A Dad of His Own (17 page)

L
exie hooked the final string of Christmas lights to the others and stood back. Her heart glowed as brightly as the tree. “What do you think?”

Ethan turned and gave a nod. “Looks good. I like the angel tree topper.” He laid the paint brush on the lid. “Do you always put a tree up here?”

“No, but I’m sure Cooper will spend a lot of time in this room. He loves to do his puzzles and read. It’ll take a while before he’ll feel like doing much, but I’m so grateful, Ethan. His coming home is the best Christmas gift I could have.” She eyed her finger and winced. “Not counting this beautiful engagement ring.”

“That wasn’t a Christmas gift.” He winked and strode to her side, drawing her into his arms. His lips lowered to hers and every ounce of happiness she’d ever longed for washed over her—a son who had undergone a bone marrow transplant and had come through with great promise of being cancer-free and a man who loved her dearly and loved Cooper as his son. And not just any man, either. Ethan could run rings around every superhero known.

She rested her hand on Ethan’s cheek, feeling stubble and loving it. So close. So strong. So gentle. Her list of adjectives
could go on and on. Her lips moved beneath his, her heart surging with love and promise.

Easing back, Ethan captured her gaze. “You are so beautiful, Lexie, inside and out.”

She rolled her eyes. “And don’t forget. I’m amazing.”

“That goes without saying.” He gave her a squeeze. “So what do you think of my finished handiwork?”

Though unwilling to leave his embrace, she shifted to face the new bookshelves. “I always thought you were a contractor, one of those guys who was a rotten carpenter so he was promoted, but you can actually build something this gorgeous.”

He gave her a teasing poke. “I had to be an excellent carpenter to get my job.” He polished his fingernails on his shirt. “How’s that for conceit?”

She waved his comment away. Ethan didn’t have a conceited bone in his body. “Cooper is going to love these shelves.”

“I hope so.” He grinned. “The day I met him—maybe you remember—he asked me to turn the den into a library.”

“I remember.” She eyed the perfect wall of shelving. “But this spot is perfect. This is where he spends his time, and before he gets home, we can put some of his books on the lower shelves so he can reach them.”

“And as he grows, he can just move them up.”

As he grows.
The warmth of Ethan’s optimism rushed along her limbs. “That sounds so good…and you know what?”

He pressed his lips together and shrugged.

“I believe it with all my heart. I know the Lord loves Cooper enough to give him years of quality life. I’m confident.”

Ethan drew her closer and his eyes met hers. “Now, that’s the best gift I could have for Christmas.”

She grinned at his loving words. Ethan had turned out to
be a walking romantic. Lexie leaned back in his arms and slipped hers around his neck. “This Christmas will be perfect. I’ll meet your parents, and mine will be coming in January when Cooper’s feeling better.”

“And Coop will be released for Christmas.”

Her heart sang. “And he’ll be home.” Her lips sought his again.

January, a month later

Lexie leaned against the dining-room archway, studying the small group seated around the fireplace in her living room. A pork roast baked in the oven along with potatoes and carrots, and the aroma wafted into the room. Soon the rolls would be browned, and the salad carried from the refrigerator.

The Christmas tree stood by the front window, the white lights glowing as brightly as her heart. The doctors had released Cooper a few days before Christmas, though his weakness kept him bound to a chair or his bed most of the time. Today he sat beside her mother, dressed in a suit. His pale face and the dark circles beneath his eyes attested to the battle he’d fought and won. Though months would march past before they were certain, the oncologist had given them encouragement that Cooper could be cancer-free.

Cooper’s face when he’d seen the bookshelves still glowed in her mind. She’d wished she had grabbed his camera for the occasion. He hadn’t shown that much enthusiasm since the day at the airport waiting to leave for the Grand Canyon. Those days, though cut short, lived in her memory.

