Unable to contain the grin on her face, she shook his hand. “I’m Laurie Blake. I can’t begin to tell you how happy I am to meet you.”
Tuck walked forward and put an arm around her shoulders. “Someone managed to get word to Chester about the change of circumstances in the custody case,” he said, intentionally keeping the details vague for the little boy’s sake. “After insuring that Brian would be left in Chester’s care, they were free to return to the area.”
“That’s fantastic!” She could feel tears building and she blinked them away. “I’m happy for you both.”
Chester gave her a nod. “I am incredibly sorry that my problems led trouble to your doorstep. Officer Chandler tells me that you’re healing well and I hope you know that I will help with any medical expenses that you might have had to deal with.”
“Oh, I appreciate that. But I’m pretty much back to normal and it’s not your fault. Things happen in life and I’m glad that you and your son have a second chance.” She couldn’t stop the tear that slipped down her cheek. She swiped it away absently. “I’ll be praying that, by the time this whole thing is over, you and your son feel like you’re free to be the family you deserve to be.”
Tuck’s arm tightened around her shoulders.
Brian looked up at her and Chester drew the boy to him in a hug. He cleared his throat. “I appreciate that. It’s been a long road, but we finally feel like we’re reaching the end of this particular journey.” He looked down at his son, who tipped his head back and smiled at him. “When we left, I had to believe that God would have a plan for us. We didn’t know what it would be, but this goes to show He knows what He’s doing.” Chester nodded at them. “Thank you both for fighting like you did. Brian and I wouldn’t be standing here if you hadn’t.”
Laurie couldn’t explain the sense of awe that she felt as she thought back on the chain of events that led to that moment.
“We’re glad we could be a part of this,” Tuck said. He glanced at Laurie, who nodded her agreement. “We appreciate you letting us know you were in town. We hoped you would hear about the arrests, but of course, no one knew how to get a hold of you.”
Chester shook his head in wonder. “I’m telling you, the whole thing is a string of miracles.” He stuck his hand out again to shake each of theirs. “I hate to run, but we need to be in Dallas for a meeting first thing in the morning. We should get going. I’m thankful to both of you.”
They said their goodbyes. Laurie watched as the duo left her studio. “That was amazing.” She leaned into Tuck as he slipped an arm around her waist. “Everything we went through was a small part of a puzzle that God was putting together to help a man and his son. It goes to show He can take what seems like a small thing and use it in a big way.”
~
“You should have brought your gloves.” Tuck gathered both of her hands in his. “How are your hands this cold and not blue?”
Laurie grinned and raised an eyebrow at him. “I don’t need gloves, I have you.”
He stopped their progress around the pond and turned to face her, his shoes thumping softly on the packed dirt at their feet. “That’s why you suggested I come along for a walk. You forgot your gloves and needed a replacement.”
“Something like that.” She giggled. “That, and you’re an amazing windbreak.”
He stood up as tall as he could, checked for the wind, and shifted his position slightly. “There we go, that should be more effective.”
She was laughing now, her green eyes sparkling. Tuck couldn’t have torn his gaze from her if his life depended on it. He must have been watching her longer than he thought, because Laurie looked concerned. “Is something wrong?”
“Not a thing. In fact, I was thinking I’m the luckiest man in the world.” He slipped a hand into his jacket pocket, closing it around the small box he had hidden inside.
“I don’t know about that.”
“I do. And when the luck starts running out, I can recharge it.” He moved quickly to place his other hand on top of her head, rubbing his fingers back and forth in the curls.
“It’s not red; it’s copper.” She ducked out of his reach good-naturedly.
“It’s beautiful.” He caught her hand and pulled her close. “You’re beautiful.” He kissed her softly, enjoying the fruity scent of her shampoo. “Are you planning on forgetting your gloves frequently during these cold months?”
“Most likely. Why?”
Tuck withdrew the box and held it in the palm of his hand. Slowly, he opened the lid and presented the engagement ring to her. “I thought I might apply for the position. Permanent hand warmer.”
Laurie’s breath caught as she looked at the ring and back up at him. “Do you think you can handle helping the fine citizens of Kitner, and keeping my hands warm, at the same time?” There was no mistaking the mischief in her eyes.
He shook his head and grinned at her. “Laurie Blake, with you by my side, I can handle anything.” He cupped her chin in one of his hands. “I want you to be the first thing I see every morning and I want to fall asleep with you every night. I love you, Laurie, with all of my heart.” He took the ring out of the box and held it out to her. “Will you marry me?”
“Yes.” There were tears in her eyes as she smiled up at him. “I love you, too.”
Feeling as though his heart could beat out of his chest, Tuck slipped the ring onto her finger. Tugging Laurie into his arms, he leaned down and kissed her. He looked forward to doing that every day for the rest of his life.
About the Author
Melanie D. Snitker has enjoyed writing fiction for as long as she can remember. She started out writing episodes of cartoon shows that she wanted to see as a child and her love of writing grew from there. She and her husband live in Texas with their two children who keep their lives full of adventure, and two dogs who add a dash of mischief to the family dynamics. In her spare time, Melanie enjoys photography, reading, crochet, baking, archery, camping, and hanging out with family and friends.
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Other Books by
Melanie D. Snitker:
Calming the Storm (A Christian Romance Novel)
Finding Peace (Love's Compass #1) Page 17
