Saving Gracie (19 page)
Epilogue
T
he sun shone brightly for the ribbon-cutting at the new downtown location of
El Centro por las Lenguas.
Gracie had spent the past two months fixing up the school and her loft upstairs. She not only had the Peoples Family Foundation grant money to work with, but getting to know Jake’s grandmother opened doors to other prominent citizens of Port Provident, who generously made donations as well.
“Gracie, I want you to meet Dr. Gary Stone.” Diana Peoples hadn’t kept her vow to settle down after her heart attack. She used all her event-planning skills to make sure the school’s opening was a success.
Gracie extended her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Dr. Stone.”
“The pleasure’s all mine, Ms. Garcia. I’ve known Diana for years, and anyone she speaks this highly of has to be very special.”
Gracie felt the mild heat of blushing creep into her cheeks at the unexpected compliment. She’d spent a great deal of time with the matriarch of the Peoples family during the past eight weeks. Gracie loved hearing that the affection she held for Jake’s grandmother was mutual.
“Dr. Stone is the new president of Provident College, Gracie.” Diana’s friendly smile made Gracie feel as though she, too, belonged to this circle of friends.
“Welcome, Dr. Stone. Several students of mine have gone on to study at PC, and I myself attended several years ago.”
Gracie loved that God had provided her with students from day one of opening
El Centro,
but regretted that her difficulties with David kept her away from furthering her own education.
“But you aren’t a graduate of our institution, correct?” Gracie noticed a sheen of perspiration begin to pop up on the college president’s brow as they stood in the afternoon sun.
“No, in addition to working full time, I haven’t really had the money to pay for school.”
Dr. Stone grinned. “Well, you do now. I’m here to provide you with a full-tuition scholarship to Provident College. When Diana told me about your school, as a fellow educator, I knew how important education had to be to you. I want you to have the same opportunity for advancement you provide your own students.”
“Oh,
gracias!
” Excitement caused Gracie to slip into her native tongue.
Jake tugged at his
novia
’s elbow before she could say anything more. “I hate to interrupt, but everyone from the Chamber of Commerce is here. We should probably cut the ribbon so everyone can get inside to the air-conditioning. No one wants to stand outside in a Texas summer.”
Gracie allowed Jake to lead her up to the front of the crowd. His strong arm around her waist kept her jitters at bay.
“Here are the scissors, Gracie.” Laura Allen, the president of the Chamber of Commerce, handed over a pair of scissors the size of an elementary-school student. Gracie felt as if she’d joined a clown skit in a circus.
“Thank you, everyone, for coming today to celebrate the grand opening of the new location of
El Centro por las Lenguas.
Your support means so much to me.” Gracie turned and tried to hold the scissors in the least-awkward way possible.
Her first attempt at cutting barely nicked the fluffy red bow.
“I think you need to get a little bit closer,” Jake said as he gently pushed her forward.
Gracie readied herself for another try. As she settled herself, the sunlight glinted off something in the ribbon.
“Hold these, please.” She handed the scissors to Jake. “What is that?”
Standing next to the giant bow tied in front of her school’s front door, Gracie noticed a small diamond ring tied to the top of the crimson loops.
“Jake? What is this?” Her heart began to pound, giant thumps that had to be obvious to the gathered crowd.
Instead of replying, Jake dropped to one knee. “Before we cut the ribbon to start the next phase of your school, I want to start the next phase of your life. Graciela Garcia de Piedra, will you marry me?”
Gracie looked deep into Jake’s eyes and saw an ocean of love in their depths.
When she left her home in Mexico as a child, she could never have imagined this day. Tears as clear as the diamond before her ran down her cheeks. Without hesitation, Gracie answered Jake with the language of her youth.
“¡Sí!”
* * * *
If you enjoyed this story by Kristen Ethridge, be sure to check out the other Love Inspired Books this month!
* * * *
Keep reading for an excerpt of
Reunited for the Holidays
by Jillian Hart!
