Darby's Decision, page 19
Her brow furrowed. “You’re saying you’d give up time with Leo for me?”
“I’d give my life for you, Darby. The same way you placed yourself in danger for Leo.” He held her gaze. “Because you love him.”
Her mouth dropped open. “I—see.”
“Do you?” He reached out to grasp her hand. “I love you, Darby Walsh. I want to share my life with you.”
“Me?” She tightened her grip on his hand. “You’re not just saying that?”
“I promise I won’t lie to you. Not now, not ever.”
She rested her free hand on his chest. “I won’t lie to you either. And you don’t have to wait that long because I care about you too.”
A flicker of hope burned in his chest. “Yeah?”
Her lips curved into a smile. “Yeah.”
He drew her toward him. She didn’t resist, coming into his embrace and lifting herself up on her tiptoes to kiss him.
As before, their kiss was explosive. More intense than what he’d remembered in the past. Darby felt so right in his arms, as if this was exactly where they were supposed to be.
Together. As a family.
Gage didn’t want to let her go. He kissed her until they couldn’t breathe, then buried his face in her hair.
“Are you kissing Mommy?” Leo asked.
Their son’s innocent question made him grin. Truthfully, he’d almost forgotten Leo was still awake. “Yes, I am. Because I love your mommy very much.”
The little boy’s gaze shifted between the two of them. “Does Mommy love you too?”
“Uh, well . . .” He tried to think of a way to explain the complexity of their situation.
“Yes,” Darby said. “I love your daddy very much.”
“What about me?” Leo asked.
Gage laughed and loosened his grip on Darby just enough to reach out to the boy. He lifted the child until he was part of their three-way embrace. “We both love you, too, Leo.”
“Yes,” Darby whispered. “Mommy and Daddy love you very much.”
Leo rested his head on Gage’s shoulder. Gage felt his heart swell as he met Darby’s soft gaze. “Are you sure? I don’t want to rush you into something you’re not ready for.”
“I’m sure.” She kissed Leo’s cheek, then his. “I’m sorry I misunderstood your intent, Gage. It just seems like you could do so much better than a former drug addict.”
“Hey, I’m an ex-con,” he reminded her. “But we are also God’s children. And with His love and guidance, we fit perfectly together.”
“You’re right,” Darby admitted softly. “We’re better together. I know God must have been watching over us today. I really thought I was going to die.”
He tightened his grip around her waist. “Me too. And God answered our prayers, bringing us safely out of danger to this moment right now.”
“Yes, I believe He did,” Darby whispered. “I guess I’m glad to know the Preacher was wrong all those years ago. That there is a loving and caring God watching over us.”
“Ah, Darby.” He wanted to kiss her again. “You have no idea how happy I am to hear you say that.”
She stroked a hand down Leo’s back. “I want Leo to grow up believing in God too. Can you help us with that?”
“I would love to,” he assured her.
“Your friend James is the assistant pastor at your church, right?” Darby asked.
“Yes.”
She drew in a deep breath. “I haven’t been in a church in a long time.”
He frowned. “If you’re talking about the years since you’ve escaped the Preacher, please know that wasn’t really church. Not God’s church.”
“I’ll try to keep that in mind. But you need to know it may take me a while to be comfortable in a church setting.” Darby’s blue eyes begged for understanding. “I have tried to move beyond the memories, but it’s not easy. Sometimes they return without warning.”
He realized she was talking about flashbacks. “Darby, you don’t have to go into church until you’re ready. In fact, they often have outdoor services when the weather is nice. Maybe not now, in the heat of summer, but come fall, I think they’ll start back up again.”
“Outdoor services?” A wistful expression crossed her features. “That sounds nice.”
“I love you,” he repeated.
“And I love you too,” Darby assured him.
Gage continued to hold Leo and Darby close as he silently thanked God for bringing them together. For knowing they were better together.
His true family. Now and forever.
Epilogue
Two weeks later . . .
