Love Covers All

By Dana Brown

After receiving upsetting news on her sixteenth birthday, Sarah Rawlings heart shuts everybody out. Her mom, dad, sister, and especially God.

Now Sarah thinks she has it all. But being next in line for the editors job, having guys at her beck and call, and all her material possessions do little to fill the void in her heart. After a car wreck leaves Sarah physically injured, God uses Dr. Samuel to help her. What she doesnt realize at the time, however, is that more than a broken leg will be healed.

Her sister, Laurel, and her husband, David, seem like the perfect couple. After suffering a personal loss, however, the couple has to deal not only with their selfish feelings, but the event forces skeletons of their past to surface.

As Sarah and Laurel begin to let God work in their lives, the two sisters are able to find the special relationship they once shared.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Sep 12, 2012
• ISBN: 9781449755461

Dana Brown

Dana Brown works as a legal secretary during the day and mostly keeps to herself. Her deep, dark secret is that she's much naughtier than she lets on...and all she wants to do is tell erotic stories! She hopes that anyone reading her stories gets as much pleasure from them that she does. All she wants to do is please...

Book preview

Love

Covers

All

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Dana Brown

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Copyright © 2012 Dana Brown

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

WestBow Press books may be ordered through booksellers or by contacting:

WestBow Press

A Division of Thomas Nelson

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.westbowpress.com

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®.

Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica.

Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.

ISBN: 978-1-4497-5545-4 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4497-5544-7 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4497-5546-1 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2012910189

WestBow Press rev. date: 09/10/2012

Contents

Dedicated to…

Acknowledgments

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Six

Seven

Eight

Nine

Ten

Eleven

Twelve

Thirteen

Fourteen

Fifteen

Sixteen

Seventeen

Eighteen

Nineteen

Twenty

Twenty-one

Twenty-two

Twenty-three

Twenty-four

Twenty-five

Twenty-six

Twenty-seven

Twenty-eight

Twenty-nine

Thirty

Thirty-one

Thirty-two

Thirty-three

Thirty-four

Thirty-five

Thirty-six

Thirty-seven

Thirty-eight

Thirty-nine

Forty

Forty-one

Forty-two

Forty-three

Forty-four

Forty-five

Forty-six

Forty-seven

Forty-eight

Forty-nine

Fifty

Epilogue

Reading Group

Discussion Questions

About the Author

Dedicated to…

My husband Ray…

You have inspired me more than you know. After twenty years of marriage I think we can both agree that this union does take a lot of hard work and dedication, but I wouldn’t want the past memories made with anyone else. I truly, deeply love you!

My oldest son Ryan…

How you have matured before my very eyes. I can see the man you are becoming, and it makes my heart soar to think about the evangelical call on your life and all the plans God has for you. You will always hold a very special place in my heart!

My youngest son Zachary…

You have always made me laugh, and I hope you never stop. Your inner joy, along with your musical talents, will go far in blessing others. You are my daily dose of sunshine!

My daughter Sarah…

Though you are only three years old, I can already see part of my character Sarah in you. Your free spirit and love for music will take you to many exciting places in this life. You are such a joy!

Acknowledgments

No book comes together without teamwork, and Love Covers All is no exception. There are a few people who read my book in its roughest form and still gave me encouraging words, inspiration, and special insight.

To my parents…

Thank you for always encouraging me and helping me do my best at everything. Your reading, re-reading, and reading some more of this novel has been much appreciated!

To my sister…

I am so thankful that God knew what He was doing when he made us sisters. Thank you for your positive input about the book and your kind words.

To my brother…

Your compassion and concern about seeing this book published has meant more to me than you’ll know.

To my mother-in-law…

Your constant excitement about my Sarah character kept me wanting to write more.

To a special friend, Joanna…

Thank you for showing me how to improve my writing so it could be the very best it could be. Your literary skills were a Godsend!

To a dear person, Robin…

Your unique insight inspired me to give the book some edge. Thanks for your frankness!

