A Soldier's Return

She felt so good…

Jim could barely believe he was holding Carrie in his arms. She was the softest thing he’d touched in years. Her lips were warm and she tasted of chocolate. Why had it taken him so long to kiss her, when he’d been aching to do just that since he’d first walked into her office?

Just then Carrie wrenched her mouth from his and tore herself away. Not even looking at him, she stammered, “I—I have to go.” Then she ran across the patio toward the house.

Jim stood there dazed and suddenly bereft by the loss of the woman in his arms. For years he’d told himself he needed no one, but right now he realized how much he needed—how much he wanted—Carrie. And that could mean only one thing. Trouble.

Dear Reader,

I don’t know about you, but as a little girl I fantasized about having an older brother. One who was bigger, older and wiser than me. In the CHILDREN OF TEXAS series, after writing about the three girls in the Barlow family, I’m finally writing about their big brother, James (Jim) Barlow. It’s rather odd when your big brother is thirty-one when you first meet him, but the three girls have an immediate response to Jim, and he to them.

Maybe I write strong men who love their families because of my dad. He was strong, brave and a family man. He was even a hero, because he was a fireman. He spent his free time doing things with the four of us, even though only one of us was a boy, my younger brother. But Daddy taught us all to shoot a gun, catch fish and hike in the woods. Some might consider these “man” things, but Daddy didn’t distinguish between us.

I hope you enjoy Jim’s trials and tribulations and the family love that he finds. As they always say, you never can have too much family. Especially when you’ve been alone for a long time.

Happy reading!

A Soldier’s Return

Judy Christenberry

www.millsandboon.co.uk

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Judy Christenberry has been writing romances for over fifteen years because she loves happy endings as much as her readers do. A former French teacher, Judy now devotes herself to writing full-time. She hopes readers have as much fun with her stories as she does. She spends her spare time reading, watching her favorite sports teams and keeping track of her two daughters. Judy lives in Texas.

Contents

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Prologue

Carrie Abrams was working on her computer when she heard the door of the detective agency open.

She turned her body to greet the entrant, but her eyes were still focused on completing the task on her computer screen. She clicked Save and reluctantly brought her eyes to the person standing by the door. Spit-shined shoes, crisp khaki pants, belted jacket…

As her gaze rose up the tall, straight-postured man before her, she saw he was a military man. A well-built military man. She looked at his face—and gasped.

“Jim!”

At the odd look on the man’s face, she retracted the surprised greeting. “I—I mean— Sorry, I mistook you for someone I, um—” She was stammering like a blubbering fool, but she couldn’t help it. That was a common result when one met one’s fantasy-come-to-life. Grabbing hold of herself, she cleared her throat and said in her best professional voice, “May I help you?”

“I need to speak with Will Greenfield.”

“And your name?” She almost held her breath.

“Captain James Barlow.”

She knew it! She’d recognize that face anywhere. After all, she’d been staring at his picture for over a year. But the man was even better looking in person.

On rather unsteady feet she got up from her desk, suddenly wishing she’d worn something other than a pair of jeans and a bulky sweater. You’re being silly, she told herself. Jim Barlow wouldn’t care what she was wearing. He didn’t even know her.

She rapped on Will’s door and opened it at his say-so, then stepped inside, closed the door and leaned against it.

“He’s here!” She whispered so the man in the outer office wouldn’t hear her.

“Who—” Will started to ask, but Carrie didn’t wait.

“Jim! He’s here. And he wants to see you.”

Will’s face broke into a smile. “Well, show him in!”

More than anything Carrie wanted to stay in Will’s office, to be part of the discussion with the captain, but she knew she couldn’t ask. It wouldn’t be professional.

And it was Will’s case, after all, not to mention part of his extended family.

Instead, she opened the door. “Captain Barlow, please come in.” She leaned against the door, reluctant to break contact with the men. Then her gaze was caught by the warning glint of the silver frame on her desk. Right near where the man was standing.

“Oh, no!” She rushed forward. Jim’s picture was on her desk. Had he seen it? She hoped not. How could she explain her fascination with Vanessa’s oldest brother?

