by Lori Wick
Sunny was most taken with Joseph. Finally, in the last chapter of Genesis, when she thought he would have his revenge on his brothers for the awful things they had done, he offered them forgiveness. Joseph believed that God used his brothers* treachery so he would be in the place where he could best serve God.
And what about Ahmad Khan’s deceit?Sunny found hersdf asking.Would I offer him forgiveness? What if his actions were God’s way of bringing me to Him? No one in Darhabar would have told me what Holly did today, or what Rand and Brandon have been saying for years. O God,Sunny tried to pray again.I don’t know how to believe. I mean, what ifTou’re really there and all this time Pve-Tears streamed down Sunny’s face, and she thought her heart would break as all her doubts continued to mount within her. She knew it was very late, but she had to see Holly. She had to tell her she couldn’t believe even though she now wanted to do so. Without bothering with her robe, she raced from her room and down the hall.
Sunny wrenched the door open without knocking, and Holly sat up with a start. The room was black, but Sunny’s voice told Holly in an instant that she was upset.
**I don’t know how, Holly,” Sunny cried. “All this time I’ve run away and now there’s nothing there. I want to know your God, but I don’t know how.** Sunny sobbed harshly into her hands while Holly lit the lantern and came to her. She put her arms around the other girl and held her dose.
“Come over to the bed,** Holly coaxed. “We can talk over there.”
Sunny was willing to be led, and they’d just settled against the headboard when Chelsea’s shadow fell over the bed. She carried her own lantern and placed it on the floor before leaning against Holly’s footboard.
“Everything you said today was true,** Sunny cried. “I’ve never
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wanted to admit that I was afraid to die and that I am filled with pride. I read the entire book of Genesis just now. I thought I might be like Joseph, who believed God’s hand had been in control at all time, but when I tried to pray, I just didn’t know how. I just-w
Sunny couldn’t go on, and her family let her cry. She sobbed for some minutes, and when she began to calm, Chelsea’s loving voice came through to her.
“I think you need to ask God to help you believe, Sunny. There isn’t anyone who wants you to believe more than He does, and I know He’s just waiting to hear the sound of your voice.**
“But Chelsea, I didn’t believe for so long, and I don’t think He wants me now.”
“You couldn’t be more wrong, love. God is so patient. He longs for you to turn to Him, and I promise you, you’ll not be rejected.”
Sunny looked at Chelsea and then at Holly, who still had an arm around her. She lifted her face to the ceiling, her eyes young and earnest as she spoke.
“I want to know You’re there. I’m sorry I’ve been so stubborn and blind to Your presence. I know I sin, and I want to believe that I can have eternal life.** Sunny hesitated, and when she spoke again her voice was filled with wonder.
“Your Son, Your holy Son provided the way, and I want to know Him. Rand said He died for me before I was even born, and I want to believe that, God. I have so many doubts and questions, but I can’t go on my own any longer. Please help me believe; please help me to find You.”
With a little help from Holly, Sunny placed her life in God’s hands. She confessed her need for a Savior and asked Him to be her Lord. Just as Chelsea had stated, Sunny asked God to help her believe, and believe she did. After she prayed, the three of them read in the book of John where Christ was hung on a cross for the sins of all men.
Tears streamed down the faces of all three women as they discussed the magnitude of this love God showed to all mankind. Sunny read the words with new insight and love. Her heart filled with questions and joy.
It was in the wee hours of the morning that Chelsea and Sunny went back to their own beds, but that didn’t stop Chelsea from waking Rand and telling him of Sunny’s decision. His strong arms trembled as
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they hugged her, and tired as they were, Chelsea and Rand took a few moments to pray and thank God for His saving love.
When Chelsea had Men asleep, Rand slipped from the bed and made his way to Sunny’s room. He placed his lantern on her night-stand and stared at her as she slept. He knelt next to the bed, and it was some moments before he even felt the tears that rolled down his
face.
