Page 12 of A Secret Promise

Riley.

This island.

Vixen.

And...the one behind Jeremiah 29:11.

"Dad?"

Rule focused his attention back on Riley and was surprised to find her expression wistful. "What is it?"

"Ilovethis place."

The words seemed to come out of nowhere, and his daughter looked just as stunned to hear herself say this.

"I mean, it's weird, right? Everything's soquiethere. Andslow.I'm not supposed to like these things, but I do. I love everything about this island. And the people here are amazing."

The words were too perfect a cue that it almost had Rule glancing up at the skies.

This is your work, isn't it?

He had looked upJeremiah 29:11last night before sleeping, but instead of giving him the answers he needed, the verse had only led to more questions. The words had made him want to believe. But to believe would lead to changes which he frankly found terrifying, and it was why Rule had woken up unwilling to even think of his name.

But you knew what I was trying to do.

God had used Vixen to open Rule's eyes to His existence. And now, God was using Riley to let Rule know there was no escaping His plans. Rule wanted to know if God also saw him as his son, and this was the answer.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Rule cleared his throat, and his daughter glanced at him curiously.

"Speaking of places and people...it seems we both have the same taste in cafes as well."

"Are you talking about BBB?"

"I am."

"But how did you know—-" Riley's eyes widened. "Did Vixen talk to you about me?"

"Actually, it was the other way around."

"But why would you—-" Riley let out a gasp when everything started adding up. "No way."

"I'm not falling for that again," Rule said dryly. The one time he had said 'yes way' in response, his daughter had teased him about being "ancient" for weeks.

"But we're thinking about the same thing, aren't we?"

"Whatareyou thinking?"

"That you...like her?"

"You soundhappyabout that," he observed.

"I am!" Riley's eyes were sparkling with delight, and Rule couldn't remember the last time he had seen his daughter this happy. "Tell me, though. How did she react when she found out you were my dad?"

"I'm sure you can imagine how."

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