Lighting the Darkness

By Eryn Grace

*** Based on Christian Morals--Christian Romance ***

Second grade teacher, Rebecca Albertson, lost her daughter and husband on the same date, two years ago. Grief now consumes her life.

On the anniversary of her family's death, she finds herself at a dinner party at her brother's home, right along with the new single minister, Reverend Mark Andrews, from her brother's church.

Mark tries to get her to live again, but she keeps the wall up in her heart, holding God accountable for her family's deaths. However, it seems that God has a plan, and no outside force—including all the single women vying for Mark's attention at the church—can hurt this budding romance.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Eryn Grace
• Release date: Apr 13, 2013
• ISBN: 9781938350139

Eryn Grace

Eryn Grace makes her home in Wisconsin, with her husband, three grown children, and various pets. She writes as all author names on www.SweetTaleBooks.com. See her website at www.eryngrace.com.

Book preview

LIGHTING THE DARKNESS

By Eryn Grace

~~~~~

PUBLISHED BY

Eryn Grace

Lighting the Darkness

Copyright © 2013 by Eryn Grace

ErynGrace.com

Smashwords Edition License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in, or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously.

~~~~~

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

~~~~~

Dedication:

Thank you, Darlene Creveling and Carol Shriner. You both have been a wonderful inspiration to me, and are fantastic people. Thank you both for keeping me informed about everything back home in PA. It's good to keep in touch with both of you!

And thank you, my wonderful readers, for reading my books. I truly appreciate you allowing me to take you on a story's journey, from darkness in someone's life, to end up basking in the light of God's love.

~~~~~

Chapter 1

Two years of loneliness while waiting for a prayer to be answered was a long time. Rebecca Albertson had given up hope on that prayer ever being answered, certain it was never to be fulfilled.

Rebecca lifted her eyes to see the giant oak tree filled with colorful leaves waving in the late-afternoon sunshine. Events from the past two years consumed her. Everything wonderful had ended on this exact date in October.

The swing attached to the tree swayed in the wind. She imagined her beautiful daughter, Abigail, on that swing, for she would've turned six a week ago. The image from two years ago, of her little four-year-old daughter lying in a hospital bed attached to tubes filled her mind. Rebecca had lost everything in her life the instant her daughter died. As soon as she'd died, Rebecca's husband, Rob, had left the room in anger, only to die in an automobile accident while heading home. Two lives lost, less than an hour apart. The thought of the two-year anniversary was too much for Rebecca to bear. God had abandoned her, so she'd turned away from everything. Two long years of loneliness walled away from anything happy.

With the overwhelming sadness weighing on her shoulders, she sat on the swing while the autumn leaves drifted down around her. She lowered her head into her hands, the tears finally making their way onto her lashes. Why did God take everything from her? He must really hate her, but she didn't know why.

Rebecca, she heard, knowing it was her brother Will. We're ready to eat. She felt a hand on her arm, helping her to her feet. She couldn't stop crying as Will hugged her. Cruel fate dictated that she'd end up at this very spot on her daughter's death date. It was Abigail's favorite place in the world…that swing.

I'm always here if you want to talk about this, he said.

She took a breath and tried to stop crying, but tears trickled down her cheek. I can't burden you. She backed away and wiped her cheeks. Besides, you have three wonderful children to concentrate on, and with Eloise expecting your fourth… She tried to hold back her tears, but as she took in her breath, a sob escaped, making way for many more gasps between the tears. Your family will be wonderful, she managed to eke out.

From the way Will lowered his eyes to his shoes, Rebecca knew she'd said something wrong.

I'm sorry, she said, sucking up her tears. I don't mean anything by it.

It's been a tough two years. He lifted his eyes to hers and she could see the tears he tried to hold back. We all miss them, but we have company and I don't want them waiting for dinner.

Company? She had to concentrate on the present. You didn't tell me you were having company. Maybe I should just go home.

You need to be here. These are fun people. He put his arm over her shoulder and guided her up the hill toward the house.

