Building a Dream
Reid Blackthorn arrives in Dover on a personal mission—to make sure his terminally ill brother gets a chance to meet his daughter. Deceiving little Lily’s guardian isn’t his intention. Yet once Tori Montgomery mistakes Reid for her new handyman, he knows it’s the only way to be close to his niece. Tori is honoring her friend’s last wish by keeping Lily away from her father’s family. And once she learns who Reid truly is, she realizes there’s too much at stake—including custody of Lily—for her to fall for the former DEA agent. But in keeping a promise, is she losing out on her chance for a happily-ever-after?
“Looks like our little girl has had enough for today.”
Our little girl. Was that how he thought of them—as a family?
“She’s so beautiful when she’s asleep.”
“And quiet.”
Tori nodded. “She does like to talk.” Softly they made their way back downstairs.
He gazed her way and smiled. Her breath caught. His smile stole the starch from her knees. It was wide and warm and utterly charming. There was a small crease on one side of his mouth that was completely adorable. She couldn’t look away.
“Is everything all right?”
She nodded. “You should do that more often.”
“What?”
“Smile.”
He drew his finger across his chin as if embarrassed. “I haven’t had much to smile about in the last few years.”
“Well, it’s quite a sight.”
“You think so?”
“I do.”
“Then, I’ll try to find more reasons to display it.”
Tori looked into his eyes and saw a warmth and lightness she’d never seen before.
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, and is 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.
HER HANDYMAN
HERO
Lorraine Beatty
But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion,
and gracious, long suffering,
and plenteous in mercy and truth.
—Psalms 86:15
To my husband, Joe, for being my real-life hero.
Your help and support mean more
than you’ll ever know. I love you.
Contents
The house looked like a riverboat that had been dropped into the middle of a lush green yard.
Reid Blackthorn frowned, puzzling over what he was seeing. The old white Victorian was ringed on two levels with wraparound porches dripping with gingerbread and ornately turned posts and spindles. The stately tower perched on top of the roof resembled a steamboat wheelhouse. All it lacked was a large red paddle wheel to complete the picture. It wasn’t what he had expected to find when he came looking for the woman who had taken his niece.
He rubbed his forehead and inhaled a calming breath. Legally, Victoria Montgomery was his niece’s guardian, but he was prepared to change that if possible. His last disastrous undercover assignment for the DEA had made him realize he wanted more than chasing drug dealers. He was empty and burned-out. All he wanted now was a quiet, peaceful existence. His first move had been tracking down his younger brother in hopes of making amends for not honoring their mother’s dying wish. Reid had promised to take care of Eddie, but instead Reid had followed his need for justice and never looked back.
He’d found Eddie in a hospital dying from years of drug abuse and alcoholism, and his only wish was to see his little daughter. Reid went in search of the mother and child only to find out Judy Stevens had died several months ago and given guardianship to a friend. The Montgomery woman. What had alarmed Reid was the neighbors’ comments. According to Mrs. Fisher, the guardian was flighty, irresponsible