“Where should I set all of the paper goods and plasticware?”
“How about on the edge of the island there? I think I’ll keep the turkey and main dishes in here on the counters and we can just serve up buffet style. Does that sound okay?”
“Sounds like a great idea to me. I found the prettiest plates at the party store! Have a look.”
Belinda proudly showed off the heavy paper plates in a festive leaf print. Matching cups and faux-silver flatware made it look a lot nicer than the regular kind. Gina definitely didn’t have enough real dishes for this many people.
“Those are lovely. Thank you. And thanks for picking mom up on your way.”
“Well, it’s not like we live far apart,” Belinda’s voice held a smile.
“True,” Not long after completing her treatment program, the people in the other half of Eva’s duplex had given notice. Gina had offered it to Belinda first, but wisely insisted they treat it as a by-the-book rental. Having Abuela Eva next door to keep an eye out was a bonus that made letting go of the kids a bit easier on Gina’s nerves.
Belinda made her way outside to help the other ladies finish the decorating and set the tables. Gina smiled to herself, thinking about how much the woman had changed. Her whole aura was lighter. Of course, that was just the way things worked when Jesus became a part of somebody’s life.
Belinda had gone into the twelve-week program a hot mess, knowing she needed more. The people there lavished her with love and care. Halfway through, she’d been able to have regular visitors. Gina recalled that first, cautious trip. No one knew what to expect and they’d been surprised to see the changes.
Naturally, her physical appearance was different without the high doses of sleeping pills, pain meds, and Lord knew what else corrupting her system and stealing her appetite. The doctors there monitored her prescribed antidepressants and the food was decent, so her thin frame had filled out some.
At that point, she’d still been somewhat resentful toward God and any mention of faith, but everybody merely stepped up their efforts praying for breakthrough. By their fourth visit, the spiritual changes were visible as well.
Gina didn’t know the specific details of what had gone on in Belinda’s life while there at the center, but without a doubt she’d finally done the work to start climbing out of her dark pit, find peace with her grief and healing for her depression. It would be a continuous journey, but Belinda was beginning to see she wasn’t alone any longer. If no one else, Eva would make sure of that. The thought made Gina smile again.
Gina set to work peeling the sweet potatoes and cubing them for the giant pan of candied yams that were Jaydon’s favorite Thanksgiving side. The potatoes were boiling on the stove and everything else was nearly finished or in the oven keeping warm.
The doorbell rang and Gina heard Tim’s booming voice and Vivian’s bubbly laughter. The shouts of the four Bennett grandchildren echoed through the house and Gina dried her hands on a towel quickly so she could greet them.
Tim and Nate headed to the backyard with the kids while Anna and Vivian brought their covered dishes to the kitchen. God bless Vivian, Gina thought when she spotted the huge pan of turkey, already carved. That was one thing she hadn’t wanted to tackle just yet.
The women chattered away while Gina put the finishing touches on the candied yams. Gina’s gaze flicked to her mother, currently tickling little TJ and sending him into a fit of giggles. Eva had been such an incredible blessing these last several months.
She’d discovered that Eva visited Belinda as often as she was allowed during the tail end of her treatment. The pair had formed a close friendship that was precious to observe. Just like Eva had been praying, Belinda asked her to be like a sponsor and keep her accountable.
Hailee and Javi were flourishing under everyone’s care and attention. Hailee had gotten her license, finally, and even though she made fun of having to drive Gina’s “old bomb,” Gina had seen the happy tears she’d tried to hide when they’d given her the keys. Javi had joined the robotics team at school and was putting those natural engineering skills to good use. Even his angry moods had stabilized and begun to fade.
Lord, I’m so happy right now, I don’t know if I can take any more joy. My heart might explode!
Fuzzy arms wrapped around Gina from behind and familiar lips found their way to the space behind her ear and the base of her neck that sent delightful chills racing through her body. She leaned back against the tee-shirt clad chest and closed her eyes, breathing in all that was Jaydon.
