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  “We have to work together...”

  “Do we?” Aidan asked.

  Natalie and Aidan had different perceptions of what was important. For her, raising the little boy in an environment where love and nurturing would help him blossom was everything. For Aidan, his status as uncle outweighed all the other benefits.

  She jumped off the swing and sent him a smile. “Sometimes taking a moment to breathe when your world falls apart around you is a win. That’s what Danny needs right now. A chance to breathe and find his support system.”

  “I’m his uncle. I’m his support system.”

  There was no denying he was Danny’s family, but so was she. Danny had reached the top of the rock climbing wall for the first time. Celebrating that was important. A win for Danny was having someone in his corner.

  For now, she was that person...

  Dear Reader,

  Friendship is such an integral part of life. During my first year of law school, three women accepted me into their study group. We bonded over study sessions, where we’d work and then share stories of our lives. We supported each other through disappointments and celebrations.

  In The Sheriff’s Second Chance, Georgie Bennett emerged as an independent heroine who accepted the friendship so many offered. This trilogy has highlighted friendship as Georgie, Lucie and Natalie have shared more than cookies. They’ve commiserated over their ups and downs.

  This time, Natalie Harrison experiences good and not-so-good times. Natalie’s world is upended when her best friend dies, and she becomes Danny’s guardian. When Danny’s soldier uncle, Aidan, arrives, he sees how Natalie’s friendships have guided her through this time and questions whether he needs similar relationships in his life. Strong yet stark, Aidan struggles with how to relate to people, most of all Natalie.

  This book is a celebration of friendships in its many forms. I’d love to hear stories of the friendships that have impacted your lives. Please feel free to email me at [email protected] or catch up with me on social media.

  Tanya Agler

  The Soldier’s Unexpected Family

  Tanya Agler

  Tanya Agler remembers the first set of Harlequin books her grandmother gifted her, and she’s been in love with romance novels ever since. An award-winning author, Tanya makes her home in Georgia with her wonderful husband, their four children and a lovable basset, who really rules the roost. When she’s not writing, Tanya loves classic movies and a good cup of tea. Visit her at tanyaagler.com or email her at [email protected].

  Books by Tanya Agler

  Harlequin Heartwarming

  A Ranger for the Twins

  The Sheriff’s Second Chance

  Visit the Author Profile page at Harlequin.com for more titles.

  This book is dedicated to my daughter, Ellie. Every day, she makes my world brighter in unexpected ways, from dancing on the fireplace hearth to discussing history with passion and flair. I love you always, and I’m so proud to be your mom.

  This book is also dedicated to my father and both of my grandfathers. The three of them served in the military and will remain in my heart forever. And to all four of my children and my husband, Jamie, thank you for your encouragement and supporting me through the writing and editing of this book.

  Contents

  CHAPTER ONE

  CHAPTER TWO

  CHAPTER THREE

  CHAPTER FOUR

  CHAPTER FIVE

  CHAPTER SIX

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  CHAPTER NINE

  CHAPTER TEN

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  EPILOGUE

  EXCERPT FROM HER WYOMING HERO BY MARY ANNE WILSON

  CHAPTER ONE

  “THIS IS GOING to be so much fun.” Natalie Harrison flipped over the plans for the parade float and then twisted the papers one more time. Now the images were right side up, although she’d much prefer to toss the schematics in the park’s trash can and start with a new and exciting design. Something with pizazz and flair and...

  “Aunt Natalie, are you lying?” Danny tugged on her floral sundress, the pleading in his voice stopping her in her tracks.

  She laid the plans on a nearby picnic table. The summer breezes from the North Carolina mountains cooled the morning air and her bare arms. She glanced at her six-year-old ward and sent him a smile. “Of course I’m not.”

  “My mom told me it isn’t nice to lie.”

  Natalie brushed away a strand of her red hair, along with the wave of grief at the mere mention of Danny’s mom. Shelby Murphy had been her best friend since their college days.

  Three months hadn’t dulled the ache left from Shelby’s sudden death from an undetected brain aneurysm. As long as Natalie lived, she’d never forget opening her front door and finding Danny there, out of breath, tears cascading down his cheeks, saying his mom wasn’t waking up.

  With the Fourth of July fast approaching in two weeks, Natalie would do everything in her power to make it a great day for Danny.

  Though bittersweet, what a day it was going to be for everyone, considering Hollydale was no longer the sleepy hamlet of her youth. Now it usually ranked in the top three “must visit” destinations this side of the Great Smoky Mountains. The downtown district’s renovation brought tourists flocking to the shops and businesses from now until the last leaf fell in October. The influx of dollars had led to more elaborate summer celebrations, with the parade attracting huge crowds that stayed for the famous, or infamous, pie baking contest and fireworks display.

  Natalie ruffled Danny’s thick brown hair, the silver of her thin stacked bangle bracelets chiming in the soft breeze. “Your mom was right, but I’m telling the truth. We’re going to build the biggest and best float in Hollydale’s Boulevard of Stars Parade, and spending time with you is always fun.”

