A/N: I noticed that someone got mad at GeorgeStultsFan about her idea for her new story. So I'm going to say it again. I didn't make this story up, it based on the book A Rush of Wings. I can't come up with my own ideas. lol
Lucy startle awake at Kevin's touch on her arm. The room was lit by a pale flood of sunlight and Therese still slept soundly in the other bed. He put a finger to his lips and whispered, "Dress warmly and meet me on the porch."
She got up and put on jeans and a sweater. She went to the closet and put on a coat. She went to the porch and saw Kevin leaning against a post, his breath forming a white cloud. He turned and looped her neck with a scarf and pulled her close. They kissed, then he wrapped the scarf around her and gave her some mittens.
Kevin wrapped his arm around her as they walked to the barn. It was such a natural action. Without Ben there watching them, she welcomed its comfort. Kevin smiled as he pulled the door open.
A huge smile crossed her face. "Kevin! A sleigh!"
A black stallion was hitched ready for a ride. "How about a sleigh ride? A little birthday surprise."
She turned. It was her birthday. With all the flurry of Christmas and then Ben, she had forgotten. Kevin hadn't. She caught his hand. "Don't tell anyone. I don't want it to be a big deal."
"It'll be our secret." He helped her in and pulled the quilt tighter around her. The sleigh lurched forward and they got outside the barn. The wind was blowing snow around them.
He looked over. "Don't let the cold get in your lungs."
"I'm not sick. If I was, I would tell you."
"Okay."
She tossed her hands in her lap. "I hate it when you say that."
"What?"
"Say 'okay' even when you know you're right, but you'll concede the point just to be gracious."
He smiled. "I am right, but I'll graciously concede."
"You're smug."
"So you've told me."
The rode up into the hills overlooking his father's ranch.
"It's beautiful Kevin."
He took off his hat and held it behind her head and kissed her. Her heart was full of love. Everything seemed uncomplicated.
They parted. "Lucy I want to tell you something."
"All right."
"I believe the Lord has chosen one person for each of us to marry. I always knew he would bring that person to me."
Lucy looked away. "You didn't want to make it easy, did you? You stayed at the ranch alone."
"You found it. I hope you know that I mean everything I say."
"You never say anything lightly." She threw him a smile, but his expression didn't change.
"Not when it's this important."
Fear began to eat her.
"Yesterday when you asked me what we should do, I told you I didn't know. But now I think I do." He folded his hand in hers. "Will you marry me Lucy?"
Her heart raced. This is Kevin. Kevin. Fear surrounded her as she remembered Jeremy's proposal. She believed everything Jeremy said, but it was all lies. Lies. She gave her soul once, she couldn't do it again. Not even for Kevin.
"I want someone to share my life. You."
Jeremy shook her. "Who is it Lucy?" "No one. There's no one else." The blow on her face. "You're lying. I know you are." Another blow.
She shuddered. Kevin pulled her gently to him. "Let me love you Lucy. God will do the rest." He kissed her.
She imagined herself at the ranch with Kevin, helping him with the horses, raising children. Lots of children, like Karen. Hope filled her. Kevin's children...
He rested his forehead against hers. "Marry me Lucy."
"Yes." She whispered.
He looked into her eyes and suddenly stood. "Ye-e-s!" His yell rang in the hills. She stood up beside him, laughing. He caught her face in her hands and kissed her again.
Lord, you've given me her love, thank you. Kevin closed his arms around her. "Let's spend the day alone. I don't want to share with any sisters. We can go to town and pick out your ring."
She smiled. "Okay."
Kevin tucked her back in and they rode back to the barn. Then they took the truck to town. Everything was lined with garland and bows. With Lucy under his arm, they strode to the jewelry store. He led her to the case that held wedding sets.
"See anything you like? Don't settle on something."
"This is nice." She pointed to an elegant square-cut diamond. The clerk came over and took it from the case. Kevin took her hand and slipped it on her finer. Their eyes met. "Do you like it?"
She nodded. She seemed more tense than she had moments ago.
"Do you want to wait?"
She shook her head.
Kevin looked at the clerk. "We'll take it."
