Destined to Love by Cara Martine

Author:Cara Martine
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: By Quill and Lantern Publishing

She spent each free moment lost in the dreamy words, each passage whispered a message of love reaching out from Art’s soul to touch her own.

A lifetime without Love is of no account

Love is the Water of Life

Drink it down with heart and soul

Gillian remained a recluse in her room, weary of the reveling voices in harmony with her mother’s baby grand piano. Eventually, the laughter and song faded into silence as the weary guests retired. Gillian woke later by a quiet knock at the door. Her mother appeared carrying a tray with two steaming mugs of hot cocoa and her favorite, hazelnut biscotti.

“It’s past midnight. Merry Christmas, dear.” Her mother smiled, setting down the tray, then settling comfortably beside her on the bay window. She kissed her sleepy-eyed daughter and sipped her drink quietly.

“Thanks, Mom. It’s so good to be home,” Gillian sighed, taking her mug and a bite out of the crunchy biscotti.

“Everyone’s wondering why you’re so withdrawn. You haven’t been in your usual Christmas spirit. Cousin Missy missed playing charades with you.”

“School has been exhausting. The workload is far more demanding than I ever thought it would be,” Gillian replied unconvincingly. “I almost stayed behind.”

“You should get as much rest in as you can.” She reached for the book of poetry and looked curiously at it. Before Gillian could protest, her mother read the loving words written by Art. With curiosity, she inquired, “Who’s this mysterious stranger who’s left his mark on my girl’s heart? He must be very special.”

“Mom, I’ve never felt this way about anyone. I’m uncertain what to do.” Gillian paused, feeling the sting of tears in her eyes. Her attempts to mask her emotions from her mother had always been futile. “I’ve treated him with such indifference. What makes it hard to show my affection?”

“It’s no simple thing to love someone.”

“I miss him. If I had it to do all over again, I wouldn’t hesitate to prove how much I love him.”

Her mother consoled her with a warm touch and then tenderly asked, “How far along are you, darling?”

A nervous laugh escaped Gillian as she looked at her mother. “I knew you’d guess as soon as you saw my face! I can’t hide anything from you.”

“I did. You have that certain—glow,” her mother remarked, dabbing at her teary eyes.

“I’ve disappointed you.”

“No, darling. As a parent, I’m concerned and have every right to be. You must consider how this will affect your future. Does the young man know yet?”

Gillian shook her head. “It’s far more complicated than you can ever imagine. This baby is not Art’s. I was involved with someone else, and he turned out to be someone I didn’t really know. He was abusive, and an alcoholic. I tried, I did, but he’s violated several restraining orders and is now in jail.”

“Oh, Gillian,” her mother groaned, and reached for her. “My sweet, sweet girl. I never wanted this for you.”

“I should’ve known better, but I was too involved to see I was trapped.

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