Wanted: A Family ; A Place of Refuge by Janet Dean

Author:Janet Dean
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2019-10-21T15:46:21+00:00

* * *

Looking into those green eyes filled with such hope but also with dread, Callie’s eyes glistened. Why had she ever believed Jacob was capable of treachery?

The answer came, not an easy one. She’d let her marriage to Martin color her view of Jacob. Unable to bear another disappointment, unable to handle more hurt piled on the pain of her past, for surely another loss would destroy her, she’d refused to see Jacob with unbiased eyes.

She’d refused to trust the steps toward God she’d seen him take. She’d refused to trust his love, yet his actions made that love unmistakable. Her lack of trust made it easy to believe that he’d rip the home she loved from under her.

Her faith might’ve kept her strong, but she hadn’t forgiven, not really. She’d held on to her anger at Martin, at Commodore, and let that determine who she was, the actions she took, and the things she believed. Fear of failing in another marriage had kept her heart closed.

Yet Jacob, a brand-new believer, just taught her what genuine forgiveness looked like when he’d taken the man who’d denied his fatherhood and badgered Jacob at every turn into his arms and wept with him.

“Oh, Jacob, I’m sorry. I’m the one who hurt you. I didn’t trust who you were when you were exactly as you appeared—a man I can respect.” She raised a palm to his jaw. “If you’ll forgive me, I’m ready to take a chance on love again.”

He wrapped Callie in those strong arms of his. “You’re the woman I want to be my wife.” Then he opened his arms wider to include Commodore and Dorothy—his parents—and Grace and Joanna as they stepped close and joined an ever-widening circle of love, of family. Clearly showing by his actions that he would not only love her, he’d share her mission to care for unwed mothers.

Mrs. Sunderland came forward. “If folks weren’t so fast to judge, perhaps Commodore would’ve stepped up and raised his son.” She glanced over at Pastor Steele. “I’ve learned a lesson today. A lesson I won’t forget.”

Glancing at Callie, eyes wet and apologetic, Loretta patted Mrs. Sunderland’s back. “We’ll show these young women God’s love.”

Mildred wiggled into the circle. “And to show Jake how much I respect his skills, what he’s made of himself, I want him to remodel my home, shed its years and purpose, turn it into Peaceful’s Historical Museum. I’ve got enough stuff to fill it,” she said with a laugh, then offered her hand. “I’m your first client in that business you plan to start.”

Jake took her hand. “It’s a deal. If you’ll keep us stocked in gingerbread boy cookies.”

Mildred chuckled. “I’ll save the smiles till last.”

“I don’t need any smile but Callie’s.” Jake squeezed Callie’s hand and gazed into her eyes with such intensity that the crowd faded, and all she could see was the man. A man who cherished family and commitment, a man of faith and integrity, a man she could trust.

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