"All right. We'll have it sized in about an hour."
He glanced at Lucy. "You okay?"
She nodded.
He circled her in his arm. "Let's make an agreement now to always tell the truth."
She dropped her chin. "The truth? The truth is I'm terrified."
"You want to reconsider?" Relief flooded him as she shook her head under his head.
"I'm sick of living in fear. I want to make my own decisions."
Not exactly the reason to commit your life to someone. A serious check rose in him. Was this the right thing to do? "You have to know it's the right person."
"I'll leave that to you." She smiled.
The weight of his action weighed hard. What had he done? Lucy had come to him. A gift. "Trust me."
"I do."
He closed her hand in his as they left the store. Lucy Kinkirk.
If she thought, for even a moment, that no one would notice the ring, she was wrong. Patty-Mary squealed the moment she took of her coat. She grabbed her hand. "What's this?"
Kevin looked over at her. "Calm down."
"Are you engaged?"
Lucy was wrong. She thought no one had heard her. Karen did. She came from the kitchen. Her expression told Lucy nothing. She didn't look angry, but she didn't look happy. The only thing she said was "Well?"
And Lucy didn't want her birthday to be a big deal. This was a bigger deal.
"Now we have another reason to celebrate." Karen said, but she didn't look any happier.
"I'm going to go find my dad." He sent Lucy a wink and left.
Therese was first to hug her. "Congratulations!"
Stephanie followed her. "I'm so happy for you!"
Lucy had to laugh. "I know it's sudden but..."
"Why don't we go have something to drink." Karen motioned to the kitchen.
"Have you chosen a date?" Karen asked as she poured the coffee.
"No. Nothing's for sure yet." That's not what she meant. "I mean we chose the ring, but nothing else."
Karen looked up after she was through. Lucy still couldn't tell if she was happy or not.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Kevin went to the barn and found his dad working on a horse. He leaned against a post, silently watching him. His dad finally looked up. "Did you want to talk about something?"
"Dad, I asked Lucy to marry me."
His dad stood up. "And?"
"She said yes."
"Well I'm sure you've prayed about it and you know what your doing."
"Yes I have."
"Has she?"
"Mom has all ready talked about that. I know it won't be easy, but I think she'll learn God's love through mine."
"That's a pretty big expectation Kevin."
It was. Kevin wasn't so sure about it once he said it aloud. "I think it's right."
Hank nodded. "She's a wonderful woman."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Karen served Christmas ham and all its trimmings for dinner. Therese had told her to changed clothes, because they always dressed up for Christmas Eve dinner. So again she was wearing the dress that Kevin bought her. She accepted more than just the dress, the ring on her finger reinforced that.
After the meal, Kevin led Lucy to the living room. He said something about initiation and the girls started laughing. What was it now?
Patty-Mary announced that the room was now the 'music hall.'
"The music hall?"
"You'll see," Patty-Mary giggled.
Lucy sat next to Kevin on the couch. Hank stood behind Karen, where she sat behind the piano. He bowed his head and everyone grew quiet. "Lord, let our music glorify You."
Lucy felt Kevin's arm around her as Karen began playing the piano. She began playing "O Holy Night" and Hank began singing. It was wonderful. She now knew where the children got their musical talent. Kevin stood when they were finished and went for his guitar.
Kevin accompanied Karen on the guitar and Stephanie and Therese and Tiffany began singing. Although none had taken lessons, they enjoyed what they were doing.
Next Patty-Mary got up and did her impression of "Up on the Housetop"
When Ben got up, he gazed at Lucy. He leaned against the piano. "Play Blue Christmas mom."
"I'm sorry honey but I don't know that one."
"Then just play some chords." He began singing and Lucy looked down at her hands. She felt like he was singing to her alone, and she felt awful. She looked over at Kevin and he wore a grim look on his face.
She felt pulled apart. She was caught between them. How dare Ben do this with the family watching. Lucy was hurting and he kept singing. Her eyes started to form tears. Did Ben care more than he showed? She fought back the tears, she wouldn't cry in front of the family.
