by Leigh Bale
“Oh, Tanner. I’m so sorry I ever doubted we could work this out. I’ve felt awful. I didn’t know how I was going to move back to Portland without you. For the first time, I actually began to hate my job.”
“And now you won’t have to go.” He withdrew a black velvet box from his pocket. When he popped the lid open, she blinked, hardly able to believe her eyes. Sitting on the satin bedding was a lovely diamond ring, modest and beautiful in its simplicity.
“It’s not the Hope Diamond, but there’s a lot of hope in it anyway. For us. For our future. For our family.” He paused for several heartbeats. “Marry me, Zoë. Marry me and make me the happiest man in the world.”
As he removed the ring and reached for her left hand, she inhaled a shaky breath.
“May I?” he asked, his face filled with anticipation.
Her mind whirled. She couldn’t believe this was happening. It was a dream. Wishful thinking. Anytime now, she’d wake up and it wouldn’t be real. He wanted permission to put his ring on her finger. Permission to marry her.
“Yes,” she barely whispered, and then more strongly, “oh, yes, Tanner.”
And then she laughed as he slid the ring onto her fourth finger, a perfect fit. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. Holding nothing back. No more doubts, no more denials. The walls were broken down. She and Tanner no longer needed to hide or pretend.
Love had found them and healed their broken hearts. The Lord had opened the way.
Tanner pulled her close, murmuring that he adored her. Telling her how much he’d missed her these past few weeks. Asking her forgiveness for ever doubting the Lord.
She drew back just enough for their noses to touch, ignoring the tears of happiness sliding down her cheeks. “I love you, Tanner. I’ve been so unhappy with you gone. I didn’t know what I was going to do. Both Jonah and I have missed you so much.”
A deep chuckle shook his chest. “I can’t resist that little guy. Nor can I resist you. Not ever again, honey.”
Honey. One of the sweetest names she’d ever been called. They kissed again, promising to cleave unto one another forever. Making plans for a quick wedding date.
“No more waiting for me,” he said.
“Or me, either. Thank you for saving me,” she said.
He tilted his head to one side. “From what?”
“From Paul Carter. Since you’ve been gone, he calls me two or three times a week, sometimes even showing up on my doorstep to ask me out. Jonah’s gotten quite rude with him. He actually slammed the door in Paul’s face last night. Then he informed me that if I wasn’t going to marry you, he was now the man of the house and Paul isn’t allowed inside our home ever again. Can you imagine that?”
Tanner threw back his head and laughed long and hard. “That’s my boy.”
Zoë snorted. “It’s not funny. I’ve been in real trouble with Paul. He’s even planning to move to Portland because he thinks I’ll be there.”
“Let him.” Tanner reached out a hand and cupped her cheek, his touch so tender as he smiled into her eyes. “Paul won’t be a problem anymore. Not with my ring on your finger. We’ll announce our engagement to the entire congregation at church on Sunday. He’ll back off. I guarantee it.”
Yes! This was what she wanted. What she needed. Tanner to love her. Tanner to share her life.
His eyes gleamed with joy. “Would you mind if we went and got Jonah now? I need to ask his permission to marry you. Hopefully, he’ll approve.”
“Yes, he will.”
“I think a celebration is in order and I’d like to share this great news with our little boy.”
Zoë nodded, her eyes damp with tears of joy. “Our little boy. I like that.”
“Me, too.”
Together, they stood and walked outside. The wind rustled the trees overhead. Yellow-and-red leaves littered the front lawn as Tanner held her hand and led her down the path to the driveway.
His truck sat parked along the street in front of her house. As he opened the door to let her in, she glanced at the left front fender and paused. “The scratches are gone.”
He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and spoke low. “I got them repaired. I hope you don’t mind. I figured it was time to let the past go and start a new beginning.”
“Yes, it certainly is.”
And that was exactly what they did.
Epilogue
Fifteen months later
“Mom! Dad! I caught one.”
Zoë turned and looked at Jonah. The boy stood on the dock at Kids’ Creek Park, the afternoon sun gleaming against his golden head. His fishing pole arched slightly as a fish tugged on the line. Jonah turned the reel, pulled, then released, setting the hook in the fish’s mouth just as Tanner had taught him. At almost eight years of age, Jonah didn’t need anyone’s help now, but it was thrilling to watch him work.
“I’m coming,” Zoë called.
Stepping over the slippery stones by the shore, she held out both hands to catch herself in case she stumbled. She felt so heavy and cumbersome. But then she found Tanner’s strong arm around her thick waist and she relaxed.
“You’re always near when I need you,” she said.
“I don’t want you to fall and hurt my two babies,” he spoke low against her ear, his warm breath fanning her cheek.
A shiver of delight ran up her spine. She lifted a hand to her distended middle, feeling the rigorous movements of their child within her. “I’m only having one baby. And the sooner the better. I can’t even see my feet, much less tie my shoes anymore. I’m tired of being pregnant.”
