Read In Every Heartbeat Online
Authors: Kim Vogel Sawyer
Tags: #Fiction, #Religious, #Christian, #Historical, #Romance, #ebook, #book
In Every Heartbeat (34 page)
Might she be dreaming? She pinched her wrist. The sharp pain let her know she was very much awake. She met his unblinking, serious gaze. “Engagement brooch?”
He offered a slow nod. “Yes. We shouldn’t marry yet. Not until we’re finished with school. But I know I love you. I know I want you to be a part of the rest of my life—a part of my ministry, a part of my heart . . .” Suddenly he paused, his brow furrowing. “Am I assuming? This past month . . . meeting every day to pray together, and to talk. My love for you has grown deeper. I can’t imagine myself without you. But if you—”
She grabbed his hands and clung hard. Sweet memories of past moments—when laughter rang, when tears pricked, when their hearts united in prayer for Bennett—rose up and swirled through her mind, almost making her dizzy. She’d shared so much with Petey. She couldn’t imagine herself without him. “I feel the same way. I love you. And I’d like nothing more than to pledge myself to you.”
She rose up on tiptoe as his arms slipped around her waist, drawing her near. Their lips met, and she was surprised by the salty taste. She hadn’t even realized she was crying—joyous tears of homecoming. Nestling close to Petey, she felt as though a little puzzle piece slid into its place in the picture of her life.
From the parlor, a melody wafted—children’s voices joining in song. Libby tipped her head toward the sound, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. Ever since Libby had come to the orphanage, Isabelle had led the children in Christmas hymns before sending them to bed on Christmas Eve. Although she wanted nothing more than to remain in Petey’s arms forever, she knew they should join the others.
He must have had the same thought, because he gently removed her from his embrace. “They’re singing. We need to go.”
She nodded, and he took her hand. Together they moved down the hallway to the parlor, where they paused in the wide doorway. The children sat on the floor, clustered around the towering tree weighted with glimmering glass balls, paper chains, and childish cutouts of stars and gingerbread men. The tip of the tree brushed the ceiling, its bent top branch seeming to peer down at the gathered singers.
Libby stood in silence, listening to the children sing, with her hand secure within Petey’s grasp. Her gaze drifted slowly around the room, the images burning into her mind: Isabelle and Aaron at the fireplace, little Reggie drowsing on Aaron’s shoulder, and Rebecca and Constance leaning against Isabelle’s skirts; Maelle and Jackson scrunched on the settee with Hannah and Hester pressed between them; Matt and Lorna sharing the old rocker, Matt’s arms encircling Lorna’s waist and Lorna’s arm crooked behind his neck, her fingers in his hair; Petey’s mother perched on a straight-backed chair with Lorenzo and Dennis at her knees and Elma, Wendell, and Orel surrounding her. Peaceful expressions on every face.
A lump formed in her throat, bringing a fresh rush of happy tears. She loved every person gathered here. Her fingers tightened, and Petey’s pressed hers in response. Warmth and contentedness filled her so thoroughly she wondered how she could contain the feelings without bursting.
Maelle’s face shifted, her gaze meeting Libby’s from across the room. Libby touched the brooch, and Maelle’s eyes followed the movement of her hand. A knowing smile lifted the corners of her lips, and she winked at Libby. Libby smiled in reply, their communication complete although absent of words.
Eager to see whether Petey had glimpsed the blessing in Maelle’s eyes, she looked up at him. The glimmer in his eyes told her he’d seen and was as touched as she by Maelle’s approval. Without a word, he slipped his arms around her waist, drawing her against his length. She folded her arms over the tops of his, discovering they fit perfectly together. He dipped his head to rest his chin on her hair and sighed contentedly.
Libby closed her eyes and allowed her other senses to soak up every detail of the moment—the warmth of Petey’s embrace, the gentle pressure of his chin at her temple, the sweet voices of the children singing “Silent Night,” the mingled scent of pine from the freshly cut tree and smoke from the fireplace. Later, she would want to recall the unique serenade that heralded her heart finding its place of peace and belonging. Perhaps she would write of it so it was captured forever. But for now, it was enough to rest blissfully in Petey’s arms.
To my family:
Mom and Daddy, Don, my sweet girls
—this writing life has taken me in directions none of us could have foreseen, but you walk alongside me, sharing in this ministry. Thank you for your support and for being proud of me.
To my critiquers:
Eileen, Connie, Margie, Judy, Ramona, and Donna
— thank you for your suggestions, but mostly for your prayers and friendship. I’m glad we’re in this together!
To
Grant Bumgarner
—thank you for openly sharing your experiences as a “one-legged man” with me. Your honesty helped me delve deep into Petey’s character and feel as though I truly knew him.
To
Deena Sawyer
, my sister-in-law but also my friend—your encouragement is always perfectly timed. Sure do love you!
To
Charlene and the staff at Bethany House
—I’m so blessed to work with people who share my passion for creating stories of God’s love and grace. Thank you for everything you do.
Finally, and most importantly, to
God
—You have proved the truth of Jeremiah 29:11–13 to me. You are found by all who seek You, and Your plans are always better than our own. Thank You for blessing me abundantly, exceedingly, and beyond all I could have hoped or imagined. May any praise or glory be reflected directly back to You.
KIM VOGEL SAWYER is the author of sixteen novels, including many CBA and ECPA bestsellers. Her books have won the ACFW Book of the Year Award, the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, and the Inspirational Readers Choice Award. Kim is active in her church, where she leads women’s fellowship and participates in both voice and bell choirs. In her spare time, she enjoys drama, quilting, and calligraphy. Kim and her husband, Don, reside in Kansas, and have three daughters and six grandchildren. She invites you to visit her Web site at
www.kimvogelsawyer.com
for more information.
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