The explanation was simple really. In her work as a private investigator for Greenfield and Associates, she found it easier to understand the person she was looking for if she had a photo of him or her. In this case, though, the picture hadn’t prepared her for the fact that Jim Barlow was an absolute hunk. He was taller than she realized, with thick muscles that in person couldn’t be hidden by his uniform. His dark hair didn’t surprise her, since his three sisters had the same brown color, but his chocolate eyes glinted with golden highlights in the overhead light. Yes, he was a definite hunk!

They’d found Jim early on in their investigation, so that excuse for his picture didn’t really work. It was just that. An excuse. The truth was she’d been fascinated by his square-jawed image ever since she’d first seen the standard-issue marine photograph. Vanessa had been, too. He was the picture of protective, strong…safe. The big brother every little girl dreamed of. The man every woman dreamed of.

Her best friend, Vanessa Shaw, had probably dreamed those dreams as she was raised as an only child. Then, after her father’s death, her mother had told her that she was adopted and that she had five siblings. That revelation had set in motion a chain of events that had brought tremendous changes in their lives.

Carrie drew a deep breath. It was so tempting to call Vanessa and break the news. But she couldn’t do that. That was Will’s privilege.

All she could do was sit here and pretend indifference that Jim Barlow had returned to the bosom of his family after twenty-three years.

Chapter One

“Mr. Greenfield,” Jim said crisply in greeting as the tall, middle-aged man came around his desk.

“Captain Barlow, welcome. May I call you Jim?”

Jim nodded. If he was right, Greenfield wasn’t the only one who thought of him as Jim. The receptionist had said she’d mistaken him for someone else, but if that was true, it was quite a coincidence.

“Sit down, Jim. We didn’t expect you for several more months.”

“Yes, I made a decision to get out of the marines. I thought I’d come meet my sisters, unless this is an inconvenient time.”

“Lord have mercy, you walk out of here without seeing them and my wife would divorce me, and those three young ladies would never speak to me again!”

“Your wife would divorce you?” Jim asked, a little surprised by Greenfield’s response.

“Vanessa didn’t tell you I married her mother?”

“No. In fact, she hasn’t told me much of anything. Her letters have been filled with questions about me.”

“Well, then, there’s a lot we have to talk about.” He reached for the phone. “But first I’ll call the house and let them know you’re here. Our housekeeper will want to make a welcome-home dinner. Then we can go over there, or I can answer any questions you have first.”

Jim watched the man talk with someone named Betty.

“Yes, I’ll tell her. I’m sure she’ll accept. Tell Viv when she wakes up. And call Vanessa and Rebecca.”

After he hung up the phone, the man looked at Jim. “My wife is still napping. Our son still gets us up several times a night.”

Jim didn’t want to ask any awkward questions, but he thought Greenfield was a bit old to have a baby son.

Will sighed. “I should’ve guessed they didn’t tell you about our baby, either.” He sat back in his chair and nodded at the photo on his desk. An attractive blonde held a blue-blanketed newborn.

“Vivian adopted Vanessa during her first marriage. She was married at eighteen. She’s just turned forty-four.” He shrugged a shoulder and grinned. “We didn’t plan on another family, but we’re thrilled about our son. He’s five months old.”

“Congratulations,” Jim said, relieved to have things clarified.

“Do you have other questions before we go to the house?”

Jim drew a deep breath. He had so many questions, it’d take a lifetime to ask them. But before he could ask any, the phone rang again.

“Excuse me,” Will said. After a minute, he covered the phone receiver and explained to Jim, “I’m sorry, but I’ve got to take this call.” He raised his voice and called out, “Carrie?”

The young woman appeared at the door. “Yes, Will?”

“Could you answer any questions Jim might have while I finish this call?”

“Of course. Come with me, Jim—I mean Captain Barlow.”

“‘Jim’ will be fine,” he said, rising and moving into the outer office again. “There’s no need to entertain me. I’ll go back to my hotel and call Will tomorrow.”

“No!” she replied, grabbing his arm. “You can’t leave!” Carrie felt his muscles tense under her hold, and she looked at him, noting an accompanying hardening of his features.

