White Roses by Shannon Taylor Vannatter

Author:Shannon Taylor Vannatter
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Published: 2013-08-19T00:00:00+00:00

Seven

Just as Adrea finished dressing the next morning, she heard a knock and hurried to answer.

Grace leaned against the door frame, tears flowing down her cheeks.

“Oh, honey, I’m so sorry.” Adrea hugged her and drew her inside.

“I’ll get you something to drink,” Mark said.

Grace pulled away from Adrea and flew into his arms.

Adrea quietly exited the apartment.

With a few moments to spare, she drove by the church. As usual, Grayson’s car was there. The upheaval in his life didn’t change his calling.

She made her way to the office and found him, slumped over his desk, facedown. For a moment, she thought he was asleep, but he raised up.

“I thought I heard someone. Sit. What can I do for you?”

With his world blown apart, still he wanted to help others.

“Can’t stay long.” She claimed the chair across from him. “I’m on my way to the shop. Listen, I know you’ve got a lot going on and I can’t imagine how you’re holding it together.”

“I’ll be fine.”

“You’ve been dealt quite a blow. But, Helen needs you. Last night, she was worrying about being able to face you. She mentioned changing churches or maybe moving to her sister’s.”

Grayson looked heavenward. “I got here at five o’clock this morning and have been praying for strength to go over there. I think I’ve steeled myself.”

“You don’t have to be strong for her. Maybe the two of you need to cry together.”

He nodded.

❧

Other than telling Dayne that Sara was dead and going to the funeral, this was the hardest thing Grayson had ever done. Helen was probably blaming herself and he wanted to be strong for her, but right now, he didn’t have a strong bone in his body.

In Helen’s drive, he sat for a long time. The flower beds and grass weren’t perfect as they’d once been. Green vines grew wild, jumping their borders. Dead plants jutted among the blooming bushes. Maybe someone from the youth group could help with her yard.

The kitchen light flicked on. With a quick prayer, he got out and walked to the door. Before he could knock, she answered. He’d never seen such anguish in another person’s eyes. The sobs started and her whole body shook. Afraid she might collapse; he picked her up and carried her inside.

“I’ve got you, and God has both of us. His strength will get us through this. Together.”

“I can’t believe this is happening. Wade caused Sara’s death.” A wail escaped and she pressed a trembling fist to her mouth.

He deposited her on the couch and settled beside her.

“Our precious Sara killed by a drunk driver. And not just any drunk driver. My son.”

Grayson didn’t know how to respond. He took her shaking hand in his. “Dear God, get us through this.”

An hour later, he drove Helen and June to the hospital. Upon their arrival, Mark and Grace sat in the waiting room. As the afternoon lengthened, various members of the congregation trickled in. The deacons and Sylvie Kroft, of course.

It almost felt like Sara had died all over again.

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