Forgiven

by Karen Kingsbury

  What readers are saying about KAREN KINGSBURY’S books

  “Forgiven hadn’t even arrived and my daughters were begging to read it before I did. I appreciate Karen’s ability to write about real-life situations interwoven with biblical truth and hope.”

  J.P.

  “Karen’s books are FANTASTIC and very inspirational! I feel lost if I don’t have another one of her books to pick up after finishing the last one.”

  Nancy

  “Your books changed my life. Thank you for helping me to find God again. I read your last one in one day and bawled like a baby all night and all next day. GREAT, AWESOME BOOKS. I cannot wait for the next ones to come. I am off to read the Bible. Thanks again, Karen. I found GOD!”

  Kelly

  “I really enjoyed this book. The families seem so real I can feel their happiness, love, and even their pain. I can’t wait to get to every book in the series to see what happens next.”

  Ruth

  “Karen Kingsbury is an amazing author. She makes me cry during every book! She writes so powerfully! I feel like I know all of her characters personally, and it is so easy to relate to them.”

  Kathryn

  “Just finished Forgiven last night—what a book. At the end it was hard to read through my tears. I loved it. Can’t wait for the next book in this series to come out. Karen, never stop writing. You are an inspiration.”

  Kathie

  “I recently found your books and have been devouring them ever since. Each time God has spoken into my life through them.”

  Rosemary

  “Wow! What a touching book that a lot of people can relate to. Looking forward to the next in the Firstborn series to see what direction each life will travel!”

  Kim

  “Because I loaned these books to my mother, she BECAME a Christian! Thank you for a richer life here and in heaven!”

  Jennifer

  “I have never read an author like you before: you make me laugh and cry within pages of one another!”

  Sarah

  “I have read all the books on the Baxter family and have enjoyed them far beyond words. So many things apply to my life. I can’t wait for the next book in the Firstborn series to come out. Forgiven was superb.”

  Deb

  “There are not enough words to describe what your books mean to me. God has truly blessed me through your talent and your love for Him. Your books are a balm for a troubled soul. God bless you always and KEEP writing.”

  Eugenia

  Visit Tyndale online at www.tyndale.com.

  Visit Karen Kingsbury’s Web site and learn more about her Life-Changing Fiction at

  www.KarenKingsbury.com.

  TYNDALE and Tyndale’s quill are registered trademarks of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

  BAXTER FAMILY DRAMA is a trademark of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

  Forgiven

  Copyright © 2005 by Karen Kingsbury. All rights reserved.

  Logo illustration copyright © 2003 by David Henderson. All rights reserved.

  Cover photograph of woman copyright © by Ricardo Demurez/Trevillion. All rights reserved.

  Cover photograph of leaves copyright © by Steve Smith/Purestock/SuperStock. All rights reserved.

  Author photograph copyright © 2008 by Dan Davis Photography at dandavisphotography.com. All rights reserved.

  Cover designed by Jennifer Ghionzoli

  Interior designed by Alyssa Force

  Edited by Lorie Popp

  Some Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version,® NIV.® Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com.

  Some Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

  Published in association with the literary agency of Alive Communications, Inc., 7680 Goddard Street, Suite 200, Colorado Springs, CO 80920.

  This novel is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons living or dead is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of either the author or the publisher.

  Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

  Kingsbury, Karen.

  Forgiven / Karen Kingsbury.

  p. cm. — (Firstborn ; 2)

  ISBN 978-0-8423-8744-6 (sc)

  1. Women theatrical producers and directors—Fiction. 2. Children’s theater—Fiction.

  I. Title.

  PS3561.I4873F67 2005

  813′.54—dc22 2005015404

  Repackage first published in 2011 under ISBN 978-1-4143-4977-0.

  Contents

  Acknowledgments

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Chapter Thirty

  Author’s Note

  A Word from Karen Kingsbury

  Discussion Questions

  To Donald, my best friend, my Prince Charming

  The years have flown past, and I’m amazed that we’re into our eighteenth year of marriage. I remember our honeymoon and how you’d look at me every few hours and say, “It took so long to get here; I can’t believe we’re finally married!” That’ll teach us to hurry time. With you, Donald, the dance is a beautiful one, sometimes slow, sometimes tapped out in a frantic pace. But I wish the music would go on forever, because every day is better than the last. Can you feel it? How we’re entering this new phase of life with teenagers?

  Stay close by and keep praying!

  I think we’re going to need each other more

  in the coming years than ever!

  I love being your wife.

