title: A Promise Made
author: Quinn, Samantha (1)
description: Along with a houseful of cherished childhood memories, Maggie Flannagan's late grandmother had left her a new next-door neighbor, lean, laconic Jake Wilder. Jake was quick to lend a helping hand and, in the dark of night, a shoulder to cry on. His compelling presence felt so convenient . . . almost like a legacy from Gran.
  
  Then Jake's young son came to visit, and a disappointed Maggie began to suspect that she was the convenient one, a handy source of temporary child care. She refused to be used again, but Jake's brand of loving was very persuasive. Worse, a lingering scent of lavender, a hint of laughter in the air, had her wondering whether Jake had even Gran on his side!