To Elaine and Delaine…

Your positive words and encouragement were much needed. Thank you!

To Jennifer Erickson…

Although the photo on the cover was originally taken for my own personal family album, I saw something special in it. Maybe it was the sun pouring golden rays through the trees, or the love it so clearly showed. But whatever it was, you are not just a good photographer, you are a true artist!

To Diane Robertson…

God knew what He was doing when he sent you to me! Thank you so much for your professional editing of this novel. It felt more like a dream that would never come to pass, but you have helped it come true!

To God be all the glory!

Thank You for choosing me to write this story.

"Love always protects, always trusts,

always hopes, always perseveres."

I Corinthians 13:7

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One

Sarah Rawlings’ well-manicured hands gripped the leather steering wheel. The intense rain made it difficult to read the signs along the Fort Worth highway until she was right upon them. It’s nerve-racking enough visiting your parents, much less every god-forsaken relative you never knew you had. She leaned forward, hoping the gesture would help her find her way to her aunt and uncle’s house. Why did the family reunion have to be today? She thought to herself as she carefully guided her car through the downpour. Doesn’t anyone watch the weather channel?

Gees! Sarah was snapped back to reality as a nearby eighteen-wheeler threw a pool of water onto the windshield of her red mustang. Gripping the steering wheel with more intensity, she looked around for her map. Looking away from the road to the seat beside her, then the floorboard, she noticed the map. Oh, great, she said through clenched teeth. It was on the floor on the passenger’s side. She attempted to grab it. Finally, when she felt it was safe to take her eyes off the road completely, she reached down once more and was able to touch the map grabbing it up. Yes! she exclaimed.

Sarah sat up just in time to see a blue blur coming right at her. Yanking the car hard to the right, she felt a wave of pain hit the left side of her face. Shattering glass was the last sound she heard before everything turned black.

The silence of the room was interrupted with perpetual beeps as morning light silently crept in through the cracks around the thick curtains. Slowly, Sarah adjusted to the brightness she had been without. She wasn’t in her car anymore. But where was she?

Observing her surroundings, she could hear the scurrying of feet as breakfast smells assaulted her senses. She glanced at her side table and saw a pink plastic pitcher along with a Styrofoam cup. Then a remote with a nurse’s call button on it. She was definitely in a hospital. But how did she get here?

Sarah tried to sit up, but the excruciating pain in her head made her rethink her decision. She slowly reached for the remote, but as she pressed a button, the head of her bed slowly started descending. She tried another and heard the beep. Yes, now she would get some answers.

The receiver of the call didn’t even question Sarah. I’ll be right in, a friendly voice said.

A short redhead with sparkling green eyes walked in. Sarah, hi. I’m Julie, your nurse. She came to the side of Sarah’s bed and smiled down at her. You were in a car accident and now you’re in the hospital. You’re at St. Joseph’s. How do you feel?

Other than this horrendous headache? Sarah managed a weak smile. Okay, I guess. She paused and looked at the green-eyed lady. How long have I been here?

Two days. Today is Monday and it’s seven-thirty in the morning.

Two days? Wow. Sarah took a minute to absorb the new information. I vaguely remember the accident. I think there was a blue car or something coming at me in the rain, but the other details are a little sketchy. Do you know exactly what happened?

Julie sat down on the side of the bed and grabbed Sarah’s hand. Well, I heard your car drifted to the wrong side of the highway just as another car was approaching. You suffered a head injury when the side of your head hit the driver’s side window. It knocked you unconscious. Luckily, your airbag deployed or it could’ve been a lot worse. Your left leg was broken in two different places and your left shoulder is pretty banged-up. Sarah gingerly touched her shoulder and leg as the nurse talked. We removed quite a bit of glass from your shoulder. Fortunately, the swelling in your head has gone down considerably. You were a lucky young lady.

Sarah had never been in the hospital before. This felt so strange. How long will I have to wear this?

