Milagro For Miranda (Book Three Oregon In Love)

by Bonnie Blythe

  Soledad grinned, the sun making her dark skin glow. “I see the way he looks at you, hermana. I think he would be a nice big brother.”

  Miranda squeezed her hands. “You just pray that this adoption will be a success, okay?”

  Soledad shrugged, pulling a hand away to tuck a lock of her dark hair behind her ear. “Maybe I could be an auntie, too.”

  “Ooh! What do they teach you here!” She put her arms around her sister and held her tight. Pulling back, she tipped up Soledad’s chin. “Are you sure you’ll be all right until I get back?”

  She nodded. “The Torres' are very good people. I have many friends, too.” She tugged out a necklace from underneath her T-shirt. A small silver cross hung from the chain. “And I have God with me always.”

  Miranda blinked away tears and kissed her sister’s cheek. “I gave Señora Torres my address, so you can write to me. She said the orphanage has email, too, so as soon as I can, I’ll send you letters online, okay?”

  “No worries, hermana.”

  Miranda smiled at the sage words. No worries. She hoped she could remember them when she needed it. Miranda released a deep sigh and mentally prepared herself for the time when she would have to leave. The Torres' would appear at any moment, putting an end to the meeting. She gazed at her sister’s sweet face, suddenly unsure if she could let her go. It seemed criminal to have to release her after searching so hard to find her.

  If only Lupe could’ve lived long enough to see her other daughter. It’s so cruel that she didn’t—and yet she might never have said anything about Soledad until she felt the pull of death. I might never have known about my sister.

  The realization troubled her. Miranda forced her mind to the present and gazed at Soledad, trying to memorize her dark gaze, the shine of her black hair, the curve of her smile, and the way she seemed so confident of a happy ending.

  “Miss Adams!”

  The moment had come. Señora Torres rounded the corner of the building, accompanied by Spencer. Miranda stood, pulling Soledad up with her. She held Soledad’s hand, unable to sever the contact. Glancing at her sister, she saw tears suddenly shining in her ebony eyes. Something inside Miranda crumpled. Panic welled up within her, washing her good intentions away. I can’t leave now. It’s too much to ask!

  “We will be looking forward to your correspondence,” Señora Torres said briskly, suddenly at her side.

  Miranda gripped Soledad’s hand. Tears scalded her throat. She had to be strong, not wanting Soledad to see her big sister go to pieces. Miranda forced her fingers to release her hand.

  Through a cloud of tears, she watched the director of the orphanage walk away with Soledad. She gritted her teeth against a wave of physical pain. Spencer’s strong arm encircled her waist. Miranda leaned against him as he led her toward the waiting taxi.

  The moment she stepped off the orphanage grounds, she refused to go further.

  “I can’t do it, Spencer! I can’t leave her!” Miranda started back for the courtyard. She wasn’t surprise when Spencer put his hand on her arm.

  “Miranda, don’t do this.” He stepped in front of her and blocked her path with his body. After a feeble attempt to get around him, Miranda let her arms fall to her sides.

  Spencer put his arm around her and led her toward the car. Once inside, she put her face in her hands and wept.

  Spencer pulled her against him, cradling her head in the hollow of his shoulder. “The sooner we return to the States and begin the process,” he said in a soothing voice, “the sooner you can see your sister again.”

  Miranda squeezed her eyes shut against the deluge of tears. It didn’t matter what reason said. She couldn’t explain the gaping loss at being separated from someone she’d so recently found—it felt like a bodily wound. She’d lived her whole life without her sister, now she didn’t know if she’d survive the next moment apart from her. What if I never see her again? What if something bad happens to her?

  The drive back to the hotel seemed unreal, as if happening to another person. Miranda closed her eyes and concentrated on the sound of Spencer’s heartbeat beneath her ear. What would I have done without him? Will I soon be separated from him as well? She pressed her face against his chest. It didn’t bear thinking about.

  When they arrived at the hotel, Spencer helped her from the car and walked with her to her room. When she crossed the threshold, he touched her arm.

  “Are you going to be okay?”

  What could she say? Some well meaning but harmful government regulations separated her from a rightful relationship with her only living relative. Miranda nodded to lessen the worry on Spencer’s face.

  “It’s almost five. Why don’t you rest for a while, and I’ll come back in an hour. We can have dinner and map our strategy.”

  Miranda smiled weakly, wrapping her arms around her waist in an effort to stay warm. After Spencer had shut the door, leaving her by herself, she collapsed onto the bed. Rest eluded her as a thousand thoughts whirled around in her brain like a tempest. There were so many details to think through, so many incomprehensible requirements, so many opportunities for failure.

  How could she possibly do it all on her own? What job would give her the finances needed? And how much time would the enterprise require? It would be like wading through a quagmire of red tape, delays, and impossible requests for more paperwork or money. Miranda closed her eyes as the grief returned in full force.