Dear Reader,
Thank you so much for spending time with Gracie and Jake—hope you enjoyed meeting them. Their story really spoke to me for a number of reasons. As a native Texan, I’ve lived on both the border and the Gulf Coast, and feel a strong connection to the area where the story takes place and the people represented within.
Rebuilding is an issue I think we all face in some form or fashion, especially now in tougher economic times. We may struggle to hold on to a dream or a business or a home, only to find out in the end that our best efforts aren’t enough. But in those times, we are given a unique opportunity to trust in the plans that God has for us. I know in my own life, some valleys have been tough to walk through, but it’s given me the opportunity to truly learn that God will see us safely to the other side if we remain faithful.
I hope you enjoyed my debut book in the Love Inspired line. I’m looking forward to bringing you more stories of faith, family, friends and a forever love. One of the joys of being a writer is the opportunity to hear from readers like you! You may reach me by email at [email protected].
You can also connect with me online in a variety of places:
www.kristenethridge.com
On Twitter @kristenethridge
Or at www.facebook.com/Kristen_Ethridge_Books.
All the best,
Kristen Ethridge
Questions for Discussion
What did you see as the theme of the book? Has this theme ever touched your own life? How?
Who was your favorite character? What traits made them stand out to you?
What is your favorite scene in the book? Why?
The story begins when Jake informs Gracie that she will soon lose her lease. How does this affect her? How would you have reacted in a similar situation?
Jake has recently returned to town after the death of his father, but he’s driven by a past he doesn’t completely understand. Do you feel as though he is more focused on building his future or correcting his past? Where do you prefer to focus your attention—the past, present or future?
When Jake visits Gracie’s church, he sees a church operating much differently from what he is used to. How does the atmosphere of
La Iglesia de la Luz del Mundo
contrast with the church Jake grew up in? How do their churches contrast with your own experiences?Secondary characters show Jake that there’s more to Gracie than just a struggling teacher. How do Juan and Pablo help Jake better understand Gracie? Have you ever had someone placed in your life to help you in a certain situation?
Gracie is relying on a grant to help fix her financial shortfall at the school. Not receiving it shook her faith and made her doubt that the plans she was making would work out. Have you ever had a setback like that? How did you overcome it?
At the board meeting, Jake learns he’s not who he thought he was. Many families keep secrets. Do you feel like the Peoples family could have handled theirs differently? How would Jake’s life have been different if he’d known the truth while growing up?
Family members play key roles in both Jake’s and Gracie’s lives. How are their families different? How are they similar? Who in your family or circle of close friends serves as a sounding board for you? Why do you value that person’s guidance or support?
Gracie’s family came to America in search of a better life, and she opened her English as a Second Language school to pay that forward. Jake learns his family company was established to do the same, but over the years, it lost sight of that goal. What do you think caused the disconnect over time? How do you keep your dreams and goals fresh?
In the end, a grant does come Gracie’s way, and Jake does get to make an impact in a family business. How did their journey make them appreciate the outcome more? Think about a time in your life when things worked out in an unexpected way or at the eleventh hour. How were you affected? What lessons did you learn?
We hope you enjoyed this Harlequin Love Inspired story.
You believe hearts can heal.
Love Inspired
stories show that faith, forgiveness and hope have the power to lift spirits and change lives—always.
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Chapter One
D
r. Brian Wallace plucked the ceramic frog out of the flower bed, tipped it upside down and shook hard. The spare front-door key fell onto his palm as he squinted into the watery afternoon sun. It was good to be home. Late November air crisped over him and he shivered, goose bumps traveling down his arms. Weak from an extended illness, he gripped the railing to steady himself. The long trip from rural Texas had taken a toll on him.
The old adage There’s No Worse Patient Than a Doctor had never been more true, he thought, as he struggled up the stairs. Easily winded, he paused a moment at the top, thanking God he was here to see the colors of sunset. His near brush with death had marked him. He couldn’t deny it. He’d missed his life here in Fort Worth. He missed his kids—although they were grown, they were what he had left of his heart.
