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  Grace closed her eyes for a moment and shook her head. “It’s just all so unbelievable, but we did it, Alex. We found out the truth about Landon’s death just like we promised his father we would.”

  Her hand still covered his, and he tightened his grip as he glanced down at their intertwined fingers. “We did. Now what are you going to do with Landon’s ring?”

  She pulled free of him and held her hand up. The tiny birthstones in the ring sparkled, and she looked at it for a moment before she slipped it from her finger and dropped it in her purse. “This ring belongs in the past like so many things in my life do. I feel like I’ve helped an old friend by finding out the truth about his death, although I found out some things I was sorry to know. Now I can let that part of my life go.”

  “We did what we promised Mr. Mitchell. I wish he was here today to know about it,” Alex whispered.

  She took a deep breath and straightened her shoulders. “I do, too, but enough talk about sad things. We need to be happy. You’re going to be all right, and there are some things about our past that we need to get settled.”

  “I think so, too, but first I have a question. Has anybody called my father?”

  “Captain Wilson called him when he called Patrolman Grayson’s parents. And by the way, that young patrolman is going to be okay, too.”

  “Good. So would you mind if I called my father before we talk about whatever it is you have on your mind? I want him to know I’m okay.”

  Grace nodded and reached for his cell phone, which lay on the bedside table. “Want me to connect it for you?”

  He shook his head. “I have him on speed dial. I’ll do it.”

  She handed him the phone and sat down in the chair beside his bed. He put the phone to his ear and waited for his father to answer. It only took a moment.

  “Hi, Dad,” he said. “I’m in recovery and wanted you to know I’m okay.”

  He nodded while he listened, and Grace gazed at his profile. Even with all the tubes and machines as well as a five o’clock shadow, she didn’t think he’d ever looked so handsome. Her heart swelled with love for him. Now if only he could feel the same about her.

  “Yeah, it looks like I won’t be able to make it for Christmas.”

  Grace’s heartbeat quickened. Maybe he wanted to spend it with her.

  “I doubt if the doctor will want me to travel that soon,” he continued. “I may have to postpone the trip for a few weeks, but I’m still coming.”

  Grace swallowed her disappointment. So his plans for going to Florida were still in place, which meant he still wanted the job there. She brushed at a tear in the corner of her eye.

  “But when I come, I’m going to bring someone with me—my fiancée.” He turned to look at her. “Do you think you can get some time off to go visit my father?”

  All she could do was stare in dumbfounded disbelief and nod. Alex laughed and winked at her before he turned his attention back to his father. “Yeah, it’s Grace. Who else would it be? I’ll call you later today and let you know how I’m feeling. Bye, Dad. I love you.”

  He ended the call and handed her the phone. “Dad said to tell you hi.”

  She frowned, shook her head, and placed his cell phone back on the table. Then she rose to her feet and stared at him. “What just happened here?”

  “You mean the part about you being my fiancée?”

  “Yes, where did that come from?”

  He reached for her hand and laced their fingers together. “When I woke up on that riverbank and thought Patrick Caldwell was going to kill you, I regretted every minute that we’d been apart. I knew if God let us live, I was going to spend the rest of my life making it up to you for being such a jealous guy and ruining our chance at happiness years ago.” He paused and pulled her closer. “I’ve never quit loving you, Grace. Please let me show you how much.”

  “B-but you told your father we were engaged, and you didn’t even know if I love you or not.”

  “Yes, I do.”

  She smiled at him. “And how do you know?”

  His eyes sparkled. “Because there’s been a bond between us since we were ten years old. It grew deeper as we got older. I’ve never loved anybody else, and I never will. We’ve wasted enough years when we should have been together. If you’ll marry me, I’ll do everything in my power to make you happy. I’ll leave Memphis if you want to go back to the networks. My life is meaningless if you’re not in it. How about it, Grace? Will you spend the rest of your life with me?”

  Tears filled her eyes. “I’ve loved you for as long as I can remember. I don’t want anybody else but you.” She leaned closer and squeezed his hand. “But I don’t want the networks. I want to live our life together here where we met and grew up. All I want is you.”

  “Then marry me,” he whispered. “I don’t ever want to be away from you again.”

  “Neither do I. Yes, I’ll marry you.”

  He released her hand, grasped the back of her neck and pulled her head down until their lips touched. “I love you, Grace Kincaid,” he whispered.

  “And I love you, Alex Crowne,” she answered.

  She pressed her lips to his, and her heart soared. The love they shared had never died, and she could hardly wait to begin their new life together.

  * * *

  Alex sat down on the sofa in the Kincaids’ hotel suite, stretched his legs out in front of him and closed his eyes. He didn’t know when he’d ever spent a better Christmas Day. The dinner prepared by the hotel staff had been delicious, but the best part of the meal had been Grace and her parents. The only thing that could have made it better would have been to have his father with them, but he would be here soon.

  His father had decided that moving to Florida hadn’t been the best choice for him. He’d missed the life he’d known in Memphis, but he’d especially missed being with his son. Now with Alex and Grace getting married, he wanted to be nearby in case there were grandchildren in his future.

