Summer's Redemption

by Dora Hiers

Trace was such a generous and caring man, willing to open his home and his wallet for his son’s friend. Oh, how she loved him! If she’d needed proof that he’d changed and could commit, this was it.

  She. Loved. Him.

  With everything in her. She could hardly wait for the opportunity to tell him.

  She rose and walked around to the side of the desk, barely restraining her sandal from tapping out an impatient rhythm against the tile. “You’ll need to sign an authorization for temporary guardianship and a medical consent form. Ms. Williams at the reception desk can give you a sample of each so you can customize it. Oh, and it would be a good idea to give Trace a copy of your insurance cards.”

  “Thank you, Ms. Owens. But a simple ‘thank you’ just doesn’t seem like enough for everything you two have done for our family.” Mrs. Nickerson stood with an arm around her son.

  Bristol smiled at the pair. “It’s my pleasure.”

  “I know it hurts right now thinking of leaving your son behind. But you’re making the right decision. I guarantee the school in Florida wouldn’t have as wonderful a counselor as this woman right here to help with the transition.” Emerald and espresso speckles shimmered from Trace’s eyes, his steady and warm gaze paralyzing her.

  “Thank you.” Jason finally spoke up, his voice cracking. “All of you. I won’t let any of you down.”

  “We know you won’t.” Mr. Nickerson ruffled the top of his son’s head and glanced at Trace. “Do you have time to take care of the forms now?”

  “Sure.” Trace flashed an apologetic glance her way and then followed the family to the reception desk. Except for the occasional pumps from the diffuser, silence settled over her.

  She dropped down in her chair and swiveled around to stare out the window. Trees lining the edge of the school property were covered with green leaves, blocking the mountains in the distance during the summer months. But she knew they were there.

  Just like her heavenly Father. At times He seemed so quiet, but she knew He was always there.

  Go, God! You are amazing! Look at what You just did! Before I even had a chance to ask, You provided a home for Jason. Just like You took care of me all those years ago by giving me Debbie and the Porters. Gratitude and awe thoroughly seeped through her spirit. A tear slipped down one cheek. And, Lord? Thank You for bringing this wonderful man back into my life. Please give us a second chance.

  She didn’t hear the footsteps. Only felt a tug on the chair before it twirled around.

  Trace.

  He held out his hands, and she took them. Once on her feet, he framed her cheeks with his palms, his touch rekindling a fire, sparking those dreams to life again. “I love you, Bristol Owens. I love everything about you.”

  She gasped. There! He’d finally said it!

  His thumbs caressed her skin along with his eyes. “If you’ll allow me, I will spend the rest of my life not only saying those words but showing you how much.”

  His lips covered hers, and for the next few minutes, he proceeded to do exactly that.

  17

  “Just a little farther.” Trace held her arm, guiding her across his back yard.

  When sand sifted between her toes and water lapped against the shore in a soothing rhythm, she knew they’d reached the beach. With the blindfold over her eyes, she had to rely on her senses.

  But her senses had been on overload for a few weeks now. Since declaring his love in her office, Trace had kickstarted his romancing campaign. Bringing lunch or coffee to the school. Cozy family dinners after work, sometimes with the boys and sometimes by themselves. Lazy Saturday afternoons on his boat. Joining him and his family for worship on Sundays.

  And now tonight. After a relaxing afternoon on the lake, he’d taken her home with the promise that he’d prepared something special for tonight.

  Something special? Every day over the last two weeks had been special. Even so, her heart soared with hope. Would he commit to a new beginning tonight? One that made the four of them a family?

  Finally, he tugged her to a stop. With both hands curled around her shoulders, he nuzzled his lips against her neck, filling her lungs with his masculine and citrus scent, filling her heart with him. “Ready?”

  Two years past ready. A shiver rumbled through her from top to bottom. “Yes.”

  The blindfold dropped away from her face, and she took in the scene, her jaw dropping. Her palm flew up to cover her gasp.

