Through the Storm

By Kelly Gunter and Rachel Fallin

Young love and betrayal.

Zach and Samantha were high school sweethearts until one night changed everything. Over the course of seventy-two hours, life continued to drown Samantha with unimaginable tragedies, forcing her to forsake her hometown and the people she loves.

Seven years later, she's back to help her town rebuild after a storm devastated it. She is forced to face her past, including the admission to her shattered faith and beliefs. What she least expected were the emotions and feelings that resurfaced, especially when she discovers Zachs life has also been drastically changed. Will love break down all barriers and heal two wounded hearts? Will they rely on God and each other to make it through the storms of life?

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Aug 21, 2015
• ISBN: 9781504932608

Kelly Gunter

Rachel Fallin's first book, a children’s fiction titled Little Blessings, was published in 2012. Through the Storm will debut as her first Christian romance novella. Rachel earned a degree in Communications/Public Relations and currently works as a financial representative and writes for a local newspaper in spare time. Rachel resides in Florida with her cat, Fraser. Kelly Gunter is a Christian girl who loves the Lord and is very active in her church. She enjoys her job as a radiologic technologist and helping those in need. Through the Storm is Kelly’s first published novella. She resides in Florida with her family.

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© 2015 Rachel Fallin & Kelly Gunter. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse   08/20/2015

ISBN: 978-1-5049-3261-5 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5049-3260-8 (e)

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Bible References- NLT Version

Esther 4:14

Hebrews 6:19

2 Timothy 3:4

Matthew 6:14-15

Contents

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Epilogue

Author Q&A

Rachel’s Acknowledgements

Kelly’s Acknowledgements

Perhaps this is the moment for which you have been created

Esther 4:14

Prologue

Once upon a time, not so long ago, there was a girl who always daydreamed of the guy that filled her every thought. He was a tall order with a side of danger and mischief. He had the prettiest blue eyes that would cause any girl to get lost in his stare and a smile that would make any girl weak in the knees. Oh and how her fingers ached to run through the strands of his blonde hair.

If only he felt for her the way she felt for him. Zachary Tyler walked into her life four years ago and definitely made a dramatic entrance, at least in her heart. It was like a scene from the movies where the gorgeous lead male walks through the hall in slow motion, wind blowing his hair and music matching his every beat. Talk about heart-stopping. Except reality was not a movie. Her reality consisted of a world where Zachary Tyler didn’t look at her, didn’t associate with her, and truthfully, probably didn’t even know she existed. It was quite pathetic, but who said she couldn’t love from afar?

Who knows, maybe God has a plan for Zachary Tyler to fall hopelessly in love with me and be my prince charming! She thought, but then her smile faded quickly. Nah, who am I kidding?

Chapter One

CHANDLER, OKLAHOMA

2007

Z ach loves Samantha; Samantha and Zach forever. Doodling again, Sam? Samantha Williams nearly jumped out of her seat at the sound of Megan’s voice. Quickly crumbling the sheet of paper she replied, No!

Megan grabbed the paper from the table. Opening it, she smiled. Oh whatever! So, I take it our McDreamy finally realized he loves you? Megan laughed. She loved aggravating her best friend; it was just too easy. Her friend had loved Zachary Tyler since he first time he walked into the school four years ago. Sam always said they were destined to be together, but poor Zach didn’t know that and Meg was often unsure what world that may exist in.

Samantha was in her normal study spot in the school library when Meg walked up almost causing a heart attack. The quiet library is where Sam found peace and escaped from the chaotic life of a high school senior. Lincolnville High wasn’t a large school, but large enough to get crazy during the exciting months prior to graduation. She enjoyed the perks of being senior, but definitely stressed over the finals.

Her future was all planned out. She would attend Oklahoma State for four years majoring in childhood education and then earning her master’s degree, through online and night courses, specializing in special needs education. Children always held a special place in her heart. She taught Sunday school for a special needs group at church. The smile on their eager faces melted her heart.

Oh hush, Meg. I was just daydreaming while taking a break from studying.

Yep, daydreaming about a handsome Zachary Tyler; you should just go talk to him. Never know he may actually be into you.

