The Gift, page 24
“You…think I’m brave?” He thought she was brave? It was crazy, but Beth couldn’t imagine a life anywhere without Ty and his kids. Lorilee’s kids. Beth realized that Ty thought she deserved to be loved, to have a chance to raise his children. Staying sober so long told him she was a strong woman, one who might even be a good influence on everyone.
“I’m not cut out to be a farmer, Ty—not full-time, anyway.” She shook her head slowly. “Now that I’m finally learning to control my gift, I want—need—to use it.”
Sam cleared his throat. “Ever think of doing some consulting work, Cuz?”
“Consulting?” she echoed.
“I happen to know a certain chief of police who would sell his left nut to have you available even by phone once in a while.”
Ty chuckled. “Come to think of it, a certain small-town sheriff would appreciate your services, too.” He sighed and gripped her upper arms. “Stay.”
She nodded, her throat clogged with unshed tears. “I think,” she finally said, “that Lorilee left a little part of herself with me.”
Ty didn’t argue. “I carried a boatload of guilt for not getting her help when I knew in my gut she needed it.” He drew a deep breath and released it slowly. “You’ve allowed me to do that.”
“Well, kids,” Sam said, “I don’t think I’m needed here anymore.” He applauded, waved, blew her a kiss, and drove away in his rented Chevrolet.
“I believe in miracles again, Beth,” Ty said, holding her in his arms. “And now, because of you, I believe in love again.”
He kissed her again—a kiss filled with promises. When Beth pulled away, she gazed into his eyes, and into her future.
“I’m not going anywhere, cowboy.”
Acknowledgments
And welcome to our first grandchild,
Annabella Debra Carr, born May 22, 2009. She is a
true Gift and adorable evidence that the circle of life
and love really are eternal.
With much love and gratitude to Johnny Andrew Jackson (AKA my dad and the best one ever born); my critique partners, Paula Gill, Maureen McKade, Mary Chase, Carol Duncan, and Peg McCool; and to a man with great patience and much love, Martin Yaslowitz. They all have more faith in me than I have in myself, and probably far more than I deserve.
Special thanks to Annelise Robey and Alicia Condon for patience far above and beyond the call of duty.
Copyright
LOVE SPELL®
November 2009
Published by
Dorchester Publishing Co., Inc.
200 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10016
Copyright © 2009 by Debra S. Stover
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E-ISBN: 978-1-4285-0768-5
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Deb Stover, The Gift
