Take Three

by Karen Kingsbury

  Finally.

  CODY LOOKED AT HER, AND HE could feel his eyes shining in the light of the fireworks. The intensity of emotions filling him was more than he was willing to share right now. She still didn’t know about his mother, how she was taking part in an intense rehab, and how Cody still worried every day that she might relapse again.

  Logic still told him Bailey was out of his league. But here, now, there was only this moment together. He relaxed a little and a quiet laugh hit him. “You know what?” he whispered.

  “What?” Her eyes danced, and he felt himself getting lost in them.

  He held her eyes, memorizing the way he felt. “It’s just like football on the beach.” He didn’t look away, and neither did she. Both of them lost in the way it felt to be together like this.

  “Like football on the beach?” she whispered. She looked like she, too, wanted this time to last forever. “The two of us…finally finding this…that’s like football?”

  “Yes.” He smiled at her. “Someone has to call it.”

  A NOTE FROM KAREN

  Dear Reader Friends,

  Thanks again for traveling with me through the pages of Take Three. This time, telling the story felt like a sprint—a flat-out run. I always outline my books, and Take Three was no exception. But this time the characters kept getting ahead of me. I know, I know. For people who never live in imaginary worlds, the idea of the characters taking charge sounds a little crazy. Like maybe I need more time with people who breathe. But that’s seriously what happened this time. Major events happened in Take Three that simply weren’t on my outline. I’d get to the next chapter, and the characters would basically refuse to cooperate. Which, of course, was fine for me because it was fun. It was a full-out, fastpaced run through a story I came to love deeply—as differently as it turned out.

  Here’s the most exciting part—now that we’ve gotten to this point, Take Four will be a blast to write. New events and crazy changes are definitely going to happen because some of what happened here was supposed to happen there. One example? Bailey’s breakup with Tim. That girl was supposed to take a break, only. Find a little space away from Tim. But I was sitting with her at that restaurant table, listening to Tim trash talk Cody Coleman, and that girl absolutely demanded a complete breakup. I could only agree, and so it was.

  Another surprise move—bringing Dayne in as one of the producers. It made sense that Chase would go home with his family, because he missed his girls, and he wasn’t sure if he could take another year away from them. But Dayne was a huge surprise. It just happened that as Chase wanted to be home again, Dayne was missing movies. This time around, he wanted to see a different side of Hollywood—the side that believes a faith-based film is exactly what the market wants. And he wanted to work with his brother, Luke Baxter. Anyway, the whole process was a thrill ride. I hope you thought so too. Of course, it was hard going through Andi’s part of the journey, but I loved how God met her at every turn in the road. She still has a lot to walk through, but it was wonderful to see her come back to her family and make the first step in turning back to Jesus.

  By the end of Take Three, I could hardly wait to get the book into your hands, and I was struck by an exciting realization: There would now be much more to write about in Take Four! In the final book of the Above the Line Series, Bailey will take part in an adventure that I never imagined until I finished Take Three. That’s what happens when the characters take over the storytelling!

  And guess what my next stand-alone book is? That’s right—Unlocked! The story has pressed in and around my heart for a few years, and I believe it will be one of my strongest ever. God gave me the complete outline on a recent cross-country flight from Dulles Airport to Portland. Twenty-four pages of handwritten notes in a spiral-bound notebook. When I was finished, I was quietly crying—the story that real and rich in my heart. I could only thank God because the outline, the story, felt like such a complete gift. And maybe one day a real-life Dayne Matthews will want to turn it into a movie. Only God knows!

  Also, I have a big surprise for you at the end of this series. My next series is already coming to life, and it will involve many of your favorite characters! Stay tuned, and know that I pray for God to continue to lead me as these stories fill my heart. As always, I look forward to hearing your feedback on Take Three. Take a minute and visit my website at www.KarenKingsbury.com, where you can find my contact information and my guestbook. Feel free to write me a private letter or post a public guestbook entry about how God is using these books in your life.

  On my website you can check out my upcoming events page in case I’ll be speaking somewhere near you. At my events we’ll have the chance to meet and share a hug and a picture together. Also on my website, you can get to know other readers and become part of a community that agrees there is life-changing power in something as simple as a story. You can post prayer requests or read those already posted and pray for those in need. You can send in a photo of your loved one serving our country, or let us know of a fallen soldier we can honor on our Fallen Heroes page.

  My website also tells you about my ongoing contests including “Shared a Book,” which encourages you to tell me when you’ve shared one of my books with someone. Each time you email me about this, you’re entered for the chance to spend a summer weekend with my family. In addition, everyone signed up for my monthly newsletter is automatically entered into an ongoing once-a-month drawing for a free, signed copy of my latest novel.

  There are links on my website that will help you with matters that are important to you—faith and family, adoption, and ways to reach out to others. Of course, on my site you can also find out a little more about me and my family, my Facebook and YouTube channel, and my Karen’s Movie Monday—where I release occasional Monday YouTube clips dealing with some aspect of my family and faith, and the wonderful world of Life-Changing Fiction™.

