Amanda's Resolution

By Breanna Cone

DEAD-line: Midnight New Year's Eve

Someone is stalking Amanda Michaels. An assassin hired by her estranged husband. Bradley Michaels MUST be a widower before the divorce is final to control their children's large trust fund.

Sheriff Greg Rogers discovers the danger to the young mother and offers himself as her personal bodyguard for a week. To provide this protection, the sheriff persuades Amanda to let him move in with her and the children. The perfect ruse for living in the same house? Pretend to be romantically involved.

It will take all of the sheriff's professional expertise to keep the lady alive. The plan is going well but he isn't prepared for the strong feelings this togetherness creates. Amanda is too sexy for his peace of mind. Greg is having a hard time pretending to pretend.

Amanda dreams about how life might have turned out if she met someone like Greg Rogers twelve years ago. Sam and Sara need a father they can respect and she needs a good man to love her, a man like Greg.

Will fate give Amanda a second chance at love and happiness?

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Sep 29, 2004
• ISBN: 9780595779574

Breanna Cone

Breanna Cone has been writing since 2001. Her Spencer City Series characters are portrayed as small town citizens who live life to the fullest and truly care about the rest of the townspeople.

Book preview

Prologue

Image280.PNG

The middle aged man standing at the window of Room 211 of the Hearthside Motel looked like any ordinary traveling salesman. He was six feet tall with a slender build and brown hair cut short. His face was not remarkable in any way. The eyes were his only unusual feature. They were an opaque blue and showed very little emotion. The glasses on the dresser would have surprised anyone who looked through them. The lenses were thick but just clear glass. He wore them to appear less threatening.

He had been in this rural area for six weeks without anything to show for it. He had sold a few products at a legitimate job but it would never make him rich. It was only a cover for his real profession because it allowed him to scope out where his targets lived and worked. These special jobs were very profitable. For a five figure fee, he could make your enemies disappear with the ease of a magician. He specialized in arranging accidents without leaving any evidence of foul play. His success in this line of work earned him a nickname from his associates. They called him Nemesis.

His current assignment wasn’t going as planned. The first attempt failed miserably. How could he have known the good sheriff could move that fast? Since then, he hadn’t been able to catch the woman alone and now this heavy snowfall was hampering his ability to travel the roads. He would need chains for his tires but that purchase would have to wait. Today was Christmas and the stores were closed. Resigned to yet another day of waiting, he went to the dining room to get something to eat.

*    *    *

Sheriff Greg Rogers wasn’t in a festive mood this Christmas. He hadn’t even bothered to put up a tree. Ten years ago his parents moved out west for his father’s health which made it hard to get in the holiday spirit. He was an only child but his lack of family hadn’t bothered him until the last couple of years. While living in New York City, he enjoyed the holidays with lots of friends, male and female. That seemed like a life time ago.

Fresh out of the police academy, Greg started his law enforcement career fifteen years ago along with a dozen other rookies at the 5th Precinct in New York City. Life had been going good until a serious leg injury suffered in the line of duty forced him to take an extended leave of absence. He opted to return to his home town in Connecticut to let his thigh heal. If he had to be a gimp, he would at least be around familiar people and places.

He lost contact with most of the officers he worked with in New York City and his classmates from high school had either married or moved away. Scott Williams and he were the last single guys from his graduating class. Since The Good Samaritan Tree Farm’s grand opening, Scott spent most of his free time getting to know Julie Jones, his new colleague. That just left work to occupy his days and nights. On days like today, Greg wanted a wife to kiss under the mistletoe. He yearned for someone of his own to love. Someone to settle down with in Spencer City and raise a family.

Since Thanksgiving weekend, Greg had spent most of his time investigating Amanda Michaels’ ladder incident. It happened over a month ago at the tree decorating event but discreet inquiries had not produced any witnesses who remembered anything out of the ordinary. The guests were too busy decorating the trees to notice anyone skulking about. It would have been easy to mingle with the crowd until an opportunity presented itself to push the ladder then disappear back into the crowd.

Everyone seemed more concerned about Amanda’s injuries from the fall to notice if anyone had slipped away into the darkness. Even Amanda’s description of the man who offered to hold the ladder was vague, just an average looking guy in a denim jacket and boots. That description fit at least a dozen men there that night, except for the alligator boots.

