by Leah Atwood
Shivers shot down her spine. After witnessing the damage firsthand, and then viewing the posted pictures from friends and news agencies, she thanked God again for His protection, not only for her, but for her friends and neighbors, too.
A half hour after she sat down with her tablet, the doorbell rang.
“It’s me,” Evan called.
It struck her as funny that he rang his own doorbell instead of coming straight inside. She stood up and opened the door. “You didn’t have to ring the doorbell. This is your place.”
He shrugged. “But you’re the one who spent the night here. Seemed the respectful thing to do.”
“In that case, thanks.” She pointed toward the kitchen. “There’s plenty of coffee left.”
“I could use a cup.” He kissed her cheek before heading to the coffee. “The good news is, I got the last car on the lot. The bad news is, they charged an exorbitant rate because of the demand.”
“That’s terrible of them.”
“No doubt, but I didn’t want to risk leaving and going somewhere else, then not getting a vehicle at all.” He scowled. “You can be sure I won’t use them again, though. Their greed will cost them in the long run.”
“What’s Jared doing this morning?”
“Working. The CO called everyone in. They’re going to organize cleanup crews for the damage on base, and for the Marines whose homes were damaged.”
She fixed another cup of coffee for herself and went to the sofa. The blanket and pillow rested neatly on the center cushion.
Evan sat on the far-right side. “How’d you sleep?”
“Not too bad.”
He chuckled. “Code for not good.”
“Too much on my mind, and when I did drift off I had bizarre dreams.” Nightmares—of him being ripped away by a tornado, of babies swirling in the sky. Everything from last night had combined in her head to create scenes worthy of horror movies.
“I’m sorry.” He held his cup to his mouth and inhaled before taking a sip. His lips twisted in a worried frown. “About last night…there’s something I have to tell you—something we should have discussed before we started a relationship.”
She sensed his need for support. “Nothing can change how I feel about you.”
“Hear me out first, please. You might change your mind.” He glanced down at his leg and rubbed it in an unconscious movement. Sucking air into his chest before slowly exhaling, He twisted his hands in a circular motion. “My bad leg wasn’t the only repercussion from the crash. The doctors told me—um, they said, barring some miracle…” She could see him gathering strength with another deep breath. “I’d never have children of my own making.”
She realized after a moment that she was staring at the floor. “So that’s what you meant.” She paused long enough to gather her thoughts, aware that he was freaking out inside while she did so. The news surprised her, but made no impact on her desire for a future with him. She patted his hand to calm him through her hesitation.
She’d always wanted a child of her own, but Evan meant more to her than that dream. And adoption remained an option, didn’t it? “Many couples have happy, thriving marriages without having children.”
“But you’re a natural mom. When I saw you with Ava last night, I knew I wasn’t being fair to you.” His voice filled with emotion and selflessness, however misconstrued.
That he’d broken up with her out of a sense of duty, not because he’d wanted to, helped erase the hurt she’d felt. “What about adoption? I would think with your history, you’d be open to it.”
“Of course I would be.” His eyes widened like he was surprised she’d had to ask. “My parents gave me and Kate a great life, and I never felt less than their child in any way. I’d love to give another child that same opportunity.”
She pursed her lips, confused. “If that’s how you feel, why are we having this discussion?”
“Because both partners have to be on board with adoption, and I’d be asking you to give up the experience of pregnancy.”
Reaching over the folded blanket between them, she grabbed his hand. “I love you, and if that means we build our family through adoption, then so be it. Your family is a testimony that love’s capacity exceeds biology.” She took his face in both her hands. “You keep saying I was born to be a mom, but you were also meant to be a dad. Look how you automatically shielded Ava and me last night, without a thought to your own safety.”
Hope flickered in his eyes. “Do you mean that? If you need to take time to give it more thought, I understand. It’s not a sacrifice to take lightly.”
She released his face in frustration, took a deep breath, and took his hands gently in hers. “Loving you isn’t a sacrifice. Relationships aren’t about what each individual brings or doesn’t bring, but about what we can do together. The only thing standing in the way of us being together is—well, it’s your pride.”
He flinched, then smiled. “I guess I deserved that.”
“Yes, you did, knucklehead.”
Evan laughed. “I haven’t heard that name in forever.”
“Well, it seems to fit at the moment—and it’s what your sister called you.” She shook a finger at him. “And next time you think about breaking up with me, try talking to me first.”
“I promise.” He turned his hands to entwine his fingers with hers. “But there won’t be a next time. I’m not letting you go.”
“I like the sound of that.”
Epilogue
Three months later
Janie stood in her kitchen, gazing out the back window. Her new deck beckoned her to sit and enjoy the sunshine. She had to finish packing, but she wouldn’t have many more opportunities to relax and take in the view of her backyard.
The wooded area that accounted for a third of their property had sold her and Mike on this house. Their first day after they’d moved in, they’d had a picnic by the stream that weaved through the trees.
