Brought Together by Baby
Page 20
“Is something wrong with your bike?” Rachel pulled away and walked to the front door to see for herself.
“Just wait, Rachel,” Eli called out.
But Rachel was outside already and looking at a silver car parked beside her red one, puzzled. “Who did you borrow that from? Ben doesn’t have a car like that.”
Eli sighed. “He doesn’t and I didn’t. Borrow it, that is.”
Rachel was truly puzzled now. “So why…?”
“Look, Miss Nosy, I traded in the bike for this.”
Rachel stared dumbly at the car, then realization dawned. “You got rid of your motorcycle!”
“See. That’s what I love about you. Gorgeous and quick.” Eli tossed her a teasing smile.
“But why?”
“Well, someone once quizzed me on the suitability of a pediatrician riding a motorcycle.”
“That someone sounds dangerously pretentious,” Rachel said, still trying to match this car with the man she had come to know and care for.
“Be careful, darling,” he drawled. “You’re talking about the woman I love.”
Rachel walked to the car and touched it lightly, as if to make sure it was real. Then she turned back to Eli, a tiny fragment of happiness lancing her heart. “Why?”
“Because I know how you feel about motorcycles and, as much as I hate to admit it, you’re probably right. If I’m going to settle down…” He stopped, tilted a smile her way.
“Settle down? As in get married?”
Eli heaved a sigh, settled Gracie more firmly in his arm, then pulled Rachel to him in a one-armed hug. “I wanted to make this all official and proper, but you messed this up, you know. Rachel, I want to marry you.”
Rachel’s chest could not contain her heart. Happiness and love and thankfulness danced around trying to find an outlet.
So she cried.
“Hey. I’m not that bad a catch, you know,” he whispered into her ear as he drew her close.
“I love you, Eli Cavanaugh.” She pulled back, cupped his beloved face in her hands and pulled him down for a kiss.
“Eli. Rachel,” Gracie cooed, clapping her hands as if catching their happiness.
“You got that right, little one,” Eli said. He turned back to Rachel. “I was hoping to talk to your father first, then go get a ring, then try to find a private place on this cramped estate of your parents’ and do this all proper without an audience…” He shrugged.
Rachel placed her finger on his lips and laughed. “I’m glad you didn’t. I’m glad Gracie could be here. After all, she was the one who brought us together.”
Eli’s expression grew serious. “I’m glad she did, Rachel. I thank God every day for what has happened in my life because of that. Because of you.”
Rachel didn’t think she could take any more happiness. “You are a gift, Eli Cavanaugh.” She gave him a hug. “Now, let’s go find Mom and Dad.”
And together they walked back through the large double doors of the Noble family plantation, looking for the rest of their family.
Dear Reader,
We like to think that we are in control of our lives. However, we all know that people, events and just the day-to-day stuff of life conspire to show us that this is fiction. I still struggle with control, though my husband and I learned a lot about letting go when we took in our first foster child. This blessed child had multiple handicaps, and his care was a challenge each day. Like Gracie in the story, he had cerebral palsy, but on top of that he had a stomach tube for feeding and was on oxygen and medication for seizures. God had entrusted this child into our care, but, at the same time, we had to learn important lessons in letting go. Not only of control and plans for the day, but also of life. When he passed away, after four and a half years in our care, we faced another aspect of letting go. But we also found grace and strength in Christ’s love for us.
The verse that I used in the front of this book is incribed on his gravestone. It is a reminder to us to realize that God can use our weaknesses. He is the master planner, and His plans are the best.
I love to hear from my readers. You can write me at either Carolyne Aarson, Box 114, Neerlandia, Alberta, T0G 1R0 or e-mail me at caarsen@telusplanet.net. If you e-mail, please put “Brought Together by Baby” in the subject line so I know it is a valued letter and not spam.
Special thanks and acknowledgment are given to Carolyne Aarsen for her contribution to the TINY BLESSINGS series.
ISBN: 978-1-4592-0352-5
BROUGHT TOGETHER BY BABY
Copyright © 2005 by Steeple Hill Books, Fribourg Switzerland
All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, is forbidden without the written permission of the editorial office, Steeple Hill Books, 233 Broadway, New York, NY 10279 U.S.A.
All characters in this book have no existence outside the imagination of the author and have no relation whatsoever to anyone bearing the same name or names. They are not even distantly inspired by any individual known or unknown to the author, and all incidents are pure invention.
This edition published by arrangement with Steeple Hill Books.
® and TM are trademarks of Steeple Hill Books, used under license. Trademarks indicated with ® are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the Canadian Trade Marks Office and in other countries.
www.SteepleHill.com
*Stealing Home