Hope Restored

By Alisha Jones

Adelaide Donovan is married to her high school sweetheart, has five children, and owns a successful bakery. her life is about as perfect as she could ask for. But, when her husband becomes ill and finds out he only has a short while to live, her entire world will come crashing down around her.

James Donovan has only a month to live and is determined to find his replacement before God calls him home. He prays for days that God will send a man to him that will vow to take care of Adelaide. When he meets Will Parker, he knows his prayers have been answered.

Will Parker has visited James in the hospital and talked to him so many times that he feels he knows his wife and children. In fact, is it possible that he could actually fall in love with the man's wife without having met her?

Can the two finally find a restored hope of a promising future? Find out in this final book in the 'Hope' series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alisha Jones
• Release date: Nov 3, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370641567

Book preview

Hope Restored

By: Alisha Jones

All characters appearing in this work are fictitious.

Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead,

is purely coincidental.

I dedicate this work to my very good friend, Heather,

who created all of the covers for the ‘Hope’ series.

May God bless your home and give you hope.

Text Copyright © 2015

All Rights Reserved

Prologue

Hey, guys, Adelaide hugged her husband, James, as he dragged through the door with their five children. She felt him tense a little and she pulled back. You okay, sweetheart? She saw the kids head straight to their rooms and hoped they were starting on their homework.

Not really, he moaned. Think I’ve got a fever again.

Adelaide touched his forehead with the back of her hand, My goodness, James, you’re burnin’ up. She led him to the couch, Why don’t you lie down for a while and I’ll get you some juice, okay? He nodded and she went into the kitchen. She poured him a glass of juice and took it back to him. Here you go, baby, she handed him the glass. When did you start feelin’ bad?

James gave a little moan as he changed positions on the couch. Um, I guess, this morning before I left for work.

James Donovan, why on earth would you go to work feelin’ like this? she scolded. Honey, you’ve been feelin’ like this off and on for months, now. I think it’s time you went to see the doctor.

Addy, I’m sure it’s nothin’, he touched her hand. Probably just a bug I can’t shake.

Adelaide shook her head, Not likely. You come home worn slap out, you have had a fever at least five times this month, and you’ve lost at least fifteen pounds. The thought brought tears to her eyes. Her once strong, muscular husband had become downright puny. Being almost seven feet tall had made his one hundred seventy-five pounds seem slight. But, as she looked at him, she saw that he had dark circles under his eyes and his cheeks were sunken in. The man definitely couldn’t afford to lose any more weight. I don’t care how much you fuss and argue, James, I am taking you to the doctor tomorrow.

Oh, Addy, I can’t tomorrow. We have a staff meeting. He groaned a little while he rolled over to take another sip of juice.

I’m sure if Pastor Farber knew you were sick, he would tell you not to come within ten feet of his office. You know how much of a germ-o-phobe he is. She chuckled and brought a slight smile to his pale face.

Oh, all right, he conceded. Will you get me the phone so I can give him a heads up?

Sure, honey. She grabbed the phone and dialed the number for him. She left the room, but could hear his explanation to the Pastor. His tone was light and friendly, so, as she expected, the Pastor was quite understanding. James had worked for their church as the Assistant Pastor and radio station manager for years now. He and the Pastor were more than colleagues, they were friends. Well, what’d he say? she asked as she entered the living room.

I don’t wanna tell you, he chuckled softly as he winced in pain.

C’mon. Give, she demanded.

He sighed and said, He said, uh, don’t come within ten feet of my office.

Adelaide burst into laughter. Do I know him, or what?

Well, you ought to. You’ve been a member of that church for two decades.

Alright, smart mouth, I’m gonna help you off this couch and get you into bed. She helped him to a standing position and he put his arm around her. She smiled when he placed a small kiss on her cheek. What was that for?

Just for being you. You are so good to take care of me, Addy.

Now, don’t start gettin’ all mushy on me, she blushed. Put all your concentration on getting better.

He smiled at her antics. She had craved his attention and flirtatious behavior when they were teenagers and even newlyweds. Now, she just pretended not to need or want it. Of course, he knew better.

Adelaide helped him change his clothes, and helped him into bed. Now, I’m gonna go start supper. You hungry?

Not really. Could you just fix me some soup? he asked.

Sure. Now sleep, she ordered.

She began to leave and he caught her wrist, What? No ‘goodnight’ kiss?

She leaned over and placed a tiny kiss on his forehead. How’s that?

Scrunching up his face, he said, Thanks, Grandma.

She laughed and leaned back over to him. She kissed him tenderly on his lips, hot from his fever. Then, she left the room and closed the door behind her. As she walked down the hall, she peeked into her kids’ bedrooms and made sure they were doing their homework. When she came to Jocelyn’s door, she knocked. Jocelyn was seventeen and acted every bit of the proud teenager role. She and her sister, Jenny, shared the room, but, Jenny did her work at the kitchen table, so she wouldn’t disturb Jocelyn with her ‘constant questions’, as Jocelyn claimed.

C’mon in, mom, Jocelyn yelled through the door.

Adelaide opened the door and smiled at her beautiful daughter lying on her stomach on her bed. What-cha workin’ on, sweetie?

Math homework. How’s daddy? Jocelyn asked concerned. She had always been a daddy’s girl.

I’m sure he’ll be fine. He’s resting right now. She sat on the edge of her daughter’s bed, You need any help?

Jocelyn shook her head, No thanks. This stuff’s pretty simple.

Okay, she rose. Let me know if you change your mind.