  After allowing her mind a free rein of anxiety, she heard a knock at the door. Has an hour passed already?

  “Miranda?”

  She heard Spencer’s voice on the other side of the door.

  “Can you give me a couple more minutes, Spencer?”

  “Sure. I’ll meet you in the lobby.”

  Miranda rose from the bed and plodded to the bathroom. Her haggard reflection met her in the mirror. She washed her face, brushed her teeth, fixed her hair, applied a little makeup, but it didn’t do much good. Especially when the tears returned to spoil the effect.

  She changed into a pretty sleeveless, rayon dress patterned with lush hibiscus flowers in tropical colors. The bright hues failed to lighten her mood. Slipping her arms into a white, cropped cardigan, she shrugged at her reflection. What did it matter how she looked anyway?

  She left the room and made her way slowly down the stairs, finding little enthusiasm in passing the last weary hours before she returned to the States.

  Spencer met her at the bottom of the steps. He looked freshly-shaven, so earnest and handsome. Her heart twisted. She put her hand in his as if she’d been doing it all her life. They walked to a little restaurant that she would’ve gushed over in another time and frame of mind. Right now, it was just a way to pass the hours.

  For Spencer’s sake, she made a Herculean effort to smile and appear happy during dinner. His sweet attempts at light-hearted conversation made her love him all the more, but she felt relieved when dinner was over.

  “Would you like to go for a walk?” she realized he was asking.

  Miranda nodded. Anything was better than pacing in her room like a caged animal. Spencer put his arm around her and led her out onto the street. She molded herself against him as they walked, feeling boneless next to his strength.

  Light and music spilled out onto the cobbles of the narrow, winding streets. Evening revelers congregated in small groups, joking or strumming on guitars. Shadows of couples could be seen in corners and archways.

  Miranda looked up and saw a half moon high in the sky. The cool air fanned her cheeks and made the stars sparkle like cut glass in the sky. Such a pretty night. Why can’t I just enjoy it and stop worrying?

  They passed the church where she’d been yesterday. The blue door stood wide open. Miranda paused, and from her vantage point, she saw the distant glitter of the necklace she’d placed on the cross the day before. The sight sliced through her soul, along with the realization that she’d failed her first test. How quickly she’d taken back her offeri
ng!

  As if sensing her turmoil, Spencer led her to a nearby bench. When they were seated, she pulled a tissue out of her purse and dabbed her nose.

  “Are you all right?” he asked.

  Miranda breathed an inward prayer of forgiveness. She looked at Spencer, wondering what he’d think about her failure. With a sense of resignation, she let her shoulders droop. “Yesterday, I surrendered everything to God. Just now, I realized I took some of it back. I’d forgotten that I entrusted Soledad and the adoption to His care.” She looked at Spencer with a sad smile. “That’s how it works, right?”

  He nodded. “Not that it’s easy. There’s no doubt this process will be long and frustrating.” He paused, as if measuring his words. “Why don’t we pray together right now?”

  Before she could respond, he linked his hand with hers and bowed his head. “Dear Heavenly Father,” he said in a low voice. “Your Word says that nothing is impossible with You. We ask for what seems impossible in our eyes. You’ve brought us to Soledad. Help us to bring her home, too. Amen.”

  Miranda’s heart pounded at his words. Us. The reality was that she’d be on her own soon. Spencer had his own life waiting for him. How long could she sap his finances and time? She already owed him more than she ever had any hope of paying back.

  When she looked at him, her dismal thoughts died away. The moonlight caught a shine of emotion in his eyes as he dipped his head. Miranda tipped up her chin in expectation of his kiss. She closed her eyes when his lips met hers in the darkness. His fingers left a trail of heat down her face as his kiss deepened. Miranda responded to his touch with all the love in her heart, cocooned in a warm world of painful sweetness and yearning.

  The stars swirled above her head by the time he lifted his lips. Miranda clutched at his shirt to steady herself. His haggard breathing matched her own, and she couldn’t help but smile.

  “Te amo, Miranda. Te amo.”

  His words of love brought tears to her eyes. “Your Spanish is getting very good,” she whispered.

  He laughed softly and nuzzled her temple. Miranda closed her eyes, wishing every moment in her life didn’t have to be shrouded by some dark cloud on the horizon.

  Spencer nudged up her chin. She opened her eyes and could just make out the planes of his face in the shadows. There was no mistaking the fervor in his gaze.

  “Casarías conmigo, Miranda.”

  She froze, afraid to breath. Marry me? Did I hear him right?

  “Miranda?” His voice was a caress, the pressure of his fingers against her face, warm and insistent. “Did you understand what I said?”

  She nodded. Swallowing, she angled her face away from his hand and rose to her feet. The air suddenly seemed too thin to breathe. She put out a hand against the bench to steady herself. In the residual moonlight, she saw the confusion in Spencer’s eyes.

