The Soldier's Newfound Family

“Maybe?” Savannah choked.

“I told you. It’s—”

“Complicated?” A huff of frustration punctuated the sentence.

“Right.”

“Darcy said she heard a car come up the driveway.” The flip of a long copper ponytail provided the clue that Carter had been looking for.

Violet.

Once Maddie’s hair got longer and she could copy her twin sister’s hairstyle, he was going to be in big trouble.

“Now I know why you ran off before dessert.” Violet gave him an I’ll-deal-with-you-later look but smiled warmly at Savannah. “Who do we have here?”

Carter caught the brunt of Savannah’s accusing gaze.

Okay. He already was in big trouble.

* * *

Knowing that Carter hadn’t been completely honest left a bitter taste in Savannah’s mouth.

She was going to have a few choice words with the man. But at the moment, Savannah had no idea what to say to the woman standing in front of her. The one whose eyes were bright with curiosity—and who obviously had no idea that Carter had invited a pregnant stranger to stay with them.

“This is Savannah Blackmore.” Carter came to her rescue.

Nice of him, since he was the reason she was in this awkward predicament to begin with!

Good manners forced Savannah to clasp the hand the woman offered when what she really wanted to do was hide. “Hello.”

“Savannah, Violet Colby—” For some reason, Carter stopped.

“Carter’s sister.” The woman nudged him aside and finished the introduction.

Savannah felt Carter stiffen beside her.

“You’re Carter’s...sister?”

And why hadn’t he mentioned that when he’d talked about Maddie?

“When he wants to claim me.” Violet smiled sweetly at her brother.

Carter shifted his weight, almost as if he were uncomfortable with the direction the conversation was going.

Well, good, Savannah thought. Why should she be the only one?

Savannah’s gaze bounced back and forth between Carter and Violet Colby but she failed to find even the slightest resemblance between them. Carter was blond and blue-eyed while Violet’s hair, as bright as a new penny, framed an oval face dominated by a pair of eyes the color of dark chocolate.

“Savannah lost her apartment a few days ago,” Carter explained. “I was hoping it would be okay if she bunked in one of the cottages for a while.”