  What looked like a thousand paper bags, filled with sand, a lit candle sparkling from inside, lined the path to a gazebo. Twinkle lights dangled from the rafters, highlighting the table set for two.

  Tears squeezed out of the corners of her eyes. “You did all this?”

  He nodded, tightening his grip around her back. “After I dropped you off. I made the gazebo after that day in your office.”

  She knew exactly which day he referred to. The day he’d agreed to become Jason’s temporary guardian.

  But the man didn’t do anything temporary. To make the kid feel more comfortable, Trace and Trip had set up a spare bedroom, replicating Jason’s from his own home. The same bed and dresser, all the wall hangings, the awards, the comforter. Trace showed his love by doing, and he’d certainly made Jason feel at home. During their last conference, the teen mentioned that he planned to stay with the Tomlinsons until graduation.

  Trace held out his hand, and she took it. Like a prince leading her down a royal aisle, he led the way to the table and pulled out her seat.

  After filling her belly with lasagna, salad, and breadsticks, she leaned back in the chair, her gaze straying to the lights hanging from the top of the gazebo. Awe expanded in her heart. He’d made this just for her! “You certainly weren’t kidding. Tonight was very special, Trace. You spoil me.”

  “You deserve to be spoiled.” He reached for her hand. Grazing her skin with his thumb, he waited until her attention focused on him again. “And I want that job for life.”

  Her breath caught. “What are you—”

  Dropping to one knee on the wood, he held out a tiny box. A huge diamond appeared to float above the petite gems that sparkled halfway around the band.

  She covered her gaping mouth.

  “When the Lord brought you back into my life, He healed me of my commitment phobia. He opened my eyes to what we could have together. Will you marry me, Bristol? Will you make me the happiest—”

  “Yes! Yes!” She threw her arms around his neck, and he drew them both to their feet.

  After he slid the ring over her finger, he kissed every finger on her hand. “I love you, Bristol Owens.”

  “I love you, Trace Tomlinson.” She pressed her cheek against his chest and gazed out at the lake, the rapid thump of his heart matching her own.

  Thank You, Lord, for this summer’s redemption.

  Epilogue

  Trace followed Pastor Scott out onto the beach behind his house, a row of paper lanterns dotting the ground, leading the way to the gazebo.

  What a beautiful evening for a wedding. The sun still lingered above the horizon. Just warm enough without being cold, the early autumn breeze carried the scent of pine along with a hint of the lake.

  Both his brothers stepped into their spots next to him under the gazebo.

  Mannix nudged him with an elbow to his midsection. “Nervous?”

  Not even the slightest. He shook his head. “Not at all. You and Rowan make it look easy.”

  “You should’ve married Bristol years ago.”

  “I wasn’t ready.”

  Mannix chuckled. “Neither was I. But now?” He shook his head, his smile sly, as if hiding a secret. His gaze settled on his wife, standing at the edge of the clearing, waiting for her cue. A happy sigh escaped his chest. “This marriage is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. It was worth the wait.”

  He studied his older brother. He’d always known when Mannix held something tight to his chest. Even now. “Something you’d like to tell us?”

&nbs
p; The music shifted, and Mannix swiveled to look at the boys, the humor replaced with seriousness and awe. Trip escorted Ellie and Gramps while Debbie’s arm was crooked through Jason’s, as they all made their way to the front rows. “You make that look easy. As wonderful as marriage is, I can only imagine how amazing fatherhood will be.”

  Fatherhood? He gasped. “Are you and Rowan expecting?”

  “Maybe. I hope so. We’re sure trying hard enough to make it happen.” His best man chuckled, his gaze attaching to his wife again.

  “TMI, dude.” Gentry scowled, shaking his head. “Keep it to yourselves. Some of us aren’t quite as lucky in love as you four.”

  Trace leaned out slightly to peer at his younger brother. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Gent. Everlee’s been in love with you forever.”

