by JoAnn Durgin
“That sounds like a good compromise,” she said. “Were you coming back into town to take a look at that office space?”
“Among other things. I thought I should put in my bid for that space as soon as possible. I didn’t want anyone else staking a claim on what I want to be mine. Isabella, I want to hire more people to help you run Mahoney’s. Let’s make Tommy a manager. You can pop in anytime you want, but I want you to focus on your painting. And maybe work on starting a family.” He grinned. “Has Clara made any predictions about that yet?”
“One thing at a time, but I’m not getting any younger, you know. Let’s not wait long.”
Sidney smiled. “It’s uncanny how well you read my mind. If you get a craving for a pickle during pregnancy, I know a place you can get a lot of really big dills.”
She tossed her head back with deep laughter. “Where will we live at first?”
His lips traveled to her neck. “Not a problem. One of us has a perfect little house with a white picket fence. Sounds like a great love nest to hole up in together, don’t you think? I envision cozy, romantic evenings in front of the fireplace. Padding around in our T-shirts, flannel pajama bottoms, and bare feet. Messy hair, messy…everything.”
He growled against her neck. “I’ll drive myself crazy if I give my thoughts free rein. That can be dangerous.” He laughed. “I’ll be good. Promise.”
“Two weeks, Sidney. Two weeks!” Her beautiful brown eyes grew wide again, as though the truth was finally sinking in that they’d be joined in marriage soon. Fine by him. He couldn’t wait to make her his. Completely his.
The rain had stopped.
Taking his hands in hers, Isabella lifted her face to the sky. “Don’t you love how the Lord works, Sidney? I love how He revealed Himself to you. In His time, and in His way, and when you were ready to receive the gift of His love.”
“That’s because God knew that in your heart, and in Evergreen, Maine, was exactly where I needed to be. I love you, Isabella.” Sidney caressed her beautiful face and brought his lips to hers.
“I love you,” she whispered. “Welcome home.”
The End
~~♥~~
Heart’s Design
Book Description
~~♥~~
Caroline wants to grab hold of the future. Seth can’t let go of the past.
Recent Wellesley College graduate Caroline Prescott’s future is set in stone. After Harvard Law School, she’ll step into place beside her two brothers in their father’s legendary Boston law firm. Caroline secretly longs for the quiet, peaceful life and a career designing jewelry with precious gemstones instead of life as a hotshot Boston attorney.
On a hiking trip with her two best friends weeks before entering law school, Caroline meets Seth Barnes in charming Evergreen, Maine. A mineralogist and part-time college professor, Seth drives a truck sporting an I Dig Rocks license plate, lives in hiking clothes, flannel shirts and jeans, and loves Jesus.
Two years later, when they meet again, Caroline and Seth confront both the promise of possibility and the pain of past heartaches. What’s a girl to do when the man she secretly loves has a serious girlfriend and seems determined to hold her at arm’s length? And what’s a guy to do when he can’t stay away from a certain irresistible woman no matter how hard he tries? Does the Lord have His own design for their hearts?
Heart’s Design, a story filled with faith, love, friendship, family, and the power of forgiveness.
Other Books by JoAnn Durgin
The Lewis Legacy Series
Prelude (Prequel)
Awakening
Second Time Around
Twin Hearts
Daydreams
Moonbeams
Enchantment
Abide
Still to Come
Pursuit (Fall 2016)
Roundabout
Underground
Assurance
The Wondrous Love Series
Love So Amazing
Love So Divine
By Grace Draw Near (Fall 2016)
The Starlight Christmas Series
Meet Me Under the Mistletoe
Starlight, Star Bright
Sleigh Ride Together with You
Starlight in Her Eyes
Other Novels
Catching Serenity
Heart’s Design
Echoes of Edinburgh
Perchance to Dream
See all of JoAnn’s books
currently in release
(with purchase links) at her website:
http://joanndurgin.com