Greg felt frustrated because she still hadn’t explained the situation with her ex-husband. He didn’t want to tell her he already knew about the viciousness of her divorce and why she left her home to hide herself and the children from all connections to her former life. Or about the extensive file the FBI had on Bradley Michaels’ criminal activities. The last time he tried to discuss it she told him she was waiting to hear from her attorney. That was two weeks ago. He suspected she was being deliberately evasive. It might be childish but Greg wanted her to trust him enough to confide in him. His patience was wearing thin. Not to mention his nerves.

Yesterday he snapped at his clerk, Sue Smith, when he couldn’t find a file. He apologized but her puzzled look suggested she didn’t understand why her even tempered boss had turned into a bear. He would treat her to lunch next week to make up for his rude behavior.

The thought of food made him wonder what was in his refrigerator he could eat. Joe’s Diner was closed for the holiday so he was forced to fend for himself. He was staring at an assortment of frozen entrees when his phone rang.

Sheriff Rogers.

Hello, Greg. It’s Amanda. I called the courthouse and they said you were off duty today. I hope I haven’t caught you at a bad time.

No, I’m not doing anything that can’t wait. What’s up? Greg could hear Amanda’s kids talking. He heard his name and something about food and presents.

I called to see if you would like to join us for a traditional turkey dinner tonight. I apologize for the short notice but I completely forgot to mention it yesterday when we were coming back from the Children’s Home. Answering all the questions Sam and Sara were asking made it slip my mind.

I’d enjoy a home cooked meal. You’ve saved me from a boring microwave dinner. Actually, I’m glad you called. I bought a few presents for Sam and Sara. I wanted to bring them over but I wasn’t sure of your plans. I didn’t want to intrude. Greg didn’t tell her he turned down an invitation from Sue on the off chance she might call. The petite woman’s blonde-haired, blue-eyed beauty had kept him awake a lot this past month.

No special plans, just playing board games with the children. They have a gift for you, too. Dinner should be ready around 6:00 but if you want to you can come over earlier. Sam and Sara will be glad to entertain you while I finish cooking. After dinner, I’d like to discuss that personal problem.

Does that mean you heard from your attorney?

Yes and it isn’t good news, which means I’ll be talking to you in your official capacity.

I’ll be there in an hour. Amanda sounded worried and that made him anxious to hear this story.

CHAPTER 1

Image280.PNG

As Amanda Michaels prepared the vegetable dishes to go with the turkey baking in the oven, she was trying to decide how much of her background she should tell the man sitting in her living room playing Trivial Pursuit. The wrong answers he was intentionally giving were silly and endearing. The laughter coming from that room was contagious. She found herself smiling at his antics and wishing her children’s father had been half as considerate. It took a special man to put his male ego aside to let a pair of precocious kids like Sam and Sara feel superior to an adult.

When Brad stayed home in the evenings, his time was spent in the study on the phone. He never bothered to do the things most fathers did with their children. He didn’t have any patience. The slightest thing would make him lose his temper. Sam and Sara learned to stay in their rooms and make sure they didn’t annoy him.

That’s why they liked Greg so much. He listened to their chatter like everything they said was important. They had a big case of hero worship and if Amanda wasn’t careful, she would be just as smitten. His smile was so heartwarming. When he was around, she felt the world was a safe place and worrying was a foolish waste of time.

Amanda heard noisy footsteps coming down the hallway. She turned around as Sam and Sara came running into the kitchen followed by Greg.

Mom, I won! I won! Sara jumped up and down like she was on a pogo stick.

That’s wonderful, darling. You and Sam need to put the game back in the box, then go wash your hands. Dinner is almost ready and it’s time to set the table.

Okay. They whispered to each other and raced out of the kitchen.

What are those two plotting? Amanda wondered.

Can I do something to help?

Yes, you may. The turkey’s ready to take out of the oven. Set it on the trivets in the center of the table.

Amanda handed two thick oven mitts to Greg and watched as he lifted the large roasting pan from the oven. It was amazing how easy he made it look because she struggled to carry it from the counter earlier. She had forgotten how handy it was to have men with muscles around the house to lift heavy objects or give gentle hugs of affection.

Ever since Greg made that flying catch at the tree farm, Amanda had been having fantasies about being held close in those arms that had cradled her so tenderly. Of being swept up and carried off to a secluded place for a romantic night of lovemaking. It was a foolish daydream she knew wasn’t going to happen. During all the town’s holiday festivities they had attended, Greg hadn’t given any indication he was interested. As a matter of fact, he almost treated her like a sister, which was a depressing thought.