  “Yeah. And if she wasn’t so worried that you’d take off again, you might be reciting your I do’s in this very spot,” Mannix chided.

  Everlee wasn’t the only one worried about Gentry taking off. But their youngest brother had to find his own way, and if he wasn’t ready, marriage wasn’t the solution.

  Faith was the answer. Faith and trust in the Lord. Acceptance that everything—good and bad—happened for a reason. That they could make all the plans in the world, but the Lord shaped their path.

  The last of the guests were seated, and the music shifted again. Wearing a dusty orange haltered gown, his sister-in-law began the march down the aisle. Rowan’s gaze was glued to her husband’s, that same sneaky smile on her lips.

  Yep. Definitely hiding some big news. He’d tear it out of Mannix soon. But not tonight.

  Everlee came next. She might be worried about Gentry taking off again, but she still loved the man. That much was obvious from the dreamy look on her face every time she braved a look at his brother.

  Gentry would figure it out. Eventually.

  He leaned out, trying to see past Everlee.

  There. His bride was finally poised at the end of the aisle, her arm linked through George’s, her smile directed at him.

  His breath stuck in his lungs, and his jaw dropped.

  She was stunning! Her hair was pulled back behind her head, tiny wisps framing her face. A fragile layer of lace covered the V-neck bodice and trailed the length of her arms. A wide band of silk separated the delicate top from the satin material that billowed to the ground. Her bouquet was a beautiful combination of roses, tulips, ferns, and autumn leaves. Simple but elegant.

  When his bride started down the path toward him and their new life together, his breath stalled. So full of love and anticipation, his legs nearly buckled out from under him.

  Mannix chuckled and elbowed him in the ribs. “Keep it together for the ceremony, you knucklehead. You only have one go at this.”

  “But you had two,” Gentry teased.

  “I got an early start,” their older brother shot back. “You guys took too long, so you only get one.”

  “One is all I need.” His voice came out sure and steady as Bristol reached him, her peach and jasmine scent drifting over him, as welcome as the first glimpse of summer.

  He waited for her to hand off her bouquet then took one of her hands in his, the other grazing her cheek with his thumb. “You’re so beautiful, sweetheart.”

  Her eyes misted, her gaze full of adoration.

  “I love you, Mrs. Tomlinson. I promise to love and cherish you all the days of my life.”

  Mannix elbowed him.

  He turned to his older brother, scowling. “Can’t you see I’m a little busy here?”

  “Trust me. It’ll go quicker if you let the pastor do his thing.” Mannix nodded at the minister.

  Pastor Scott didn’t bother to hide his grin. “Dearly beloved. We are gathered here tonight to celebrate the joining of Trace Tomlinson and Bristol Owens as husband and wife…”

  Husband and wife.

  The words didn’t frighten him anymore. Didn’t send his pulse into overtime. Didn’t send him fleeing from commitment.

  This woman was his for a lifetime. To cherish and adore. To respect and trust. To love and protect. To build a family, a forever.

  Thank You, Lord, for directing my steps to this day and time. For bringing me to this place of abundance and joy and gratitude. For this wonderful gift of a lifetime with this beautiful woman. Help me to love her as You love Your bride.

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  While I’m hard at work writing Summer’s Return,

  read on for a SNEAK PEEK of A Time to Heal,

  the first book in the Love’s Time series.

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  A Time to Heal

  “You gotta move if you want to eat, Jumbo.”

  Remi Lambright nudged the curious four-hundred-pound llama out of the way with her shoulder and tossed the bale of hay into the pasture at Forever Family Animal Sanctuary.

  Jumbo munched on the hay, staring at her with huge chestnut colored eyes and lashes that most females would envy. At least his long ears pointed up, and he wasn’t sounding his shrill alarm. Always a good sign with this cantankerous male.

  “Sorry. That’s it for chow, big guy.” She patted his rump then made her way to the water bucket, sliding her gloves off and tucking them into the back pocket of her jeans.

