Rachel's Daughter

By Sally Campbell Repass

The saga of "For the Love of Rachel" continues in "Rachel's Daughter." Jennifer Rose Parker was raised on the Parker Ranch in Laurel, Montana. She was the beautiful daughter of Rachel Hargrove Parker and Dr. Mitch Parker, who was killed in a car accident, seven months before Jennifer was born. Rachel later met and married, Grayson Sterling, who was the only father Jennifer ever knew.

In high school she met and fell in love with Gabe Colter, whom her mother thought was not good enough for her daughter. She defied her mother and dated him anyway.

After high school she went to the University of California to become a doctor, following in her deceased father's footsteps. She and Gabe parted ways, even though it was very hard for both of them. They were deeply in love. Determined to get her education, she sacrificed love.

Both she and Gabe faced many disappointments and heartbreaks during the eight long years she was in medical school. Would their faith in God and love for each other be enough to bring them back together or would it be too late?

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Mar 29, 2011
• ISBN: 9781456754938

Sally Campbell Repass

Sally Campbell Repass is a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She has been married to her loving husband, Paul, for 10 years. They are going through a very difficult time now, as he battles Stage IV Colon cancer. Their faith in God, the love of family and dear friends, have helped ease the pain. Sally wrote and published a Children's Fairytale Book, 'PRINCESS KARI & THE GOLDEN HAIRED BOY' in early 2010. This book was inspired by her granddaughters, Katie and Campbell. Later that year, she published her first Inspirational Romance Book, 'FOR THE LOVE OF RACHEL'. In 2011 she followed with a sequel, 'RACHEL'S DAUGHTER'. Not being able to let go of the family she had created, she decided to write a third book. In 2012, 'FROM THE RANCH...TO THE ISLAND' was born. Now her fourth book in the series has been published. 'BACK HOME TO MONTANA' is the continuing saga of the Parker/Sterling families. Look for a turn of events as the story continues in book #5. Book #6 will be the final one in this series. As the book ends, so will the saga of this family she has grown to love. She has spanned 4 generations of the Parker/Sterling families and hopes you have enjoyed the journey as much as she has. Website: www.fortheloveofrachel.com Email: [e-mail] [e-mail]

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Jennifer Rose Parker was about to turn sixteen. She was very excited about this, because it meant she could start dating. She had met a boy at school that she really liked, but had not told her parents about him. His name was Gabe Colter and he was from a middle class family. I guess that is why she never told her parents. She was afraid they wouldn’t approve since he wasn’t from an upper class family like theirs. Well, she didn’t care… she intended to date him as soon as she turned sixteen, that is if he asked her out. She was sure he would because he seemed to like her as much as she liked him. She was in her sophomore year in high school. Gabe was one year ahead of her, so he already had his driver’s license. He drove an old pickup truck, but she didn’t care. She liked him for who he was and not for the vehicle he drove. He was very good looking and that was part of what attracted her to him. He had dark hair and baby blue eyes, that almost made her melt every time she saw him.

Gabe had a part time job after school and on Saturdays. He needed the money to keep his old truck running. He had a great family, but his parents couldn’t afford to give him the money he needed. He didn’t mind working at all. In fact, he enjoyed working down at the local garage. He was saving as much money as he could, which wasn’t much. He would love to go to college after high school, but doubted if he could ever afford it. He knew his parents couldn’t help him. They did well to survive. They had a family of five boys. Gabe was the oldest. He was raised in a wonderful Christian home and appreciated his parents very much for the upbringing he had. He never worried that they didn’t have all the fine things in life. They had lots of love and that meant more to him than material things.

Jennifer was a beautiful young girl, with long straight dark hair and dark brown eyes. She inherited her hair and eye color from her dad, Mitch. She also had his dark, flawless skin. She was tall and slender. She was a real beauty and had the look of a Princess. Rachel Sterling was so proud of her daughter.

Jennifer had been called Jenny from the time she was born. As she grew up she decided she wanted to be called Jennifer, instead of Jenny. She thought it sounded more mature. After all, she was about to turn sixteen.

