Charleston Light

By SC Lowcountry Authors, Laurie Larsen, Christina Sinisi and 6 more

A collection of inspirational novellas inspired by Charleston Light, the wonderfully awkward-looking lighthouse that sits on the shore of Sullivan's Island, South Carolina. The stories range from sweet romance to time travel to fantasy to a modern retelling of a beloved fairy tale. You will definitely find something you love on these pages! All proceeds from the sale of this anthology will go to Sanctuary of Unborn Life in Charleston, a not-for-profit that provides support, mentoring, and housing assistance for local pregnant and new mothers in need.

 

Hosanna's Light, by Dianne Miley:  Homeless and pregnant, Hosanna Oliver returns from years of rebellion to reconnect with her family, but someone else lives in her childhood home. At the lighthouse, she runs into her old friend Jonathan Salvador and an unspoken attraction is rekindled. When he encourages her to find her family, will she be able to forgive herself enough to accept love?

 

Homecoming, by Jody Stallings:  When a band nerd and a cheerleader find each other across a high school football field in 1988, love seems inevitable ... until they discover there's a far wider chasm to cross: time itself.

 

Looks Aren't Everything, a Retelling of the classic Fairy tale, The Ugly Duckling, by Laurie Larsen:  Pediatric nurse Wanda Byrd feels an instant kinship with ten-year-old cancer patient Kendall, and it's not just because of their matching scars. But a surprise encounter with Kendall's Uncle Mark immediately ignites her long-held insecurities due to his good looks and confident demeanor. Can an awkward-looking lighthouse, the wisdom of a little girl, and a confession from the man himself teach her that true value comes from within? 

 

Lighthouse of the Fireflies by Kelsey Budd: Through a twist of fate, recent marine biology grad Lucia finds her plans to work at the local aquarium interrupted when Ben, a mysterious man in the Coast Guard, miraculously appears from the island lighthouse. Until they can figure out how to get him back to 1962, Ben plays Lucia's boyfriend and helps as they act in a skit for the fundraising gala to repair the lighthouse. Together, they find healing for their pasts and hope for their futures, but will all the acting lead to real romance, and will time travel lead to real adventure?

 

Shattered Darkness, by Laurie Ingram Sibley: Six years ago, Will Edgar left his high school sweetheart behind. Now he's back in town, and vandalism to their beloved lighthouse throws them together. But Will and Raven are haunted by the past. Can they break free and learn to trust again?

 

The Gold Note, by Christina Sinisi:  Anna Rizzo has a long list of men she dated and dropped like loose change. She also lied, stole, and partied until she hit rock bottom, unconscious on her living room floor. By God's grace, she makes a fresh start. Can a mysterious admirer's coded gold notes help make her life whole again?

 

Second Time Lighthouse Love by Melissa Henderson:  After two years, widow Lana Pierce continues to grieve the loss of her beloved husband Stan. When the older woman finds a mysterious notebook left on their favorite bench, she wonders if this could be a secret message intended for her. Is another "forever love" possible?

 

Following His Plans, by Annette Wiley:  Consumed with the desire for wealth and status, Nora pours her energy into her prestigious interior design firm. But when her beloved aunt dies she drops everything to go to Rockland, Maine, where a set of precious gifts and a romantic relationship help light the way toward a new direction.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Random Moon Books
• Release date: Jul 14, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223411895

Book preview

Charleston Light: Stories Inspired by Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse

Amulti-author anthology which contains the following eight inspirational novellas:

Lighthouse of the Fireflies by Kelsey R Budd

Second Time Lighthouse Love by Melissa Henderson

Looks Aren’t Everything, a Fairy Tale Retelling by Laurie Larsen

Hosanna’s Light by Dianne Miley

Shattered Darkness by Laurie Ingram Sibley

The Gold Note by Christina Sinisi

Homecoming by Jody Stallings

Following His Plans by Annette Wiley

Copyright © 2023 by the individual authors included.