Don't tell anyone what today means, she said, wiping her cheeks. I don't want pity.

I won't tell if you won't tell.

As soon as they entered through the sliding glass door to the dining room, Rebecca headed off to the bathroom to wash her face. No one needed to know she'd been crying. She took time to pull herself together, but really wanted to be alone. Now she had to be nice to people she probably didn't even know. Will could've warned her.

Her stomach fell, imagining the worst. What if her brother was trying to fix her up with some lonely guy who lived in his parents' basement? She really hated being single. Maybe she should call their parents from their Florida retirement home and tell them to come back to Indiana to get Will in trouble. She loved having that power.

Even though she was determined to eat and run, she walked out of the bathroom and slammed right into the chest of some man. Single, no doubt. She glanced upward…blue eyes, brown hair, and about five or six inches taller than she was. He was also incredibly handsome, looking like a model. There was no way this guy was single, either. He was too beautiful—probably a playboy type. He definitely didn't live in anyone's basement.

I'm sorry, she said, backing off. I didn't know you were there.

A soft smile lifted his lips. Slight dimples graced his cheeks, making him even more attractive. It's okay. He shook her hand. I'm Reverend Mark Andrews, the preacher at Will and Eloise's church. You can call me Mark.

A preacher? Oh brother. Now she even had to play the game of being a Christian. However, he definitely wasn't a playboy even if he was just too good-looking to be a man of the cloth. He was the type of guy she could hardly speak to because of his looks. A preacher, though? It was almost as if she'd been set up.

Since her dad was a preacher, she didn't put any of them on a pedestal—not even model preachers like this guy.

She had to be nice. I'm Rebecca, Will's sister. She shook his hand.

Blonde hair and blue eyes. I should've noticed the family resemblance. He dropped her hand. I've heard good things about you.

What a liar. She even crossed her arms in disbelief. Seriously? Her tone was sarcastic, because she doubted her brother had told him anything other than sad stories.

His blue eyes smiled right along with his lips as he leaned closer. According to Will, you're one of the best second grade teachers they have in the entire district. What he told me is very good and nothing about how you used to tease him when he was younger.

The thought surprised her. Will told you that?

The man laughed. He didn't have to. That's usually how it goes. He backed away. Save me a seat.

Sure. She watched him enter the bathroom and shut the door, not sure what had just happened. He was fun to be around, even if he was a preacher. On one hand, she wished she knew him better, but on the other hand—a preacher like her father? Really?

As she headed into the dining room, she saw another couple she didn't know. Will, his three young children, and Eloise, his wife, were there, as well. Eloise looked like she could give birth at any moment. The women were setting the table with the food in the center, making Rebecca feel guilty for not being inside to help.

Put me to work, Rebecca said to Eloise.

It's all done. She rested her hands on her stomach. Are you better now?

I guess so. Thanks for giving me some time.

That's what I'm here for.

Rebecca leaned closer to Eloise's ear. Will didn't tell me there were other guests coming. And a preacher to boot. Ridiculous. She should just go home.

He wanted to surprise you. He said you needed fun people around you today. Eloise rolled her eyes. Men. They're insane.

You're right about that. Rebecca forced a smile to her lips, but wanted to run away. She considered it, but before she could even inch to the front door, Reverend Andrews entered the room. He had some sort of charisma, because every person seemed to cheer up and speak to him. How could he be the life of the party, given he was a minister? Although, when she thought about it, her dad seemed to have that charm, too. Maybe it went with the job. Even so, it couldn't be his real personality.

Eloise addressed the group. After the blessing, we'll eat.

A blessing, too? Rebecca wanted to get out of there fast.

"I'm hungry now," six-year old Ben said from beside Rebecca. He was blond, just like the rest of Will's family, with big blue eyes. Even Eloise was blonde-haired and blue-eyed. Ben had two sisters, Emily, who was eight, and Jenny, who was four.

