Natalie: Hi, I’m Natalie Harrison, and I’m so excited about being here today! I just know this is going to be such a fun interview. (Waves hello with her bangle bracelets making a cheerful sound).
Aidan Murphy: I’m Major Aidan Murphy, and I’m temporarily visiting Hollydale, but I look forward to returning to my home base in the state of Washington soon, and I’ll be taking my nephew, Danny, with me.
Natalie: Now, Aidan, you know we haven’t decided anything about that yet. Your sister was my best friend, and her sudden death shook both of us to the core. Danny’s known me since I held him the day he was born. He and Shelby even moved to Hollydale so Shelby could start a lunch café named Snickerdoodles. Danny loves Hollydale and he’s found a support network here. So he hasn’t…. Never mind.
Aidan: He hasn’t what?
Natalie: Nothing. I didn’t say anything. How are you enjoying Miss Ginny’s hospitality at Eight Gables bed-and-breakfast? She’s so hospitable. You’ll just love her peach muffins.
Aidan: My stay is planned down to the minute, just like everything else in my life. What were you saying about Danny?
Natalie: Danny’s such a darling little boy, and we have such fun together. He’s helping me with the float for the Fourth of July parade.
Aidan: That wasn’t what you were going to say. What about Danny?
Natalie (with a big sigh): Well, he’s the one who found Shelby, you know. And that’s hard for anyone, let alone a six-year-old boy. He hasn’t laughed since then, but he’s made so much progress that moving him could be worse for him in the long run.
Aidan (with a clenched jaw): I’m his uncle so I should decide what’s best for him.
Natalie: I’m his guardian, and he’s happy here. Why don’t you give Hollydale a chance? Come with Danny and me this afternoon when we go see Toby. Danny tells Toby everything, and Danny loves his time with him. Thank you, Gail, for interviewing us, but Danny needs us.
Aidan: Thank you. [Aidan leaves.]
Natalie: And Aidan doesn’t know it yet, but he needs Hollydale as much as Danny needs to stay here! Hope is just around the corner! Happy Fourth of July!
This interview is just a taste of what’s to come in The Soldier’s Unexpected Family. When Aidan Murphy shows up to take guardianship of his nephew, he doesn’t expect to find that Natalie Harrison has already accepted the position! And neither of them has any intention of quitting the job. The Soldier’s Unexpected Family is now available through all major online book retailers.