The Endless Mountain Series: Endless Mountain Series

By Elle E. Kay

The Endless Mountain Series is a Christian romantic suspense series with a taste of mystery and a generous helping of faith. In these inspirational stories you will get to know three amazing young women all of whom are first introduced in book one: Stella, Claudia, and Sofie.
In book one, Shadowing Stella, Stella meets Jason while she struggles to come to terms with being the pregnant single daughter of the town's preacher. All the while, she senses someone watching, but shrugs off the feeling as her overactive imagination. Her choice to ignore the danger may have deadly consequences if she's not careful.

In book two, Implicating Claudia, Claudia gets reacquainted with Dawson, a family friend and neighbor. Things go awry when she's accused of murdering her childhood friend. When the real killer sets his sights on her, she must rely on others, but her stubborn independent streak causes difficulty. Her defiance may put more than one life at risk.

In book three, Chasing Sofie, Sofie meets Caleb on the day of her boyfriend Johan's untimely death. Johan was a professor on campus and Caleb is there to investigate a drug ring.  She refuses to accept that Johan's death was a suicide and begins an investigation of her own. When she uncovers evidence she thinks will lead to his killer, she finds out the hard way that being kept in the dark was far safer.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Faith Writes Publishing
• Release date: Nov 21, 2020
• ISBN: 9781950240203

Book preview

Books by Elle E. Kay

Faith Writes Publishing

Endless Mountain Series

Shadowing Stella

Implicating Claudia

Chasing Sofie

The Lawkeepers Contemporary Romance Series

Lawfully Held

A K-9 Lawkeeper Romance

Lawfully Defended

A S.W.A.T. Lawkeeper Romance

Lawfully Guarded

A Billionaire Bodyguard Lawkeeper Romance

The Lawkeepers Historical Romance Series

Lawfully Taken

A Bounty Hunter Lawkeeper Romance

Lawfully Given

A Christmas Lawkeeper Romance

Lawfully Promised

A Texas Ranger Lawkeeper Romance

Lawfully Vindicated

A US Marshal Lawkeeper Romance

Blushing Brides Series

The Billionaire’s Reluctant Bride

The Bodyguard’s Fake Bride

Heroes of Freedom Ridge Series

Healing the Hero

A Christian Army Ranger Christmas Romance

Standalone Novella

Holly’s Noel

Copyright © 2019 Elle E. Kay

All rights reserved.

No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law.

Faith Writes Publishing

266 Saint Gabriels Rd

Benton, PA 17814

ISBN: 978-1-950240-20-3

The Endless Mountain Series

Elle E. Kay

Faith Writes Publishing

Benton, Pennsylvania

Shadowing Stella

Elle E. Kay

Faith Writes Publishing

Benton, Pennsylvania

Chapter 1

Stella rubbed her eyes . Her heartbeat hard against her ribcage. She jumped up in the bed she’d been lying in. Holding the sheet in place with one hand she took in her surroundings. A high-end hotel room it seemed.

A painful stabbing sensation let her know all was not well.

What am I doing here?

Stella listened intently to make sure she was alone. When she rose, she looked out the window and noticed she was on an upper floor with a private balcony overlooking the ocean. The waves crashed violently against the sandy shoreline. As her senses awakened, she realized that her last memory was from the club the night before. She glanced around the room wildly. Finding her clothes stacked neatly on the chair, she dressed as quickly as she could with shaking fingers. It took several tries to get the button on her skirt fastened.

What happened to me? Where are Cindy and Joan? I need to get out of here. Stella opened the door to the hallway and peeked out to make sure nobody was around.

I’ve got to get home. She hurried to a nearby elevator. When she reached the lobby, she looked over at the front desk clerk, a middle-aged woman with long gray hair. For a moment, she considered talking to the woman, but decided against it. Instead, she exited the hotel through the front doors, looking back at the older woman with the kind blue eyes one last time.

STELLA LEANED AGAINST the porcelain sink at the Java Hut, a hole-in-the-wall coffee bar in Daytona Beach. It was a hangout for recovering alcoholics and bikers from the Sons of God motorcycle club. The crowd was always friendly and pleasant. They drank coffee, played cards, and listened to music from local musicians. The place was clean, despite its shabby appearance.

Maggie had come across Stella trying to sleep by the dunes on the beach and had extended her friendship and asked her to stay with her and her husband for a few days. She’d introduced her to some people at the Java Hut, so she wouldn’t feel so alone.

She could be surrounded by hundreds and would still be lonely. Her loneliness was deep within and couldn’t be touched by human hands. She thought that God had abandoned her, and her heart felt as if it were an empty abyss.

Stella looked down at the little plastic tester; a little plus sign had appeared in bright blue on the pregnancy test. Stella was not feeling positive as she contemplated how she was going to get by.

She was raised to be a good girl. She remembered walking into the darkness of Club Alyssum with her girlfriends one month ago. She recalled ordering a glass of strawberry white zinfandel and setting it on the bar while she headed to the restroom. She’d even thought twice about leaving it but decided it would be okay since her girlfriends were there. She remembered waking up in the morning in an empty hotel room with nobody around. She could tell what had happened by the lingering pain but, mercifully, she didn’t remember anything in between. Even now after a month, she still didn’t feel like she could get the unknown man washed off of her. Her dreams were flooded with images. Were they memories or was she conjuring up what she thought had happened? She wasn’t much of a drinker, but one glass of wine wouldn’t cause her to black out, would it?

