LITMIR.BIZ

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for the Dill Sheriff’s Department.

      And today Mayor McIntyre was giving Serena and Ginger a commendation for outstanding service. The whole town would be present.

      But there was only one man she wanted to see. A certain cowboy.

      We’ll talk soon, he’d said. But she hadn’t heard from him in any way in the past three days. She’d thought about driving out to the ranch but then talked herself out of it. He obviously wanted to go back to his isolation. And after hearing the harrowing story of his wife’s and partner’s murders, she understood his pain.

      She’d just thought she and Jason had connected... She gave herself a mental shake. Stop it. He knows how to find you. She wasn’t going to go begging for his attention despite how badly she wanted to see him.

      “Okay, Ginger, we have to leave or we’ll be late.” Unfortunately, her car was parked out front, which meant braving the media.

      A loud rap on the front door startled her into irritation. Some intrepid reporter, no doubt. She blew out a breath, plastered on a smile and yanked open the door.

      Jason stood there wearing a well-tailored navy suit, crisp white shirt and tie. A black Stetson covered his head and black snakeskin cowboy boots completed the picture. Her gaze skimmed over his clean-shaven jaw and met his warm brown eyes. Surprise and pleasure poured through her, making her knees weak.

      In his hands he held the most beautiful bouquet of pink, orange and yellow gerbera daisies. Her favorites.

      She opened her mouth but no words formed.

      He cocked an eyebrow. “May I come in?”

      Shaking off her stupor, she stepped back, allowing him to enter her home. Ginger barked and ran to sit at his feet, looking up at him with eager affection. He bent down and scrubbed behind her ears. His warm brown-and-gold-flecked gaze met Serena’s. “Hello, beautiful.”

      Heat flooded her cheeks. “I’m surprised to see you.”

      He straightened. “I hope it’s a pleasant surprise.”

      “Definitely.”

      “I brought you these.” He held the flowers out.

      She took them and headed for the kitchen to put them in water. “I love gerbera daisies.”

      “I know.”

      She froze then turned to stare at him. “How?”

      He winked. “Ex-detective, remember?”

      Charmed, she laughed softly. “Seriously, how did you know?”

      “I met your parents in town this morning, and I asked your mother.”

      Serena’s mouth dropped open. “You talked to my parents? About me?”

      “I did. Nice people.” He took her hands in his. “And I wanted to let them know I intend to date their daughter.”

      Delight cascaded over her like a waterfall. “You’re asking me out?”

      “For starters.” He drew her close and brushed his knuckles along her cheek. “I want to know you and see what God has in store for us.”

      She laid her hand on his chest and felt his heart beat beneath her palm. “I like the sound of that.”

      “Great. But for now may I escort you to your commendation ceremony?”

      “Yes.” She slipped her hand around the elbow he offered. “Ginger and I would love to have a handsome escort.”

      In fact, she could get used to having this amazing man beside her for the rest of her days. God willing.

       EPILOGUE

      Two years later.

      April 1.

      Serena shifted uncomfortably on the bed. A slight breeze came through the window, cooling off her skin. The muted beep of her cell phone going off announced a text message. The clock read five thirty in the morning. She grabbed for the device on the bedside table and read the message. Dismay choked her. She scrambled awkwardly upright and turned on the light.

      Her husband of sixteen months rolled from his side toward her and put his hand on her belly. “Everything okay?”

      The concern in his voice pulled her from the horror on the phone’s screen. She covered his hand. “The baby and I are fine. It’s Boyd Sullivan.” Her throat tightened. “He escaped from prison a few hours ago.”

      Jason sat up and ran a hand through his hair. “That maniac is on the loose again?” He shuddered.

      “Apparently he returned to Canyon Air Force Base.” She shivered and snuggled closer to her husband and whispered, “It seems he’s back to killing.”

      * * * * *

       Mission to Protect

      Terri Reed

      Enter the world of the Military K-9 Unit

      A riveting new series begins!

      When the Red Rose Killer leaves his calling card for Staff Sergeant Felicity Monroe, she knows exactly what that means—she’s on his revenge list. Her boss, Master Sergeant Westley James, and K-9 German shepherd Dakota become her guardians, but they’ll have to act fast to escape the man who wants her dead.

      “What aren’t you telling me?”

      Westley’s question jerked Felicity’s gaze to meet his intense stare. She felt her heart pound as her instincts warred with Ian’s directive.

      “Felicity, I can’t protect you if I don’t know what is going on.”

      True. Westley was the only one standing between her and a potential killer.

      Two killers, in fact.

      And if Westley didn’t know there was more than one threat out there, then how effective could he be?

      She inhaled, blew out the breath and said, “My father’s death wasn’t an accident.”

      * * *

      Dear Reader,

      I hope you have enjoyed the first book in the Military K-9 Unit continuity series. When I was asked to be a part of this editor-created project, I was elated and nervous. This is my first foray into writing about military heroes, both two-legged and four. I have the utmost respect and admiration for our military-service women and men. In writing this novel, I called upon many experts and ex-military personnel for help and guidance. Please forgive any and all mistakes as some creative license was taken for the sake of the story.

      Developing the characters of Westley and Felicity was both fun and challenging. I needed them to be strong, honorable and brave, but vulnerable enough to let down the walls around their hearts and fall in love. Each came to the story with old wounds that needed to be healed before they could find their happy ending. Westley was afraid he would repeat the patterns of behavior modeled to him by his parents. And Felicity battled with insecurity, which kept her from permitting anyone to get close. But love softened their hearts and allowed them both to be open to a future together.

      Through the next seven books you will find more stories of romance and mystery as the men and women of the fictional Canyon Air Force Base fall in love and bring down the Red Rose Killer. Enjoy!

      Blessings,

      Terri Reed

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