He ambled to the door, leaned heavily against the wall and inserted the key. The door creaked open. Every part of him vibrated with a mix of weakness and exhaustion. As he crossed the threshold into the comfort of the house, memories surrounded him. It had been years since his children had lived here, but he recalled the pound of music from an upstairs bedroom, the chatter of his daughter on her phone, the drum of feet as one of the boys prowled the kitchen.
Emotion dug into his chest, claws sharp. Yes, looking death in the face changed a man. It stripped away everything extraneous, leaving what mattered most.
His footsteps echoed in the lonely living room. He eased onto a couch cushion, sighing heavily as fatigue washed over him like water. Maybe he should have listened to his colleague—he’d valued Dr. Travors’s expertise, which had saved his life—but he’d had enough bed rest. He needed to get home; he needed to be here. The Lord had put a deep call into his heart. He couldn’t explain it as he reached for the phone to try his children again. He needed to see them.
He dialed his daughter’s number first. Dear Maddie. Many things had crossed his mind while he’d lain on a spare cot in the corner of a migrant worker’s temporary home—a shack beside many others on a remote Texas farm. His failings and regrets hit hard, but none as cruelly as his missteps in his personal relationships. He’d always had a difficult time opening up. He had to try to fix that. He’d been given a second chance.
He waited for the call to connect. A muffled ringing came from what sounded like his front porch. The bell pealed, boots thumped on the front step and joy launched him from the couch. He set down the phone, listening to the faint conversation on the other side of the door. His kids were here? Theirs were the voices he’d missed during his illness, the ones he’d most longed to hear. He gripped the brass knob, tugged and set eyes on his children. All three of them.
Praise the Lord, for bringing them here safe and sound.
“You got my messages.”
“You left about a dozen.” Maddie tumbled into his arms. “Dad, you have no idea how good it is to see you. No idea.”
“Right back at you, sweetheart.” The endearment stumbled off his tongue—he wasn’t good with them—but he had to get better at speaking his feelings. He had to try harder. His dear Maddie, so like her mother. His chest ached with affections too intense to handle, so he swallowed hard, trying to tamp them down as he held her hands in his after their hug was done. “I was gone a little longer than I’d planned this time—”
“A little?” Her voice shot up. “Dad, you have no idea how worried sick we’ve been over you.”
“I don’t even know how to say how sorry I am—”
“What matters is that you’re all right.” Her hands gave his a warm, understanding squeeze.
“Where have you been?” Grayson, his oldest child, stepped in to join the reunion. Tall, dark and handsome. Pride swelled up, making it hard to look at the boy properly.
“Grayson.” Those couldn’t be tears in his eyes, of course not. Brian wasn’t a man given to tears. Maybe because he had thought of his two other children when he’d been fighting for his life on that cot. Yet another son and daughter, lost to him forever. His biggest regret of all. Emotion clumped in his throat, making it impossible to say more.
“We’ve been looking for you.” Grayson’s hug was brief, his face fighting emotion, too. “We found your wallet in a ditch and we feared you were missing. The police—”
“Missing?” He swiped a hand over his face, grimacing, hating what he’d put them through. “I was in rural Texas, you know that, sometimes without phones or cell service. I would have gotten a message to you kids, but I lost my cell—”
“I know. We found your phone, too.” Carter, his youngest from his second marriage, stepped in, healthy and whole, back from war. “We were afraid you’d gotten ill. Are you all right, Dad?”
“Now I am.” He wrapped his arms around Carter, holding him tight. When he ended the hug, he held on, drinking in the sight of the boy—okay, he was twenty-three, but Carter would always be his youngest, a seasoned soldier home from deployment safely. When Brian let go, it was hard to see again. He was grateful to God for returning his youngest son home unharmed.
“We heard you caught a virulent strain of strep.” Carter ambled into the living room, making himself at home.
“And that you’d been treating a family who were dangerously ill.” Grayson headed straight for the couch.
“We feared the worst, Dad.” Beautiful Maddie with her auburn hair and a stylish fashion sense swept through the doorway, anguish carved into her dear face.
