Ever Faithful by Carolyne Aarsen

Author:Carolyne Aarsen
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Steeple Hill
Published: 1998-06-30T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

Paul snapped open the paper to the announcements section.

Tim and Amy’s name jumped out at him.

Rhonda had kindly taken the time to circle the announcement of their wedding with blue highlighter. When Paul finished reading the formal language and double-checking the names, he leaned back in his chair, dragging his hands over his face.

The hard evidence lay in front of him, spelled out in black-and-white…and blue. It was there for all of Vancouver, and whoever else might be interested, to see. A sense of dread flowed through him. She couldn’t marry Tim.

He turned to the phone and without hesitating, dialed Danyluks’ number. Amy answered it on the second ring.

“Danyluks’ residence.”

The heaviness in her voice reverberated through the line.

He paused, feeling like a gauche teenager who called a girl on a dare and then couldn’t talk. What was he going to say? Tell her straight-out she couldn’t marry Tim?

“Hello? Is someone there?”

Paul shook his head and forged ahead onto safer ground. “Hi, Amy, it’s me, Paul. I heard about your dad. How’s he doing?”

“Not well…”

Her voice trailed off, and Paul heard her sigh. It hurt to be so far away from her. “I just wanted to call and let you know I’ve been praying for you,” he said, wishing he could be there, holding her and comforting her.

“Thank you,” she said quietly. “That’s good to know.”

“I’ve been going to church again—renewing an old acquaintance with the Lord.” He pulled the newspaper toward him, folded open to her and Tim’s picture. He traced her features with a shaking hand. “I wanted to tell someone else besides my family.” And I needed to tell you, he thought.

“I’m glad for you, Paul.” The genuine happiness in her voice gave him a shot of encouragement. He felt a rush of love for this girl who, in her own troubles, could be happy for someone else.

They were both quiet a moment.

“I wish I could be there, Amy,” he said suddenly. “I want to hold you like I did in the barn, I want to tell you how I feel.” I want to talk you out of marrying Tim Enders.

“Paul, don’t…”

“Amy, I meant what I said.” He took a breath and finally dared speak the words. “I love you. I’m not finished with this.”

“You have to be….”

“I know I’m years too late,” he cut in, not wanting to listen to her denials. “I shouldn’t even tell you, but I can’t keep it to myself.”

There was no sound from the other end. Then finally she asked, “And what about Stacy?”

“I broke up with her as soon as I came back to Vancouver.” Paul grasped the receiver, her question a sign of hope. “I want to talk to you. I’m going to drive up on Sunday.”

“It’s not going to make any difference, Paul.”

He felt a clutch of dread at the practical tone of her voice. Then he remembered how she clung to him that night in the barn. He wasn’t going to let her dismiss him that easily just because she had to prove herself more faithful than her mother.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.