“Unless I’m under house arrest, I don’t see any reason why I can’t…Carrie, is it?”

She withdrew her hand from his arm. “I—I didn’t mean I could stop you, Jim. I meant it would be a disappointment to your family if you left today without seeing any of them.”

“I doubt that, Carrie. They haven’t seen me since the twins were two. And Vanessa was three months old when she was adopted. She definitely doesn’t remember me.”

The only sibling he’d had contact with was Wally because they’d both gone in the foster-care system. Wally had followed him into the marines—and had been killed at twenty-eight.

He’d told his sisters, and Will, about his brother’s death. He hadn’t forgiven himself for Wally’s end. After all, Wally had joined the marines only because Jim had.

He cleared his throat. “I’m sure waiting until tomorrow won’t make any difference.”

“Jim, I’m a friend of Vanessa’s. I know how much she’s been longing to see you. Please, just wait a few minutes. I’m sure Will won’t be long.”

With a sigh, Jim sat down in one of the chairs in front of her desk. “Will said he married Vanessa’s mother.”

“Yes, last spring, and they have a son, Danny.”

“So the baby is Vanessa’s brother?”

“Technically he’s her half brother.” She smiled. “It’s quite a story, you know. Last year Vanessa only had her adoptive mother, Vivian. Now she has a stepfather, two sisters, a half brother and you, her real brother.”

“Sounds like she’s got more family than she needs.”

Carrie looked him straight in the eye, her expression serious. “I don’t think one ever has enough family.” Then she lowered her head and began reading a piece of paper she’d snatched from the printer.

There was something in her face, some tone in her voice that made him think she might not have family, that she might be all alone. Like he’d been for so long. “Do you have family?” he asked.

Her head snapped up but she didn’t look at him. “That doesn’t matter.” Then switching gears, she asked, “Did Vanessa tell you that your other sisters are married?”

“Yes, Rebecca and Rachel mentioned that in their letters.” He couldn’t help wondering about Carrie’s marital status. She was a beauty, with big blue eyes to go along with her golden hair, which she wore in a casual style that suited her soft features.

“Rebecca is expecting her second—a baby girl—any day now.”

Carrie’s statement broke into his thoughts. “I didn’t know that,” he said, forcing his attention back on what she was saying.

“Joey, her son, is five and adorable.”

“So he’ll have a sister like Vanessa.”

“Not exactly,” Carrie said.

“Not exactly? Either Rebecca’s husband is Joey’s father, as well, or he’s not.” Jim stared at her, waiting for a response.

“He is. But when she was pregnant with Joey, she and Jeff lost contact and Rebecca never looked for him. When they accidentally found each other, he was already engaged to another woman. But he found a way to marry Rebecca.”

“Good for him. But I think I’m going to need a chart to keep up with all of them.”

Carrie laughed. It was a beautiful sound, he realized instantly. “There’s only Rachel left. She’s married to J.D. He’s a rancher and he’s terrific. A great guy.”

“Are you attracted to him?” Jim asked, frowning. He didn’t want anyone giving his sisters problems. And he could see how any man might be interested in the blonde.

The young woman stared at him, her mouth open. The expression should have made her unattractive, but it didn’t. He guessed he had a weak spot for blue-eyed blondes.

“No! Absolutely not!”

“Then why did you say he was terrific?”

“Because he is. Especially the way he treats Rachel.”

“Okay,” Jim said slowly, watching her carefully. “Do they live in Dallas?”

“No, his ranch is in west Texas, five or six hours west of Dallas.”

“Have you been there?” That would tell him how involved she was with his sister’s husband.

“No,” she said, frowning.

Before she could say anything else, Will came out of his office, putting on his jacket as he walked.

“We’re going home, Carrie,” he said. “Betty’s putting on a big spread and she’s expecting you to be there.”

“I shouldn’t intrude, Will. It’s a night for family,” Carrie said.

“You’re family, honey, and don’t you forget it,” the man said as he stooped down to kiss her cheek. “Now, are you coming with us or do you have things you need to do? Dinner is at six.”