In a minute, Eloise said. Reverend Andrews, this is yours. A pained look crossed her face. She closed her eyes for a long moment and took a breath before she seemed fine again.

Rebecca knew better. Eloise was good at hiding labor pains and her labor was usually quick. Now Rebecca felt compelled to stay. If anything happened, she'd never forgive herself for running away. This should be good—if Eloise went into labor and that minister was there, he'd run for the hills.

Rebecca needed to keep an eye on the woman, surprised Will didn't say something. Will was a family doctor, doing well in his own practice, so she figured he'd know if something was going on. Even so, she had to watch to find out how they'd all react to the potential crisis that may happen. She almost laughed while thinking about it.

They all bowed their heads and Reverend Andrews said a quick prayer. No sooner had he said 'Amen' than Eloise screamed and fell to the floor on her knees.

Here we go. Rebecca watched the minister. He'd probably pray about it instead of help.

Oh, no, Will said. Not now. He seemed more than irritated and Rebecca was ready to let him have it. Eloise needed him and he could be nicer.

This wasn't my idea, Eloise yelled.

Will and the other two men helped her to her feet and out to the kitchen floor. She fell to her knees, unable to go any farther. I can't move, she said. This kid is coming fast. I can feel it.

What an interesting dinner party. It definitely wasn't as sad a day as Rebecca had anticipated. Now she'd be even more amused if minister-man fell apart.

~~~~~

Chapter 2

Will grabbed the phone and dialed, while everyone else just watched. Rebecca sat down beside Eloise and held her hand. Breathe with me, Rebecca said, and counted for her.

Is Mommy okay? Jenny asked, holding onto her doll. She was four and seemed very concerned.

She's fine. Minister-man Mark ushered the children to the door. Just like Rebecca predicted, this guy couldn't handle any type of true problem.

The other couple took the children while Mark returned to Rebecca's side. Have you ever done this before?

Why was he asking her that? It made her wonder what Will had told him.

Yes. She felt the sorrow as tears filled her eyes. That seems like a lifetime ago.

Eloise stopped panting and took a big breath. It's coming and I'm serious. I can't stop it. She even screamed out in pain.

Will sat down beside her and took her other hand. How far apart and why didn't you tell me? We could've postponed this meal, you know.

It hasn't been going on for long at all. She panted some more. I've never had one come this fast. Maybe 15 minutes, tops? It wasn't bad until now, making me think it wasn't even labor.

Rebecca got to her feet and ran into the bathroom, grabbing a sheet and towels. She returned to Will and handed them to him while Eloise cried out in pain. He put the towels under her and covered her with the sheet.

What can I do to help? Mark asked.

Him? Help? Yeah, right. Rebecca almost laughed at him.

Pray, Will said. And keep me company. If it gets tough, I'll ask for help.

Will wanted help from this guy, even though Will was a doctor? What else could a minister do to truly help? He wasn't a doctor.

Will worked with his wife for a few minutes until she screamed once more. He finally shook his head. I feel the head already. Oh man, this kid's in a hurry and I'm worried about the cord. It feels like it's around its neck, but I can't stop this baby.

I can help. Mark knelt beside Will.

Rebecca just watched, not quite sure what was going on. How can you help? Have you done this before? This wasn't amusing anymore. He could hurt the baby or Eloise if he wasn't trained.

The man lifted his eyes to Rebecca's face while helping Will. A few hundred times, or so it seems. I used to be an obstetrician and gynecologist, but left to become a pastor.

He could've bowled her over with a feather. What an interesting development.

A siren sounded in the distance. With both men working, and Eloise crying out, the baby was born a few minutes later. Will laid the baby boy on the sheet covering Eloise's stomach. Mark got the baby to cry and wiped him off.

Someone knocked at the front door.

Come in, Will yelled.

Two EMTs walked inside the house and took over. In the meantime, Will and Mark both left, heading for the bathroom.

Rebecca stood up and backed away, watching the ambulance guys work. The little boy reminded her so much of her own baby, remembering back to when they laid Abigail on Rebecca's stomach. The memory was surreal, very similar to Eloise's experience. The only difference was Rebecca had no husband or family member with her at the time. Like most of her married life, she was alone.

Will and Mark came back into the room, drying their hands while chuckling.