Within ten minutes, the table was set, the vegetable dishes placed on the table and it was time to begin the meal. Sam pulled out his mother’s chair then directed Greg to sit at the head of the table. Amanda smiled at her son because he had placed Greg in the father role.

Whose turn is it to bless the food? Amanda asked as she placed her hands on the tabletop.

It’s my turn, Sam answered. Sara and he clasped their mother’s hands then offered their other hands to their guest.

Greg took the small hands of the children. As he listened to Sam asking that the food and their dinner guest be blessed, he was a little bit in awe of this mother and her two children. After all they’d been through, he was surprised they could still be thankful for the ordinary things people took for granted. He bowed his head and offered up a prayer of his own. When Sam finished, Greg looked up directly into Amanda’s eyes and smiled before echoing the benediction. Amen.

Greg, would you do the honors and carve the turkey? Sam and Sara each want a leg and the wishbone. Amanda winked and smiled mischievously at her children.

Greg had forgotten how nice it was to be part of a family meal during holidays. It wasn’t just being around people you liked but the smells coming from the kitchen the last hour reminded him of his mom’s kitchen. To look up and see a beautiful woman across the table wasn’t bad either.

Dinner was a very pleasant affair although the conversation wasn’t exactly what he expected. The usual chatter of the two children was missing. It was limited to pass the salt or another roll. Sam and Sara rushed through the meal as fast as their mother would allow. The gifts Greg placed underneath the Christmas tree when he arrived drew their attention like a magnet. Amanda insisted they wait until after the meal to open the presents. With a sigh, Greg pushed back from the table.

Amanda, that was a delicious meal but the second piece of pie was a tad too much. I’m so full I can’t move.

Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Cooking an elaborate meal is fun if it can be shared with someone who really appreciates good food. Why don’t you kids help Greg to the sofa? I’ll join you as soon as I load the dishwasher and put the food away.

Okay, but hurry. I don’t think we can wait much longer to give Sheriff Greg his present.

While Greg pretended to be unable to move, Sam and Sara took hold of his hands and pulled. With lots of tugging and laughter, they finally got him to his feet. Then they escorted him to the living room sofa and placed pillows behind him, treating him like a precious jewel. It was all Greg could do to keep a grin off his face.

Amanda overheard them telling Greg about their presents from Santa Claus. She was so proud of them. They never complained about the drastic change in their family finances or questioned why she couldn’t buy them everything they wanted.

Sam and Sara knew they had a large trust fund because she explained it when their grandparents died. She told them what a trust fund was and why it couldn’t be touched until they turned twenty-one. She also told them if they earned money, they would value the things they spent it on much more than if she gave them the money. The joy of giving to others was more important than the gifts they received.

When they used their wages from working on the tree farm to buy a gift for Greg and even gave money to help buy gifts for the children at the orphanages, Amanda knew they understood what she meant. The turmoil they’d witnessed between their father and her made them wiser than most children their age. She only hoped it hadn’t robbed them of the wonders of childhood.

She held up her hand and looked at the ring Sam and Sara gave her for Christmas. It was shaped like a rose stem with tiny diamonds for leaves and two amethysts as flowers. Amanda suspected their taxi driver had helped them pick this present out.

Mom, are you finished? Sara called from the living room.

Yes, I am. Amanda came into the living room in time to see them race over to pick up the presents. Who wants to open their gift first?

Sheriff Greg has to go first. Sam handed the brightly colored gift with extra bows to Greg then sat on the sofa next to him.

We wrapped it ourselves, Sara announced and sat on the other side of Greg.

You did an excellent job. Maybe you can help me with my gift wrapping next year. Greg pulled off the bows, removed the gift wrap and opened the box. Inside was a gold watch. He looked at the grins on Sam and Sara’s faces.

This is a really neat watch. How did you know I needed a new one?

We noticed the one you had kept losing time and you said you needed to get it repaired. Mom suggested we have it engraved so you would always remember it was from us.

Greg turned the watch until the light shone on the back. The inscription read: Merry Christmas, Sam and Sara Michaels. He didn’t know what to say. He hadn’t been around children much but being their chauffeur this past month to the tree farm, he had gotten to know them