Mmm. It reminded her of the delayed honeymoon he’d taken her on last month after Belinda had come home and everyone had acclimated to their new surroundings. With no more social workers checking in and Eva around to lend a hand, Gina and Jaydon could focus on just being newlyweds who lent a hand when needed. That long weekend had been sheer bliss.
And hot.
Jaydon’s massive hands slid down her sides, grazing her hips as they made their way to her rear and she shivered. Her incredible husband stoked a fiery passion in her that she’d never known was possible. Jaydon went out of his way constantly to make her feel secure and desired from the inside out. One look conveyed the depths of his love and affection.
And of course, she delighted in showing him right back.
In January, she’d never have considered dating, let alone marrying a pastor. She’d let her own misconceptions and pain close her off. But then, she’d had no idea the kind of year waiting for her. She’d had no inkling of the kind, passionate, selfless man would push right past her defenses and help her heal.
She hadn’t imagined how he would connect with her in their faith, putting it right at the forefront from the beginning. How he would enlist her to help two hurting young people, or how those young people would change their lives.
He’d stood by her side when she’d finally decided to go ahead and attend her high school reunion in July. While she hadn’t sought to prove anything to anyone, it had been something she’d wanted to do for herself. She had to find victory once and for all over her past.
The reunion stood for a time when she’d been working on her own strength to find her way through the pain of her home life. The time before she’d come to the saving knowledge of a savior’s love and the grace of a Father who wouldn’t let her walk alone. She’d needed to go simply to see for herself how far she’d come.
After a heartfelt prayer of thanks, the crowd formed a line and wove through her kitchen, filled their plates, and made their way to fill tables indoors and out back. Gina surveyed the patchwork quilt of people laughing and chattering as they ate, faces alight with love and happiness.
This year had been overwhelming. At every turn, God had opened her eyes and shown her who He’d made her to be, how He loved her—and then given her a partner to walk with through the highs and lows so that she couldn’t help but trust them both with everything she had.
The journey they were on wouldn’t be easy. There was still so much to work through. So many unknowns, demands, and needs. So many people to minister to, hearts to reach. Countless heartaches and joys, trials and triumphs to come.
But through it all, we have what matters most.
She felt the gratitude bubble up inside her whole being. Her heart had never been so full.
Thank You, Lord, that we are overcomers. Thank you for the love of family and friends, each other, and a Father who will never hurt or abandon us, never fail us, and will see us through whatever comes our way.
Spanish Word Guide
Abuelo – (ah-bwe-low) – grandfather/Grandpa
Abuela (ah-bwe-la) – grandmother/Grandmother also Abuelita – (ah-bwe-lee-tah) – literally “little grandmother,” but used affectionately
Adíos – (ah-dee-ohs) – goodbye
Burqueño – (bur-keh-nyo) – describing someone or something from Albuquerque
Burro – (burr-oh) – a stubborn or stupid person
Chile – (chee-leh or chilly) �
� the green chile pepper we’re quite proud of in NM, as long as you spell it with an e, never an i. Chili is the tomato/bean/meat stewy stuff. Green and red chile is used in a variety of ways, including sauces that we smother pretty much everything in. Other places may grow green chile, but everyone knows the best green chile comes from Hatch, NM.
Cojones – (cah-HO-nehs) – guts (Not to be crude, but it means balls. Yes, those ones.)