Her father, Mitch Parker, who was a doctor, was killed in a car accident seven months before she was born. She never had the privilege of knowing her biological father. The only father she ever knew was Grayson Sterling, whom she loved very much. As she became older, she often wondered what her real father would have been like. Of course, her mom, Rachel, had always shown her pictures of her dad for as long as she could remember. He was a very handsome man. Her brother Jordan looked a lot like him. Jordan was only her half brother though, since Christina Hoffsteader was his mother. Christina and Mitch had a love affair in college and she ended up pregnant with Jordan. She moved away and never let Mitch know he was a dad. This was sad. He never knew about me either, thought Jennifer. He was killed before her mom had the chance to tell him. That had always bothered her mom.

Her mom, Rachel Hargrove Parker Sterling was still a beautiful woman. Life had been kind to her, as far as aging. She went through some tragic times, with losing her parents when she was only ten years old. She was raised by her dad’s sister, Pat Hargrove. Pat was not married, due to being left at the altar many years ago by her fiancé Roman Hunter. But thirty- five years later, he returned and they got married. He had gone through some really rough times before being able to return to the love of his life. This was a fairytale ending for them.

Rachel met the love of her life in high school, only to lose him when he went off to medical school. He returned eight years later and they reconnected. It was as if he had never been gone. They got married and had a wonderful life together, until tragedy struck once again. Mitch Parker was killed in a car accident five years after their marriage. Rachel was devastated for the second time. She had once again lost the one she loved so dearly.

Just when Rachel thought she would never love again, Grayson Sterling came into her life. They had a wonderful life together.

Jennifer had a wonderful childhood. She knew she was loved by her mom, Rachel and her dad, Grayson. She had a younger brother Robby, who was twelve and now wanted to be called Rob. She also had a little sister Miranda, who was ten and was a natural beauty. Jennifer took after her dad, with dark hair and brown eyes. Rob took after his dad Grayson, who had the same features, except he had piercing blue eyes. Rob was a carbon copy of his dad. But little Miranda had beautiful golden hair and green eyes just like her mother. What a beauty she was!

CHAPTER 2

Just five more days until my birthday! exclaimed Jennifer to her mother, Rachel.

Are you excited? asked her mother.

You bet I am! exclaimed Jennifer.

What are you most excited about? asked Rachel.

That I can finally date, remarked Jennifer with a grin.

Oh, really? asked Rachel showing no sign of happiness at the thought.

Yes, really… mom! she exclaimed.

Do you have anyone in mind? asked her mother.

I do… and I think he will ask me out, said Jennifer.

You sound sure of yourself, said her mother.

I am, she answered.

What if he doesn’t? asked her mother.

Oh, he will. I am sure of that! exclaimed Jennifer.

I hope he is someone nice, Rachel stated with a sigh.

He is very nice, and I think you will like him.

Does he have a nice family? asked Rachel with uneasiness.

Yes, he does. His parents are good Christian people and he has four younger brothers.

You haven’t met them, have you? asked Rachel.

NO… but I hope to soon.

What is his name? asked Rachel.

His name is Gabe Colter.

Colter… Colter… I have heard of that name, stated Rachel.

They live out in the country about ten miles from here, said Jennifer.

Rachel intended to inquire of her friends and find out just who this boy was. She had to be sure he was someone compatible for Jennifer. She didn’t want her getting involved with some riff-raff who might take advantage of her. One can never be too careful.

What does his dad do for a living? asked Rachel.

He works at a furniture factory. I think he is a foreman.

What about his mother?

Oh, she is a stay at home mom. She has four younger sons to care for. I am sure that keeps her busy. Gabe works, too! He works after school and on Saturdays at the local garage as a mechanic. He is learning the trade.

Do you mean you want to get involved with a Grease MONKEY? asked Rachel with a frown on her face.

Mom, he is NOT a grease monkey! He is a very handsome boy and is always clean at school. He just needs to work to make his own way. He doesn’t mind and he is NOT lazy! He was not fortunate enough to have everything handed to him on a silver platter like I have been, she added sarcastically.

Now, Jennifer…I don’t like you using that tone of voice with me! exclaimed her mother.

I’m sorry, mom… but you are being unfair, she stated.

I only want what’s best for you, my darling daughter, said Rachel.

I don’t want to talk about this anymore, said Jennifer as she walked away and went upstairs to her room. She wished this conversation had never happened. This had put a damper on her excitement about her sixteenth birthday. She didn’t intend to discuss this with her mother again. She was tired of being treated like a baby. She hoped her mother wouldn’t mention this to her dad, but she was sure she would. She really didn’t think he would say anything to her about it. He would let Rachel take care of it and that is just what Jennifer didn’t want. She could get by more with her dad and she liked that.

