The Shadows Trilogy Box Set: A Christian Romance

by Juliette Duncan

  Caitlin sobbed into Lizzy’s chest as tears welled in her own eyes. Thank You God. Thank You.

  “We’ll have to take her to hospital, but she’s going to be alright.” The paramedic gave Caitlin a warm smile as she squeezed her arm. “Would you like to come?”

  Caitlin nodded, her eyes glistening.

  She tried to stand, but was unsteady. Daniel caught her before she fell. The door of the bus had crumpled. The only way out was through the front where the windscreen had shattered, leaving a gaping hole. Caitlin followed the paramedics who’d placed Imogen on a stretcher, and was helped out by several men who’d come to the rescue.

  Police cars, ambulances and firetrucks surrounded the bus and the car it had collided with. Lizzy gulped as she looked at the crumpled mess. No-one could have survived.

  A waiting ambulance whisked Caitlin and Imogen away, leaving Lizzy, Daniel and Caleb, standing, dazed and in shock, on the pavement. They were all attended to, with temporary bandages applied where necessary. A nearby cafe provided hot cups of tea.

  Clinging to her daddy, Tara refused to allow anyone to look at her injuries.

  “Come on Tara, it’s okay. They just want to clean you up,” Caleb said, but she hid her face in his neck and sobbed.

  Lizzy stroked her head. “Tara, are you okay, sweetie?” Lizzy leaned in close and lifted Tara’s chin. “Your mummy and sister are going to be alright, sweetheart. Is that what you’re worried about?”

  Tara nodded, her big brown eyes full of fear and uncertainty. Blood from her face had smudged Caleb’s shirt. One of the cuts on her face looked quite deep.

  “Will you let me clean your face?” Lizzy asked. “Make it all pretty again?”

  Tara nodded slowly and allowed Lizzy to take her from her daddy. Lizzy sat down and placed Tara beside her. A paramedic handed Lizzy a swab, and Lizzy gently wiped the blood off Tara’s face. She also picked out the small slithers of glass stuck in Tara’s hair.

  “Show me your hands, sweetie.” Tara reluctantly opened her hands and Lizzy cleaned them with a fresh swab. “There you are princess. All clean!”

  Tara lifted her head, her big brown eyes melting Lizzy’s heart. Lizzy forced back the tears pricking her eyes and gave Tara a gentle squeeze. Dillon had settled, and Daniel appeared unharmed now his cut was bandaged. Caleb, too, appeared to have escaped unharmed. Such a miracle.

  As Lizzy stood, her head spun and she broke out in a sweat. Without any warning, she vomited on the road. She couldn't breathe. Daniel was talking, but his voice came to her as if through a tunnel.

  His arms were around her, warm, safe and strong, and then a blanket was placed over her, but she was cold, oh so cold, and she couldn’t stop shivering. So sick… God, what’s happening?

  The next thing Lizzy was aware of was being sat up and having her blood pressure taken. Everything was hazy. It was still daylight, and people still scurryied around.

  She grabbed Daniel's hand and looked into his eyes. Her breathing had steadied. "What happened, Daniel?”

  “You went into shock, Lizzy.” Daniel gently brushed her hair with his hand, his eyes filled with love and concern.

  “Oh…” Lizzy leaned her head on his shoulder and gazed around. Slowly, it all came back. She bolted upright, her heart thumping.

  “Tara. Where’s Tara?”

  “She’s with Caleb, just beside you. She’s okay, Lizzy, no need to worry. Here my darling, take a sip.” Daniel held a cup to her lips. The hot sweet liquid slid down her throat, warming, calming.

  “I don’t believe that happened. I feel so embarrassed, Daniel.”

  “Don’t be, Liz. We’ve all had a shock.” Daniel hugged her gently as she leaned against him.

  Lizzy reached for Dillon and rocked him in her arms, her heart breaking with love for him. What would she have done if something had happened to him? No, she couldn’t even think about that.

  In Lizzy’s arms, Dillon squealed and kicked. Lizzy fought back tears as she rocked him. The more she relaxed, the calmer he became. So much a part of her. She kissed the top of his head and closed her eyes, calm settling deep in her soul. Thank You so much God for looking after us all.

  “Dillon’s fine, Liz,” Daniel said, pulling her close. “We’re all fine.”

