Marrying the Playboy Doctor - By Laura Iding Page 0,40

off to the side, until he reached the bottom layer. The place where he’d found the information on his mother’s first marriage to his biological father, Shane Andre.

The letters were still there, beckoning him. Reluctantly, yet unable to stop himself, he pulled them out. The paper was fragile, so he opened them with care, placing them in order. He figured if he was going to read his parents’ private letters he should start at the very beginning.

The first one was dated a few months after their wedding, according to the date on the wedding photograph. His father wore a blue dress uniform, which told Seth he must have been in the service when they’d married.

Dear Shane

I miss you so much! It seems like forever instead of just ten weeks since our glorious honeymoon on Sanibel Island.

My love, I have something to tell you. I wish we could talk in person, but I can’t wait any longer to share this news. I’m pregnant! We’re going to have a baby. Our baby. I hope you’re as thrilled as I am.

Please write me back as soon as you can. I hope you get your leave in the next four months, as they promised. I’d love for you to feel your son or daughter growing in my womb.

Stay safe, my love. Remember you have a family now to come home to. I love you so much!

Your wife, Jan.

The letter made his eyes burn. He could only imagine how difficult it must have been for his mother to be at home while his father was far away on active duty. The following letter was from his father.

My dearest Jan

I’m proud and thrilled to know you’re carrying our child! You couldn’t have given me a greater gift of love. I will get the four day leave I was promised in a few months, so we’ll make plans to meet soon. I can’t wait to see your belly round with the promise of our future.

Please don’t worry about me. I love flying, and I’m safe high above the action. I miss you very much, but I’m also proud to know I’m serving our country.

Write to me often and tell me everything about how you’re feeling. I want to know everything the doctor is telling you, too.

Love, Shane.

Seth stared at the words his biological father had written over thirty years ago. Who was this man who’d stolen his mother’s heart? It was interesting to realize he must get his love of speed from his dad. When he was younger he’d even once toyed with the idea of being a pilot.

All the letters seemed to carry the same theme, of love and longing. Missing each other and living for the few days they’d get to share together every few months. The last one was from his mother, right after he himself had been born.

Dear Shane

We have another son! Seth Patrick Andre was born at three-fifteen in the morning, the biggest baby yet, at nine pounds and two ounces. He’s so long—over twenty-two inches. I think he’s going to be tall, like his daddy.

I wish you were here to see him. He’s so beautiful. Caleb and Tess are too young to appreciate the newest addition to the family. Having three children is going to keep me insanely busy, but I still miss you.

Please come home again soon. Your children barely remember you, although I show them your picture every night so they can mention you in their prayers.

Please come home, Shane. Your new son wants to meet his father.

Your loving wife, Jan.

Seth stared at the last letter for a long moment. So that was it. His father had never gotten a chance to respond. The fact that his mother had actually had his father’s letters meant he’d kept them safe, and that they’d been returned to her along with his other personal effects after his death.

Even Caleb and Tess hadn’t really known their biological father. Clearly his mother had tried to bridge the gap with little success. His mother must have thought that since they didn’t remember their father there was no sense in talking about him. Especially after she’d remarried.

The last bit of his resentment faded. Kylie was right. His mother had loved them. No doubt she’d done what she’d thought was best for them.

He put the letters away. Gregory Taylor had been a great father. When he’d died, Seth, Caleb and Tess had missed him terribly. Looking back, he could understand how that probably hadn’t been the time