I'm so glad you were here, Will said. It just happened too fast. I needed more hands. It's been a long time since I helped deliver a child.

Not a problem.

Mark joined Rebecca at the side of the room. You said you did this before, Mark asked her. When?

She watched as the EMTs worked. Six years ago. I had a little girl, but she died, as did my husband on the same day. She felt the tears again. Two years ago, on this exact date.

I'm so sorry. He nodded at the newborn. And now, that little baby will remind you of this day, no doubt, because it's his birth date.

Yeah, but it's not his fault, so I'll try not to connect the dates. She closed her eyes and took a jagged breath.

The man gave her a hug. God loves you, Rebecca, he said into her ear.

No, he doesn't, she whispered. He abandoned me. I'm so alone now.

Mark backed away. Do you truly believe that?

She could only nod, the tears falling down her cheeks.

You're never alone. Ever. He darted his eyes at Will before returning to see her. Does your family know you think like that? His tone was quiet.

No and don't tell them. I don't need the pity or anyone trying to tell me I'm doomed. She pulled herself out of his embrace and took a deep breath. I also didn't want anyone to know what today meant.

Wow. His minty breath wafted across her face as he leaned closer to her. Isolation isn't good. You're bottling that all up and it'll come out at the wrong time.

That's what my husband, Rob, told me when our daughter died…right before he left and got into a car crash. I buried them together and lost my own will to live that day. I never went back to church after that, either, because God let it all happen. He doesn't care about me.

Mark watched the EMTs. Now I know why I'm here tonight.

He was crazy. Huh?

Never mind. He nodded at the new baby. He's adorable. I wonder what they're going to name him.

I never know with pregnant women. She wiped her cheeks and chuckled. You should hear some of the names in my classroom. New mothers shouldn't be allowed to name children, if you ask me.

He laughed right beside her. You're right. My brother, Cadence, whom my mother wanted to be a singer, hated his name. He goes by his middle name, David, now. I can't blame him.

The EMTs lifted Eloise to the gurney while Will held onto his new son with a smile. New daddies were wonderful to watch. At least most new daddies who loved their children—but not Rob. Will was one of those good guys, a true daddy, even though he could get irritated when things didn't go his way.

Daddy looks happy, Rebecca said to Mark.

He should be. Now he has two girls and two boys. Older brother, Ben, will probably be ecstatic.

I'm sure he'll be very happy. Think we should have the meal anyway? The kids need to know everything's okay.

I'll help you. Mark approached Will. Don't worry about dinner and your kids. We'll handle it. Come back when you're done at the hospital.

Thanks for everything. Will addressed Rebecca. Thank you, too. You're a pro.

I only kept her busy. It was way too quick. If you go for five kids, put her in the hospital a week before delivery because she might blink and give birth.

I hear ya. I'll be back. Will took his new baby out the door and they left.

Mark ushered Rebecca into the living room. Let's find everyone else. I think they're keeping the kids busy. He took her hand and headed for the basement door.

She glanced down at where he held onto her hand, feeling the warmth from his skin. Was he flirting? The thought frightened her. That wall was in her heart for a reason and she intended to keep it there. She couldn't risk ever being hurt like that again, like when she lost her entire family. Besides, this guy was too good-looking. Those types had other women falling at their feet, just like with Rob. Never again.

She dropped his hand and crossed her arms. He glanced at her almost in irritation but said nothing. He'd better not, or she'd give him some of her attitude. She'd become a pro at it when she wasn't so sad.

When they got to the bottom step of the basement, Mark approached the kids, who were playing. Who's hungry?

The children ran for the stairs, while the other couple just laughed. Everyone headed upstairs.

How's Mommy? Jenny asked, as soon as they all reached the top of the stairs.

She's fine, Mark said. She and your dad went to the hospital. You have a brother.

Yay! all three kids yelled.

Mark brought everyone into the dining room and they all sat down at the table to eat. Mark sat at the head of the table, beside Rebecca, while the other couple

Reviews for Lighting the Darkness

