The Power of Prayer Read online

  Scott opened the box and let out a low whistle. “It’s exquisite, so what’s the problem?”

  A sigh escaped JD’s lips as he thought back over the last week. Callie had been home late every night, and while she usually called to let him know, he still wasn’t enjoying eating dinner alone. He’d had enough of that to last a lifetime. “It’s her job. She’s been working long hours, and while I want to propose, I don’t want to marry someone who will be gone most evenings, you know?”

  Scott closed the box and handed it back. “As you know, I’m no expert, but I’d say talk to her. If she knew how you felt, maybe she’d decide to make a change.”

  JD nodded. Scott was right. He’d talk to her tonight, and if all went well, then he could propose. He didn’t want to think about what he’d do if all didn’t go well.

  I groaned as I glanced at my watch. I was going to be late again. This latest case had me working nearly twelve hour days, and I’d had to cancel on JD twice already this week. He’d said he had something important to talk about, so I could only hope that he’d forgive me.

  Grabbing my purse as soon as the car was parked, I hurried up to his door and knocked.

  It opened a moment later, but JD’s face was not smiling. “Come on in.”

  He held the door open, and I bit my lip as I stepped inside. He wasn’t going to break up with me, was he? I knew this week had been hard on him, but I’d thought he was the type to stick it out.

  “Sit down.” He pointed to the couch, and a feeling of dread blanketed me. “Callie, I love you. I’m pretty sure I’ve loved you from the moment I saw you, but I’m not loving your job right now.”

  I nodded. “I know. It is busy this week, but when this case is over, it will get better.”

  “What about when the next case comes along?”

  “I . . . what do you want me to do, quit my job?” Anger stirred in my stomach.

  “I was wondering if you would come work for me. The hours will be better, and I need someone to help with hiring the staff and putting the final touches on the office.”

  I considered his proposal. Once, I had thought of nothing other than being a lawyer, but the hours were taking their toll on me, and I knew it would be worse once Hope arrived.

  “I could offer you a generous benefit package with maternity leave. Plus, it would be amazing to work with my wife every day.”

  My head popped up. Did he say wife?

  JD pulled a black box from his pocket and opened the lid.

  My breath caught in my throat, and tears of joy pricked my eyes. I looked from him down to the quarter carat diamond ring sparkling in his hands, and nodded.

  He slipped the ring out of the box and onto my finger. The light caught the stone, sending arcs of color on the wall. It was the most stunning ring I had ever seen. “Yes,” I said, “to both your questions.”

  “I know it’s getting closer to your due date,” he said, “but I wanted us to at least be engaged before Hope comes. Then we can have the wedding after, when you are up for it.”

  I shook my head. “No, I want to do it before. We can do a small service at the church. I’m sure Pastor Tony would marry us.”

  “Callie, are you sure? We’ve got the opening of the center coming soon, and we still need to get your apartment ready for Hope –

  “I’m sure,” I said, cutting him off. “I want Hope to be officially yours before she’s born.”

  He smiled. “Okay, we’ll ask Pastor Tony tomorrow.”

  I looked around the office I had called my second home for the last few years. Though I had often thought I would be leaving this place, I had always assumed it would be for a bigger office, not a completely different career.

  I wasn’t sad though. The long hours had taken their toll on my pregnant body, and I was looking forward to getting off earlier. Plus, my priorities had shifted. I no longer longed to be partner; now I just wanted to have time to spend with my daughter and my fiancé. Fiancé. I still hadn’t totally wrapped my head around that, but the ring on my finger served as a constant reminder.

  Hopefully, there would be no hitches in the wedding planning. Getting married eight months pregnant hadn’t been in my dream wedding, but I knew I loved JD, and I wanted both of our names to be on the birth certificate when Hope arrived. That was now more important than a fancy wedding or even wearing the perfect dress. I just hoped we could get it all planned in three weeks’ time.

  “I’m going to miss you,” Tina said, sniffling back tears as I approached her desk. In my hands was a small box with my few personal items packed.