  Lizzy lifted her head, searching his eyes. “Yes, we are.” She drew in a deep breath. “I pray Imogen pulls through.” Tears pricked her eyes.

  “She’s in good hands, Lizzy.”

  “Yes.” Lizzy straightened herself. “I feel very thankful, Daniel. It could have been so much worse. If I’d lost either of you after all we’ve been through...”

  “Hush, Lizzy.” He kissed her cheek and pulled her closer.

  Sitting there on the pavement, wrapped in Daniel’s arms, and surrounded by what could only be described as a disaster zone, Lizzy wondered at the irony of it all. Only a short while ago she’d been worried about walking around Belfast for fear of being bombed, but here they were, lucky to be alive after a traffic accident. She snuggled closer to Daniel. Life was so precious and unpredictable. Her heart filled with love for her husband and little boy, and for God who had brought them together and had kept them safe.

  Lizzy looked up as a young red-headed paramedic bent down.

  “You worried us there for a second.” He took her arm and checked her pulse.

  “I feel fine now.” Lizzy gave him a warm smile as she straightened herself.

  “You seem okay, but you both need to get checked out properly, just in case.”

  The paramedic stood and reached out a hand to help Daniel up.

  “Thank you. We will.” Daniel helped Lizzy to stand, quickly placing his arm around her when she wobbled.

  “You can go to hospital in an ambulance, but you’ll need to wait, unless you can get there by yourselves…”

  “We’ll be right.” Caleb appeared with Tara still clinging to him. “I’ve just called my sister - she’ll be here shortly.”

  Within minutes, Grace pulled up in her red sports car. All eyes turned towards her as her long shapely legs peeled out of the tiny car. Elegantly dressed in a navy blue designer suit with stilettos to match and her make-up and hair coiffed perfectly, she looked very much out of place amongst the mayhem.

  Her eyes widened as she surveyed the scene. Stepping around the glass and other debris scattered everywhere, Grace headed straight for the small family group huddled together on the pavement. She stopped in front of Caleb and wrapped her arms around him and Tara.

  “Thank goodness you’re alright.” Grace’s voice faltered and she brushed tears from her eyes.

  She straightened, and then turned to Daniel, hugging him tightly.

  “This is terrible, Danny. Are you okay?” Her eyes went straight to the cut on his forehead.

  “Yes, I’m fine, thanks, Grace.” He smiled appreciatively.

  “Come on, let’s get you to hospital.” Grace ushered them all towards her car.

  “We’re not all going to fit. Take Caleb and Tara first, Grace - there’s no hurry for us,” Daniel said, taking Lizzy's hand.

  Caleb gave Daniel a bear hug and clung a little longer than normal. Caleb’s hands shook and his eyes twitched. He must be so worried about Imogen…

  “Thanks Danny.” Caleb let go of Daniel and then walked towards the car with Tara still in his arms.

  “We’ll be praying for you…” Lizzy called out as they reached the car. Her voice caught in her throat, and her eyes filled with tears.

  As Caleb turned and caught her gaze, his pinched face made her gulp. What if Imogen doesn’t make it?

  Daniel placed his arm around Lizzy’s shoulder as the sports car roared off. She leaned in to him. “He must be so worried, Daniel.”

  Left alone, Daniel and Lizzy sat on the pavement clinging to each other. What if he’d lost her? He couldn’t imagine life without Lizzy now, after everything they’d been through. Daniel’s heart hurt with love for her. Lizzy, the most precious thing to come into his
life, ever. Lizzy, his best friend, his lover, his companion. No way do I deserve her, but oh God, I’m so thankful You brought her into my life.

  Deep in Daniel’s soul, an overwhelming ache grew. God had done so much for him, and once again, he'd failed. What kind of person walks out on their own father, especially on his death bed? Da had been so humble and honest, so different to what Daniel had expected.

  But I threw it all in his face. I rejected his plea for forgiveness. How could I have done that? What kind of person am I?

