href="#litres_trial_promo">Chapter 2
A Soldier’s Homecoming & A Soldier’s Redemption
Rachel Lee
In these two thrilling Conard County stories the past is never left behind!
A Soldier’s Homecoming
Soldier Ethan Parish is here to meet his father for the first time. Then Ethan’s plans take a turn once he meets Deputy Connie Halloran and he starts thinking about the future. Connie and her adorable daughter bring out his protective instincts, especially when a threat from the past emerges. Suddenly Ethan must risk his life—and his heart—to save his new family.
A Soldier’s Redemption
Cory Farland’s house seems like the perfect place for former SEAL Wade Kendrick to decompress. But the close quarters have an unintended effect as he falls for the guarded young widow. Despite their secrets, a fresh start together could be possible—until her life is threatened. Instantly, Wade knows there isn’t anything he won’t do to keep her safe and claim the love that could redeem them both….
The Military Heroes Collection
They’ve put their lives on the line to protect others without a second thought to their own safety. They are heroes. And it will take very special women to capture the hearts of these brave men.
This is dedicated to those courageous, loyal and rugged men who face danger on a regular basis…and are willing to risk it all for a chance at love.
Whether they’re secret agents, brave soldiers or fearless pilots, these men will have us all wishing for our own heroes!
RACHEL LEE
was hooked on writing by the age of twelve, and practiced her craft as she moved from place to place all over the United States. This New York Times bestselling author now resides in Florida and has the joy of writing full-time. Her bestselling Conard County series (see www.conardcounty.com for more information) has won the hearts of readers worldwide, and it’s no wonder, given her own approach to life and love. As she says: “Life is the biggest romantic adventure of all—and if you’re open and aware, the most marvelous things are just waiting to be discovered.”.
Rachel Lee
To Mom, who got me started.
I will always miss you.
Deputy Constance Halloran drove along the U.S. highway toward Conard City, taking her time, keeping an eye on traffic, glad her shift was almost over.
Spring had settled over the county, greening it with recent rains, filling the air with the fragrance of wildflowers and the scent she thought of as green. With her window rolled down, the aroma wafted into her car, earth’s special perfume.
Today had been a lazy day, an easy shift. She’d had only one call about a minor theft at one of the ranches; then she’d spent most of the day patrolling her sector. She hadn’t written any speeding tickets, which was unusual. Even the traffic seemed to be enjoying a case of spring fever.
Maybe she would light the barbecue tonight and make some hamburgers. Sophie, her seven-year-old daughter, loved grilled hamburgers beyond everything, and loved the opportunity to eat outside at their porch table almost as much. Of course, the evenings could still get chilly, but a sweater would do.
The idea pleased her, and she began to hum a lilting melody. A semi passed her from the opposite direction and flashed his lights in a friendly manner. Connie flashed back, her smile broadening. Some days it felt good just to be alive.
Another mile down the road, she spotted a man standing on the shoulder, thumb out. At once she put on her roof lights, gave one whoop of her siren and pulled over until he was square in the view of her dash camera. He dropped his arm and waited for her.
A couple of cars passed as she radioed dispatch with her position and the reason for her stop.
“Got it, Connie,” Velma said, her smoke-frogged voice cracking. “You be careful, hear?”
“I always am.”
Glancing over to make sure she wouldn’t be opening her door into traffic, Connie climbed out and approached the man.
As she drew closer, she realized he looked scruffy and exotic all at once. Native American, she registered instantly. Long black hair with a streak of gray fell to his shoulders. He also had a beard, unusually thick for someone of his genetic background. Dark eyes looked back at her. The thousand-yard stare. She’d seen it before.
For an instant she wondered
