Waiting For Lily Bloom (10 page)

Someone approached, running across the field. He raised his hand to shield his eyes.

It was Lily. Coming to say goodbye, no doubt.

He drank in the sight, recording the image of her running to him for the years to come.
Help me, Lord.

She stopped before him, breathing heavy. Her eyes were alight, the love for her father shining through.

“I'm sorry I stormed out.” Shame filled him. “Selfishness, I guess.”

Lily shook her head, taking his hand.

“I'll miss you, Lily. I will.”

She wiped her eyes. The wind gusted, blowing locks of her hair across her face.

He pushed them behind her ear and placed his hands on her cheeks. “I love you.” He'd never regret telling her. He'd waited so long for her, his beautiful Lily. And now she'd leave, taking his heart with her. Why? Why was this happening? His gut twisted as she nodded, her chin quivering.

She pointed to herself, drew a heart on her chest with her index fingers, and then touched his chest.

He swallowed, his heart leaping inside his chest. “You…you love me?” It was too much to hope for, here in the land where dreams died.

Her eyes filled as she nodded. She placed her hands on his face, leaned forward, and kissed him.

 

****

 

“Open it, Miss Lily, open it!”

Papa left with Uncle Ned and Aunt Charity.

The girls dragged Lily to her rocking chair and she sat.

Elsa dropped a newspaper-wrapped gift on her lap.

Lily placed her hand on her chest and raised her eyebrows.

“Y-Yes, it's for y-you. Hurry, open it!” Ava clasped her hands together.

How blessed she was, surrounded by these precious ones. She'd come to visit her aunt and uncle and gained an entire family. How could love have found her so quickly?

James stood beside the girls, a dimple appearing on his cheek. “You heard the ladies. Get crackin'.”

She smiled and peeled away the paper, revealing a slate and two pieces of chalk.

“N-now you can teach me l-letters.” Ava stroked the slate.

“And numbers,” Elsa added.

“And you can tell me to fetch your crown.” James said, making the girls giggle.

“Do you like it?” Elsa asked, bouncing on her tiptoes.

Lily nodded, placing her hand over her heart.

“W-write us something!” Ava pleaded.

Lily contemplated. What words would be worthy of the first strokes of her chalk? Finally, she wrote the most important message of all. She held up the slate, and gazed at her husband.

“What does it say, Mr. Bloom?” The girls chimed.

James knelt before Lily and caressed her cheek. His gentle touch made her heart race.

“It says I'm the most blessed man in the world.”

 

 

 

 

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White Rose Publishing

Where Faith is the Cornerstone of Love™

an imprint of Pelican Ventures Book Group

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May God's glory shine through

this inspirational work of fiction.

 

AMDG