Darby walked into the townhouse, surprised to see Gage had already arrived. On these rare nights they were together, Darby encouraged Edith to take some time for herself. Tonight, Edith and a friend of hers had decided to go see a movie. “Hi, you’re early. I’ll be ready for dinner soon.”
“I have news.” Gage set Leo on his feet and crossed over to meet her. “I found Hailey Donovan.”
She instinctively took a step back. “You did? How? When?”
Now Gage looked uncertain. “I thought you’d be happy. You mentioned wanting to see your foster siblings, so I set out to find Hailey. She lives in Gatlinburg.”
“I am happy.” She swallowed hard. “And nervous. I don’t know what Hailey will think of me.” She glanced at their son. “Or Leo.”
“I don’t think she’s going to be upset to learn she’s an aunt,” Gage said.
“Gatlinburg.” Darby realized that neither one of them had ended up staying in Pigeon Forge. The place was a terribly gaudy tourist attraction these days, worse now than it had been ten years ago.
“I have her phone number,” Gage continued. He held out his cell phone. “Call her.”
She looked at the phone as if it were a poisonous spider. “How on earth did you get her number?”
“Well, if you must know, she actually found you. Found us. Apparently, our names hit the newspapers, and she had Sawyer help track us down,” Gage explained. “She called Detective Pride, who gave her number to me.”
Darby took the phone and glanced down at the number Gage had on the screen. She drew in a deep breath and pushed the button.
“Hello?” Hailey’s familiar voice caused a visceral reaction. Darby’s knees went weak, and she sank onto the sofa.
“Hailey?” Darby’s voice was thick with emotion. “Is that you?”
“Yes, is this Darby?”
“Yeah.” She gripped the phone so tight she feared she’d crack the casing.
“Is it really you?” Hailey’s voice sounded hopeful. “Tell me something only the two of us know.”
“We sneaked into motels to eat continental breakfasts.” Darby caught Gage’s gaze and smiled. “I can’t believe we’re talking after all this time.”
“Oh, Darby, I’ve thought of you so often.” Hailey sighed. “I’m so sorry we argued. I tried to find you after I got out . . .”
“But I’d taken off with Aaron, which turned out to be a big mistake.”
“No, it’s my fault, I shouldn’t have pushed,” Hailey insisted. There was a pause before Hailey asked, “How are you doing?”
“I’m really good. I, uh, got rid of Aaron and, well, made a bunch of other mistakes, but I’m six years sober and doing very well.”
“I’m so happy for you.”
“I, uh, also have a five-year-old son, Leo. He’s a great kid, and I’ve recently reconnected with his father.”
“Darby, listen, you don’t have to depend on Leo’s father for support. You can relocate here to Gatlinburg, and I’ll be happy to help out.”
“You’re still trying to fix me, huh?” Darby swiped at her tears. “There’s no need to worry, Gage Killion is a wonderful guy and believes God brought us together.”
“Really? He said that?” Hailey asked.
“Yes.” Darby wished she could see the expression on her sister’s face. “I love him, Hailey. And he loves me. We’re currently in Knoxville. You should know that relocating to Gatlinburg isn’t an option.”
“I’m really happy you found love, Darby. And, uh, I did too.”
It was Darby’s turn to be taken by surprise. “Really?”
“I’m engaged to a wonderful man named Rock Wilson, he’s a park ranger. And we’re hoping to get married soon.”
“That sounds wonderful, Hailey.” Darby smiled at Gage. “I hope I get to meet him sometime.”
“Oh, you will. I recently returned from Chattanooga, where Sawyer lives. Can you believe he’s engaged to be married too? It’s kinda crazy when you think about it. So far the three of us have found each other and love.”
“Sawyer?” Darby’s heart quickened. “Have you found the other fosters too? Cooper, Trent, Jayme, and Caitlyn?”
“Not yet, but we will.” Darby could hear Hailey say something in the background. “Listen, Darby, I want to see you. Rock says he’d love to take a weekend trip to Knoxville.”
