The Engagement: Book One in the Manchester Series

By Gwen Davis

When Maggie begins life on her own, in her own perfect apartment, with her own job, and her very own boyfriend, she learns the hard way that the life one imagines one has is not necessarily the life one is living.

Share with Maggie and her very sensible friend Kath the peace that comes from a bit of common sense and trusting in God’s plan. Open your heart to all the new people who come into their lives.

Join Maggie, Liam, Mike, Cecilia, Matty, Emily, and even the Franklins as they search for love and happiness, sometimes for the wrong reasons and with the wrong people.

Laugh and cry with them as they experience all the joy, sadness, and ordinary events that happen in their lives. And perhaps learn along with them that some things are better when they’re not quite so perfect!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Balboa Press
• Release date: Mar 14, 2019
• ISBN: 9781982223229

Gwen Davis

Gwen Davis is the author of fifteen novels, including Ladies in Waiting, Touching, The Motherland, and the bestselling The Pretenders. She now lives in Paris, France.

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Copyright © 2019 Gwen Davis.

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 author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

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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.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

Interior Design Good News Translation® (Today’s English Version, Second Edition) Copyright © 1992 American Bible Society. All rights reserved.

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

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

ISBN: 978-1-9822-2319-9 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-9822-2320-5 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-9822-2322-9 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2019902623

Balboa Press rev. date: 03/13/2019

Table of Contents

Dedication

List of Characters

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

This book is dedicated to my husband,

Jim…

Thank you for fifty wonderful years of marriage

and for being the inspiration for this book.

With all my love forever!

List of characters:

The Adams Family:

Molly and Matthew Adams

Marguerite (aka Maggie)

Matty

Emily

Shawn

The Franklin Family:

Abigail and William T. Franklin II (Will)

Leslie and William T. Franklin III (Bill)

William T. Franklin IV (Liam)

The McAllister Family:

John and Betty McAllister

Luke

Katherine

The Givens Family:

Jason and Jennifer Givens

Cecilia Givens

Michael Gordon

Rex – Mike’s Golden Retriever

Penny – Maggie’s King Charles Spaniel

Grandma and Grandpa Kelly – Maggie’s maternal grandparents

Steve Layman – Maggie’s neighbor

Newton and Prissy – Kath’s huge dog and nasty kitty

Joe Bundy – Plumber and owner of Pipes and Drains

Tim Owens– owner of Maggie’s apartment building

Jake Bartholomew (wife Trish) – Mike’s friend

Chapter One

God’s people will be free from worries,

and their homes peaceful and safe.

Isaiah 32:18 (GNT)

Maggie smiled and looked around her apartment. Perfect! She gave the royal blue throw pillows another fluffing and smoothed the white, ready-made slip cover again. She was so lucky to get all these pieces of furniture from her grandparents. Grandma and Grandpa just moved to South Carolina, convinced that the weather would be warmer than Maryland, cooler than Florida, yet not too far from their family who lived just outside of the Delaware and Pennsylvania borders.

Though the sofa and wing chair were rather worn, new slip covers and pretty pillows made everything look so new! She painted their old kitchen table and chairs a cheerful shade of yellow and made (all by herself) four placemats in bright pink, yellow, blue and green. In the middle of the table was a clear glass vase she took from her Mom’s house and filled with fresh white daisies, a treat from the grocery store. Her dishes, too, were hand-me-downs in the blue willow pattern and she had a half dozen deep blue water goblets she was able to salvage from a find at a local garage sale. The tiny kitchen boasted of yellow gingham curtains and the little refrigerator and stove were sparkling white. Yes, said Maggie aloud but to no one, this is perfect!

She was so lucky to get a place here. Her landlord, Mr. Owens, was pretty picky about who he rented to since the incident. Maggie had no idea what the incident was, but very glad Mr. Owens decided to rent to her.

The building itself was a large rectangle of stone with black shutters on the windows and a dark green door in the middle leading into the common hallway. The two front apartments across from each other had a living room, kitchen with tiny breakfast nook, one bedroom and a bath. The larger apartments in the back of the building had a living room, dining area, a slightly bigger kitchen and a second bedroom and bath. It sat on two acres of neatly landscaped land that gently sloped in the backyard. There was a driveway leading to four paved parking spots on the side of the structure.

