“Let’s go find a quiet place in the hall.” Chance rose and held his hand out for her.
After fitting hers in his grasp, she walked beside him out into the foyer. Chance quickly found an empty bench and drew her to it. As she leaned against the hard back slats, her heart slowed. Was he going to tell her goodbye? Did he want to move on without her? Maybe he didn’t love her enough to marry her. And she realized more than ever she wanted to get married again. She wanted the happiness her friends had.
Chance swallowed hard, clasping her other hand, too. “Thank you for being here with me. After that first day, I didn’t know how I was going to get through the trial, then you showed up on my doorstep and gave me a way. I know about all you had to do to be here with me.”
“I’d do it again.”
He grinned. “I know. And I have several people back in Sweetwater to thank. Amanda’s parents who agreed to take Crystal in and trade cars with you so they could transport Crystal in the van. Your boss, for letting you take time off suddenly. Not to mention all your friends who came.”
“They’re your friends, too.”
“Until this week I hadn’t really realized that. I never had friends like them. I was always working too hard to have time for other people except my family and even then I didn’t spend enough time with them. I can’t get that back, but I can move forward, live the type of life Christ spoke of. Learn from my mistakes.”
Little creases lined his forehead as he spoke. Tanya wanted to smooth them away, but he held her hands and she loved the feel of his fingers entwined with hers.
“And the most important thing I’ve learned in the past few months is that I love you, Tanya. I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”
One small seed of doubt nibbled at her. “You aren’t saying that because of your guilt over how Tom died, are you? This isn’t some kind of payback?”
He shook his head. “Tom wanted to die. He made the choice to step in between me and my attacker to take that knife. I know that now. Last night when I forgave Gary Kingston, I also forgave myself.”
“I never really blamed you for Tom’s death. I didn’t get a chance to tell you because you left before I could. And we’ve been busy with the trial. I came over to see you New Year’s Day early in the morning to let you know that. But you were gone. I was angry because you didn’t trust me earlier with knowing the details of how Tom had died.”
“I was wrong. I should have. But I had become so used to seeing people shun me that I didn’t want to see that in your eyes. I realize now that I was falling in love with you and was scared to do anything to change that so I kept quiet.”
“Why did you tell me then?”
A full-fledged grin returned. “Because I was in love with you and was scared to be in love again. I used it to put distance between us, an excuse to leave you. I won’t make that mistake again.”
“I’ll hold you to that.” The joy she had held at bay burst out of its restraints and flooded her. She slipped her hands from his and drew him to her. “I love you, Chance. I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”
His mouth claimed hers in a deep kiss. She relished the sensations he generated in her.
His breathing ragged, he asked, “Will you marry me?”
“Yes! Yes!”
Again he possessed her mouth with his, leaving no doubt in her mind that he loved her with all his being.
When Chance finally rose, he laced his fingers through hers and tugged her gently to her feet. “I guess we’d better not keep our friends waiting. After all, we have a lot to celebrate tonight, and if I can’t have you alone, then I can’t think of any better way to celebrate than with friends.”
Fifteen minutes later, Tanya strode into the hotel restaurant with Chance by her side. She knew her love for the man next to her was written all over her face. That was shortly confirmed when the waiter showed them into the small room that Nick had secured for their dinner.
When her friends looked at them, one by one they rose, clapping, with smiles that matched the grins plastered on her face and Chance’s.
“I don’t think we need to ask what has kept you two. Care to share any news with us?” Jesse reseated herself next to her husband.
“Tanya has agreed to become my wife.”
More applause and cheers followed Chance’s announcement. Tanya squeezed his hand and slanted a look his way. His gaze, trained on her, flared with the promise of friendship and love.
“When?” Beth asked when everyone quieted.
Tanya eased into the chair that Chance held for her. “We haven’t set a date, but I’ve always wanted a June wedding.”
“A June bride! How wonderful!” Darcy patted her baby on the back. “That gives us time to really plan a beautiful wedding.”
As Jesse, Beth, Zoey and Darcy began to discuss their ideas for the wedding, Chance leaned down, kissed Tanya’s neck by her ear and whispered, “We can always elope. It’s your call.”
EPILOGUE
“The last item up for bidding is an opportunity to have a portrait painted by our very own Tanya Taylor. Just in case a person hasn’t seen the wonderful work she does, I have a portrait here to show you.” Samuel held up a picture of Beth and his children that Tanya had done for him.
The heat of a blush tinged Tanya’s cheeks as she heard the admiration of her neighbors. She snuggled closer to Chance, never comfortable being in the limelight.
“You’d better get used to hearing people comment on your work. You’re garnishing quite a reputation. This is bound to bring in the largest amount for the Fourth of July Auction.” Grinning, Chance kissed her cheek.
“Hey, the honeymoon ended two weeks ago, you two,” Zoey said next to Chance.
Tanya felt her blush deepen and spread down her neck. She and Chance had had a wonderfully planned wedding, given to her by Jesse, Darcy, Beth and Zoey, followed by a honeymoon to the Bahamas that had been Nick and Jesse’s wedding present to them. The joy that had come into her life with Chance blossomed each day she spent with him.