CHAPTER 3

The week passed quickly… Finally Saturday was here and it was Party Time! Jennifer had invited several of her school friends, both girls and boys. She invited Gabe, but he told her he was sorry that he couldn’t attend because he had to work. She was disappointed….

The party was held in the great room. Being March, it was too cold to have it outside on the ranch. Rachel had out done herself with the decorating. Everything looked beautiful and festive. It was totally what any sixteen year old girl would want. Rachel wondered if Jennifer knew how lucky she was.

The party was to begin at four o’clock and end at ten o’clock tonight. That would give them six hours to have fun and games. The music was playing softly in the background. Katie and Campbell Fairchild were the first to arrive. Katie was turning sixteen soon also and would be having a big party. Campbell was only fourteen, but Jennifer told Katie to bring her sister to the party. Campbell was very happy to get an invitation also.

Hello Katie… Hello Campbell, said Jennifer as she opened the door. Come on in.

Thanks, said Katie with her winning smile. Here is something for you, she said as she handed Jennifer a gift. This is from Campbell and me… and… HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Oh thank you, Katie and Campbell, said Jennifer in an excited voice.

You’re welcome, they said in unison.

Have a seat, while we wait for the others to arrive.

Katie and Campbell sat down on the sofa.

Jessica Page was next to arrive. She was a Senior, but also a good friend to Jennifer. She had helped her in many ways when she started high school.

Hi Jessica… come on in, said Jennifer as she opened the door.

Hi Jennifer and HAPPY BIRTHDAY, said Jessica as she handed her a gift.

Thanks, Jess… I am so glad you came. You have been such a good friend to me, said Jennifer giving her a hug.

I tried to get you started on the right track, my friend, said Jessica laughing.

Oh, you did that for sure! exclaimed Jennifer. THANK YOU!

Next to arrive was Cade Copeland and his sister Chloe. Cade was already seventeen and Chloe was fourteen. He was so good to take care of his younger sister.

Hi Cade and Chloe, said Jennifer. I am so glad you could come. She opened the door and they came in.

Cade handed Jennifer a gift and said, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, my good friend.

Thank you, Cade. Thanks to you also, Chloe!

You are welcome, said Cade. Thanks for inviting us. Chloe just stood there grinning. She seemed to be a little shy.

Next to arrive were brothers, Robert and Justin Rhinehart. Robert was an eighteen year old senior and Justin was a fifteen year old freshman. Justin was carrying a gift.

Come in guys, said Jennifer.

Thanks, said Robert as they stepped inside the house. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

We brought you something, beamed Justin.

Oh, thank you very much! exclaimed Jennifer. Go on over and join the others.

The doorbell rang again. This time it was brothers, Nick and Matthew Harmon. Nick was a junior and Matthew was a freshman. Matthew was carrying a gift for Jennifer.

Look what we brought you, remarked Matthew. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

How nice of you, Matthew. I thank you and Nick very much.

You’re welcome! beamed Matthew with a big grin.

The next ones to arrive at the party was Joy Turner and her younger sister Staci. Joy was an eighteen year old senior and Staci was a sixteen year old sophomore. She and Jennifer had some classes together.

Come in friends, said Jennifer as she opened the door for them.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, from both of us, said Joy as she handed a gift to Jennifer.

Thank you very much, said Jennifer. I am so glad you both could come.

Jacob Tanner and his younger brother, Jordan were the next to arrive. Jacob was a seventeen year old Junior and Jordan was a sixteen year old sophomore. Jordan had classes with Jennifer. Unbeknown to her, he also had a huge crush on her. He was too bashful to let her know how he felt. He sure was happy to be invited to her birthday party.

Hi Jennifer, he said as she opened the door.

Hello Jordan and Jacob. So glad you could come to my party, she stated.

We wouldn’t have missed it! exclaimed Jacob.

We brought you a gift, said Jordan shyly. Hope you like it.

Thank you very much, she stated as she accepted the gift from Jordan.

Come on in and join the rest, she said.

Before they were seated there was another knock on the door. Jennifer opened the door for Emily and Hailey Austin. Emily was an eighteen year old senior and Hailey was a sixteen year old sophomore, who had classes with Jennifer. They came bringing a gift for Jennifer.

This is for you, said Emily. Hope you like it!

Thanks, said Jennifer. I’m sure I will.

Before they could get seated, there was another knock on the door. The last three