by Lisa Harris
“Do you always fall for the women you rescue?”
“If I recall, you’re the one who rescued me.”
“I did, didn’t I?” She laughed. “Which turns out to be very fortunate for you, because after all that has happened the past few days, I’m ready to go back to reporting the news instead of being the news.”
He leaned down and kissed her in the middle of the parking lot until everything else around her was completely forgotten.
At seven o’clock, Olivia sat down beside Michael at the lavishly decorated Hunt dining room table, with its gold-trimmed place settings, red roses and white tallow berry centerpiece, and flickering candles. She bowed her head while Thomas Hunt prayed over the food and the family, asking for safety and health for those gathered at the table, making her realize that while lies had been exposed and so much had been taken, much more had been given in exchange.
Michael squeezed her hand at the amen as everyone began passing his mother’s roast turkey, giblet gravy, and cornbread dressing. She paused in the middle of the laughter and talk filling the room, absorbing the feeling of family she’d always craved. Already, she’d somehow been pulled into helping plan Avery and Jackson’s wedding, amidst rumors of another impending engagement between Emily and Mason. They’d asked for her suggestions and input like she’d always been one of the family.
Claire Hunt, elegantly dressed in a red, sparkly holiday dress, tapped her fork against her glass.
Thomas Hunt set down the bowl of green beans he’d been about to pass around the table. “I think my wife has something to say.”
The room fell quiet as everyone’s attention shifted to Michael’s mother. “Before y’all get too engrossed in the meal, you might have noticed that tonight’s meal isn’t our typical New Year’s Eve fare. But nothing about tonight is typical.”
Michael reached down and grasped Olivia’s hand as his mother continued.
“I never once dreamed over the past months of loss that my son would once again be sitting here at the table with us. Or that he’d bring with him a stunning young woman and her brother—two people that I will forever be grateful to for saving his life.”
A couple of amens filled the room.
Michael cleared his throat. “May I say something as well?”
“Just so it’s not too long.” Avery shot him a grin. “My dinner’s liable to be cold by the time you finish talking.”
“Very funny, sis.” Michael laughed. “I just want to say, as I look around this table, I realize that the past few months have been full of both victories and defeats, love and heart-wrenching loss. I’ve missed being a part of that more than you will ever know. But as I sit here tonight with my family, listening to the talk of New Year’s resolutions, Avery and Jackson’s upcoming wedding, and Ivan’s acceptance into MIT, I’m struck with the profound truth that God is good. He never promised us that life would be easy, but He has promised to walk with us. Which is what He’s done. Which is why I can’t begin to thank Him enough for a second chance at life, for getting my family back”—Michael pulled Olivia’s hand against his chest—“and for the woman sitting here beside me.”
Cheers and hoots went up around the table, but all Olivia saw was the man sitting beside her who leaned over and brushed his lips across hers, reminding her that this wasn’t a fleeting moment, but the beginning of a relationship they both would ensure lasted. Because while the truth had brought pain, that pain had also brought with it so much more. Michael, his family, their new relationship were all based on truth, a truth setting her free.
Acknowledgments
I absolutely enjoyed every moment of writing this series and getting to know the Hunt family. But as with every book or series, it’s never a one-man job. I’m so thankful to those who have helped me along this writing journey. For this book in particular, to Andrea, Ellen, and Barb for your amazing editing skills. To Beth, Lynne, and Kellie for your support and inspiration. And for my wonderful family, who has always stood with me and encouraged me each step of the way. I am blessed.
Lisa Harris is a bestselling author, a Christy Award finalist for Blood Ransom, Christy Award winner for Dangerous Passage, and the winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel for 2011 from Romantic Times. She has sold over thirty novels and novella collections. Along with her husband, she and her three children have spent over ten years living as missionaries in Africa where she homeschools, leads a women’s group, and runs a nonprofit organization that works alongside their church-planting ministry. The ECHO Project works in southern Africa promoting Education, Compassion, Health, and Opportunity and is a way for her to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves … the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice” (Proverbs 31:8–9).
When she’s not working, she loves hanging out with her family, cooking different ethnic dishes, photography, and heading into the African bush on safari. For more information about her books and life in Africa, visit her website at www.lisaharriswrites.com or her blog at http://myblogintheheartofafrica.blogspot.com. For more information about The ECHO Project, please visit www.theECHOproject.org.
Books by Lisa Harris
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SOUTHERN CRIMES
Dangerous Passage
Fatal Exchange
Hidden Agenda
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