Cover Photo by Matt Benson on Unsplash

Interior photo of Charleston Light by Laurie Larsen

Cover design by JP Sibley

This book is a work of fiction. At times, the authors used well-known, real-life places and people’s names but all incidents in the stories are products of the authors’ imagination.  When a real-life author’s work was quoted in any of the stories, that material was in the Public Domain.  No part of this book can be reproduced in any form or by electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems, without the express written permission of the author.  The only exception is by a reviewer who may quote short excerpts in a review.  Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in, or encourage, the electronic piracy of copyrighted materials.  Your support of these hardworking authors’ rights is appreciated.

About This Anthology:

Greetings, reader!  You have picked up a collection of stories that are guaranteed to fill your heart with inspiration and warmth!  Let me tell you about this anthology.

Inside, you will find eight individual novellas written by authors who belong to the same writers group:  The South Carolina Lowcountry Chapter of the national organization, American Christian Fiction Writers.  We’re a fairly new chapter (just starting our fourth year) and relatively small (a dozen members) but we are all convinced that we’ve got something really special going on.  Once a month on a Saturday we all meet to learn about our craft, listen to knowledgeable speakers, share our own questions, progress and challenges.  We also support each other, pray for each other, and challenge each other to keep moving forward.

Last year, someone brought up the idea of publishing an anthology.  After some brainstorming, we decided to all write stories inspired by the nearby lighthouse on Sullivan’s Island. It’s ... well, how do I say this ... you know what you think of when you think of lighthouses?  Beautiful, majestic, scenic?  Well, this one is not that.  It’s awkward.  It’s a little ugly.  It’s triangular, instead of spherical, and it serves an important purpose; it’s just not exactly beautiful while doing it!

But we were inspired to write stories about it – there was a lot of material there to explore.  Not to mention that literary celebrity Edgar Allan Poe was stationed in the Army on Sullivan’s Island in 1827 and wrote his story The Gold Bug there. Several of our stories threw that angle in too!

As we worked on our stories and continued discussions in our meetings, we decided that we would select a charity to donate all our proceeds to.  We didn’t have to look far before we found the right one.  Our chapter member, and anthology contributor Dianne Miley is the Founder of SOUL: Sanctuary of Unborn Life.  Everyone felt great about naming SOUL as the recipient of all funds earned from the sale of this anthology.

I’d like to invite Dianne to tell you more about her marvelous labor of love.  And reader, God bless you for supporting this effort.  I hope you love the stories!

Fondly,

Laurie Larsen

Anthology Contributor

About SOUL: Sanctuary of Unborn Life

Thank you for purchasing this anthology. The American Christian Fiction Writers South Carolina Lowcountry Chapter is graciously donating all book proceeds to Sanctuary of Unborn Life.

Sanctuary of Unborn Life is a 501(c)(3) faith-based non-profit in Charleston, South Carolina that provides support, mentoring, and housing assistance for local pregnant and new mothers in need.

SOUL Sisters offers a faith-based peer support group that meets at a local church and gives baby showers for pregnant moms.

Individual SOUL Sisters mentoring includes faith-based and research-informed teaching in budgeting, career skills, healthy relationships, and self-care. The Care Closet provides pregnancy, postpartum, and infant care packages and baby items for moms in need.

For those at risk of homelessness, SOUL’s Housing Assistance Program subsidizes rent and utilities for mothers with demonstrated need who commit to SOUL Sisters mentoring.

The Nest, SOUL’s maternity townhouse, provides a true sanctuary with beautiful furnishings and all the comforts of a cozy home. Qualified pregnant and new mother guests commit to an intensive SOUL Sisters mentoring, budgeting, and savings program to help them gain and maintain independence in a home of their own.

Donations from supporters like you are the lifeblood of these programs. SOUL receives no government funding and is supported entirely by individuals, churches, small businesses, and foundational grants. For more information, please visit www.sanctuaryofunbornlife.org.

Thank you for your support to provide a Sanctuary of Unborn Life for babies and their brave mothers.

