by Penny Musco
She sighed deeply. “A little girl, and oh, Robert, she’s darling! But…“ She lifted her eyes to him, suddenly wary. “Why do you ask?”
He gently set her down into a seat in front of the snapping fire then pulled another chair close and sat. “First, I have something to tell you.” A slight smile played across his lips. “Do you mind getting your Christmas gift a day early?”
Mystified, she shook her head.
“Good, because I don’t think I can wait until morning.” His long fingers entwined with hers. “Do you remember me telling you that the bank is doing business with Mr. Halsmith?”
“Yes, the orphanage. He and his wife have mentioned it to me as well, saying how much they appreciate your help and telling me about the building’s progress, but I don’t understand—” She stiffened and withdrew her hands. “I see. You think Rosa should take her baby there.”
“No, no, it hasn’t anything to do with the orphanage!” He reached out to her again. “Well, perhaps some. When we first met, Mr. Halsmith talked quite a bit about…orphans…I mean, about religion…no, I mean about Christianity.”
Hannah’s eyes widened.
“I know, I didn’t tell you that part. And we’ve been meeting regularly ever since, to go over the finances and the plans. He…didn’t say much more—I mean, about being born again—and I wondered why not, because Mr. Duff says he talks about it all the time with him. So, I finally asked him.”
Hannah sat up straight, her tiredness and misery forgotten. “And?”
“’Well’, he said, ‘Because I was waiting for you to bring it up.’ Now, how did he know I would?”
“The Halsmiths are a very godly couple. I suspect he saw something…happening in you. It’s called ‘the conviction of the Holy Spirit.’ I know; it happened to me, too.” Hannah sagged in her chair a little, her face clouded. “But why didn’t I see it?”
“You have so many other things on your mind, darling,” he replied gently. “And sometimes we miss the very things that are right in front of us.” He seemed to be talking as much to himself as he was to her. He shook his head. “That’s beside the point, Hannah. What I’m trying to tell you is that I left work early earlier this week and went to see Mr. Halsmith. I needed his signature on a final piece of paper. He was reading his Bible when I arrived, the book of John, I believe, where it talks about being born again. And he…well, I…I accepted Christ as my Savior.”
Hannah bolted upright, tears beginning to form. “Why didn’t you tell me then?”
“I decided to save it for Christmas, my most darling and precious wife. I know you’ve been praying for me, and I thought you’d like this above all else as a present. Of course, I have others gifts to give you,” he added in a hasty afterthought.
“Oh, Robert!” She clung to his neck, laughing through her tears. “What does it matter? How could I want anything besides that?”
He carefully drew her arms away, once again folding her hands in his. “And tonight, when I got home and you weren’t here, and when I figured out where you’d gone…the Lord had something else to say to me.” He chuckled and shook his head in wonder. “Who would have thought that I’d be talking like this?”
Hannah smiled knowingly. “Now you understand.”
“I do.” Robert leaned forward, locking her gaze with his. “We’re adopting Rosa’s baby.”
Hannah stared at him, hardly believing her ears. “We are?”
“Yes,” he answered firmly. “I’ve been a very stubborn and vain man. But now I’ve seen, once again thanks to Morton Halsmith, that it’s the right thing to do.”
“Are you absolutely sure?”
He cocked his head at the strange tone in her voice. “Why do you say that? Have you changed your mind?”
She rose from her chair and moved toward the fireplace. “No, I haven’t,” she said slowly. “It’s just that I’m still trying to…absorb what this means.”
“I know, it will be quite a shock, all of a sudden having a baby in the house.” He stood and came up behind her, placing his hands lightly on her shoulders. “But you’ll be a wonderful mother.”
Hannah whirled to face him, a strange look on her face. “And now, Mr. Jessup, would you like your Christmas present?”
Puzzled, he shrugged at the abrupt change in topic. “If you want to. But don’t you think we’ve had enough excitement for the night? Can’t it wait until morning?”
“No.” She could barely suppress her laughter. “You couldn’t wait, and I can’t either.”
“All right,” he said uncertainly.
“We’ll have more of a shock than you can imagine.” Hannah took a deep breath. “Because by late summer, we’ll have another baby.”
It took Robert a few moments to realize what she was saying. “Oh, my darling!” was all he could manage as he took her in his arms.
“Merry Christmas, my love,” she murmured in his ear. “And a very happy New Year.”
Thank you
We appreciate you reading this White Rose Publishing title. For other inspirational stories, please visit our on-line bookstore at www.pelicanbookgroup.com.
For questions or more information, contact us at [email protected].
White Rose Publishing
Where Faith is the Cornerstone of Love™
an imprint of Pelican Book Group
www.PelicanBookGroup.com
Connect with Us
www.facebook.com/Pelicanbookgroup
www.twitter.com/pelicanbookgrp
To receive news and specials, subscribe to our bulletin
http://pelink.us/bulletin_
May God’s glory shine through
this inspirational work of fiction.
AMDG
You Can Help!
At Pelican Book Group it is our mission to entertain readers with fiction that uplifts the Gospel. It is our privilege to spend time with you awhile as you read our stories.
We believe you can help us to bring Christ into the lives of people across the globe. And you don’t have to open your wallet or even leave your house!
Here are 3 simple things you can do to help us bring illuminating fiction™ to people everywhere.
1) If you enjoyed this book, write a positive review. Post it at online retailers and websites where readers gather. And share your review with us at [email protected] (this does give us permission to reprint your review in whole or in part.)
2) If you enjoyed this book, recommend it to a friend in person, at a book club or on social media.
3) If you have suggestions on how we can improve or expand our selection, let us know. We value your opinion. Use the contact form on our web site or e-mail us at [email protected]
God Can Help!
Are you in need? The Almighty can do great things for you. Holy is His Name! He has mercy in every generation. He can lift up the lowly and accomplish all things. Reach out today.
Do not fear: I am with you; do not be anxious: I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
~Isaiah 41:10 (NAB)
We pray daily, and we especially pray for everyone connected to Pelican Book Group—that includes you! If you have a specific need, we welcome the opportunity to pray for you. Share your needs or praise reports at http://pelink.us/pray4us
Free Book Offer
We’re looking for booklovers like you to partner with us! Join our team of influencers today and periodically receive free eBooks and exclusive offers.
For more information
Visit http://pelicanbookgroup.com/booklovers
r: grayscale(100%); -o-filter: grayscale(100%); -ms-filter: grayscale(100%); filter: grayscale(100%); " class="sharethis-inline-share-buttons">share