The nurse glanced at the splint on Sarah’s left leg. At least another week until the swelling goes down. Then you’ll be in a cast about six to eight more weeks. You’ll go home with crutches, but after about four weeks, you’ll be able to hobble around pretty good without them. Julie answered.

Sarah nodded as the thought of losing her independence made its way to the forefront of her mind. I can’t believe all this. Oh, my gosh! I almost forgot about my parents. I was on the way to a family reunion when the accident occurred. I’ve got to call them right away. Sarah began to sit up and reach for the phone when Julie stopped her.

We’ve already contacted them. One of the nurses found their contact number in your cell phone. They’ve been very worried and have been by your side almost constantly. They’ve been staying at the hotel across the street so they could be close to you through all this.

How are they?

Your dad’s been very strong, and your mom has cried a lot, but they’ve both been praying for you.

Sounds just like them, Sarah informed her with a forced smile.

Well, good morning Sarah, came a voice from the doorway. Julie stood up to let the visitor move closer to the bed.

Sarah looked up to see a tall, tan, dark-haired man with chestnut eyes and a warm smile walking her way. Good morning, she answered softly.

I came up as soon as I heard the good news. I’m Dr. Mark Samuel. I assisted in your surgery. How are you feeling?

Well, considering I lost two days of my life, and I feel like I’ve been run over, great.

Dr. Samuel laughed and opened up Sarah’s chart to quickly review. Has Julie filled you in on the details?

Yes. Sarah stretched slightly trying to relieve the tension in her body.

Well, to let you know what we did in surgery, we placed a rod in your left tibia, removed several pieces of glass from your left shoulder, and gave you a few stitches to sew up the cut over your left eyebrow. Everything went as planned, and I’m sure Julie told you that you’ll be on crutches for about a month. I’ll want to see how you’re doing in about a week at my office. I’ll be checking your shoulder for mobility, and we’ll also take another x-ray of your leg. The good news is the right side of your body suffered no injuries. Any questions?

Well, I am really hurting and was wondering when my next pain med is due. Also, I guess I need to call my parents.

Dr. Samuel looked at Julie for answers.

Pain meds are due now, and I’ll go get your parents on the phone. I’ll be right back.

Thanks, Julie, he smiled.

Dr. Samuel reached for Sarah’s hand. The gesture was strictly professional, but when their hands touched, he felt a surge of energy run up his arm. He hesitantly let go as he looked straight into her eyes and realized for the first time their unique violet color. I, uh, I’m so glad you pulled through this okay. I wasn’t worried, but some people just never… Not wanting to finish his thoughts, he continued. Well…I need to go. I’ll see you later on my evening rounds. Do you have any other questions?

Was it her imagination or was he blushing? No, I’m fine for now. When do you think I’ll get out of here?

As soon as the swelling is completely gone and we’ve seen that you aren’t going to have any adverse affects. Hopefully you’ll be out of here in two to three days.

Great, thank you.

See you tonight.

Sarah smiled at his statement as she watched him walk out the door.

Good morning, sweetheart, was followed by a soft knock on the door. Sarah looked over to see her parents walking in with a dozen white roses arranged beautifully in a vase.

Hey, come on in. Sarah started to push herself up in bed, but decided to raise the bed instead. Looking at the flowers, she added with a smile, They’re my favorite. Thank you.

Carol Rawlings set the flowers down on the nightstand by her daughter’s bed. Thought it might brighten up your room. How are you feeling? We couldn’t wait for you to wake up. She sat down beside Sarah and grabbed her hand.

I admit you had us a little worried. Peter smiled down at his once independent daughter. Seeing you lying in bed like this seems so foreign for you. I’m used to seeing my big city assistant editor daughter going strong, striving for that editor’s job.

Don’t worry. I’ll be back in the swing of things in no time. When the nurse told me I had been unconscious for two days, I just couldn’t believe it. I guess I missed the family reunion, huh?

We all did. I called your aunt and explained the situation. Your father and Laurel and I came straight here when we found out. I’m so glad you’re all right. Carol leaned over and gently hugged her daughter before sitting on the edge of the bed. We’ve been praying day and night. I called the church, and they started a prayer chain for you.

