Michaela's Choice (14 page)

Epilogue

Six months later

Michaela paced the wooden platform for what seemed to be the hundredth time as she watched for the twelve o’clock train to arrive from Boston.

“It’s late.” She turned to her husband, who stood beside her with a broad grin on his face.

“I don’t think you were this nervous on our wedding day,” Eric teased.

Michaela smoothed out her plum-colored dress and adjusted
the straw hat that shaded her face from the hot summer sun.

“I just want everything to be perfect.” She stopped and stood still for the first time in minutes.

A whistle sounded in the distance, and Michaela looked out across the green valley to see the long-awaited train.

“Kids,” Eric called out, “the train will be here any moment.”

The six Johnson children hurried over to where Eric and Michaela stood, just in time for the steam engine to make its appearance in town.

“Do you think she’ll like me?” Ruby pulled on the collar of her dress in an attempt to straighten it.

“She’s going to love you,” Michaela assured her with a smile as she tugged playfully on one of Ruby’s pigtails.

Brakes screeched and the train came to a stop in front of them.

“Aunt Clara!” Michaela ran toward her aunt as soon as she disembarked from the train.

“You don’t know how good it is to see you, child,” her aunt said, looking deep into Michaela’s eyes.

“You look wonderful, Aunt Clara.” Michaela squeezed her tight again. “I don’t know if it’s your new dress or marriage, but I will have to assume it’s the marriage.”

Aunt Clara laughed as Ben White, her husband of two months, followed her onto the platform. “Then it’s done wonders for you as well. It does seem there’s been a rash of weddings lately.”

Michaela looked up to see Philip come off the train followed by his new bride, Caroline, looking radiant in her bright yellow dress.

The three friends hugged, amazed at how much had changed in such a short time.

Michaela’s eyes searched the doorway of the train.

“Don’t forget about me.” Michaela’s heart melted as she looked up at the sound of Anna’s voice.

“I prayed this day would come.” Michaela felt her heart was about to burst. As Anna stepped onto the platform, Michaela knelt down and scooped the little girl into her arms.

“I love you, Anna,” she said.

“And I love you, Mama.”

“I can’t believe my entire family is here.” Michaela wiped a tear from the corner of her eye, still holding Anna tight. “I don’t ever remember feeling so happy, so complete.”

“God does have marvelous ways of working things together for the good of His children, doesn’t He?” Eric took his place behind her and wrapped his strong arms firmly around her waist.

“Aunt Clara is happily married to Ben.” Happiness radi
ated in Michaela’s voice. “Philip realized he loved Caroline. But best of all is Anna. I have to thank God every day that couple decided to adopt only a little boy. I never imagined it would end this way.”

Eric turned Michaela to face him.

“It’s not the end, Michaela,” he said and kissed her gently on the lips. “It’s only the beginning.”

About the Author

Lisa Harris is a wife, mother, and author. She and her husband, Scott, along with their three children, live outside Johannesburg, South Africa, as missionaries. After graduating from Harding University with degrees in Bible and Family and Consumer Sciences, Lisa spent several years living in Europe and West Africa with her husband as church-planting missionaries. They have traveled to more than twenty countries, including France, Kenya, Japan, and Zimbabwe. Lisa has had over fifty articles, short stories, and devotionals published as well as two novellas.

Dedication

To my son, Gabriel. I thank God for you daily and the blessing you are to our family. May you always find refuge in Him.

A note from the Author:

I love to hear from my readers! You may correspond with me by writing:

Lisa Harris

Author Relations

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Uhrichsville, OH 44683