Dianne Miley

Founder of SOUL

Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, Go in peace; keep warm and well fed, but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

James 2:15-17

A Look at Charleston Light

Inside the Anthology:

Hosanna’s Light by Dianne Miley:  Homeless and pregnant, Hosanna Oliver returns from years of rebellion to reconnect with her family, but someone else lives in her childhood home. At the lighthouse, she runs into her old friend Jonathan Salvador and an unspoken attraction is rekindled. When he encourages her to find her family, will she be able to forgive herself enough to accept love?

Homecoming by Jody Stallings:  When a band nerd and a cheerleader find each other across a high school football field in 1988, love seems inevitable ... until they discover there's a far wider chasm to cross: time itself.

Looks Aren’t Everything a retelling of the classic fairy tale, The Ugly Duckling, by Laurie Larsen:  Pediatric nurse Wanda Byrd feels an instant kinship with ten-year-old cancer patient Kendall, and it's not just because of their matching scars. But a surprise encounter with Kendall’s Uncle Mark immediately ignites her long-held insecurities due to his good looks and confident demeanor. Can an awkward-looking lighthouse, the wisdom of a little girl, and a confession from the man himself teach her that true value comes from within? 

Lighthouse of the Fireflies by Kelsey R Budd: Through a twist of fate, recent marine biology grad Lucia finds her plans to work at the local aquarium interrupted when Ben, a mysterious man in the Coast Guard, miraculously appears from the island lighthouse. Until they can figure out how to get him back to 1962, Ben plays Lucia’s boyfriend and helps as they act in a skit for the fundraising gala to repair the lighthouse. Together, they find healing for their pasts and hope for their futures, but will all the acting lead to real romance, and will time travel lead to real adventure?

Shattered Darkness by Laurie Ingram Sibley: Six years ago, Will Edgar left his high school sweetheart behind. Now he’s back in town, and vandalism to their beloved lighthouse throws them together. But Will and Raven are haunted by the past. Can they break free and learn to trust again?

The Gold Note by Christina Sinisi:  Anna Rizzo has a long list of men she dated and dropped like loose change. She also lied, stole, and partied until she hit rock bottom, unconscious on her living room floor. By God's grace, she makes a fresh start. Can a mysterious admirer's coded gold notes help make her life whole again?

Second Time Lighthouse Love by Melissa Henderson:  After two years, widow Lana Pierce continues to grieve the loss of her beloved husband Stan. When the older woman finds a mysterious notebook left on their favorite bench, she wonders if this could be a secret message intended for her. Is another forever love possible?

Following His Plans by Annette Wiley:  Consumed with the desire for wealth and status, Nora pours her energy into her prestigious interior design firm. But when her beloved aunt dies she drops everything to go to Rockland, Maine, where a set of precious gifts and a romantic relationship help light the way toward a new direction.

Hosanna’s Light by Dianne Miley

Panting in the August heat, Hosanna Oliver trudged through the sand, seeking solace from her situation. Yet every exhausting step proved a stark reminder there was no escape. She carried within her a kicking, six-month-old fetus that grew heavier with each passing day.

She collapsed onto the beach beneath the long evening shadow of the lighthouse.  Charleston Light on Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina had been a refuge for her in the past. Given its proximity to bustling downtown Charleston, the lighthouse offered remarkable calm at the end of this difficult day. She needed that calm, and she desperately needed light for the rocky path ahead of her.

Sprawled on the sand, Hosanna rubbed circles on her swollen belly to settle her restless child. If only it were so easy to settle her own anxiety.

Four years ago, she’d come to this lighthouse with a clear plan in mind. Her heart had nudged her toward a different path. She hadn’t listened to her heart but relented to her stubborn will. Rebellion had only brought her pain.

Now she returned with new questions, old anxieties, and more desperate prayers.

This time she would listen to the stirring in her soul.

If this beach couldn’t do it, nothing could. Salt air filled her lungs, restoring her breath with its fresh ocean scent.