Sarah forced a smile. Getting on a more comfortable subject, So, where’s Laurel?

Her little girl got sick this morning, so they’re still at the hotel. She sends her love, though.

Seems little Rachel caught a stomach virus. That’s the last thing you need on top of your other injuries. Peter smiled. She’ll come by tomorrow, she promises.

Oh, I understand. No hurry. The doctor said I should be able to go home in a couple of days as long as everything looks okay.

That’s wonderful. Carol grabbed a tissue from her pocket and dabbed at the moisture threatening her eyes.

Sarah made a conscious effort not to roll her eyes.

Knock, knock. Breakfast, Sarah. A lady in a white uniform entered the room carrying a tray of assorted breakfast food. Immediately the scent filled the room.

Thank you. Sarah smiled, as the tray was placed on the table.

Due to her pain, Sarah slowly sat up as her mother moved the table of food in front of her. She began eating her breakfast while her parents stayed and visited. She learned what she had missed the last few days. Her newspaper office had been notified, and her boss was understanding about the situation and very concerned. Encouraging her to recover and rest. I’ll probably go back in a week or so. I should have the swing of these crutches by then. However, I’d prefer someone else driving. I don’t want to get behind the wheel for awhile, she said, stabbing at her next bite of egg.

Well, I’m not telling you what to do, dear, but a week seems awfully soon. I mean, your body’s got some healing to do. And…

I’m not a child, Sarah said defensively, interrupting her mother. I can sit around the apartment and hurt or I can sit at my office computer doing work and hurt. I’m sure they’ll give me some pain pills. I have a good chance of getting that editor’s job since I’m the assistant editor, and I’m not going to let this inconvenience stop me.

Sarah, the editor isn’t retiring anytime soon, and I’m sure your company has a policy that takes accidents into account. Be reasonable. At least come stay with us a couple days until you get your strength back. I don’t think you realize… Carol cut her sentence short when the look on Sarah’s face told her she was getting nowhere.

Mother, I’m okay. I can take care of myself. I’ve been doing it for six years now. I think I can handle a broken leg. She felt her face flush and her temper rise as she pushed herself up in bed. Aaahhhh, Sarah released a stifled cry as pain shot through her left arm.

Look, you do what you feel is best but know you’re welcome to stay with us if needed. Peter leaned down and kissed the top of her head. If you don’t mind, we’re going to pick up some breakfast for Laurel and us and check in on Rachel. Call if you need us for anything. We’ll see you later.

Thanks, Dad. Sarah reached up and patted his arm lovingly.

Carol stuffed all her emotions back in before telling her daughter good-bye. No matter what the topic of conversation, the ending between them was always the same.

Heated.

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Two

Three days later, Dr. Samuel decided Sarah could go home. He sat studying the chart in front of him as he thought about Sarah. Evening rounds had taken on a whole new meaning since she was admitted. He stood up, donned his lab coat, and headed straight for Room 314.

Good morning, Sarah, he began upon entering.

Hey, she said brightly. Is today the day?

He couldn’t help but smile. Yes, it is. All your lab work looks great, and your swelling has gone down quite a bit. You look almost normal.

Gee, thanks. She recognized the teasing.

Your nurse is getting your paperwork together, so if you want to call someone, you should be ready shortly.

That sounds great. I’m ready to get home and back to work. I miss my normal life.

I wouldn’t recommend going back to work for at least two weeks. Three would be better. You still need to regain your strength, and rest is the best thing for a healing body. Don’t push yourself too soon.

Sarah just nodded and smiled. She would go back to work next week. Only she knew how she really felt, and no doctor or her mom would tell her otherwise. Her independence was too important to her.

I mean it, the doctor added, seeming to read her thoughts. And I want to see you in my office in one week to check on your progress. He handed her his card.

She accepted the card and turned to look out the window so he wouldn’t see the roll of her eyes. Once her mind was set on something, that was it.

