Lilly's Wedding Quilt (38 page)

She closed her eyes and let her mind drift back to the day on the trail, wanting to kiss him with the same burning intensity he had brought her. She pressed her lips against the rain and tasted his lips, ignoring the low groan that reverberated from his chest as she lingered, making sure to drink deeply of the water and his scent before moving away.

“I think I get it,” he rumbled, reaching out for her with intent. But she held him off with one hand against his chest and he reluctantly stilled.

“Just one more lesson, Jacob,” she murmured. She took her cupped hand and pressed it full against the front of his arm where she knew the gunshot wound was laying its permanent scar—the mark of their love’s beginning.

His shirt was already soaked but she knew it didn’t matter when he shivered at her touch. She trailed her fingers down his arm, then back up again. “Beloved husband. Horse thief. Wild heart. Dream of my girlhood. Are you mine?”

“Yes,” he choked as she moved to press her mouth against his wound. “
Ach
, Lilly, yes.”

She kissed him through the fabric, the warmth of her mouth competing with the chill of the rain until she knew instinctively that he could stand no more. She drew back and he bent his head and kissed her once and hard. Then he scooped her up in his arms and carried her through the trees and back to the house.

H
e crossed the room to the bed in two strides and sank beside her. “
Ach
, Lilly …” he breathed, reaching to touch her wet hair. “I love you. I love you. You were the perfect plan God always had for me, my love, my treasure.” He trailed damp kisses along her shoulder, then yanked at his shirt in frustration of the barrier. She reached to help him with sure fingers and then he lost all thought as she whispered her love against his mouth …

A
lazy smile tugged at his mouth. “Remind me that I’ve got a gift to give you later.”

“All right. Want to know what I’m thinking?”

“Mmm-hmm?” He bent to nuzzle her neck and she laughed.

“Uncle Sebastian.”

Jacob lifted his head and stared down at her. “What?”

“He told me a secret at Christmas—remember?”

“
Jah
, the thing you lacked.”

“Well, I’ve found it.”

“Have you?” He nestled her against his shoulder and caught a handful of her hair to spread across his chest.

“Yes,” she whispered.

“What is it?”

She moved against him with a subtle pressure and he caught his breath.

“Joy.”

A
CKNOWLEDGMENTS

I
would like to acknowledge the following special people who aided in the creation of this story: For my husband and family, especially my mother-in-law, who constantly supports my writing efforts.

For my editor, Natalie Hannemann, who constantly encourages, strengthens, and helps me to grow in my work.

For the praying staff at Thomas Nelson.

For Lissa Halls Johnson, my line editor—a master at what she does.

For Brenda Lott, as always, my friend, brainstorming partner, and part of my heart.

For Natasha Kern and her encouragement of my reading
The Moral Premise
.

For Scott II and his words to keep me going.

For Donna Boudakian, who gave me precious laughter.

For Judy Murphy, who supported my efforts to write.

For the Prayer Room at JFBC.

And for the Amish people of the North Central Pennsylvania mountains.

R
EADING
G
ROUP
G
UIDE

1. How does Jacob’s idea of focusing on the moment of “now” both help and hinder his life?

2. Jealousy often flares up in Lilly’s life. What is a jealousy that you have struggled with personally? How can God help you handle jealousy when it happens?

3. Jacob prays about “choosing” to love his wife. What is the difference between the “feeling” of love and choosing to love?

4. Lilly’s mother battles clinical depression. Have you or a loved one ever had to face this disease? How did you go through it? How did God help?

5. The bishop points out a difference between joy and happiness. What difference do you see in these two in your own life?

6. How does fear often keep Lilly from experiencing abundant life? What do you fear the most?

7. How did Abel’s reaction to Kate’s destruction at the schoolhouse change the moment in the story?

8. How does Seth and Jacob’s relationship add to the development of the story?

9. Why is a quilting important to Lilly? What symbol is important in your own life?

10. How does the truth play a role throughout the story?

A
BOUT THE
A
UTHOR

Kelly Long is the author of
Sarah’s Garden
, the first novel in the Patch of Heaven series. She was born and raised in the mountains of Northern Pennsylvania. She’s been married for nearly twenty-five years and has five children.