Free The Deputy's New Family by Jenna Mindel

Beth’s refusal to give a cop a chance. But then, maybe that was wiser still and completely understandable.
    “So how’d you and your mom get through it?”
    Beth shrugged. “Church and friends, mostly.”
    “Were you and your mom always churchgoers?”
    Beth nodded. “For as long as I can remember.”
    “That’s good. I want that for Corey. He needs to grow up in a good church and know how to live a Christian life. I’ve been a poor example for a man of faith. I put God on the back burner for a while.”
    Beth’s eyes widened. “And now?”
    “Now I want Him front and center.”
    “Easier said than done, huh?”
    Nick nodded.
    “Don’t worry, you’re a better example than you realize.”
    Her words soothed, and he clung to them. “I hope you’re right.”
    “Your son’s a good boy, Mr. Grey. A little withdrawn maybe, but there’s a gentle politeness there, too. He tests the waters with kids in his class before putting himself out there all the way. I’d guess he gets that from you.”
    “Yeah, maybe.” Perceptive woman. He’d learned the hard way that what glittered wasn’t always gold. Especially with Susan. She’d seemed so perfect in the beginning, but then they hadn’t really known each other. Once married, that became all too clear.
    The ball game started, so Corey made his way back into the bleachers and sat next to Beth as if he belonged there. As if he belonged to her. But the boy smiled at him. “Thanks, Dad.”
    Nick leaned forward. “For what?”
    Corey shrugged. “Coming here.”
    “You’re welcome.” He glanced at Beth.
    She gave him a soft smile that made him rethink his comment about not getting involved. What Beth had said was dead-on. He needed to find ways to share fun experiences with his boy if he hoped to knit their torn relationship back together. Maybe even make it stronger.
    Still, there was no doubt Beth’s presence had helped. Corey relaxed around her, and Nick wished some of that ease would rub off toward him. Maybe it would, in time.
    For now, Beth made a good buffer between them. They needed her. In fact, they both might need Beth Ryken for a whole lot more than simply a reading tutor.
    * * *
    As the game wore on, Corey went back to playing catch with Thomas. Beth watched the clouds roll in and smother the sun.
    She shivered. “This is why I don’t come to many early-season games. I end up freezing.”
    “Here, use the blanket.” Nick scooted off their woolen cushion and helped her pull it up around her shoulders.
    “Thanks. You want half?” she asked before she’d considered sitting that close to him.
    He cocked one eyebrow at her as if she’d lost her mind. “No. I’m fine.”
    Maybe she had, considering her speech about not getting involved. She wrapped the blanket tighter, and yet part of her was disappointed that he hadn’t taken her up on her offer. He’d be warm to lean against.
    And Nick was a man of faith, he’d said. Maybe that was why she’d connected with him on a level other than simple attraction. They had God in common.
    She’d meant what she’d said about not dating cops. Not that many had asked. A state trooper she’d met at a friend’s wedding had once asked her out, but she’d declined his offer. She’d made a personal vow never to marry a police officer. But in the case of the state trooper, there’d been no spark.
    She glanced at Nick. A shiver of excitement shot up her spine that had nothing to do with the cold. Sparks didn’t begin to cover their mutual attraction.
    Nick had admitted to finding her attractive. Sedate-sounding words, but she’d seen the fire in his eyes when he’d said it. As a woman, she found that look super gratifying. As a woman with a brain, she knew that look was as good as a red-flag warning.
    Beth had few regrets in her life and she planned to keep it that way. Losing her father early in her teens made her realize how short life could be, so she played it safe. She thought long and hard before