Shattered Treasure
Page 30
Six months ago, I checked into a rehab center to get clean, and while I was there, I met a young man who told me about a place called His Mansion in New Hampshire. I sent in an application and they accepted me into their program. I have been here for three months, and my life is already changing for the good.
I know there’s nothing I can do to take back the pain I caused you, from the very first time I hurt you to the last time when I did the unthinkable.
Because of my actions, I can’t expect your forgiveness, but I still need to apologize.
Even though I don’t deserve a second thought where the baby you’re carrying is concerned, I know you, Addison, and you will want to do the right thing.
Addison cleared her throat, fighting the wave of raw emotions taking root in her chest. Years of memories unfolded, and she pictured Philip the first time she’d met him; the young carefree boy who had taken her hand and led her down the sandy beach the very first time. His eyes sparkled with delight.
I don’t know what your plans are when the baby comes, but I want you to know I will not interfere with whatever choice you make.
I have no right to that baby anyway, not after what I did to you, but am willing to provide for the child. You will never have to worry about me showing up or interfering in your life or the child’s life or changing my mind.
Thank you, Addison, for giving the baby a chance. I can’t imagine how hard that must have been for you. I think about that child every day, every moment, and how lucky he or she was to be carried by you.
Take care,
Philip
Addison exhaled finally able to let go of the anxiety she’d dwelled in for months. And as Logan returned inside, his eyes sought her out and beamed when they connected with hers.
A few short weeks later, Addison walked along the path at her new home. Admiring the cherry trees blossoming in their driveway by the crooked fence, a peace washed over her.
As if she was looking through a lens, the last year came into view with remarkable transparency. A glimpse of how every moment was knitted together from beginning to end and had brought her to this very moment of pure happiness.
There was no other place she would rather be, now or ever.
Nearing the back porch of their new home, she walked inside and through the kitchen, now stocked with a few groceries. As she headed into the living room, she ran a lone finger across the slick wood of their kitchen table. Navigating through the living room, and then the short hallway leading to the nursery, she found him.
Logan stood leaning against the crib, watching Sophia sleep. Quietly, Addison moved into the space next to him.
Looking up from Sophia’s precious face, Logan’s gaze met hers. Addison returned his look, a look that united them on a deeper level than any words could say.
There had been no time to wait for a beautiful wedding that took months to plan. They took only the short span of a few days to gather their family and friends to witness a once-in-a-lifetime love as the two of them became one.
After years of a strained relationship with her mom and stepdad, the presence of Sophia had brought them together like nothing else could. And her mom for the first time since Addison could remember, looked as if she were truly happy. Addison missed her sister and always would, but God was a God of blessings. He had given her the beautiful gift of a wonderful sister-in-law.
Their short, simple wedding came a few days after bringing home a beautiful baby girl. A home where Sophia would have a mommy and daddy who would forever love her with all their hearts. Sophia also had grandparents, a great aunt, an Uncle Nathan and an Aunt Ami who were already head-over-heels in love with her.
Gazing at Sophia as she slept soundly, Addison thanked God for the precious gift before her. For a man who loved her so much, he had been willing to turn his world upside down for her and her new baby.
So much pain had led her to this place, pain that had left her heart shattered, but God had taken her shattered heart and, in its place, had given her a family, a beautiful, unshattered treasure.
THE END
About the Author
Cindy Patterson believes in life changing fiction and happily ever afters that start with Jesus. Her passions include Jesus, her husband, and her family. She's an ordinary girl wanting to do extraordinary things for Christ. In her stories, she loves to give glimpses of how God can use brokenness and make them whole. Her favorite pastimes are spending time with her family, reading, and writing. She reads a lot, drinks too much coffee, and wishes she had more time to write. She loves to connect with her readers and you can find her at cindypattersonbks.com.
Acknowledgments
Dreams in my world are vivid. Thank you to everyone who encouraged, blessed, and helped make this dream a reality. Every time you ask me when will the next book will be out, it's a huge boost of confirmation. Saying thank you doesn't seem like enough.
Every single reader is so valuable. You are the reason I'm on this wild and crazy and exciting journey and you make every moment worthwhile. I wouldn't be here without you.
Thank you to my husband, Rocky, for being so supportive as I spend countless hours on the computer and for always believing in me.
My children Tyler, Zachary, and Brooklyn for loving me through it all.
My editor, Charlene Patterson, for answering all my questions and excusing the weird way I put question marks in the wrong place, even though I know the difference between a statement and question. April, thank you for helping to make this baby shine.
My critique partners who labored over chapter after chapter. I've learned so much from each and every one of you.
And most importantly, thank you, Jesus, for without you, none of this would be possible.
Also by Cindy Patterson
Chasing Paradise
Broken Butterfly
Thank you so much for reading Shattered Treasure. I hope you enjoyed it and will tell your friends and family.
Please consider leaving a review on Amazon, Barnes & Nobles, and Goodreads. Reviews are so very helpful to Authors. Every single one of them are appreciated more than you can possibly know.
Cindy Patterson