Love leads them to a lifetime of commitment where the dreams they have held onto for so long start to come true.
Popular and eligible, Logan De Witt must convince the women in town that he is engaged to be married. A quiet, simple ceremony is what he has in mind for his wedding day, but when the date and time of his bride’s arrival is published in the newspaper, the whole town joins in the celebration proving to Logan and his new wife their sincere friendship and support. Added to the excitement of Logan’s marriage is the question of what the congregation should do with the unexpected donation of an orchard.
Karen Millerson is counting the days until her long-distance engagement comes to an end and she may travel to Oswell City to marry Logan. More than anything, she wants to share in his life as a help and support, but keeping a house and finding her place in the community requires much more work than she ever expected.
Learn, laugh, and love with Karen and Logan as they start a new marriage and work together ministering to the citizens of their small town.
“How would you like to say goodbye?” He asked in a quiet voice.
Karen considered the question. “Take a walk with me.” There was still one place she wanted to visit with him. A peaceful evening and a spacious garden awaited them. She led him to the door she used when she slipped out to read his letters. A brick path curved around the house to the garden’s gate. Karen opened it and strolled at Logan’s side through hedges of hydrangea, groupings of lilies, butterfly bushes, and a wide variety of late summer flowers. They reached the scrolled iron table and chairs on the far side of the fountain.
“I could marry you tonight.” Logan draped his suit coat over the back of one of the chairs and took her in his arms. “You know that, don’t you?”
“Of course I do.”
“Then we wouldn’t have to part. I could take you with me to Oswell City and begin our life together right now.”
“I’d quit my teaching job and go with you.”
A grin spread across his face in the darkness. “We have a preacher. You’re wearing white. We could make a bouquet from your aunt’s flowers and have a little ceremony right here.”
“Who would be our witnesses?” Karen’s brow wrinkled.
Logan’s gaze moved to the stars overhead. “The moon … and the Lord.” His eyes traveled the darkened sky before returning to her face, and the grin appeared once more.
“Good enough for me, but Julia would never forgive us.”
“Neither would the Ladies Mission Society.” Logan chuckled. “They’re all making big plans for you and me.”
“It sounds like we’d better hold off before you have the entire town in an uproar.” Karen raised a brow to match his teasing mood.
He laughed again, a happy, unfettered sound consistent with his nature and relaxed outlook. “You know I love you.” His tone grew serious.
“I know.” Karen closed her eyes before the tears came.
That kiss she dared to hope for came forth in complete reinforcement of the words he’d just spoken. It ended too soon. A breeze picked up scattering petals from a nearby bush across the moonlit lawn. Logan reached for his jacket and accompanied her inside the house with just enough time left for him to gather his luggage, kiss her once more, and go with Hank to catch the ten o’clock train to Iowa.
About the Author
Michelle De Bruin lives in Iowa with her husband and two teenage sons. She has a bachelor’s degree in Religion with a Christian Ministry emphasis, and in Music. Michelle is the spiritual services provider for an organization that offers services for people with mental and physical disabilities. She has been a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) since 2015. Michelle writes inspirational historical romance about people who live in rural communities. Characters that bring to life the delights of farm and small-town living, whispers of Dutch heritage, and Christian faith make Michelle’s stories distinct. A romantic at heart, Michelle is always on the lookout for glimpses of God’s love through the window of a good story.
Her first book, Hope for Tomorrow, released in 2018. The sequel, Promise for Tomorrow, released November 2019. The third book in the series, Dreaming of Tomorrow, releases November 2020.
Tour Giveaway
Open internationally
