Building a Family
En route to the Double T Orphanage to work on its expansion, carpenter Chip Evans and Caroline Hunt discover two orphaned children—and become their caregivers. But Chip’s determined not to let himself get too attached to the children who just lost their widowed father...or to the lovely woman helping him care for them. Especially since Callie and the little ones just don’t fit into his detailed plans for the future.
Callie can’t help but fall in love with the orphans, and despite her better judgment, she’s falling for Chip, too. Her dreams of being a wife and mother were not quite like this. But Callie believes a plan bigger than Chip’s brought them all together...and now she just has to help him see it, too.
I hope you enjoyed Chip and Callie’s story. The idea for it came about as a result of two incidents from my own family that dealt with infertility and adoption. Callie’s accident is based on my great-aunt’s experience. She was kicked by a mule when she was very young. As a result, she was unable to bear children. I asked myself what it would have been like for a woman in the 1870s to deal with such a diagnosis.
Adoption has played an important role in my own life. My mother was already pregnant with me when she began dating the man I knew as my father. Although she was young and had been pressured to give me away, she’d chosen to raise me herself, for which I’m very grateful. Since my parents married when I was a baby, I don’t remember life without Dad. I never considered him my stepfather, although legally that’s what he was. Thirty years after he came into my life, we entered the historic courthouse in my Gold Rush–era town, where he adopted me. That was a milestone day!
As I created this story, I asked myself what would happen if a woman who was given the same diagnosis my great-aunt received, and who embraced adoption as a way to form a family, was to meet a man intent upon having children of his own. The possibilities were intriguing, and the story took shape. Setting the story at the Double T, where my first Love Inspired Historical, Family of Her Dreams, took place, was fun. I enjoyed revisiting Spencer, Tess and their children.
I love hearing from readers. You can contact me through my website at www.keligwyn.com or write to me at PO Box 1404, Placerville, CA 95667.
Warmly,
Keli Gwyn
“It’s your turn to fly the kite, Callie.” Chip left the children gripping the string together and sauntered over to her.
She took the hand he offered, and he pulled her to her feet. They stood inches apart, their hands still linked. His was warm and strong, his grip firm but gentle. She glanced up at him, hoping for a smile. Instead, his serious side had reappeared. His gaze swept over her face, coming to rest on...her mouth?
Was it possible Chip wanted to kiss her? What would she do if he tried? Part of her wondered what it would feel like to have his lips pressed to hers, but the more sensible part—
“Don’t you wanna do it, Miss Callie?” Jasper’s question shattered the moment, which was for the best. Chip wasn’t ready to court anyone.
The trouble was that the more time she spent with him, the more Callie found herself drawn to him.
Award-winning author KELI GWYN, a native Californian, transports readers to the early days of the Golden State. She and her husband live in the heart of California’s Gold Country. Her favorite places to visit are her fictional worlds, historical museums and other Gold Rush–era towns. Keli loves hearing from readers and invites you to visit her Victorian-style cyberhome at keligwyn.com, where you’ll find her contact information.
Her Motherhood Wish
Keli Gwyn
For every house is builded by some man;
but he that built all things is God.
—Hebrews 3:4
In memory of my dad, Carl Lannon, who welcomed me into his heart and his life from the very start.
My heartfelt thanks to those who have made such valuable contributions to this story...
My perceptive editor, Emily Rodmell, who takes a rough version of a story and gives me insights into how to polish it until it shines.
My agent, Rachelle Gardner, who deals with all the publishing details and offers support and encouragement so I can devote myself to writing my stories.
My AAA Team: Adri, Amanda and Anne, who read the story at various stages and gave me excellent suggestions on how to make it even stronger.
My husband, Carl, who gives me the male perspective, fuels my creativity with delicious homemade scones, and listens to me go on and on and on about my stories.
My friend Jessica Scharffenberg, an ob-gyn nurse, who answered my medical questions.
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