She glanced at her watch and realized it was time to get ready for her date with Liam. She hadn’t seen much of him lately, but she didn’t mind. She was so busy with her new job and new apartment that she hardly missed him at all. Today was Friday, the end of the work week, and tonight they were having dinner in the city at a lovely new restaurant. Maggie supposed it was to celebrate the greatly anticipated promotion Liam was anxiously awaiting. He was very confident that he would be the company’s newest and youngest director of Urban Real Estate. That was one thing about Liam… he had confidence and lots of it. Maggie thought that was probably a good thing but she sometimes wondered if he was too boastful, too sure of himself, and maybe a bit arrogant. His parents had brought him up that way. Liam was their legacy. He could do no wrong. And he knew it.

Maggie moved to her pretty little bedroom, a light shade of pink with roses on the drapes and bed spread. The drapes and spread were brand new. A house-warming gift from Mom and Dad. Maggie knew they were proud of all she had accomplished. At twenty-five, Maggie had received her Masters Degree in Library Science and landed her dream job of being a school librarian. And for the first time in her life, Maggie had her own place. And it was perfect!

She grabbed her robe and slippers and walked into her very small bathroom. She couldn’t have been more excited about life in general… her life in particular!

She used her sweetest smelling shampoo and soap and dried off in a big purple bath towel. She used some hair products and began to blow dry her light brown hair. She never really liked her plain Jane appearance but since having her long hair foil wrapped and cut into layers, she had received many compliments about how cute and perky she looked. Those compliments made her smile. Liam never complimented her. Funny that she would suddenly think of that.

Maggie made her way to her closet. It was so small, but Maggie really didn’t have many clothes anyway. She liked to look nice, but she was no clothes horse!!! Her average height and average size and shape certainly didn’t make her look like a model. But tonight was special and Maggie really wanted Liam to be proud of her. Maybe he would notice the new red dress she bought specifically for his exciting announcement and celebration!

Before she knew it, Liam was knocking at her door. With her hair bouncing smoothly past her shoulders she put her pearl earrings on quickly and fiddled with the string of pearls her Godmother had given her for her sweet sixteenth birthday. She opened the door and rushed to hug Liam… But it wasn’t Liam. The man standing in front of her was a few years older and was wearing torn jeans and a slightly not-so-white tee shirt pulled tightly across a very impressive torso. His dark hair needed cutting badly and his messy stubble suggested a shave was in order too, but his green eyes sparkled like emeralds in a jewelry store. She struggled to catch her breath and say hello.

I’m Mike, the guy said. I live across the hall and I wanted to give you this. He reached to her with a hand full of mail. Guess the postman put your mail in my box. So, if you are Marguerite Adams, these are for you.

Yes, yes. I’m Maggie, she stuttered. Nice to meet you. And thank you for bringing me my mail. She was stunned. This stranger, no, her new neighbor, was totally unexpected and she struggled for words.

Yeah, well, looks like you have a hot date so I guess I’ll see you around. Have fun. And he turned and started to walk to the door directly opposite hers. Oh, and, well, you look really nice. I mean, really pretty!

Maggie felt her cheeks blush. She looked pretty! Wow! She closed the door and studied herself in the mirror. If a stranger said she looked pretty, Liam was going to be totally blown away.

Maggie sat on her perfect white sofa and picked up a book. Liam was usually so punctual, she couldn’t imagine why he was late. Another 15 minutes and finally a knock at the door. Maggie glanced around to be sure her living room looked perfect. This was the first time Liam had been to her apartment. On move in day he had been busy with his parents at the country club and wasn’t able to help. And she guessed that he was busy with his promotion the past two weeks to come over and see her place.

Maggie opened the door with a huge smile on her face. She invited Liam in and he pushed past her and plopped on the sofa. So much for a hello, you look lovely. Something was wrong… very, very wrong.