Here I am, twenty-one years old, pregnant by a man I don’t know. Defiled. Why did I go to that club? Maybe I should’ve called the police. They probably wouldn’t have believed me anyway. I would’ve just brought shame on my family. Should I call home? I don’t even know what to say. Should I tell them the truth? Will they believe me?

Stella took another look at the test in her shaking hand and carefully wrapped it in a paper towel before putting it in the wastebasket.

Stella dropped to her knees and pressed her forehead to the peeling linoleum of the dirty bathroom floor.

God, please! Don’t leave me alone! Do something. Anything. Please, Lord, fix this. I need to know you’re there. She cried out to a God she never really knew.

THE NEXT MORNING, STELLA returned to Club Alyssum where this whole nightmare had begun. She walked up to the lanky man behind the bar.

Hi. I was in here about a month ago with my girlfriends Cindy and Joan. They’re regulars. Do you know them?

We get lots of regulars. How `bout a description?

Stella described her friends in more detail and looked to the man for a hint of recognition.

Yeah, I’ma thinkin` I might know ‘em. Are they `em girls wit the matchin` rose tattoos on their hips? he asked.

How strange is it that I have friends who’d wear belly shirts and jeans cut so low that you can see their hip bones?

That would be them, yes. Do you remember seeing me with them?

Sure, I’ma thinkin` I seen ya’ll in `ere. The man scratched the stubble on his chin thoughtfully.

I left with a man that night. Do you know him?

I’ma little foggy on that, but I’ma thinkin` you left with two guys. One of em hasn’t been back, couldn’t tell ya who he was, but other ones been round a few times. We was gettin` on him `bout havin` his way wit ya. Just joshin` of course. The bartender avoided making eye contact. Sweat was gathering on his forehead and upper lip. She sensed he knew more. Stella had a lump form in her throat. Two of them? Wasn’t this bad enough?

Well, I’m leaving town, but would like to leave a note for him. If he comes back, would you be willing to give him the note?

Sure, if’n he comes in, I could do that. I can’t make you no promises though. He ain’t no regular `round `ere.

Stella handed him the note and smiled gratefully. The note was hard to write, but she meant every word. She made her way back out of the dark club and into the bright sunshine.

She felt relieved that the bartender noticed who she’d left with and agreed to pass along her message if the man came back into the bar. It was time to get out of town.

STELLA WALKED TOWARD the highway. She was penniless, having lost her waitressing job after spilling a hot platter of food on a customer. She hadn’t expected to be an exceptional waitress, but she’d expected to be able to get by until she was settled in and found a better job.  As she walked, her muscles ached. She was tired and sore before she’d even finished crossing the bridge from the beach side to the mainland, but she needed to make it back home to Pennsylvania. She had no idea how she was going to get there, but something was telling her to go home. She expected to have to hitchhike and wondered if she’d even survive the trip. Yet, she kept on going. She didn’t have a clue what else to do, so she walked until the pain in her feet was unbearable. She leaned against a telephone pole to rest. A trucker pulled over as soon as she stopped walking. He’d seen her walking alone and struggling with her big heavy duffel bag.

The man reached over and opened the passenger door and raised his voice to be heard over the diesel engine. Would you like a ride?

No, I’m okay, Stella responded without looking up.

Sure you don’t need a ride?

Should I wait until a woman stops? What are the chances I’ll find a woman willing to give me a ride? Slim at best.

Stella looked up and saw him smiling down at her. He was a mountainous man with a big round face, kind eyes and a warm welcoming smile. His white beard contrasted with his dark skin. Not knowing what to do, she hesitated. She started to turn away when a woman’s voice stopped her. Sweetie Pie, you might as well jump on up in here, he ain’t gonna leave you be til you accept his help. She decided to take a chance on this stranger. She recognized the risk, married couples could be crazy too, but she decided it was the best option she was going to find.

Okay, Stella said, I guess I could use a ride.

The man got out of the huge Mack truck and came around to help her with her bag.

Where you headed? the man asked after returning to his seat and putting the truck in gear.

Near the border of North East and North Central Pennsylvania, but I’ll be happy to be dropped off wherever you happen to be going, sir, Stella answered.

We’re headed to New York, so I think we should be able to get you where you’re going. By the way, the name is Bobby. The wife back there is Minnie.

Minnie leaned forward smiling and held out her hand. Pleased to meet ya darlin`. We’ll get you where ya need to go. Don’t ya worry yer perty little head about it.

Minnie had a welcoming smile and a hearty handshake. She wore her hair in lots of little braids.

Thank you both for allowing me to tag along.

Nonsense. No thanks needed. Just you relax.

I’m Stella by the way. As she sat back in her seat, she noticed little things that made her more comfortable. There was a King James Bible on the console beside Bobby. The sound of the old gospel song It is Well With My Soul filled the cab of the truck. There was a Jesus fish sticker on the dashboard. She wondered if God was trying to tell her to relax, that she was free from danger. She started to breathe a little easier and dismissed her thoughts that she might be attacked on the way home. It wasn’t long before she fell asleep in the big passenger seat. Later that night, when they were well into Georgia, Bobby stopped for gas and Minnie suggested that Stella switch places with her and climb into the back of the cab to get some real rest. She gladly did as the woman suggested.

