Her Secret Daughter. Ruth Herne Logan
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Her Secret Child
Josie Gallagher has plenty of reasons to be wary of Jacob Weatherly—considering he’s working for the hotel chain that’s forcing her restaurant to close. But when he shows up there with a little girl by his side—her little girl—she’s dismayed. How has this bachelor wound up with custody of the baby Josie placed with a married couple six years ago? The handsome hotel executive has no idea that Addie is Josie’s biological child, and Josie can’t afford to tell him. As he helps save her business, Josie and Jacob unexpectedly grow closer. But will her secret stand in the way of their happily-ever-after?
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 Ruth at ruthloganherne.com.
Grace Haven
An Unexpected Groom
Her Unexpected Family
Their Surprise Daddy
The Lawman’s Yuletide Baby
Her Secret Daughter
Kirkwood Lake
The Lawman’s Second Chance
Falling for the Lawman
The Lawman’s Holiday Wish
Loving the Lawman
Her Holiday Family
Men of Allegany County
Mended Hearts
Yuletide Hearts
His Mistletoe Family
Discover more at millsandboon.co.uk
Her Secret Daughter
Ruth Logan Herne
ISBN: 978-1-474-08031-6
HER SECRET DAUGHTER
© 2018 Ruth M. Blodgett
Published in Great Britain 2018
by Mills & Boon, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF
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“I’m ready. This is ready.”
He indicated the beautiful resort with a thrust of his head.
“But I’m not ready for what comes later. The leaving part. And I’m not sure what to do about that, Josie.”
“Resign yourself, because time has a way of marching on.” She kept it light on purpose, he was sure, but not before he spotted that now-familiar flash of regret. She moved back slightly.
“You’re right. And for now I’ve got to get Addie home to bed. Tomorrow’s going to come early. Mom and Dad are taking over with Addie for the next two weeks while we get things ironed out here. And then—”
“Another chapter unfolds.” Josie leaned down and waved to Addie in the back seat. “See you later, sweet thing! Thanks for letting me tag along today!”
“Bye, Josie!”
She didn’t turn back his way. She didn’t pause to flirt. True to her word, Josie kept a distance he wished he could broach, but unless he was willing to take a whole new turn in life, she was right to walk away.
Life isn’t always fair. Sometimes bad things happen to good people, and we could spend a lot of time questioning God’s will and arguing why, but in the end we still have choices. To put bad and evil behind us and move on with our lives...or to wallow in anger.
Josie Gallagher doesn’t wallow. She took charge of a bad situation, trying to act in the best interests of her daughter, but when she realizes her intentions were thwarted by another’s deceit, she has no choice but to check things out. In the end, she stays true to her King Solomon beliefs: A true mother will never pull her child apart.
Jacob Weatherly became a father by default, but he’s a good, God-fearing man, determined to tip his daughter’s life in happy, normal directions. His fear at losing her is palpable and understandable, and it isn’t until Josie and Jacob embrace the sacrificial nature of being a true parent that they realize God’s timing.
Have you ever faced cruel decisions, only to find out later things worked out for the best? God’s timing isn’t always clear to us...but as long as it’s clear to Him, we’re okay!
I love to hear from readers! Email me at [email protected] or visit my website ruthloganherne.com, friend me on Facebook/Ruth Logan Herne or find me cooking at the Yankee Belle Café (www.yankeebellecafe.blogspot.com) with several other Love Inspired authors who love to share their joy of cooking, baking, God and romance with readers!
Thank you for taking the time to read Josie and Jacob’s beautiful story, and may God bless you!
Ruthy
For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.
—Genesis 18:19