The Parson's Daughters Boxed Set: Sweet and Clean Christian Romance - 4 Book Bundle

by Annie Boone

  While Charity was courting Dominic, Eli started work on the ministry. He was seeking space in town that would be centrally located for those who would likely need the services. He was setting up sources of food for the meals he would offer. He was also making contacts inside all the churches around town.

  He kept Charity informed by way of a regular written update. He asked for input from time to time and Charity would respond with her own letter when he asked. She longed to be more directly involved but she didn’t want to upset Dominic. She knew he wouldn’t understand so she decided not to risk it.

  She felt that Eli was taking every chance he could to communicate with her. He was trying to sway her. He was making headway, but he didn’t know it. In addition to the ministry updates, he also sent a love note every day. Sometimes it was just one line and sometimes it was two pages. These notes became the highlight of her day.

  Charity finally realized that this little threesome needed to be broken up. She was constantly torn between the two men and she was ready to commit to just one man.

  ***

  “Dominic?”

  Charity had thought long and hard about this. As she stood there in front of him, as sure as she was, she was nervous and fidgety. She feared that she wouldn’t be able to find the right words to tell him how she felt. She worried that he simply wouldn’t understand. She worried that he’d be angry. And worse, she worried that he’d decide to drink again.

  “Yes?” He asked, staring at her in a way that made her think that he knew exactly what she was going to say to him.

  Charity took a deep breath. “I don’t think this is going to work out between us.”

  She felt her face grow warm from the sense of worry and sadness she felt. Truthfully, she hoped that he would let her off easy. She didn’t want to hurt him, but he wasn’t the one for her. That meant that she wasn’t the one for him, either. Hopefully, he would agree.

  She could pretend that this was a difficult decision, but it wasn’t. When she looked into her heart, she only found that she had one solid option. The man who had stolen her heart at a sweet country wedding.

  Even though he seemed to be prepared for what she was going to say before, now he staggered back slightly as he replied, “So, you don’t want to court me?”

  She nodded, “I’m sorry that things couldn’t work out, Dominic. I had a lot of fun with you and you’re a great guy. I am proud of you for all of the changes that you have made to your life. If you ever need anything at all, I’d love to help. I just know that this isn’t right for me. It’s not right for you. There’s a better match for you out there than me.” She sighed again and felt her heart thumping in her chest.

  However, to her surprise, he nodded and answered, “Don’t worry, Charity. I understand.” He smiled a bittersweet smile. “I’m disappointed, but I trust your judgement. I guess it was really just a matter of time. I suppose I expected this.”

  Charity was confused and she asked, “What do you mean, you expected this?”

  Again, he shrugged his shoulders and answered, “I don’t know. It’s just the way you look at him. When we saw him in church, you looked at him in such a longing way. I think I knew all along that you’d end up leaving me for him. I just never saw that reaction from you with me. As much as I wanted to ignore it, I knew that you didn’t feel we were right for one another. That’s the way it goes sometimes.”

  Charity took his hand and squeezed. “I never meant to hurt you. Never.”

  He then looked kindly at her before he added, “Even though we didn’t work out, I still owe you my life as a sober man.”

  “What do you mean?” Charity asked.

  “You made me turn my life around,” he replied simply. “Since I stopped drinking, I’ve been getting along better with people at work and people seem to like me better. I just feel like a more positive person. You inspired me to get things turned around.”

  Charity nodded, “Well, you did all the work, so you should be far more pleased with yourself than me.”

  He shrugged, “Even so, thank you.”

  Charity nodded and turned to walk away. Dominic reached out for her arm and she stopped. She looked back at him with raised eyebrows.

  “Be happy, Charity. Even if it isn’t with me.”

  Charity smiled sadly and nodded, “You, too, Dominic.”

  The two embraced quickly and parted. And then they each went their separate ways.

  As Charity turned around and headed to the stable to get Shamrock she was content. A little sad, but she knew this was the right thing. For her and for Dominic, too.

  She was going back to the cottage. Eli said he would be waiting for her there. She felt a little shady telling Eli she was breaking things off with Dominic before she actually did it. But she felt a weight lift off of her shoulders and she knew, without even the slightest shadow of a doubt that she had made the right decision.

  When Charity got home, Eli was waiting for her on the front porch. When he saw her, he ran up to her and asked, “So, did you do it?”

  Charity smiled and nodded, “Yes, of course I did.”

  Eli chuckled nervously and replied, “Good, because I was afraid he was going to offer you his shares of the business to stay or something big like that. I knew I wouldn’t be able to top something like that.”

  At this, Charity laughed out loud and through her arms around his neck, “Eli, you know I’m not that kind of girl. You have something that no one has ever taken before and will never take again.”

  “Oh, really? What’s that?”

  “My heart,” Charity answered with a grin. “Even though I didn’t know it then, I am sure now that I have loved you since the moment I saw you. I want nothing more than your love in return.”

  Eli seemed extremely pleased with that and he replied, “Well, Charity, I love you, too. And I was wondering,” he then broke apart from her embrace and knelt down on one knee.

  At first, Charity didn’t know what he was doing, but when she realized, she felt weak in the knees.

