build, Carrie will have to fight for her future with the new family she’s found...or risk losing everything.

Introduction “It’s Jack’s birth certificate. This is good news, isn’t it?” “Look at the line for parents’ names.” She read from the document. “Mother, Paula Ann Schulman. Father, unknown. Oh, Seth...” The look of sympathy in her eyes wrapped around him, chasing away the sharp edges of his disappointment. When she reached out and grasped his forearm with her small hand, the warmth of her touch spread through him like a warm summer breeze. “I’m sorry. I was hoping this would be the answer you needed.” He took her hand in his, gently squeezing her fingers. “Me, too. Now I’ll have to wait on the DNA results.” “When is that due?” “Not for a few more weeks.” He looked into her sky blue eyes and realized he didn’t want to break the contact. Carrie abruptly looked away and tugged her hand from his. He shifted his position slightly, though it did nothing to diminish his acute awareness of her softness or her beauty.

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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, as well as 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 The Lawman’s Secret Son Lorraine Beatty www.millsandboon.co.uk

Bible Verse But you, Lord, do not be far from me. You are my strength; come quickly to help me. —Psalms 22:19

Dedication To my grandchildren, Drew, Anna, Addie, Casie and Chey. You are my most precious treasure.

Acknowledgments Acknowledgments Chaz McClain, director of children and family ministries at Lakeside Presbyterian EPC Church in Brandon, Mississippi, for his help in steering me in the right direction with my heroine’s job. Your help made all the difference and is greatly appreciated.

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

Carrie Fletcher quickened her steps across the walkway from the carport to the back door of her little cottage, inserted the key and stepped into her warmly lit kitchen. She never tired of coming home to this sweet little 1920s house. The soft glow from the lights under the cabinets kept the darkness at bay and welcomed her like a warm hug, as did the click of little claws on the tile floor as her five-year-old shih tzu, Leo, scurried to greet her. “Hey, sweetie. Were you a good boy today?”

After placing her purse and a sack of groceries on the table, she flipped the switch, bathing the kitchen in full light, instantly aware of the tension falling away from her shoulders. A long and hectic day had kept her at work until dark. Her job as Special Events Coordinator at Peace Community Church was both exhilarating and challenging. Especially now, when the historic edifice was celebrating 125 years as a house of God. The yearlong celebration would culminate with a huge citywide picnic at Friendship Park. Organizing such a massive event was keeping her busy every moment.

Tomorrow was her day off and she planned on taking full advantage by sleeping late and curling up with the book she was reading. The hero and heroine had been torn apart by a terrible disaster, and she couldn’t wait to see how they got back together.

A rush of happiness buoyed her spirits as she made her way through the small dining room and living room, turning up lights as she went and sending up a grateful prayer for her new life. She had a job she loved and a home of her own. She didn’t own it, but her savings were growing and one day she hoped to purchase a house.