“I never meant to worry you.” He shut the door, swallowing hard. His case had been severe and there’d been days, even weeks, where it hadn’t been certain he would live. He didn’t know what to do with the emotions coiled in his chest, so he shrugged, tried to play things down. “I survived, so it wasn’t so bad.”
“This is just like you. Always keeping us out instead of letting us in.” Maddie sounded upset, on the verge of anger or tears, maybe both.
He hated upsetting her. Frustrated at himself, he crossed his arms over his chest.
Remember your vow, Brian. You have to try harder.
“I didn’t mean it that way, honey. There’s nothing to worry about now. I’m on the mend. That you kids are here, that you came, means everything.”
It wasn’t easy, but he got out the words.
“Oh, Daddy.” Maddie swiped her eyes. “Don’t you dare make me cry. I’m choked up enough already.”
“What do you mean? What’s got you choked up? Is something going on?”
“Dad, you’d better sit down for this.” Grayson patted the seat beside him.
“This can’t be good.” He studied Carter’s serious face and the troubled crinkles around Grayson’s eyes. “Something happened while I was gone. That’s why you were trying to reach me?”
“It’s not bad news, but it could give you a real shock.” Grayson cleared his throat, waiting until Brian eased onto the cushion. “There’s no easy way to say this, so I’m just going to do it. We found Mom.”
“Uh...” Brian’s brain screeched to a halt, unable to make sense of those words. He was hearing things. No doubt due to his exhaustion and weakened state. “Sorry...say that again? Your mom’s buried. She died when Carter was three. You remember the car accident.”
“Not Sharla, Dad. Our real mother, at least for Grayson and me,” Maddie added.
“Your real...?
What?
” That’s as far as he got. The mention of the mother of his other son and daughter floored him. How could they know? All they could remember was Sharla, his second wife, the woman he’d married when the kids were very young. “Wait a minute. I don’t understand. You’re not making any sense.”
“I know it’s a shock for you, Daddy.” Maddie settled on the couch across from him. “But it’s true. Take a deep breath. I found our birth mother.”
“No.” He shook his head, refusing to see how that was possible. The only person Maddie could be talking about was Isabella...his first wife, his high school sweetheart, the woman who’d broken his faith in true love.
“I found Violet—” she began.
“Violet?” He blinked, his brain spinning.
“Thanks to a lucky coincidence, Violet and I came face-to-face in a coffee shop and I found Mom from there.” Maddie’s hands cradled his.
Isabella was gone, tucked away in the Witness Protection Program with their two other children, never to be seen again. Their lives depended on it. “My mind’s playing tricks on me because I thought you said—”
“Yes, I did. Mom is in Grasslands, and we’re all together. Violet and Jack, well, they used to be Laurel and Tanner.”
Laurel? Tanner? He shuddered, fighting the memory welling up of the U.S. Marshal driving away in a black SUV. Isabella in the window, cradling a six-month-old in her arms, and a little chestnut-haired boy, just two, waving bye-bye.
He swallowed hard. His lost children were here, in Texas. In Grasslands?
Within driving distance?
All this time he’d grieved for them, missed them with his entire heart for twenty-five years and now the two sets of twins were reunited? They’d found one another?
No, he shook his head, refusing to believe it. It couldn’t be true. The hardest thing he’d ever done was let them go. But he’d had to make an impossible choice to protect his family from unspeakable danger.
“We’re together now, Dad.” Maddie’s happiness was real. Her hands around his were real. “The only one missing is you.”
Her words finally sank in. Realization crashed over him like a cold ocean wave, washing away disbelief.
This was really happening. It wasn’t a hallucination or fever, born from his illness. He rubbed his hand over his face, took a deep breath and willed his heart rate to slow.
“Isabella.” For twenty-five years—nearly all of his adult life—he’d been without her. And for good reason, he’d told himself. He’d done his best not to think of her for over two decades. That’s the way he wanted it.
How could he tell his kids that? Maddie with her delight, Grayson actually smiling and Carter relaxed and at peace. This was good news for them.
