Epilogue

 

December 24 - One Year Later

 

Denny stood at Eula’s door and scanned the sea of smiling faces. Another packed house for Christmas Eve.

“Daddy, hurry. Mameré is telling her story.”

“I’m coming.” He rushed to stand behind Kelly. As he listened to the familiar story and the rasp of the familiar voice, something new twinged his heart. Life goes on regardless of the past heartaches and disappointments. And for those who rely on God, He carries them through to the other side. And in his case, he’d been blessed with more than he could have imagined. He’d learned about God’s timing. His perfect timing.

Mameré finished her story and glanced toward Denny. “I believe my grandson has some excitin’ news to share.”

Denny grabbed Kelly and Chelsea’s hand and guided them to the front of the room. He gazed into excited faces, with expectant grins and curious looks. He turned to Kelly and brushed a kiss on her cheek. Her eyes creased in the corners the way they’d done that first day a year ago when he’d driven her home from the airport.

“Are you going to tell them or should I?” she asked.

He placed his hand on his wife’s belly. “It seems that next year there will be another LaBouve to get a candy cane from Mameré. We’re having a baby.”