North Country Mom. Lois Richer
Second Chances
Detective Jack Campbell needs a fresh start. So he quits his job, packs up his house and his daughter and heads north to Manitoba, Canada. But his daughter, Giselle, is miserable, and will only talk to local shop owner Alicia Featherstone. Her kindness to his daughter does not go unnoticed by Jack, and soon the relationship between father and daughter isn’t the only thing Alicia’s helping to heal. He’s quickly falling for sweet Alicia. But when her past threatens their future together, can he learn to trust enough to make them a permanent family?
“Do you have kids?” Jack asked.
“I’m single,” Alicia said firmly. Then, lest he think she was angling for a date, she added, “And I intend to stay that way.”
“Not exactly what I asked.” His gaze narrowed. “But I agree with you. I intend to stay single, too.”
“Oh?” A hunk like him staying single? In Churchill? Alicia almost laughed.
“I will never allow myself to go through losing someone I care for again.” The absolute loss in Jack’s voice killed her amusement. When he spoke again, his voice was more even. “If you had kids, you’d understand how they become the focus of your life. You’ll do anything for them. Giselle is my world. Besides her, nothing else matters.”
I do understand what you mean, Jack. I know exactly how you feel. I’d do anything to keep my son safe. But I don’t know where he is, or how to find him.
“Sorry, guess I’m not very good company tonight,” Jack muttered, turning away. The keep-away signs were clearly posted. Only natural, given he’d lost his wife.
Not that Alicia was interested in Jack…
LOIS RICHER
began her travels the day she read her first book and realized that fiction provided an extraordinary adventure. Creating that adventure for others became her obsession. With millions of books in print, Lois continues to enjoy creating stories of joy and hope. She and her husband love to travel, which makes it easy to find the perfect setting for her next story. Lois would love to hear from you via www.loisricher.com or [email protected], or on Facebook.
North Country Mom
Lois Richer
MILLS & BOON
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The Lord will work out his plans for my life—
for your loving kindness, Lord, continues forever. Don’t abandon me—for you made me.
—Psalms 138:8
This book is dedicated to my mom,
the strongest woman I know. I love you.
Contents
Chapter One
In her rush up the train stairs, Alicia Featherstone smacked headfirst into a massive male chest.
Her breath whooshed out and she reeled back, fighting to recover her balance.
“My fault.” The man’s voice reminded her of a polar bear’s growl. His fingers closed around her arm, almost dragging her upward into the dim train.
His grasp sparked memories of the darkest moments in her life. Memories that threatened to engulf her.
“Please,” Alicia gasped, fighting the remembered images while struggling to hold on to the three packages she cradled.
The shadows...his hands... She had to get free. But his strong grip wouldn’t release her. She knew the stranger was trying to help, but years of nightmare memories of being attacked couldn’t stem the panic clogging her throat.
The sound of her precious packages tumbling to the floor snapped her back to reality. One box bounced down the stairs and landed on the platform. She couldn’t afford to lose it, certainly not because of this big man who’d blocked her way. With anger came clarity.
“Let go of me,” she ordered.
His hand immediately dropped away. The man stepped back as if she’d burned him. Alicia inhaled, drawing in oxygen to ease the terror of the past.
“All aboard for Churchill, Manitoba!”
The conductor’s call galvanized Alicia. She dropped what she held and hurried down the steps to retrieve her parcel from the platform. She’d barely gained the first step up when the train began moving. Again the man’s massive hands closed over her arms. He hauled her upward until