Waiting for His Return

by Carrie Turansky

  “Oh, that sounds wonderful.”

  “But everyone was watching us, and I had no idea what to do. He tried to flatter me by saying I was the most beautiful woman in the room, but he wasn’t the least bit sorry he hadn’t written. He’s been in Nashville almost the entire time, but he never bothered to send me one message, even after he kissed me and promised he would write.”

  “He kissed you!”

  “Yes . . . well, it was just on the cheek.”

  “He did come to see you on Christmas Eve. That counts for something.”

  Rachel sniffed. “Yes, that’s true.”

  “And Amos said he kept his promise to return Lady.”

  Rachel nodded, feeling more miserable than ever.

  “He couldn’t wait to dance with you . . . and he thinks you’re beautiful,” Susan added with a dreamy smile. “I know he should have written, but I’m sure he cares for you. He wouldn’t have come if he didn’t.”

  Rachel’s tears spilled over. “Oh, Susan, I’ve been so foolish. I love James, but now he’ll never come back because he thinks I care for Daniel.”

  “Oh dear, that is a problem.” Susan grabbed a pillow and hugged it to her chest. “But there’s got to be some way to straighten this out.”

  Rachel stood and paced to the window. “Maybe I could write to him and apologize.” Her shoulders sagged. “But I don’t know where he’s staying. He might have already left the area.”

  “I doubt it. The weather’s so cold he’s probably staying in Nashville at one of the hotels.”

  Rachel glanced out the window into the dark, moonless night. Tiny pinpoints of starlight twinkled down at her, reminding her of that first Christmas so long ago. The world waited in darkness for the light to come, and God saw the need and sent His Son.

  Hope rose in Rachel’s heart. She might not know how to find James, but she knew Someone who would help her, Someone who delighted in overcoming impossible problems and providing hope when there seemed to be none.

  She clasped Susan’s hands. “Maybe we could pray and ask the Lord to help me get a message to him.”

  “All right, but I think you might also want to confess your part of the problem.”

  Rachel blew out a deep breath and bowed her head. Susan was right. She needed to look at her own heart before she asked God for anything else. “Oh, Father, please forgive me for being prideful and foolish and for letting my emotions lead me into so much trouble. I’m sorry I’ve been fearful and anxious and unwilling to trust You or James. Please help me find a way to make things right.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Christmas morning dawned clear and bright with a touch of silvery frost dusting the grass. James’s breath puffed out in a cloud as he dismounted his new horse, Samson, by the back door at Springside. Glancing left, he noticed the open stable door. Perhaps Amos was already up, caring for the animals. A warm stable was a much kinder option for his horse than tying him up by the house, so he headed that direction.

  When he stepped inside, he saw Rachel throwing a saddle blanket over Lady’s back. She wore her royal-blue riding outfit with a jaunty matching hat.

  His steps stalled. “What are you doing?”

  She spun around, her eyes wide. “James.” The tender way she said his name sent a thrill through him. “I was going to Nashville to find you,” she added with a tremulous smile.

  His eyebrows rose. “You were?”

  She crossed the stable toward him. “Yes, I wanted to tell you how sorry I am for the way I behaved last night. I didn’t want you to think—”

  “Please, I’m the one who needs to ask forgiveness.” He shook his head. “I should have written.”

  “I understand. You were busy and—”

  “No . . . I mean, yes, I was busy, but I could have sent a letter.” He took her hand. “Last night I was so upset I couldn’t sleep. I wrestled this through with the Lord, and He showed me I may be brave on the battlefield, but I’ve been a coward in matters of the heart.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I love you, Rachel. I have for a long time, but I haven’t had the courage to tell you.”

  Her eyes widened. “You love me?”

  “Yes, and when I saw you with Daniel last night, I felt insanely jealous and acted like an idiot. I hope you’ll forgive me.”

  “Of course.” She placed her other hand over his. “The Lord spoke to me as well. He helped me see how my fear of losing you the way I lost Andrew made me anxious and unable to trust. But He’s so kind and forgiving. He not only showed me what I was doing wrong, He helped me see the right path.”

