by Marta Perry
Mick took hold of Christa’s hand as Belita drew nearer with Sadie in tow. “Chuck. Belita.” He nodded. “This is my wife, Christa.”
Their wary gazes narrowed.
“Wife?” Chuck winced.
Mick glanced at his watch. “As of about an hour-and-a-half ago.”
Belita pressed a hand to her chest, her blue eyes raking over Christa. “My, isn’t that convenient.”
“Sadie’s told me a lot about you.” Christa smiled graciously at the couple.
“Yes, I’m sure she has.” Releasing Sadie, Belita turned. “Come along, Chuck.”
Christa’s hazel eyes widened as she faced Mick. Placing her mouth beside his ear, she said, “That woman is scary.”
He chuckled, then whispered back, “Not near as scary as you’d be if she did anything to hurt Sadie.” Looking up, he saw Cole crossing the courthouse lawn.
“I hear congratulations are in order.” The attorney eyed the two of them.
“Yes, sir,” Mick said. “Let’s just hope it continues.”
They said goodbye to their friends then Mick knelt in front of Sadie. “You have fun with Miss Laurel and Sarah-Jane, and we’ll see you in a bit.”
She hugged his neck. “I love you, Uncle Mickey.”
Uncertainty had him battling his emotions as he hugged her back. “I love you, too, princess.”
Christa gave Sadie a squeeze, then they watched until Laurel drove away before heading into the courthouse.
Inside the courtroom, Mick and Cole sat at a long wooden table to the front and right of the judge’s bench while the Sandersons sat opposite with, to Mick’s surprise, only one lawyer. Christa, Bum and Sadie’s teacher, Tammy Shelton, were all slated to testify and sat in the gallery behind Mick.
He swiped his damp palms along his trousers. For the second time this week, he had a lot at stake. He could only pray that today’s outcome would go as well as his proposal to Christa had.
“All rise.”
The judge entered the courtroom and wasted no time getting down to business. The Sandersons’ attorney laid out their case first, going on about how Sadie would want for nothing with her grandparents.
“She will have access to the best caretakers, schools and health care,” the man said.
Mick shook his head in disbelief. The caretakers and schools were the main reasons Kyle didn’t want Sadie with his parents.
Next, the man revealed that the Sandersons had, indeed, hired a private investigator. Though aside from Sadie’s sprained arm and the fact that Christa had stayed with them, there wasn’t much else.
“Your Honor,” their lawyer said in closing, “my clients are still grieving the loss of their only child. Now they’re in danger of losing their grandchild, too.”
Mick straightened. Could that be what this was all about? They thought he’d keep Sadie from them. Had he done something to make them believe that?
Finally it was Cole’s turn. He called Sadie’s teacher first and the judge asked her some questions about Sadie, what her observations were of the child’s relationship with Mick and if she’d ever seen the Sandersons before.
Bum was the next to take the stand, where he spoke about Mick’s character, telling them he’d known Mick since he was born.
Finally Christa took the stand.
“How long have you known Mr. Ashford?” the judge asked.
“Approximately three years.”
“What can you tell the court about his relationship with the child?”
“Mick has gone out of his way to help Sadie adjust.” She looked at Mick. “I’ll never forget the day he came into the hardware store, wanting this ugly pink paint for Sadie’s bedroom so she would feel at home. I managed to talk him out of that particular color but have seen how willing he is to adapt to Sadie’s needs. He’s attentive and conscientious. Sure, he’s struggled some, but he’s learning.”
“And how does Sadie respond to Mr. Ashford?”
“She adores him. I’ve seen them work together, celebrate together and grieve together. Just the way a family should.” Again, her gaze turned to Mick. “And I’m so thankful they asked me to be a part of it.”
The love Mick felt for this amazing woman swelled within him. Knowing how much she believed in him made him want to be a better man.
“The court will recess for ten minutes.” The judge stood and left the room.
Mick briefly thanked Tammy and Bum for their input before pulling his wife aside. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
He glanced toward the Sandersons, noting that their attorney had left the room. “I’ll be right back.” He continued to the other table.
This time when they looked up at him, there was something different. Instead of two people ready to attack, he saw only fear. Fear of losing someone they loved.
He cleared his throat. “You know, nothing or no one can ever change the fact that you are Sadie’s grandparents. And I want you to know that no matter what happens here today, I would never stand in the way of your relationship with her.”
The older couple looked at each other. Belita sent her husband the slightest hint of a nod before Chuck turned to him.
“We appreciate that, Mick. Sadie is all we have left of Kyle.”
“I’m aware of that. We’ve all suffered a great loss.”
“Mick.” Cole tugged at his elbow, noting that the judge was returning.
With a nod toward the Sandersons, Mick returned to his seat.
The judge sat behind the bench and stared out over the small group. “These types of cases are never easy. Decisions are made based on what’s been presented here today.”
