Not Until This Moment_Novella by Valerie M. Bodden

Author:Valerie M. Bodden [Bodden, Valerie M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: contemporary romance, Women's Fiction, Forever Love, Christian Stories, Faith Based, Inspirational Reads, Love Inspired, Bachelor, Single Woman, Hearts Desire, Clean & Wholesome, Life-Changes, Second Chance Reunion, Honesty & Trust, Home & Family, Lifetime Love, Romantic Schemes, Love-Family & Forever, Action & Adventure, Small Town & Rural Area, Beautiful & Feisty, Hope Springs Series
Publisher: Valerie Bodden
Published: 2019-02-08T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 11

If it was possible, Peyton’s eyes were heavier now than they’d been when she’d finally dropped into an uneasy sleep an hour before dawn. She groaned as she pushed the covers off herself. She’d spent most of the night reliving the paralyzing helplessness that had washed over her when Sawyer refused to stop kissing her. The relief she’d felt when Jared burst into the theater looking ready to burn down any obstacle to get to her. The anger she’d felt at herself for not listening to his warning in the first place.

But she’d wanted so badly to believe that Sawyer was the answer to her prayers for a future.

She scowled at herself in the mirror as she limped toward the bathroom. The others had already gone down to breakfast, but she’d pleaded a headache and said she’d meet them in the lobby so they could go to church together. Usually, Sundays were her favorite day of the trip. She loved the little country church they attended, with the friendly locals. Loved the little diner they always went to for lunch. Loved the park next to it where they’d had more than one snowball fight.

But today the thought of all that left a sour feeling in her stomach.

She stepped into the shower, trying to let the hot water wash away her memories. But it only seemed to amplify them.

Not only memories of last night. But memories of all the beautiful moments she’d shared with Jared. Of how he’d always made her feel safe. Of how he’d told her he couldn’t marry her.

Why not, Lord? Why isn’t the future I want happening for me?

Her tears mingled with the spray from the shower. Didn’t God see that she needed some divine intervention here? She was trying so hard to find a husband and a family and the life she’d always wanted. So why wasn’t it happening?

By the time she got out of the shower, she had five minutes to finish getting ready before she had to meet the others. She threw on her clothes, swiped on some eye makeup to hide the puffiness and dark circles, then hobbled out the door as quickly as she could, wincing with each step.

Halfway down the staircase, a sudden trembling took over her legs. What if Sawyer was at the desk? What if he approached her?

She tried to ignore the shakiness and keep going, but her legs refused to carry her down another step.

She stood, frozen.

“Peyton.” Leah’s relieved cry from the bottom of the staircase drew her eyes, and before she could move another inch, her friend had run up the steps and engulfed her in a hug. “Jared told us what happened. Are you okay?”

She nodded even as tears pricked at her eyelids again.

Leah wrapped an arm around her and led her toward the rest of the group, gathered in the sunken area around the fireplace. She started to breathe easier.

Until she caught sight of Jared.

A vicious purple and green bruise surrounded his eye, which was almost swollen shut.

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