The Power of Prayer

by Lorana Hoopes

  I wrapped my arms around him and kissed his cheek. “For future reference, my messages are your messages, but thank you.”

  As I pushed the button on the machine, I was surprised by the number of messages from friends who had been praying and then calling to congratulate my recovery.

  Tears formed in my throat. “Wow, it never ceases to amaze me how many people were praying for me.”

  “You’ve been quite an inspiration to many people.” He set a bowl down in front of me. “And I hope you don’t mind, but a few of them wanted to throw you a baby shower. I told them this weekend would be fine.”

  “That’s sounds great.” The vegetable soup he set down looked warm and inviting.

  “I’ve been praying, too.” JD set his bowl down and then sat across from me, still cradling Hope. “You’ve got roots here, and I’ve started to put them down as well. I want to continue to see the center grow. The Board has been running my company the last few years anyway, so I’m starting to feel like God is moving me here.”

  Joy filled my heart. I hadn’t even wanted to think about moving to New York, though I knew I wanted to stay with JD wherever he was led.

  “I’d like to pray about it some more, but would you be opposed to staying here?”

  I shook my head, my grin reaching from one ear to the other. “I would have gone where ever God led us, but I can’t tell you how happy I am that we are getting to stay here. I can’t think of a better place to raise Hope.”

  I smiled at the gathering of people in our living room the following weekend. Mine was not the typical baby shower, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.

  My mother had arrived with a man, and she seemed happier than I could remember her looking in years. I’d have to ask her about that new relationship when I could. It was true I had been busy the last few months, but it was unlike my mother to keep something that big from me.

  Lexi and Scott had shown up together. JD had informed me that not only had Lexi accepted Christ, but that the two were now dating. I smiled at that answered prayer.

  Sandra, of course was there, chatting with some of the girls from the center. Evidently, she had stepped in to help at the center while JD and I were at the hospital those five days. Though we had an office manager, I knew that Sandra had a place at our clinic as well, and I couldn’t wait to discuss the idea with JD. The group was rounded out with Tina and a few other friends from church.

  “Well,” My mother began, “thank you all for coming. Obviously, the baby is already here.” Everybody smiled at Hope who was fast asleep in my arms, “but we thought this would also be a great time to get together and celebrate Callie’s return to us.”

  A round of clapping ensued. “Of course, we did bring some things for Hope.” My mother picked up a present.

  I stood and crossed to Sandra. “Will you hold her for a minute while I open them?” Hope already had a special place in Sandra’s heart.

  Tears dotted Sandra’s eyes. “Of course,” she held out her arms.

  I returned to my chair and began opening the gifts and displaying them to everyone.

  After all the gifts were open and the food was eaten, everyone packed up and left except for my mother, who was helping clean up, Tom, who was chatting with JD since my mother was his ride, and Sandra. Sandra wheeled over to the rocker I was sitting in, rocking Hope.

  “I wanted to say thank you.” Sandra touched my arm.

  “For what?”

  She grabbed the bag off the back of her wheelchair and pulled out a rolled piece of paper. As she unrolled it, a gasp escaped my lips; the face of Isaac looked back at me.

  “Did you see him?”

  A soft smile tugged at her lips. “Is it him then?”

  “It’s perfect.” My fingertips grazed the portrait.

  “I used to draw a long time ago, and when you told me about Isaac, I knew I had to try to draw his portrait. I used your description and an old picture of Peter, his father, and myself. I was hoping I’d get it close to the real thing.”

  “You got it spot on.” I squeezed Sandra’s arm.

  “Thank you for asking to see him and for giving me the description. I’ll be ready to meet him when Jesus is ready for me, but until then I now have something to look at. I can never thank you enough, Callie.”

  “I’m so happy I could help you, and I’d also like to ask you to be Hope’s godmother. She is going to need strong female role models, and I can think of no one else I’d rather have.”

  Sandra’s eyes filled with tears, and she nodded her agreement. She said goodnight, took her picture with her, and headed home. My mother and Tom left soon after, and I laid Hope down for a nap.

  “Callie, I know we’re officially married,” JD said, hugging me, “but I feel like we missed out on having a real ceremony at our church. When I get back from New York in a few days, would you like to try again to have a real ceremony?”

  I smiled up at him. “I’d love that, though I’m starting to wonder if I have bad luck with weddings.” We both chuckled, and then I leaned against JD’s chest, enjoying the security he exuded.

  JD landed in New York the next afternoon and took a taxi to his office. He had already finished the lease on his apartment months ago before he left, but he needed to hire a moving company for all the things he had placed in storage. Then he needed to tell the board members he was planning to stay in Texas. “Lord, give me the strength and the energy for this.”

  He climbed the stairs to his office, opened the door, and crossed to his computer to find a moving company. That needed to be his first job so that the movers could be packing up his storage unit while he did everything else. Once he had that lined up, he went looking for the board members.

  When the majority of them were assembled, JD cleared his throat and wiped his palms on his pants. “So, I thought I’d give you an update on the center in Texas. Faith Pregnancy Center is up and running. We’re starting rather small, but the word is getting out there and people are coming in. Of course, that’s not why I asked you to meet me here today. I wanted to tell you that I’m not coming back to New York. I’ll be checking in with you all every other week through video conferences, but I’m going to be staying in Texas to run the center and be with my family.