  She lifted the hose and turned the spigot, waiting until fresh water flowed over her hand before directing it into the trough. She shut off the water and straightened.

  Five male llamas huddled together, their satisfied chomping noises breaking the early morning stillness, a cool breeze ruffling their fiber.

  “Time to visit the little ladies. See you later, guys.” She cranked the four-wheeler, drove into the female territory, and unloaded another bale.

  As fifteen creatures lumbered her way, she scanned the crowd, searching for one particular animal. Where was Snickers?

  A groan sounded from near the fence line. Ah, there she was, the shyest of her herd and the sanctuary’s newest ward.

  Snickers sniffed the ground then paced a few yards, dipped her long neck in a jerky motion, and moaned again. She plunked on the grass and rolled, but that didn’t last long. With awkward movements, she got back on her feet and rubbed her head against the combination wood and wire fence.

  Poor thing. The expectant mama couldn’t get comfortable.

  A bud of anticipation bloomed in Remi’s tummy. This delivery would be her first experience with a cria birth.

  “What’s the matter, girl?” Remi spoke softly as she stepped closer to the beautiful silky.

  Since Snickers had arrived just a few days ago, already several months pregnant, Remi had scoured the Internet for articles on llama births. With her degree in Veterinary Technology, she could probably handle a normal delivery on her own, but what if Snickers experienced complications?

  A chilly North Carolina breeze picked up, swirling dust and bits of straw through the air. Branches of the majestic maple trees bordering the property and haphazardly dotting the lawn swayed in tune with the gentle wind, autumn’s multi-colored leaves drifting to join the dance.

  Remi tugged her sweater tighter against her chest, humming quietly as she inched closer. Should she try to entice Snickers to the shelter, out of the wind?

  “Come on, sweet mama, you can do this.”

  The six-foot animal lumbered back and forth, cutting the same path across the pasture. A couple minutes passed with more moans from Snickers, growing louder and more urgent, but still no sign of the baby.

  If Remi was in labor and obviously struggling, she would want a qualified professional on hand to deliver the baby.

  Well, that wasn’t happening an
ytime soon, so why would she allow her brain to wander down that lonely road?

  She shook her head. She couldn’t put Snickers and the cria at risk by not having a veterinarian around for the delivery.

  She slid her phone out of her pocket and connected with the vet’s office.

  “Dr. Randolph’s office.”

  “Hi, Judy. It’s Remi Lambright. Is Corbin in this morning?” Please say yes.

  “Hey, Remi. No, Doc Corbin hasn’t been in yet this morning. He left word that he had an emergency over at the Whitman farm. I’m not sure when to expect him. Do you need him at your place?”

  Remi grimaced. She didn’t need him. She needed a vet.

  She’d learned at the delicate age of ten not to depend on a man. When her father—

  Jumbo lumbered over to the fence and rubbed his nose against Remi’s shoulder, almost knocking the phone out of her hand. She fumbled to keep her grip while he raised his neck and bared his bottom teeth, flashing a giant llama grin.

  Aww. He was trying to cheer her up, the big lug. She smiled, grateful for the sweetie, even if he was a bit of a troublemaker.

  But he needed a home, a family, and that’s why he was here. So he wouldn’t be destroyed.

  She was tucked way out in the country, far enough away from the big city of Charlotte and secluded from the public’s prying eyes and insatiable appetites for gossip, for the same reason.

  So she wouldn’t be destroyed.

  Animals didn’t let you down like people did. But it sure would be nice if a man besides her brother or stepfather would show up when she needed him. Didn’t look like that would happen today.

  Snickers moaned again.

  Remi twisted her head to glance at the back end of the pregnant female. Still no sign of the baby yet.

  “It looks like Snickers plans to have her cria today, but the little one’s not cooperating. I could use a vet, Judy. Whether that’s Corbin or his on-call doc, I don’t care. Please just get somebody out here to the sanctuary.”

  Remi disconnected and headed into the barn. It wouldn’t hurt to gather some supplies, just in case.