Read Online Lambert's Peace by Rachel Hauck - Free Book Online

Furniture. A pile of work waited on his desk.
    Yet, when he cruised past Milo Park, Will parked. There wouldn’t be many more days like today—sunny, blue skies with a gentle breeze—and he wanted to enjoy it while he could.
    The walk to the park benches cleared his head, still stuffy from the council meeting. To build a skateboard park or not had been the big debate. Will saw the merits on both sides—for and against. However, when the discussion ran well past lunchtime, he motioned to table it until the next meeting.
    Half the room shouted, “Second.”
    Now, taking long strides across the grounds, the mental cobwebs blew away, and Will caught sight of a familiar dark, burnished head. Taylor.
    She sat with her face tipped to the sun, her sweatshirt balled between her hands in her lap. She’d been running.
    â€œBeautiful day, isn’t it?” Will said as he plopped down next to Taylor.
    She screamed. He laughed. She popped him lightly on the arm.
    â€œOuch.” He rubbed the spot.
    â€œYou scared the wits out of me.”
    He laughed. “I doubt that.”
    â€œWhat are you doing in the park in the middle of the afternoon?”
    Will stretched out and crossed his legs at the ankles. He locked his hands behind his head and closed his eyes. “Town council meeting every Monday.”
    â€œAh.”
    â€œWhat are you doing?”
    â€œPraying. Well, trying to pray, but I’m sulking more than anything else.”
    He tipped his face upward. “What’s going on?”
    â€œStuff.”
    He opened one eye. “Like what?”
    Starting with a sigh, Taylor told him about the call from Indiana Godwin, the wonderful job possibility, and how her track record with Lisa Downey followed her.
    Will thought for a moment. “I’ve learned there are always two sides to every story. This Lisa person must feel justified in some way.”
    â€œWhose side are you on?” Taylor jumped to her feet and walked back and forth in front of the bench.
    â€œYours, of course. But you’re not going to get Lisa Dowling—”
    â€œDowney.”
    â€œDowney—to admit any wrongs.”
    â€œSo I’m helpless? At the mercy of her opinion?”
    Will squinted up at her, catching the ire in her eyes. “No. But sulking over her isn’t going to change anything. You’ve got to take the higher road. Don’t let some woman hundreds of miles away in New York control your emotions.”
    She lifted her arms in surrender. “You’re right; you’re right.”
    Will patted the park bench. “Sit.”
    â€œNo, I’m too antsy.”
    â€œSit!”
    Taylor sat. “I feel like your dog, Harry.”
    â€œNo,” Will said with a shake of his head, “he sits the first time I tell him.”
    â€œHa, ha.”
    Will grabbed her hand. “Can I pray with you?”
    Taylor bowed her head, her lips moving in silent prayer. Will noticed her grip grew tighter and tighter.
    â€œFather, Taylor wants Your best. Give her wisdom and peace. Let her know the plans You have for her. I know You delight in her.”
    A drop of moisture hit his hand. Taylor sniffled then covered her face with her free hand. Will wrapped her in his arms. When her tears subsided, he gave her his handkerchief.
    â€œBetter?”
    She laughed and blew her nose. “Much. Thanks.” She faced him, her eyes and nose red. “I’ve been mad at Lisa for being an ogre when all along I should have been asking for forgiveness for my own selfish actions.”
    â€œNow it’s forgotten. Over.”
    â€œWell, I probably need to e-mail or call Lisa, but yes, the Lord’s forgiven me.” Taylor carefully folded the handkerchief and tucked it in her pocket. “I’ll wash it for you.”
    Will grinned and smoothed his hand over her hair. “It’s going to be all right, Taylor Jo.”
    She leaned against him, and