The Atlantic Ocean stretched before her, pulsing like the heartbeat within her. Waves lulled their gentle rhythm like a lullaby. Seagulls squawked above and sandpipers scampered along the shore, reminders of her own skittering nerves.

Hi there. A man’s voice came from beyond the dune.

Startled at first, the voice sounded familiar. But it couldn’t be.

To her horror, a quick glance confirmed recognition.

Hey, she replied with flippant disregard. Staring off in the other direction, she leaned forward, letting her hair cover her face and pulling at her loose top to conceal her belly. Just keep walking, dude. Please don’t recognize me.

Hosanna? His excited voice drew near. Is that you?

Her skin prickled with trepidation. Her legs cooled as his shadow blocked the sun.

There was no escaping now. She tired of that inevitable feeling – being trapped.

Drawing her legs up, she hugged them to her. With hesitation, she looked up at him.

Jonathan. At his beaming smile, sweet calm washed over her. You still live around here?

Yep. He sat beside her on the sand. Wearing a t-shirt and board shorts, his long, tanned legs stretched in front of him. He leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees, hands crossed at the wrists.  But I didn’t expect to see you back in town.

Ha! A laugh bubbled from her belly. I didn’t expect to be back. So hey, you aren’t still working at Poe’s are you? Fond memories of waiting tables at Poe’s Tavern flitted through her mind. Oh, the pranks they’d pulled together.

His hearty chuckle made her smile. Uh, no. Not since you left, my dear.

Oh really?  So, what are you doing with yourself nowadays? She checked his left hand and didn’t see a ring. His tanned arms hinted at plenty of beach time, and his sandy hair looked as sun-bleached as it was four years ago.

Surfing, when I can. He seemed to read her thoughts. But mostly, I work with teens. His eyes grew serious. I’m a youth pastor at Citadel Square downtown.

"A pastor? She just stared at him. Wow. Is that what you were in college for back then?"

Not exactly. I started in communication. But after you left, I switched my major to education and went on to seminary.

After she left? That was the second time he mentioned her leaving. With the major changes her family made after she left, it seemed that her leaving affected everyone more than she realized.

So, what about you? What have you been up to?

Me. Uh, well, you know I went to Atlanta. My boyfriend was working on a record deal there, and I went to support him. She shrugged. I continued in food and bev—restaurants, bars, all that.

Jonathan’s smile lit up his whole face. We all missed you at Poe’s. A blush crept up his neck. "I missed you. More than you know."

There’d been a hint of spark between them. He was in college, the kind of guy her parents would have loved. But she’d had a boyfriend, the kind of guy her parents dreaded. And back then, that was exactly what she’d wanted.

Flustered, she looked away. Working at Poe’s was the only experience I had. And well, I never did finish high school. He might as well know that he wasn’t missing much. She had nothing to offer a nice guy like him.

She glanced at his reaction, but his smile never wavered. The sunlight made his eyes so blue. His heart made his expression so kind.

And look at you! A pastor, for heaven’s sake!

You know, you inspired me to work with young people. You’re the reason I became a pastor.

No way! I am not. Her heart thrilled within her, but her mind yelled disbelief.

Oh, yeah. I wanted to help you, but I didn’t know how. He paused, seemed to gauge her response.

I didn’t know how to help myself, she admitted.

I saw how much you were hurting, running from God. So, I went to seminary and learned how to reach people and help them see God’s love and grace. Because of you, my heart especially yearns to help young people.

I ... I was a hot mess. She stared at her feet. I still am.

We all are! Why do you think we need God?

Yeah, sure. She rolled her eyes with a laugh. But we’re not all pregnant and homeless like me.

He automatically looked at her belly. Then he looked away quickly as he realized what he’d done. Deep red flushed quickly from his throat to his hairline.

She wasn’t even mad. He couldn’t help it. Anyone would react that way. She’d just blurted it out. She might as well get it all in the open and relieve his embarrassment.