When she awoke, they were at a truck stop in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. She’d slept for more than ten hours.

Come inside. We’ll get you something to eat, Bobby said.

She felt a little nauseated, but didn’t know when she’d get food again, so she took them up on the offer. Okay, thanks.

We’ll be in your neck of the woods in a couple of hours. I’m going to need some directions from you, he said, as they settled into the booth.

You don’t have to take me all the way to Edinsville. I can call someone to pick me up.

Bobby grinned. There is no way we’re going to let you hop out of the truck with no safe way home, so you’re gonna have to give me directions.

Okay, I’ll give you directions to my daddy’s church. He probably won’t be there when we get there, but I can sit and wait for him. She was nervous about going home without any warning, but no better idea was materializing.

More than a year ago, a friend had suggested on a whim that they take a couple of semesters off and move to Florida. Then they could re-enroll somewhere down there after getting settled. Stella had told her family she was going, and they let her know they didn’t approve. She’d gone anyway and hadn’t been home since that day. Not wanting to show up at the house unannounced, she decided on the church. She’d only been to the new house once––the weekend she’d told her family her plans. It was only a few minutes down the road from their old place, so the area was familiar. While she’d been away at school, her father had been offered a position as the lead pastor of the little church in Edinsville; the increase in income allowed her family to move to the bigger home.

Minnie drove for the last two and a half hours until they entered the small town of Edinsville. She pulled the truck into the lot at the Edinsville Bible Church. Stella was amazed with the accuracy with which Minnie maneuvered the big vehicle. She couldn’t imagine driving a big rig. Stella watched as Bobby got her duffel bag from the truck and leaned it up against the stairs.

Stella had taken a seat on the front steps of the church.

Sure you don’t want me to wait with you Stella?

Yeah, I’m sure. I’ll be fine. Don’t worry about me. She managed a tiny smile for this big man who’d shown her so much kindness in the last twenty-four hours. I can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done for me already, she said. Looking over at Minnie, she got up and hugged the diminutive woman. Thank you.

You’d best be lookin after yourself, Stella. Ya hear?

At her slight nod, Minnie and Bobby turned from her and climbed back into the truck. They drove off leaving Stella in front of the building. It was like many other small-town churches, painted white with a steeple and cross on the top. The building had lovely stained-glass windows and narrow, well-tended gardens. Picture perfect.

Stella reached into her bag to get her toiletries so she could freshen up a bit while she waited. Her hand found an envelope tucked into her bag. She opened it and read the note stuffed inside.

Stella, I know you’re lonely and afraid, but you should know that you’re not alone. God is with you. He made sure we stopped and picked you up. We’ve never picked anyone up before, so it had to be Him directing us. He has you in the palm of his hand. Don’t give up. Trust God and it will all work out in the end. Minnie and I are here if you need us. Just call. God bless. -Bobby

He’d written down his address and his home and cell numbers. The envelope was loaded with cash. She pulled the money out and counted it; they’d left her one thousand dollars. Tears threatened, so she blinked them away.

She pulled out the tract included in the envelope. She’d seen many tracts sitting in the rack at the old church near Dushore where her dad had been youth pastor. She wasn’t sure if she’d ever actually read one. She’d handed out some with the youth group a few years back at the Sullivan County Fair but didn’t remember reading any of them. This tract was titled A Love Story. As she read about God knowing her sin, she thought about the pain she’d caused God and her family with her reckless selfish behavior. And as she read about everything that Jesus had done to offer her forgiveness, she felt God’s love overwhelm her. She prayed fervently and thanked the Lord for the forgiveness He offered. She meant every word.

She alternated between crying and praying while she waited for her dad to show up at the church building. She had no idea when he’d arrive, but knew he’d show up. She leaned her head against the rough stucco of the building and eventually dozed off. She was awakened by the noise of a truck pulling into the lot. She looked up and realized it was her father.

JIM MCINTYRE PULLED his dust-covered dark green F-250 into the lot and parked near the door. He rubbed his temples when he saw the young woman sitting on the top step with her back leaning up against the building. Recognition slowly dawned.  The brilliant copper hair was unmistakable. That emaciated young woman was his little girl. She’s home.  Praise God! Jim slowly climbed down out of his truck and walked over to greet his prodigal daughter.

He looked at her with sad eyes. Look what the cat dragged in.

Daddy. It was all she could say.

He crushed her in a bear hug.

Honey, I’m sure glad you came home. Nothing else matters.

Da...dd...yyyy came out in sobs as she cried on his shoulder.

Aw, I love you sweetheart. I’ll always love you. Don’t cry. She kept sobbing and soon his shoulder was soaked with tears. He ushered her inside the building and into his office, closing the door behind them.

Tell me everything, he said.

She did.  She tearfully described her year away from home.

When I left for Florida, I was excited and couldn’t wait to start my adventure. Misty and I rented a cute little place near a restaurant where we both waited tables. It wasn’t long before she was homesick. She headed home to her family in Maryland and left me there. I knew I could’ve come home, but I didn’t want to admit I’d failed.