  Closing her eyes for a moment, she attempted to find the right words. “Spencer—you’re the kindest, most principled man I’ve ever met in my life.” Miranda paused, knowing there’d never be anyone like him. It all seemed so senseless. She forced her features into a smile.

  “You know, I almost expected this. You’re a sucker for a damsel in distress, and you’re too honorable for you’re your own good. For that reason I can’t take advantage of what you’re offering.”

  Spencer raised his brows. She pressed on. “I wouldn’t dream of it after everything you’ve already done.”

  He reached up and tugged at her hands, pulling her back down next to him. “I don’t understand.”

  Miranda lowered her gaze, unable to look him in the eye. “I know you’re offering marriage to help me with the adoption. It’s like you can’t help it.”

  “Miranda,” he growled, “that’s not why I asked, though I admit it will help the situation with your sister.” He tucked a curl behind her ear. “I’m asking you to marry me because I love you, and I don’t want to take the next breath, the next step, without you.”

  His tone stole some of the softness from his words—but not the meaning. Miranda straightened her spine against all the melting emotions making her want to sway to him. She touched his face with her hand.

  “You say that now, but what about when we go back to the States? I think you’re under the influence of an unusual situation in an unusual environment. You just blurted the words out because… because there’s a moon and it’s romantic at the moment, and—”

  He touched her lips with his finger and smiled. “I’ll have you know I spent much of last night trying to memorize those words in Spanish.” He frowned. “Did I say them right?”

  Miranda didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. “You spoke them perfectly,” she said in a shaky voice.

  “Well then? What’s your answer? Sí or no?”

  Miranda bit her lip. “I’m worried you may not be thinking straight,” she whispered. “You’re acting on impulse.”

  Spencer put his hand in his pocket and pulled out a small box. He placed it in her hand, pressing her fingers around its velvety shape. “Will this convince you?”

  Miranda’s heart floundered within her. She felt queasy and couldn’t bring herself to open the box. The thought that Spencer might really want to marry her made rationale impossible.

  Gently, Spencer eased open the lid of the box. “See, I picked this ring to match your eyes.”

  Miranda’s traitorous gaze looked down at the ring. The moonlight skittered off the facets of the stones shooting sparks in all directions. She released a slow breath, overwhelmed with the idea that he’d planned this moment.

  Her hands became clammy when she looked up at his expectant expression. “If I say yes now, you’ll think it’s because I want the ring.”

  Spencer laughed. “Maybe, but I’m willing to resort to bribery if that will make you say yes. Think of this ring as a little mordida.”

  Miranda rested her hand on her shoulder, daring to hope his love came from his heart and not his sense of obligation. He kissed her, his lips lingering, draining all attempts at logic from her mind.

  “Maybe,” she said between kisses, “We could have a long engagement, so you’re really sure.”

  “Short engagement,” he breathed before resuming his tender onslaught.

  She lifted her lips as a new thought occurred to her. “What about your family? What will they think?”

  “Not my problem. Yes or no?”

  Miranda wrapped her arms around his neck, helpless against his passionate persuasion. Coming up for air, she tried one more time. “We’d be like sudden parents of a twelve year old, with all the incumbent unknowns and stresses.”

  “Then it’s even more wonderful to know she’ll have two people committed to God and to each other to care for her in every way.”

  Miranda smiled against his lips, tasting tears at the same time. The notion of life without Spencer was bleak and gray. What choice did she really have? “Well, since I messed everything up, would you mind very much asking me again? Just to make it official?”

  Spencer held her tight, amusement flickering in his eyes. “Okay. Miranda, case conmego?”

  Miranda nibbled her lip, trying not to laugh. “Um—”

  He pulled away. “Wait a minute, that’s not right.” He dug in his back pocket and pulled out a well-worn phrase book.

  While he flipped through the pages with one hand, she felt her heart swell with more emotions than she could name.

  “Forget it,” Spencer said with a frown. “There’s not enough light to see the words.” He cupped her face. “You’re just going to have to marry me in English, okay?”

  Miranda toyed with the button at his collar, smiling at the tender impatience in his gaze.

  “Sí, Spencer. Sí.”

  Also by Bonnie Blythe:

  Rock and A Hard Place

  (Book One of Cascade Brides)

  Faith must decide whether to open her heart to love and reconciliation.

  Bayward Heart

  (Book Two of
Cascade Brides)

  Project Love

  (Book Three of Cascade Brides)

  Claire’s Not-So-Gothic Romance

  Jane Eyre meets Lucille Ball

  How Sweet It Is

  Chocolate maker meets surfer dude

  Dearly Loved

  She loved him long ago. Can she now that he's back in her life?

  Texas Whirlwind

  Did she buy her ready-made family and can she do it alone?

  Melody’s Knight

  An English girl has a hankering for an American cowboy.

  Loves Unmasking

  (part of the British Brides Collection)

  A regency novella

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