Read Online One Tuesday Morning & Beyond Tuesday Morning Compilation by Karen Kingsbury - Free Book Online Page B

some ways Eric was right. A nurse at the hospital told them that their baby's death had been preventable. With ultrasound testing they could've worked on her before she was born. But without insurance, the test hadn't been an option.
    Even now—so many years later—Laura could see that time in their life as a dividing line. Until then Eric's faith had been stronger than the San Gabriel Mountains. Solid and unmoving. But that night as Eric wept, something hardened in his heart. Not long afterwards he stopped going to church, stopped talking about God's will or referring to Bible verses.
    Several times Laura talked to him about it. “This is because of the baby, isn't it?” Eric would only shake his head and give brief, terse answers. “The baby wasn't meant to be.”
    “Then why, Eric? What's happened?”
    Once when she asked him, he locked his gaze with hers and waited a moment. “We lost that little girl because I couldn't give you the very best care.” He gritted his teeth. “Life's about making your own way. And believe me, Laura, I'm not leaving that up to God. Once I get started, you'll never have to worry about medical care again.”
    Eric had kept his promise. By the time Josh was born, they had the best insurance, the best doctors in Southern California. But in the years since, he'd become a driven businessman who didn't share his family's beliefs, and who couldn't muster up the words to tell his son he loved him.
    Laura got undressed, slipped into a nightgown, and eased herself between the cool sheets. Eric would be up into the wee hours of the morning, packing, checking last-minute details before leaving. He'd stay in the guest room, no doubt, so she wouldn't hear from him again until Thursday.
    As she fell asleep she tried to feel sorry for herself, but she couldn't. Her marriage was dying, and she and Eric were both at fault. Yes, he'd been difficult to love. But how hard had she tried? Why hadn't she said something the first time he slept in the guest room? And how many years had it been since she'd surprised him with a weekend getaway or a special date night?
    What was it the Bible said? That little foxes were the ones that spoiled the vines? How many little foxes had she allowed in since Josh was born? Laura rolled over. Only one memory could replace the missed opportunities filling her mind.
    The memory of a long-ago yesterday, back when Eric Michaels couldn't wait to leave college and race home to be with her. Once, a lifetime ago, they'd been lovers. But now—in a way that seemed almost sudden—the branches of their love had become completely barren.
    And spring didn't feel like it would ever come again.

 

    F IVE
    S EPTEMBER 9, 2001
    Sierra looked like a princess.
    Jake gave a low, appreciative whistle and leaned against the hallway wall. “My goodness.” He grinned at her. “I bet you're the most beautiful girl in all of New York City.”
    Her eyes sparkled. “Really, Daddy?” She did a twirl, and her pink and white skirt fluffed out around her knees. “Mommy bought this for me so I'd have a pretty church dress.”
    “You found the perfect one.” He played with a strand of her hair. “Curlies today?”
    “Yes, please.” She batted her eyelashes at him. “Susie's daddy never curls her hair.”
    “Susie?” Jake crouched down so he was eye level with Sierra. “From Sunday school?”
    “Yep. Her mommy lives in New Jersey, so her daddy brings her.” Sierra brushed her nose up against his. “Just like me and you!”
    “I see.” Jake gave a slow, thoughtful nod. “But he doesn't curl her hair, is that right?”
    “Right!”
    Jake puffed his chest up and planted his fists at his waist. “Then that makes me Super-Daddy.”
    “And Mommy's Super-Mommy.” She giggled. “Know why?”
    Jake felt his heart melt, the same way it always did in the presence of his small daughter. “Why, sweetheart?”
    “Because,” she held her chin a bit higher, “Mommy bought me a church dress.