Why would coming home be akin to failing?

"I don’t know. I guess because you told me not to go. I’d already disappointed you, but I didn’t want to prove you right.

Would that have been so bad?

It felt like it was. Anyway, I wasn’t making enough in tips to afford the rent, so I moved out. I stayed on a friend’s couch.  She was into partying, and one night I was bored, so I accompanied her and another girl to a night club. I don’t remember what happened after that. I woke up in a strange hotel the next morning.  Stella couldn’t stop the quiver from entering her voice.

It’s going to be okay, honey.

I’m pregnant, Daddy.  The sobs racked her body and Jim held her close.

It’s going to be okay.  He repeated the words again and again stroking her hair and holding her close.

When she could finally talk again, she told her father about Bobby and how he’d brought her home.

I wasn’t planning to come to the church until prayer meeting tonight, but I felt a strange desire to check on things here, her dad said. "I’m glad I did. I wouldn’t want you sitting around here most of the day by yourself. Let’s go home. Joy and Claudia will be delighted to see you.

Stella felt her stomach turn over as she thought about the impending reunion with her stepmother and half-sister.

JIM PULLED THE TRUCK into the driveway. Stella stared out the window through the hazy film that covered the windshield. The big white house had a wrap-around porch, and a red horse barn, with a gambrel roof, off to the right side. Off to the left was a substantial pond featuring a spring-fed waterfall with a seven-foot drop. A mother duck with her ducklings glided smoothly behind the falls, the water droplets reflected the sun as they splashed up on the duck family. There were benches around the pond where one could sit to reflect or watch the birds land on the many feeders.

Stella’s stepmother, Joy, ran out to greet her. Oh, look at you girl. I’m so happy to see your face. Where’ve you been? What’ve you been doing? Are you hungry? Can I get you anything? Let me make up a room for you. She kept on going as if she were the Energizer bunny.

I’m fine. Stella couldn’t help but smile at Joy’s exuberance. I don’t want to put you out any more than I have to.

Nonsense child. Utter nonsense. We’re your family. This is your home. You’re not putting us out. Joy ran off to prepare Stella’s room.

Jim and Stella headed to the kitchen. Stella sat at a high stool along the kitchen bar and Jim poured the three of them each a tall glass of sweet tea. When Joy came back, she rummaged around the kitchen fixing a light lunch. Stella couldn’t have been made more welcome. After they ate their tuna sandwiches, Jim took a phone call in his office.

Joy stood. Come on now. Let’s get you settled in your room. I’m sure you want some quiet time to yourself before your sister gets home. She led the way up the grand stairs to the little purple bedroom that Stella had only stayed in once before.

This is still your room and you should make it up anyway you want.

Thanks, but it’s perfect the way it is.

Stella looked around the room that was clearly designed with her in mind. The beautiful star pattern Amish quilt on the bed was lavender and white. The double hung windows were open on the top to allow a breeze in and the sheer curtains fluttered slightly. An antique cedar trunk rested at the foot of the bed. A sizable painting of a porch swing with two people on it hung over the queen-size bed. A full bath was just off the bedroom. It was decorated with a lavender shower curtain and a nice mix of matching fluffy towels. The room smelled of lilacs from the candle Joy had lit earlier. The room couldn’t have been more inviting. Joy had put out fresh towels and changed the sheets when Stella arrived that afternoon. Stella felt loved as she looked around the room, knowing that Joy had created this space for her.

Stella wrapped her arms around Joy. I love you, Joy. I’m sorry for running off the way I did. I know I hurt you. I hope you can forgive me.

Tears welled up in Joy’s eyes. I love you sweetie. I’ve already forgiven you, but don’t you ever scare me like that again. Joy kissed Stella on the cheek before returning downstairs, leaving Stella to unpack and rest.

STELLA PICKED THROUGH the trunk where she’d placed her schoolbooks when she took off for Daytona. She found her diary resting among the piles of notebooks. It was a notebook in which she wrote letters to God; it could be described as a prayer journal, but she considered it her diary. She hadn’t kept a diary or written to God since she’d left. She pulled a pen out of her nightstand, stretched out on her bed and wrote.

Dear God,

Thanks for getting me home safely. It’s such a relief to be back in the presence of loved ones. A weight has been lifted off me. I’ve been lonely and scared for so long. I started the trip to Daytona with such hope. I had plans for a real adventure with my best friend, but it turns out I didn’t know much about friendship or adventure. When Misty left for Maryland, I was so scared. I wanted to go home too but didn’t want to admit to failure. I didn’t know how to reach out to others; my shyness became debilitating. I always realized I was awkward and not outgoing, but I didn’t know how bad it was until I was alone in a strange place. The only people I was acquainted with were my co-workers, and if it hadn’t been for them making the effort to get to know me, I would’ve remained alone and scared. Yet, they did reach out. They probably weren’t the best choices for friends. They liked to smoke pot and drink, but I was glad to have anyone befriend me. When I had to leave my apartment, Cindy offered me a place to stay. I should’ve gone home immediately, while I still had enough money to buy a ticket for a flight, but I wasn’t that smart. I failed you and my family by going, and I failed you again by staying down there as long as I did. Lord, I know it was the pregnancy that got me to come home, so in a way, I’m glad for it, but I’m scared. I was violated. Thank you for giving me enough peace to handle the truck ride home with Bobby and Minnie. I know if you hadn’t given me those little tokens, like the hymn and the Bible, I would’ve remained wound up tighter than the coils of a boa constrictor. It was scary getting into the truck with strangers at first, but for some reason that fright disappeared quickly, and I was able to rest even though I was with strangers. I didn’t think I’d ever again be able to be in the presence of a man who wasn’t my father. When I stayed with Maggie, I tensed up every time her husband Hank entered the room. I think I would’ve preferred to stay on the beach, but I didn’t want to hurt Maggie’s feelings. She was so kind to me. I truly hope to be comfortable around men again, but I guess it will be a slow process, one step at a time. Lord, thanks for listening to me ramble. I know it’s been a long time since I talked to you this way, but I hope to make it a habit. Maybe you can help me do so. Goodnight. I love you, Jesus.