He finally finished and Patty-Mary jumped up. "Now let's do a fun one." Ben and Patty-Mary sang "The Twelve Days of Christmas" accepting all applause when they were finished.
"Now it's Lucy's turn." Tiffany announced.
"That's not fair." Kevin walked over to her, like her protector. "She didn't know she would have to sing."
Lucy smiled. "Well I'm not much of a singer, but I'll play the piano."
Karen stood so Lucy could sit down. "I don't know any Christmas songs."
Therese smiled. "It's okay, play anything."
Lucy closed her eyes and drew a breath. Her fingers rested on the keys and she began playing the Chopin song she had worked for so long at home.
She could see her father sitting in his chair listening to her play. Remorse began to fill her. If only she was a little girl again, playing for her daddy with the promise of life around her.
There was complete silence when she finished. She looked up to see Kevin smiling.
"I'm so embarrassed! I practiced in front of you!" Patty-Mary wailed.
"Play something fun now" Stephanie said.
Lucy played the "Flight of the Bumblebee" and when she was finished, Patty-Mary began pulling her arms. "I want you to teach me!"
Therese rolled her eyes. "Yeah right! Get real!"
Next they exchanged gifts. Lucy waited until the end to pass out her pictures. They had turned at wonderful in the frames that Kevin had made.
Hank stood and announced it was time for Mass.
Lucy looked at Kevin. He smiled. "Midnight mass. It's a tradition."
"You're really going to church now?"
He helped her to her feet. "Come with me."
Lucy could feel Karen watching her, and the rest of the family. What would it hurt? "Sure."
When she reached the door of the church, she froze. This was God' house. Why had it scared her so much. She had come all the time when she was a little girl. Unaware of her anxiety, Kevin led her to the front of the church. It was decorated beautifully. Candles glittered and garlands were wrapped around the posts.
She looked up towards the altar. She saw the cross with Jesus. What kind of father would let his son suffer like that? Her chest tightened. What kind chose a rapist for his daughter? She trembled. She loved Kevin, but she wanted nothing to do with his God.
A/N: So Kevin and Lucy are engaged, I'm sure that makes everyone happy! I love reading the reviews, so keep em coming
Lucy startle awake at Kevin's touch on her arm. The room was lit by a pale flood of sunlight and Therese still slept soundly in the other bed. He put a finger to his lips and whispered, "Dress warmly and meet me on the porch."
She got up and put on jeans and a sweater. She went to the closet and put on a coat. She went to the porch and saw Kevin leaning against a post, his breath forming a white cloud. He turned and looped her neck with a scarf and pulled her close. They kissed, then he wrapped the scarf around her and gave her some mittens.
Kevin wrapped his arm around her as they walked to the barn. It was such a natural action. Without Ben there watching them, she welcomed its comfort. Kevin smiled as he pulled the door open.
A huge smile crossed her face. "Kevin! A sleigh!"
A black stallion was hitched ready for a ride. "How about a sleigh ride? A little birthday surprise."
She turned. It was her birthday. With all the flurry of Christmas and then Ben, she had forgotten. Kevin hadn't. She caught his hand. "Don't tell anyone. I don't want it to be a big deal."
"It'll be our secret." He helped her in and pulled the quilt tighter around her. The sleigh lurched forward and they got outside the barn. The wind was blowing snow around them.
He looked over. "Don't let the cold get in your lungs."
"I'm not sick. If I was, I would tell you."
"Okay."
She tossed her hands in her lap. "I hate it when you say that."
"What?"
"Say 'okay' even when you know you're right, but you'll concede the point just to be gracious."
He smiled. "I am right, but I'll graciously concede."
"You're smug."
"So you've told me."
The rode up into the hills overlooking his father's ranch.
"It's beautiful Kevin."
He took off his hat and held it behind her head and kissed her. Her heart was full of love. Everything seemed uncomplicated.
They parted. "Lucy I want to tell you something."
"All right."
"I believe the Lord has chosen one person for each of us to marry. I always knew he would bring that person to me."
Lucy looked away. "You didn't want to make it easy, did you? You stayed at the ranch alone."