  “We sort of expected as much.” Fred nodded and pointed to JD’s left hand, “Especially when we noticed that ring on your finger.”

  Relief flooded JD, and he told them all about Callie and Hope.

  One month later, I stood in front of the mirror and stared at my reflection. My brown hair was pulled up, and a few curly tendrils hung down barely touching my cream-colored dress. I thought back to the last time I had stood in front of a mirror like this and shook my head at the difference. Life hadn’t turned out the way I had planned.

  I was still losing the baby weight from Hope, so I wasn’t at my ideal weight yet, but I didn’t care. Junior Partner was never going to happen, but I felt more fulfilled helping JD at the center and sharing my story with the women who came in. As I usually had Hope with me, the little girl had also begun her own career in affecting others, even though she didn’t even know it. I had, however, married a handsome, rich man, (though not for those reasons) and today I was going to get to have the ceremony I had dreamed of. My only hope was that it went off without a hitch, unlike last time.

  A knock at the door interrupted my thoughts, and I turned as Lexi, my mother, and Tina entered the room.

  “Are you almost ready, honey?” My mother asked.

  I smiled and nodded. “Is everything else ready?”

  Lexi nodded. “Yep, JD is standing at the front waiting for you, along with Scott. Sandra has Hope in the front row, and the food all got delivered on time and it looks delicious.”

  “The cake?”

  “Yes, it’s here and looks great,” Tina said.

  “Okay, well then I guess I’m ready.”

  I smoothed my dress one more time and then followed Lexi, Tina, and my moth
er out to the hallway. Lexi and Tina had both agreed to reprise their roles as bridesmaids and, to cut down on cash, they were wearing the same gowns they had worn last time. The bouquets were each new though, beautiful bouquets of lilies and carnations. My own bouquet was made up of fire and ice roses and pink carnations. Tina and Lexi opened the doors to the sanctuary and paused before beginning their march down the aisle.

  As the doors closed again, my mother turned to me, pulling me in for a hug. “I’m so proud of you; you’ve grown into a better woman than I even could have hoped.”

  “Thanks Mom.” I squeezed her back, “I’m thankful you never gave up on me.”

  “Moms don’t give up on their children, ever.” She wiped the tears in her eyes, and then turned to open the doors.

  The music began, and all eyes turned toward me. I glanced to the front of the church where JD stood, smiling at me and handsome as ever in his tuxedo and pink tie. Taking my mother’s arm, I marched towards him, glad to be feeling no pain this time.

  At the end of the aisle, my mother hugged me one more time and then went to sit next to Sandra, who was cradling a sleeping Hope.

  Pastor Tony smiled and addressed the small crowd. “Thank you to everyone for joining us once again. Hopefully, we have no unexpected interruptions this time.”

  Hope took that moment to let out a large wail, and a laughter scattered through the sanctuary.

  Tony continued the vow renewal ceremony, finally pronouncing us husband and wife again.

  The crowd cheered as JD leaned in and placed his lips on mine.

  When the kiss ended, we walked hand in hand down the aisle, past our many friends and family. Yes, this wasn’t the perfect day I had once pictured for myself – it was even better.

  * * *

  THE END

  * * *

  If you enjoyed this book, please leave a review. It helps others decide to try the book. Also keep reading for a special sneak peek at When Hearts Collide.

  Author’s Note

  The Power of Prayer was my first book. Is it perfect? No, but what book is really? It was, however, God inspired. I didn’t think I would ever write a book and then one day when I was getting my daughter out of my car, I looked across at the Planned Parenthood clinic, and I felt the need to tell a story about the sanctity of life.

  I put it off for a few days, but each night, the story would blaze in my mind, so I finally gave in and let the words come. A month later, the book was done. It has, since then, undergone a change to make it more of a romance. Will I ever adjust it again? Maybe, but I have a lot more stories to tell.

  I hope you enjoyed this story. If you did, would you do me a favor? If you did, please leave a review. It really helps. It doesn’t have to be long - just a few words to help other readers know what they’re getting.

  I’d love to hear from you, not only about this story, but about the characters or stories you’d like read in the future. I’m always looking for new ideas and if I use one of your characters or stories, I’ll send you a free ebook and paperback of the book with a special dedication. Write to me at loranahoopes@gmail.com. And if you’d like to see what’s coming next, be sure to stop by authorloranahoopes.com

  * * *

  I also have a weekly newsletter that contains many wonderful things like pictures of my adorable children, chances to win awesome prizes, new releases and sales I might be holding, great books from other authors, and anything else that strikes my fancy and that I think you would enjoy. I’ll even send you the first chapter of my newest (maybe not even released yet) book if you’d like to sign up.

  * * *

  Even better, I solemnly swear to only send out one newsletter a week (usually on Tuesday unless life gets in the way which with three kids it usually does). I will not spam you, sell your email address to solicitors or anyone else, or any of those other terrible things.