Her gaze swept the room, and tears rimmed her eyes, praising God for the gift and for the people around her today. Her mother’s attention to Cooper touched her. She’d always seemed distant, but not today. Her father had tried to be a
grandfather, but he’d struggled under her mother’s heavy glare. They’d mellowed, and after all these years, Lexie was able to forgive them. And to make their visit perfect. Ethan’s parents had flown in from the warm temperatures of Florida to be with them for the Christmas season. Though New Year’s Day had passed, they stayed to be with them today. She loved them from the moment they’d stepped off the plane.

“Are you all hungry?” She drew in an exaggerated breath as hands waved in the air. “Mom prepared a wonderful meal for our celebration, but we’re waiting for two key members.”

Ross, seated beside Kelsey, gave a chuckle. “What a day for Ethan to be late.”

Kelsey gave him a poke that didn’t pass unnoticed. Lexie had never seen Kelsey flirt, but she was today. When she’d first met Ross, she realized he’d been the man Mothers of Special Kids had voted not to accept as a member. Lexie couldn’t help but laugh out loud when Ross introduced himself.

“Hi, I’m the Ross you all voted not to admit to your support group.”

Kelsey had drawn back. “Really?”

“I wouldn’t kid you about that, would I?” He grinned.

A pink glow colored her cheeks. “Maybe I didn’t try hard enough. Now that I’ve met you, I can give a personal recommendation.”

Blatant flirting. Lexie couldn’t believe it. Kelsey never dated. Never showed interest in any man. But then, neither had she.

Lexie ducked into the dining room to hide her chuckle, and when she slipped back into the room, the thud of a car door sent her pulse flying.

Cooper’s voice split the air. “It’s Ethan.” He’d chosen a chair closest to the window to be lookout, she suspected.

The door opened, and Ethan stepped inside brushing snow from his coat. He hung it in the closet and then crossed the room, his gaze adhered to hers.

Lexie’s heart rode a plummeting elevator. Ethan, her pillar of strength. Handsome and wonderful. He’d proven his love over and over during the past three months of Cooper’s recuperation. He’d stood by her side with tears in his eyes or a smile on his lips as big as his heart.

She watched him head for her, dressed in a dark blue suit, white shirt and burgundy tie, and his pocket sprouted a handkerchief of the same color. A fresh haircut and shave advertised their special day. His tender looked warmed her. “One more person, and we’re ready.”

He slipped his arm around her, adding a fleeting kiss. “Excited?”

“Ecstatic.”

“So am I.” He turned his gaze toward Cooper. “How’s my buddy today?” He strode to Cooper’s side and wrapped him in his arms. “I can’t get my fill seeing you home.”

“It’s good for me, too.”

Ethan grinned as he straightened. He tousled Cooper’s hair and greeted the others, but before he returned to Lexie’s side, the doorbell rang. He hurried to the door and pulled it open. “Welcome, Pastor Tom.”

He patted Ethan’s shoulder. “I wouldn’t miss this for the world.”

“You better not have. What’s a wedding without a pastor?” He closed the door and hung his coat in the closet. When he looked up, Lexie was missing. “Where’s the bride?” He searched the room and realized her mother had vanished, too.

His mother chuckled. “What do you think? She’s getting ready for her wedding. You can’t see the bride in her finery before the ceremony, you know.”

Kelsey stood. “I’ll go check.” She looked over her shoulder as she headed up the stairs. “And I get a sneak peek.”

Pastor Tom made his way around the chairs to greet everyone, and then paused and took stock of the room. “Where would you like me to perform the ceremony?”

Ethan pointed to the fireplace. “Lexie thought it would be nice there.” Candles lined the mantel, and a fire glowed in the grate, sending warmth through the large room.

Pastor Tom stood in front of the fireplace, waiting while Ethan’s feet longed to pace. He forced himself to stand still.

“She’s ready.” Kelsey appeared, followed by Lexie’s mother. They took their seats, and Ethan waited, his heart so filled he felt it might explode. When she glided down the staircase, he caught his breath. Lexie had always been a gorgeous woman, but today she outshone the sun. The V-neck of her ivory-colored gown glittered with pearl beads while the skirt fell in soft folds below her knees. Her hair hung in billowing waves beyond her shoulders. Ethan couldn’t take his eyes from her as he walked to meet her.

