Celina looked out the window of the bedroom she’d commandeered as her office. The sky was as dark as night, but the clock on her computer read three in the afternoon. Thunder shook the hardwood floorboards beneath her feet, and she saved her work just in case the power went out and her laptop battery died before she finished the project she was working on. She always volunteered to pick Emma up from her parents’ house when it rained, but she dreaded that stupid puddle at the front door. It seemed to get worse with each storm. Thankfully, Gabe was coming to fix it tomorrow. The rain should be gone by then, and hopefully he’d know what to do. A distant sound caught her attention, and she turned her head and stilled to listen. Moments passed in silence before she heard the sound again. Someone was at the front door. Celina’s heart was beating frantically by the time she reached the living room. Another wave of thunder rolled through the house, and she turned on the porch lights. It w

She knew it was probably Gabe knocking on the door, but her body couldn’t rationalize. He’d said he’d be back to pick them up at six, after all. With sweaty hands, Celina answered the door to find Gabe standing in a green-and-gray pearl snap shirt. The pale colors were a stark contrast to his dark-brown eyes. His hair was still damp from the shower, and his smile was bright. “You look amazing,” Gabe said in greeting. One day, she’d teach her heart not to waver at his sweet compliments, but she’d taken extra time getting ready. Her dark, curly hair hung loose past her shoulders. She’d actually styled it instead of throwing it into a ponytail. “You ready for some fun? Where’s Emma?” Gabe asked, too excited to contain his curiosity. She hadn’t expected him to be quite so eager. She still thought this might be a pity date. On cue, Emma ran around the corner screaming. “I got her. I’m ready.” She carried her favorite Lucy doll that was wearing a dress. “I couldn’t find the right color

Gabe. Gabe had waited at the end of the hallway for Celina to finish putting Emma to bed. The house was small enough that he’d heard Emma’s prayer and their confessions of love after. What he wouldn’t give to be a part of a love like that. The unfailing love between Celina and Emma choked him up. He could see that Celina was struggling with the repairs for the old house and juggling a full-time job and her family. He wanted to give them the world, but he knew Celina was too independent to just take what he wanted to offer without pushing back. Her pride wouldn’t allow a handout. He was leaned against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest when Celina stepped out of Emma’s room and closed the door behind her. The lamp in the living room cast a faint light down the hallway, and he couldn’t take his eyes from her as she turned to him. Her curly, dark hair hung past her shoulders today, and he wondered how it was possible that she could look more beautiful than before. The lig

The next morning, Rhonda came over to check on Emma and help Celina. While her mom and Emma cuddled, watched TV, and read books, Celina washed the endless sheets and clothes Emma had vomited on in the last twenty-four hours. No one had gotten any sleep. Emma was restless, and Celina was uncomfortable. It was Sunday, and the pediatrician’s office wouldn’t open until eight Monday morning. They’d have to hydrate and maintain until then. Just before noon, her mom stepped into the kitchen where Celina was tidying up after lunch. “She’s asleep.” Her mom reached for the coffee carafe and emptied its contents into her mug. “You need a nap too. Why don’t you go get in bed?” “I’m all right. I think I’ll run to the store in a little bit, if you’re planning to stick around. We need Pedialyte and medicine.” Rhonda shrugged. “Anything you need me to do while you’re gone?” “Not really. Just check on her and be there in case she wakes up.” “Okay. I brought my book. I’ll catch up on some reading

She wanted to want to go to Bible Study, and her hesitation brought about the nagging guilt that slipped up her back like a snake. Sissy and Lindsey had invited Celina to their weekly Tuesday night Bible Study, and she truly had wanted to go. Instead, she’d said she’d think about it, and she had. When she mentioned it to her mother in passing, she was relieved her mother had offered to keep Emma for an hour on a weeknight. She’d told Gabe the day before that she had plans and wouldn’t be home. He’d sounded disappointed, but she kept telling herself he would enjoy a night off. So why was she feeling guilty? She was aware that her inability to be away from her daughter for over eight hours was unhealthy, and she knew Emma was well-taken care of with her parents. The uneasiness in the pit of Celina’s stomach was because of Saul. Celina still hadn’t told her parents about his recent visit or the phone calls. They’d become more frequent lately, and he was growing increasingly desperate.