on the cast. He understood better now God’s calling for him. He hadn’t given his life to Jesus yet, but that would come. Bailey had no doubt.
“You’re moving a little slow, lady,” the bearded guy on her right elbowed her lightly in the ribs. “Pick it up.”
She looked at him, at the familiar teasing eyes she had come to love over the last few months. “Hey,” she leaned close, her voice a whisper. “Don’t hassle me, Brandon. I’ll pull off that beard and they’ll chase you out of here.”
He chuckled, pressing the fake beard firmly into place. Even the cast hadn’t figured out who he was with this disguise. Of course, Brandon had arrived separate from her and just as the meal was being served — all intentionally. Bailey had merely introduced him as Jorge, a friend in the business.
They went back to work, serving tirelessly for the next few hours. After that, she and Brandon found a quiet table and shared dinner with the street people gathered around them. Moments like this she was sure she’d made the right choice, and she was grateful beyond words for Brandon. He was moving here in a week, and that combined with the fact that they were going to have Christmas together with her family made Bailey thrilled about all the future held. She had learned so much in New York City, and she had much to be thankful for. Her Bible study … the fact that she still worked a dream job on Broadway … her family’s health and love … and Brandon Paul. Bailey smiled at him and memorized the way she felt right now.
Because she could hardly ask God for more than this.
READER LETTER
Dear Reader Friends,
Now that you’ve journeyed with me through the first two books of the Bailey Flanigan Series, I’m sure you’re thoroughly confused. That’s okay … I feel that way a little too. As we learn from God, we’re bound to feel a little confused. I think God must like when we can’t see the happy ending ahead. It makes us rely that much more fully on Him.
As I mentioned before, the character of Bailey Flanigan was inspired by my daughter, Kelsey. In real life there is no Cody Coleman, no Brandon Paul. But the way she lives for God, and her passion for His word and His truth are a mainstay in her real-life story — the way they are with her fictional character: Bailey.
In addition, Kelsey is the oldest of six — the others all boys, three of whom were adopted from Haiti. When I write about Jenny and Jim Flanigan, I am — for the most part — writing about my family. Kelsey and I have the relationship that Bailey and Jenny share — an open communication that has allowed her to trust me with any conversation, any decision, any heartbreak. I have had the privilege of raising this one-in-a-million girl, and the very great responsibility of seeking God’s wisdom in helping shape her into the young woman she is today. Along the way I love hearing about your one-in-a-million daughters, and the way God is working in their lives too.
And so, along the years — through the Firstborn Series, Sunrise Series, and especially during the four books in the Above the Line Series, we watched Bailey grow up. We watched as she developed a love for Cody Coleman and musical theater and a longing for the dreams God had placed in her heart. When Cody pulled away from her and Brandon Paul stepped in, I knew Bailey needed her own series.
Of course, that story wouldn’t be complete without a season of learning.
The story of Bailey has many twists and turns ahead. The books to come will be Longing … and finally Loving. I think you’ll be amazed at where God takes this fictitious girl. Here’s a funny, fictional fact: The books in the Bailey Flanigan series will release over the next eighteen months. But during that same time, we’ll follow Bailey through three years of life.
Ahh, the marvels of storytelling.
Anyway, thanks for joining me on Bailey Flanigan’s journey … and yes, the journey of one more ride with the Baxter Family. Some of you may have ideas about where Landon’s story is headed, but I think you might be surprised. I guess I have to always remember what Jenny Flanigan told Ashley … when we’re too weak to walk on our own, God will carry us.