  A hard lump formed in his throat, and a wave of nausea rose from within. His breath came fast and hard, he shivered, but sweat beads formed on his forehead. He let go of Lizzy’s hand. He’d never felt so sick in his life. Not even when he'd been drunk. But it wasn’t physical sickness - his soul was ill. Daniel hung his head between his knees as sobs racked his body. Oh God, I’m so sorry. I’m sorry… please forgive me…

  Lizzy placed her arm over him and held him. He was so ashamed… how could I have done that? God forgave me for everything, and so has Lizzy. She didn’t need to. She could have just left me in a heap. That’s what I deserved. And yet, she stood by me, nursed me, loved me when I didn’t deserve it. Despite all the love and forgiveness shown to me, I couldn’t forgive my own Da. What a pathetic person I am.

  Oh God… what have I done? More heart wrenching sobs tore through Daniel’s body. Lizzy’s arms tightened around him. His chest heaved. Need to make this right, God… please help me.

  Resting in Lizzy’s arms, Daniel’s breathing slowly steadied. He knew what he had to do.

  Daniel gulped and inhaled deeply before lifting his head. He gazed into Lizzy’s eyes.

  “I’m so sorry, Liz.”

  “Daniel, it’s alright.” Her eyes glistened with tears as she ran her fingers down his cheek.

  “I’m not sure what happened… it all just hit me … Da, you, this accident…”

  “Shh, my love, it’s okay.” Lizzy pulled him close and rocked him like a baby. He clung to her.

  “I love you, Liz. With all my heart, I love you.”

  “I know that Daniel. I love you with all my heart, too.” She pulled him closer and there he remained, cocooned in Lizzy’s arms until Dillon interrupted, demanding attention.

  “Are you okay, Daniel?” Lizzy asked as she straightened herself and sat Dillon on her lap.

  Daniel took a moment as he considered his reply. Yes, he was okay. Inside he was calmer, and confident that God would give him the strength to do what needed to be done.

  He nodded slowly as Grace’s car turned the corner and came to a halt beside them.

  As Grace slid out and closed the door, Daniel drew in a deep breath. In those few minutes, God had done something deep inside him, and as he looked at Grace, dressed to impress, beautiful, intelligent and world-wise, his heart went out to her. Yes, she might appear to have everything, Lord, but she needs You. Just like I need You.

  Before he made a move, Daniel squeezed Lizzy’s hand and caught her eye. They were in this together, and God was with them. And for that, he was eternally grateful.

  Chapter Nine

  “You really have done alright, sis,” Daniel said as he and Lizzy entered Grace’s apartment on the fourth floor of an ultra-sleek complex not far from the city centre. Through the expansive glass sliding doors leading out to a large balcony, the city sprawled into the distance. On the inside, the living room was furnished elegantly, but was clinical, like a hotel room, not a home. Everything was modern and crisp, but lacked any warmth or personal touch. The lone photograph on a shelf in the kitchen of Caleb, Caitlin and the two girls was the only indication a real person lived here.

  “I’ve worked jolly hard, and it’s mortgaged to the hilt.” Grace placed her handbag on the marble kitchen bench and turned the kettle on. “What can I get you?”

  “Just a cup of tea, thanks Grace. I’m still feeling a little off,” Lizzy said, handing Dillon back to Daniel. “May I use your bathroom?”

  “Of course, Lizzy. Just through here.” Grace showed Lizzy to the bathroom, and then returned to the kitchen.

  “I wish she’d stayed in overnight,” Daniel said quietly. “Lizzy’s so stubborn sometimes.”

  “I’m sure if they were worried they would’ve made her stay.”

  Daniel sighed heavily. “Guess so, but I’m still worried.” He lifted Dillon onto his shoulder and rubbed the baby’s back.

  “How did your visit go with Da?” Grace took three china mugs from the shelf above the bench and placed them in front of her before settling her gaze on Daniel’s. Her eyes held a smirk that churned his stomach.

  The question he’d been dreading… Daniel pulled a stool from under the bench and sat, pondering how best to reply. How could he admit he’d stomped out when he wanted to be a witness of God’s love to Grace? What would she think of him? If only I’d been prepared to forgive Da this morning… Sighing deeply, Daniel tried to steady the thoughts swirling in his head. Lord God, what do I tell her?

  The truth…

  Daniel gulped. Where had that come from? The truth? Daniel took a deep slow breath and held Grace’s gaze. He had to answer. An empty feeling grew in the pit of his stomach. God, You need to give me the words…

  His heart pounded. Okay, here goes… He swallowed hard. “I have to be honest, Grace, I didn’t handle it too well.” Daniel shifted in his seat. “Caleb had warned me about what to expect, but I wasn’t prepared.” He paused, holding her gaze. “Grace, you might not believe this, but Da apologised.”

