Joy lit his eyes, and he gathered her to him. Star pulled away, and for the next few minutes, she told him her story. Of Luke murdering her mother, of Lila and Sam loving her all of her life and helping her get away from Luke, of her fear that if she told him where she’d come from he might turn her out.
Michael gathered her close once more. “I might have,” he admitted. “But God’s changed me. I only want to make you happy.”
The door flew open, and Lila’s tiny frame made an imposing figure in the doorway. Her stormy gaze rested on Michael. “Turn her loose. It ain’t proper, you holdin’ on to Star when you’s alone like dis.”
Michael inclined his head. “You’re right, Ma’am. And since it appears you are the closest thing Star has to family, I suppose I’ll be asking your permission for her hand in marriage.”
Lila’s face lit up like a Roman candle. “In dat case, I guess I’m gonna have ter say yes.”
A lopsided grin split Michael’s face. He squeezed Star’s hand, then glanced back up to Lila. “Will you come and live with us?”
Quick tears misted Lila’s black eyes. “You knows I will.”
“Oh, Michael,” Star whispered. “What a wonderful idea!”
“Yes. Ma’ll be relieved. She still needs that help.” He gave Star a teasing grin.
Star’s heart filled with contentment as she gazed into Michael’s love-filled eyes. “I guess that settles it, then,” she whispered.
“I think so.” His head descended, then he stopped and glanced at Lila. He grinned. “Just a quick kiss?”
Lila gave a curt nod.
Michael gave a contented sigh as his lips closed over Star’s, and she knew the past was indeed gone. She looked forward to a glorious future.
About the Author
Tracey Victoria Bateman lives in Missouri with her husband and their four children. She counts on her relationship with God to bring balance to her busy life. Grateful for God’s many blessings, Tracey believes she is living proof that “all things are possible to them that believe,” and she happily encourages anyone who will listen, to dream big and see where God will take them.
Dedication
To My Pastors: Matt and Aimee Flanders
I pray that God will multiply and extend to you the abundance of grace you’ve poured into my life over the past few years. I love you both.
And to the lover of my soul, Jesus Christ. Thank you for knowing my heart and for loving me at my most unlovable.
A note from the Author:
I love to hear from my readers! You may correspond with me by writing:
Tracey Victoria Bateman
Author Relations
PO Box 719
Uhrichsville, OH 44683
But For Grace (HEARTSONG PRESENTS - HISTORICAL) Page 17