“I’d better finish up a few things, but I’ll be along for dinner.” Carrie turned her eyes on him. “And…welcome home, Jim.”

“Thank you.” He could hear the sincerity in her voice. Still, there was something disturbing about the young woman. Perhaps because he’d actually found himself responding to her…?

CARRIE FORCED HERSELF to wait another hour at the office before she put away her work and went to her car. By now, she figured, Vanessa had had a chance to meet her brother. Maybe even Rebecca had gotten there, too, though Rachel probably wouldn’t arrive until tomorrow.

She couldn’t imagine the joy the three sisters would feel upon seeing their long-lost brother. She could hardly believe she’d met Jim herself, though she’d certainly dreamed about their first encounter countless times.

In the past year she’d had a lot of fantasies about Jim, all of them with her as a costar. She’d even started having conversations with his picture in which she’d imagined his responses, his smiles…his touch. In her fantasies, that tight-jawed look in his face relaxed, revealing a wealth of emotions.

Had she been wrong? The real Jim seemed as stoic and unemotional as his photo. But maybe that was to be expected under the circumstances. Once he was in the circle of family, surely he’d emote. No one could hold back for long in the Greenfield house. She knew how loving they were. After all, over the past year and a half they’d become her family, too, especially since both her parents were now gone.

When she reached the Greenfield house in the Highland Park suburb of Dallas, she went to the front door, an unusual occurrence. Since she and Vanessa had found each other again, she visited frequently, but usually through the back door.

When the door opened, Betty stared at her. “What are you doing ringing the doorbell, Carrie? Get yourself in here.”

Carrie kissed the housekeeper’s cheek. “I didn’t want to intrude. Has everyone gathered to meet Jim?”

“No. We can’t find Vanessa or Rebecca. We called the law office and her husband’s gone, too.”

“Maybe the girls went shopping for the baby. Did you try their cell phones?”

“No answer.”

“Oh, my. Is the captain still here?”

“A’course. Will had to practically tackle him to keep him from leaving. Miz Vivian hasn’t woken up, either. She’s sleeping a long time.”

“I’m up, Betty,” called Vivian as she reached the first floor.

“Miz Vivian, guess who’s here?”

“I can see. Hi, Carrie. How are you?”

“Vivian, I’m not who Betty means. Jim is here.”

“Jim? Here? Where is he?”

Carrie looked at Betty even as she took Vivian’s arm. She could feel the excitement running through Vivian.

“In the library,” Betty said and preceded them down the hall and opened the door.

Carrie followed Vivian in, eager to see her reaction to Jim.

The man immediately stood, and Vivian didn’t hesitate. She did what Carrie had wanted to do. She rushed forward and wrapped her arms around him.

Will chuckled. “Jim, this exuberant woman is my wife and Vanessa’s mother.”

Carrie could see the awkwardness Jim was experiencing. He hadn’t expected a woman he’d never met to embrace him and press her head against his chest.

Finally, Vivian took a step back and smiled up at him as she cupped his cheek with one hand. “Oh, I’m so excited. We didn’t think you’d be here for a few more months. This is so wonderful! Did Vanessa cry? She does that when things get too emotional.”

Will responded to his wife’s question. “Honey, we haven’t been able to find Vanessa or Rebecca.”

“Can’t find them? That’s ridiculous, Will! You’re a private eye.”

“I’ve called everyone I can think of. Jeff’s office doesn’t know where he is, either.”

“Where’s Joey? He should be getting out of kindergarten now. What if—”

“We sent Peter over to their house to wait for him to come home,” Will assured her, mentioning Betty’s husband, who also worked for them.

“We need to call the hospitals. Something may have gone wrong with Rebecca!”

Before they could call, the telephone rang. Will answered, then listened. “Okay, thanks, Bill. We’ll be there in a few minutes.”

He hung up the phone. “You were right. That was Bill, Jeff’s partner. Rebecca went into labor while she and Vanessa were shopping. She’s at Presbyterian.”

“Good heavens!” Vivian exclaimed. “Everything’s happening at once. I’ll get my purse. Carrie, can you call Rachel?”