Oheavenly Father,Rand prayed in his heart.Thank Ton for making her Tour own. Thank Ton for Tour patience and, all-encompassing love. Tou are so faithful. Lord. I knew such happiness when she came back from Darhabar, but nothing compares to this joy, Lord. Thank Tou, Father; thank Tou, Lord.
Rand’s heart was too full to go on, but it didn’t matter. A moment later he saw that Sunny’s eyes were open and she was smiling at him. They moved simultaneously, and in an instant Sunny was wrapped in Rand’s embrace. It was tempting to talk for hours, but Rand kept it brief.
“Welcome to the family, Sunny.**
“Oh, Rand,” Sunny breathed. “It’s real. Jesus Christ really is God’s Son, and He loved me enough to die for me.” Sunny could
not continue.
After another great hug, Rand pressed a gentle kiss to his sister’s brow and rose from the bed. With a promise that they would talk in the morning, he left her to once again find her rest.
It was very late before Sunny woke the next morning. Someone had opened her curtains, and without rising from the bed, Sunny prayed as a new child of God.
“O God,” Sunny spoke softly in the quiet room, not knowing what else to say. “Thank You,” she finally managed, so overcome with peace over this renewing of her life. For long minutes she simply lay and thought about her life. She reflected on her restless spirit and the emptiness she had always known. And then with peaceful ease, her mind moved to the night before. She contemplated how all the emptiness had been swept away, to be replaced by God and the knowledge of His love for her.
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When Sunny did rise, it was with a delight and purpose such as she’d never experienced before. After she had learned that she could be financially free her entire life, she had been relieved. Now, however, she was a new creature in Christ and was just beginning to understand the true meaning of freedom.
in the hours and days to follow, Sunny constantly pored over her Bible. Unlike other times in her life when she ran from one whimsical pursuit to the next, she knew that Jesus Christ was there to stay.
Both Rand and Chelsea warned her that she might not always be excited to read her Bible and pray. “But whenever you feel that way,” Rand told her, “those are the first things you should do. If you don’t feel like praying, pray. If you don’t feel like studying your Bible, get reading.”
Sunny, in her newfound standing as a child of God, could not imagine such a feeling. She was like a sponge these days, taking in every word. Although she had never before been excited when Rand led the family in Bible study on Sunday nights, Sunny was now bursting with thoughts and questions.
As she studied on her own, the book of Hebrews swiftly became a favorite of hers. In the thirteenth chapter, Sunny found a verse she felt God had written just for her. It said, “Let your manner of life be without covetousness, and be content with such things as ye have; for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”
This verse became so dear to Sunny that it was the first she memorized. Years of searching and emptiness were wiped away as Christ filled her with joy and contentment. Rand, Chelsea, and Holly were all a tremendous help as Sunny discovered more about God and His Son every day.
Not everyone in the family was doing as well as Sunny in her brand-new life, however. It was at this same time, when Sunny felt
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more alive than ever before, that Brandon felt as if his own life were, coming apart at the seams.
The Duke of Briscoe, who felt as though all he did lately was sit at his desk working over the estate account
s, was glad to have Parks interrupt him. He was even more pleased when it was with the news that Dinah had come to call.
“To what do I owe this wonderful surprise?” Brandon asked as he moved to approach her when she came in the door, but the look on her face caused him to hesitate.
“Dinah, what is it?**
She didn’t answer, but stood looking at him, her heart in her eyes. Brandon covered the distance between them and enveloped her in his arms. Dinah did nothing to resist him. It was going to make it all the harder later, but she selfishly wanted this one last embrace. After a moment, Brandon tried to kiss her, but Dinah drew away. That he was confused by her actions was clear, but Dinah moved to the window so she wouldn’t have to look at the pain in his eyes. She looked outside for a moment and then turned to face Brandon.
“I can’t marry you, Brandon.” Dinah’s voice was low, and Brandon waited for her to smile in teasing. “It’s not fair of me to wait until a month before the wedding, but our union won’t work, and I think if you’ll consider what I’m saying, you’ll agree.”