  “I’ll miss you too, but I’ll still be in the city. We’ll get together. Plus, I’ll see you at the wedding.” Of all the things I would miss about my job, Tina was at the top of the list. I gave her a final hug, waved goodbye to everyone else, and walked out of the building.

  A mixture of fear and relief washed over me as I climbed in the car. I was excited to be helping JD out at the center, but a worry persisted that I would miss being a lawyer. The last thing I wanted to do was resent leaving. “Lord, please send me your peace.” A calmness covered my shoulders and warmed my body, and I eased the car into drive to meet JD at the center.

  When I arrived, he ushered me in, planting a quick kiss on my lips and leaving me wanting more. The smell of new carpet and wet paint permeated the air.

  “I’m so glad you’re here. I set up interviews for today, and I’d really like your input.”

  I glanced around the nearly finished office space, surprised at how close he was to being able to open. Not only were the new carpets laid and the walls repainted, but the receptionist’s desk was installed and the waiting chairs were stacked in one corner of the room.

  “So, the doctors have already been hired, but we need to hire three nurses, a book keeper, and a receptionist,” JD said, rifling through a stack of papers.

  I had hoped the afternoon would be a little more relaxing, but wanting to help JD out in any way I could, I followed him into one of the offices that had also been finished. He had set up a table and a few chairs.

  “Make yourself comfortable here, and I’ll get you some tea. You won’t have to move an inch. I’ll bring the interviewees back to you.”

  I smiled up at him. As my due date got closer, he grew more and more attentive and doting. He had even left his own apartment and driven to the store at midnight the other night to buy me nachos and pickles, which he had dropped off with a quick kiss before returning to his own place.

  Minutes later, he returned with a steaming mug of green tea for me, and the parade of interviewees began.

  When the last one was gone, we discussed the merits of each, agreeing nearly completely on our favorites.

  “How much longer do you think the center needs before it opens?” I asked as he gathered up the resumes.

  “Honestly? I think we can open in two weeks just before the wedding. I think Rebekah will be able to handle a few days without me at the very beginning.”

  An elaborate honeymoon was out of the question for us as I was now too pregnant even to fly safely, but I didn’t mind. To me, the honeymoon would just get to be spending the night curled up in JD’s arms. I was growing tired of having to say goodbye to him every night and climb into my bed alone.

  “What are you thinking about?” JD asked, wrapping his arms around me. Due to my ever-increasing belly, they no longer completely encircled me but landed on the back of my hips.

  My lips pulled into a seductive smile as I wound my arms around his neck. “I was thinking that the perfect honeymoon will just be the day I don’t have to say goodnight to you and I can wake up with you beside me the next morning.”

  His lips parted as his eyes filled with desire. “I can’t wait for that day either.”

  My nerve endings tingled as his mouth closed on mine. A heat flared inside as his tongue explored my mouth. His lips then traveled down my neck, landing on the soft flesh between my collar bone and my neck. My breath caug
ht in my throat, and my hands twisted in his hair. If he could affect me this deeply with all our clothes on, I could only imagine the havoc he could wreak with no barrier between us.

  Chapter 20

  With the wedding quickly approaching, the last thing on my to-do list had been the nursery. I had been pushing it off, due to work, but now that I had some time, it had jumped to number one on the list. The last thing I wanted was for this baby to arrive and have no nursery.

  JD had agreed to take the afternoon off and shop with me, and both Scott and Lexi had agreed to help us finish that evening. Lexi’s acceptance had surprised me as she had distanced herself after the few times she had come to church with me, but evidently Lexi had a soft spot for babies.

  “Lavender? Are you sure?” JD raised his eyebrows as we stood in the paint aisle debating on colors to paint Hope’s room.

  “She’s a girl, silly.” I laughed and swatted him playfully. “She is going to love pinks and purples.”

  “I guess I’m going to have to get used to all this girly stuff.” He smiled as he picked up three cans of paint and put them in the cart.