  * * *

  Turn the page for a sneak peek at When Hearts Collide!

  Not ready to say Goodbye yet?

  In the original Power of Prayer, Amanda Adams played a much larger role, but when I made it more of a romance, most of Amanda’s parts got cut. It’s a good thing she got her own book.

  When Hearts Collide

  It was her first serious relationship…

  Amanda Adams was rather sheltered in high school, and when she went to college, she was flattered to receive the attention of Caleb, but she should have listened to her heart.

  He wanted to ask her out…

  But before he can, he finds out she’s dating the man he doesn’t trust. Can he find a way to tell her?

  Can one decision change your whole life….

  * * *

  Read on for a taste of When Hearts Collide….

  When Hearts Collide Preview

  Fear covered Jared like a blanket. The music that had been uplifting now pounded a drum of dread in his heart. Why did it have to be so loud? He pulled desperately on the arm of a nearby boy, spilling some of his beer. “Where’s Amanda?” The boy rolled his eyes, cursing a little at his spilled beer, and shrugged Jared off.

  Jared turned to another, who gave the same response. His heart pounded like a freight train as his eyes tore wildly around the room. He had known this was a bad idea. Frat parties were often dangerous, this one even more so.

  The crowd of bodies pressed against Jared, surging to the beats of the pulsing music. Sweat from those around him joined his own, trickling down his back. He pushed against the crowd, fighting his way to the other end of the house where the bathroom and bedrooms lay. He had to have taken her to one of them. A hand grabbed Jared’s wrist, and he whirled on a blond surfer type with long hair.

  “Sorry, bro,” the surfer dude said, holding his hands up in apology.

  Jared continued toward the back. A tipsy blond fell into him, and he shoved her to the side. The bathroom door loomed just ahead.

  “Amanda?” Jared pounded on the white wooden door. “Amanda, open up if you’re in there.” The pounding of his heart was now reverberating in his head, creating a headache that made his eyes hurt.

  The lock clicked, and the door opened. A thin brunette in a miniskirt and crop top stumbled out. “There’s no Amanda here.” Her words were a slur, and her brown eyes barely focused on him.

  Jared grabbed the girl’s thin shoulders and shook her. “Have you seen her? Red hair? She would have been with Caleb West.”

  The girl shook her head and fell into the wall as soon as Jared released her. Rolling his eyes, he pushed past the girl and opened the first bedroom door. A couple was entwined on the bed, but the girl had blond hair and the face of the man didn’t belong to Caleb.

  “Sorry,” He pulled the door shut and moved on the next one. Another couple was heavily involved on this bed too, but again no Amanda.

  The next door was locked. This had to be the one. Jared rattled the handle, but to no avail. “Amanda?” He pounded on the door, but he heard no noise from inside. Jared grabbed the arm of a nearby male and pointed at the door. “Hey, can you open this? Do you have the key?”

  “Sorry, I don’t live here.” The man shrugged and walked away.

  “Aargh!” Jared turned back to the door and rammed his frame into it. The door didn’t budge. Perhaps a kick would work. He took a step back and planted a perfect front kick. He felt the reverberation up his leg, but not even a tremor from the door. Cursing under his breath, Jared looked around for anything to wedge in the door. Would they have a crowbar in the house? Would anyone have one in their car?

  “Jared!” At the sound of his name, Jared whirled around. Emily was fighting her way to him through the crowd. Thank goodness, she had seen the text. A glance at his watch revealed ten minutes had passed since he had texted her when he’d first lost sight of Amanda.

  “Have you seen her?” Emily asked when she reached him.

  Jared shook his head, the fear constricting his vocal chords. “Not since I texted you. I saw them at the punch table and then a fri
end came up to me and started talking. When I turned around again, she was gone. It’s my fault.”

  “It’s not,” she said, running a hand through her long blond hair. “You warned her, and that was all you could do.”

  Jared wasn’t sure about that. He should have pushed harder. He should have told her the whole story and not just part of it, but none of that made a difference right now. Right now, he needed to find her. “I’ve already checked those two rooms,” he said pointing to the previous doors, “but this one’s locked.”

  Emily glanced around, but like Jared, her search came up empty. “I’m assuming you already tried hitting the door,” Emily said, “but what if we tried together?”

  “It’s worth a shot,” he said. “On the count of three, okay?”

  Emily nodded, and on the count of three, they both rammed the door as hard as they could. This time the wood did tremble, but the door remained locked.

  “Again,” Jared said through clenched teeth, and together they rammed the door once more. This time a wonderful terrible splintering sound of wood echoed, and the door opened. Jared rushed into the room.

  Amanda lay sprawled on the bed. Her shirt was open and her pants were undone, but still on.

  “Check on her,” Jared yelled to Emily as he scoured the room for any sign of Caleb. The closet was empty, but a chill crept in from the open window. Jared stuck his head out, but the area was dark and devoid of movement. If Caleb had gone out this way, he had gotten enough of a start to be out of sight. Without knowing which direction he had gone, trying to follow him would be pointless.

  With an agitated sigh, Jared turned back to the bed. Emily had wrapped the comforter around Amanda, whose eyes were wide open and filled with fear.