"You found it. I hope you know that I mean everything I say."
"You never say anything lightly." She threw him a smile, but his expression didn't change.
"Not when it's this important."
Fear began to eat her.
"Yesterday when you asked me what we should do, I told you I didn't know. But now I think I do." He folded his hand in hers. "Will you marry me Lucy?"
Her heart raced. This is Kevin. Kevin. Fear surrounded her as she remembered Jeremy's proposal. She believed everything Jeremy said, but it was all lies. Lies. She gave her soul once, she couldn't do it again. Not even for Kevin.
"I want someone to share my life. You."
Jeremy shook her. "Who is it Lucy?" "No one. There's no one else." The blow on her face. "You're lying. I know you are." Another blow.
She shuddered. Kevin pulled her gently to him. "Let me love you Lucy. God will do the rest." He kissed her.
She imagined herself at the ranch with Kevin, helping him with the horses, raising children. Lots of children, like Karen. Hope filled her. Kevin's children...
He rested his forehead against hers. "Marry me Lucy."
"Yes." She whispered.
He looked into her eyes and suddenly stood. "Ye-e-s!" His yell rang in the hills. She stood up beside him, laughing. He caught her face in her hands and kissed her again.
Lord, you've given me her love, thank you. Kevin closed his arms around her. "Let's spend the day alone. I don't want to share with any sisters. We can go to town and pick out your ring."
She smiled. "Okay."
Kevin tucked her back in and they rode back to the barn. Then they took the truck to town. Everything was lined with garland and bows. With Lucy under his arm, they strode to the jewelry store. He led her to the case that held wedding sets.
"See anything you like? Don't settle on something."
"This is nice." She pointed to an elegant square-cut diamond. The clerk came over and took it from the case. Kevin took her hand and slipped it on her finer. Their eyes met. "Do you like it?"
She nodded. She seemed more tense than she had moments ago.
"Do you want to wait?"
She shook her head.
Kevin looked at the clerk. "We'll take it."
"All right. We'll have it sized in about an hour."
He glanced at Lucy. "You okay?"
She nodded.
He circled her in his arm. "Let's make an agreement now to always tell the truth."
She dropped her chin. "The truth? The truth is I'm terrified."
"You want to reconsider?" Relief flooded him as she shook her head under his head.
"I'm sick of living in fear. I want to make my own decisions."
Not exactly the reason to commit your life to someone. A serious check rose in him. Was this the right thing to do? "You have to know it's the right person."
"I'll leave that to you." She smiled.
The weight of his action weighed hard. What had he done? Lucy had come to him. A gift. "Trust me."
"I do."
He closed her hand in his as they left the store. Lucy Kinkirk.
If she thought, for even a moment, that no one would notice the ring, she was wrong. Patty-Mary squealed the moment she took of her coat. She grabbed her hand. "What's this?"
Kevin looked over at her. "Calm down."
"Are you engaged?"
Lucy was wrong. She thought no one had heard her. Karen did. She came from the kitchen. Her expression told Lucy nothing. She didn't look angry, but she didn't look happy. The only thing she said was "Well?"
And Lucy didn't want her birthday to be a big deal. This was a bigger deal.
"Now we have another reason to celebrate." Karen said, but she didn't look any happier.
"I'm going to go find my dad." He sent Lucy a wink and left.
Therese was first to hug her. "Congratulations!"
Stephanie followed her. "I'm so happy for you!"
Lucy had to laugh. "I know it's sudden but..."
"Why don't we go have something to drink." Karen motioned to the kitchen.
"Have you chosen a date?" Karen asked as she poured the coffee.
"No. Nothing's for sure yet." That's not what she meant. "I mean we chose the ring, but nothing else."
Karen looked up after she was through. Lucy still couldn't tell if she was happy or not.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Kevin went to the barn and found his dad working on a horse. He leaned against a post, silently watching him. His dad finally looked up. "Did you want to talk about something?"
"Dad, I asked Lucy to marry me."
His dad stood up. "And?"
"She said yes."
"Well I'm sure you've prayed about it and you know what your doing."
"Yes I have."