If only. She snatched the paper out of Meg’s hand and tossed it in her backpack, ensuring no one would find it. Anyway, are you still coming over Friday night? My parents are leaving around 6:30 so you can come anytime.

Sounds good. What would you like me to cook for us tomorrow night? I was thinking a pasta dinner! Megan took a seat next to Sam, propping her elbows on the table.

Pasta? That is so not healthy. I thought we were going to get in shape and look good for graduation? Pasta certainly does not agree with making me look good.

No, it’s semi-healthy. It’s called Veggie Pasta Salad. It has gluten free penne pasta, yellow squash, zucchini, bell peppers, corn, tomato, pesto, lemon, and a bunch of seasonings. Is there anything in it you don’t like?

I don’t like zucchini and bell peppers. How about we swap the zucchini and bell peppers with mushrooms and scallions? And what about dessert; can I pick?

You’re so picky, but yes, we can swap the zucchini and bell peppers. And for dessert I am surprising you with one of my yummy creations that will definitely include chocolate!

Ahhh, you read my mind. Every girl needs chocolate. Now since that’s settled, let’s get back to studying. Samantha pointed to her textbook as Spanish and Math tests loomed over them. Samantha hated Math, totally convinced it was from the pits, but she was determined to ace this test.

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School is so overrated, he thought. How did I get a D? Dad’s going to kill me if I get kicked off the team. He stood at his locker staring at the midterm report that reflected his lack of studies in Literature. Stupid Shakespeare; why does your work have to be so boring and difficult to understand? The class had been studying Hamlet and was now beginning Romeo and Juliet. If only his teacher would let him pass on his ‘Romeo’ good looks instead.

Z, let’s roll. We gotta go. The guys will think we’re bailing on them. Friday nights routinely consisted of drinks and loud music by the pool. Except this particular night, he wasn’t excited about going. He was bummed about his grade.

Look man, I’m gonna pass tonight. I have some studying to do.

Yeah, we all have some studying to do…in girls!

No Matt. Actual studying…in Literature. Shakespeare is going to be the death of my scholarship. I’m going to head home and get a head start on Romeo and Juliet. I can’t flunk this course.

Ah, come on. We’re just going to Jake’s house for some drinks. His mom is away, so the guys will play Matt said laughing. Matt Kirkland was Zach’s closest friend, but not always a good influence. They had grown up together and were never troublemakers; well, until Matt’s parents divorced. After the divorce, he became so angry that he started rebelling and skipping classes, took up drinking, and had a different girl for every weekend. Every girl within a twenty mile radius was probably ruined because of him.

Dude, have you not heard a word I just said? I. Can’t. Flunk. This. Course! I could get kicked off the team and lose my scholarship and if I lose my scholarship to college, then my dream of earning a degree and becoming a firefighter is history.

Then, my brother, I suggest you get a tutor.

Zachary Tyler known as Zach, or ‘Z’ to his friends was now the only child, after a tragic accident claimed the life of his older brother. His parents were Fred and Angie Tyler, salesman and attorney in Chandler. His childhood wasn’t filled with bliss, only of continuous heated arguments between his parents. He mostly skipped dinner for the fear of dishes being thrown across the room. One evening the family gathered at the table for dinner and his mother asked his father what jobs he applied for that day; these types of questions typically put his father in a mood. After being let go without any severance pay and yet to find a job, his mother was bringing in the only pay check. Money always caused stress in families. This particular night his mother had had enough, picked up her glass, and threw it across the table aiming for her husband. Not only did the glass miss her husband, but hit Zach instead causing a severe gash in the side of his head; a scar that reminded him every day of his eventful childhood.

As he became a teenager, his parents still argued, but had allowed Zach so much freedom that he was never home to hear or be in the path of it. The lack of parent supervision opened the door to wrong paths.

And who do you recommend to tutor me?

Maybe that smart chick, Samantha Williams, could help you with Shakespeare. Never know man, she could be your Juliet.

"Um no, she’s not my type and definitely not my Juliet."

Oh, why not man? She’s kind of cute in her own nerdy way. I bet she’s never even had a boyfriend. Dude, you could totally rock her world.

No, thank you. I have no intention on rockin’ anyone’s world tonight, let alone a self-righteous Christian girl.