  “I wouldn’t believe a word that came out of that decrepit man’s mouth.” Grace spat the words with such vehemence it threw Daniel. His eyebrows furrowed. What was going on? Had something else happened he wasn’t aware of?

  “Yes, well, I didn’t believe him either. I couldn’t tie together the man we knew as Da, and the man lying in that bed.” Daniel closed his eyes tightly, and pulled his mind from the past to the present.

  Shifting in his seat, Daniel rocked Dillon in his arms. The baby was restless and had started to whimper. Come on, Lizzy…

  He lifted his head and looked straight into Grace’s eyes. “I couldn’t handle it, Grace, and I raced out of the room without speaking to him.” Daniel’s voice caught in his throat. “I feel so ashamed.” He paused and inhaled deeply. “I’ve had time to think, though, and I’ve decided to go back tomorrow and make it right.” He gulped. There, he’d said it...

  Grace rolled her eyes and shook her head. “Don’t tell me Caleb’s been in your ear with all his religious nonsense. He’s gone soft, he has.”

  Daniel slumped a little on his stool. “What’s happened to you, Grace? You never used to be so cynical.” His heart went out to her. She’d been hurt, that was obvious. But will she talk to me?

  Their eyes locked. Daniel held his breath.

  “Just…things.”

  “Like what? You can talk to me, Grace. You know that.”

  Grace busied herself with making tea.

  Daniel reached out his hand and grabbed her arm. As she lifted her eyes, a lone tear rolled down her cheek. He reached out and pulled her towards him as Lizzy reappeared. Grace quickly wiped the tear away and patted her hair before turning to face Lizzy as if nothing had happened.

  “Feel better?” The smile planted on Grace’s face was too cheerful.

  “Yes, thanks. I couldn’t believe what a wreck I looked.” Lizzy let out a small laugh as she took Dillon from Daniel’s arms.

  Had she noticed Grace’s tears?

  “There, there, little man. Look at you! You need some cleaning up too if that smell's anything to go by.” Lizzy sat on the leather couch, placing Dillon on her lap. “Is it okay to change him here, Grace, or would you rather somewhere else?”

  “There’s fine, Lizzy. No problem.”

  “What kind of law do you practice, Grace?” Daniel asked, settling back on his stool. A change of topic was needed.

  “I work for the Prosecutor’s Office as
a junior barrister.”

  “You’d be good at that.” Daniel let out a small chuckle and smiled teasingly at Grace. He wouldn’t like to be prosecuted by her, that was for sure.

  “I do alright. Should make senior barrister in the next year or so.”

  “Never thought of changing sides?”

  Grace gave a mirthless laugh. “And what, help all those criminals get off? No way.”

  “Hit a touchy point there…”

  Grace shot him a wry look and placed her mug on the bench.

  “You wouldn’t believe the cases that come through. Some sick people out there.”

  “I know. But some of them just need help. Like me.” Daniel gulped as the memory of his most recent court appearance flashed through his mind. “I have no doubt I’d be in jail right now if it wasn’t for my lawyer. Instead, I got put on probation and landed this amazing job. It was a real answer to prayer, wasn’t it, Lizzy?”

  Lizzy nodded and smiled, her eyes lighting up.

  Grace sighed and shook her head in disgust. “How do you believe all that nonsense, Daniel? God doesn’t answer prayer. Doubt he even exists."

  Daniel let out a nervous laugh. “I know what you mean, Grace. I didn’t think He existed until recently, but now, I know He does. I know it in here,” Daniel said, placing his hand on his chest. His heart raced - he was completely out of his depth, but God was giving him the words, and he really did mean them. If only Grace could see that.

  “Seems to me like religion has a lot to answer for. If God exists, why hasn’t he stopped all the fighting?”

  “That’s the same question I asked for years. Lizzy helped me understand, didn’t you, my love?”

  Lizzy stood and joined Daniel and Grace, slipping her free arm around Daniel’s waist.

  “Yes, but it took a while. Not until you were ready to listen. Before then, it wouldn’t have mattered what I’d said, you wouldn’t have believed it.” Lizzy’s voice was calm and steady, and her eyes held warmth and sincerity.