His Small-Town Family

His Small-Town Family
Lorraine Beatty

Healing Their HeartsNicki Latimer never expected to be back in her tiny Mississippi hometown–much less running a store with a baby on her hip. But when her father falls ill, Nicki will do anything to save the family business…even putting her dreams on hold. And she's found just the person to help her. Ethan Stone is strong and reliable, but also haunted by his past as a war photographer. He's convinced he could never be the man Nicki thinks he is. But with Ethan by her side, Nicki's dreams of love and family are closer than she thinks.Home to Dover: A small town with a big heartNicki Latimer never expected to be back in her tiny Mississippi hometown–much less running a store with a baby on her hip. But when her father falls ill, Nicki will do anything to save the family business…even putting her dreams on hold. And she's found just the person to help her. Ethan Stone is strong and reliable, but also haunted by his past as a war photographer. He's convinced he could never be the man Nicki thinks he is. But with Ethan by her side, Nicki's dreams of love and family are closer than she thinks.Home to Dover: A small town with a big heart

Healing Their Hearts

Nicki Latimer never expected to be back in her tiny Mississippi hometown—much less running a store with a baby on her hip. But when her father falls ill, Nicki will do anything to save the family business…even putting her dreams on hold. And she’s found just the person to help her. Ethan Stone is strong and reliable, but also haunted by his past as a war photographer. He’s convinced he could never be the man Nicki thinks he is. But with Ethan by her side, Nicki’s dreams of love and family are closer than she thinks.

Home to Dover: A small town with a big heart

“I’m looking forward to working with you, Miss…?”

The woman’s cheeks turned a pretty shade of pink. She tucked a strand of her wavy hair behind one ear. “Oh, I’m sorry. My name is Nichelle Latimer.”

She grasped his hand. Her fingers were small and delicate and sent an awareness like a sudden sugar rush through his system.

“My family owns this store.”

Questions popped into his mind. Why wasn’t her family here helping? She must have sensed his curiosity because she tugged her hand away.

“Which way to the stockroom?”

She pointed toward the back. Ethan nodded and attempted a smile, but he couldn’t quite manage it. Sometimes he thought he’d forgotten how to smile.

He turned and walked toward the rear of the building. Nichelle. It was a lovely name for a lovely woman. But the guarded look in her eyes suggested she was protecting herself from something.

The lady had secrets.

But then, so did he.

LORRAINE BEATTY

was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, but has been blessed to be able to live in Germany, Connecticut and Baton Rouge. She now calls Mississippi home. She and her husband, Joe, have two sons and six grandchildren. Lorraine started writing in junior high and has written for trade books, newspapers and company newsletters. She 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.

His Small-Town Family

Lorraine Beatty

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways submit to Him,

and He will make your paths straight.

—Proverbs 3:5–6

To my brother Ken Carswell. I miss you every day.

Acknowledgment (#ulink_1be353f7-4e4a-5414-8799-33ae0eaf4f6b)

A special thank-you to Dr. Ronda Wells

for her medical help with Sadie’s fever.

Contents

Cover (#u35bf2ec0-4802-5e30-becb-a5681da13a90)

Back Cover Text (#ucd54041a-5cdd-5e79-b374-4580b133e370)

Introduction (#u02e2c680-cf0f-5dcd-8884-5e8d5878a0d2)

About the Author (#ub14dd230-ad5f-53c8-a3fb-9d8b34735e61)

Title Page (#u5b2bb0b1-ccd9-5587-a71f-5fe4c9b085e0)

Bible Verse (#u783e5e0a-d73e-53be-9653-d3da860b0ae2)

Dedication (#ue206b6b4-044a-510b-9d85-d953449033b5)

Acknowledgment (#ulink_5defb106-3b32-5578-9983-c819cf944849)

Chapter One (#ulink_fdb6b58b-fc37-57fb-9ca5-aa684c5d3b72)

Chapter Two (#ulink_7a91d4db-b418-572a-af9a-7a5894138687)

Chapter Three (#ulink_26710a75-3045-5c73-93fd-41e79295907d)

Chapter Four (#ulink_8497b1e9-7a32-5419-ad61-63bfa765de97)

Chapter Five (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Six (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Seven (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Eight (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Nine (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Ten (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Eleven (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Twelve (#litres_trial_promo)