Ten minutes later the president of the bank where she worked had indeed set a record for what one item brought in for the church’s outreach program and put an end to the auction. Chance, Nick and Dane cleared off the gym floor at the center so the next part of the afternoon’s activities could begin.
When Chance settled next to Tanya in the bleachers, he took her hand. “Okay?”
“Nervous.”
“She’ll do great. She’s been practicing for months. And I don’t think Crystal’s minded all the practice one bit since Grant has been giving her pointers.”
At that moment Crystal and the rest of her team rolled out onto the floor to give an exhibition of wheelchair basketball for the spectators. Tanya held her breath as the ball was set in motion. One of her daughter’s teammates dribbled down the court, passed it to Crystal and she took a shot. It circled the rim and swished through the net.
Tanya jumped to her feet and cheered, Chance right next to her, yelling even louder than her. Through the exhibition Crystal’s smile grew as the enthusiasm of the crowd grew.
At the end, Tanya threw her arms around her husband. “She is good!”
He captured her gaze. “Just like her mom.” His hand cupped the back of her neck. “I never thought I would be so happy, Mrs. Taylor.”
She stood on tiptoes and brushed her lips across his. “Me neither. You have brought me such joy, Mr. Taylor.”
* * * * *
Questions for Discussion
Tanya dealt with manic depression, an illness she would have to take medication to control. She didn’t like having to depend on the medicine, but she didn’t have a choice. What things have you had to do that you had no choice over? Did your faith help you deal with it? How?
&n
bsp; Chance couldn’t move on in his life because he couldn’t forgive himself or the man responsible for his wife’s and daughter’s deaths. How hard is it to forgive another? Have you ever not been able to forgive? How does that affect you spiritually, emotionally?
Crystal was being harassed by a couple of girls at school. Have you ever been bullied? How did you deal with it? What are some things we can do to prevent bullying?
Crystal, and even Chance, learned to turn the other cheek against the people bothering them. When have you done this? How did it make you feel?
Tanya hid her talent as an artist because she feared rejection. Fear of rejection is a powerful emotion that controls our actions, as it did in Tanya’s case. How has fear of rejection controlled you? How have you overcome its hold on you?
Chance went to prison, even though he was innocent. He lived in a nightmarish situation for over two years. Even after he left prison, he still lived in a self-imposed one, built by guilt and the inability to forgive. Have you ever lived in a self-imposed prison? How did you move on? Did your faith play a part in breaking those bonds? How?
When Holly needed a tutor for math, Crystal came forward and volunteered to do it. In Romans 12:20 it states, “Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink.” That can be hard to do when you have been hurt by another. What has helped you to forgive your enemy?
John 14:27 says, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid.” In the end, through the Lord, Chance found the peace he had been seeking. Has this happened to you? How did you find your peace?
Tanya worried about her daughter—so much had happened to Crystal over the past four years. To Tanya, God and her circle of friends were the ones who had gotten her through the hard times. Who do you rely on during the tough times? How?
Crystal was in a wheelchair. Tanya had manic depression. We all have some kind of disability we have to cope with, whether physical, emotional or spiritual. What is yours? How do you cope? Does your faith help? How?
SPECIAL EXCERPT FROM
An accident strands pregnant widow Willa Chase and her twins at the home of John Miller. Will she jolt the reclusive widower out of his sorrow and into a Christmas full of joy and hope?
Read on for a sneak preview of
AMISH CHRISTMAS TWINS
by USA TODAY bestselling author Patricia Davids,
the first book in a special miniseries
Chrstmas Twins
available now from Love Inspired!
John Miller squeezed his eyes shut and braced for the impact of the bus hurtling toward the back of his wagon.
God have mercy on my soul.
A powerful draft knocked his hat from his head as the bus flew around him, missing his wagon by inches. The reckless driver laid on the horn as he swerved back into the proper lane. John’s frightened team of horses shied off the edge of the highway jolting the wagon and nearly unseating him.
He quickly brought his animals under control and maneuvered his wagon back onto the roadway. It took longer to get his heart out of his throat. When his erratic pulse settled, he picked up his black Amish hat from where it had fallen onto the floorboards and dusted it against his thigh. God must still have a use for me here on earth. I’m sorry, Katie May. One day I will be with you again.
John shook his head when the bus pulled to a stop a few hundred yards down the highway. “Foolish Englischer. In a hurry to get nowhere fast.”
He settled his hat on his head and glanced back at his cargo. Thankfully, the restored antique sleigh carefully wrapped in a heavy tarp hadn’t shifted. He could ill afford another delay in getting it to its new owner.
His entire trip had been one misadventure after another. He’d left home in plenty of time to complete the two-day journey, but a wrong turn in unfamiliar country had taken him five miles out of his way. One of his tie-downs had snapped, forcing him to lose time rigging another. Then a broken wheel had taken three hours to repair, time he didn’t have to spare. This simple trip could end up costing him as much if not more than a hired hauler would have charged and he was already half a day late for his appointment. He hoped his Englisch client was the understanding sort.
