Act of Contrition
Page 25
Gavin gazed at her for a moment. “You want me to say it’s because God had a bigger plan for you. And while that may well be true, I don’t think that’s the reason. You didn’t die because you chose to live. You’ve chosen life, Jenny. Over and over again.”
She considered his words. “I have, haven’t I?” And she pressed her fingers to the spot where she imagined the tiny baby growing inside her. “In a lot of ways. I guess I still believe in something—life or love. I should have died in that accident, but I didn’t. I could have curled up and died in the weeks that followed, consumed by depression. But I didn’t. I could have let the Bay take me, but I fought. I don’t want to say it was all for this one purpose—to give life to this baby.”
“I don’t think so, either. You fought because there is something in you that is stronger than everything that’s happened to you.”
She stretched out her hands. “What is it, though? Faith? Determination? What?”
Gavin grinned. “Why do you have to have a name or a label for everything? Maybe it’s your spirit. And that’s not something tangible to be labeled or placed in a box. It’s who you are. You’re one of the strongest, most courageous women I’ve ever met.”
“I’m not all that strong.”
“That’s because you see strength as being the thing that empowers you to overcome diversity. I see strength as the thing that carries you through the storm. You, Jenny Doyle, are a survivor.”
****
As the Fourth of July weekend neared, Jenny walked along the harbor on her way to meet Patrick. He was photographing tall ships for use on a historical romance book cover. The summer breeze carried the scent of the ocean, something that connected with home in Jenny. Everything about the day seemed right.
Jenny spied Patrick, his camera focused on at a tall ship docked nearby. Kari stood at his side, pointing at the ship’s mast. Jenny recalled a day like this with Cooper when he was three years old, his eyes wide as he clapped chubby hands together and watched the ships enter the harbor. She pressed her fingers over the knot in her heart and closed her eyes, envisioning his face. I will always love you, Cooper. I’ll never forget you.
As she opened her eyes again, Kari shouted, “Mom!” and raced toward her.
Jenny waved back and smiled as Patrick aimed the camera and captured her approach.
THE END
ABOUT LINDA RETTSTATT
Linda Rettstatt discovered her passion for writing after years of working in the human services field. When she’s not writing, Kate loves travel and nature, figuring out what makes people tick, and pizza ‘n’ beer. Well, a little chocolate to top that off is always a nice touch. Growing up in the Northeast, she’s endured her share of winters and readily admits that spring and fall are her favorite seasons. If she were to live anywhere else, it would be along the eastern shore. She writes women’s fiction and says that, though Kris Radish, Elizabeth Berg and Elin Hilderbrand are among her favorite authors, her stories are largely inspired by the women she has met on her own journey through life.
If you enjoyed Linda Rettstatt’s Act of Contrition,
you might also enjoy these women’s fiction authors
published by Turquoise Morning Press:
Margaret Ethridge, author of Commitment
Karen Stivali, author of Meant to Be
Grace Greene, author of Beach Rental
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