Page 38 of A Secret Promise

"Oh, Rule."

She wasn't saying anything different, but thewayshe said it, however...

"You understand then?" he asked gently.

Her tears were falling once more, but the sadness was gone in her eyes.

"The Lord disciplines whom He loves," she choked out. "I t-think that's the verse you're looking for."

"I think it is. I know it is...since you're the one who made me realize He doesn't stop loving us when we make mistakes. We're all His children, and that includes your friend..."

"Oh, Rule."

The joy in her tone was made more apparent by the stars that were now shining in her eyes as she gazed up at him.

"What happens to Nancy now may be mostly up to her," Rule cautioned, "but knowing you..."

Vixen gave him a guilty smile.

"You can't help wanting to do more, and I've thought of something that wecando."

"W-What is it?"

"Are you sure you want to hear this?"

Vixen blinked at him. "Why wouldn't I want to hear this?"

"Because you might find yourself falling even more in love with me—-"

Understanding dawned, and a blush stole over her cheeks even as Vixen released a shaken laugh.

"Should I still say it then?"

Vixen nodded even as the color of her cheeks deepened.

"Are you ready?"

"Oh, Rule—-"

He cupped her face. "We can pray for her."

"Oh, Rule."

Epilogue

VIXEN FOUND HERSELFabsently humming a Christmas tune while going through her mail. Bills, marketing, bills, bills, andoh!

The last one was a Christmas card from Gabriel and Mairy, and her lips twitched when she saw how they had addressed her.

Dear Matchmaker,

We thought we'd return the favor through Rule.

Love,

Your first unexpected success...but hopefully not your last.

Vixen burst into laughter after reading their note. It had been a while since she last made any attempt at matchmaking.Why is that, God?Could it be that this was also His way of lovingly telling her that she, well,suckedat it?

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