Mick’s breathing intensified. His heart felt as though it was in his throat.
“That said, after listening to both sides, the court finds it is in the best interest of Sadie Louise Sanderson to remain in the custody of Michael John Ashford. Court is adjourned.”
As the gavel came down, Mick breathed a sigh of relief. Thank You, God. You are, indeed, my defender.
Mick again thanked Cole, Bum and Tammy for their help. “I hope y’all will join us across the street at Rae’s, because you’ve certainly played a part in making this an extra special celebration.”
After shaking their hands, he found his wife and hugged her like crazy. “You were amazing up there. I couldn’t have done this without you.”
Pulling back, she looked him in the eye. “Yes, you could. You love Sadie and you would do anything for her.”
“I reckon you’re right about that.” He couldn’t stop grinning at the beautiful woman before him. “She’s ours.” Resting his forehead against Christa’s, he said, “I am so glad this is over.”
“Me, too. Because we have a party to get to.” She tilted her head to look at him. “I contacted Laurel and she said they’re already over at Rae’s.”
“Good, then we can tell Sadie.” He turned to look for the Sandersons, but they were already gone. And the disappointment Mick felt surprised him.
Taking Christa by the hand, they made their way downstairs and outside where Sadie waited with Laurel.
Mick scooped his precious niece into his arms. “Princess, I sure hope you like living at the ranch, ’cause that’s where you’re going to stay.”
“Really?”
“Really.”
She hugged his neck so hard he could barely breathe. “Now I can move into Miss Christa’s house with you, and Dixie will be my dog, too.”
He kissed her cheek. “She sure will.” Wrapping his free arm around Christa, he kissed her, too. “Thank you. For everything.”
“Hey, it’s what we wives do.” She winked.
Spotting the Sandersons midway across the square, he set Sadie on the ground. “Christa, watch Sadie for me.” He caught up with the Sandersons a fe
w seconds later. Stepping in front of them, he said, “Since you had to drive all the way to Bliss, you’re welcome to stick around for a while.” He motioned for Christa to join them. “We’re about to head across the street for our wedding reception. Would you like to join us? You could spend some time with Sadie.”
“We wouldn’t want to impose,” Chuck was quick to say.
“You’re not imposing.” He reached for Christa’s hand as she approached. “You’re invited.”
They looked at each other and for the first time, Mick saw what looked like a genuine smile from Belita as she watched Sadie.
“What do say, Sadie? Would you like Grandpa and me to come to Mick and—” She glanced at Christa. “I’m sorry.”
“Christa.”
“That’s right,” Belita continued. “Would you like us to come to Mick and Christa’s party?”
“Yes, please.” In true Sadie fashion, she took hold of her grandmother’s hand. “But we need to hurry before they eat all the cake.”
“Oh, my.” Belita laughed. “We can’t let that happen.”
While Chuck followed after them, Mick faced his wife. “I hope you don’t mind?”
“Not at all. But we should go.” She started to walk away, but he drew her back.
“Not so fast, Mrs. Ashford.” Pulling her to him, he cupped her cheek. “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me. It may have taken us a long time to find each other, but there won’t be a day that goes by that I won’t thank God that we did.”
She stared into his eyes, her fingers combing the hair at the back of his neck. “Thank you for not giving up on me. For giving me the courage to love again.”
Mick kissed his wife, feeling more alive than he had in a long time. He had a family once again. One that had been born out of a terrible tragedy. But together they would press on, in love and by the grace of God.
* * * * *
Dear Reader,
Have you ever had a preconceived notion about someone, only to find out they’re nothing like you expected once you had the opportunity to get to know them? Mick and Christa had been little more than acquaintances for three years until they were suddenly thrust together. And the common goal of helping a child brought out the best in both of them.
I hope you enjoyed this story as much as I did. Mick and Christa’s tale was definitely one of my favorites. There’s nothing more tender than a rough and tumble fellow falling prey to the whims of a little girl. So, naturally, Christa never stood a chance.
Yes, love does blossom between the most unexpected people sometimes. And those are often stories that are the most fun to write.
We’re only halfway through my Bliss, Texas, series. Up next is Paisley’s story, and I cannot wait to see what is in store for the beautiful redhead who’s suffered such a great loss.
Until then, I would love to hear from you. You can contact me via my website, mindyobenhaus.com, or you can snail-mail me c/o Love Inspired Books, 195 Broadway, 24th Floor, New York, NY 10007.
Wishing you many blessings,
Mindy
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ISBN-13: 9781488070990
A Brother’s Promise
Copyright © 2021 by Melinda Obenhaus
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WE HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS BOOK FROM
Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
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ISBN-13: 9781488071232
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A Secret Amish Crush
Copyright © 2021 by Martha P. Johnson
Hers for the Summer
Copyright © 2021 by Ripple Effect Press, LLC
A Brother’s Promise
Copyright © 2021 by Melinda Obenhaus
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