She poured herself a glass of cold sweet tea and took it to the deck. Her outdoor furniture had been destroyed in the tornado, and she’d bought a plain lawn chair to replace it. By the time the deck had been replaced, she’d known she wouldn’t be in Jacksonville much longer and didn’t see the point of buying another nice set just to move it.
Her gaze scanned the neighborhood. Destroyed houses neared complete reconstruction. An empty lot stood in place of the Grafton’s house, a family who’d decided to move instead of rebuilding. Few physical reminders remained of the tornado and its aftermath. Even Mr. Ford had made a full recovery and was cast-free.
She’d seen and experienced too much in the few short years she’d lived in this house. It was her home, the house she’d bought with Mike—the home they’d made together—but the time had come to move on and close the door on that chapter of her life.
No one had the ability to stop time, nor turn it back. The only choice was to move forward, and one could drag their feet or embrace the future.
A car drove down the road, and she recognized Evan’s new sedan. An automatic smile formed. Moving forward and embracing change came easily with a man like Evan at her side. Strong, courageous, and an overcomer.
A ray of sun caught the diamond on her finger. She’d been blessed to find love a second time and join her life with Evan’s. Two weeks ago, she’d become Mrs. Jergens in a small ceremony with her closest friends and family. Since Kate’s baby, Mason, had been less than a month old, Janie and Evan had decided to have the wedding in Louisiana so Kate could attend. Wyatt and Meg had flown in from Pennsylvania, and her family had come from Iowa.
Jared had driven from Jacksonville and had left for an extended stay in his Wyoming home afterward. That he wouldn’t be there to see them made her sad, but just as when Wyatt had moved, their friendship could survive the miles between them.
When Evan’s car passed the house and turned into the cul-de-sac, she swallowed the last of her tea and went through the house to meet him at the front door.
The Fo
r Sale sign in her front yard failed to evoke any melancholy, which she considered a good sign. She and Evan had prayed for a quick sale, and an offer had come in last night. The selling point—the brand new, red stained deck. They’d had a good laugh at the irony.
Evan exited the car with a wide smile. “Everything’s set. The school sent my transcripts from my first semester, and I’ll start in Louisiana next week.”
“That’s great.” She met him on the walkway and gave him a hug.
“I also talked to Dani, and everything is set for the restaurant to open by Christmas. Her assistant agreed to come to the Lafayette location for six months to work with me and train me.”
“Everything’s falling into place.” She broke the embrace but kept a hand on his. “I’m so proud of you.”
“I couldn’t have done any of it without your support and encouragement.” His gaze rested on hers. “Do you regret turning down the job offer?”
“Not a bit. Between the wedding and packing, I wouldn’t have had time, anyway. I can always apply at the local store once we’re settled in our new home.”
“Speaking of, our Louisiana realtor called. The sellers want to know if we’d be willing to move the closing date up ten days.” He grinned. “Closing on their new home is contingent on the sale of the one we want to buy, so I guess they want it done ASAP.”
She gulped. “That’s next week.”
“Yep, which means we wouldn’t have to stay at my parents or a hotel for that week after leaving here.”
“Call her back and tell her yes!” Not that she didn’t adore her in-laws or mind a short hotel stay, but she couldn’t wait to get her new life underway.
Evan winked. “I thought that’s what you’d say, so I already told her yes.”
“I can’t believe how perfect the timing of everything has been.” Joy she’d once thought impossible to reclaim filled her.
“God has blessed us.” He slid an arm around her waist, and they walked to the house. “Experience has shown us life won’t always be easy, but together we’ll conquer the good and the bad.”
“I agree.” She stood on her tiptoes in front of the door and kissed him. “I love you.”
This is why I tell you: Don’t worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the sky: They don’t sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they? Can any of you add a single cubit to his height by worrying? And why do you worry about clothes? Learn how the wildflowers of the field grow: they don’t labor or spin thread. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was adorned like one of these! If that’s how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and thrown into the furnace tomorrow, won’t He do much more for you—you of little faith? So don’t worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ For the idolaters eagerly seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. Therefore don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:25-34
Letter From The Author
Dear Readers,
I have a confession—I am a chronic worrier. When I think back to all the stress I’ve caused myself and all the time I’ve lost to worrying, it makes me shudder. The passage from Matthew 6:25-34 is very personal to me because of my struggles with worrying. There came a point when I had to have a serious talk with myself and make that decision to trust God with everything. He is faithful and always keeps his promises. With him beside us, there is no reason to worry, no matter what you face.
I pray you’ve been touched by Evan and Janie’s story. For years, their romance has waited to be told, and I believe that God brought it forth in His perfect timing.
If you’re curious about Kate’s story, or Bryce’s, check out the Come To Me series, available here. Bryce and Sophie are featured in Come to Me Alive, and Kate and Luke are featured in Come to Me Joyful (where we first meet Evan). These people aren’t just characters—they’ve become friends!