  When Hollydale Elementary School Principal Marisa Garcia, her boss, had called and asked Natalie to supervise the construction of the float, she’d given every impression this project was further along than it actually was. Then again, with the original plans only calling for a stapled navy sheet to the wooden frame with Marisa dressing up as a woman suffragette, Natalie understood why more teachers hadn’t been called on to help with the project.

  If Natalie followed the current schematics, there’d be no theme, no sparkle, nothing to stand out in the crowd. If she’d learned anything from her seven years of teaching, it was encouraging her students to reach for the stars. Marisa knew this and surely expected Natalie to take the float to the next level when an out-of-town emergency required the principal’s attention elsewhere.

  Bright sunshine reflected upon the metallic red truck that would pull the float, which only had a few boards nailed together for a frame. After Marisa had emailed her the schematics, Natalie had taken a cursory glance at some websites, which had given her solid ideas of an eye-grabbing float with gold garland and a framed platform that would announce the theme of “Reaching for the Stars.” This project would require more elbow grease than she’d imagined. Her bright pink cowboy boots sunk into the ground, but she refused to let her spirit sink as well.

  She’d bluffed her way out of other situations in the past. Why would she let a little detail like not kn
owing what she was doing stop her now? Confidence and bluster would go a long way, as would the pack of volunteers she planned to bribe and cajole with free barbecue and beer the weekend before the big event. Between the teachers who were still in town and her friends, this float would come together and the school would break away from its reputation as having the most boring display in the parade.

  While that sole weekend was cutting it close, she didn’t have any choice because her parents’ summer bash was this coming Sunday. An annual event, this year’s had the added significance of doubling as their fortieth wedding anniversary.

  Besides, having Danny ride alongside her on the finished float in a mere two weeks, throwing cinnamon candies to his classmates and the crowd, would be worth the effort. There would be enough room for several other teachers and students, although anyone who wanted to walk alongside was also more than welcome to do so. With some ingenuity and time, she’d have Danny laughing again.

  Immediately following his mother’s death, Danny had had nightmares to the point that he crawled into bed with Natalie all the time. Counseling had helped, but his progress was slow. Natalie shared legal custody of Danny with his uncle, who served in the military and was assigned overseas. The law might only consider her his co-guardian, a glorified babysitter of sorts, but their bond was stronger than that. She’d be there for him always, and his home was now in Hollydale. She wouldn’t let the little boy down.

  Speaking of guardians and parents, if she wasn’t mistaken, that was her mother’s gray compact pulling up to the curb. She’d extended the call for volunteers far and wide, but hadn’t expected her own mom to lend a hand. Natalie wouldn’t shoo her mother away, though. She needed as much muscle as possible for this project. Dreaming about the finished project was her forte. Others would ensure it would soar to the stars.

  Sure enough, her mother stepped out of the car and waved, her white capris paired with a red-and-white tank top and matching sandals sporty and fitting for mid-June. Diane pointed to the pavilion where another picnic table sat, and they joined her there. She hugged Danny. “Good morning, sleepyheads! How are my two favorite people enjoying the first Monday of summer vacation?”

  Danny hopped off the picnic bench and ran over to her mother.

  Natalie’s heart went out to Danny as he tried to hold everything together, grasping for something certain in an uncertain world. Natalie, more determined than ever to lighten his load and bring constancy back into his shattered life, sat on his left side while her mother settled on the right.

  “Are we really your favorites?” Danny asked softly.

  Her mother’s arm navigated its way around his shoulders, and her hand reached out and patted Natalie on the back. “You’re very special to me, Danny. You’re family. And family’s more than blood or a piece of paper. It’s love and concern for each other that form the bond that holds us together.”

  “I guess you’re right.” Danny’s gaze landed on the concrete, no smile lightening the features of his chubby cheeks.

  Natalie missed the sound of Danny’s laughter as much as she missed his mother.

  Natalie reached for his hand, and they stood up together. “We have to show you our project. Come on.”

  Excitement bubbled in her as she thought of the finished float and Danny’s smile of approval. The dew on the grass shone as the trio approached the chassis. A blank slate awaited them. With an extra spring to her step, Natalie dug deep into her experience as a kindergarten teacher. If she displayed enthusiasm, Danny would catch on and respond in kind. Kids were sponges that way.

  They circled what they had to work with, and Natalie ran through the unlimited possibilities, nailing down the final product as she envisioned its potential. She’d already forgotten Marisa’s plans. “It might not look like much right now, but when we’re done, it’s going to be as colorful and lively as the fireworks.”

  “It looks like a wooden platform on top of a chassis.” Diane ran her hand through her short auburn curls with interspersed silver strands.

  Natalie and her identical twin, Becks, had inherited their mother’s hair color. Becks kept hers short in a crop that flattered her while Natalie opted for longer locks.

  “You gave me the impression this float was almost finished. This is a mere skeleton. Did you bite off more than you can chew again?”

