“Since I couldn’t get your son back for you,” he said huskily, “I figured this was the best way to keep him as part of our family.”
“Oh, Darius.” She pressed a hand to her mouth. “That’s the most beautiful thing you’ve ever said. How did I ever deserve a husband like you?”
He smiled down at her with such love that it stole her breath.
“I’m the lucky one,” he said. “The day God led me to you was the day of my salvation. You woke me from the stupor I’d been living in and challenged me to become a better man. A better person.” His gaze moved to the baby. “And together we’re going to raise our children to live with the same type of integrity.”
A loud knock sounded on the door. Sofia poked her head inside. “Grandma Ruth says to tell you that Abigail is napping now.” She pushed the door open and stared. “I want to see the baby. So does Yiayiá.”
Darius laughed. “Come in, Mouse. Come and meet your new brother.”
Her eyes went wide as she skipped across the room. “I have a brother?”
“You do,” Olivia said. “How do you feel about that?”
Sofia hopped up on Darius’s knee, peered down at the tiny face, and pursed her lips. “A brother is good. We already have lots of girls. Daddy needs another boy.”
Olivia laughed. “You’re right. He’s very outnumbered at the moment.”
“Speaking of numbers, I have a surprise for both of you.” Darius’s blue eyes danced.
“Is it a puppy?” Sofia demanded.
Olivia almost groaned. She’d been after them for a puppy for a while now, but at least she was no longer asking for an elephant.
“No, Mouse. Remember I told you a puppy would be too much work with two babies to look after?”
“Oh. I forgot.” Her face fell. “But Abigail won’t be a baby for long. Can we get one then?”
Darius shook his head, barely suppressing a grin. “We’ll discuss that when she’s older. My surprise is that I’ve found us a new house. It’s big enough for all of us and close to Bennington Place as well.” He looked at Olivia. “If you like it, I’ll put in a bid.”
They’d been living in rather cramped quarters with Darius’s parents, and although Olivia tried to be patient, Darius knew how much she wanted her own house. A home near Bennington Place sounded perfect. Close to Ruth, yet near enough to Darius’s parents that they could visit anytime they wished. And maybe one day, if her own family came around, a place where they could all gather for the holidays.
“I’m sure it’s wonderful. As soon as I’m up and about, I’ll be eager to see it.”
“Me too.” Sofia bounced on her father’s lap, her eyes bright.
Unable to stem the happy tears that welled again, Olivia reached out to touch the girl’s soft curls, basking in the glow of Darius’s warm regard. In the time of her darkest despair, she could never have imagined feeling so loved and protected, the way she felt every time her husband took her in his arms. With Darius, she’d found not only the security and the respectability she craved, but a true haven for her heart. She had no doubt he would cherish it always and do everything in his power to keep it safe.
She smiled into her husband’s eyes. “I never believed I could be this happy. Only God could have dreamed up such blessings for me.”
Darius gazed down at her. “For all of us.”
Then he bent and kissed her again, proving once more that with God’s help and a little courage, love would always be worth the risk.
Acknowledgments
This story was both heartbreaking and inspiring to write, and yet Olivia and Darius have become two of my favorite characters (with Sofia totally capturing my heart as well!).
As usual, many people helped bring this story to life:
Thank you to David Long and Jen Veilleux, my editors at Bethany House. Jen, your thoroughness continues to amaze me! You catch so many details, big and small, that I often overlook. And thank you to the entire team at Bethany House who work so hard to make our books shine. I especially love this cover with Olivia at the gate of the maternity home!
I’d also like to thank my agent, Natasha Kern, for all her hard work and dedication.
My sincerest gratitude goes to my amazing critique partner, Sally Bayless, who gives me such great advice and treats my stories with as much care as her own work.
And, as always, thank you to my family for their love and encouragement. Thanks to my husband, Bud, who went with me on two different research trips to Toronto for this story in order to get the feel of Greektown and Little Italy. It was fun exploring with you!
Thank you to my wonderful readers and influencers. I appreciate you all so much, especially those who take the time to let me know how my stories have impacted them. After all, that’s the reason we write!
Blessings until the next time,
Susan
To learn more about my books, please check out my website at www.susanannemason.net.
Susan Anne Mason describes her writing style as “romance sprinkled with faith.” She loves incorporating inspirational messages of God’s unconditional love and forgiveness into her stories. Irish Meadows, her first historical romance, won the Fiction from the Heartland contest sponsored by the Mid-American Romance Authors chapter of RWA. Susan lives outside Toronto, Ontario, with her husband and two adult children. She loves red wine and chocolate, and is not partial to snow even though she’s Canadian. Learn more about Susan and her books at www.susanannemason.net.
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Table of Contents
Cover
Half Title Page
Books by Susan Anne Mason
Title Page
Copyright Page
Contents
Dedication
A Note from the Author
Prologue
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Epilogue
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Back Ads
Back Cover
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