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Samantha, honey, get up. Megan will be here in about twenty minutes.

It had been two weeks since Samantha had started her afternoon job at Mae’s Diner. The shift consisted of waiting tables then closing out the registers when the diner closed. Working from four to eleven was definitely taking a toll on her body. She walked in the door just before midnight each night. Instead of going to bed, there was homework and studying to be done, making her new bedtime at two or three in the morning.

Sweetheart, rise and shine. Tomorrow is Saturday and you can sleep in. Sitting on the edge of her daughter’s bed, she gently patted Samantha’s shoulder. Sweet Samantha Anne, her baby. How time had gone by so fast; it was as if just yesterday her freckled face angel was starting kindergarten. Now she was in her senior year of high school.

Samantha darling, get up. You don’t want to be late. Sam stirred under the covers. Get dressed and come downstairs, your breakfast is waiting.

Stretching, yawning, and moaning, Sam crawled out of bed, making her way to the bathroom. Why did 6:45 come so early? She brushed her teeth, washed her face, and tied her wavy auburn hair up in a messy bun. Five minutes later, she was dressed in jeans and a coral blouse.

Morning, Mom. Thanks for waking me up. I must have slept through my alarm clock.

You look tired. Are you sure this job isn’t too much for you? After all, you really don’t need a part time job.

I like the job, Mom. Besides, it feels good to make some money of my own.

If you insist, but don’t let it get in the way of your studies. Mrs. Christie Williams smiled at her daughter then placed a piece of toast with peanut butter and sliced bananas in front of her. Eat up, honey. Megan will be here any minute.

Oh, speaking of Megan, is it okay if she stays over Friday night? We have some studying to do and she found a new dessert recipe she wants us to make.

That should be fine. Your father and I have our weekly Bible study at church, so Megan can keep you company while we’re gone.

Awesome, thanks Mom.

Samantha ate her breakfast in silence as she watched her mom wash the breakfast dishes left over from her father and brother. She was grateful for her wonderful, Godly parents. They had been married for twenty five years. To watch them, one would think they were newlyweds. Samantha said a silent prayer to one day have a marriage like theirs.

Sam, don’t forget Stan’s engagement dinner Saturday. You can bring Megan as your guest if you’d like.

Stan was five years older than Samantha and was engaged to be married to Marnie Douglas. They were the typical high school sweethearts. Stan graduated with a degree in accounting and finance while Marnie earned a degree in education. He now worked at a bank in the next city over and she taught kindergarten at Lincolnville Elementary School.

I already took Saturday off and since Meg will be with me Friday night, I’m sure she will be over the moon about going to the engagement dinner…especially since she will get to buy a new outfit.

Mom laughed. That girl does like to make a fashion statement.

HONK. HONK. HONK.

And a loud entrance. Love you, Mom. See you tonight.

Love you too. Have a good day. Her babies were growing up so fast; one about to married and the other graduating in a few months. Soon the house would be empty. Without warning, several tears rolled down Mrs. Williams’cheek.

Chapter Two

S amantha was standing at her locker during third period. I know I put my chemistry notebook back in here. She fumbled through the textbooks in search of her notebook filled with important information for her upcoming exam. It was senior year with only six months to go until graduation. How could I have misplaced this notebook? I always have –-

Um, excuse me, Samantha He said charmingly.

Her head was buried in her locker, ignoring the voice. If you’re here to tell me I’m late to class, I know that and I’m sorry. I’m just trying to find my–- Looking up, her mouth flew open as she gazed at the person standing before her.

ZACHARY TYLER.

She felt her knees begin to shake and heat rush to her cheeks as he stared her. Did I startle you? Zachary Tyler, jock on the baseball team, one of the most popular guys at school, and the ladies’ man, stood before her. Not only was he standing in front of her, he was looking at her with eyes that made her cheeks burn, stomach churn, and knees weak. Please don’t let my cheeks be as red as they feel. Please don’t let him notice.

Samantha, are you ok? He could tell by the red blush in her cheeks that his assessment made her nervous. But he didn’t care. Poor, timid Samantha; she had probably never experienced a relationship with a guy. Never been touched or kissed or…come on man, pull it together!

"Uh yes, I’m ok. I…I…didn’t expect you to be