But it wasn’t good news. He thought about the reason for their separation in the first place. Was it safe to reunite the twins? What about the murderous drug dealer they’d been hiding from? His stomach clenched tightly as he pressed his hands to his face, overwhelmed.
“Violet and Jack are waiting to meet you, Dad.” Carter stood, holding out his hand. “C’mon. I’ll drive you.”
“Good, because I’m not steady.” A lot had changed in twenty-five years, but not his love for his kids—for
all
of his kids. He took Carter’s hand. “Then let’s go.”
As for Isabella, he’d cross that bridge when he came to it. The last thing he wanted was to see her again.
* * *
“Mom, you don’t have to be so stubborn.”
“Me, stubborn?” Belle gripped her walker, refusing to give in to the limitations her head injury and consequent coma had left her with. She had work to do—work she missed back home on the ranch—and being cooped up in Ranchland Manor wasn’t in her plans for much longer. “What makes you say that?”
“Oh, no reason.” Violet, her beautiful, redheaded daughter, rolled her eyes. “Will you get in bed already?”
“I’m not sleepy.” The evening was still lovely, with the big Texas sky stretching like a soft blue canvas. She missed horseback riding beneath that canopy with the wind on her face. She breathed in, longing for the tangy scent of grass and open prairie. The biggest problem with being stuck in this place was the walls. At forty-three, Belle lived a very active lifestyle and liked her wide-open spaces. Maybe that had to do with those early years when she’d been in hiding, when her children were small.
“Mom, you’re here to heal, remember?” Jack, her handsome, strapping son, tugged around the armchair, so it would face the window instead of the bed. “Can you take it easy for once?”
“That would be against my better judgment.”
“Do something because we ask, okay?” Jack took her elbow.
“Yeah, Mom, it won’t kill you, right?” Violet’s loving laughter filled the room.
“It might,” she quipped, clunking the walker to a stop beside the armchair. Here came the hard part. She stopped her walker a few inches away, giving her just enough distance so that she would have to take a step on her own.
“Do you have to do everything the hard way?” Jack’s dry humor washed over her, making it easy to push off from the walker and lurch toward the chair. His strong hand banded her elbow, assisting her. Violet caught her other arm and she plopped onto the cushion. Goal achieved.
“Next time, it will be two steps,” she declared, determined to push along her recovery from what they hoped was a temporary deficit of motor functions.
“Next time, it better not be.” Violet plucked Belle’s hairbrush off the nightstand. “You don’t know what we went through when you fell off your horse and had to be rushed to the hospital.”
“Our world stopped turning.” Gruff, Jack turned away, striding fast to the window. He planted his hand on his hips, staring out at the courtyard, his whole body reverberating with emotion.
“I hate that you were worried.” She hadn’t been there to comfort them or to ease their troubles, because she’d been in a deep coma. It tore her apart. All she’d ever wanted was to be there for her children.
“Worried doesn’t begin to describe it.” Violet leaned in, brushing Belle’s thick auburn hair. “Terrified.”
“Heartsick,” Jack groused.
“You waking up was the best thing that could have happened.” Violet blinked dampness from her eyes.
“The doctors say you are a wonder, too, coming back to us with hardly any impairment.” Jack didn’t turn from the window, but his gratitude vibrated in his voice.
“Which I’m grateful to God for. He is good.” Belle patted her daughter’s arm, love brimming for them, her precious children. More grateful for them because of the two children she’d left behind. “My big problem is how do I convince the doctors to stop with the tests? That’s what I want to know.”
“Think of it this way,” Violet suggested. “The quicker all the testing is done, the sooner you can recover. The faster you can recover, the sooner you can come home.”
“Home.” Nothing sounded as good. To be in her own bed, to sit in the peaceful quiet of her living room and watch the horses graze in the paddock. The restless wind, the crisp scent of fall-becoming-winter air, feeling the sun on her back as she walked through the fields. That’s the medicine she needed right now. She’d never been one to sit around and let grass grow under her boots. “Any chance either of you can smuggle me out?”