He chuckled. “At almost nine months, I don’t blame you. But you’ll always be my baby, too.”
She leaned against his solid strength, letting him help her walk up the muddy slope. Actually, he walked and she waddled, glaring at the ducks as they bobbled along beside her. She knew exactly how they felt.
Tanner escorted her over to the dock where they watched Jonah net a five-inch trout. Jonah unhooked the thrashing fish and held it gently in his hands, his lips pursed as he eyed its scrawny size with disgust. “What do you think, Dad? Too small?”
Tanner shrugged. “It’s up to you, son. But it could use another year’s growth, that’s for sure.”
Without a word, Jonah tossed the little fish back into the pond. With a flip of its tail, it disappeared among the tall grasses jutting upward along the banks. Jonah then stepped over to Zoë and rubbed her baby tummy.
“Don’t worry, sis, I’ll catch us a bigger fish next time.”
The boy raced off to another spot on the other side of the pond. Opening the tackle box, he reached for a new piece of deli shrimp, attached it to the hook and tossed his line back into the water. A satisfied smile curved his lips, and he appeared contented and secure in his life.
The way a little boy ought to be.
Watching her son, Zoë couldn’t believe how grown-up he’d become in such a short time. So confident and sure of himself. “He sure is happy to be having a little sister to show off for. He’s becoming a fishing pro, just like you.”
Tanner wrapped his arms around her from behind, resting his hands over the top of her stomach. “He’ll make a wonderful big brother.”
She turned to her husband, cuddling her face close within the crook of his warm throat. She breathed deeply of his spicy scent, thinking there was nowhere on earth she’d rather be. Two years earlier, she never would have believed she and Jonah could be so happy. So content. And it was all because Tanner refused to give up on them. Now they were a real family. And with God’s grace, they’d have this new baby and possibly more in the future.
The Lord had truly blessed them, working a miracle on their behalf. And each morning as Zoë arose, she promised herself she’
d never take her beloved family for granted again.
“I agree, he will make a sweet big brother. You’re the best father I could ever give my children,” she whispered.
“And you’re the best mother I can give to mine. I love you, sweetheart.”
“And I love you.”
As Tanner kissed her, she released a deep sigh of happiness. Other than a healthy baby, she couldn’t ask for anything more.
* * * * *
Keep reading for an excerpt of Reunited for the Holidays by Jillian Hart!
Dear Reader,
Saving an endangered species of fish might not seem like a compelling topic for an inspirational romance, but after researching this book, I discovered how everything we do can impact a myriad of ecosystems in the most amazing ways.
I believe that we have a loving Heavenly Father who prepared this beautiful earth for our use. He wants us to utilize this planet’s resources for our good, but not to excess. And not without serious thought about the ramifications of our actions. When we abuse the earth and make no contingency plan for it to heal, we abuse the wonderful gifts God has given us.
In Falling for the Forest Ranger, both the hero and heroine are fighting to repair the damage done by mankind to the rivers and streams in a small part of Idaho. Their work methods differ, but their goals are the same. As they try to repair the earth, they are able to heal their own broken hearts and find joy in God’s redeeming love. We all are a part of this earth and God’s creation. He wants us to be happy. He is very aware of each and every one of us, just as He is aware of every fish, flower, rock and creature on the earth. Not only should we be good stewards of the earth, but we should also have gratitude for what the Lord has given us.
I hope you enjoy reading Falling for the Forest Ranger and I invite you to visit my website at www.LeighBale.com to learn more about my books.
May you find peace in the Lord’s words!
Leigh Bale
Questions for Discussion
In Falling for the Forest Ranger, Zoë Lawton is a widow raising a young son on her own. She worked hard to support her child while finishing her education, yet she feels grateful to the Lord for providing a way for her to accomplish these tasks. Do you think Zoë should have stayed home and lived off welfare instead of striving to earn her own living and take care of herself? Why or why not?
Tanner Bohlman is an intelligent, educated man who was desperately hurt when his fiancée broke off their engagement just weeks before they were to be married. Having been raised in foster care, he has lived most of his life alone. Have you ever been hurt by love before? If so, how did you handle it? Did you give up on loving again? Or did you hold tight to your faith that you would find someone else one day? Why or why not?
Paul Carter is a member of Zoë’s congregation. He’s been divorced a couple of times and has two sons by different mothers. He bluntly confesses that he doesn’t like the kids, yet he likes the women until they become “too clingy.�� Do you know any men or women who are frequently in and out of romantic relationships, yet they never seem to genuinely care about their children or spouses? Why do you think this is? What might they do to change this and bless the lives of their children?
Once Tanner finally returns to church, he is surprised by the warm welcome he receives from complete strangers as well as people he already knows. Have you ever welcomed someone you didn’t know? Has a stranger welcomed you? Why is it important for us to go out of our way to welcome people into our church family? How can we overcome our shyness to offer others a welcoming hand?
