The door to the deck swished open behind her. Collin’s heavy footsteps were comforting. Watching his protectiveness for both Madison and her had provided a real sense of safety. She regretted not telling him what had happened earlier. He would have believed her, and their marriage would have been so much richer without the destructive secret.
“Hey, brought you something.” Collin handed her a cup of hot chocolate. The swing swayed as he sat beside her. “Are you okay? You seem to be thinking hard.”
“Thanks.” She grasped the warm cup. “Sure, and yes, I’ve been thinking. I want to thank you for my office and tell you I’m no longer mad that you kept the journals from me.”
“They weren’t always fun to read. I’m sorry I wasn’t a better husband to you.”
“Collin, you’re the best husband I’ve ever had.” Anticipating his reply, she tried not to grin.
“Humph. I’m the only husband you’ve ever had,” he said.
She laughed. “That makes you the best.” She sipped the chocolate, enjoying the taste, never mind the calories. She’d made a vow not to worry about such things again. “I’ve made some decisions I hope you won’t mind.”
“Like what?” The swing moved sideways as he leaned in to hear her answer.
“I feel it’s important to continue taking our family to church. Collin, there is so much for us to gain—”
“Shh.” He put a finger to her lips. “I agree. At first I didn’t want to lose my Sunday mornings sitting in a pew, but now I’m beginning to see the value. I’ve always had faith, but I didn’t realize how much I missed by not belonging to a community of believers.”
She blinked back the tears that nipped at the corners of her eyes. This man was the man she wanted in her life forever. “Thank you, Collin.”
“That’s one decision. You said ‘some,’ so what are the others?” He gave the swing a shove with his foot.
“I want to try to have a career as a writer.” The words were tentative, but the intent was not. She would write, even if Collin didn’t agree.
“That’s good, and have you considered—”
She stopped his oration with a firm grip on his thigh. “Before you say anything more, I need to know if you’ll support me in this.” She inhaled deeply before sharing her dream. “I want to go to conferences and learn how to do this the right way. I won’t always be available to host parties for your firm. Collin, I want to be me, not just your wife.”
“I’m relieved to hear you say that, Louisa. I wanted to tell you that I’ve been thinking of giving up the race for a partnership. I’d like to spend more time with our family too. You and the kids are too important, but we may have to change our style of living.”
“Would I have to give up that fantastic office you made for me?”
“Are you kidding? I see a vacation house up in the Rockies in our future with the money you’ll make writing as Jazz Sweet.”
She winced at the name. “Collin, I don’t want to be Jazz Sweet ever again.”
His foot stopped the movement of the swing. “Who do you want to be?”
“Your wife. Louisa Copeland, with Jazz’s attitude for life, but unafraid to touch you and love you in every way.” She rose and stood in front of him. The moonlight danced across his face, highlighting the love in his eyes. “Collin Copeland, will you give up sleeping on the couch and take me to our room?”
He sprang from the swing. It swooshed into the back of the deck with a crack. He pulled her into his arms and then led her back into the house, his gaze never leaving hers. “Welcome home, Louisa,” he whispered.
Later that week, Louisa sat in her new office, amazed at how much thought and detail Collin had put into building it for her, right down to a pail of white sand to trail her fingers through. She swiveled in her office chair and reached for a fresh journal on the shelf. She opened it to the first page and began to write. A Journey, by Louisa Copeland . . .
About the Author
Christian author Diana Lesire Brandmeyer writes historical and contemporary romances. Once widowed and now remarried, she writes with humor and experience on the difficulty of joining two families in We’re Not Blended—We’re Pureed: A Survivor’s Guide to Blended Families. Her first historical, A Bride’s Dilemma in Friendship, Tennessee, released May 2012. She lives in southern Illinois, where the corn grows at a rapid rate behind her home.
Diana has three grown sons, all on their own now, and each of them bringing someone special to join the family. Yay! Daughters-in-law!
Visit Diana’s website at www.dianabrandmeyer.com and her blog at www.dianabrandmeyer.com/blog.
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Mind of Her Own Page 21