Brandon had never been so stunned in all his life. He was so surprised he couldn’t speak, but if he had been able to talk, he would have told Dinah that he didn’t understand, and wouldn’t understand; not now and not ever.
“I guess I’ve surprised you, and I owe you an explanation. Would you like to hear it?”
Numb, Brandon nodded. Dinah sat down by the cold fireplace, and Brandon took a chair opposite her.
“Is there someone else?” Brandon suddenly asked.
“Oh, no, Brandon.** Dinah was so distressed at such a thought, she didn’t notice that Brandon had relaxed a little. She went on in a bit of a rush. “Brandon, I think you’re in love with Sunny. I know she’s young, but I think that deep inside, you love her.**
Brandon stared at her again, waiting for her to laugh, and
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instead had the wildest urge to laugh himself, partly with relief and partly with astonishment that she was serious. He moved from his chair then and came down on one knee next to Dinah. He took her hand tenderly within his own and spoke with love in his eyes.
“Dinah, I do love Sunny, she is very special to me. But it’s not the same type of love I have for you. You and I are going to be husband and wife, and I-**
“No, we’re not, Brandon,** Dinah cut him off, forcing herself to pull her hand away from his touch. “I love you, and I believe you love me, and if you could show me a fraction of the passion that you show when Sunny’s name is merely mentioned, I might not be sitting here right now. I know this is painful for us both, but it’s for the best.”
“Dinah,** Brandon’s voice pleaded with her. “Don’t do this.”
“Pm sorry.” The words came as though wrenched from her. “But I won’t marry you. I’ve prayed and agonized over this for weeks, Brandon, and there is no other way. I’m not saying you should run off and propose to Sunny, but at some point you need to face what you feel for her.”
“Dinah,” Brandon began to know frustration, “she’s like a sister to me.**
Dinah’s small hands came up to frame his face, her eyes filled with love. “I can understand why you feel that way, what with her age and the tie through Rand and Chelsea, but, Brandon, it’s simply not so. She’snotyour sister, and it’s time you stop telling yourself that lie.”
Brandon was again without words. He was still on his knee when Dinah rose.
“I’ll say goodbye now, Brandon. I’m sorry my decision seemed so abrupt. I will of course take the blame for everything. 1*11 ask my father to put a notice in the paper.**
“Dinah, please, I know we could work this out.” Brandon tried one last plea.
Dinah shook her head, and he watched as she moved to the door. Turning, she gave herself one last look at his beloved face before walking away.
Brandon couldn’t move for some time after the door closed, but he realized that they each needed some time alone. He thought he would wait two days to see if she would reconsider.
Telling himself that he had to make her understand, Brandon
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went back to his desk to stare unseeingly at his work.
When he went to call on her two days later, it was too late. Dinah’s stepmother told Brandon that Dinah had gone to visit a friend in the south of France. They didn’t know when she planned to return.
“On, miles,” sunny called from lady’s back, her breath showing white in the cold January air. “Where are you taking me?”
“Haven’t you ever been this direction?” His voice held a smile.
“No, I guess I haven’t. Are we still on Gallagher land?”
“Sure. This is the west quarter. It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”
“Mmm, yes.” Sunny spoke with contentment as they topped a rise and sat looking out on the lovely valley below. A light covering of snow powdered the land, showing every dip and hollow. The trees were old and huge, and Sunny was captivated at the variety. She let her eyes drink in the scene until they swung back to her nephew. He was grinning at her.
“Why are you smiling?”
Miles shrugged. “It’s just nice to be home. Part of me wishes I wasn’t leaving in a week.”
“We sure missed you at Christmas.”
“I missed you too, but the things I’ve learned and seen have been worth every lonely moment.”
Miles went on to tell her of the places he had been and ideas he had for starting his own ship-building company. Sunny was captivated.