  To Kelsey, my precious daughter

  I had a sudden disconnect the other day when I took you to get your driver’s permit. I glanced at the little girl beside me, half-expecting to see a ponytailed sixth grader. Because this is supposed to go on forever, right? The part where I drive you places and we hold deep, meaningful conversations about your friendships and your faith? But instead, there you sat, a willowy young woman with the future shining in your eyes. Has anyone ever been more excited to get behind the wheel of a car? Hmmm. Every minute matters, honey. I’m grateful for the relationship we’ve shared and the one that will take us into this next stage of your life. Don’t ever forget you’re a one-in-a-million girl, Kels. I love you. Shine for Jesus!

  To Tyler, my oldest son

  This has been an amazing year for you, my Broadway boy! A lead part in a professional local theater company? I stand back in awe at how God has brought you from that precocious kindergartner walking around the house in an Annie wig singing “Tomorrow” at the top of your lungs to the self-possessed young man, s
erious about shaping your voice and your acting skills so that you can be an even brighter light for the Lord. Your song is still

  the sound track of our lives, Ty.

  I love you. Keep singing for Him!

  To Sean, my smiley boy

  Everyone who sees you or gets to know you says the same thing:

  “That kid is always so happy!” You’ve been home more than four years now, but it feels like you’ve been here since the beginning. I love your smile and your energy, the way you listen at devotions every morning. You’ve blossomed in so many ways. God has big plans for you, Sean. Keep trying your best

  and reaching for the stars! I love you, honey.

  To Josh, my soccer star

  When it comes to picking teams, everyone wants you, and you’re the first

  to explain the reason: “God made me an athlete,” you tell people. The same is true for your brothers, but I have a feeling Jesus will use your athleticism

  in a very special way. I marvel at your confidence, the easy way you have of excelling in everything from art to keeping your room clean. But the reason I’m most glad you’re on our team is because of your desire to please the Lord. Everyone else might be asleep, but there you are, a flashlight under the covers, reading your Bible. Keep your determination, Josh. I love you.

  Be first place for God and all the rest will come.

  To EJ, my determined chosen child

  Long ago, God could’ve led us to any of a million little boys who needed

  a family. But He chose you, and we quickly did the same. You are living proof of how love and determination, boundaries and praise can change someone for Jesus. You have no quit in you, EJ, and I stand in awe at that. I love when you think no one’s watching and suddenly launch into a silly song or dance. My heart delights in knowing that your talents are more than running faster than anyone at school. You make us laugh, and one day I pray God uses

  you to bring a smile to the faces of many people. I love you.

  Keep smiling when no one’s looking.

  To Austin, my miracle boy

  You will always be my little Isaac, the child we were given and then nearly lost. But, sweet boy, you are simply growing up too fast, coming to me more often than before with sweatpants that hit above your ankle. I thank God that

  you’re still a towhead, still adorable with that toothless grin of yours.

  Yesterday I found a dinosaur on my bathroom floor, and I realized you’d been in there an hour earlier. I went to move it, but then I stopped myself

  and let it stay. My days of dinosaurs on the bathroom floor are numbered. I love watching you run and gun on the basketball court, love hearing the

  other coaches ask, “Hey, that blond kid who’s a head taller than the

  other boys, is he really in first grade?” I’m so proud of your hustle and

  the way you listen to your daddy. He’s the best coach of all, honey.

  Now and in the years to come—whether the sport is basketball, baseball,

  or walking with God. I’m so glad you’re healthy and strong.

  I love you.

  And to God Almighty,

  who has—for now—blessed me with these.

  Acknowledgments

  No book comes together without the help of many people. The Firstborn series draws largely on my personal experiences with family and raising children, including my connection with Christian Youth Theater. We discovered CYT two years ago, and since then it has transformed our family. Kelsey and Tyler are active in CYT’s plays and tour groups, and we have met many friends who will be a part of our lives forever.

  CYT has been the inspiration for my plotline involving Katy Hart and her Christian Kids Theater. I have drawn from much of what I’ve seen play out in real life, while shaping my characters and the backdrop for my stories. Of course, all plotlines and characters remain fictitious and any resemblance to real events is purely coincidental. That said, I owe special thanks to our hardworking CYT area coordinator, Bethany Larson, and to our wonderful director, Beka Hardt, along with the families who have helped inspire me to write about kids theater. We thank God that you are in our area, helping our children have a wonderful outlet to grow and learn in theater arts.

  Thanks also to my great friends at Tyndale House Publishers, including Ron Beers, Becky Nesbitt, Travis Thrasher, Anne Goldsmith, Cheryl Kerwin, Kathy Simpson, and everyone who has helped make first the Redemption series and now the Firstborn series such a success. These books are touching and changing lives, and you play a significant part in that. I’m honored to be working with you.

