Teresa Medeiros (52 page)

The only home any of them had known since they’d lost their parents over seven years ago.

Slowly becoming aware that her brother’s and sister’s dejected faces mirrored her own, Laura rose, forcing a smile. “There’s no need for such long faces. We’ve an entire month before this Lord Devil arrives.”

“But we’ve only a little over three weeks before your birthday,” George reminded her.

Laura nodded. “I realize the situation seems hopeless, but we must always remember what Papa taught us—through prayer and persistence, the good Lord will provide.”

“What should we tell Him to send us?” Lottie asked eagerly, bouncing to her knees.

Laura pondered her answer for a long moment, her pious demeanor at odds with the determined gleam in her eye. “A man.”