June (28 page)
"What I wanted was to take you in my arms, carry you to Isaac, and make you my wife."
"But you never said-"
He gently touched her mouth with his forefinger. "I've been a fool, and it's almost cost me something very important in my life."
Setting her gently back from him, he gazed into her eyes. "June Kallahan, may I kiss you?"
"I do believe I'd die if you didn't."
Pulling her gently to her feet, he kissed her. The kiss was long and sweet and devoid of reserve. He towered over her, but it didn't interfere with his ability to hold her tightly in his big, powerful arms.
When the embrace ended, he dropped to one knee. "Will you marry me? Come back to Seattle with me-share a life with me?"
"Oh, Parker! So many questions!"
Parker cocked a brow, waiting.
"Yes, yes, and yes!"
"I'm the luckiest man in the world."
"Yes, you are." June grabbed his hand, relieved to have that settled. "Come with me. You have to meet my sister Faith and her wonderful family."
"I've already had the pleasure. How do you think I knew you were out here yanking my head off?"
June looked past Parker to the front porch. Faith, Nicholas, and Mother Shepherd watched the two of them with smiles of approval.
Parker sobered. "Isaac told me he'd written you about the orphanage. I know how much the children mean to you."
"Parker-about you and Reverend Inman-"
"Isaac and I have settled our dispute. We've prayed together, and we realize our mistakes. I was judging Isaac by my Uncle Walt. I've asked Isaac to forgive me. We're working together to build the new church."
"I'm so glad."
"Once we're back in Seattle, I think Simon and Sam might welcome our help ... that is, until our own babies come along."
"Our own babies?"
"You do want babies?"
June stared up into the eyes of the man God had so richly designed for her. Only for her.
"By and by," she replied, finally knowing exactly what God had been trying to tell her.
About the Author
Lori Copeland, Christian novelist, lives in the beautiful Ozarks with her husband and family. After writing in the secular romance market for fifteen years, Lori now spends her time penning books that edify readers and glorify God. She publishes titles with Tyndale House, WestBow, and Steeple Hill. In 2000, Lori was inducted into the Springfield, Missouri, Writers Hall of Fame.
Lori's readers know her for Lifting Spirits with Laughter! She is the author of the popular, bestselling Brides of the West series, and she coauthored the Heavenly Daze series with Christy Award-winning author Angela Elwell Hunt. Stranded in Paradise marked Lori's debut as a Women of Faith author.
Lori welcomes letters written to her in care of Tyndale House Author Relations, 351 Executive Drive, Carol Stream, IL 60188.
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