The Perfect Fall

By Leona Lamb

Ex-submariner, now English professor, Chad Bentley knows all about words and being kept in the dark while underwater. Then he meets a preachers daughter, who floods his heart with light and love. Later, the word forgiveness almost sinks his ship.
Divinity Stone is as sweet as candy but as unrelenting as a jawbreaker. Refusing to settle for a mate, who doesnt measure up to her list, could guarantee shell remain single. She meets Chad and compares herself to her list, realizing she doesnt measure up.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Inspiring Voices
• Release date: May 23, 2013
• ISBN: 9781462406104

Leona Lamb

Leona Lamb, a naturopathic physician, began writing poems for her two children. She graduated to zany birthday cards for her five grandchildren. This is her first foray into fiction. Leona lives with her husband and two cats in Scottsboro, Alabama, where local wildlife happily devour her organic garden and flowers.

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Copyright © 2013 Leona Lamb.

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ISBN: 978-1-4624-0609-8 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4624-0610-4 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2013907962

Inspiring Voices rev. date: 05/22/2013

Contents

Epigraph

Dedication

Preface

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Epigraph

Glyph.eps

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18

Dedication

Glyph.eps

To Tom: For your unconditional love and support. Hang on—here we go again!

Preface

Glyph.eps

God has been lovingly nudging me for years to start writing books. I protested that I did not have the time. When I surrendered to His will—God provided the time. Thank you Lord.

Prologue

Glyph.eps

C had raced down the pier toward a milling crowd of family and friends. All he could think about was holding Morgan in his arms once more. They had had a whirlwind courtship and gotten married two weeks before he started a six month deployment.

Her recent letters had been different—stilted and vague. It had him worried. He had been through counseling, instructing him on what to expect after a long tour of duty. They had covered all the bases. He was confident everything would be fine once they had some time together.

Boy, how he had missed her touch and the feel of her soft skin. And those lips, whispering endearments on their honeymoon. That had kept him sane on those long nights on the submarine.

Ah, there she is, holding that big red-heart balloon, bobbing in the wind. Her over-sized shirt molded to her body, exposing—a baby bump? Chad gave a rebel yell, barreling toward his pregnant wife.

As he got closer, he noticed a tear roll down her porcelain cheek. I sure hope those are happy tears. I’m going to be a father and you didn’t even tell me. What a great homecoming surprise. His hand reached out slowly and reverently toward her belly.

She stiff-armed him in the chest with the hand holding the balloon. He placed his hand over hers, taking the balloon from her cold fingers. Darlin’, you’ve made me the happiest man in the world. He smiled broadly and looked into the most sorrowful eyes he had ever seen. His smile faded.

Mogan’s chin quivered as she steadily met Chad’s gaze. The baby isn’t yours. I…I’m so sorry. I don’t want anything except a divorce as soon as possible. She turned on her heel, leaving him staring after her dazedly.

Someone scored a home run with my wife and now she’s carrying his child. That’s one base the chaplain didn’t cover.

The balloon slipped from his fingers, drifting toward the heavens. Chad’s heart sunk to his toes.

Chapter 1

Glyph.eps

D angerous—that’s what it was, Chad fumed. Cell phone usage while driving should be outlawed.

He took his foot off the accelerator, allowing greater distance between his truck and the white Cabrio jerking down the highway like a snake with the hiccups. A few minutes later his impatience won out. Late for his first day on the job was unacceptable. Gunning his engine, Chad sped past the weaving vehicle, and glared into a pair of gorgeous hazel eyes.

A young woman, driving with a cell phone glued to her right ear, glanced his way briefly and shivered. Her left hand, the one that was supposed to be steering, pounded out time with a country song blasting from her car stereo. Jesus take the wheel, was all he heard before his truck swerved back into the right lane.

Yes, please, take the wheel because it’s the only way I can picture her arriving safely. He pleaded out loud. Caught up short, he steeled his thoughts. That sounded way too much like praying. I haven’t talked to God or even wanted to since Morgan left. Soldier on, Bentley—you have a job to get to.

Pulling into his designated parking space at Coopersburg Community College, he grabbed his briefcase and jogged to his classroom. There wasn’t even time to enjoy the fall foliage.

Arriving at the English department, there was just enough time to foot-slide into room 210, unwrap a lollipop, and slam his briefcase upon his desk. Sticking the candy in his mouth, he wadded up the wrapper and shot a free-throw toward the wastebasket. Two points! The crowd goes wild! He crowed, pumping his fists in the air, while mimicking the roar of an elated sports crowd.

A discreet cough brought Chad’s euphoria to a screeching halt. The department dean stood just inside the door.

I was under the impression we hired you to teach English literature, while Mrs. Jessup is on maternity leave. However, the drama department is always looking for enthusiastic professors, stated Dean Anderson dryly.

Chad removed the lollipop from his mouth, cleared his throat, and stood at attention.