by Christina Li
“Will, you have to tell Violet about Mara’s arrest,” said Ivy. “That was amazing.”
“Well, she wasn’t at home so we went to get her from the jewelry store. It turns out she had somehow managed to knock Cal Richman unconscious and was about to stab him the same way she had stabbed her father. We caught her in the act.”
“Poor Mr. Richman,” said Violet. “Is he still coming to church?”
“He says the Lord saved his life for a purpose. He and Manny were baptized and have been coming regularly to church and Home Fellowship groups ever since. He wants to do as much as he can for the church and has been volunteering every chance he can,” Sam answered.
“So, how long will Mara and her boyfriend be spending in jail?”
“Mara is looking at a very long time, possibly life. Her case is still in the system and it hasn’t been decided yet. Her boyfriend will get less because he decided to cooperate,” answered Will.
“I really missed out,” said Violet. “I’m glad for Mr. Richman, but poor Manny. How did he take the whole Opal-Mara thing?”
“He was grossed out when he realized she was his cousin,” Jesse answered. “He was more than willing to testify against her. It took some time for him to forgive her, but I saw him checking out the single girls in the church the other day. He’s going to be fine.”
“Goodness, and you’re married?! I would love to hear that story.”
“I’m afraid that will have to be saved for another day,” said Landry coming up to the table. “We still have a plane to catch tonight.”
Chapter 24
Though everyone violently opposed Violet leaving, she needed to attend a couple of meetings the following week. However, she and Sam spoke to each other several times a day, either through their cell phones, or texting, or video conferencing through their Skype accounts. Violet loved simply looking at him on her IPad. While video-conferencing, she caught several screen shots of him and used them a screen saver.
Her publisher wanted to discuss a movie deal. Mostly, Violet just followed Landry’s lead and signed papers. It was in Landry’s best interests to help her interests. Her agent negotiated well and eventually produced a contract that satisfied everyone.
Landry managed a press release about Sam’s proposal and newspapers in Bartlett printed the story. Soon other news agencies picked up the romance of it and it spread all over the country. Sam took his sudden celebrity status in stride and focused on marrying the woman he waited so long for.
Violet asked Sue, Ivy and Mrs. Givens to help her plan the wedding. They chose the church in Rolling Hills because it made traveling easier for the bulk of their guests. She asked her pastor back in Butterfield to give her away. They chose February 14, Valentine’s Day for their date. Although year later than originally intended, they determined to make up for lost time.
When the day of the wedding arrived, Violet rejoiced that Landry attended. Now that she’d resolved so many things, she wanted to reach out to her agent and allow herself to make friends with others again. Mr. Richman and Manny came to her wedding too. Her only sadness consisted of the fact that her aunt hadn’t lived to see this day. She knew Aunt Mabel would have loved it. However, gazing around at her new family, she marveled at the way the Lord worked all things together for good. Even through the most horrible things, God worked, and would always help her overcome her worst fears.
Afterwards, as she sat back in her chair at their wedding table enjoying merely looking around the room, Violet thought about her own happily ever after. In the end, she did have an adventure—and a man better than any she might have dreamed up. She authored books full-time, but even better, she received something she’d yearned for—a family of her own. Doctor and Mrs. Givens opened themselves up to Violet in a way she hadn’t felt since before her parents died. Through their son, they shared their name and their hearts. She now claim the name ‘Givens’ as well. Violet Givens, or maybe Violet Carston-Givens, she hadn’t decided yet. Landry encouraged her to hyphenate her name, but that could be determined later.
And, the Givens’ family added another member while she hid herself away. She couldn’t wait to hear Jesse and Guinevere’s story. Across the tables, in their candlelight dining room, she caught Will looking at Ivy with a light of longing in his eyes. She would enjoy watching their stories unfold.
“What are you smiling about?” Sam put his arm around her and touched the side of his forehead to hers.
“Reality is more wonderful than my own imagination. I am so blessed.”
He grinned as everyone around them began clicking their glasses with their spoons. His eyebrows danced as he leaned over and kissed her.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Christina Li, BA, MA, is an author, journalist, inspirational speaker, wife and mother of five. She has always enjoyed romance. Of course it has to have a happy ending!
Christina and her family live in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago where they serve in a wonderful church, homeschool, and laugh a lot. Without the Lord, she knows none of this would be possible. Besides writing, she enjoys a great cup of coffee, fresh-roasted and ground by her awesome husband!
For more ‘A Little Bit of Coffee, Flowers, and Romance’ and other books visit: https://christinalibooks.wordpress.com/bookstore/
If you liked Violet Miracle, please consider leaving a review: Violet Miracle (A Little Bit of Coffee, Flowers, and Romance, Book 1)
She LOVES to hear from her readers!
Connect with Christina on FaceBook: facebook.com/ChristinaLiBooks
Twitter: twitter.com/ChristinaLiBook @ChristinaLiBook
Blog: ChristinaLiBooks.wordpress.com
Christina serves as church blogger for The Life Church of Glenview: TheLifeChurchofGlenview.org/blog
Other Books by Christina Li
Rescuing Vanessa: A Little Bit of Coffee, Flowers, and Romance by: Christina Li
Vanessa is hiding something. No matter what, she can’t seem to escape her mistake. Shame keeps her from trusting the Lord, her family, even the man who loves her. Will she be able to let go and allow herself forgiveness? Or will she fall prey to the man who wants her dead?
Defeat Fear Forever by: Christina Li
Do you suffer from fear? Do you feel like your dreams will never come true because of your fears? Are you afraid of failure, success, sickness, job loss, financial troubles, death? Defeat Fear Forever addresses those very issues in nine progressive chapters. Warning: Don’t buy this book if you are not willing to change the way you think and act. Don’t buy this book if you are not truly willing to do what it takes to defeat fear–for real and forever. There are things in this book that will more than likely challenge what you have always been taught. However, if you are willing to apply the messages in this book to your own life, you will start to see victory. You will even start to see miracles. What are you waiting for? Don’t you think it’s time for some real change? Nominated for a Global eBook Award.
Annie’s Adventures: The Chemistry Calamity! by: Christina Li
Annie is a ten-year-old homeschool girl who decides to find the perfect project for the local Science Fair. After several false starts and even a few disasters, Annie and her sister, Merri, think they’ve finally figured out the perfect project. Will they complete it in time? What will the judges think? Read and see!
This book is a ‘day in the life’ of a homeschool family using the Unit Study approach. At the end, the author gives a book list (used in this Unit Study) as well as several hints and tips on teaching your own Unit Studies at home using items you already have or can get easily through your local library!
Coming Soon!
Saving Guinevere
Finally, Jesse and Guinevere’s story! :)
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