Page 91 of A Twist of Faith
One scene shot to full screen in his mind. She’d told him she loved him. He groaned. And he’d thrown in right back in her face like it didn’t mean anything. He couldn’t … no, he wouldn’t lose this chance, because she did deserve better—and he’d give it to her.
Reese tossed another look heavenward.“Well, what do you want me to do, Lord?”
Energy swelled within him, energy and hope. His gaze fell to the axe across the room. He needed to think some more, especially with an ax in hand. Maybe beating out the frustrations would help clear his mind … and his heart … and then? Well, by then maybe God would help him figure out how to keep Dee Roseland in his life.
Chapter 19
You see, really and truly, apart from the things anyone can pick up (the dressing and the proper way of speaking, and so on), the difference between a lady and a flower girl is not how she behaves, but how she's treated. I shall always be a flower girl to Professor Higgins, because he always treats me as a flower girl, and always will; but I know I can be a lady to you, because you always treat me as a lady, and always will. (Pygmalion, Act 5)
Dee’s body ached all over, from the inside out. Tossing and turning through the night, a battle of guilt and regret, marked wounds much deeper than sore muscles. She’d lost something far greater than a promotional step up the academic stairway. She’d lost her home. Failure never burned with such raw, spirit-scarring depth before. She sat up in bed and rubbed at the remnant of tears on her cheeks. Her pasty face evidence of a night of weeping.
The sun’s light spread through the blinds of her hotel window and warned of late morning. She placed her elbows on her bent knees and covered her face with her hands. If only it all had been a nightmare.
Reese Mitchell proved to be the perfect knight in shining armor, not because of a tux or a beard, or any of those things—but because he loved her, and taught her how to love. She replayed the moment he’d entered the ballroom in her mind and her face flushed hot.
Drop-dead gorgeous.
And though looks weren’t everything, Reese Mitchell showed off a side of him, fuzz-free, she’d never imagined, as amazing on the outside as the inside. She touched her lips, memories of his kiss lingering. Fresh tears pressed through her closed eyelids and took familiar trails down her face. And what had she done to that amazing man?
Alienated him. Hurt him.
Crying began anew, quivering her body. She slid from the bed and fell to her knees with an anguished sob. She finally learned what mattered most, only to lose it?
“I’m sorry, God. I’m so very sorry.”
I am with you.
The words pealed through the pain, light piercing her darkness and beckoning her to follow. A simple whisper threading beyond her sorrow. Something in her soul sprung open, welcoming the voice and the hope into her brokenness—a gentle touch sifting beyond the wounds.I have loved you with an everlasting love.
Her spirit clung to the promise, to the light. Amazing Grace? Oh please, she needed grace. She yearned for forgiveness, wholeness, but didn’t deserve it. She’d done so many things wrong, allowed bitterness and pride to feed her selfishness, lied, hated, judged. She didn’t merit something as beautiful as the light of grace spilling through her—yet it came, flooding with quaking force. She couldn’t stop it. She didn’t want to.
You once were lost.
Her past of poor choices, her fear and blindness, even her deception of Reese or her hateful pride wasn’t too big for God’s grace. He loved her anyway and always.
“But now,” her voice caught. “I’m found.”
Found. Home. Hope swelled a melody of thanksgiving, along with an entire chorus of tears. Truly home.
Time passed in a blur of joy and gratitude as she lay with her face to the floor. Sweet relief. Amazing love. And, as the tears cleared, and out of the throes of her first real communion with her Heavenly Father, she devised a clear plan.
Reese had trusted her, believed in her … cared for her? Oh yes, she knew the look in his eyes, the sincerity in his touch. He cared, far deeper than any man and despite her many failings, she’d never given up a dream without a fight. Even if she had to fight against Reese’s memories and his deceased wife’s betrayal, she’d attempt to show him the truth. God brought him and his beautiful family into her life and she would not give them up without another chance to prove she was not a liar.
No dream fell too far from God’s hand, just as no soul grew too lost for Him to rescue.
Like her.
A splash of water to her face teased a mild chill and complete alertness. Her reflection produced a moan. Pale face, dark rings under her red-splotched eyes, and a remarkable glow in her wobbly smile.
She pulled on jeans and a sweater, tossed her hair in a ponytail, and rammed the remainder of her things into her bag. If she had to swallow every ounce of pride, or beg on hands and knees, or … she zipped her bag closed and sighed. No matter the cost.
Her cell buzzed to life and drew her attention to the nightstand. Eleven-thirty? Unbelievable. She frowned. Much later than she’d hoped. She reached for the mobile and Alex Murdock’s number lit the display screen.
She ignored it and tossed the phone onto the bed. Hadn’t Mr. Tricky done enough?
Her shoulders slumped forward and she buried her face in her hands—but it wasn’t Alex’s fault. In his own strange way, he’d attempted to promote her and fulfill her dream. It was kind of sweet, in a weird sort of way.
A knock sounded at her hotel door. “Adelina, we need to talk.”
