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One year and three weeks later
“Ah! As the heart grows older, it also grows fonder,” Bradley said. “Happy anniversary, Addie.”
Adelaide flung her arms around her husband’s neck. “Happy anniversary, Bradley. I have a special anniversary present for you.”
Bradley’s eyes twinkled. “What is it? Oh, but I didn’t get you anything.”
Adelaide grinned. “You already gave me something. And it isn’t just you.”
Bradley squinted. “What are you talking about?”
“Bradley Aaron Connor, you are going to be a father in about six months.”
He blinked and his mouth gaped open. “Really?”
“Yes, really.”
A grin spread on his face and he picked Adelaide up and spun her around. “I’m going to be a father! We’re going to have a baby!”
Adelaide laughed as he put her down. “I’m glad I waited to tell you.”
“How long have you known?”
“Almost a week. But I thought it would be more fun to tell you today.”
Bradley pulled her to him and kissed her tenderly. “Thank you. I appreciate you waiting.” He put a hand on her stomach. “I can’t wait for the baby to come. If it’s a boy, can we name him after your father?”
Tears sprang to Adelaide’s eyes. “Yes, we can. Are you sure you don’t want to name him after you or your father?”
“Maybe his middle name can be Aaron.”
“And if it’s a girl?”
“Your mother’s name and your middle name?” Bradley suggested.
“No.”
“Why not?”
Adelaide smiled. “They’re the same.”
“What is your middle name?” Bradley asked.
“Maryann.”
“Adelaide Maryann Connor. That has a nice ring to it.”
“Haven’t I told you my middle name before?”
Bradley wrinkled his eyebrows. “I don’t think so.”
“Hm. I thought I had. I suppose it doesn’t really matter, though.”
“What about Maryann Rebekah after your mother and mine?”
“That is a good suggestion. Let’s make a list and then pick our top two and decide when the baby is born.”
Bradley nodded. “God is so good. I could praise Him all day long.” He smiled and started humming. After a line, he started to sing and on the chorus, Adelaide joined in.
Perfect submission—all is at rest,
I in my Savior am happy and blest;
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.
This is my story, this is my song;
Praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.
The End
Keep reading for a special preview of the novel that inspired Blessed Assurance:
Hymns of the West #5