“I’ve prayed for you, Miles,” Sunny said when he paused, and Miles* eyes looked a bit moist.
“You don’t know how glad I am to hear that. I’ve prayed for you also.” He wanted to say more, but Sunny was pulling her glove off and searching in one of the fingers. She drew forth a small piece of paper and handed it to him.
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“I gave everyone a Bible verse this year, and this one is yours, like I said, I missed you, but it’s rather nice to give it to you now.”
Miles unfolded the paper. The verse Sunny had inscribed was Isaiah 64:8: “But now, O Lord, thou art our rather; we are the clay, and thou our potter, and we all are the work of thy hand.**
“Rand has been teaching me about keeping verses in their context,** Sunny said shyly. “That is, I understand that some promises are for Israel. I must admit that I’m not certain if that verse applies to believers today, but when I read it I thought of you and your willingness to be what God’s wants you to be-your desire to be molded by Him.”
Miles was so moved he couldn’t speak for some moments. He sat looking off across the acreage, thanking God that Sunny’s spirit was so gentle.
“Thank you, Sunny,** he finally managed.
“Is that a house over there?”
“What?** Miles laughed at the change in topics.
“Way over there, see? I think I see a home.”
“That would be Ravenscroft, Grandmama Sunny’s home. Want to see it?**
By way of an answer, Sunny grinned and heeled Lady into motion. They raced down to the floor of the valley and made their way smoothly in the direction of the house. Grandmama Sunny’s home came into view as they circled a group of trees, and Sunny reined Lady rather sharply in her surprise at having come up to the Ravenscroft gate so suddenly.
The beautiful two-story sandstone with graceful alcoves and dormered windows was quite simply the loveliest manor house she had ever seen. Sunny rode Lady up the drive and then dismounted in the forecourt. Feeling the frozen ground beneath her feet, she walked all the way around the old house as though in a trance. In truth, she was praying.
O Ffither)her heart whispered.ItJs so lovely, and it lets me know my grandmother just a, bit.Sunny’s thoughts stopped then as she thought of something so wonderful she could barely think.
want to live here, Lord,her mind raced on. want to have a home of my own. Please help me to be patient. Help me to trust Tou for this.
“What’
s going on behind that delighted race?” Miles asked her suddenly. They had come full circle and were now nearly back where they had begun. This was no small home.
“Oh, many things,** she admitted.UI wish Fd known Grandmama Sunny. I mean, everyone speaks so lovingly of her, and it would be wonderful to have a grandmother of my own.**
“You’ll see her again someday, you know.”
“Oh, Miles, I’d forgotten about that,** she grinned at him. “Thank you.**
“It is a wonderful house isn’t it?** Miles went on. “Do you realize how centrally it’s located? The village is about 15 minutes that direcion,** Miles pointed to the east. “Willows’ End and Bracken are both within 20-minute rides.”
“It’s wonderful, and do you know what I just thought? I think it might be mine.** Sunny’s smile was nearly off her face.
“Yours?**
“Yes. Brandon told me years ago that Grandmama Sunny had left me nearly everything.**
“Hey,** Miles spoke with delight. “I’ll bet you’re right. I wonder whether it has slipped Father’s mind or whether he’d rather you didn’t know.**
Miles* voice had grown very dry on this last note, and Sunny laughed with amusement. She was still laughing as they remounted and made their way home.
“Well, you’re certainly right; it is yours,** Rand told Sunny over dinner. “And you’re also right about myfergetting to tell you. It was built in the sixteenth century, and your grandmother lived there until the day she died. We’ll have to go back and have a look inside. I must say that it holds some pretty wonderful memories for me.**
“I hate to throw water on those memories,** Chelsea intervened. “But a certain young lady is coming out later this year, and we’ve got a lot to do before we even think of Ravenscroft.**
Sunny gave a long-suffering groan and began her old argument, but Chelsea stopped her with a laugh.
“It’s not going to work. Youarecoming out and youwill doit properly.”