  The cushion next to him dipped, and he opened his eyes to see Grace sitting beside him. She had her arm on the back of the couch and one leg curled underneath her. She scooted closer and smiled. “What are you thinking about?”

  “My dad. I’m glad he’s moving back. With him nearby, I can keep a close watch on his health.”

  “We both will,” Grace said as she leaned back into the cushions. “Did you get enough to eat?”

  He groaned. “I’m stuffed more than the turkey was, but I think I’ll be hungry again by nighttime.” She laughed, reached over and trailed the tip of her forefinger down his jawline. He closed his eyes at the pleasure that raced through him. “I always liked it when you did that.”

  “And I always liked it, too.” She leaned closer and brushed her lips across his. “It’s almost been a perfect day, hasn’t it?”

  He nodded. “It has. Now all that’s left to do is open the presents. I can hardly wait to see what you got me.”

  She laughed and arched her eyebrows. “If I’d had more time to shop, I could have gotten something better. But all my time these past few days has been spent playing nurse to a grumpy patient.”

  “And you’ve done a mighty good job, ma’am. I may decide to keep you around for quite a while.”

  She laughed and swatted his leg as the bedroom door opened and her father’s wheelchair rolled into the room. Her mother followed behind. “It sounds like everybody in here has the Christmas spirit,” Mr. Kincaid said as he came to a stop. “I move that we keep the festivities going by opening presents.”

  Grace clapped her hands and smiled. “And I second the motion. All in favor say aye.”

  All four yelled their response at the same time. Mr. Kincaid smiled at his daughter. “Grace, do you want to do the honors and pass out the gifts?”

  Fifteen minute
s later Christmas paper and ribbons littered the floor. Grace jumped up and ran to give her parents each a kiss. “Thank you for everything you gave me. I love the clothes, and the jewelry will set each outfit off.”

  Alex held up his present. “Mr. Kincaid, I can’t believe this. A private suite with catering and a server for the remainder of the Memphis Grizzlies’ season? This is too much.”

  Mr. Kincaid waved his hand in dismissal. “Not at all. If you decide you like having the suite, I’ll get one for the whole season next year. I do have to warn you, though, that Grace would rather go to a play at the Orpheum than see a basketball game. I thought if you didn’t mind, I might go with you sometime.”

  Alex’s throat closed up, and tears stung his eyes. He’d never thought to see the day when Grace’s father would tolerate his presence, much less want to hang out with him at a ball game. It only reaffirmed what he was just beginning to understand—with God nothing was impossible.

  “Thank you, sir. I’d like that a lot.” He took a deep breath and rose to his feet. “Now there’s something I’d like to do.” He looked at Grace. “Please come sit down.”

  She looked at her mother and laughed. “This sounds interesting.”

  She sat down on the couch, and he turned to face her parents. “As you know, things happened rather quickly over the past two weeks. When I woke up in the hospital, all I could think about was how much I loved Grace and how much time we’d wasted being apart. When she came to see me in recovery, I’m afraid I didn’t give her a very romantic proposal. In fact, I informed her we were getting married.”

  Her parents smiled, and her father shook his head. “That’s all right. We’re glad you’re both safe and weren’t hurt.”

  “I am, too, but I really feel like I should have talked with both of you before we started making plans. I really want to be a part of this family, and I want to make sure you want that, too.”

  Her father nodded. “You needn’t worry, Alex. We couldn’t be happier to have you for a son.”

  “Thank you, sir.” He reached in his pocket with his good arm, pulled out a ring box, and knelt in front of Grace. He opened it and looked up at her. “Grace Kincaid, I love you with all my heart. Please marry me and make me the happiest man on earth.”

  Tears filled her eyes, and she looked at the ring, then back at him. “It’s a beautiful ring. And nothing would make me happier than to be your wife.”

  Smiling, he pulled the ring from the box and slipped it on her finger. “Now it’s official. I don’t want that ring to ever come off your finger.”

  “It won’t,” she whispered and leaned forward to kiss him.

  They pulled apart, but Alex didn’t want to move. It had been so long since he was this happy he wanted to keep looking at her and soak up every inch of the woman he’d loved since he was ten years old. After a moment her father’s discreet cough caught his attention, and he rose.

  “Have you two decided when you want to have the wedding?” her father asked.

  Alex shook his head. “I don’t know. We haven’t had a chance to talk about where we’re going to live. I don’t think my apartment’s big enough. Grace couldn’t get all her clothes in the tiny closet.”

  Her mother laughed and nodded. “She’ll need some room, that’s for sure.”

  Grace frowned. “We also have to think about you two. Who will help you at night, Mother, if I’m not there?”

  Her father shook his head. “You’re not to worry about me. I’m going to hire a personal assistant as soon as we get back in the house. We’ll make it fine, and I don’t want you to start married life with your parents. So I decided to do something about it.”

  Grace stared at her father. “What have you done?”

  He picked up an envelope from the tray of his wheelchair and held it out. “This is for you and Alex with love from your mother and me.”

