My Deadly Valentine - By Valerie Hansen & Lynette Eason Page 0,35
cadence of the customary music was far too slow to suit her. Her soft veil fluttered against her cheeks and the fabric of her full skirt rustled as she picked up the pace.
Jace began to beam. He held out his hand to her. As soon as her fingers touched his, he said, “I thought you’d never get here.”
“Neither did I,” she replied softly. “But now that I’m here…”
Logan Malloy cleared his throat noisily, making Rachel blush.
She held tightly to Jace’s hand as the ceremony—and the rest of her life—began.
Dear Reader,
I was thrilled to be asked to write this novella. Every new project is a challenge and I love figuring out ways to tell a great story and share my faith at the same time. It’s not always easy but it is rewarding.
This time, I began with Psalms 34:4, “I sought the Lord and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.” By the time I had helped Rachel and Jace struggle through to the end, I was struck by a different verse in II Timothy 1:7. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” In a way, as my characters’ faith grew and blossomed, so did mine. I pray that yours will, too. All you have to do is call out to the Lord and He will accept you, just as you are.
I love to hear from my readers. The easiest way to reach me is by e-mail, [email protected] or send a letter to P.O. Box 13, Glencoe, AR 72539. You can also see my other work at valeriehansen.com.
Blessings,
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
Rachel feels safe because she lives in a small town. Is that a logical conclusion? Why or why not?
Jace has left his former job on a big city police department and come to Serenity to escape his past. Does his geographical location really matter or is he fooling himself?
Rachel’s father means well. Why can’t he see that he’s actually hurting her? Or, do you feel he’s doing the right thing because it’s for her benefit?
When Eloise decides to turn the business over to Rachel and make her a partner, she’s giving away a lot. Have you ever known anyone who is really that altruistic? Would you suspect them of having ulterior motives if something similar happened to you?
The person who is stalking Rachel is able to make himself seem normal and unimportant. Isn’t that what makes him so scary?
Rachel has a strong bias against law enforcement officers. What if she was never able to overcome that preconceived notion? Look what she would miss! Has God ever had to use others or circumstances to bring about a positive change in your life? Are you glad?
DARK OBSESSION
Lynette Eason
Dedicated to my writing buddies and fellow
brainstormers for this story: Linda Gilden,
Candy Arrington and Missy Tippens. The retreat at
the beach was awesome! Can’t wait until next year.
A big thank-you goes to my wonderfully talented
editor, Emily Rodmell. Thanks for giving me the
opportunity to do this!
And as always, thank you to Jesus
for letting me write.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean
not on your own understanding; in all your ways
acknowledge him and he will make your paths
straight.
—Proverbs 3:5–6
ONE
She’d been robbed!
A scream ripped from Holly Maddox’s throat as receding footsteps beat in time with the radiating pain in her head.
Touching her forehead, she felt the warm wetness seep between her fingers.
Eyes squinting against the pulsing throb, she stumbled to the door—and ran into what felt like a slab of concrete. She felt another scream building when warm hands cupped her shoulders and the voice she still heard in her dreams said, “Holly, it’s me. What happened?”
“Eli?” She choked down the hysteria as he led her back inside to sit on a stool. She heard running water then felt a cool cloth cover the gash she figured she had on her forehead. However, her mind suddenly wasn’t on the break-in or her throbbing head. It was on the unexpected appearance of a man she hadn’t seen in almost six years. With no contact for more than half a decade, why did he have to choose this moment to come back? She’d dreamed that if she ever saw her ex-boyfriend again she’d be looking great to show him what he lost, not standing in her store, bleeding after being robbed and clubbed in the head.
“I’ve called the police,” his voice soothed. “An ambulance is on the way, too.”