Hey, look, I messed up big time. I ran off to Atlanta with Damon. He did nothing but play bar gigs and chase women. No big record deal was ever in the works. He’s a liar and a cheat. He took me along to pay the bills so he could live his dream.

Jonathan turned to fully face her. His expression held no hint of judgment or shock or discomfort. He’d probably heard it all as a pastor.

I’m sorry he treated you that way. But I’m glad you’re back. His gentle gaze held more kindness than she knew how to absorb. And I want you to know, I’m a hot mess too.

She shook her head. You’re helping people, living your best life.

We all have issues, Hosanna. Crutches, things we struggle with. Sin. He frowned and looked out toward the ocean. Some of us just hide it better than others.

Can’t hide this! She rubbed her belly and laughed.

I guess not. He smiled. But me? I might look goody-goody on the outside, but on the inside—not at all.

She eyed him doubtfully but didn’t ask.

I know all about sin and shame and regret. And I know only God can cleanse us from all that—through the blood of Jesus.

Hosanna’s face grew hot. That’s what everyone keeps telling me. The last thing she needed was another reminder. My parents are Christians, you know. That’s why I rebelled and quit school. They wanted me to go to church and youth group and Christian college—the whole nine yards. She shook her head. But I’d had enough of all that. I wanted to have fun and run my own life. I didn’t want to live up to my parents’ expectations, much less obey God’s boring rules.

I didn’t know any of that.

It was stupid. I was three months shy of graduation.

Well, you can always get a GED.

She rolled her eyes. Thankfully, he changed the subject.

So, are you staying with your parents now?

Uh, no. I’m staying with friends. She knew her demeanor denied it. 

Why didn’t you ask your parents to help you?

She looked away.

I’m sorry, he stammered. I didn’t mean to pry.

No, it’s okay. She drew a deep breath. I lost contact with my parents.

Oh. His brows knotted. I can’t imagine.

Yeah. It was my own fault. I ghosted them. Then my phone was shut off and I had to get a new number.

I suppose their numbers were lost with your phone.

She raised an eyebrow. Yeah. But I didn’t try to find them either. I was ashamed that I couldn’t pay my phone bill, afraid they wouldn’t forgive me, and too proud to admit that I’d messed up royally. She picked at a loose thread on the hem of her shorts. I not only ruined my life, but theirs too. Now I’m destitute. Put in my place, as Dad would say. I came back thinking I’d beg forgiveness, but they’re gone.

Gone? His eyes widened.

She nodded. I went to our old house, but someone else lives there now. The neighbor told me they bought a farm in Awendaw. I went to the church, and the pastor said my family left right after I did.

Wow. I’m so sorry.

Yeah, that church was Mom’s life. My sister and brother loved our neighborhood – they had tons of friends. Dad worked from home and spent every spare minute creating an oasis in the backyard – patio, pool, koi pond, paths, and flowers everywhere.

He searched her eyes with more empathy than she could stand.

Rubbing her temples, she gauged his reaction before forging ahead. The pastor told me about a charity that might help me. You might as well know–-those are the ‘friends’ I’m living with.

Hosanna caught a hint of curiosity in the tilt of Jonathan’s head.

I’m glad you have folks helping you, he said with sincerity.

She dreaded the coming questions.

But he smirked instead. We’re getting a bit more personal than what we shared at Poe’s.

Grateful for the lighter mood, Hosanna chuckled. "You, Pastor Jonathan, were the ultimate prankster."

Ha! Don’t tell the youth group. They’ll badger me for ideas.

She raised a devious eyebrow.

Don’t even think about it. He laughed and shook his head. But you’re welcome to join us at church anytime. We have Bible study tomorrow—every Wednesday night. Super casual—a good way to ease in. 

Maybe God really was looking out for her. She’d met the sweetest people letting her live in their guest cottage. Had God brought Jonathan back into her life?

I’ll think about it.

Oh yeah?

Yeah. Sharing the dirt on Pastor Jonathan sounds like a good time, she teased.

A close up of a ceiling fan Description automatically generated with low confidence

Hosanna didn’t show up for Wednesday night Bible study.