Carrie nodded, but she couldn’t take her eyes off Jim. He looked like an inmate waiting for the right moment to break out.

Sure enough he said, “I’ll check in with you tomorrow, Will,” and edged toward the door.

Vivian ordered, “Stop!”

Jim came to an abrupt halt. “Yes, ma’am?”

“Do you have a fear of hospitals?” Vivian asked gently.

Carrie almost laughed aloud at Jim’s confused expression. “No, ma’am.”

“Then come with us. Rebecca will be thrilled that you’ve arrived in time for the birth of her second child.” She tucked her hand into Jim’s arm and dragged him out of the library.

Will grinned at Carrie and offered his arm. “I’m afraid you’re stuck with me, Carrie, since Vivian captured the captain. Shall we go?”

“Yes, but we’d better tell Betty about Rebecca and to put dinner on hold.”

“Good thinking. It may be a long night.”

VIVIAN HAD INSISTED they all ride in the same car. On the way, Carrie had called Rachel, but Rebecca had already called her. Rachel and her husband were flying in.

Vivian hadn’t stopped talking since she met the captain. “What a wonderful surprise to find you here, Jim. The girls will be so happy!”

Jim was sitting in the back seat beside Carrie. She had yet to see him relax, or to see him smile. She wanted him to be happy to be with his family again, but she wasn’t sure what his response was yet. They were fairly overwhelming. Maybe it was too much to expect him to show his emotion so soon.

When they reached the hospital, Jim tried to hang back, but Vivian insisted he escort her. “The second floor is for maternity,” she announced as they entered the elevator. “I know because our baby was born here five months ago. J.D. proposed to Rachel in the waiting room that night, too.”

Carrie caught Jim’s glance at her, as if he was acknowledging what she’d earlier told him. Either that or asking her to rescue him, she thought with a grin.

When they reached the waiting room, there was no one there. Vivian hurried up to the nurse’s desk. The nurse told her what room Rebecca was in.

“But she already has two people in there. You should wait until one of them comes out.”

Vivian turned to her family. “I’ll go get them. It won’t take but a minute. Wait right here, Jim.”

Jim backed away as soon as Vivian disappeared. “I’m not sure I’ll be welcome tonight. Perhaps I should go to the hotel and—”

“You seem uncommonly fond of your hotel room,” Will teased.

Jim shrugged his shoulders. “Compared to my normal accommodations, it’s pretty special.”

Carrie felt she had to speak. “Jim—I mean Captain Barlow,” she hurriedly said when he raised his eyebrow, “Vivian would be terribly hurt if you left. And Vanessa would cry. Please stay.”

His deep brown eyes looked into hers, as if questioning her honesty. Finally he gave her a nod. “I’ll wait.”

He was a man of few words, Carrie decided, but she nodded in return, adding a smile. At least he’d agreed to stay.

Will guided him toward some of the seats. “You must get tired of standing at attention so much,” he said.

“Not really,” Jim said stiffly, still standing.

Carrie desperately wanted to know more about this man. Though it was none of her business, she asked, “What made you leave the marines now?”

She thought he was going to dive for a foxhole to avoid answering her question. But she kept her gaze focused on him, hoping he would explain himself.

Finally he said in a low voice, “I’d been thinking about getting out for a while now. I was afraid I’d die before I saw my sisters again. I’d already been wounded twice. I figured the third time would kill me.”

A chill shot through Carrie. She’d often found herself worrying about Jim’s safety. She’d listened more closely to the news about the Iraq war, fearing that one day she’d hear that Jim had been killed. It seemed they’d shared the same thoughts.

Just as Jim started to sit down, they all heard rapid footsteps coming down the hall. Jim’s gaze fixed on the door where Vivian had disappeared.

Carrie was amazed. She thought she saw fear in his eyes. A man who had faced down the enemy, had been decorated with many medals, was frightened to face his baby sister?

Vanessa appeared in the doorway and came to an abrupt halt. She stared at Jim for a long minute. Then with a sob, she charged forward just as Vivian had done, her arms extended. Once again, Jim found himself holding a woman in his arms.