Read Online Stolen Miracles by Mary Manners - Free Book Online

fluttering kick was evidence of a miracle, and she carried that miracle inside. The same day Steve had presented her with the double-heart locket, a symbol of two lives intertwined.
    “You’ll fill it with the baby’s picture—and yours. It’s impossible to separate the two of you now…lives forever joined.”
    Were they forever joined, or was it possible to separate something that God himself had brought together?
    Rebecca closed her eyes, but tears spilled anyway. What should I do, Lord? Is there any hope at all?
    A vibration startled her from the prayer, and Rebecca realized her cell phone was tucked in the pocket of her jeans. She wrestled it from the pocket, swiping tears from her face as she checked the caller ID. She pressed the connect button. “Cole?”
    “I’m sorry. It’s late.”
    “I’m not sleeping.”
    “I can’t either.” He paused. “You’re crying.”
    She sniffled. “Just a little.”
    “Please don’t, Becca.”
    “I can’t help it.” She swiped her eyes again. “It hurts so much, Cole. I’m breaking inside. I need…”
    “I’ll be by for you in the morning.”
    “What?”
    “Is nine o’clock too early?”
    “No.”
    “I’ll need help with Kimmy’s party. She’s expecting you for her birthday. I want you to be there, too, Bec.”
    Her heart raced. Was she dreaming? She tucked the phone against her shoulder and pinched her thigh through denim. No, the sharp pain told her she was wide awake. “Are you sure?”
    “It’s Kimmy’s birthday. Do you really think we’d celebrate without you?”
    Silence. His words swept through her, leaving a wake of emotion.
    “Cole, I…”
    “Hang up now, Becca.” His voice softened to a gruff whisper. “Get some sleep, OK?”
    “I don’t know if I can.”
    “Promise me, Bec, that you’ll try.”
    “OK. I promise.” She paused to touch her kiss-bruised lips once more. The ache in her heart warmed to a flicker of love. She wished he was there beside her, to kiss once more. “Goodnight, Cole. See you in the morning.”
     
     
     
     

10
     
    Rebecca watched as Cole placed yellow candles on the cake she’d designed. For her, each candle represented a year without Kimmy.
    “Remember the one to grow on, too, Daddy.” Kimmy eased in beside him, tugging on his sleeve. “Did you think of a wish?”
    It was just the three of them. Cole had explained that Patty was placed on official bed rest. Her husband, Derek, would be by in a bit to drop off Kimmy’s gift. In the meantime, they’d enjoy cake and ice cream as a trio.
    Of misfits...
    The thought startled Rebecca. Were they three misfits, really? The day, despite the unimaginable circumstances, had been more than lovely thus far. She’d helped Cole decorate the kitchen with helium balloons and a shiny banner emblazoned with crepe streamers. Then the three had moved to the expansive yard where she and Cole took turns pushing Kimmy on a plank swing Cole had strung from an enormous oak tree.
    “Higher, Daddy, higher.” Kimmy’s pleas were peppered with squeals of laughter. “I want to catch the sun!”
    Rebecca stood back, watching Cole’s muscles strain beneath a T-shirt untucked from a pair of faded jeans. This was the way she remembered him—purely masculine and without the suit and tie. Her pulse stuttered as he laughed along with Kimmy, and she found herself joining in, as well.
    He’d kissed her, and she found herself wishing he’d do it again.
    “You give her a push, Bec.” Cole stepped aside. “Give it a whirl.”
    “Push me, Miss Rebecca.” Kimmy pumped her legs, and pink glittery tennis shoes sparkled in sunlight. White lace ankle socks were already littered with dirt, and her knees were smudged with grass stains. “Higher than Daddy, even.”
    Rebecca placed a hand on the small of Kimmy’s back and gave a slight shove. The connection brought tears to her eyes. How she had dreamed of a moment such as this!
    “You’re a brave girl to swing so high,” she