She snapped open her luggage and drew out a rustle of white filmy cloth, so gossamer it took Patrick’s breath away. He remembered their first wedding night filled with innocent intimacy. Tonight was no different.
With his back to the door, Patrick stared into the night sky. The Lord had provided His own fireworks—a full moon and a sparkling array of stars. He found the north star, a small steady light that guided sailors home. Tonight he was home.
He heard the door open, and Christie stepped into the room. She glided toward him like a dream—a dream he’d had since the day they met in the pharmacy.
He opened his arms to her, feeling the slippery cloth beneath his hands. He drew his palm down her arm. God had given him the gift. The Lord had meant them to be husband and wife, and his sin was washed clean in God’s saving grace.
“Patrick,” she said, her voice as soft as a whisper.
He kissed her hair and waited.
“I don’t want to disappoint you. I know you want more children, and I can’t promise—”
“We made one promise today, my love. To have and to hold from this day forward. That’s all the promise I need.”
“But…I’d love to have a child. You know that,” she said. “A playmate for Sean.”
“I didn’t say we wouldn’t try, Christie. I’m here. You’re here. God’s beside us, and with his blessing, miracles can happen.”
His lips met hers, and with his kiss, he sealed the promise. What more could he ask? God’s blessing had brought him home to Loving, had brought Christie’s love back into his life. His prayer rose. Lord, I ask one more blessing, but this one for Christie. A child. A child of her own.
Like the fireworks that brightened the sky, his heart filled with light as he drew Christie into his arms, his prayer still on his lips and in his heart.
ISBN: 978-1-4592-0714-1
LOVING CARE
Copyright © 2004 by Gail Gaymer Martin
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