On Thursday evening, Jonathan headed to see his parents for advice on his suspicions.

Dense stands of live oak dripped with Spanish moss over the narrow road into the wealthy residential enclave of his parents’ Sullivan’s Island neighborhood.

Tucked between groupings of palmetto palms, their driveway wound through immaculate gardens to a rambling home hidden in the trees.

Cicadas sang a rousing chorus through the maritime forest. As soon as he opened the car door, their song surrounded him.

Moisture immediately clung to his skin. Late August humidity mixed with the ocean breeze, carrying the sweet aroma of moss and woods, sea and salt in the heavy air.

Around the corner of the garage, he spotted a gold VW Beetle parked at the guest cottage. Indeed, it was the unforgettable gold bug Hosanna drove back when they’d worked together at Poe’s Tavern.

The restaurant celebrated Edgar Allan Poe who had once lived on Sullivan’s Island. Hosanna’s Gold Bug—reminiscent of Poe’s famous poem—had been a hit with tourists and locals alike.

Collecting his thoughts, Jonathan meandered through the garden toward the back of the house. Steady breezes cooled the air and wicked humidity from his skin. Trees parted to reveal an ocean vista—grassy dunes and sandy beach framed the blue gray waters of the Atlantic.

He stood for a moment, taking it in. The view never got old.

Turning the corner toward the screened porch where his parents spent their evenings, he found them drinking sweet tea—with Hosanna.

She straightened with a gasp. Jonathan! What are you doing here?

He chuckled. I might ask you the same.

You two know each other? his mother asked.

Uh—well—yeah, Hosanna sputtered, her face red as a stop light.

Hands in his pockets with a calming smile, Jonathan faced Hosanna. I see you’ve met my parents.

Her chin dropped to her chest. Y—your parents?

Yes, ma’am.

B—but you never told me your parents lived on Sullivan’s.

Not technically a lie, he’d never actually told her but everyone at Poe’s knew he was an island boy.

He shrugged. You never asked. He waved his arm. So here are my parents, Aaron and Lydia Salvador.

I didn’t even know your last name, Hosanna admitted.

And that was the truth.

Have a seat, Jon. His father attempted to soothe the awkwardness.

Would you like some sweet tea? his mother asked.

Sure. He moved toward the kitchen door. I’ll get it, Mom. Anybody need a refill? His parents’ glasses were full, so he motioned to Hosanna’s half-empty glass.

Oh, no. I’m fine. She fidgeted in her seat, adjusting her loose shirt and bouncing her knees like she was ready to bolt.

Okay. Be right back. In the kitchen, he opened a cabinet and pulled out a cut-glass tumbler. A crystal pitcher of iced sweet tea sat on the massive marble island. After filling his glass, he returned to the porch.

Hosanna stood. Thank you for the tea.

Don’t leave on account of me, he pleaded.

I’d better go so y’all can catch up. In a flash, she left, the screen door banging.

His parents sat stunned.

Disappointed, Jonathan watched Hosanna scurry down the cottage path.

That was odd. Aaron looked at her empty seat, and the weeping glass of iced tea left in her wake.

Yes, Lydia agreed. She didn’t even finish her tea. Sweet girl loves my tea, and she always puts her glass in the dishwasher before she leaves.

I guess finding out y’all are my parents was a shock. She seemed really embarrassed.

Poor dear. His mother’s face fell. She looked toward the cottage as Hosanna disappeared inside. With a heavy breath, she turned to Jonathan. So how do you know her?

We worked together at Poe’s. She’s the girl who inspired me to become a youth pastor.

His father’s eyes bulged. The one who ran off to Atlanta with that punk hoodlum?

She’s the one.

And we see how that turned out. Aaron shook his head.

You know, Dad, I used to feel sorry for her. Like I’d never do something that stupid, be that rebellious and disobedient to God.

Aaron stiffened. And now you would?

