Life After Levi by Darlene Tallman

Damien
When I was medically discharged from the military, I made my way to Possum Creek where my best friend, Levi, lived in order to bring his family as well as his girlfriend the things he bought for them that were left in our off-base apartment. After coming face-to-face with not only his daughter that he never knew about, but also her beautiful mother, I realize that maybe Levi was behind this visit.
Because there’s no way I can leave the captivating woman who’s dealt with vicious rumors ever since Levi died. Why? Because she was pregnant. Instead of running deeper into the mountains she loves, she hunkers down, raises her daughter, and finishes school in order to start a career that will help the same community that tries to shun her.
The big question is, will Emerie accept me into her life or is she content to go it alone?

Emerie
Losing Levi the way I did damaged my heart. He was my best friend, confidante, and only lover, unlike what the gossips try to spout. Thankfully, his family and mine took my back so to speak, and I have a beautiful little girl who’s the spitting image of her daddy at that age, even down to the long curly eyelashes.
While I’m sure there are those who feel I should spend the rest of my life alone, I’m only twenty with a lot of years left. So when I meet Levi’s best friend, Damien, and I feel a magnetic connection, I wonder if we can even have a relationship. Will my past hinder us? Or open doors that I never expected would be available to me.

Slow and steady is going to win this race, especially when I realize that loving Damien doesn’t diminish what I had with Levi. There’s plenty of room in my heart for him. The question is, will he be willing to take on not only me but my precocious daughter?