  “And what’s that?”

  “I need to be honest with you, let go of my fears, and trust God to take care of us both. We don’t know what the future holds, but I believe God can see us through whatever comes.”

  “Those are wise words.” He ran his finger down the side of her face.

  She responded with a smile. “I asked Him to help me find you, and here you are.”

  He took her in his arms. “And this is where I want to stay.”

  “But what about your job with Harper’s?”

  “I’d like to finish my commitment through June, but I’ll be free after that. How does a June wedding sound to you?”

  Her eyes danced. “A June wedding sounds wonderful . . . but perhaps you should speak to my father.”

  “Of course. That was my intention, to speak to you first, then ask him for your hand.”

  “Oh, James, nothing would make me happier.” She folded into his embrace and rested her head over his heart. “I love you so much.”

  “My heart is yours as well.” He gently lifted her chin and kissed her. She responded with a warmth and passion that delighted him.

  ****

  Father tapped his glass with a spoon. “Attention, everyone. I have an announcement to make.” He smiled across the table with misty eyes. “Today, James Galloway has asked for Rachel’s hand in marriage, and I have given them my hearty consent.”

  Rachel’s heart felt like it would burst. James took her hand under the table and gave it a little squeeze.

  Susan rushed to her side. “Oh, I am so happy for you both.” She kissed Rachel’s cheek, then turned to James. “We’ll be family.”

  He grinned. “Yes, indeed, you’ll have another brother to tease you.”

  Nathan shook James’s hand. “Congratulations. Rachel talked my ear off retelling all your exploits. That’s a grand job you’re doing, keeping the country informed and supporting our troops.”

  “You’re the one deserving praise,” James said. “Caring for the wounded takes a special kind of bravery.”

  Nathan nodded. “Thank you.”

  Her aunt and uncle added their best wishes. Then Daniel shook James’s hand and wished them both well. His smile seemed sincere, though Rachel noted a hint of sadness in his eyes.

  Amos opened the door for Esther as she carried in a tray of ginger cakes. “What’s all this fuss and noise?” she asked.

  “Rachel and James are getting married!” Susan danced toward Esther. “Isn’t that wonderful?”

  Esther placed the tray on the table and hugged Amos. “Thank You, Lord! My prayers have been answered.”

  “Mine too,” Rachel whispered and smiled at James.

  After Christmas dinner, James led Rachel to a quiet corner in the library. They sat on the window seat, and he took her hand.

  She leaned toward him. “What gave you the courage to come back when I treated you so terribly last night?”

  He kissed her hand and looked into her eyes. “About midnight, I was praying, and God reminded me of that first Christmas. He didn’t just sit in heaven and think about how much He loved us. He acted on that love and sent His Son to earth. Suddenly, I knew I shouldn’t just sit in my hotel room thinking how much I loved you. I needed to get on my horse and come tell you and see if there was any way you might return my feelings.”

  His sweet words made her heart
swell. “Oh, James, I’m so glad you did.”

  He leaned closer. “So am I. Merry Christmas, darling.”

  “Merry Christmas.” She lifted her lips to his, welcoming his tender kiss. How grateful she was. How much she loved him. He was the one she had been waiting for, and with the Lord watching over them, they could find strength to face whatever the future might hold.

  Author’s Notes

  Dear Reader, I hope you enjoyed stepping back in time and meeting the characters in Waiting for His Return! I enjoyed researching the people and events of the Civil War, and I especially enjoyed learning about special artists who used their talents to capture the images of the war and send that news home to those who waited to see and hear what was happening to their loved ones on the battle lines. It reminds me that in trying times God is close the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. He gives courage and hope as we lean on Him. I love to connect with reading friends, and I hope you’ll reach out so we can stay in touch.