  By the time it all clicked though, Eli was presenting her with a ring and inquiring, “Will you marry me?”

  Still in shock, Charity didn’t say anything at first.

  Eli took her silence as hesitance. He started pleading his case. “I know that people will probably think that this is rushed, but I chose my job thinking you’d be understanding of that. I almost lost you over that silly decision. So, besides putting my whole heart into this proposal, I want to make certain that you know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, how I feel about you. I love you with all of me. You will be a permanent part of my life. I want you as a partner in life and in the ministry that we’ll run together. I, too, have loved you from the moment I first saw you and I have never stopped loving you since that day. You are the perfect woman for me, Charity.”

  Charity stood looking into his stormy green eyes and listened intently to everything he said. She hadn’t intended to get tongue-tied when he was expecting an answer to his marriage proposal, but she was glad she had. Hearing Eli’s endearing addition to his proposal stole her heart all over again.

  She felt tears of joy streaming down her face, but she didn’t care. Finally, through the gush of emotions, she found the right words to say. “Yes, Eli. Of course I’ll marry you!”

  He leaned down to her. His lips met hers and she was sure she heard angels sing. This was her first real kiss. She was thankful she was able to share such an intimate and sacred moment with the man she would spend the rest of her life with.

  The two were still kissing and whispering sweetly to each other when Hope ran up to them. She was out of breath and she looked extremely frightened.

  “Faith’s having the baby! She’s gone into labor!” Then she turned and ran back in the direction she came from.

  “Well, I suppose we’d best get you headed over to help with the birthing,” said Eli.

  “Never a dull moment around here,” muttered Charity. “Faith’s timing
is terrible.”

  1 Year Later

  Despite what they originally thought, when they finally made the announcement about their engagement, not one person mentioned the short length of their courtship. Everyone seemed to know that they were a perfect match and no one questioned this next step.

  They waited until the new baby was a week old before they announced their engagement. The arrival of Joshua Albert Chapman had everyone’s attention stretched to the limit.

  The Smallwood Special Ministry was up and running. They were serving two meals a day to those who needed help. The offered hot baths and fresh clothes on Saturdays. One of the services Eli was working to add was job training. San Jose was growing and there would be a need for skilled workers. This was an area of opportunity that he believed they could help.

  And then, the day finally arrived. Since their courtship had been so short, they decided that a longer engagement would help them. But then before she knew it, Charity was standing in the back room of the church where she had taught Bible study. Dressed in her mother’s white lace, she was stunning.

  Charity could hardly keep her wits about her. She was so overwhelmed and overjoyed all at the same time. She stared into the mirror, amazed at who looked back at her. She felt beautiful and could not wait for Eli to see her like this.

  She heard the organ begin and she knew it wouldn’t be long before it was time to take her walk down the aisle. While she was alone in the room, she took a moment to pray. Dear God, I thank You so much for bringing Eli back into my life. Thank You for giving me a Godly husband who loves others and works daily to follow Your lead. Help me be the wife he needs me to be. Amen.

  Then there was a knock on the door. Hope and Faith stood there waiting to go in front of her down the aisle.

  “Charity, you are so beautiful. Mama’s dress looks wonderful on you,” gushed Faith.

  “She’s going to be so happy to see that you’re wearing it. I think she’ll recognize it even though I embellished it just a touch. You do look lovely,” said Hope.

  Aaron stuck his head between Faith and Hope. “Are you ready, Charity? I think it’s about that time.”

  “I’m ready. Aaron, thank you for walking me down the aisle today. You’re an amazing brother-in-law and I’m lucky to have you,” said Charity, solemnly.

  “It’s my pleasure, Charity. I’m honored that you asked. Now let’s get going.”

  She watched out of the opened door as Joseph and Sally walked down the aisle as the flower girl and the ring bearer. She was overjoyed to have these two be part of her wedding. Little Joshua began to whimper from the first row of the church. Sam and Martha Benton were tending to him during the ceremony. Thank you, Lord, for my wonderful family!

  Faith walked next after the children and Hope followed. She couldn’t wait to get up to the front of the church to meet Eli there. As soon as Hope was halfway up the aisle, she pulled Aaron forward to start their walk. He chuckled and gave her a nod.

  She thought that if she moved quickly enough, she would be able to keep the jitters under control. She knew she would get emotional, but she was trying desperately to not tear up for the whole thing.

  As the music changed for her entrance, she gazed down the aisle, her eyes first locking with Eli’s. Then she looked at all of the people who had come out to support them. She knew how blessed she was to have all of these people in her life. This made her nervousness flee. She was calm and confident as she walked down the aisle toward Eli on Aaron’s strong arm.

  Finally, she looked back at Eli. He was smiling brightly as all eyes were on her as she walked toward him. She felt the peace she had been searching for as she walked to her future. The beginning of her happily ever after.

  Read about Helen and Albert’s love story – how the sister’s parents fell in love.

  Helen and Albert

  Committed

  Annie Boone

  The Parson’s Daughters Series

  Prequel – the Early Years

  Horace Barnesdale sat alone at the dining room table. The spread of food before him was massive. Sunday lunch was a big meal for him. Judging by his expansive middle, every meal was a big one. Today he was annoyed that once again he was eating Sunday lunch alone.