Putting his team in motion, John reached the rear of the bus before it moved on. According to the directions in the letter from his customer, he needed to turn right at the rural intersection just ahead. He waited for the bus driver to move out of the way. After several minutes, he leaned to the side trying to see what the holdup was. A woman in a red coat with a purple backpack slung over her shoulder finally stepped off with two little children in tow. The bus pulled away, belching black fumes that made his horses snort and toss their heads. He spoke softly to quiet them.
The woman stood at the edge of the highway, looking first north and then south as if expecting someone who hadn’t shown up. The roads were empty in all directions except for the bus traveling away from them. The children, both girls about three years old, were clinging to her legs. One rubbed her eyes, the other cried to be picked up. The family’s clothing and uncovered heads told John they weren’t Amish.
He slapped the reins against his team’s rumps and turned his wagon in front of them glancing at the woman’s face as he did. She looked worried and worn-out, but she smiled and nodded slightly when she met his gaze.
One of her little girls pointed to his team. “Horsey, Mama. See horsey?”
“I do, sweetheart. They’re lovely horses, aren’t they?” Her smile brightened as she glanced down at her daughter. The love in her eyes shone through her weariness. Why wasn’t anyone here to meet them?
“Horses bad,” the other child said, stepping behind her mother.
The woman dropped to one knee and pulled the child close. “No, they aren’t bad. They may look big and scary but they won’t hurt you. This man tells them what to do. I’m sure they mind him far better than you mind me sometimes.”
The child muttered something he couldn’t make out, but the young mother laughed softly. It was a sweet sound. “No precious. They won’t step on you and squish you.”
The child latched on to her mother’s neck and muttered, “I tired. Want to go home now.”
He should keep moving. He’d told his client to expect him four hours ago, but it didn’t feel right to drive away and leave this young mother standing alone out here even if she wasn’t Amish. He pulled the horses to a stop and looked down at her. “Do you need help?”
Detaching the child from her neck, she stood up and smoothed the front of her coat with one hand. As she did, he noticed a bulge at her waist. Was she pregnant?
“I’m trying to get my bearings. I haven’t been out this way in years. Do you know an Amish farmer named Ezekiel Lapp?”
Her voice was soft and low. He heard the weariness underlying her tone. The wind blew a strand of her shoulder-length blond curls across her face. She brushed her hair back and tucked it behind her ear as she looked at him with wide blue eyes.
She was a pretty woman. Her daughters, identical twins by the look of them, were the spitting images of her with blue eyes and curly blond hair. Some man was fortunate to have such handsome children and a lovely wife to come home to at night.
She placed a hand on each little girl’s head in a comforting or perhaps protective gesture, her fingers moving gently through their hair. She raised her chin as she faced him.
The gesture reminded him of his wife, Katie, and sent a painful pang through his chest. Katie used to give him that exact look when she was determined to do things her own way. The woman at the roadside wasn’t physically similar to his wife. She was tiny where Katie had been tall and willowy. She was fair where Katie had been dark, but the two women shared the same stubborn set to their chins and the same determination in their eyes. He smiled in spite of himself.
Katie would have been a good mother, too
…if only she had lived.
He shut away his heartbreaking memories. Katie May was gone, their unborn child laid to rest with her. It had been four years since their passing, but his grief was as sharp as if it had been yesterday. Most folks thought he had moved on with his life. He’d tried to, but he couldn’t forgive God or himself for her death.
He looked away from the young woman and her children. “I don’t know him. I’m not from this area.”
Realizing how gruff his voice sounded, he gestured to the tarp on the flatbed wagon behind him. It had taken him eight weeks to restore the sleigh and two days to haul it this far. He was anxious to drop it off and head home. “I’m delivering this sleigh to Melvin Taylor. The directions he sent said he lived four miles south of this intersection. Does that help?”
Her face brightened. “I remember Melvin. He lived a half mile south of Grandfather’s farm. We can find our way now. Thank you. Come on, girls.” She repositioned the backpack on her shoulder and took each girl by the hand as she started down the road.
John didn’t urge his horses to move. A three-and-a-half-mile walk was a lot to ask of such small children, and the woman if she was pregnant. It would be dark before they arrived at their destination. The mid-November day had been pleasant so far, but it would get cold when the sun started to go down.
He didn’t normally concern himself with the affairs of the Englisch but something about this young woman kept him from driving away. Maybe it was the worry he had glimpsed on her face when he first saw her, or how she spoke so caringly to her girls. Perhaps it was the way she squared her shoulders, looking as if she carried a great weight upon them. He didn’t know what it was, but he couldn’t leave without offering her assistance.
Maybe it was because she reminded him of Katie.
This is foolish. They’ll be fine on their own. An Amish family wouldn’t think twice about walking that far.
However, an Amish mother and her children would be properly dressed with heavy coats and sturdy shoes. The thin white shoes on this woman’s feet didn’t look as if they would last a mile. He sighed heavily and urged his team forward to catch up with her.
Tidings of Joy Page 20