  Another way to stay in touch is to follow me on Twitter. I will be giving a free cruise passage to two of my Twitter friends this fall—so join up. It’s free and fun, and much less time-consuming than Facebook.

  Finally, if you gave your life over to God during the reading of this book, or if you found your way back to a faith you’d let grow cold, send me a letter at Office@KarenKingsbury.com and write “New Life” in the subject line. I would encourage you to connect with a Bible-believing church in your area and get hold of a Bible. But if you can’t get hold of one, can’t afford one, or don’t already have one, write “Bible” in the subject line. Tell me how God used this book to change your life, and then include your address in your email. My wonderful publisher Zondervan has supplied me with free copies of the New Testament, so that if you are unable to find a Bible any other way, I can send you one. I’ll pay for shipping.

  One more thing. I’ve started a program where I will donate a book to any high school or middle school librarian who makes a request. Check out my website for details. Again, thanks for journeying with me through the pages of this book. I can’t wait to see you next time for Take Four, the final installment in the Above the Line Series. Take Four will answer a lot of questions you might have about Bailey and Cody and the future for the producers.

  Until then, my friends, keep your eyes on the cross, and don’t forget to look for angels.

  In His light and love, Karen Kingsbury

  www.KarenKingsbury.com

  READER STUDY GUIDE

  In the early part of Take Three, Chase Ryan feels concerned about his ability to handle the pressures of producing. Have you or someone you know ever been in a job or a season of life when these feelings were an issue? Explain.

  Chase’s pastor asked him to consider becoming the church’s new youth pastor at a time when the idea seemed crazy to Chase. The pastor’s explanation was an easy one—he had prayed about the position, and Chase’s name came to the top of the list. Have you or someone you know ever had God present a change in careers or locations that at the time seemed crazy, but
that turned out to be God working in mysterious ways? Describe.

  How did Chase come to see that the change in careers was God’s plan for his life? How did that scene with Chase’s wife and daughters in the backyard of their home make you feel?

  How did Keith feel when he realized he might be losing his co-producer? Give an example of a time when you felt as if God had forgotten you. How did that situation turn out?

  What was Dayne Matthews’ last experience with Hollywood? Why do you think he’d choose to come back to the entertainment field at this time?

  Describe your thoughts on the recent increase of faith-based films. What do you think this area of filmmaking should strive for, and how do you see it affecting today’s culture?

  The book mentions that Andi Ellison cut her hair and dyed it dark. Why do you think she did this? Have you or someone you love ever attempted to change something on the outside when the real change needed to come from within? Describe.

  Through most of the book, Andi is determined to have an abortion. What do you think led to this decision?

  How could Keith and Lisa have done a better job with Andi through her freshman year at Indiana University? What is a mistake some parents make in raising Christian kids toward adulthood, and how can this mistake be avoided?

  Tim and Bailey are in their second year of dating through most of this book. What did you like about their relationship? How was it lacking?

  Who do you like better for Bailey—Tim or Cody? Explain why.

  When Bailey and Cody go on the retreat to Lake Monroe, what in their conversation shows that Cody has matured from the guy he once was? Do you think it’s possible for single young women to have friendships with single young guys? Why or why not?

  Bailey’s family often spends time together—like the time they all went to the summer scrimmage football game. Why is this important for the Flanigan family? Tell about a time when you or someone you know made an effort at creating family together times.

  Keith and Lisa make an attempt to help Andi by taking her to a Christian counselor. How have you seen Christian counseling be beneficial in your life or in the life of someone you know? Explain.

  Andi makes a decision to lie to her parents about her pregnancy, and about her trip to Indianapolis. The Bible calls the devil “the father of lies.” How is this evident in the lies Andi tells? How does lying about her situation nearly destroy Andi?

  Tell about a time when lying nearly destroyed you or someone you know. How did you or that person finally come around to the truth? What was the outcome?

  Andi runs into the Kunzmann family, and their intervention makes a dramatic impact on her. Describe a time when you or someone you know was affected by a stranger who came along just at the right moment.

  Andi plans to arrive at the abortion clinic earlier than it opens to avoid protestors. What do you know of people who protest outside abortion clinics? What do you think about them and their mission to save lives of unborn babies? Which of their methods are effective? Why or why not?

  On her way into the clinic, Andi is approached by Clarence. What is his role in her life? Explain whether you think he might’ve been an angel. The Bible says in Hebrews, chapter 13, “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by doing so some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” What does this verse mean to you?

  Tell about a time when you or someone you know experienced what might’ve been an angel encounter.

  READ AN EXCERPT FROM THE NEXT BOOK IN THE ABOVE THE LINE SERIES: TAKE FOUR

  THE AUDITION WAS MORE STRENUOUS THAN anything Bailey imagined. If she’d known how many hours of dancing they’d do, and how they’d be expected to sing without any sign of exertion throughout, she would’ve practiced more for the opportunity. But even so, she did her best.