Once Tanner confides to Zoë that his fiancée broke his heart and married his best friend, Zoë points out that it is good that Tanner didn’t marry the woman. Zoë is glad the other couple found love and happiness together. Tanner never thought of it that way. He realizes that if he really loved his fiancée the way he should love a woman he wants to marry, he should be glad she is happy. This opens Tanner’s heart to forgiveness and he finally wishes her well. He would not want to marry a woman who loves someone else. Have you ever had your heart broken but then been glad that the other person found happiness with someone else? Do you think this is good or bad? Do you think this is part of the healing process? Why or why not?
During their kayaking trip, Zoë quickly learns to follow Tanner’s hand signals as he indicates less hazardous paths she should take on the white water. She never hesitates to take his direction, trusting him completely as she follows his commands without question. How can we school ourselves to trust the Lord in the same way? Should we hesitate before obeying God’s commandments? Sometimes it’s hard to obey without question, but will we be happier in the end if we do? Why or why not? Will keeping God’s commandments and obeying His will ensure we never have difficulties or pain in our lives? Why or why not?
Tanner harbors anger and hurt toward God for taking away everyone he’s ever loved. Do you think Tanner’s anger is justified? If so, how much time should pass before Tanner forgives and forgets? Why or why not?
When Tanner is badly injured on a kayaking trip with Zoë, she is reminded of the time when she held her husband after a bad skiing accident that took his life. She fears losing another man she loves. Have you ever been in a drastic situation over which you had no control? Did you panic or maintain control until the tragedy was over? How can exercising faith and prayer help us deal with traumatic situations?
After Tanner realizes that he loves Zoë, he still fears telling her his true feelings. He knows there are no guarantees she’ll never hurt him or that they’ll always be happy together. Are there any guarantees in life? Why or why not? How can we face life’s trials with faith and courage?
Blaine Milan is a loving father and husband, and strong in his faith. He sets a good example for Tanner and is the kind of man he’d like to be. Has anyone in your life set a good example for you? Did you try to follow that example, or did you end up giving up on the effort? Why?
After her husband’s death, Zoë worked hard in school to build a career for herself so she could take care of herself and her young child. Later, when Tanner asks her to give up her job in Portland to be with him, she can’t bring herself to abandon the security of her good job. It takes nearly losing Tanner before she realizes that even the security of her career is not more important than love. Do you agree with her? Why or why not?
Have you ever been faced with losing your home and livelihood? How did it make you feel? When we lose the comforts of life, how can we exercise faith and trust in God to keep us safe?
Having lost every person he ever loved, Tanner has been alone most of his life. Do you think he is wise to protect his heart from being hurt again? Why or why not?
Tanner finally comes to realize that life is hard and full of uncertainties. There are no guarantees, except that God loves us and will never desert us even in our darkest hour. Knowing this, do you think it should make us more cautious or more courageous in living our lives? Why?
We hope you enjoyed this Harlequin Love Inspired story.
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Chapter One
Dr. Brian Wallace plucked the ceramic frog out of the flower bed, tipped it upside down and shook hard. The spare front-door key fell onto his palm as he squinted into the watery afternoon sun. It wa
s good to be home. Late November air crisped over him and he shivered, goose bumps traveling down his arms. Weak from an extended illness, he gripped the railing to steady himself. The long trip from rural Texas had taken a toll on him.
The old adage There’s No Worse Patient Than a Doctor had never been more true, he thought, as he struggled up the stairs. Easily winded, he paused a moment at the top, thanking God he was here to see the colors of sunset. His near brush with death had marked him. He couldn’t deny it. He’d missed his life here in Fort Worth. He missed his kids—although they were grown, they were what he had left of his heart.
He ambled to the door, leaned heavily against the wall and inserted the key. The door creaked open. Every part of him vibrated with a mix of weakness and exhaustion. As he crossed the threshold into the comfort of the house, memories surrounded him. It had been years since his children had lived here, but he recalled the pound of music from an upstairs bedroom, the chatter of his daughter on her phone, the drum of feet as one of the boys prowled the kitchen.
Emotion dug into his chest, claws sharp. Yes, looking death in the face changed a man. It stripped away everything extraneous, leaving what mattered most.
His footsteps echoed in the lonely living room. He eased onto a couch cushion, sighing heavily as fatigue washed over him like water. Maybe he should have listened to his colleague—he’d valued Dr. Travors’s expertise, which had saved his life—but he’d had enough bed rest. He needed to get home; he needed to be here. The Lord had put a deep call into his heart. He couldn’t explain it as he reached for the phone to try his children again. He needed to see them.
He dialed his daughter’s number first. Dear Maddie. Many things had crossed his mind while he’d lain on a spare cot in the corner of a migrant worker’s temporary home—a shack beside many others on a remote Texas farm. His failings and regrets hit hard, but none as cruelly as his missteps in his personal relationships. He’d always had a difficult time opening up. He had to try to fix that. He’d been given a second chance.