Liam was fuming! He said he just stopped by to let her know that dinner was off. Apparently, the stupid fools at his company passed him over and promoted George Byerly instead! Liam’s eyes said it all. Anger, despair, disappointment and more anger! He said he was going home to let his parents know about the injustice done to him that day. And with that, he was out the door.

What just happened? Maggie heard a car door slam and looked out the living room window to see his car screech from its parking place in front of her building. With tears welling in her blue eyes, she began to pray to God to protect Liam and everyone in his path as he raced to his parents’ house. Still stunned, she stumbled to her room and took off her dress, shoes and jewelry replacing them with her comfy robe and fuzzy slippers. Though she ached for Liam in his disappointment, she couldn’t help but wonder why he would flee to his parents, Bill and Leslie, for comfort. They had been dating since they were seventeen and after so many years, should be relying on each other for strength and consolation. And they had recently begun speaking of marriage too. Or had they? Maybe Maggie was the one talking about marriage.

Her mind wandered to the last couple of months. How many times had they gone out? How often did they do anything together? In the beginning, they went to Church every Sunday. When was the last time they did that? And why not? Maggie remembered asking Liam why he wasn’t going to Church and he told her that he had grown up…. didn’t need God anymore. And, anyway, his parents didn’t go and they were doing pretty well. She continued to pray for him and encouraged him to go with her but he seldom did.

Maggie needed to talk to someone. She loved her sister Emily dearly. Emily was five years younger and at twenty was enjoying college and her life with friends on campus. Maggie just didn’t feel her sister was quite ready to understand. Besides, Emily would tell Mom, and Maggie was NOT up to dealing with her mother tonight. She texted her best friend Katherine McAllister saying that she thought her heart was breaking. Kath replied that she would be right over.

Fifteen minutes later Katherine appeared at the door with a pint of Ben & Jerry’s and two plastic spoons.

Maggie and Katherine had been friends since kindergarten. They attended the same elementary and high schools, gone to religious education together, received their First Communion together and took each other’s names at Confirmation. If Sister Mary Frances knew this, she would never have allowed it. Both girls spoke of their great devotions to St. Margaret of Scotland and St. Catherine of Sienna… truly great and blessed women, but not really the motive for the selection of their new patron saints! They often spoke to one another about God, unafraid to admit their doubts or challenges in living their Christian lives. They were very best friends. They shared everything. But Katherine did not like Liam.

Maggie threw her arms around Kath as soon as she opened the door! A dear, dear friend is a blessing she thought. Who else could she share these private thoughts with?

Katherine’s degree was in Nursing. She was still in school part-time, continuing her studies to become a Physician’s Assistant, and working at a walk-in clinic in the nearby city, serving the poor and homeless.

Kath put the ice cream in the freezer and plopped down on the sofa next to a red eyed Maggie. She asked pointedly what happened to cause all these tears.

Maggie hugged a pillow to her stomach and told her the events of the evening, leaving out the part about her neighbor. What was his name? Anyway, the conversation jumped to Katherine’s lead and without wasting a moment Kath said, He’s a jerk you know. He’s been using you. He has you for a date when he needs one. You are always there for him. But tell me this, what has he done for YOU these past couple of months?

Maggie’s eyes darkened. How dare Kath say anything about Liam? Don’t you know how hard he works? How difficult it is to live up to his parents’ expectations? How much he loves me and wants to make me happy? Where did that last thought come from?

Katherine took her friend’s hand. Maggie, can you please be objective here? Liam has not been around for you. Not for some time now. When was the last time he took you out? When did he come visit you in your very first apartment? You have been so excited about being on your own. Shouldn’t he be here sharing your happiness? Maggie, wake up and smell the roses, or the daisies, or something! Maggie shrugged, afraid to think. Worried that the truth might hurt too much.

The girls watched the Hallmark channel Christmas movies until midnight. They finished all the ice cream and truth be known, could have eaten another pint. But tomorrow was Saturday and Maggie had a busy day planned.

After Kath left, Maggie locked up, turned off the lights and headed to bed. Tears fell onto her pillow and she cried herself to sleep.