  “If you plan on sticking around you are.”

  We grabbed some paint brushes and tape and then headed to the baby aisle of the store where I picked out a white crib and changing table, a cream-colored rocker, and a small white dresser. JD muscled them all in the cart and followed me as I turned to the clothing aisle.

  My final paycheck hadn’t been extraordinary, but the office had pooled together money to present as a wedding/baby gift, and it had been enough to cover most of what I needed to purchase.

  Scott’s car was in the parking lot when we returned to the apartment, and he hurried over to help JD unload the paint and the heavier nursery furniture we had purchased. Lexi showed up as I was returning for a second time to get all the bags of clothes out of the car.

  “These are so cute.” Lexi said a she held up a tiny pair of purple jammies dotted with white butterflies.

  JD and Scott had taken over Hope’s room to paint and assemble furniture, so Lexi and I were sorting clothes in the living room. I was relieved as the couch was much more comfortable to sit in lately.

  I smiled and folded a pink onesie. “Makes you think about having one of your own one day, doesn’t it?”

  “Not until I find a good man like JD.”

  Pulling a blanket out of the bag, I snipped the tag off. “Well, if you’d come back to church with us, I’m sure God would help you find one.”

  Lexi bit her lip and pulled out another outfit. “I know; maybe this week.”

  I changed the subject so as not to make Lexi uncomfortable, but I continued to pray for her as we worked. When we were done sorting, I ordered a pizza and then we turned on the TV to pass time until the men were finished.

  Half an hour later, Scott and JD emerged, sporting a few purple spots and a bit more sweat.

  “Perfect timing.” I pushed myself off the couch and wrapped my arms around JD, placing a quick kiss on his lips. “The pizza just got here.”

  JD led us all in prayer as we gathered around the table. “Lord, thank you for this food and for the amazing friends you have brought us. Bless them and bless this house and help us to remember the great sacrifice you gave for us and to never waste a day doing what does not honor you. Amen”

  “Amen.” As soon as the prayer was finished, I snatched a piece of pizza. For some reason tonight, I was craving cheese. I almost had the slice to my mouth when Scott cleared his throat and began to speak. I stared longingly at the slice, but put it down to give him my full attention.

  “I want to say something.” Scott adjusted his shoulders. “You two have been such an amazing example for me. I’ve been thinking about it for a while, but tonight after painting Hope’s room and hearing your prayer, I’ve decided it’s time. I’d like to have a personal relationship with Jesus.”

  “That’s wonderful,” JD and I shouted simultaneously. A burst of adrenaline shot through me, masking the hunger for the moment.

  “I’m not sure exactly what to do though.” Scott swallowed and tapped his hands on the table.

  JD touched his arm. “I don’t think there’s a perfect way, but I can tell you the one we use on our pamphlets. As long as you mean these words, God will accept you: Lord, I know that I’m a sinner and I now believe that you sent your son Jesus to die for me. I believe in and want to trust Him as my Lord and Savior. Please Jesus, come into my heart and lead me. Amen”

  Scott repeated the words and tears filled his eyes. “Thank you,” he said, wiping his eyes as he finished. “I can’t believe I waited so long. I feel like a huge weight has been lifted.

  “You’re welcome, Brother.” JD clapped his arm. “I’m so happy to have you in the family.”

  I smiled at JD and sneaked a peek at Lexi, who appeared to be lost in thought. I hope she’s thinking about accepting Jesus, too.

  After dinner, Scott and Lexi said their goodbyes and as soon as they had left, JD grabbed my hand. “Okay, now come see the room.”

  “I’m coming, I’m coming.” His excitement was contagious, and I smiled as he led the way down the hall.

  Outside Hope’s door, he stopped and turned to me. “Eyes closed.”

  I closed my eyes, and JD’s hands covered them. He stood behind me and walked me into the room before dropping his hands. I gasped. The furniture wasn’t against the walls yet, as they were still drying, but the white crib had been set up and decorated with the purple and white heart sheets we had bought. The rocker sat a little to the side, and the dresser and changing table finished the look.

