Lisa Carter - Coast Guard Courtship

A Seaside Romance

Coast Guard Officer Braeden Scott’s life is all about freedom and adventure. Being assigned to a tiny Virginia coastal village is the last thing he wants. But thanks to a feisty redhead, he’s soon discovering the charms of a small-town life. Amelia Duer is all about home and hearth. Taking care of others is her whole world. As Braeden spends more time with her and her nephew, his hopes for a family begin to resurface. Could Amelia prove to be the anchor this charming Coastie needs to stop wandering and create a home for good?

“What have you got against redheads?” Amelia asked him.

“Redheads are nothing but trouble.” Braeden cocked his head at the grappling hook in her hands.

She curled her lip. “By the way, you’re welcome.”

“For what?”

“For saving your life.”

His mouth dropped open. “You didn’t…”

She pointed at the doughnut lying against the baseboard that he had been choking on minutes before.

He tightened his lips. “Thanks for saving my life, Ms. Duer.”

“Don’t mention it.”

A bleak expression suddenly appearing in her eyes, she rubbed her temples as if she had a headache. “Dinner’s at six. I’ll see you then?”

“Eighteen-hundred. I’ll be there.”

“Don’t expect haute cuisine.” She cut her eyes at him, a challenge animating her face once more. “The redheaded Duers are plain and simple folks.”

As she exited the cabin, he watched her disappear through the cover of trees. So that was Amelia Duer.

Tough as a sea barnacle. She’d have made a great Guardsman. He admired her strength, her ability to take care of anything life threw her way.

But who took care of her?

LISA CARTER and her family make their home in North Carolina. In addition to her Love Inspired novels, she writes romantic suspense for Abingdon Press. When she isn’t writing, Lisa enjoys traveling to romantic locales, teaching writing workshops and researching her next exotic adventure. She has strong opinions on barbecue and ACC basketball. She loves to hear from readers. Connect with Lisa at lisacarterauthor.com.

Coast Guard

Courtship

Lisa Carter

www.millsandboon.co.uk

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

—Romans 15:13

Dedicated to the memory of Mathew Mason.

You are missed.

And to Cindy—Thanks for sharing

that Eastern Shore summer with me so long ago.

I love you.

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 Chapter Sixteen Chapter Seventeen Chapter Eighteen Chapter Nineteen Chapter Twenty Chapter Twenty-One Chapter Twenty-Two Chapter Twenty-Three Dear Reader Extract Copyright

I’ve taken a few liberties with the Accomack County school calendar— allowing Max to get out for summer early— something for which all Accomack County teachers can thank me for later.

Thanks to all my Onley friends who, after all these years, still continue to welcome me back into the peaceful harbor of your beautiful Eastern Shore world.

Many thanks to retired United States Coast Guard Captain Jim Umberger and Chief Petty Officer NyxoLyno “Nick” Cangemi for answering this civilian’s seemingly endless questions about rank, rating and protocol. You guys are the best. Any errors are my own.

Thanks also to men and women of the United States Coast Guard for your dedication and sacrifice. Blessings to you who serve on CG vessels and at CG stations. Thank you for your service.

Miss Jean and Mr. Billy, thanks for sharing your heart, home and family with me again and again over these many years. You have been a tremendous blessing in my life.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text A Seaside Romance Coast Guard Officer Braeden Scott’s life is all about freedom and adventure. Being assigned to a tiny Virginia coastal village is the last thing he wants. But thanks to a feisty redhead, he’s soon discovering the charms of a small-town life. Amelia Duer is all about home and hearth. Taking care of others is her whole world. As Braeden spends more time with her and her nephew, his hopes for a family begin to resurface. Could Amelia prove to be the anchor this charming Coastie needs to stop wandering and create a home for good?

Introduction “What have you got against redheads?” Amelia asked him. “Redheads are nothing but trouble.” Braeden cocked his head at the grappling hook in her hands. She curled her lip. “By the way, you’re welcome.” “For what?” “For saving your life.” His mouth dropped open. “You didn’t…” She pointed at the doughnut lying against the baseboard that he had been choking on minutes before. He tightened his lips. “Thanks for saving my life, Ms. Duer.” “Don’t mention it.” A bleak expression suddenly appearing in her eyes, she rubbed her temples as if she had a headache. “Dinner’s at six. I’ll see you then?” “Eighteen-hundred. I’ll be there.” “Don’t expect haute cuisine.” She cut her eyes at him, a challenge animating her face once more. “The redheaded Duers are plain and simple folks.” As she exited the cabin, he watched her disappear through the cover of trees. So that was Amelia Duer. Tough as a sea barnacle. She’d have made a great Guardsman. He admired her strength, her ability to take care of anything life threw her way. But who took care of her?

About the Author LISA CARTER and her family make their home in North Carolina. In addition to her Love Inspired novels, she writes romantic suspense for Abingdon Press. When she isn’t writing, Lisa enjoys traveling to romantic locales, teaching writing workshops and researching her next exotic adventure. She has strong opinions on barbecue and ACC basketball. She loves to hear from readers. Connect with Lisa at lisacarterauthor.com .

Title Page Coast Guard Courtship Lisa Carter www.millsandboon.co.uk

Bible Verse May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. —Romans 15:13

Dedication Dedicated to the memory of Mathew Mason. You are missed. And to Cindy—Thanks for sharing that Eastern Shore summer with me so long ago. I love you.

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 Chapter Sixteen Chapter Seventeen Chapter Eighteen Chapter Nineteen Chapter Twenty Chapter Twenty-One Chapter Twenty-Two Chapter Twenty-Three Dear Reader Extract Copyright I’ve taken a few liberties with the Accomack County school calendar— allowing Max to get out for summer early— something for which all Accomack County teachers can thank me for later. Thanks to all my Onley friends who, after all these years, still continue to welcome me back into the peaceful harbor of your beautiful Eastern Shore world. Many thanks to retired United States Coast Guard Captain Jim Umberger and Chief Petty Officer NyxoLyno “Nick” Cangemi for answering this civilian’s seemingly endless questions about rank, rating and protocol. You guys are the best. Any errors are my own. Thanks also to men and women of the United States Coast Guard for your dedication and sacrifice. Blessings to you who serve on CG vessels and at CG stations. Thank you for your service. Miss Jean and Mr. Billy, thanks for sharing your heart, home and family with me again and again over these many years. You have been a tremendous blessing in my life.