by Judy Duarte
“Well, I’ll be darned. Will you look at that.” He marveled over the tiny girl, his eyes glistening. “She’s no bigger than a peanut. And she’s got her eyes open. Hey there, Angel, you don’t know me yet, but I’m your grandpa.”
A flood of warmth filled Mark’s heart, seeking out every cold nook and cranny.
He’d been alone for so long, that love and family ties had become foreign. Remote.
But not anymore.
Before Juliet could slip away to the kitchen to help his mom, Mark stood and wrapped her in his arms. “I’ve got you to thank for making things right in my world.”
She placed a lingering kiss on his lips. “Thanks for giving love and family a chance.”
Five minutes later, they sat around the old dining room table, where love, laughter and forgiveness chased out the old memories, hurts and resentments.
“I know that we never used to pray before meals,” his mother said. “But I feel so very blessed, I think it’s only fitting to offer a prayer of thanksgiving.”
“You’ve got a point.” Mark reached for Juliet’s hand and enfolded it in his. “For a guy who’d once been a cynical hard-ass, I gotta admit, I’m the luckiest man in world. And I have a lot to be thankful for.”
Juliet returned the loving squeeze. “We all do.”
As they bowed their heads, Mark couldn’t help but chuckle.
If the future looked any brighter, he might have to shed his cynical nature and borrow Juliet’s rose-colored glasses.
Special thanks and acknowledgment are given to Judy Duarte for her contribution to the MONTANA MAVERICKS: GOLD RUSH GROOMS series.
ISBN: 978-1-4268-8758-1
THEIR UNEXPECTED FAMILY
Copyright © 2005 by Harlequin Books S.A.
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