Anchored (31 page)

David nodded and released her. He put his hands in his pocket and walked towards the water.

Mia frowned, sucked in her bottom lip, and slowly followed him. She drew up beside him and sighed. He meant so much to her.

He lightly placed his arm over her shoulders and drew her close.

Mia closed her eyes and wondered how she could tell him she couldn’t settle for friendship only. She loved him, wanted all of him. It was time he knew.

Squaring her shoulders she braced herself. She would fight for him as if for her very life.

“David—” 

“Hush, Mia. Listen. What do you hear?” David tilted his head, closed his eyes and brushed his lips over her hair.

“I—I don’t hear anything. The ocean, birds—I don’t know.”

“Nothing else?”

“No—I need to tell you something,” she whispered urgently.

“Don’t you hear the sound of my heart beating?” He cocked his head. “It’s saying how much I love you.”

He took her hand and pressed it to his chest. “You’ve stolen my heart. I love you in so many ways. I love the way you look for the positive in situations and the way you love Jesus—you inspire me to seek God more. I love the way you don’t give up on people and how you reached out to your father even though he hurt you so badly. I love the way you look at me, which by the way makes me want to take you in my arms and never let you go!”

Mia went to say something but David’s hand touched her lips.

“No, please don’t say anything, let me finish.” He moved his finger and gently brushed away a tear that appeared on Mia’s cheek.

“You’re loyal, generous and I can’t stop thinking about you. When I’m not with you I want to be, when I am with you I don’t want to let you go.”

David dropped to one knee, took a ring box out of his pocket and flicked it open. “Marry me?”

Mia blinked quickly, she didn’t want to cry. All the time she’d been telling herself no one could ever love her, yet God had this beautiful man for her.

Thank you, Lord Jesus, oh thank you!
“Yes— I— yes.” She flung her arms around him and they toppled over.

Laughing, David held her for a moment and then hoisted them both to standing. Taking her hand he tenderly slipped the ring on her finger and Mia glanced down at it.

“David, it’s beautiful. Thank you.” Her voice caught. “I didn’t believe it was possible for me to—love you like I do.” Mia’s eyes sparkled through her tears. “When you told me you loved me the first time, I rejected it. I didn’t believe you would stay in love with me. Even when I gave my life to Jesus and believed how much he loved me it was difficult to let go of the lies my life had been built on.”

Her hand reached up and gently touched his face.

“Did I tell you I found a scripture written out in Dad’s handwriting by his bed?” Mia asked.

“No. What did it say?”

“Out of my distress I called upon the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free and in a large place. The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” Mia gave a watery smile.

“I’m glad I got to meet him.” David’s voice softened and Mia noticed a sheen of tears in his eyes.

Looking up at the sky they became quiet. Words were not needed between them, they both knew—God was real and with them. He was no stranger or distant statue but actively involved in every minute of every day.

David picked Mia up and hugged her to his chest.

A soft smile touched her lips.

David sighed and looked deeply into her eyes. His hands cupped the back of her head and his lips met hers.

Mia’s heart hammered and she leaned into his embrace.

A Letter From Tracey

Dear Friend

I want to honor all the amazing people I’ve worked with on their journey to healing from sexual assault. Mia’s way of coping was to block it from her memory. Flashbacks brought it back at a time when she was strong enough to address the betrayal of trust. I wanted to address facets of her struggle, but my focus was on forgiveness.

Without forgiveness you stay captive to what’s happened to you. It binds you in ropes of anger, bitterness, pity and steals your future. If you have been abused in your past I encourage you, dear reader, to seek help. Make a commitment to getting your life back. No one can do this except you! Seek a counselor or safe person to help you break free from the lies that surround abuse. It was NEVER your fault!

On my website,
www.traceyhoffmann.com
I have a section that addresses questions many people have asked concerning their abuse and past events that have affected their lives. There truly is value in hearing from others who have walked a similar journey. What we suggest may not work for everyone, but it’s a starting point that I pray you choose.

Until next time,

Many blessings Tracey

Other books by Tracey Hoffmann

View full details at

TraceyHoffmann.com