Don’t let me blow this chance, he prayed before he said, “I’ve been busy since you left Chicago.” It was the wrong thing to say. He’d been busy while she was there, too.
She didn’t act as if she’d heard him.
He tried again. “You were right about me, Monica. The Lord showed me that. I got swept up in the rat race again. I guess it’s like a drug for me. I hadn’t realized.” He touched the back of her hand with his fingertips. “I forgot what was most important.”
She stiffened but didn’t pull away.
“I’m not going to forget again. I love you, and I don’t want to lose you.”
“Oh, Daniel,” she whispered. “Don’t.”
“I gave Charley my notice.”
He heard her surprised intake of breath. She looked up at him, her gaze questioning, hesitant, doubtful.
“I moved out of the apartment. My things are being shipped to Boise as we speak. I had an interview this morning for a columnist position with the Boise Herald. No travel to speak of. Decent hours. Reasonable salary. I got the job. When I start is up to you.”
“To me?”
He nodded, at the same time wondering if she could tell how scared he was. “Yeah. I can start tomorrow…” He paused briefly, then continued, “Or I can start when we get back from our honeymoon.”
Twin tears slid down her cheeks. “What if you aren’t happy in Boise? Or with me? I want a simple life with simple pleasures. A family to love and be loved by. Shared fellowship in a church community. Nothing too exciting or glamorous. What if that isn’t enough for you, Daniel? You’ve always wanted so much more.”
“I’ll be happy here. It’ll be enough. You’ll be enough.” He took hold of her hands, pressing them between his own as he leaned forward in his chair. “I discovered there wasn’t anything in Chicago for me after you and Heather left. I don’t want to live on that treadmill anymore, Monica. Deep down I knew that when I came here last spring. I just forgot for a while. Then you left and I remembered. So I got off of it. Off the treadmill. I’ve come home. For good. Whether you’ll take me back or not, I’m here to stay.” He lowered his voice. “But I’m hoping and praying you’ll take me back. God has a lot of work to do in me. I’m not saying I won’t make mistakes. But please give me a chance to do my best.”
She stared at him. Not blinking. Not even seeming to breathe. Just staring.
“You don’t have any reason to believe me. I know that. But I promise you I’ll be a devoted husband and father. I made it real clear to my new editor. I’ll turn in my columns, like I was hired to do. The rest of my time is my own, and it will belong to my family.”
If she didn’t say something soon, he thought he’d go crazy.
Finally, an eternity later, she spoke, her voice uncertain. “I was always such a dreamer. Always wanting happily ever after. Perfect endings and all that. You used to tease me about it. Remember?” She swallowed. “Am I dreaming now, Daniel?”
“No.”
Her smile was tremulous. “Then I suppose the church might still be available on Saturday. And I happen to know where we can find a flower girl and a wedding gown.”
The instant the words were out of her mouth, he pulled her up from her chair and crushed her in his embrace. He kissed her hungrily, not trying to hide the desperation he’d felt.
He’d been given another chance.
The wedding was everything a couple could want. Surrounded by family and friends and with a beaming Heather standing with them, Daniel and Monica exchanged vows, promising to love and cherish each other for the rest of their lives, promising to keep the Lord at the center of their marriage.
At the reception that followed, the bride and groom received many blessings, along with a surprising number of gifts. They posed for countless photographs, and they fed each other pieces of cake without mishap. Monica’s bridal bouquet was caught by a young woman who worked at Solutions, and both she and Monica seemed pleased about that.
Finally—none too soon, as far as Daniel was concerned—they slipped away, driving off in a car that trailed crepe paper streamers from the antenna and rear bumper and proudly proclaimed “Just Married!” on three sides.
Thank You, God, Daniel prayed as he carried his bride over the threshold of their honeymoon suite. Thank You for making me a part of Your family and of this family. Thank You for giving me another chance to love this woman, my wife.
Daniel Rourke had traveled the world. He had visited countless countries and experienced many cultures. He had met with presidents and kings and religious leaders. He had interviewed the famous and the infamous, the beautiful and the grotesque. He had seen the best and the worst of humankind. He had acquired financial wealth, won awards and garnered the respect of his peers. He’d achieved all he’d set out to do when he left Boise years before.
Daniel drew Monica closer, not ready to release her, not even to set her feet on the floor. As if understanding, she nestled her head into the curve of his neck and shoulder, relaxing in his embrace.
Yes, Daniel Rourke had done and seen many things. He’d been successful in numerous ways. But it had taken him many years—and lots of help from the Lord—to find his true heart’s desire.
And he’d found it right here, in the love of his hometown girl.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Though Daniel and Monica were once close, how have their personal goals changed as the story opens? How does each compare to their younger selves? How have you matured? How has that changed your ideals and values? Has it?
Daniel is given some shocking news. How does he handle it? What advice would you give someone in his predicament?
Daniel was taken aback because Monica had concealed Heather’s existence from him. Have you ever had a friend conceal a major issue from you? What’s the best way to work through such a breach of trust? How could these lessons apply to the secret Ellen kept from Monica?
Talk about Monica’s motives in disclosing Daniel’s fatherhood to him. Do you agree with her approach? How would you have broken the news?
Compare Heather’s reaction to the news of her father’s identity with Daniel and Monica’s handling of the situation. As Jesus said in Mark 10:15, “Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” What can we learn from Heather’s behavior in this situation? How have your children inspired your behavior?
Daniel was forced to reevaluate his goals over the course of the story. How does parenthood change our definition and perception of success?
Tony decided to drop out of college due to family obligations—this led to a lapse in his friendship with Daniel. How have you fallen away from friends at different stages of your life? What are some ways to rekindle these friendships?
Heather has come to know her father slightly later in her life. What will this situation teach her? What sort of emotional legacy do you think Daniel and Monica will give her? What have you learned from your parents? What do you hope to teach your children?
ISBN: 978-1-4268-5962-5
ANOTHER CHANCE TO LOVE YOU
Copyright © 1999 as Hometown Girl, © 2006 as Another Chance To Love You by Robin Lee Hatcher
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