The Healing Place (17 page)

“I haven’t been able to get you off my mind.” His deep voice filled the room, the only sound she heard. “I’m so sorry for hurting you. I thought I was protecting you by sending you away. Now, I realize we’d both be stronger if we’re together. How can we be strong when we’re apart?”

“Protecting me? I’ve been miserable.”

“So have I. Please forgive me. I love you, Emma Shields. I love you more than I can say.”

Adoration shimmered in his eyes, mirroring her own overpowering emotions. Tears ran down her cheeks but she ignored them. What were a few tears when the man you loved made a statement like that?

“Mark—” she croaked, barely able to speak.

“Marry us, Emma! Say yes,” Angie yelled, jumping up and down with excitement.

Christy wiped tears from her cheeks while Sonja joined Angie’s chorus. “Say yes, Emma. Say yes!”

Emma hesitated, just to savor this remarkable moment. Just to cherish the miracle of God’s love.

“Oh, yes! Yes, I’ll marry you. I’d rather go through any pain than go on living without you. I love you and Angie so much.”

She found herself wrapped tight in Mark’s arms. His strength surrounded her, his deep laughter ringing in her ears.

“I thought I’d lost you,” she whispered against his neck.

“Never!”

Angie joined them, clasping Emma’s legs until Mark leaned down and picked her up. They embraced in a huddle and no words were needed. Their laughter and sighs of elation spoke volumes.

Tears of happiness dripped from Emma’s eyes. She had found her place of belonging, a place of healing. It was here, wrapped in the arms of her new family and God’s redeeming love. She had been so lost, but now she was found.

“Come on,” Mark said. “Let’s go home.”

ISBN: 978-1-4268-1037-4

THE HEALING PLACE

Copyright © 2007 by Lora Lee Bale

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