  One thing was certain. The casting director from West Side Story was right about the numbers. There had to be a thousand college kids lined up around the block looking for a shot at only a couple of ensemble spots. The slight flicker of hope was that the audition had grown into a combined talent search for not just the spots open on West Side Story, but also a few ensemble jobs with Wicked and Mary Poppins.

  Bailey would’ve been thrilled with a part in any of those shows.

  She moved to the side of the room and wiped her forehead with a towel from her bag. At the same time, she pulled a water bottle from among her things and downed it in three long swigs. Her mom had given each of them two bottles, which was a good thing. Already the audition had gone for five hours. Cuts had been made every hour or so, probably based on looks more than anything. So far, she and Tim were still in the running.

  “Okay, everyone. Take five.” Sebastian was running this part of the audition and the next. He gestured to them to go their own ways, and throughout the gymnasium-sized room the dancers fell into groups of two or three and moved to the side walls. Bailey wanted to talk to Tim, but she needed to get word to her mom about what was happening.

  She turned her cell phone on and moved into the hallway. Her mom answered almost instantly. “Did they make their decisions yet?”

  “Not hardly.” She tried to keep the weariness from her voice, but it was impossible. She was ready to lie down and take a nap right there in the hallway. “It’ll be at least another two hours by the looks of it.”

  “How’s Tim doing?”

  “We’re both doing about the same. I think the directors like us, but the place is filled with so many dancers. It’s overwhelming.”

  Her mom had hired a car for the day, and after breakfast the driver had dropped Bailey and Tim off. Now Bailey’s mom was making her way down the shops along Fifth Avenue, killing time until the audition was finally over. “Okay.” She sounded upbeat, her enthusiasm contagious. “Go give it your best, sweetheart. I’ll pray.”

  Bailey’s heart melted at her mother’s words. In the last few years her mom had admitted only a couple times that she wasn’t looking forward to the day when Bailey moved to New York City. She and Cody had talked about it too. He made her promise she wouldn’t think about the two of them, their future. Not this weekend, with her dreams on the line. Even so, she thought about him constantly.

  The break ended much too quickly, even before Bailey could connect with Tim. The next set started off with just the guys. There were maybe a hundred left by now, and Sebastian placed Tim in the front row. “Okay, follow me and pay attention. I won’t repeat myself. Once we’re all up to speed, I’ll walk the aisles. If I tap you, you’re finished for the day. Thank you for coming out. If you remain untapped, stay here. You’ve made it to the next round.”

  Sebastian launched into a difficult series of eight-counts, all set to a ridiculously fast beat. Bailey wasn’t sure what show the dance represented, but she doubted the ensemble would perform it at this speed. Probably just one more way the director could make cuts. Dancers who couldn’t keep up were eliminated. End of story.

  The teaching session lasted only ten minutes at the most, and then the guys were on their own, running over the series of eight-counts again and again while Sebastian and three of his assistants walked between the rows and tapped the shoulder of one guy after another. When they’d passed by every guy in the room, only eight dancers remained.

  Tim was one of them.

  She wanted to stand up and clap for him, but it wasn’t the moment. She hoped he could feel how proud she was, how glad that the dreams he had were coming true right before their eyes. Enough time had passed since their breakup that they really had found their friendship again. A friendship void of desire for something more.

  Sebastian gave the guys a ten-minute break and then ordered them back in the room to watch the girls. He barked out orders to the female dancers, forming them in rows similar to the guys. “Same thing, ladies. I’ll teach you the dance and you’ll perform it over and over until I’ve walked past every one of you. Same drill as the guys. If I tap you, thank you for coming out. If not, please stay for the next round.�
��

  Bailey felt exhausted as she walked out to her place on the floor. She was in a back row, and she wondered as she took her spot whether that was a problem. Was her placement a sign of things to come? She stretched her legs behind her, one at a time, and wished again that she’d done more to prepare for this moment. She was so tired she wasn’t sure she could learn a single eight-count, let alone a series of them.

  Sebastian clapped his hands, fast and intense. “This is the beat, girls. Stay with me.”

  Then he launched into a dance harder than anything Bailey had ever done. All her life she figured she was ready for an audition like this, ready to leap and twirl and soar across a Broadway stage. After all, she’d done this for CKT a hundred times. But it took all her physical and mental energy to grasp the dance, and in what felt like no time, Sebastian shouted out the order. “Ready ladies, uh five, six, seven, eight.”

  With that, the pulsing music began and one row of dancers after another burst into action, performing as if their lives depended on their next move. Sebastian seemed to know exactly what he was looking for. He walked the rows tapping on the shoulder of nearly every girl he passed by. Bailey wanted to pray or hold her breath, but all she could do was dance.

  Finally it was her turn, and she could picture it, feel him walking past her, avoiding her shoulder, giving her the privilege of making it to the next round. They sort of knew each other, really. So maybe he’d have pity on her and…

  She kept dancing, pushing herself, but just then Sebastian hesitated near her and gave her a sad look and a quick raise of his brow, as if to say she should’ve worked harder. Then without giving her another few seconds to prove herself, he tapped her shoulder.