STELLA’S IMAGE REFLECTED back at her in the glassy surface of the pond. She touched the water and watched her reflection distort. Turning away from the water she watched as a mother duck led her ducklings across the lawn.

She’d been told time and time again she looked like her mother. She’d seen pictures, and she supposed she did. Her mother was pretty, but Stella rarely felt pretty. She was often teased about her white skin and freckles. The kids called her little orphan Annie, and they threw out taunts like better dead than red on the head, but as she got older the taunts were milder and she was simply called a ginger. As a little girl, she’d considered herself ugly, but had come to realize that beauty was subjective. She garnered plenty of attention from the opposite sex, most of it unwelcome. She wasn’t beautiful like her younger half-sister Claudia. Claudia had gorgeous thick black hair cut short to frame her face and brilliant blue eyes. Claudia could’ve been a replica of Joy, if it wasn’t for Claudia’s shorter hair. Joy embodied the name. She seemed to radiate joy from every pore. People were drawn to her because they wanted what she had. Claudia, on the other hand, was an enigma. She had a heart of gold, but a wild streak that scared her older sister. Stella used to wonder when they’d get a phone call in the middle of the night that some tragedy had befallen her baby sister. She’d seen her sneaking out of the house late at night, but she hadn’t turned her in. Funny how things turn out, the so-called perfect child runs off and the proverbial rebellious teen remains home and attends the local college. Who would’ve thought it?

Stella shook her head as if to clear it of the images of Claudia and Joy. As she did so, the sliding door opened, and Claudia sauntered over to the bench Stella was seated on and plopped herself down beside her.

Hey Sis.

Hi Claud. How have you been?

Not bad. Glad you came home. Now I can get some help around here. You know muckin’ out horse stalls on your own isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

I’m sure it’s not.

Well then, I guess you’re going to start helping out around here, correct?

Sure, just as soon as I can.

Now is as good a time as any.

Stella shoved her sister slightly and made her lose her balance on the end of the bench. I’ll get you for that.

I’m sure you will, but can it wait until after dinner? Stella rose. She turned and put her arms around her sister. I missed you, Sissy. Then she walked toward the house.

AFTER DINNER THE FOLLOWING night, Claudia had a date, so she rushed out the door. Stella and Joy moved into the cozy little sitting room off the side of the kitchen, while Jim escaped to his office to prepare for Sunday service. Stella realized he was intentionally giving the two of them time alone. He’d probably prepared a sermon days earlier.

Joy was the only mother Stella ever knew. Her mother died giving birth. Joy and Jim had married two years later. Stella told Joy about the nightclub incident and the accidental pregnancy.

Oh honey, you know there’s no such thing as an accidental pregnancy. Psalm 119:73 tells us that we were fashioned by our creator’s hands, Joy said.

Stella felt a stab of bitterness at Joy’s words. Why would God fashion a child in my womb against my will? Why would he allow a strange man to steal my innocence?

In my head, I know what you’re saying is true, Joy, but I can’t get it through to my heart. I’m hurt and angry. Did God betray me by allowing this to happen? It feels as if He did. And at the same time, I’m overwhelmed with guilt, as if I did something terribly wrong. I can’t remember, so was I somehow responsible? I know that it is considered rape, especially if I was drugged, but how can I know for sure? I don’t remember! And then I think about how God can’t possibly forgive me for messing up so badly. Yet, I know He has forgiven me. It’s like my heart keeps contradicting itself. I know He’s with me, because I couldn’t keep moving forward if He wasn’t holding me up.

You can’t do that to yourself sweetheart. You must let the guilt go. If God forgave you, who are you to continue to berate yourself? It’s okay to question the Lord, so question away. But don’t expect to fully understand His greater purpose in your earthly life while you’re still here living it. You know the Lord loves you and that there’s nothing you can do that’ll cause him to stop loving you. What happened to you was not your fault. You have to trust that even though God’s allowing it, that doesn’t mean God caused it. He’ll use this situation to bring about greater good, you’ll see. He gave us freewill. Even the wicked have freewill, so we sometimes suffer at the hands of wicked men, but we must trust God to help us heal.

Stella nodded her head slowly. I can’t understand or accept what God is allowing in my life. It seems so unreal, as if I’m living someone else’s life.

One thing at a time, honey. One thing at a time, Joy said. "God will help you through each day as it comes. It won’t be easy, but you won’t be alone.