When you leave this hospital, I won’t have a say in your recovery. So I’m hoping you’ll listen when I say that you need your rest. Don’t push your body. And remember, I want to see you in one week.

She knew he and her mother were both right, but she wasn’t going to give them the satisfaction. If she wanted to make it in a man’s world, she had to be tough. Editors weren’t given the job because they were weak.

I understand, she stated, ready for the conversation to be over.

The entire Rawlings family tried to convince her to stay with one of them, but she came up with an excuse for everybody.

I’m just more comfortable in my own bed. And besides, Sarah continued as she allowed her dad to help her into a chair, It’d be too much trouble to pack.

We wouldn’t mind helping you. Honest, Laurel said as she filled her sister’s refrigerator. She had made Sarah four days worth of dinners along with sweet raspberry tea and her favorite dessert, lemon ice box pie.

Sarah let out an exasperated sigh. You have a little one to take care of. And mom, you and dad are just too busy at the diner to play babysitter with me. Besides, I need my own space. She loved her apartment with its back patio leading to a small area of grass. She considered it her backyard. A reprieve from the stresses of work.

Well, if you change your mind, we’re just a phone call away, offered her mom as she started a load of laundry and put away her suitcases.

Okay, I appreciate the offer. She thanked them profusely and promised to keep them updated on her recovery. In the past she had tried to call home at least once a week. Of course, as busy as she’d been before the accident, that had stretched out to every three to four weeks. Oh, well, she had told herself. I’m busy and they’ll survive.

Eight forty-five rolled around quickly Sarah noticed, looking down at her watch. Her favorite movie, Pride and Prejudice, was coming on at nine that evening, and she wanted to watch it alone. She faked a big stretch and yawn hoping her boyfriend Kenneth would take the hint.

Earlier that evening, after calling Sophie, her best friend, with an update on her situation, Kenneth had called and invited himself over, insisting she didn’t need to be alone. Sarah had reluctantly agreed. After all, she did need a little pampering.

You look tired, sweetheart. Here, why don’t you lean on me, and I’ll rub your back until you fall asleep.

She was in no mood for his syrupy words. No, I better go rest in my own bed. With all my injuries, I think I’d be more comfortable. Sarah said as sweetly as she could muster.

Are you sure? he asked, running his fingers through her dark curls.

Sarah let out an irritated sigh, trying not to get impatient with the big buffoon. He was six feet tall with blue eyes and sandy hair. He smelled like an expensive men’s cologne, had the looks of a model, and wasn’t a bad kisser. However, her favorite movie was coming on and she had already eaten, so it was time for him to leave.

You’re sweet to offer, but I must learn to do things for myself. Doctor’s orders, you know. She tilted her head and grinned up at him from her position beside him on the couch.

Okay, but I’m only a phone call away. He leaned down and gave her a soft kiss on the lips before standing up. Remember, call me.

Sarah kept her smile on. I will. Thank you so much.

Sure thing. He walked out the door and the television clicked on.

Finally, some peace and quiet.

The young girl looked picture perfect. Her black hair had been washed and rolled, and it was now held tightly together with a bright white bow keeping the loose locks from hiding her violet eyes and milky skin. After stepping out of the car, she looked down and rubbed the wrinkles out of her white sundress. With matching white gloves, patent-leather shoes, and a shoulder-strap purse, she cautiously walked toward the huge two-story red brick home.

Its intimidating white columns stretched to the roof of the second story. Yet it remained homey with weeping willows surrounding it on all sides, its branches hanging lazily inviting you to sit underneath. The long, winding walkway was lined with gorgeous red tulips so perfect they didn’t look real.

She walked down the walkway ever so slowly, ever so excited. Halfway to the house a horrible noise stopped her in her tracks. She looked to the left, then to the right, but saw nothing…riinnnngggg!

Sarah sat up in bed and shook herself awake. After the fourth ring, she grabbed the receiver. Hello?

Are you still asleep? I’m so sorry, a voice asked after hearing a faint greeting.