“I’d love to see you too.” Darby could hardly believe she was having this conversation. “I’ve missed you so much, Hailey.”
“I’ve missed you, too.” Hailey’s voice was thick. “You don’t know how much I’ve thought about you over the years.”
“Back at you,” Darby assured her. “We’ll talk soon, okay? You have Gage’s number but take mine too.” She rattled off the information. “It’s wonderful to hear you’re happy.”
“And I’m glad to hear you’re happy too.” Hailey sniffed. “I also can’t wait to meet my nephew.”
Darby laughed. “Soon,” she promised. “We’ll meet up very soon.”
“Love you.”
“Love you too.” Darby blinked away fresh tears as she handed Gage his phone back. “That was the nicest gift anyone has ever given me.”
“Well, I hope I can change your mind about that.” Gage gestured for Leo to come over. The little boy stood next to his father, and the likeness between them made her heart melt. “We bought you something, didn’t we, Leo?”
The boy nodded and held out a small box. “Daddy and I wanted to buy you something pretty.”
“Something pretty?” She took the box, searching Gage’s expression. When she opened the box, she saw a modest engagement ring.
“Darby, Leo gave me permission to ask you to marry me.” Gage looked serious. “We can have a long engagement, if that’s what you want.”
“No, Gage, I don’t want a long engagement.” She handed him the box. “Put the ring on for me.”
He did as she asked, and she nodded. “I love you, Gage, and I’d be honored to be your wife.”
“I’m glad to hear that,” Gage said. “See, Leo? It worked. Your mommy has agreed to marry me.”
“Does that mean we’ll live together?” Leo asked.
“Yes, it does,” Darby assured him. She hugged and kissed Leo, then threw herself into Gage’s arms.
She couldn’t remember ever being this happy. Hearing from Hailey and her fiancé, Rock, learning about Sawyer’s engagement, followed by Gage’s proposal.
Life couldn’t possibly get any better than this.
* * *
Thanks for reading Darby’s Decision! I hope you’re enjoying all the stories related to the foster siblings. Are you ready to read Cooper’s Choice? Click Here!
Dear Reader
I hope you enjoyed Darby’s Decision, the third book in my Smoky Mountain Secrets series. I really wanted to write a series featuring characters that have every reason not to believe in God, yet who each find their faith and love.
I’m working hard on Cooper’s Choice, which will be followed by Trent’s Trust and Jayme’s Journey. All six of these books will be published this year. You won’t want to miss a single one.
If you enjoyed this book, please consider leaving a review. Reviews are critical to authors, and I would appreciate you taking the time to help me out. Also, I adore hearing from readers. I can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LauraScottBooks, via Twitter at https://twitter.com/laurascottbooks, and through my website https://www.laurascottbooks.com. You may want to sign up for my monthly newsletter where I announce new releases along with bargain books from some of my friends. I also offer a free novella that is not for sale on any platform.
If you’re interested in Cooper’s story, I’ve attached the first chapter here for your reading pleasure.
Take care and stay safe!
Until next time,
Laura Scott
Cooper’s Choice
Cooper Orchard caught a glimpse of the pretty dark-haired woman walking swiftly toward the church for the second day in a row. He’d noticed her for several reasons—her beauty, her single-minded determination, and the air of fragile innocence that surrounded her. His artistic eye had especially longed to capture the intense expression on her heart-shaped face framed by her dark wavy hair.
Turning over the page of his sketchbook, he continued drawing her likeness from what he’d started yesterday, working swiftly as he suspected she wouldn’t be there long. At least, she hadn’t been yesterday. As her image bloomed on the page, he found himself wondering why she kept going into the church. Two days in a row seemed like a lot.
After suffering physical and psychological abuse during the five long years he’d been stuck living with the Preacher, Cooper had absolutely no desire to get anywhere near the so-called house of God. He refused to have anything to do with religion. The Preacher’s screaming about sin and God’s wrath had only reinforced the hell he and his foster siblings had lived in. They’d only managed to escape the seemingly endless abuse because of the fire that had broken out late one night.