He clasped her arm and stood before Pastor Tom, waiting for the moment when they would become man and wife. A smile lit Cooper’s pale face, and his eyes followed every move they made.

Kelsey and Ross joined them, matron of honor and best man, witnessing their marriage and their promises. Both friends had been overjoyed for them.

Pastor Tom opened the book he held. “Today we are here to celebrate your decision to be husband and wife, a decision you both made as you put away your pasts and chose to face the future together. I know you have already shared many joys and sorrows, and I am confident that you both have enough courage and love for a relationship that will last forever.”

Ethan pressed his hand against Lexie’s arm. They had
gone through more than many couples experienced in their lifetime, and though he realized other problems would follow, he was confident they would lean on each other and the Lord for strength and endurance. Today his joy obliterated their tears. Today was meant for smiles.

Their vows were spoken with promises to share what was to come and to be faithful. The promise would never waver. Ethan opened his hand, and Ross dropped the diamond wedding band into his palm. Ethan slipped it on Lexie’s finger, a sign of his love and faithfulness. She followed with a simple gold band. They clasped hands and bowed their heads as the pastor prayed for them and those present.

Following the amen, Pastor Tom rested his hand on theirs. “By their promises to God and to all of you present, Alexandria and Ethan have bound themselves to one another as husband and wife.” He paused and they waited until he shook his head and grinned. “What’s keeping you? You may kiss your bride.”

Ethan chuckled before he lowered his lips to Lexie’s while every ounce of his body reeled with a happiness he never thought possible.

Applause spread around the room as they turned to face their families. Ethan raised his hand. “We’re so happy you’re all here to share this amazing moment with us, and Cooper, you are a special gift to me. I’m so proud to call you my son.”

Cooper grinned at Ethan. “Finally, I have a dad of my own.”

The room filled with new applause until they heard Cooper’s voice. “Now, can we eat?”

Their applause turned to laughter as they rose and headed toward the dining room.

1. Although Lexie was not a Christian at the beginning of the novel, what attributes did she have that you could admire?
   
2. One of Lexie’s difficult situations was to learn to forgive herself for her past mistakes. Have you ever struggled with the need to forgive yourself for a past action? Were you successful?
   
3. Ethan had been left with scars following the death of his wife. Besides loneliness and grief, what other issues caused him to struggle with the present?
   
4. Ethan’s attitude about being Christian was that evangelizing to a nonbeliever could do more damage than good. Do you understand what he meant? How do you feel about this attitude?
   
5. Lexie had a difficult time understanding that Christians believe God has a plan for their lives. How do you explain that to nonbelievers when they scoff at this part of faith? Did you find Kelsey’s explanation of free will meaningful?
   
6. Although Kelsey is a secondary character in this book, she will be the heroine in the next book. Did you find Kelsey an interesting secondary character in this novel? What did you like about her?
   
7. One theme of this novel is hope. Being Christians,
   our hope is tied to our faith. In what ways do you demonstrate hope in your life?
   
8. Again the theme of hope also teaches us about suffering. Romans 5: 3-5 says, “We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.” Explain how this theme works in the novel as well as in your life.
   
9. Have you known a child who has struggled with a serious illness such as leukemia? Do you think you could be as strong as Lexie was? Explain in what ways you could show strength and in what ways you might reveal your weakness.
   
10. Have you had experience with a seven-or eight-year-old? Did you find Cooper to be a typical child even though he had a serious illness? Did some of his comments cause you to chuckle?
    
11. Have you been to the Grand Canyon? Ethan said when he looked at places like the Grand Canyon he became awed by God’s handiwork. This same setting introduced Lexie’s seed of belief. What things in nature awaken your faith?
    
12. Do you think the women at the Mothers of Special Kids should have opened the door to men in their group? Why or why not? See what happens in the next book.