Free Lakeside Hero (Men Of Millbrook Lake Book 1) by Lenora Worth

share this big house. Plenty of room for Angus and us.”
    Marla remembered Vivian Caldwell as being an attractive, elegant woman who had a mysterious, aloof air about her. She always made the paper on the society page, however. “But your mother was active in the community, right?”
    “Yes, but on her terms,” he replied, his expression full of a deep sadness. “She contributed a lot of the Caldwell money through the foundation. She didn’t like getting her hands dirty but she was generous.”
    Marla wondered about him. Was he as reclusive as his mother? It seemed that way at times, but he’d been nothing but charming and accommodating today. “And do you like getting your hands dirty?”
    “I don’t know yet.” He shrugged. “I’m used to being down and dirty on the front line, but it’s a different thing now that I’m home and out of the military. The foundation keeps me busy and trying to start this new venture with the Caldwell Canines is a challenge. But I’ve always liked being hands-on.”
    Marla was happy to hear that. “Well, my dad’s certainly looking for able bodies to help with the garden out at Millbrook Lake Retirement Village. Most of his friends have to be careful of overheating or hurting their backs.”
    Alec came around the counter, his smile making her forget all about her vow to keep him at arm’s length. “You have my number. Tell him to give me a call anytime. I have three buddies who can do everything from hoe a row to get cats out of trees.”
    Marla loved his sense of humor and she was glad he had buddies. Knowing that made him more accessible for some reason. “And I’m guessing Preacher Sanderson is one of those three?”
    “He’s at the top of the list. I met him when I was recovering stateside. He was more than a chaplain in the army. He’s good at everything he tries.”
    “He’s good at helping people who’ve lost hope,” she said before she could pull the words back.
    “Did he help you?”
    “Yes.” She glanced down at her hands and wished she’d stayed quiet. “He wants to help Gabby but she’s still shy around him.” Giving him a quick glance, she added, “She’s uncomfortable around most adult men. Her therapist says it’ll take a while for her to heal.”
    Alec leaned in. “I understand that concept. I had a hard time when I finally came back here. I was the same but different. Sometimes, it’s difficult for others to understand that soldiers go through a lot they don’t like to talk about. I would imagine children have it even harder when they’re dealing with trauma. Anyway, I hope I get to meet Gabby one day, but no rush on that. Preacher helped me work through things, and I still have bad days.”
    She wished she could ask him about those things, but Marla didn’t want to pry. He’d tell her if he wanted her to know.
    “I’m glad you had a friend.”
    “Yeah, so am I.” He took her by the arm. “Let’s get out there and see what those two are talking so intently about.”
    So that ended the conversation. It seemed neither of them wanted to talk about the past or their hidden scars. Marla accepted that maybe they both were a little shy in the getting-to-know-you department.
    To lighten the mood, she glanced out the window. “I think maybe they’re discussing the hibiscus plants?”
    He winked at her. “Either that or...maybe they’re comparing notes on you and me.”
    She laughed at the teasing look in his eyes. “Do you want that?”
    “Not really,” he said as he guided her out the French doors. A nice spring breeze played through the palm fronds on one side of the yard and tickled along the broad porch. “I prefer speaking for myself.”
    “Same here,” Marla said as they moved down the steps. “But you know they mean well.”
    “I do. Meaning well can often lead to misinterpretation, however.” He stopped before they reached the gazebo where his aunt and her mother had settled. “I’d never want you to hear something