by Terri Reed
The door opened, and Lanna’s vision blurred at the sight of her mother’s worried face.
“I just had to see for myself that you were all right.” Her mother padded into the room, her gaze going straight to the yawning little bundle. The baby was waking up. “Oh, Joe, you were right. She’s beautiful. Why, I’ve never seen such an angel.”
“It’s the pure gold hair. It’s like yours, Ma.”
Both grandfathers stepped close to peer with bashful pride down at their little granddaughter. Only Geneva was missing. Had she refused to come up? Lanna feared there would be more conflict between them on this, the most wonderful of days, when footsteps tapped in a businesslike cadence into the room.
Geneva swept into sight, looking cold and regal in her impressive gown and jewels. Her face was set and her posture rigid as she leaned in for a look at the baby. She gazed for a long time upon the child and a change came over her. The stiffness of her jaw relaxed. The measuring coolness of her eyes faded. Kindness remained.
“She is the loveliest baby I have ever seen.” Geneva blinked hard, a rare show of emotion. “You have done a fine job, Lanna. She is absolutely precious.”
“I told you.” Joe was at her side again to whisper in her ear.
“You were right.” Lanna’s vision blurred more and her face felt hot. She wasn’t crying, truly. Well, maybe just a little. Happiness could do that to a girl, too. “Her name is May Geneva Wolf, after both of her grandmothers.”
“Oh, Lanna.” Tears streamed down her mother’s face. She was overcome.
“Why, I’m speechless,” Geneva sniffled. “May we hold her?”
“Of course.” It was a surprise that Geneva let Lanna’s mother take the baby first. The women huddled together, exclaiming over the precious child who was cooing sleepily. Their husbands joined them. They made a joyful circle.
“Love does make everything right.” Her life was perfect, her world was flawless, and her love for Joe incandescent. “Happy New Year, my beloved,” she whispered to him.
“Happy New Year, my sweet.” He took her into his strong arms, both protective and tender. His kiss was perfection, just the way true love should be.
Lanna’s soul sighed with bliss. She leaned her cheek against Joe’s chest, happy beyond imagining.
* * * * *
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ISBN: 9781459230996
THE DEPUTY’S DUTY
Copyright © 2012 by Harlequin Books S.A.
The publisher acknowledges the copyright holders of the individual books as follows:
THE DEPUTY’S DUTY
Copyright © 2012 by Harlequin Books S.A.
AN ENDURING LOVE
Copyright © 2008 by Harlequin Books S.A.
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