  “This is a good thing. Now I can put my imprint on it.” Natalie released Danny’s hand and walked up to the frame.

  With a growing grin, she knocked on one of the wooden boards of the support frame. The entire frame dislodged from its studs and thudded to the ground. She jumped back and steadied her balance a second. Otherwise she would have fallen on her rear. Two-by-fours dotted the ground.

  Danny moved in for a closer inspection, and Diane pulled him away. “Watch out for those nails!”

  Natalie picked up the smallest beam. “Starting from scratch will let us build bigger and better anyway. I’m recruiting a crew of workers with the promise of free food. We’ll get it done.”

  “I can help, Aunt Natalie. I’m a good helper.” Danny shook free of Diane’s hold and hugged Natalie.

  Warm fuzzies filled her heart for the boy she’d known since the day he was born. She’d take on the world for him.

  “Whose truck is this? It looks new.” Diane peered into the windows.

  “It’s Marisa’s grandfather’s truck. He broke his hip a month ago and can’t drive. She didn’t want to assemble the float at his house since he’d insist on lending a hand. The great news is Marisa persuaded Mayor Wes to keep everything here at the park shed. She texted me his permission along with her proposed plans.” Natalie squeezed Danny’s hand and directed him toward the picnic tables.

  Once he sprinted for the sheltered area, she began picking up the boards and placing them nail side down on the remaining planks of the trailer platform.

  “Ah, plans. Now we’re getting somewhere. Did you bring them with you?” Mom folded her arms and pursed her lips.

  Natalie stopped from rolling her eyes at the vote of no confidence in her mother’s voice. No doubt her mother would have smiled at Becks or her brother, Mike, in this situation, but instead, she’d question every decision Natalie made from the tissue paper colors to the type of candy tossed to the spectators. “They’re on the picnic table, but I’m starting fresh with some new ideas. I’m thinking wire mesh stars and lots of flowers.”

  “Real flowers get pricey fast. And shouldn’t you have a theme first?” Her mother’s disapproving expression didn’t waver as she helped with the remaining boards. “Did Marisa leave you a budget or materials to work with?”

  Natalie waved away those concerns. “I wasn’t planning on using real flowers. Even Mrs. Glisson wouldn’t be that generous, and I should know, having worked in her floral shop through high school. We can make tissue paper flowers instead, using chicken wire to hold them in place. Trust me.” She hoisted the last plank onto the platform and wiped her hands free of the dew and grass. “By the way, thanks for what you said to Danny.”

  “Any word yet from his uncle?” Diane picked up her purse from its resting place next to the truck’s front tire.

  “In his last email, he mentioned coming for Christmas if his assignment is complete. From what I remember from Shelby, he’s a security specialist with a knack for languages and dialects.” She leaned closer to her mom, not wanting Danny to hear what she was about to say. “Between you and me, if he does come home, he should agree to continue our present arrangement, Danny living with me full-time. I think it’s for the best. Danny needs a solid support structure. Laughter and love will pull him through this. You and Dad always taught me to find the joy in the little things.”

  “Some days were easier than others.”

  A two-by-four fell onto the grass. Natalie picked it up and dropped it onto the platform with a thud. “I’m glad you knew where to fin
d us this morning.” She looked at the bent nails and winced. “Maybe Danny shouldn’t be around this.”

  Diane situated her purse strap on her shoulder. “I agree. I’ll take him to the splash fountains, where I’m meeting Georgie and Rachel in a little while.”

  Natalie admitted her mother was right. Danny would have more fun with Georgie, Natalie’s new sister-in-law, who had married her brother Mike earlier this year, than helping her. Since Georgie worked most Saturdays as a mechanic, she usually had Mondays off. Hanging out with the three Harrisons would also provide an opportunity for Danny to grow closer to Mike’s daughter, Rachel.

  Natalie called to Danny and he moseyed over to them.

  “Hey, Danny. Georgie’s taking Rachel to the new splash fountain area. Why don’t you tag along? I’m sure Rachel will enjoy spending time with you,” her mom said.

  “I’ll stay with Aunt Natalie.” Danny hovered behind her leg. “I’m strong, and she might need me.”

  In the past few months, Danny hadn’t wanted to leave her side unless it was necessary. Even from a good distance, the new splash fountains beckoned with shouts of joy coming from kids of all ages. Spouts in the shape of jungle animals jutted water from the spigots in the concrete. After she was done for the day, she might cool off there. Features like this more than made up for an increased tourist presence.

  Natalie reached for his free hand and squeezed it. “You’ll have a much better time over there. I’ll get some of the boring stuff done here, and tomorrow you can help me. The nails will be all gone by then. I’ll be okay. I promise.”

  Danny let go, although reluctance hovered in his serious brown eyes. “I’m not going to wear my bathing suit.”

  Her mom reached for Danny’s hand. “That sounds fine. Not wearing a bathing suit never stopped Natalie or Mike from enjoying the sprinklers, before Becks came in and told on them, of course. It’s okay to break the rules every once in a while.”