A Time for Faith
Page 18
The drive to the restaurant is a blur. I can’t get my mind off the hunky guy sitting next to me. We’ve come a long way since that awkward beginning almost a year ago when I handed him that write-up slip for Sofie. At least we moved on from that inauspicious start.
It’s a Friday night, and the restaurant is crowded with people lining the walls of the waiting area, talking in small groups or sipping on a drink. I’m thankful Noah made a reservation because I’m not looking forward to standing in these high heels for any length of time. The hostess grabs two menus and seats us as soon as Noah gives her his name.
“This place is fancy,” I say with awe lacing my voice as I glance around the room. Two-person tables are spaced a tasteful distance apart, giving each couple privacy. Pristine white tablecloths adorn the tables, along with a single lit candle that flickers, providing a classy, romantic vibe.
“My extensive research and all of my sources said this was the place to take someone special.”
I giggle at the typical Noah comment. “Who were your sources?”
He winks. “I’ll never tell.”
The waiter returns and we place our orders. I order a fish dish whose name I can’t pronounce. The waiter assures me it’s baked halibut on rice. Noah orders steak. Once it’s just the two of us again, Noah reaches across the table and takes my hand. “I’m sorry it took me so long to get this rescheduled.”
“Since I was the one who made us miss the first time, I can hardly complain.”
Everything fades into the background as we hold hands, letting our eyes carry on the conversation. My heart thumps in my chest at Noah’s soul-searching gaze. He makes my knees weak, and the room feels several degrees warmer than when we arrived. When the waiter appears with our entrees, we reluctantly pull our hands apart.
Each plate looks as though the food is arranged for a gourmet cuisine photoshoot. Noah leans towards me and says under his breath, “Should we eat this or just take pictures?”
I giggle. “Take one picture and then we’ll eat.” He takes several shots on his phone. “Share those with me after we’re done.” He nods.
Although the portions look small, the food is rich and delicious. I’m full before we get to the dessert course, so Noah and I split a slice of decadent chocolate cake. Of course, it has some fancy name other than chocolate cake.
The waiter clears out our plates and brings two flutes filled with champagne, the bubbles playfully rising in each glass. I raise an eyebrow when these appear. “Did you order these?” I whisper after the waiter is out of sight.
Noah gives me his knee-weakening smile and pulls a small box out of his suit pocket.
My heart skips a beat.
“Rae, you’re the light of my life. I love you and want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?”
I gasp and put my fingers up to my mouth when he flips the box open. My heart races as I look at the gorgeous ring. Holding out a finger for Noah to place the ring on, my hands shake while tremors run through my body.
“Is that a yes?” he says, sliding the ring on my trembling finger with a chuckle.
A tear slides down my cheek as I stare in shock at the beautiful diamond. “It’s definitely a yes!”
The waiter comes back and offers to take our picture, which we gladly allow him to do. Couples around us say “Congratulations” as we finish the champagne.
“I thought about hiding the ring in the dessert or the champagne, but you always see how badly that ends in a movie—the woman swallows the ring and has to go to the hospital. So, I went the more conservative route,” Noah explains.
“This is perfect.” My voice comes out barely above a whisper because emotion blocks my throat.
“When should we tell Sofie?” Noah asks.
Since it’s already past her bedtime, I don’t want to wake her up tonight. “How about we all go out for pancakes tomorrow and we tell her then?”
Noah smiles. “Sounds perfect. She’s going to be so excited.”
“And we’ll all have chocolate milk,” I add, which causes both of us to laugh.
I gaze at the man I love with all my heart, my eyes still filled with tears of joy. “I love you, Noah Sullivan, and I can’t wait to be your wife.”
He nods, staring back at me with love shining in his eyes. Several minutes later we walk hand in hand out of the restaurant. I’m happy and content knowing Noah’s love for me won’t be shattered by any future bumps in the road. Our faith in God and our love for each other will get us through anything.
THE END
Bonus Epilogue:
Would you like to know what happens next with Noah and Rae? I’ve written a special bonus Epilogue where you can catch up with this adorable couple. Just sign up for my Newsletter Here and you will get access to the bonus chapter.
Note to Readers
Dear Reader—thank you for reading Book 6 in the Potter’s House (Three) series. I am honored to be part of this wonderfully inspirational series of clean Christian romances.
I hope Rae and Noah’s story brought you many hours of happiness, some laughs, and maybe a few tears. Watch for Riley and Logan’s story, A Reason for Hope, Potter’s House (Three) Book 13, November 2021.