  A big thank-you to my agent, Rick Christian, president of Alive Communications. I am amazed more as every day passes at your integrity, your talent, and your commitment to getting my Life-Changing Fiction out to people all over the world. You are a strong man of God, Rick. You care for my career as if you were personally responsible for the souls God touches through these books. Thank you for looking out for my personal time, my relationships with my husband and kids most of all. I couldn’t do this without you.

  As always, I couldn’t do this without the help of my husband and kids, who are so good about eating tuna sandwiches and quesadillas when I’m on deadline. Thanks for understanding the sometimes-crazy life I lead and for always being my greatest support.

  Thanks to my friends and family who continue to surround me with love and prayers and support. And to my mother and assistant, Anne Kingsbury, for having great sensitivity and love for my readers. Your personal touch is so precious to me . . . thank you with all my heart.

  And thank You to God Almighty, the greatest Author of all—the Author of life. The gift is Yours. I pray I might have the incredible opportunity and responsibility to use it for You all the days of my life.

  The answers were inside the brown paper sack. At least that’s what everyone was telling him.

  Dayne Matthews carried the bag inside his Malibu beach house, set it on his kitchen counter, and took a deep breath. Kelly would be gone until the next day, visiting her agent in Manhattan. Dayne had all night to sort through his questions, all night to catch even a glimpse of the peace he was missing.

  He opened the bag and pulled out a thick, heavy book: Kabbalah—Becoming Your Own God.

  Dayne ran his fingers over the cover. He’d gone to the Los Angeles Kabbalah Center a few times, and earlier today he’d stopped by and purchased the book. The Kabbalah bible. He was starting to understand the stuff, and now that he’d gotten past the guilt, past the nagging inner voice accusing him of turning his back on his parents’ faith, he was ready to dive deeper.

  A man in a white shirt and white pants had been working behind the counter. He hadn’t seemed to recognize Dayne, but then dozens of celebrities attended the center. Famous actors probably didn’t impress the guy. Why would they, when enlightenment meant shedding worldly values, exchanging them for a higher level of consciousness?

  Dayne had set the book on the store’s counter. “This is it, right? The big book?”

  The man smiled, an otherworldly smile. “The answers to life are between the covers.”

  That’s all Dayne needed to hear. At this point in his life, he was all questions and no answers. None at all. He was living with his current leading lady, Kelly Parker, but he didn’t love her. Even so, he didn’t want to break up with her. Filming for the movie started in two weeks. Cut it off with Kelly now and they could forget having any chemistry on camera.

  Dayne now flipped the book over and read the inside back cover. An italicized section at the top of the page said: Are you lacking peace? Does traditional religion leave you empty and searching? Come to the oldest truths in the world, the truths that will truly set you free.

  That’s what he was missing. Freedom.

  He was trapped in his life, locked in with no way out. Not in the situation with Kelly, and not with his biological family, the Baxters. They knew nothing about him because he needed to keep it that way. Otherwise t
he paparazzi would take away his family’s freedom the way they’d taken his.

  And what about his anger? The way he’d gone from a relaxed sort of guy who didn’t get bothered by much to being mad all the time. Mad at his adoptive parents for sending him away to a boarding school so they could traipse around the Indonesian jungle telling people about Jesus. Mad that they died in a plane crash when he was eighteen and mad that he’d lived without any family ever since then, when the whole time he had biological parents and siblings living in Bloomington, Indiana.

  That was another thing. He was angry that his parents hadn’t explained the whole adoption thing to him. It wasn’t enough to tell a little kid that some other mother gave birth to him. What was he supposed to make of that? If he hadn’t run into Luke Baxter at his attorney’s office more than a year ago, he never would’ve known who his biological mother was at all.

  But he knew now, and because of the photographers—the parasites that stayed within breathing distance of him at all times—the Baxters might as well not exist. And that made him mad too. But nothing made him angrier than the stalker who had attacked Katy Hart and him last month, the lunatic fan who because of some wild delusion actually believed she was married to him. The woman’s case was going to trial in May, and he’d have to see her again. Sit across from her while he took the witness stand. The jury better throw the book at her.

  He pictured her, the way she’d jumped out of the bushes, grabbing Katy and holding the knife to her throat. After that there was no way Katy would take the starring role Dayne had offered her. She couldn’t wait to get back to Bloomington, where he’d found her. But the girl had captured his heart and mind and soul. He sighed and stared out the window at the ocean beyond his backyard.