Second Chance to Fall in Love

By Darlene Carson

He swore to love his wife forever. He just doesn't remember who she is.

Polly Wilson had a loving marriage and a growing family. But when an accident steals her husband Theo's memory, she finds herself completely erased from his life. Her husband has become a stranger.

Now, with a baby on the way and Theo inexplicably drawn toward the East, Polly has to figure out a way to keep him around and make him fall in love with her. All over again.

Here's what readers like you are saying about Darlene Carson's stories:

• This was a short, sweet, clean, Christian romance. It has a very good storyline.
• Your style of writing was delightful to read.
• Read this short novella and smile. It is amazing.
• The story captured family, friendship, faith, trust and endurance. A joy to read.

• Language: English
• Publisher: LoveBlessed
• Release date: Nov 7, 2015
• ISBN: 9781519902481

Darlene Carson

Darlene Carson writes stories of love and forgiveness, about characters who are flawed and imperfect--just like us. Her tales are full of people who may have a spiritual bent, but who also struggle with their faith at times--just like us. In addition to writing her own stories, she is an editor with LoveBlessed. LoveBlessed features sweet, clean stories written in family-friendly language--in other words, books you wouldn't be embarrassed to be caught reading!

Book preview

Lincoln, Nebraska

July 27, 1869

Polly hurried to the door and opened it wide, revealing nothing but the nearly bare wheat fields stretching to the horizon. The trail to town was a line worn into the earth, unbroken by any travelers as far as she could see. Good Lord, where is he? Theo needs help now, she thought.

It’s still going to be a while, Johanna called from the parlor. Even riding full-out both ways, it’ll be at least half an hour before they get here.

He might not.... Polly started to speak, but her voice died away as she thought about what she was saying. She had just been about to say that Theo might not have half an hour, but the thought was too terrible to release into the air, as if speaking it aloud would jinx him where he lay. She went back to the parlor and knelt alongside the sofa. Half an hour is a long time to wait, she finally said as she grasped Theo’s hand. He didn’t respond.

Her husband was a handsome man even in these circumstances. She reached out to smooth his sandy blond hair, only gingerly touching him where she could feel the bump growing larger, and she caressed his cheek, cupping his strong jaw in her palm. He had a day of stubble on him, and though she always complained about how it tickled her when they kissed, she couldn’t think of a thing she wanted more than for him to be awake and all right, tickling her with as many kisses as he wanted.

It was so strange to see him like this, weak and unresponsive, when he was so very unlike this in his normal life. Theo had the strong, lean form of a man who spent all day working out in the fields, a laugh that could rattle the dishes in the sideboard, and eyes as rich and warm as mahogany. Eyes that she hoped to see again, but there was a secret fear already growing within her that she had seen them for the last time. Head injuries were nothing to be taken lightly, and as Johanna had pointed out, the doctor was far away. Polly let out a sob.

Her neighbor was at her side immediately. Let’s not worry too much just yet, Johanna said, helping Polly to her feet and giving her a tight hug. If we don’t even know what happened to him, we can’t begin to guess how things are going to turn out.

Polly took a handkerchief from her sleeve and dabbed at her eyes. You’re right, she said. Of course you’re right. I’m just scared.

I would be too, Johanna said. "Heck, I am scared. But I’m right here with you."

Polly took Johanna’s hand tightly. Thank you, she said. I don’t know what I would have done without you.

Johanna steered her to one of the armchairs opposite the sofa. Knowing you, I have a feeling you still would have managed somehow, she said. Honestly, I don’t know how you got Theo in here in the first place. When I was with child, I was entirely useless for the whole nine months. Just ask Nelson.

Polly gave her a faint smile and rubbed her belly. I’m not sure how I did it myself, she said. It all happened so fast. Now that she was sitting down and had a moment to think about it, she was stunned at how quickly things had changed. Two hours ago it was a beautiful day, she thought. Now I’m living in a nightmare.

She had been scrubbing dishes at the sink and glanced out the window to see Theo coming home. Everything looked wrong, though. He had ridden out a short while earlier, saying he was going to inspect the fence at the west end of the field. Half an hour later here he was, returning to the house on foot, his horse nowhere to be seen. Theo had his right hand raised, pressed to