"Has she?"
"Mom has all ready talked about that. I know it won't be easy, but I think she'll learn God's love through mine."
"That's a pretty big expectation Kevin."
It was. Kevin wasn't so sure about it once he said it aloud. "I think it's right."
Hank nodded. "She's a wonderful woman."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Karen served Christmas ham and all its trimmings for dinner. Therese had told her to changed clothes, because they always dressed up for Christmas Eve dinner. So again she was wearing the dress that Kevin bought her. She accepted more than just the dress, the ring on her finger reinforced that.
After the meal, Kevin led Lucy to the living room. He said something about initiation and the girls started laughing. What was it now?
Patty-Mary announced that the room was now the 'music hall.'
"The music hall?"
"You'll see," Patty-Mary giggled.
Lucy sat next to Kevin on the couch. Hank stood behind Karen, where she sat behind the piano. He bowed his head and everyone grew quiet. "Lord, let our music glorify You."
Lucy felt Kevin's arm around her as Karen began playing the piano. She began playing "O Holy Night" and Hank began singing. It was wonderful. She now knew where the children got their musical talent. Kevin stood when they were finished and went for his guitar.
Kevin accompanied Karen on the guitar and Stephanie and Therese and Tiffany began singing. Although none had taken lessons, they enjoyed what they were doing.
Next Patty-Mary got up and did her impression of "Up on the Housetop"
When Ben got up, he gazed at Lucy. He leaned against the piano. "Play Blue Christmas mom."
"I'm sorry honey but I don't know that one."
"Then just play some chords." He began singing and Lucy looked down at her hands. She felt like he was singing to her alone, and she felt awful. She looked over at Kevin and he wore a grim look on his face.
She felt pulled apart. She was caught between them. How dare Ben do this with the family watching. Lucy was hurting and he kept singing. Her eyes started to form tears. Did Ben care more than he showed? She fought back the tears, she wouldn't cry in front of the family.
He finally finished and Patty-Mary jumped up. "Now let's do a fun one." Ben and Patty-Mary sang "The Twelve Days of Christmas" accepting all applause when they were finished.
"Now it's Lucy's turn." Tiffany announced.
"That's not fair." Kevin walked over to her, like her protector. "She didn't know she would have to sing."
Lucy smiled. "Well I'm not much of a singer, but I'll play the piano."
Karen stood so Lucy could sit down. "I don't know any Christmas songs."
Therese smiled. "It's okay, play anything."
Lucy closed her eyes and drew a breath. Her fingers rested on the keys and she began playing the Chopin song she had worked for so long at home.
She could see her father sitting in his chair listening to her play. Remorse began to fill her. If only she was a little girl again, playing for her daddy with the promise of life around her.
There was complete silence when she finished. She looked up to see Kevin smiling.
"I'm so embarrassed! I practiced in front of you!" Patty-Mary wailed.
"Play something fun now" Stephanie said.
Lucy played the "Flight of the Bumblebee" and when she was finished, Patty-Mary began pulling her arms. "I want you to teach me!"
Therese rolled her eyes. "Yeah right! Get real!"
Next they exchanged gifts. Lucy waited until the end to pass out her pictures. They had turned at wonderful in the frames that Kevin had made.
Hank stood and announced it was time for Mass.
Lucy looked at Kevin. He smiled. "Midnight mass. It's a tradition."
"You're really going to church now?"
He helped her to her feet. "Come with me."
Lucy could feel Karen watching her, and the rest of the family. What would it hurt? "Sure."
When she reached the door of the church, she froze. This was God' house. Why had it scared her so much. She had come all the time when she was a little girl. Unaware of her anxiety, Kevin led her to the front of the church. It was decorated beautifully. Candles glittered and garlands were wrapped around the posts.
She looked up towards the altar. She saw the cross with Jesus. What kind of father would let his son suffer like that? Her chest tightened. What kind chose a rapist for his daughter? She trembled. She loved Kevin, but she wanted nothing to do with his God.
A/N: So Kevin and Lucy are engaged, I'm sure that makes everyone happy! I love reading the reviews, so keep em coming