[lynnb_64 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is the story of George Webb, failed police officer turned private detective. His life has been turned around by one case: the murder of Mr. Nash by his wife. Mrs. Nash hired George to follow her husband, who was cheating on her. George was drawn to her, and two years later, is still totally wrapped up in her life. Graham Swift has done an outstanding job of painting a picture of George: his personality, hopes, fears and longings. The book takes place over a single day, but with flashbacks to cover George's life. The writing is fast-paced, even though this is primarily a character study. It definitely made me want to read more by this author.

[samsheep_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I gave this four stars because....I was engaged, I liked it, I kept reading, some beautiful turns of phrase, some interesting characters. It had the quality feel to it. BUT sometimes it dragged - he really spun it out a bit too much, the pacing not quite what it could be. Also a silly small thing that really grated on me - the way that he used "sweetheart" a lot when speaking to her in prison. Somehow jarred with the rest of it.

[adrianburke_1 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

No. I cannot get on with this. Reading it is like listening to two radio stations at the same time. Two much cross interference. And really I feel the complication is all to do with the method of telling rather than anything else. One long fragmented flashback is intercut into a boring car trip. Did not finish. Life being too short.

[coyote99_1 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

What an awful book. Mesmerized by his own words, Swift manages to spin ever slower circles around events we already know happen with needless jumps forward and backward. Early on he decides that his tale has so little merit that his only chance is to make his narrative so confusing that the reader may mistake obfuscation for brilliance. A complete waste of time.

[booklistener · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I have mixed feelings on this book. Author painted a very convincing picture and the imagery sticks with me. On the other hand, it did seem the story moved excruciatingly slowly at times. He would dwell for a long time on the mood of a scene and then, almost in passing, mention key plot details.

[sanddancer_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Amazing! It plays with the conventions of the detective story and romance. We find out almost immediately who committed the crime, and the rest of the book is about piecing together the events that led up to it, all seen from the point of view of a detective, who has fallen in love with the murderer. That summary doesn't really do it justice. It is about relationships, secrets and love - all big themes, but it is beautifully written and griping.

[gocam_4 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Moderately more engaging than watching a slow paint dry, the book nonetheless explodes very occasionally with flashes of incendiary writing. 'Light of Day' indulges for most of its length in endless, insistent, circular, inevitable, here-again/there-again repetition surrounding a violent act that puzzles and initially intrigues and the back story detailing how our private detective protagonist ended up 'the man he is' - using a series of flash-back and -forward sequences we are led through a life that collides in a conclusion that should satisfy but rather stultifies . The form does tend to pull Webb's plight and life arc into tight focus, but honestly neither make for particularly engaging reading. As a treatment of a slow-burning drift into insular obsession the novel succeeds in generating a modicum of sympathy, but little more. Swift can write tremendously compelling almost poetic sequences (particularly when detailing the relationship with his daughter, and a cop whom he faces as nemesis then acquaintance), but they are buried deep in far too many words describing far too slight of a narrative where, frankly, there is little to care about. In reading this book I found myself at one point reminded of the power of selective repitition in Edwin Morgan's "In the Snack Bar" - a poem that achieves more in a few hundred words than this novel does in its entirety. Disappointing as I had high expectations after a punchy opening chapter, and having enjoyed "Last Orders".

[cliffagogo · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Ex-cop and private detective George Webb reflects on his past and revisits his old relationships, to find meaning in recent tragic events. The author’s knack for readable, believable dialogue makes for a compelling, addictive novel that pleases from start to finish. This, mixed with an incredible sense of structure and atmosphere, places Swift head and shoulders above the competition.

[piefuchs · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A good book that failed to live up to the high expectation I had developed for this author based upon Last Orders.