  “It’s beautiful.” I couldn’t have imagined a more perfect room if I had tried.

  JD smiled and wrapped his arms around me. “You’re beautiful.”

  That night, after JD had left to go back to his place, I sat in the rocking chair, rubbing my belly. “This is your room, Hope. I hope you love purple as much as I do.” Hope kicked against my hand, bringing another smile to my face. “I may not have done in it the right order, but in just a few days, JD and I will get married. I think he will make an amazing father.” Another kick told me that Hope agreed.

  Two days before the wedding, the center’s grand opening arrived.

  JD and I stood inside the center looking around at the finished product. “It’s so amazing.” I squeezed JD’s hand. The main office was warm and inviting with a soft mauve color on the walls and carpet. Comfy chairs and even a few rockers filled the waiting room, and on the end table were packets from nearby adoption agencies and churches. The exam rooms had each been painted a different color and decorated in childlike themes to entertain any children that might come with mothers. We had hired a wonderful staff of Christian men and women, and I couldn’t have been prouder of JD.

  “Come on, we better get outside before they come looking for us.” I followed him to the back exit where we pushed open the rear door and snuck around to join the crowd in the front of the building.

  Thankfully, the weather had smiled upon us today. Though still chilly, it wasn’t raining, and the crowd looked warm enough in their coats and scarves. Scott waved as we rounded the corner and jogged to meet us. “There you are.” He handed JD a pair of scissors. “The people are getting restless, my friend.”

  JD took the scissors and stepped onto a nearby bench to be seen as he addressed the crowd. “Welcome everyone; we’re so pleased to open Faith Pregnancy Center and be able to give women quality care and alternative choices to abortion.” Applause erupted from the crowd. “Please feel free to take a tour and take a business card to share it with a friend.” He cut the giant red ribbon that stretched across the front door, and the crowd cheered.

  As the people began to file inside, a pain flared in my side and I sucked in a breath.

  “Are you alright?” There was a thread of fear in his voice that sent tremors through my body.

  “I think so.” I rubbed my side, trying to convince myself that the pain h
adn’t been that bad. “Maybe just Braxton Hicks contractions.” I wasn’t due for another month, so I doubted it was real labor. I wasn’t sure if Braxton-Hicks started that early, but it was the most plausible explanation I could come up with.

  The tendons in his neck strained against the skin as his eyes traveled my body.

  “I’m sure it’s just stress from being so worn out.” I hoped I sounded reassuring; I didn’t want to ruin his big day. “I’ll probably be fine if I just go lie down.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “I’m sure. I feel better already. I bet I’ll be right as rain tomorrow.”

  I hugged him goodbye, trying not to grimace as another pain laced my side, and then waddled to my car. Though I hoped it was nothing, a harbinger of dread fluttered at the back of my mind.

  Chapter 21

  Ignoring the pain licking up my side, I stepped into my wedding dress. Though the pain had gotten better after I had rested, it hadn’t gone away completely, and I had felt the pangs several times the following day as well.

  It had taken all my energy to keep my face from showing the pain, but I had kept the information to myself because I didn’t want anything to ruin the wedding.

  My mother zipped up the dress and smiled at me in the mirror over my shoulder. “I know this isn’t the wedding you dreamed of, but I think it will be the marriage you desired.”

  She was right. As a little girl, I had always dreamed of the perfect dress – some big designer name – and a big wedding, but I’d almost had that with Daniel, and it hadn’t turned out well. As I gazed at my reflection, I realized my dreams had also changed.

  Even if I hadn’t been nearly nine months pregnant, I would have opted for a simple dress similar to the one that hugged my frame and a small, intimate gathering like the crowd waiting in the sanctuary. In fact, other than the pangs in my side, it was nearly the perfect day.

  “I think you’re right, Mom. I can’t imagine a man better than JD.” As the words left my mouth, tiny black flecks dotted my vision, and I shook my head to clear them.