Until next time,
Leah
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About the Author
USA Today Bestselling Author Leah Atwood is a small-town girl at heart and currently lives in a rural town in the deep South, though Maryland will always be home. She graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in International Business but gave up a career in sales and marketing to follow love, a decision she's never regretted.
From the old west to Cajun country, Leah infuses true-to-life characters with small-town charm to invite her readers into a world where faith and love will always prevail. In both her historical and contemporary works, she believes in delivering inspirational stories that will leave her readers with a smile.
When not writing, she's busy raising two kids and corralling two dogs (an eighty-four-pound shepherd/lab mix and an eleven-pound rat terrier/jack russell mix), or participating in a myriad of community and church events
Other Available Titles
Contemporary Romances
Come to Me Series
Come to Me Alive
Come to Me Free
Come to Me Again
Come to Me Joyful (Bonus Novella)
Modern Conveniences Series
Love In a Fix
Calling Love
Lost in Love
Waiting on Love (Bonus Novella)
Always Faithful Series
That Was Then
This Is Now
When It’s Forever (Summer 2017)
Love at the Lake
Not This Time
Treasure Harbor
Complete Collection
Standalones
Table For One (Novella)
A Summer Homecoming (Novella)
Historical Romances
Brides of Weatherton Novellas
After the Rain
Fire and Ice
Winds of Change
Whiter than Snow
Dancing on Dew
Texas Wildflowers Novelette Series
Free to Love
Free to Heal
Free to Protect
Free to Serve
Free to Roam
Free to Forgive
Mail-Order Short Stories and Novelettes
The Ultimatum Bride
A Man to Be Proud Of
Their First Noelle
The Not Quite Mail-Order Bride
The Mail-Order Bride’s Quilt
Riches of the Heart
The Most Wonderful Bride of the Year
Come to Me Alive Excerpt
Enjoy this excerpt from Come to Me Alive and get lost in the romance of a country star and small-town teacher. Available Here.
Bryce ran down the court, dribbling a basketball with his right hand. Six feet from the basket, he jumped up from off his left foot, threw the ball against the backboard and swoosh, a perfect layup. The ball rolled, finding its own resting place. He walked to the bench where his towel and sports drink waited. He sat down and wrapped a towel around the back of his neck, bringing the ends up to wipe the sweat from his face.
Louisiana summers were brutal, even at eight in the morning. Humidity made the air sticky and by noon, the outdoors would be a miserable combination of bugs and sultry dampness. A swarm of dragonflies was circling the basketball court, a sure sign, in his experience, that rain would soon be coming. Good thing Gram and Gracie were going berry picking this morning. He’d tried to join them, but Gram had shooed him away, said Gracie needed some girl time with her great-grandmother.
That could be true. Other
than sleeping, his daughter had been by his side constantly for two weeks. Who could blame him for keeping her close? He had a month off, then it was back to work. He’d be lucky to see his daughter a few days at a time between shows and obligations.
Caroline, his manager, hadn’t been happy when he’d told her he’d be unavailable for four weeks. She’d become downright angry when he refused to tell her where he’d be spending his vacation. Not even the band knew his whereabouts.
He had to protect Gracie and do what was best for her. His daughter’s well-being was his first priority. Until he could figure out how to be a single dad with his career, he would continue to keep her a secret from everyone in his life except Gram, Gramps and their trusted friends in Oden Bridge. Even his parents hadn’t been told they had a grandchild. Like they would care anyway. Their lives were much too important, in their opinions, to care about anyone beyond themselves. Thank God for Gram and Gramps. He meant it with all his heart. Last year, when his world turned upside down, they’d stepped up. Not only did they save him from himself, they took in Gracie so she wouldn’t be subjected to the press.
The arrangement couldn’t last forever—he didn’t want it to, nor did he try to pretend it was an acceptable long-term solution. His grandparents were outstanding people, but expecting them to take care of his daughter in their advanced years wasn’t fair. More than that, he was the only parent Gracie had left, and she deserved all of him. He couldn’t continue being a part-time dad, but he was still trying to sort out the pieces of his new life.
Faith was new to him, and he was relying, heavily, on it to carry him through this phase of his life.
Clouds shifted, exposing the morning’s sun. On the other side of the ball court, the light bounced off something metallic and sent a beam of light his way. He looked up to find the source. His heart rate picked up speed and the hairs on his neck rose. He squinted his eyes. No, he wasn’t imagining the vision. All week, he’d brought Gracie to the park in hopes of seeing Sophie again, but with no luck. Admittedly, a trifle weird of him, but he couldn’t push aside the jolt he’d experienced that day. She had radiated innocence and purity. Her bright green eyes had glimmered with peacefulness. She was everything he didn’t see in himself.