  “Eldridge!” he bellowed.

  Mr. Eldridge appeared almost immediately when he heard his boss yell for him. “Yes, sir,” he said professionally.

  “Has my son returned?”

  “I don’t believe so, sir. Shall I send Master Sullivan for him?”

  “Yes. And make it quick.”

  Eldridge nodded and left to do his master’s bidding. Muttering under his breath he went quickly to find the young man. He didn’t want Mr. Barnesdale to become angry with the staff, too. He was usually put out with his son, so that was typical.

  The young Sullivan boy was sitting quietly in the garden eating some bread and gammon. He looked up and raised a hand when Eldridge approached him. “What does the old man want now?” he asked good naturedly.

  “He needs you to go find Albert. It’s Sunday, so I’m sure he’s either at the church or coming home from there.”

  “All right. I’ll leave straight away.”

  “Do hurry, Master Sullivan. He’s more displeased than usual today.”

  “Glad he’s not my father,” said the young Sullivan, shaking his head. Heading to the stable to get the carriage, he waved at Mr. Eldridge and disappeared around the corner.

  ***

  Albert was walking down the sidewalk away from the Peachtree Gospel Church when he saw Sullivan, his father’s stable boy, rushing toward him. Oh, no, he thought. What have I done now?

  When he reached Sullivan, Albert smiled sheepishly and asked. “Looking for me?”

  “Indeed, sir. Your father is expecting you for lunch. I must say, I hear he’s in a grumpy mood. Thought I’d be nice and warn you,” he smiled.

  “All right, then. You’d best take me straight there. I’d prefer to lunch on my own, but I don’t want to make it hard on everyone who has to deal with the bad-tempered old goat,” he chuckled. “I know I shouldn’t be so disrespectful, but sometimes the devil digs in.”

  “Understood, sir.”

  When they reached the elaborate Barnesdale manor, Albert slapped Sullivan on the back as he jumped from the carriage. He went inside and found his father half finished with the mid-day meal.

  “Good day, Father,” Albert said jovially. “Lovely service we had today. It’s a shame you weren’t able to attend with me.”

  “Why are you late, Albert? You know this is important to me.”

  “I’m not sure why you take such pleasure in a Sunday meal when you don’t consider the day special. Spending time in the Lord’s house isn’t a priority for you, nor is spending time with me,” Albert groused.

  “Your resentment of my attention to my business is appalling. The very thing that puts a secure roof over your head and fancy clothes on your back shouldn’t be despised,” Horace responded.

  “Father, I don’t want to argue with you about this. On any day, but especially on the Lord’s day. We have agreed to disagree on this subject, have we not?”

  Horace continued to eat, chewing loudly and gulping his wine. Albert fixed his own plate, even though his appetite was diminished in the presence of his father.

  “Albert, I need to speak with you about an important matter. Please pay attention. I’ve created a position for you at the company. It’s an entry level spot where you can learn about the business from the bottom up. That will be important when I get ready to hand my portion over to you some day.”

  Albert exhaled then looked his father in the eye. “We’ve discussed this already. I don’t want to work at Barnesdale and Cross. I have been called by God to lead his flock. I would be going against my calling if I work for your company. I know it’s not what you want to hear, but it’s what I feel is best for my life. Besides, you know I’d never be happy in your world.”

  “The w
orld of finance is rewarding and interesting, boy. I believe you’re making a grave mistake by choosing a different path. You know that I can’t hold a place for you indefinitely,” said Horace gruffly.

  Albert hated that he was making his father even more grouchy, but he wouldn’t lie. He wouldn’t deny what he felt his true calling was. It was possible that Horace would take out his frustrations on the staff, but Albert reasoned that the staff bore the brunt of his father’s bad disposition, anyway. He didn’t feel good about that, but facts were facts.

  “I know and it’s fine. I won’t change my mind. I love you, but I’m not like you. I won’t thrive in the business world. I don’t want the life you have. I don’t begrudge it of you, but it’s not me. Please try to understand.”

  Horace pushed back from the table loudly and stood. “Do not be late next week. I will not continue to send the staff out looking for you.”

  Albert was left sitting at the table with his Sunday lunch half finished. He looked up at the sparkling crystal chandelier hanging from the ornately decorated ceiling. He was tired of fighting this battle with his father. He knew where his heart was and he wouldn’t waver from that, but he wished his father supported his choice of vocation. He prayed every day that this would change.

  Eldridge interrupted his thoughts. “Can I bring you anything, sir? Dessert?”

  Albert smiled at the man. “Thank you, Eldridge, but I don’t need anything at all. Let me help clear the table.”

  Albert stood and started stacking dishes on a tray. Eldridge looked at him and shook his head.

  “Albert, sir, you don’t need to do this. We’re all paid to handle these duties. It’s nice of you to offer, but not necessary. Not even proper, really.”

  “I know, Eldridge. I like helping where I can. Will you give me one thing to enjoy in this house?” Albert chuckled.