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  After exchanging an amused glance with Hope, Jeff ruffled Bonnie’s curly blond hair. “You’re right darlin’. You’d better think of a name for him.”

  The child’s bright green eyes widened. “I get to pick it?”

  “You do.” Clutching Jeff’s hand, Hope pushed herself to her feet “Something ...”

  A stab of fear shot through Jeff as he saw pain flash across Hope’s face. “What is it?”

  The puppy chose that moment to escape Bonnie’s grasp and dash, barking, across the lawn. Laughing, Bonnie chased after it

  “The baby,” Hope said and rubbed her back again, grimacing. “Wow. That was a strong one. Know what? I think it’s time to go to the hospital.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” He took her elbow and steered her to a lawn chair. This time he was prepared. This time he would take charge. “You sit there and don’t move. I’ll go call Charlene to come stay with Bonnie. Then we can grab the bag you packed and go.”

  She gave him that same gentle smile that never failed to melt his heart. “Hurry, then. I have a feeling this baby is going to come fast”

  Those words galvanized him into action. Sprinting for the house, he called back to Hope over his shoulder, “I love you.”

  “I love you, too,” she yelled back, wincing as another contraction hit her.

  And Ryan Jeffrey Riggs was born at the county hospital exactly two hours later.

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Karen Whiddon spun tales for her young brothers as early as eleven. Growing up in the Catskill Mountains, then the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, she found enough magic in the rugged peaks to keep her imagination fueled for years.

  Now making her home in North Texas, she shares her life with her hero-like husband, her soon-to-be Texas Aggie daughter, and two doting dogs. Returning Home is her third Precious Gems romance novel.

  You can E-mail Karen at [email protected].

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