by T L Gray
Before I could get over being stunned by his admission, Grace’s mom pulled me in for a tight embrace. “Matt, we are so happy to meet you. Thank you for taking care of our baby.” She stepped back and examined me from head to toe. “You’re right, Grace. He is very handsome.”
Her mother looked around the building with a smile before clapping. “Oh, I can’t wait to see the renovation plans.” She grabbed her husband’s arm and tugged him along. “Come on, dear. Let’s give these lovebirds a minute alone.”
Grace’s father looked back and forth between the two of us and smiled before following after his wife. I watched with my mouth open, completely unprepared for them to be so gracious.
Marcus soon had Mr. Covington engaged in a basketball game while Darius showed her mom around the building.
Grace’s small arm snaked around my waist. “I told you they were wonderful.”
“All the same, a little heads-up would have been nice.”
She turned to me and smiled. “I wanted to surprise you. Besides, I couldn’t wait one more minute.”
Without hesitation, I swept her into my arms and held her tightly, the month of anxiety already slipping away from me. “Never again, Grace. I’m not letting you leave ever again.”
She held me close, burying her face in my chest. “I’m not going anywhere.”
I held her face in my hands and looked deep into her eyes. She was my future, my forever.
“Now that your dad’s here, I plan to ask him a very important question.”
She smiled playfully, knowing exactly where this was going. “That’s fine as long as you realize I still want a grand spectacle of a wedding. You can take the girl out of New York, but you’ll never take the New York out of the girl.”
Matching her smile, I wondered how I ever got so lucky. “Sweetheart, you can have whatever you want. Just don’t think I’m waiting eighteen months to make you mine.”
She saw the intensity in my eyes and knew I meant it. If I had my choice, we’d be married tomorrow.
Her eyes grew big, a small pout forming. “Six months?”
What could a man do? How could I ever say no to this beautiful woman? “Not a day longer. I mean it.”
Her arm encircled me again, pulling me tight against her. “I love you so much.”
I kissed her head, relishing the wonderful smell I’d been longing for all month. “I love you, too.”
“Ah, man! Are you at it again?” Marcus hollered from across the gym. “Mr. Covington, that’s all those two ever want to do.”
Grace and I burst out laughing at the stunned expression on her father’s face. We approached hand in hand until I let go to take Marcus in a friendly headlock.
“Boy, your mouth is way too big,” I scolded.
He laughed and disengaged the way I’d taught him. His eyes were as bright as his smile, and for the first time ever, I saw that glimmer in his eyes. Hope. Trust. Joy.
I’d seen the Lord do amazing things, but nothing touched me more than seeing His mercy in the eyes of a child.
Another victory.
Acknowledgments
* * *
A heartfelt thanks to:
The entire Waterfall Press team, especially Tammy Faxel, Daniel Byrne, and my amazing editors, Gail Hudson and Robin Cruise. It’s an honor to partner with such wonderful professionals.
Josh Webb of Root Radius—for your continued guidance and strategic coaching. I’d be lost without you.
Mandy Hollis of MH Photography—for allowing me the use of your beautiful photograph for my cover design. Your talent for grasping emotion is remarkable.
Debby Wade of ACTSolutions Counseling Center—for giving me guidance and insight into the minds of those dealing with trauma.
My sister, Angel—for always reading my first draft with keen eyes and wise words. Your invaluable input continues to make me better.
My faithful beta readers, Abby, Karen, and Suzy—for your attention to detail, advice, and ideas.
My wonderful writing critique partners—Conni Cossette, Janice Olson, Patty Carroll, Jackie Castle, Ann Boyles, Dana Red, Lyndie Blevins, Keisha Bass, Michelle Stimpson, Jan Johnson, and Lynne Gentry—for helping me elevate my writing and for always pushing me to dig deeper.
My wonderful readers—for your continual encouragement, e-mails, and reviews. You are the reason I love writing so much!
And finally, to my amazing husband and children—for all the sacrifices you make, allowing me to pour my heart and soul into every word.
About the Author
* * *
T.L. Gray serves as a pastor’s wife in Ennis, Texas. It was her desire to help young girls know and experience Christ’s unconditional love that led her to write her debut novel, Shattered Rose. Her books are about flawed characters who struggle in the world. She loves writing stories that offer hope to the broken, with the intention of taking the readers on a journey where they both cheer for and want to shake the hero/heroine. She aims to depict culturally relevant settings while presenting an inspirational message that will stay with readers long after the book is closed. Follow her on Twitter @tlgraybooks or visit her at www.facebook.com/tlgraybooks and www.tlgray.com.