Esé – (eh-SEH) – homie, bro, dude
Gringo – (green-go) – white person, usually one who doesn’t understand Hispanic culture
Hija – (ee-ha) – daughter also hijo, son and hita/hito, an affectionate version of the same and use similarly to “little one”
Javier, Javi – (Ha-vee-air, HA-vee) – male name, Spanish version of Xavier
Linda – (LEEN-dah) – pretty, precious, sweet
Mercado – (mehr-cah-doh) – market, store
Mija – (mee-ha) – contraction of mi-hija (me-ee-ha), meaning “my daughter,” but often used as a term of endearment much like English uses “my girl” or “dear girl”. Also mijo, “my son”
Órale – (oh-da-leh) – “listen up,” but more often used similarly to “what’s up” or “no kidding”
Panza – (pANsa) – belly, stomach
Que paso – (kay PA-so) – what’s up or what’s happening
Acknowledgements
Where would I be without all the incredible people who have uplifted and supported me in this journey so far? Probably still stuck in front of the computer, spinning myself in circles.
The first people I must thank are my family. Eric, you’ve been incredibly supportive and understanding, even when your own stresses are overwhelming. Your partnership in life inspires infinite ways to express romance between my characters. Roo, Zu, Lu—my girls with the silly nicknames—you are all incredible in your own ways. I pray that God will keep you in the palm of his hand always, and that you will all live your lives for His glory. Each of you is a gift from Him.
Thank you, Mom, for being boldly honest when things worked and when they didn’t. For being there when I needed to bounce ideas, consult on covers, and hash out changes for the fiftieth time. I love and appreciate you and daddy so much.
I also need to thank my incredible mother-in-law, Scheryl. Your heart is big and you love even bigger. Thank you for constantly sharing my posts and supporting me in every way you can.
Megs, I can’t tell you enough how my heart is blessed by the changes God has worked in our relationship. Thanks for listening, kicking around ideas, and just being you, my much-loved sister.
Friends you don’t have to edit yourself with are one of life’s biggest treasures. I’ve been blessed with many and each of you mean more to me than I can say—even those of you I haven’t named here specifically. Thank you for the gift of you.
Molly, your friendship is my sanity. I love that we can laugh over fictional characters and plots like they’re real and you won’t think I’m any crazier than when we were eleven. It’s about time we start planning that trip, don’t you think?
Amber, I don’t even know where to start. You are an incredible woman, a fierce mother, and a dear friend. You went above and beyond helping with this book and I won’t soon forget it.
Shannon P., you’ve had my back from the start and faithfully took the time to read and share your opinion right when I needed you without fail.
Also, a massive thank you to Kylie D. for your expert advice on the foster/protective services process and all of your answers and clarification, even if I fudged a bit with some creative liberties.
Most of all, thanks to my heavenly Father whose fierce love never lets me wander too far. You have pursued me with a relentless love. The only response I could ever give is surrender. May the works of my hands bring you glory and praise. If creation sings your praises, so will I.
Recipe
Gina’s Strawberry Cheesecake Blondies
low fat, gluten free, refined sugar free, dairy free options noted with *
makes 9, 12, or 16 bars depending on your cut
Recipe adapted from Southern In Law blog
For the blondie base:
3 ½ tbsp (50g) butter, melted *or coconut oil, dairy-free, or other healthy-fat alternative
¼ cup (60g) unsweetened applesauce
1 egg
¼ to ½ cup (50g) brown sugar *or coconut sugar
1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour *or fave GF flour
½ tsp baking soda
For the cheesecake topping:
½ cup (120g) reduced fat cream cheese *dairy-free works
Handful fresh, cleaned, diced strawberries or ~3 tbsp strawberry jam/preserves *sugar-free jam works
2 tbsp(15g) powdered sugar *or coconut sugar
· Preheat your oven to 180C/355F
· Line an 8x8" square baking dish with parchment/baking paper and set aside.
· Melt butter and mix with applesauce, egg and sugar.
· Mix in flour and baking soda just until combined.
· Pour batter into pan, spreading out to ensure an even layer.
· In the empty mixing bowl, mix cream cheese and sugar until smooth and combined.
· Spread cream cheese layer over the top of the blondie layer, smoothing out to ensure the whole base is covered.
· Dollop the chopped berries or jam on top of the cream cheese layer, swirl with a knife.
· Bake for 20-30 minutes or until set.
