A Tabor Heights, Ohio Novel
Thanks to the Arc Foundation, the renovations Claire wanted for the Mission could now become reality. First on the list was a new head custodian to oversee the repairs. She welcomed Paul Hunter and his 5-year-old daughter Sammy, and was thankful for his wholehearted dedication to the Mission -- until she realized one of her deepest fears was having someone take over. Was Paul an ally, or a threat? Paul welcomed a chance to take his daughter away from his hometown with its painful past and people who preferred to believe the lies about him and his dead wife. Tabor and the Mission were the fresh start and the ministry he had been looking for. He didn't even mind when Sammy took one look at Claire and asked if she was her new mother -- at least, not too much. He wasn't quite sure if he was ready to fall in love again, but if he ever did, Claire would be at the top of his list.
When painful remnants of their pasts followed both Claire and Paul to Tabor Heights, their growing, changing relationship and their faith in God were put to the test. Could they open up their hearts to each other enough to survive, and possibly make the new family that Sammy wanted?
EXCERPT
Paul pulled the truck into the Holwoods' driveway and climbed out. Brock started making introductions. Paul stepped forward to shake Nikki's hand and the movement revealed a little figure curled up on the bench seat, just starting to stir. Claire barely heard Brock introduce her to Paul, who saw the direction of her gaze and turned back to the cab.
"Hey, sleepy." He reached in and gathered up a bundle of platinum curls, bare feet, and faded denim. Claire felt her face heat up. Proven wrong twice in less than ten minutes. This was not the rebellious adolescent she had envisioned. Sammy Hunter couldn't be more than five years old. An adorable, sleepy five years old. Paul cuddled her close, rubbed her back, and whispered to her as she scrubbed her eyes. When the child finally had both eyes open, her father introduced her to the three adults. Claire couldn't help comparing Paul Hunter with Rich Thomas, his obvious tenderness for his child versus the casual affection the fugitive custodian had sometimes spattered on his adoring little girl.
No doubt about it: Sammy Hunter was wanted long before she was born. Not an accident and burden like poor little Aurora Thomas.
"And this lady is Miss Donnelly. She's Daddy's new boss, too," Paul said, turning Sammy to face her.
"Miss Claire," she responded with a smile. "All the children call me that. I'm so glad to finally meet you, Sammy."
Claire felt her heart twist when the little girl's face lit up slowly, like sunrise. She sat up straight in her father's arms.
"Is she my new mommy?"
"Sammy--" Paul blushed a red so intense it was almost neon. "Miss Donnelly--"
"I prayed really hard," the child continued. "I asked God for a new mommy. I want you."
"Why?" Claire had to ask. She could barely speak, caught between an onslaught of tears, laughter, panic and hunger. Her arms actually ached with the need to cuddle Sammy close.
LIKED THE EXCERPT?? CLICK HERE TO BUY THE eBOOK
No comments:
Post a Comment