Uneven Exchange
Page 25
Jake’s eyes were filled with innocence. “You always look great to me,” he said sweetly.
“So why now? Why are you telling me this now?”
“It’s because I couldn’t wait any longer.”
“Are you feeling sorry for me?”
Jake reached for her hands. “It’s not like that, Alex, and it’s not about the way you do, or don’t, look. It’s about the fact that I simply cannot live without you a moment longer.”
Alexandra’s eyes pooled with tears. She swallowed hard and then said, “Jake, do you realize how long I have waited to hear you say that?”
“Alexandra, do you love me too?”
“Jake, I love you more than you could ever imagine. I have loved you for so long now that I don’t even remember when I first fell in love with you.” Alexandra’s tears rolled down her cheeks.
“Oh, baby.” Jake held her tightly. “Then why didn’t you tell me?”
Alexandra stepped backward and laughed through her tears. “How could you not know?”
“I’m a guy, what do you expect?”
“If you would have given me a hint, just one little hint, Jake, I might have gotten the nerve to let you know. But all you ever seemed to talk about was your busy social calendar.”
“I spend most nights at home alone or working late at the office. When we both left together, I would grab a bite to eat, then return to work.”
“Are you serious?” Alexandra was shocked.
Jake held up his palm as if taking an oath. “I swear.”
Alexandra stared lovingly into his welcoming eyes. “So what do we do now?”
“We do something I have dreamed about doing for a very long time.” Jake tenderly slid both hands around her waist and pulled Alexandra’s body toward his. He then lowered his mouth to meet hers and allowed their lips to meld.
Alexandra’s emotions peaked as she returned Jake’s passion. She was overcome with the joy of a dream come true.
“I hope these are tears of happiness,” Jake said as he kissed Alexandra gently on the tip of her nose. “Yum, yum,” he teased. “Dirt mixed with slobber.”
“Oh, Jake,” Alexandra muttered, trying to wipe her face with his sleeve.
“Hey, mess up your own shirt!” Jake pulled away while laughing. “I love you, Alexandra Callet, and I can’t wait to tell the world.”
She wrapped her arms tightly around his neck. “I love you too, Jake Taylor.”
“Then my prayers have been answered.”
“He is the maker of miracles,” Alexandra agreed.
“I know. I’m looking at one.”
“Thus says the Lord to you;
‘Do not be afraid nor dismayed
because of this great multitude,
for the battle is not yours,
but God’s.’”
—2 Chronicles 20:15
“You will not need to fight in this battle.
Position yourselves, stand still,
and see the salvation of the Lord...”
—2 Chronicles 20:17
EPILOGUE
FOR BETTER OR FOR WORSE
Waikiki Beach, Honolulu
Island of Oahu, Hawaii
On the street-front terrace of the Royal Islander Hotel, Alexandra greeted the tropical morning with a profound sense of contentment. Her left foot rested on the bottom rung of a white, wooden rocker while her right foot lightly touched the porch railing. It was just enough pressure to rock the chair in a slow and steady motion.
Across Kalakaua Boulevard, the International Marketplace was coming to life. Enjoying the moment, she sipped freshly brewed Kona coffee from a white porcelain cup and savored each mouthful. Her thoughts veered to Rico and his rapid departure for Cancun. She wondered about his reunion with Daniela and inwardly prayed for the best.
Only a small adhesive bandage protected her forehead cut from the elements, and the bruises on her face were barely visible. Alexandra could no longer feel their existence, and soon, time would erase the disturbing memories that still crept into each day.
When she sensed a familiar presence, Alexandra peered through the rear slats of her rocking chair and saw Jake standing several yards behind her in the majestic lobby. To his side, an exotic floral arrangement of vibrantly colored blooms provided a dramatic enhancement to his presence. Alexandra watched him affectionately as he approached. Without moving his gaze from hers, he stepped from the lustrous wooden floors onto the painted porch. Jake knelt to one side and turned his face to meet hers. As he spoke, his eyes sparkled with joy.
“I knew I’d find you out here.”
“I knew you would too. You were sleeping so peacefully that I didn’t have the heart to wake you.” Alexandra’s lips curved into a day-brightening smile. She motioned to the empty rocking chair next to her own. “Care to join me, Mr. Taylor?”
“I would love to join you, Mrs. Taylor.” He leaned in for a passionate kiss before positioning himself on the comfortable rocker. After resting his feet upon the railing, Jake asked, “So do you think our parents will forgive us for eloping?”
“I know my parents are going to be ecstatic about having you as their second son.”
“My mom and dad feel the same way about you. But will they forgive us?”
Alexandra felt a tinge of doubt. “How about if we have a formal wedding when we return?”
“You mean to make everyone happy?”
Alexandra nodded. “Yes, especially for my mother. I think she’s been dreaming about my wedding even before I was born.”
“Does that mean you think we should hold the wedding in Santa Barbara?”
“Maybe. What do you think?” Alexandra asked. “Is that too far for your parents to come?”
“Not in the least. Besides, they’re due for a trip out west. My mom threatens to fly over at least once a week. Plus, that way it won’t be too far for everyone at the office.”
Alexandra’s hands shot to her mouth. “Oh my goodness, Jake,” she exclaimed. “I completely forgot that we haven’t told them. Where on earth do they think we are?”
Jake couldn’t hide his mischievous smile.
“What did you do?” Alexandra asked. “Better yet, who did you tell?”
“I only told Kathryn and Isaiah.”
Alexandra laughed. “You are one funny man. Do you honestly expect them to keep it a secret?”
“Of course I don’t. That’s why I told both of them to tell everyone else we were on our honeymoon.”
“But what if our parents call? We don’t want them to find out before we have the chance to tell them.”
“Then I suggest we call them today.”
“My, my, you’re not very good at keeping secrets, are you, Jake Taylor?”
“Not when it comes to my love for you.” Jake leaned over for another kiss. “We’ve wasted far too much time already, and I don’t intend to waste a moment more.”
Alexandra returned his kiss. “For better or for worse?” she asked.
“To me, being with you will always be for the better.”
“In sickness and in health?”
“Either way,” Jake responded.
“’Til death do us part?” she continued.
Jake tenderly squeezed Alexandra’s hand. “And then some.”
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Thank you to Jesus, the Author of my Salvation, El-Shaddai.
All my love and gratitude to Brian, registered pharmacist; John, agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration; Kevin, registered nurse; and Mike, San Diego Police Department detective.
Thank you to Bryan Harrold, an amazing photographer, and to Debra Harrold, the reason for my smile!
My heartfelt gratitude goes to Jennifer O’Neill, Jessica Gunhammer, Dixie Matthews, Lori Whitwam, JoSelle Vanderhooft, and Gillian Leonard of Limitless Publishing. I would also like to thank Ashley at Redbird Designs for the fantastic cover art.
About the Author
Born in Philadelphia, Penn
sylvania, S.K. Derban moved to London within the first three months, and remained in England until the age of five. Her mother, born and raised in the United Kingdom, was involved with the London Royal Ballet Company, and a great fan of the arts. Even after returning to the United States, S.K. Derban’s life was filled with a love of the theatre and a passion for British murder mysteries. Her personal travel and missionary adventures also help to transport readers virtually across the globe. S.K. Derban has smuggled Bibles into China on five separate occasions, and has been to Israel on seven missionary trips. When writing, she relies on all aspects of her life, from a strong faith in the Lord, to her unique combination of professional experience. The many personal adventures of S.K. Derban are readily apparent as they shine through into her characters.
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