· Remove blondies from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan before slicing and/or chilling in the fridge.
· Your blondies will keep in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
About the Author
Jaycee Weaver lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with her amazing husband, three daughters, a crazy shih-tzu, and a dwarf rabbit. When she’s not writing, she’s probably in hot pursuit of her 90 million other hobbies or shuttling the kids all over creation. Jaycee loves to read books in multiple genres, drink coffee by the gallon, sing, take landscape and floral photos, sew (anything but clothing), cook (inventing surprisingly good, nutritious stuff on the fly is her specialty), bake, and craft just about anything (can we say Pinterest?). She’s also a substitute teacher, PTA board member, and most of the other jobs your average WAHM home CEO does (thanks to the home CFO for making it all possible. Seriously, you’re the best ever, babe).
In her spare time (ha!), she might also have a few too many shows waiting in her Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon queues. She enjoys practicing yoga and tries to make time for the gym when she can. She considers herself a recovering perfectionist and sometimes hot mess. She does her best to live her faith in action, being open, honest, and real and letting God be Lord over the good, the bad, and the ugly even when it’s hard.
You can follow Jaycee on Twitter @weaverjaycee, @jayceeweaver on Instagram and Facebook, weaversgrrrl on Pinterest, or on GoodReads and Amazon’s Author Central. Links and blog are easily found on www.jayceeweaver.com! Stop and say hi!
Sneak Peek
*The following sneak peek is subject to change.*
Prologue
November
The heavy security screen slammed in its frame and sent echoes through the house and yard as Caleb stomped out into the night. He clenched the small ring in his fist and fought the temptation to launch the stupid thing into the cascade of landscape rocks in his parents’ backyard.
He kicked the corner of one of the chairs on the patio to turn it the right direction for him to flop into easily. Unfurling his fingers, he gently clasped the ring between his fingertips and stared into the small diamond.
Honestly, what had he been thinking?
Brynn was an absolutely wonderful person, a truly sweet and caring girl. The kind of girl any guy would be lucky to marry. Just not him.
So why in the world had he thought it a good idea to try and stop the downhill slide he knew their relationship had been on by purchasing a ring and popping the question? And in the
completely most unromantic, most practical way possible. Idiot.
He shook his head at his own foolishness and swallowed a strangled laugh.
“Hey, honey. How’s it going?” Mom asked gently as she silently closed the security door that Caleb had nearly ripped off its hinges moments before.
“I’m okay, Mom. I just can’t believe I’m such an idiot.”
Diane took the chair next to his and waited patiently for him to continue. That look got him every time—the way she just waited in silence, expression neutral. He never could keep anything from her, and she always seemed to know exactly when he needed to talk. Must be mother’s instinct or something.
He lifted the ring without looking at her and announced, “Brynn and I broke up.”
“Oh, honey. Want to tell me about it? I figured it had to be something like that to bring you here so late banging doors loud enough to wake the dead.”
Again with that good listener face. Caleb shifted in his seat and thought through how best to explain. He continued to stare at the ring, rippling it between his fingers like a magician with a coin.
“I don’t know, Mom. I’m not sure I’m ready to talk. Heck, I don’t really know why I came all the way here instead of going home. I’m sorry for barging in so loud, so late.”
Still looking down at the glistening stone, he listened to the shuffle of his mother’s feet until he saw the tips of her recently manicured toes opposite his sneaker clad ones.
“Okay, son, get up. Let your old mother hug you, since you drove all this way.”
She grabbed his hands, pulling him to his feet and into her welcoming arms. “I’m thinking somewhere in that brilliant mind of yours, you knew this was the place you needed to be. I won’t push you to talk yet, but I hope you know your dad and I are always here for you, ready to listen and give advice whenever you need it.”
“And hugs even when I’m not ready to talk?” He grinned, his arms around her soft waist and his chin resting on the top of her head.
Whatever Comes Our Way (Everyday Love Book 2) Page 26