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Morning came with bright sunlight shining through her drapes of roses and the first thing on Maggie’s mind was to text Liam. He must have had an awful night. She was so sure of it. She wanted to be with him. By ten o’clock she had texted him five times and he never responded. At eleven she called his house. Leslie answered the phone. Maggie explained that she knew about Liam’s disappointment and she wanted to help. But Leslie insisted that she would take care of her son and was sure that when he felt better, he would contact Maggie. Maggie was sad that her relationship with Liam was obviously at an impasse.

Maybe Kath was right. Maybe it was time to really look at their relationship and to pray for God to guide her. She got dressed and left for the volunteer story times she was doing for children with learning differences. Every Saturday, Maggie met at the library and shared her afternoon with these special kids.

She continued texting Liam but never got a return text from him. She wanted to give him space and was feeling like she needed some too.

Late that night she crawled into bed with a good book and slept well after a very restless sleep the night before. Her mother phoned early Sunday morning asking if she would like to join her and Dad and brother Shawn for breakfast after Church. Sounded to Maggie like a good way to start the day!

She repeatedly texted Liam and repeatedly got no response. How could he be angry with her when she had nothing to do with him not getting this promotion? The other guy was just the better candidate for this particular job, she texted him, and the next one will be yours. She was sure of this. But his silence confirmed one thing to her… Liam hated losing. He was the most competitive person she knew. He always had to be the best. And he always had to blame someone if he didn’t win.

Monday turned into Tuesday and the week flew by. Her occasional texts continued to go unanswered and Maggie kept busy and got lost in time. She kept praying for Liam to be content with his position, work hard and trust in the will of God.

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Working in an elementary school, time was measured by holidays and Maggie was looking forward to Thanksgiving and seeing her older brother Matty and younger sister Emily. Matty often skipped the holidays though he was always there at Christmas. He was three years older and at 28 was still an undergraduate at the University. She wasn’t sure what his major was. He seemed to change it constantly. After all these years though, she was sure he would manage to satisfy the requirements for SOME kind of major and maybe a few minors. He had an on-again, off-again relationship with Cecilia Givens, a nice girl who certainly was patient with her brother. Maybe she would join them for Thanksgiving too.

Emily was the best little sister in the world. Maggie adored her since the first time she laid eyes on that tiny baby the day she was born. Emily was sweet and very pretty. With dark hair and dark eyes, she favored their father, as did Matty. Emily was studying music, very gifted with a beautiful voice and the ability to play most any instrument. Though she secretly wanted to be a pop singer and play her guitar, she was practical enough to get certified in education too. She would make a great music teacher.

Shawn was a senior in high school. As the youngest of the four Adams children, he was definitely doted on as the baby. Maybe a little spoiled, but a hard worker and as good at sports as he was with academics. Next year he would be at University and Mom and Dad would be empty nesters. Although maybe not… there was always the chance that Matty would move back home!

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Thanksgiving was a bit of a downer. Grandma and Grandpa wanted to stay in their new home in South Carolina and Matty was wherever Matty was planning to go doing whatever he was planning to do. Emily had only four days off and with so many projects due, she wanted to stay on campus and complete her tasks so she could relax and enjoy a longer break in December. Mom had asked Maggie to invite Liam, but she knew he was still brooding and would find some excuse not to come. So it was just the four of them with a turkey and all the trimmings.

As usual, Mom had decorated the house with autumnal pumpkins, gourds and brightly colored artificial leaf garlands. The table was set splendidly with a deep orange cloth, china with pictures of brown turkeys with coppery hues, and silverware that gleamed in the candle light. Everything was beautiful and delicious.

Mom was anxious about Christmas and the focus of dinner conversation centered around the upcoming holiday. Maggie thought about all their family traditions and how she and her older siblings were already breaking away from family routine and following their own paths. She worried that Shawn wouldn’t get to enjoy the family times she’d had during her own childhood.

As the four of them talked about tree trimming, cookie baking, going to Midnight Mass, and opening gifts afterwards, Shawn interjected a little louder than he had planned. All eyes turned to him and he hedged a bit,