No, but I see now that I’m no better than her. I was so angry and self-righteous when she left. But I’ve done things I’m not proud of. I’ve been disobedient too.

We all have, son.

Jonathan’s father didn’t have a clue. No one knew the terrible things he’d done. No one—save one person—and God, of course. 

Oh my. Lydia stared at the cottage. We need to pray for that sweet girl.

What do you know about her, Mom?

Not much. She grew up in Mount Pleasant, quit school, ran off to Atlanta, and cut off contact with her family. Her boyfriend dumped her when she got pregnant, and now she has nowhere to go. She heaved a heavy sigh. Hosanna really misses her family.

Oh really? Jonathan hadn’t sensed that. Leave it to his mom to tap into her emotions.

Yeah. And she’s scared to death. Scared of childbirth, scared to raise a baby by herself, scared to place her baby for adoption, scared she won’t be able to support herself, let alone a child, scared her family hates her, and scared she’ll never see them again.

Wow. That’s a heavy burden.

It sure is. Lydia looked toward the cottage with sadness in her eyes.

Jonathan finished his sweet tea and picked up Hosanna’s glass as he returned to the kitchen for a refill.

Pouring the icy nectar of the gods, he realized the stark reality of her situation. Alone in a harsh world, she had no partner to help her, no education or skills to make a decent living, and no support—save the charity of strangers.

He whispered a prayer. Forgive me, Lord, for my arrogance. And give Hosanna strength.

Admiration for her courage welled in him. He wasn’t that brave. Looking out the window, he caught a glimpse of Hosanna on the back deck of the cottage, staring out at the ocean.

An old attraction rekindled. Fierce longing in Jonathan’s heart blindsided him.

A close up of a ceiling fan Description automatically generated with low confidence

Pressure across Hosanna’s swollen belly made it difficult to breathe.

Dressing for another dismal day, she rolled her pants low under her baby bump to ease the discomfort.

All her pants were too tight. Even the seams of yoga pants dug into her skin.

She fussed with her shirt, trying to cover the low-riding pants. But if she raised her arms, her bulging belly popped out.

Kicking at the pile of discarded clothes on the floor, she stomped into the bathroom to fight with her unruly hair.

In less than an hour, she had to meet with her case worker. She was in no mood to go, but if she didn’t show, the charity that housed her might drop her from the program.

Sanctuary of Unborn Life—SOUL for short—had been understanding so far. But she’d just started the program and already missed her first appointment when the Gold Bug wouldn’t start. Mr. Aaron had replaced her battery and gotten her on her way so at least she made it to her training shift on the food truck.

Case worker meetings were mandatory to stay in the housing program. With a beat-up old car and fickle hormones, she couldn’t afford to miss another appointment because her pants were too small.

Running a brush roughly through her hair, she gave up and opted for a topknot. With a few strokes of mascara and a dusting of blush, she deemed her appearance ‘good enough’ and stalked to the kitchen for breakfast before she had to head out the door.

Nerves on edge, she settled down with a cup of tea and one of Ms. Lydia’s blueberry oatmeal muffins. One bite was pure heaven.

Ding dong. The doorbell chimed.

Hosanna squeezed her eyes shut, savored the muffin in her mouth, and muttered a curse word that was surely not approved by her hosts. Who else could it be at this hour?

She rubbed her temples and swallowed the blueberry goodness.

Ding dong. Again.

Hosanna hefted her bulk from the chair and waddled to the door.

Ms. Lydia was on the other side.

Good morning! She handed Hosanna a vase of flowers. Fresh from the garden. While the dew is still on the roses—just like the song.

Tilting her head in confusion, Hosanna accepted the flowers. Thank you.

Lydia tapped her forehead. Of course, you don’t know that old hymn. It’s way before your time.

Ah. Hosanna stepped aside. You’re welcome to come in, but I have to leave in ten minutes. I have a case worker appointment. She didn’t really want to talk right now, but the woman owned the house and had brought her flowers. And muffins yesterday. And delicious meals for the last four days since she’d moved in.

"Oh! I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean