Sidelines (Wounded Hearts #1)
Page 39
I look to Logan, his smile never wavering. I can’t help but pull him in and squeeze him excitedly.
“Whatever you guys feel called to do, we’ll take it.”
Laurie glances back and forth between us and she shakes her head disbelievingly. “Just so you know, I think what Football24 did was unjust. I understand why they did it, but you’re too good at what you do to be benched for the season.”
Even through all the frenzy getting the Home up and going has stirred, I still feel the sting of my having to leave the field. I keep reminding myself, that I’m not really gone from the game. Not when I have seats at every stadium next to the other players’ wives and girlfriends waiting for me. And endless game films to snuggle up to Logan with whenever I want.
“It will be okay. I know there’s a greater plan at work here, and for now, I’m content to go along with it.”
Even I’m proud of my new outlook. I feel Logan squeeze me back as Laurie excuses herself, his lips finding my hairline as soon as her back is to us.
“You were fantastic,” he whispers in my ear.
“So were you.” I smirk.
“She dropped my name.”
I chuckle at his grumpy tone. “She did. And it will gain so much attention, we’re going to have to turn down volunteers and send money back from all the corners of the world it comes in from.”
He eyes my dramatics indignantly.
I wink just before Emma approaches us again.
“It’s time.”
Taking a deep breath I let go of Logan, only to have him pick up my hand. His features soften into the proud smile he seems to wear a lot lately, but it causes my breath to catch anyway.
“Will you stand up there with me?” I ask, hearing the hint of fear in my voice.
“I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.” This time I let him place my hand in the crook of his elbow and lead me back in to the common room to face the crowd. Emma hands us each a glass of sparkling juice and guides me up to the front of the room. When I turn to face our gathered supporters, a peace overwhelms me and the anxiety that always comes with telling my story is washed away.
“Thank you all for coming. I am so pleased to invite you all into this beautiful home and have you become a part of making a difference in the lives of young girls all over the San Antonio area. The dream of the Lost and Found Home came to me just a few months ago and I’m overwhelmed with how much love and support we’ve already received from many of you. We hope with your commitments to the program, that we’ll be able to serve many homeless young girls by giving them a safe place to retreat to when their lives become unsafe and they’re forced to turn to the streets.”
Many pleased faces, from the entire Lassiter clan, to Oliver and his wife, Beth, to several Rattlers players and their devoted partners, watch my every movement, love and support emanating from every body in the room. But none more than the man standing beside me. Chancing a quick glance to his handsome face, he nods, encouraging me to continue.
“As many of you know, I too was once a young girl who found myself in need of someplace just like this. If it weren’t for a marvelous couple who saw me for the person I was to become—and not the person standing before them—I don’t know where I’d be today. I owe everything to Maggie and Walter Mooreland, and my hope is that this home, and the many wonderful volunteers we already have committed to our cause, will encourage many girls to feel as loved and welcomed as Maggie and Walt did for me.”
Swallowing, I turn to face McKenzie and Lola, the first two girls the Lost and Found Home has opened up to serve. “I have been in your shoes. I know what it feels like to not know of any place safe or who you can and cannot trust.” The girls give me tough, yet uneasy smiles, but having gotten to spend a few nights getting to just sit and chat with them, I know they’re just as relieved to be here as I am for them. Getting to know their stories, just confirms what I know in my heart. Although I dearly miss the sidelines, I’m supposed to be right here, helping them, just like Maggie and Walt helped me.
“So I make you this promise today: you can trust me and you can trust these people.” Both girls shift, their unease with my words striking exposed nerves that are still fresh and raw. They’ve both heard it before, but staring into their eyes, I make them a promise I hope they see I have every intention to keep.
“You are not alone. Not anymore.”
Acknowledgements
This book wasn’t going to get finished if it weren’t for the grace of God—and I don’t mean that in any exaggerated way. This story has changed so much from its original design and there were big gaping holes I couldn’t figure out. But when I took the time to stop and just ask Jesus what He wanted from this book, all the pieces came together. So thank you, dear Lord, for not giving up on me.
Michele, Erica, and Sarah, thank you ladies for being there, every day, with encouraging words and being wonderful friends and sounding boards. Thank you for keeping me sane (even if you didn’t know you were at the time).
Desiree, Becky and my fabulous sister, Jessica, thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to read a terrible rough draft and helping me sand out the edges so that it all came together. Thank you for treating my baby as your own and helping me foster it into something I pray will speak to hearts for years to come.
Alicia Harris, thank you for being just as invested--if not more so--in putting a pretty picture on the cover. Thank you for not kicking me out of our shoots when I get crazy excited and for exceeding your promises in making it look so much better than I could have ever imagined. Oh, and thank you, Rusty, for taking care of the kiddos so I could steal your wife…again.
Keith and Caitlin Gellar, you two were such a joy to work with. Thank you for sharing your love and your time and bringing faces to Allie and Logan. I wish you both the happiest marriage.
A big thank you to my uncle Jeremiah and my favorite girl, Abby, for accepting me for who I am and being willing to hear out my weirdest requests. Oh, and for letting me borrow your dog, too.
Christa, from Paper and Sage Designs, I think we’ve established you are a genius. You are so patient with me and treat me so well. You’re a blast to work with and I make sure to tell anyone and everyone who asks all about you. Thank you for simply being awesome.
A huge thank you goes out to my parents for taking good care of my baby girl while I worked on various aspects of this book and for being such tremendous supporters. I love you guys more than I can ever say.
Ian, my love…what else is there to say that I haven’t told you already? Your encouragement and patience is such a blessing and although I tend to not use your suggestions, I cherish the time you take to talk plots and characters with me. You’re an amazing father and friend and I’m so thankful to have you in my life.
Before someone cues up the music to cut my acceptance speech off and start closing the stage curtains, I need to mention you wonderful readers. Thank you for your investment and support. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be able to continue to do what I love. Thank you just doesn’t seem to be enough, but until I find the words to express just how grateful I am for all y’all, thank you will just have to do.
God Bless you all!
Happy Reading!!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sarah (S.M.), her husband, and her sweet little lady just recently relocated to the great state of Texas. So far she’s learned that big hair is still a thing, sweet tea is more precious than water, and if your religion doesn’t allow you to watch football, then you shouldn’t even be allowed in the state. She tends to say things that she shouldn’t, eat things that aren’t on her self-approved diet, and spend more time curled up in awkward positions reading than working out. But she loves Jesus and people and hopes that through her stories, you’ll find His grace and His love.
You can follow Sarah on
Facebook: www.facebook.com/sarahm.smithauthor/
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orsmsmith
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Also by S.M. Smith
The Worthy Series
A Girl Worth Waiting For
A Boy Worth Choosing
A Family Worth Fighting For
The In Heels Series
Forgiving the Past
Hope in the Present
Trust in the Future