Love Again

By Paula Mowery

Ben Jacobsen never thought he would find himself leaving his role as a soldier and living his life without his beloved wife. But, his two young children need a present parent.

Jenna Campbell moves to Myrtle Beach to take a Children's Minister position, much to the disbelief of her boyfriend, Peter Callahan.

Through helping Ben's daughter adjust to the church's daycare, Jenna is taken by Ben Jacobsen. The feeling is mutual except Ben worries he is betraying his deceased wife.

Can Ben find a way to love again? Will Jenna remain in Myrtle Beach and give love a chance?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Prism Lux
• Release date: Nov 1, 2015
• ISBN: 9781943104260

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LOVE AGAIN

Paula Mowery

Copyright 2015 Paula Mowery

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Cover Art by Joan Alley

Edited by Susan M. Baganz

This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are the product of the author’s imagination and used fictitiously.

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Published by Prism Book Group

First Edition, 2015

ISBN-10: 1943104263

ISBN-13: 978-1-943104-26-0

Published in the United States of America

Contact info: [e-mail]

http://www.prismbookgroup.com

All Scripture is from the New International Version (1984)

CHAPTER ONE

Ben Jacobsen crouched in the sandy dirt outside the latest building his unit needed to clear. Busting through the door, he and his unit stood in an abandoned room containing only a dusty table and two broken chairs. He released the breath he held. Turning to leave, he halted as his wife’s face flashed on the screen of his mind. Stay focused.

Of course, he’d returned to Al Asad Airbase for this third tour of duty just three days ago. Still, he relived and longed for the time he had spent at home with Alyssa. She’d proved to be the real hero, holding down the fort at home on the base in California with two kids.

He smiled, recalling her strategy for making up for what he’d missed while away. His whole furlough had been filled with celebrations. Avery’s fourth birthday, Dakota’s eighth, and their tenth wedding anniversary.

Back at his living quarters, he prepared for supper, still unable to clear Alyssa’s face from his head. He ambled into the dining hall and absentmindedly accepted the offered tray of food. He plopped down in a seat and immediately bowed his head in prayer, thanking God for safety today for himself and his unit. He added a plea for strength to complete this tour. Homesickness proved overwhelming. His head raised and eyes opened to Captain Kilgore standing near.

May I? The captain indicated the seat across from Ben.

Sure. As he picked up his fork, the captain still sat unmoving, staring straight into his eyes.

Ben… Captain Kilgore’s voice trailed off. He blinked as if to stave off tears.

Ben sat up straight and replaced his fork. Sir? Could something be wrong with one of the men? He counted today’s maneuvers as successes with no incidents, only safe soldiers.

Captain Kilgore cleared his throat and shoved his tray of food to the side, leaning closer. Whatever he was trying to say must have been somewhat confidential. Ben gave his undivided attention. Ben, I don’t know how to…

Captain, please just tell me what’s happened.

I received word that your wife, Alyssa, has been killed in a car accident. Ben, I’m so sorry.

Ben closed his eyes and tried to breathe past the ache in his chest. His head shook in disbelief. He’d just seen her. He swallowed at the lump forming in his throat and looked into the captain’s eyes. Are you sure?

I’m afraid so.

I have to go home. My kids...

Of course.

If you’ll excuse me. He stood, needing to get alone.

Captain Kilgore rose and grabbed his arm. If you need anything…

Ben managed a nod. He practically sprinted to his quarters and dove into this cot, burying his face in his hands. Sobs burst forth. Alyssa. Every part of his body ached with despair. His heart hurt most of all, broken into a million pieces at the loss of his first and only love.

This wasn’t the way this was to play out. Alyssa and the kids were always tucked away in safety in the United States. If anything were to happen, it should have been him. He was in the war zones. The irony wrenched his chest.

* * *

Jenna’s stomach fluttered, and her pulse raced. She read the letter again and held it to her chest. What an opportunity. But Peter would never allow her to consider it. She sighed with defeat.

Love letter?

She jumped at her mother’s voice.

Sorry, didn’t mean to startle you, dear.

Jenna shrugged. That’s okay. I was lost in La-la Land. She refolded the letter and stuffed it into its envelope.

So, it is a love letter. Her mother’s brows rose.

She chuckled. Nope. It’s a job offer.

Her mother pulled out a chair and joined her at the small kitchen table. Ooooh, do tell.

Jenna stared at the envelope. It’s for a children’s minister position. Her eyes shifted to her mother’s. In Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Mm, so what do you think?

She shook her head. Peter would freak out if I even considered it for a moment.

From what I saw when I came in, you had already considered it for a moment. From the expression on your face, the thought was favorable.

She sighed. It’s a flattering offer, but…

Have you prayed about it?

No need.

Excuse me? No need to pray? Her mother crossed her arms dramatically over her chest.

That’s not what I meant, Mom. It’s just…it wouldn’t work.

Well, if there’s one thing I’ve learned about ministry, it’s don’t underestimate what adventure God might have in store.

I will pray. She flashed a smile in her mom’s direction, trying to look convincing.

As she rose from the table and headed toward her room downstairs, she allowed herself to dream a bit. What would it be like to go off on an adventure on her own?

Her time in Lynchburg had proved exciting as well as educational. Liberty University afforded the atmosphere she needed to learn and grow closer to God. Her roommate, Shawna, turned out to be the perfect match for a true sister in Christ.

The position in Myrtle Beach aligned perfectly with her goals and abilities in children’s ministry. But Peter would never allow her this opportunity. He’d bucked her every step of the way when deciding to go to Lynchburg. She was sure he had only allowed her to go because there was an end to the schooling and a promise to return after graduation.

She crammed the envelope into the drawer of her bedside table. She couldn’t bring herself to the point of throwing it away. Maybe something inside her still held out an existing chance.

She chose to pray as her mother suggested. Should she pray for God’s direction or for His help to forget about the offer?

* * *

Ben stared out the window of the plane. Captain Kilgore had arranged his departure from Iraq in short order. In a few moments, he would reunite with his two children and his parents. He swallowed hard and bit back tears at the realization that his wife would be absent from the reunion.

As the plane taxied to the gate, he took in deep breaths to calm his raw emotions. He wanted to fight against breaking down in front of the kids. Especially Avery. At only four years old, she might become frightened if her father displayed anything other than strength. It would be a fight. He stood and draped the handle of his bag over his shoulder. As he strolled down the corridor, a man walked up beside him and patted his back. Thanks for your service, soldier.

Ben nodded at the man, having forgotten his military attire. A