Sarah realized the voice belonged to her mom. No…it’s okay. It must be the medicine. What time is it? She instinctively ran her fingers through loose, messy curls.

It’s 11:30. I was just calling to see how your first night home alone went.

Well, the crutches are an adjustment, but I couldn’t be better. She dared not let down her independent guard, especially in front of her family. And she was not going to tell her about Kenneth helping her out for a couple of hours last night. As a matter of fact, she couldn’t even remember if she’d told her about Kenneth.

Can I bring you anything? Groceries? Ice cream? Her mother added light-heartedly.

Sarah managed a laugh. No, I’d like some privacy. However, she was about out of food. Would you have time to pick up a few things at the grocery store? I was running low before the accident, and now I think even most of the leftovers have gone bad.

I was going anyway. Just give me a list, and I’ll be over in a couple of hours to deliver them.

Sarah rattled off as many items as she could think of. They made small talk for a few more minutes, then said their good-byes. She did love her mom. She just got on her nerves. Old-fashioned was the word that came to mind. Their relationship had been better when she was a child. There were even occasions in her teenage years when they had been able to talk and laugh till all hours of the night. Sarah would share boy problems, and her mom would share make-up tips. Mom talked about becoming a woman, her first kiss, and all the other teenage issues. Theirs had been a unique mother-daughter relationship…until that fateful day when everything began to shift.

The relationship had never been the same again.

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Three

As Sarah applied her make-up, her thoughts drifted over the past week. Amazing how fast a life could be changed. She had been a workaholic in a prestigious newspaper company in Fort Worth, logging sixty to eighty hours a week. No matter how hectic her schedule became between work and trying to maintain a social life, she found herself loving every busy minute. The busier she stayed, the less time she had to think about the conversation she had had with her mother eight years before.

Picking up her watch off the bathroom vanity, she realized she only had minutes before Kenneth arrived to take her to her first doctor’s appointment. She was ready to go, though she had started dressing early in the day because it was still difficult. She had decided on a purple cotton sweater and matching multi-colored skirt. Her mom always said that purple made her violet eyes sparkle.

When Kenneth arrived, he helped her gather her purse and keys, then gave her a hand getting into his SUV. After placing the crutches in the backseat, he headed south on the interstate. You look nice. How are you feeling today?

Thanks. I feel stronger. Sarah gazed out the window. Had they really been seeing each other for over a month? It felt like a year. Commitment was something she struggled with, although it was something she couldn’t explain even to herself.

I see you wore a little make-up today. Looks great. Not that you haven’t looked nice without it, it’s just that you look better. I mean girls, some girls, don’t have to wear it at all. Not that you have to, it’s just that… Kenneth kept trying to dig himself out of the hole he had started while Sarah continued to stare out the window.

A one-month relationship was about as long as she’d ever had with a guy. The only reason she and Kenneth had lasted so long was the mere fact that she wasn’t up to cooking, and being pampered did feel nice.

Once out in the hustle and bustle of the traffic, Sarah felt right at home. She thrived on what the big city had to offer. Traffic, noise, rushing. It suited her just fine. Okay, take a left on this street, and we can park in the parking lot on the right. It’s Suite 122, she confirmed, looking at Dr. Samuel’s business card.

After finding a parking space, Kenneth opened the back passenger door and retrieved her crutches. He handed them to Sarah as if he knew she was capable of helping herself. Once she was balanced, they headed to Suite 122. After signing in, they found seats by the television and magazine section, and Sarah grabbed a magazine to pass the time. Ten minutes later a plump, gray-haired nurse called her name.

Do you want me to come back with you? Kenneth asked.

No, she answered a bit too quickly. I mean, I can manage fine. With that, she grabbed her crutches and helped herself off the chair. Placing most of her weight on her right foot, she hobbled toward the nurse.

Sarah Rawlings? the nurse asked as the young lady approached her.

Yes.

Follow me please. My name is Maggie. The nurse didn’t smile but