Jocelyn looked back to her books, Okay.

Adelaide closed the door and headed toward the kitchen. She stopped by the boys’ room and saw that they were steadily working. Everything okay in here? she asked.

Sure, mom, Jake answered. How’s dad?

Oh, he’s lying down right now. He’ll rest a while and I’m sure he’ll be as good as new in the morning. She hoped he would be. Anybody need any help with homework before I start your dad’s supper?

No thanks, they answered in unison.

She smiled, closing their bedroom door, and walked toward the kitchen again. When she entered, she saw Jenny seated at the table. Hey, punkin. How was school?

Good. I got an ‘A’ on my Spelling Pre-test, Jenny bragged. So, I don’t have to take it tomorrow.

Adelaide hugged her, Congratulations, sweetie. I’m very proud of you.

Is daddy gonna feel better soon? Jenny asked.

Oh, how those kids love their daddy. Well, I’m gonna take him to the doctor tomorrow, and I’m sure he’ll give him something to make him all better, she smiled.

Good, ‘cause he’s been sick a long time. Jenny was also a daddy’s girl. She loved to climb up in his lap and listen to him read a story. Sadly, he hadn’t been able to for a while.

I know, baby, she said as she rubbed Jenny’s hair. Finish up your homework so you can set the table for me.

Okay, mommy.

Chapter 1

Sitting in the doctor’s office patiently was the hardest thing that Adelaide had ever done. She had brought James here about three weeks ago and they had run some tests, took vials upon vials of his blood, and put him through torturous procedures. But, it was the waiting that made them the craziest. As the doctor entered the room, Adelaide stood, Well, it’s about time.

Addy, calm down, James soothed. He’s doin’ the best he can. He grabbed her hand and pulled her back into her chair beside him.

Adelaide saddened, I’m very sorry, doctor. It’s just that we’ve been waiting here for almost two hours.

That’s quite alright, Mrs. Donovan, the doctor told her. The truth is, I have just now received the results of the blood work because the lab has been backed up for a while. I apologize for the wait.

It’s fine, doc, James added, it’s just that the wait is a killer, ya know?

I certainly do. The doctor drew a deep, ragged breath and began, Mr. Donovan, I hate to have to tell you this, but your lab work shows that you have cancer.

Adelaide gasped and placed her hand on her husband’s arm. Cancer? What kind? she asked as she paled to the color of a ghostly apparition. She thought that the man could use a bit more bedside manners, or at least a little tact.

Bone cancer, I’m afraid, the doctor explained.

Adelaide shook her head and tried to process the information. Finally, she inhaled deeply, Okay. What’s our next step? Chemo? Hormone injections?

The doctor hung his head, I’m afraid… neither. The cancer has progressed too far. I’m sorry to tell you that there’s nothing we can do. Now, we can give you some medication to ease your sickness and pain, but there’s nothing we can do to stop the spread or reverse it. I’m very sorry.

James squeezed Adelaide’s hand, I see. How long do I have?

The doctor swallowed, Best case? I’d say three months. His face fell as he gave the sad news.

Adelaide broke down as James held her firmly. He stood, lifted her with him, and offered his hand to the doctor, Thanks for being so candid, doc.

The doctor shook his hand, O-Of course. He looked puzzled at James, I must say, Mr. Donovan, I’ve never seen a patient take a death sentence like this as well as you have. What’s your secret?

James smiled slowly, Doc, do you know Jesus Christ? I mean, personally. Does He ooze into every part of your life?

I’m afraid not. I believed all that stuff once, but I turned my back on it a long time ago, he admitted. I just can’t see the point in believing in someone who allows so many cruel things to happen to good people, such as you. Mothers lose their young children, husbands lose their wives, and children lose their parents. I can’t put my faith and trust in a God that would allow things like that to happen.

I’m sorry for you, doc, James said. But, when you have Heaven to look forward to, there’s no reason to fear death.

Not being able to let it go, the doctor snapped, But, that’s just a myth, Mr. Donovan. How do you know that there is a Heaven?

Well, that’s where ‘faith’ comes in. Everyone believes in something, even if they can’t see it. With his strength failing, James turned around and sat back down in his chair. He wouldn’t leave the office without fully explaining things to the doctor. You have a bank account, doc?

Of course, I do, the doctor nearly snarled. What does that have to do with faith?

James smiled, Well, you put your money into your bank account and you put faith in that bank to hold your money for you until you need it. What would happen if that bank was robbed? Would you lose your money?

Well, no, the doctor said a little softer. The federal government insures my bank and repays the money that was stolen.

Exactly, James beamed knowing his message was beginning to come through. I have faith that when I die, God will take me to Heaven. I have that assurance from the Bible, God’s word.

But, how can you be so peaceful about leaving your wife and children behind? the doctor humbly asked. It seems that if your God was goin’ to take care of your family, He would leave you here with them, to provide for them.

Adelaide touched her husband’s hand, signaling that she would answer this one. Actually, doc, it hasn’t been James that has provided for us all these years. It was God. He allowed James to work for our church, but that isn’t a job that accumulates wealth. He allowed me to open a successful bakery and use my talents as well, to help supplement our income. If God has decided that it’s time for James to go home, then I believe He has other plans for us.

James squeezed his wife’s hand between both of his, She’s right, doc. It’s by God’s grace that I have met and married this beautiful lady. I wouldn’t trade one minute of time I’ve shared with her. And, I wouldn’t dare spend my last days in the gloomy dumps because I can’t share the rest of her life.

Adelaide wiped the