  Alex looked at Grace, and she shrugged. She took the envelope from her father, and Alex looked over her shoulder as she unfolded the papers inside. His eyes grew wide, and he shook his head in disbelief. “Mr. Kincaid, this is too much.”

  “No, it’s not, Alex. You saved my daughter’s life and helped bring the man who put me in this wheelchair to justice. I can never repay you for all you’ve done for me.”

  “But a house? You want to give us a house?”

  Grace’s father laughed. “It’s only a starter house. You can sell it later on and move into a larger one when you decide to bless us with grandchildren. I spent a lot of years working for the money I accumulated. Now I want my family to enjoy it. The house belongs to you and Grace.”

  Tears ran down Grace’s face. She ran to her parents and embraced them. “Thank you, Mom and Dad. I don’t know what to say.”

  Her mother kissed her on the cheek. “Just be happy, darling. That’s all we want for you.”

  “I will.”

  “Now,” her father said, “if all the gifts are distributed, I think I’ll take a nap.” He looked at his wife. “Want to join me?”

  She cast a glance at Grace and Alex. “I think these two might like to have some time alone.”

  When her parents had disappeared into the bedroom, Alex put his arms around Grace and pulled her to him. “I think your father had a good idea about leaving us alone. What would you like to do?”

  Before she could answer, her cell phone rang. She pulled it from her pocket and smiled. “It’s Derek from the station. I guess he’s calling to wish us merry Christmas.” She pressed the phone to her ear. “Hello, Derek. Are you having a good Christmas?”

  She listened for a moment, and her smile grew larger. “Spending it with Julie? You don’t say. It sounds like things are going well for you.”

  She walked to the window and looked out as she continued to listen. “That’s the best news I’ve had in a long time. Thanks for calling to let me know. I’m looking forward to getting back to work, and tell Julie I’ll be in touch in a few days. Bye, Derek.”

  She hung up but didn’t turn away from the window right away. Alex frowned and took a step toward her. “Is everything okay?”

  She looked over her shoulder and smiled. “This was already the best Christmas ever, but it just got a lot sweeter.”

  “How’s that?”

  “Derek called to tell me Todd has gotten a job as anchor at a Los Angeles television station. He’s leaving after the first of the year.”

  He laughed. “So you got your wish.”

  She turned around and held out her hand. “But I got another one, too.”

  He walked to her and put his arm around her. “What’s the second one?”

  She pointed to the window. “Look outside, Alex. It’s snowing. After all these years we finally got our wish for a white Christmas.”

  He looked out the window at the snowflakes drifting to the ground. Already a blanket of snow had covered the street. The memories of Christmases past and wishes made floated through his mind. He remembered the innocent children they’d been and the angry adults they’d become.

  Outside the snow continued to fall as it covered everything and made a new world in the street below. That’s what the love he and Grace had for each other was going to do. With God’s help, their love would wipe away the hurts of the past and create a new life for them together.

  Alex tightened his arm around her waist and pulled her close. She snuggled against him as they gazed out the window at the falling snow. Contentment like he’d never known welled up in him. Smiling, she turned to face him, and he brushed the hair away from her face and kissed the scar on her forehead from so many years ago. “I love you, Grace,” he whispered. “This is the perfect ending for a perfect day.”

  * * * * *

  Keep reading for an excerpt from WILDERNESS PERIL by Elizabeth Goddard.

  Dear
Reader,

  I hope you enjoyed reading Alex and Grace’s story. When I first began to write this book, it was hard to imagine how two people who’d been childhood friends could wind up as angry adults. Then I realized jealousy, anger and imagined betrayal can sever the tightest of bonds. As I wrote their perilous journey toward the truth, I wanted them to learn what I’ve known for many years—God’s love can sustain us in our darkest hours. It is my prayer that if you haven’t found the strength that comes with knowing God’s love, you’ll tune your heart to His voice. Then you’ll know, like Alex and Grace, that He can fill you with peace and give your life new meaning. He’s waiting to hear from you.

  Sandra Robbins

  Questions for Discussion

  Alex and Grace were childhood friends but became alienated as adults. Has this ever happened to you and a friend?

  Grace had difficulty getting along with her coanchor Todd at the television station. Have you ever had to deal with someone in the workforce you didn’t trust?

  As a child, Alex was intimidated by Grace’s father. What does the Bible say about how adults should treat children?

  Grace’s father became disabled after being hurt in a drive-by shooting. Are you acquainted with anyone who deals with a disability? How do you minister to that person and their family?

  When the Kincaids’ house was vandalized, they didn’t mourn their lost possessions. Instead, they thanked God their family hadn’t been harmed. Are the things you own of the greatest importance to you? What is?

  Alex and Grace’s high school classmate Billy Warren suffered a mental collapse during their senior year. Have you ever had to deal with mental illness in your family or with a friend? What presented the greatest challenges to you about the experience?

  Sharon Warren possessed information that might have kept someone from being murdered if she had gone to the police. Do you believe witnesses who withhold information from the police should be punished? If so, how?

  Grace’s father asked Alex to forgive his past attitude toward him when he was growing up. Do you find it difficult to forgive those who have wronged you? What does the Bible say about forgiveness?