  Connect with Carrie:

  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorcarrieturansky/

  Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/carrieturansky/boards/

  Twitter: https://twitter.com/carrieturansky

  Carrie’s Website, blog, and email newsletter: http://carrieturansky.com/

  About the Author

  Carrie Turanksy has loved reading since she first visited the library as a young child and checked out a tall stack of picture books. Her love for writing began when she penned her first novel at age twelve. She is now the award-winning author of nineteen novels and novellas. Carrie has won the ACFW Carol Award, the International Digital Award, and the Crystal Globe Award. She lives in New Jersey with her husband Scott who is a pastor, counselor, and author of several parenting books and resources. They have five grown children and five grandchildren. When she’s not writing you’ll find her cooking healthy meals for family and friends, working in her flower gardens, or enjoying a walk around the lake near their home.

  Carrie’s Booklist

  Stand Alone English Historical Novels:

  Shine Like the Dawn

  Across the Blue

  Edwardian Brides Series:

  The Governess of Highland Hall

  The Daughter of Highland Hall

  A Refuge at Highland Hall

  Love Inspired Novels:

  Along Came Love

  Surrendered Hearts

  Seeking His Love

  A Man to Trust

  Snowflake Sweethearts

  Novellas:

  Where Two Hearts Meet

  Mountain Christmas Brides

  Moonlight Over Manhattan

  Christmas Mail-Order Brides

  A Big Apple Christmas

  Have You Read Moonlight Over Manhattan? Enjoy this free sample chapter!

  Moonlight Over Manhattan

  Carrie Turansky

  Chapter One

  The wailing siren of an approaching ambulance penetrated the walls of Sarah Montgomery’s fourth floor Manhattan apartment. A shiver raced up her back. The sound grew louder and then stopped abruptly on the street below. Her stomach tensed, and she glanced out her window. Was there a serious accident nearby?

  She slipped on her black wool coat, and her mind shifted to her schedule for the day. Ten o’clock: meet with her new client, Harriet Hartman, to discuss organizing her cluttered Upper Eastside apartment. Twelve o’clock: lunch with Catherine Meyers to give her the bid for reorganizing her dental office. Two o’clock: return home to work on her website, answer email and phone calls, and schedule her appointments for next week. Though it was still early November, everything would get busier as the holidays approached. Five o’clock: work on the speech she’d be giving next Monday evening—Ten Tips to Save Time and Streamline Your Life.

  Sarah glanced at her watch, picked up her briefcase and keys, and stepped out the door. She had a subway train to catch, and she couldn’t be late. After all, it wouldn’t make a very good impression if a professional organizer couldn’t get to an appointment on time.

  Down the hall on the left, the elevator doors opened. Three people dressed in rescue squad uniforms stepped out, maneuvering a rolling gurney with them.

  Sarah’s steps stalled as they hustled toward her.

  A tall, silver-haired, paramedic strode ahead, checking apartment numbers. The other two guided the gurney from the side and back. The lead paramedic stopped in front of her neighbor’s door and knocked. “This is the rescue squad. Can you come to the door?”

  Lillian Latimer’s little dog barked frantically inside the apartment. Fear twisted around Sarah’s heart as she considered the possibilities.

  The paramedic knocked again and exchanged an anxious glance with one of his partners. “We’ll have to get the building manager up here.”

  “I have a key!” Sarah dropped her briefcase and dashed back to her apartment. Lillian had given her a spare key last month after she’d locked herself out. She snatched it out of the drawer and hurried back to the hallway.

  Seconds later, the lead paramedic opened Lillian’s door. “Mrs. Latimer?” He stopped just inside the apartment. Holding the dog back, he turned to his partners. “Leave the gurney. Let’s find her first and see what we’re dealing with.”

  They hustled into the apartment, leaving Sarah in the hall. She took a step closer, peeking around the door. Lillian’s West Highland terrier rushed back into the living room and past Sarah dragging her red leather leash behind her.

  “Molly, wait!” Sarah lunged for the handle-loop and snagged it just before it trailed out of reach. “Where do you think you’re going?”

  The white dog whined and then twirled in a circle, her little body quivering. She stopped and looked up at Sarah with a wide-eyed, worried expression.