The Preacher and his wife, Ruth, had died in the blaze. Personally, Cooper had always thought they’d gotten exactly what they’d deserved. Karma, considering how much the Preacher had screamed at them, hitting them with switches as he ranted about the fires of hell.
Well, the fires of hell had certainly taken the Preacher.
He was so intent on his sketch he didn’t notice the woman who approached from his left. “Oh, you do such amazing work,” she gushed.
Normally, Coop would have turned on the charm. After all, he earned a living by sketching tourists, and August in Gatlinburg was a peak time for business. Women like this lady standing next to him tended to flirt with him, wanting to see their likeness recreated, especially when he made sure their image was more flattering than reality. No wrinkles, no lines, more definition to the cheekbones and jaw. And he always played up their eyes.
Only, today he found himself irritated by the distraction. He forced a smile. “Happy to sketch you after I finish this one.”
“And how long will that be?” She sounded a bit put off. As if he should drop everything to cater to her wishes. Again, something he’d normally do.
“An hour, maybe less.” He told himself he was crazy to put off a paying customer, but he suspected his mystery girl would be coming out of the church again soon. And he wanted to get another look at her so he could finish his drawing.
“I’ll see if I can make it back here.” The woman who looked old enough to be his mother turned away.
He let her go and continued drawing, one eye glued to the church entrance. When the beautiful woman came out of the church, his heart kicked up a notch. There was something about her that called to him. Some quality he couldn’t quite define.
Who was she? Why did she go inside the church these past two days? It wasn’t even Sunday, although he knew some people didn’t limit their worship to one day a week. The Preacher who’d tormented him and his foster siblings had done so nearly every day, rain or shine.
A movement behind his mystery girl made him frown. A man wearing black jeans, a black T-shirt, and a black baseball cap pulled low over his eyes stepped out from behind a tree, falling into step just a few yards behind her. A warning tingle shot down the back of Cooper’s neck, every instinct going on high alert. He tossed his charcoal stick down and left his easel, stool, and sketchbook to follow.
At some level, Cooper knew he was taking a risk leaving the tools of his trade behind. After all, drawing was his livelihood. He couldn’t afford to replace whatever someone decided to steal. But the man dressed in black appeared to be keeping a keen eye on the pretty woman, and Cooper didn’t like it.
He’d lived on the streets long enough to recognize someone with less than honorable intentions when he saw one. When he noticed the pretty woman glancing furtively over her shoulder, he quickened his pace.
The guy in black moved faster too. Cooper instinctively knew the guy intended to grab her. He broke into a run and forcefully rammed into the guy, knocking him off his feet.
“Run,” he shouted to the pretty girl as the guy in black scrambled up to take a swing at him.
Cooper ducked and lashed out with his foot, kicking the guy below the belt. Street fighting at its best. The guy in black moaned and doubled over in pain. It was the break Cooper needed.
He rushed forward, irritated to note the pretty girl was standing there, gaping at him in surprise. He scowled. “I told you to run.”
“I—you . . .” She looked badly shaken. She belatedly turned and ran.
Cooper kept pace, covering her back. He could practically taste the girl’s fear as she sent furtive glances at him over her shoulder.
“Get away from me,” she shouted.
She wanted him to get away from her? What about the guy dressed in black? Cooper was no threat. Not like that guy.
Suddenly another man appeared, stepping out from between two buildings. He was dressed exactly like the other guy, all in black including the same plain black baseball cap. The pretty girl gasped and tried to dart around him, but the stranger reached out to snag her arm. She screamed, and Cooper sprinted forward.
“Let her go!” He punched the guy in the face, causing pain to shoot through his hand and up his arm. Not the smartest move as his hands were his bread and butter. The stranger reared back and must have loosened his hold on the pretty girl’s arm enough that she was able to yank free.