STELLA HELD HER BIBLE to her chest and walked across the foyer from the Sunday School room to the church auditorium. She set the Bible down in a spot near the front of the church and turned to head to the restroom. She’d spilled juice on her skirt and wanted to try to get the stain out before it set. Before she reached the back of the room, Crystal tapped her on the shoulder and Stella jumped a little.

Oh, Stella, it’s so wonderful to have you back. So exciting that you’re going to have a baby.

Thank you, Crystal. It’s good to see you. When did you start coming to Edinsville Bible?

I’ve been coming here for about a year now. Since the church in our school burned down.

I didn’t know about that. I’m sorry you lost your home church.

Oh it worked out okay, most of the folks who attended there come here now, so it’s like our church family grew a little bigger.

I’m glad to hear it’s going well. Stella turned again to walk away.

So, will your husband be joining us for service? Crystal glanced at Stella’s left hand.

Stella drew in a deep breath and bit the inside of her cheek.  No. I’m not married.

Oh. I hadn’t realized, Crystal said.

Stella pasted on a fake smile and turned back toward the restroom. Please, Lord, help me not to say something I will later regret. I need to get going.  We only have a few minutes until service starts.

I’ll see you later, Stella. Take care.

Chapter 2: Four Months Later

The towering majestic white pines surrounded the deep blue water of Eagle View Lake. An aluminum fishing boat was anchored near the far side of the lake, its single occupant reeled in his fishing line. The brim of the man’s baseball hat cast shadows over his features which would have been indistinguishable anyway with the blinding sun bouncing off the water. Stella’s mind drifted off. Seated on a rock near the edge of the lake, her bare feet were ensconced in lush thick grass still cool from the morning dew. She looked down at the mirror image of the mountains in the stillness of the water. She sent up a little prayer of gratitude that she’d somehow ended up back home in the unpretentious town of Edinsville in the Endless Mountains of Pennsylvania.

A kick in the gut got her full attention. She placed her hand on her mid-section and smiled to herself. It wouldn’t be long before she held the tiny bundle in her arms. What will motherhood be like?  Will I be able to handle the pressure? The midnight feedings? Lord, be my strength.

She thought back over the last few months and thanked God for the blessings she’d been given. Stella remembered what it had been like to kneel on the bathroom floor at the Java Hut in total humility and submission to God. She thanked Him daily for that moment of clarity. She had realized in that moment, that her own strength was insufficient, and she needed to rely on the Lord to get her through. Since then, the broken pieces of her life were slowly being glued back together. She still cringed when a man shook her hand or tried to hug her during the meet and greet at church. Hiding her reaction was difficult, but she was learning to do so. God, please help me to overcome the dread I feel when a man touches me. I can’t shy away from men forever. Or maybe I can.

A MAN WATCHED STELLA from the safe distance of a nearby fishing cabin. He saw her place her hand on her growing belly. She has to be five months pregnant. He patted his pocket where he kept the little baggie with her wedding and engagement rings and strands of her lovely hair. He’d planned to put the rings back on her hand when they were together again in Daytona but hadn’t gotten the chance.

He thought back to that day. He’d returned to the hotel room with coffees from a local convenience store. He’d fixed hers the way she liked it, with four creamers and six sugars. After running his card through the slot in the door, he’d opened the door with one hand while balancing a cardboard drink holder in his other hand. After he’d looked around the room and found it empty, he’d thrown the coffees at the sliding glass doors and screamed her name down the empty corridor.

But that was five months ago. He’d found her again. As he set his binoculars down on the wooden table by the window, the sun glinted off the gun in his waistband and caught his eye. He scratched his head formulating his plan to bring her home.

STELLA LEANED ON THE counter by the coffee maker. She watched as Crystal bent down close to Megan and Stacy and lowered her voice to a conspiratorial whisper.

The three girls had attended Christian school with Stella. It was located about halfway between Edinsville and Nanticoke, and most devout Christian families in the area sent their children there, if not for grade school than at least for high school.

Can you believe she got herself knocked-up and the man is nowhere to be found? Little miss perfect is now little miss pregnant and alone. Crystal’s voice was lowered, but Stella still heard her.

Megan said, I’m sure there’s more to the story that we don’t know.

Oh, I asked her about her husband when she first came back to town. She told me clearly she doesn’t have one, Crystal said.

I heard she’d been thinking of having an abortion when she first came back, Stacy said.

I hadn’t heard that, Megan said.

I’d be inclined to believe it, Crystal said.

Having heard enough, Stella turned on her heel and rushed from the room. Megan caught up with her in the breezeway and grabbed her by the arm. I’m sorry you had to hear that.

I’m not. It’s good to know what people really think of me.

You know I don’t think poorly of you.

Then why didn’t you walk away?

Stella pulled away. She hurried to her father’s empty office and closed herself inside to gather her thoughts.

STELLA WAS DRESSED in a soft flowing floor-length skirt dotted with little roses and a light green top. She wore her hair in a simple style with the front pulled back in two little braids, allowing the back to remain naturally curly as it tumbled down to her waist. She had a modest diamond and gold cross around her neck but had no other adornments. She was seated in the second pew from the front, between Joy and Claudia. They surrounded her constantly, trying to protect her from any possible vicious rumors or gossip that might have been circling around about her out-of-wedlock, unplanned pregnancy. She thought back on her encounter with Crystal on her first Sunday back and shuddered at the memory. She always tried to ignore the stares at her belly and realized that most people probably meant well and didn’t think too poorly of her. She realized that most of the stares weren’t even real, but products of her overactive imagination. However, knowing didn’t make it easier for her to endure the looks, real or imagined.

