Fatal Disclosure (24 page)
She grinned and gave him a playful punch on the shoulder. “It might get better if you had a job. I’m glad you decided to quit the DEA, but you need something to do.”
He sat up straighter and nodded. “I agree. That’s why I bought Luke Butler’s studio this morning.”
Her mouth dropped open and she gaped at him. “You did what?”
“Well, you know I’ve spent a lot of time over there this past week. Luke kept talking about how he wanted to retire to the mainland. So I asked if he’d sell the building to me. I have a little money my parents left me, and it was enough to buy the place.”
“B-but, you never said a word.”
He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her closer. “I wanted to give you a surprise wedding present. I think it’s time you had a larger place to work in than a room at Treasury’s. There’s enough space there for you to have your own studio, and I can have my workroom for carving. Then we can sell our work in the gallery showroom. What do you think?”
She shook her head in wonder. “I can’t believe you bought Luke’s gallery, but I’m thrilled.” She put her arms around his neck. “I think that’s the best present you could give me. But you may get tired of me being around all the time.”
He gazed into her eyes. “I could never get tired of being with you. You’ve brought happiness back into my life, Betsy. I never thought that would happen. When I’m with you, I only think about things that make me happy.” He pulled her closer. “Like flowers and butterflies.”
“I want our lives to be filled with happiness. I love you so much, Mark. I’m going to spend the rest of my life showing you.”
He drew her closer. “Those are the sweetest words I’ve ever heard.” His voice was husky with emotion.
She closed her eyes and raised her lips to his. He was right. Life couldn’t get any better than this.
* * * * *
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Dear Reader,
Fatal Disclosure
brings to an end the stories of the Michaels family members who live on Ocracoke Island. As I’ve written about the suspense and mystery that invaded the lives of Kate, Scott and Betsy, they have become as dear to me as the island where they live. In telling their stories, however, I’ve tried to show their faith in God and how they relied on His presence in their lives to face some dangerous situations. I hope you, too, have found the peace that comes from knowing God controls your life. The Bible tells us God will keep us in His perfect peace if our minds stay on Him. If you haven’t found the everlasting strength He promises, I pray you will.
Sandra Robbins
Questions for Discussion
- Betsy believed Mark had deceived her in the past. Have you ever had a friend who betrayed you? How did you react?
- What does the Bible tell us to do when we believe a friend has wronged us?
- How difficult is it for you to forgive a person for hurting you?
- Mark’s vendetta was caused by a traumatic experience in childhood. Are there memories from your childhood that still cause you pain? How do you deal with them?
- Betsy knew Mark wasn’t a believer, but she quit praying for him when she felt he had wronged her. What did Jesus say about praying for others?
- Mark told Betsy one of the things he admired about her was that she saw the good in other people. Do you look for the good in others even when you think they don’t deserve it?
- Mark overheard Betsy’s hurtful words to her sister and sister-in-law about him. Have you ever spoken words that hurt or offended another person? What should we do when that happens?
- Laura lost her parents and her fiancé to violence. Have you experienced the loss of someone you love through an act of violence? How have you coped with your loss?
- Mona felt trapped in an abusive relationship with her boyfriend. Have you in the past or at present suffered abuse in a relationship? What steps did you take or are you taking to remove yourself from that environment?
- Betsy’s impulsive nature led her into trouble even after she had been warned. Do you ever act before you think? How can you break that habit?
- When Betsy thought she was dying, she remembered how her mother faced death, and it gave her the peace to put her situation in God’s hands. Do you show your children a strong faith in God every day? If not, what do you need to do to change how your children perceive you?
- Mark and Betsy each had a God-given talent. What gift has God given you? How are you using it to
glorify him?
ISBN: 9781459227941
Copyright © 2012 by Sandra Robbins
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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental. This edition published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.
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