An Unexpected Love (47 page)

Paul nodded. He wanted her to know he understood. Even if it killed him inside. “Then you found Wesley Hedrick.”

Sophie looked at him oddly. “Yes. And I thought he would fill that emptiness. I thought our love would take away my longing for something more.”

Paul felt as if he’d been kicked in the stomach but said nothing. He was afraid to even look Sophie in the eye, for fear she’d know his pain.

“But I was wrong.”

He felt his breath catch. What was she saying?

“I didn’t love Wesley. Not truly. I think I used him as much as he used me. I needed something from him that he could never give.”

Paul looked up and shook his head. “What?”

“I needed God. You helped me to see that, Paul. You helped me to know that what I desired wasn’t to be found on earth, but rather in heaven. The peace I’ve had since accepting that— since seeking God’s forgiveness and direction—has made all the difference.” She reached out and touched his face. “I want you to know that Wesley will never stand between us. He means nothing to me now.”

“But what about Elizabeth?” Paul dared to ask. He searched Sophie’s face for a sign that she had realized some new truth and changed her mind.

“Elizabeth is your daughter. Yours and mine. Our love will see her through. Our love for her . . . and for each other.”

Paul could scarcely draw breath. “What are you saying, Sophie?”

She smiled and drew him closer. “I’m saying that the love you planted in my heart this summer has taken root. I believe with tenderness, honesty, and trust, it will continue to grow.”

Paul kissed her passionately, refusing to let her go lest she speak again and take it all back. Her words touched his heart like nothing else could. He’d been praying that she would one day fully accept him as her husband and they could build a life together that would be filled with love and happiness. His prayers had been answered. He silently thanked God for this wondrous gift he’d been given.

From across the room Fanny and Amanda exchanged a glance over the tiny baby. Seeing Sophie and Paul kissing caused them both to smile.

“I do believe everything is going to be all right,” Amanda said. “Sophie has Paul, and you have Michael. Perhaps love will even come to me one day.”

Sophie surprised her by calling out. “Love often comes from the most unexpected source. I’m confident neither of you will ever be without it. God will send Michael home to Fanny and will no doubt send someone to love you, as well, Amanda. I’m certain of it.”

Elizabeth began to fuss, as if protesting that the conversation was no longer about her. Paul laughed and came to take his daughter. Amanda marveled at the tenderness in his eyes. Would she ever see such a look from her own husband as he gazed upon their child?

“I believe it’s time to leave these two—excuse me—these
three
to get to know one another better,” Amanda said. She looped arms with Fanny and smiled.

“I suppose you are right. We will have plenty of time to fuss over Liza later.”

“Beth,” Amanda countered.

“Excuse me?” Fanny looked at her oddly as they made their way to the door.

“We aren’t going to call her Liza. Liza is too guttural. Too harsh. I think we should call her Beth.”

Sophie laughed, causing them both to turn. “Her name,” Sophie stated, “is Elizabeth. Not Liza. Not Beth.
Elizabeth
.”

Fanny and Amanda exchanged a glance and began to laugh. “It’s good to see Sophie feeling like her old bossy self,” Amanda declared. “Better be careful, Paul. She’s something else when her temper’s up.”

Paul chuckled and eased into the chair beside the bed. “And well I know it. Talk about something unexpected. I’ve never seen such a . . .” His words trailed off as he met the quizzical look on Sophie’s face.

“Come on, Fanny. I’ve seen her like this before. We don’t want to be around for what’s coming.”

“You’re right,” Fanny agreed. “You’re so very right.”

A Surrendered Heart
By Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller

In the spring of 1899,
cholera strikes Rochester, New York. While most of the members of the Broadmoor family flee to their castle home in the Thousand Islands, Amanda Broadmoor and another Home for the Friendless employee, Dr. Blake Carstead, remain in Rochester to help control the spread of the dreaded disease. However, much more than Amanda’s health hangs in the balance. Mishandling of the family fortune threatens to leave the Broadmoor family penniless and scorned by society unless Amanda is willing to sacrifice her future. Will she be forced to marry a man she disdains in order to save the

Broadmoor legacy?

M
ORE
H
ISTORICAL
A
DVENTURE FROM

Tracie Peterson

Follow Mia, Catherine, and Cassie as they defy the social norms of 1800s Philadelphia and take on unusual careers. But as each woman finds herself in over her head, she risks losing her family’s goodwill, her true love, and even her life.

LADIES OF LIBERTY
A Lady of High Regard
A Lady of Hidden Intent
A Lady of Secret Devotion

After the unexpected death of their father, Gwen, Beth, and Lacy Gallatin carve out a life for themselves in the Montana wilds. But life for the three sisters is anything but restful, and they must face their own sets of challenges and adventures before finding their hearts’ desires.

A Promise to Believe In
THE BRIDES OF GALLATIN COUNTY #1

M
ORE
H
ISTORICAL
D
RAMA FROM

Judith Miller

When Olivia Mott is asked to act as a rail spy, she finds that life in Pullman, Illinois, is not as picturesque as it appears...and the young man who’s stolen her heart might be responsible.

POSTCARDS FROM PULLMAN
In the Company of Secrets
Whispers Along the Rails
An Uncertain Dream

Table of Contents

Cover Page

Title Page

Table of Contents