Her dad made his way to the front row and squeezed her shoulder on his way past. He sat and waited for the choir to open the service. They asked everyone to rise and sing This is the Day! It was a nice way to start the service. Stella felt the love for her Lord bubbling up in her heart as she sang. She enjoyed praising God and was able to forget about her insecurities. Her father made his way to the pulpit and read the announcements. He declared that it was time for the meet and greet. Stella stayed close to her pew where she was surrounded by loved ones. A strange man stopped by to say hello to them. Stella was sure she hadn’t seen him before, as his handsome, chiseled features, dark hair, and hazel eyes wouldn’t be forgotten.

Jason! I’m so happy you’re home. You’re such a sight for sore eyes. Joy greeted the stranger as if he were a long-lost son, hugging him fiercely.

Ma’am, it’s wonderful to see you too. Stella deduced he was a member of the church who’d returned from some kind of military deployment. His high and tight haircut, respectful speech and perfect posture gave him away. Claudia gently touched his arm. To Stella, it appeared as if Claudia was fawning over Jason. Not wanting to interrupt a private moment, Stella hurried back to her seat.

Oh, Jase, we missed you. Will you be home long? Claudia asked.

I should be home for good now. My deployment’s over, so I’ll be stationed in Tobyhanna. I should be able to make it here most Sundays.

Jim returned to the pulpit and asked everyone to head back to their seats. While the offering was collected, Stella wondered why she hadn’t met Jason before. He couldn’t be that much older than her and it was a small town. Then it occurred to her that maybe he’d recently moved to the area, and if he’d been away on deployment, she couldn’t have met him since she’d been home. She hadn’t been a regular at this church before she’d run off. They’d attended church where her father youth pastored. Why did she care where he’d come from anyway?

She refocused her attention on her father as he preached the sermon. His sermons demanded attention because he had the congregation flip to each biblical reference before he read it. It helped her to stay focused on God’s word. The sermon was about God’s mercy. She was finally starting to understand the topic in her heart and not only in her head. How many times had she heard her father explain that God’s mercy was not giving us the punishment we deserve, and God’s grace was giving us favor that we didn’t deserve? Until recently the concepts had seemed foreign to her. She had parroted them back to Sunday School teachers and youth group leaders, but she hadn’t understood the depth of meaning behind them.

IN THE SPACIOUS SOCIAL hall, Stella got in the food line after most of the people had already made their way to the tables. Her father had asked the blessing before they formed the lines. As she started to fill her plate Jason nudged her shoulder. May I give you a hand with that?

No. Thanks. I’ve got it. She glanced back at him, while hurrying forward to escape his presence.

You sure?

Quite. Thanks. She picked up the pace even more as she made her way to a table and sat beside Claudia. Much to her chagrin, Jason appeared at their table only moments later.

So, Stella. Tell me a little bit about yourself. I know your sister’s life story and a good bit about your mom and dad, but I haven’t heard much about you.

Well, first off, my mom died. Joy is my stepmother. But she’s the best mom a girl could ask for.

Oh. I’m sorry.

Sorry that Joy’s a great step-mother?

Um, No. Sorry that your mom died.

She died in childbirth. I didn’t know her. Stella turned back to her food. Why did she say that? He didn’t need to know about her dead mother. She shoveled in food so she could escape the confines of the table. She didn’t like being around Jason. He made her uncomfortable.

What else can you tell me about yourself? Jason put down his fork and stared at her.

There isn’t much to tell. Stella glanced down at her food.

Oh, there’s plenty to tell. Where should I start? Claudia interrupted.

Stella glared at Claudia. But the menacing look was ignored.

Let’s see. Stella went to school to be a wildlife biologist but dropped out to move to Florida. Then she came home pregnant. Prior to her trip down south she was the goody two shoes of the family, but I guess that title now falls to me.

Stella rose to her feet with her plate and cup in her hand. That about sums it up. Now if you’ll excuse me. She kept her steps even to keep it from seeming like she was running away from them. Inside she wanted to literally run away and escape this whole church scene. Maybe even the whole town, but she’d tried that before. The problem was that she couldn’t get rid of herself.

STELLA ENTERED THE social again on Friday night with Joy. They took seats near the front where Stella’s dad could work the equipment. It was a computer equipped with a DVD player and projected onto a big screen. It seemed there were always technical difficulties when they’d had movie nights at their old church. She wondered if it was the same here. They’d only had one other since she’d been back, and she had opted to stay home.

The first half of the movie progressed smoothly, and she was grateful for that. It was an interesting movie about Jesus working at a diner. It was called The Encounter, so far, she liked it.

She meandered to the back to get a slice of pizza and a bottle of water, but Jason intercepted her. Does he ever stay home? He’s always here, and he’s not even a preacher’s kid.

Hi Stella. Can I get you something?

No. I’m fine. I can get my own slice of pizza.

I’ll go with you. Jason said.