I always put a tidbit from my own life into my books. The scene where Noah takes Frankie to doggie obedience school was inspired by my own experience taking our Brittany Goldie to obedience school. Let’s just say Goldie wasn’t the best student in the class either.
I’ve always admired stained-glass although I’m not an expert in its repair and restoration. I used this website as a reference and based much of what Noah, Rae, June, and Frank did for the church windows on this article: Old Leaded Glass: repair, restore or replace?
An author’s most gratifying reward for all our hard work is that you enjoy one of our books and find inspiration in the story. Let me know if that’s the case! I love hearing from my readers—Email me at leahb1959@gmail.com.
Also, please take a moment to leave a review on Amazon. Just a few words can inspire another reader to take a chance on this book.
Please follow me on my website, Facebook, or Amazon author page or subscribe to my newsletter to be informed about upcoming book releases, sales, and special promotions. Links to all of those are included in the “About the Author” chapter below.
Thank You and Happy Reading.
Acknowledgements
Thank you to my amazing editor Bonnie McKnight. She’s been with me every step of the way. Her suggestions and encouraging comments improved this story. She makes me a better writer and I truly appreciate her wisdom and guidance.
I’m thankful for all the wonderful people in my life. A little piece of each of you finds its way into my stories. And I’m especially grateful to my supportive husband who chuckles when he sees himself in one of my books.
We’re blessed to live in Colorado, whose magnificent landscapes are the inspiration for my descriptions of Paradise Springs. The snow-capped mountains, green valleys, and clear blue skies are a stunning example of God’s handiwork.
Of special note: I took the snow-capped mountain photo gracing the cover of this book. Thanks to Delia for incorporating it into her gorgeous cover design.
About the Author
Leah Busboom wanted to become an author since the day she learned how to read. She specializes in the Romance genre because she loves a sweet romance with a happy ending. Her books are known for their heartwarming stories; intriguing characters and hilarious real-life situations that will make you want to laugh out loud.
Leah currently lives in Colorado with her wonderful husband, her "Blue Bomber" bicycle and a hundred bunny rabbits that roam free in the neighborhood.
Find out about Leah’s latest book releases, sales, and giveaways:
AuthorLeahBusboom.com
Newsletter Sign-up and access to bonus Epilogue
Leah Busboom Facebook Author Page
Amazon Author Page
Books by Leah B
usboom: (all available on Amazon)
The Potter’s House (Three) series:
A Time for Faith – Rae & Noah’s story (Book 6)
A Reason for Hope – Riley & Logan’s story (Book 13) – Coming November 2021
Connor Brothers Series:
Here’s the complete series so far:
Finding You—Hailey and Quinn’s story (Book 1)
Loving You—Maddie and Max’s story (Book 2)
Wanting You—Daisy and Jacob’s story (Book 3)
Needing You—Ashleigh and Brock’s story (Book 4)
Mistletoe, Tinsel & You—Sylvie and Ford’s story (A Christmas Novella, Book 5)
Casseroles, Kisses & You—Bea and Nate’s story (A Valentine’s Novella, Book 6)
Rescue Me—Starr and Bryce’s story (Book 7)
Inspire Me—Addison and Ian’s story (Book 8)
Choose Me—Luci and Austin’s story (Book 9)
Return to Me – Mary Sue and Cooper’s story (Book 10) – Coming September 2021
Chance on Love Series Trilogy:
Second Chances—Matt and Samantha’s story (Book 1)
Taking Chances—Danny and Paige’s story (Book 2) (Winner: 2018 Rocky Mountain Cover Art Contest—Sweetest Cover)
Lasting Chances—Gabe and Megan’s story (Book 3)
Chance on Love Series Boxed Set – Books 1-3 in Chance on Love series
Unlikely Catches Series:
Catching Cash’s Heart—Holly and Cash’s story (Angel Wings & Fastballs) (Book 1)
Stealing Alan’s Heart—Brianna and Alan’s story (Stilettos & Spreadsheets) (Book 2)
Winning Trey’s Heart—Abby and Trey’s story (Playboy & the Bookworm) (Book 3)
Unwrapping Sam’s Heart – Lynn and Sam’s story (A Christmas Novella) (Prequel to Book 1)
Melting Nick’s Heart – Bethany and Nick’s story (A Valentine’s Day Novella) (Sequel to Book 3)