  Sarah bent down and gave the dog a reassuring pat on the head. Her fur was warm and strangely comforting. “It’s okay, Molly. Everything’s going to be all right.”

  The little dog tugged her toward the apartment door, and Sarah followed. As she stepped inside, surprise rippled through her. Her neighbor had lovely drapes and expensive furniture, but you could barely see them past all the clutter. Stacks of magazines and newspaper took up much of the floor space. Piles of mail and miscellaneous papers covered the couch and coffee table.

  The silver-haired paramedic stepped into the living room. “Mrs. Latimer is worried about her dog. Would you take her to the bedroom and let her see she’s okay? That should help her calm down.” He glanced around the messy room. “It’s going to take a few minutes to clear a path and get the gurney in here.”

  “What happened? Is she going to be all right?”

  “She fell and hit her head pretty hard. She’ll need some x-rays. We’re taking her to emergency at St. Luke’s.”

  Sarah nodded and made her way down the hall. Lillian’s injuries sounded painful, but at least they weren’t life threatening. Molly jerked on the leash and led the way to the back bedroom where Sarah found Lillian lying on her bed. Her curly white hair looked like a halo against the pink pillowcase. The woman’s faded blue eyes lit up when she saw Sarah with her dog. “Oh, thank goodness you have Molly. I was worried she’d run out the door.”

  “No, she’s fine, just anxious to see you.” Sarah stood by Lillian’s side and watched one of the paramedics hold the stethoscope to Lillian’s arm as he pumped the blood pressure cuff and checked the reading.

  “I’m so sorry you fell. Is there anything I can do to help you?”

  Molly whined and stood on her hind feet clawing the side of the mattress.

  “They say I have to go to the emergency room, but I shouldn’t be gone too long. Could you take care of Molly until I get back?” Lillian reached out and tenderly touched the dog’s head. “She’s not much trouble.”

  Uneasiness prickled through Sarah. She’d never had a dog. Her parents wouldn’t allow it. But it couldn’t be that hard. She’d just give Molly a bowl of water and some doggie trea
ts, and Lillian would be home in a few hours. Sarah smiled. “Of course. I’d be glad to watch her for you.”

  “Thank you, dear.” Her neighbor closed her eyes, looking pale and weary.

  Sarah bit her lip as she watched Lillian. She hated to think of her going to the E.R. with no one there to comfort her or bring her home. “Do you want me to call someone to meet you at the hospital?”

  Lillian touched her forehead, looking confused. “Well, I suppose you should call my grandson, Justin. His number is on the refrigerator.”

  Sarah nodded. “I’ll take care of it. Anyone else?”

  “No. Justin will know what to do and who else to call.”

  “All right. You just rest. I’ll call him and watch Molly. Don’t worry about a thing.”

  Lillian grasped her hand tightly. “Thank you, Sarah. You’re an angel.”

  “I’m glad I can help.” Sarah smiled and squeezed Lillian’s hand. “It’s no trouble at all.” She glanced down at Molly and swallowed, hoping that was the truth.

  * * *

  Later that afternoon Sarah sat at the desk in her apartment. She glanced at the calendar on her phone, mentally calculating the time she’d need to leave for her first appointment tomorrow morning.

  Molly whined and nudged Sarah’s leg.

  “You don’t have to go outside again, do you?” She felt a little strange talking to a dog, but Molly seemed to understand. When she heard the word “outside” the dog’s ears stood up, she barked once, and the expression on her face looked like a doggy smile.

  Sarah laughed and picked up the leash. “Okay, come on.” Molly dashed to the door, dancing with excitement. As Sarah clipped the leash on Molly’s collar, the doorbell rang.

  She looked through the peephole and saw the back of someone’s head. They had shoulder length, light-brown wavy hair. With the distorted view, she couldn’t tell if it was a man or a woman. A ripple of apprehension traveled up her back.

  She opened the door but left the chain lock in place. Better safe than sorry in this city.