Stella sighed. Okay.

She sat with Jason and ate her slice of pizza, but she kept looking over at her family. She would’ve much rather been in their presence. Of course, last week at the church supper, Claudia hadn’t been much help. Her comments had stung. They were true, but they hurt. She hurried back to her seat when her father announced that they were putting on the second half of the movie, but technical problems ensued and he called Jason over to help him figure out what the problem was. So, once again she found herself in close proximity with the boy soldier. She wondered what he would think if he heard that go through her head. He probably didn’t think of himself as a boy, but the dimples and boyish charm made her think of the boys in Christian high school.

They finally got the movie started again and Jason took the seat beside hers. She pushed her seat as close to Joy as possible to avoid any contact. At first, she had trouble refocusing on the movie with Jason sitting next to her, but eventually she got back into the movie. At the end, she was glad she’d come to movie night.

To her, it was a movie about God’s grace and how far He would go to save someone that He knew would reject Him. There were other stories intertwined within that larger one, but that was the one that really pulled on her heart. How big God’s grace really was.

JASON CLIMBED INTO his Jeep Cherokee. A huge sigh escaped as he set his Bible and notebook on the seat beside him. He’d been shocked when he’d first learned that the beautiful woman from the lake was the pastor’s unmarried eldest daughter. He’d tried to talk with her on multiple occasions over the past few weeks but had been rebuked by her cold shoulder of dismissal time and time again. She treated him as if he was nothing but an inconvenient insect to be squashed underfoot. He wasn’t easily dissuaded. He had a hunch that the cold shell she projected was a protective barrier to keep the world from hurting her. He intended to find out.

He also planned to find out who’d gotten Stella in trouble and then up and left her.

Chapter 3

The man decided that it was time to find out what his wife had been doing here. Using all the strength he could muster, he put his foot through the sliding glass door that led from the garden patio into a three-season room at the back of the house. It surprised him that the glass was so difficult to break. The room let the bright sunshine in which contrasted with his dark mood. He nicked his finger pulling the glass shards from his denim jeans. Bringing the finger to his mouth, he sucked the blood that escaped the tiny wound.

Making his way up the stairs into the room he’d seen Jane occupying, he brought his feet down heavily with each step. He’d been watching her for months. It was getting near time for her to have some other man’s baby. Well, it could be his, but he doubted it. He and his wife had only had one night together since she left more than a year ago. More likely, she’d been cheating on him with some loser. He stood in the doorway to her room and looked around the place. He walked over to her nightstand and picked up a framed black and white picture of Jane. He wasn’t about to let her go. No, he’d fight for what was rightfully his. He rifled through her things, found her journal, and read a few pages. After reading it, he placed it back inside her nightstand drawer. The book didn’t make a lick of sense to him. She was writing to God, and she’d never been religious or had any interest in God. He couldn’t understand why she’d become interested in hanging out with the preacher and his family, or why she’d come here after leaving him. But she had, so his only recourse was to drag her butt home, even if she came kicking and screaming.

She’d have to give him the answers he was seeking when he finally managed to get her home, because he surely wasn’t finding answers in that journal.

THE FOLLOWING SATURDAY, Jason tried to take matters into his own hands. He’d prayed about it, but nothing seemed to be happening, so he figured there wouldn’t be any harm in arranging a chance meeting with the beautiful Stella. He heard through the grapevine that Stella walked to Schmitty’s market around noon each day in order to get some exercise, so he parked his jeep there and ambled in to purchase a loaf of bread and some eggs, even though he usually ate breakfast at Shelly’s Diner. Sure enough, as he was walking out of the store, he saw Stella walking up the road toward the market. He set his purchases inside his jeep and turned to greet her. He recognized the instant fear in her eyes but dismissed it as his own overactive imagination. He walked over to her.

She gave him a slight smile but didn’t put her hand out. Hello Jason. Nice to see you again.

It’s nice to see you, Miss Stella. He winked at her.

I need to be heading back. Stella turned on her heel and headed back in the opposite direction.

Jason was left wondering what he’d done to scare her off again. He hopped back into his jeep and drove off faster than he should have. As he rounded a bend, a five-point buck was crossing the road and he clipped it with the corner of his jeep. The jeep spun around and ended up in the opposite lane. Thankfully, the road was deserted. Jason’s hands shook as he righted the car and got parked on the side of the road. He sat there and put his head on the steering wheel while he waited for his nerves to calm. The buck had run off appearing uninjured. Jason wasn’t hurt and his airbags didn’t deploy, but the accident shook him up.

STELLA CAME HOME FROM her daily walk and entered the kitchen. She poured herself a cold cup of pink lemonade and sipped the drink as she looked out the front kitchen window toward the main road. Stella took notice of the sunlight glinting off the hummingbird sun catcher in the kitchen window. Since it was such a beautiful day, she decided to sit out in the sunshine and read a good book. She hurried up to her room and grabbed her book from her nightstand. She’d been reading Hinds Feet on High Places and was enjoying it immensely. Strangely, her picture frame with the photo of her mother had been moved from her nightstand to the center of her bed. She wondered if Joy had dusted her room. Nice of her. I guess she forgot to put the frame back. She picked the frame up and noticed a smear of blood on the corner of the wooden frame. Joy must have cut