Faith Through the Tears: Lean on Him (Christian Series), #2

By Stephanie Hurt

When Randy lost his wife, he fell apart, his faith tested. She was his soul mate. But he had to start life alone with his two little girls. Things change drastically when Joy moves in to help with the house and the girls. Suddenly he feels alive again. Can he love again? Is she the Christian woman he'd prayed for? His faith is tested and rewarded in this sweet story of loss, new love and test of faith.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Horseshoe Publishing
• Release date: Feb 16, 2014
• ISBN: 9781524225285

Stephanie Hurt

Stephanie Hurt lives in Georgia with her husband Tommy and their son Hunter, along with two dogs, Daisy and Jake. When Stephanie is not lost in one of the worlds that she creates, she’s an accountant and children’s minister. She has been writing the stories that fill her mind since she was a teenager. The moment a story comes into her mind, she’s mesmerized and soon she’s diving into the story with a cup of hot green tea and a notebook. Before long, the story has bones and is ready for the laptop. She happily types away in the early morning and at night. You can always find her with a notebook full of stories that have yet to come to life. Follow her journey in each of her over 40 published works! Stephanie Payne Hurt loves to hear from fans and hopes that she’s helped them go to another world for at least a while! Connect with Author: Twitter: https://twitter.com/StephanieHurt4 Email: https://[e-mail] Website: www.stephaniehurtauthor.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StephaniePayneHurt Sign up for my newsletter at www.stephaniehurtauthor.com to keep up with upcoming events and new releases.

Book preview

Chapter 1

As he watched her lying in the hospital bed, tears streamed down his face. It was so hard watching her like this. They knew this moment was coming, but it’d happened so quickly. The doctor confirmed that she was out of remission only a month ago. He told them it didn’t look good for another round of chemo. They’d prayed on it and decided not to try any more treatments.

He held her hand and watched for any sign that she might be in pain. She was a real trooper. Luke and Amanda brought the girls by and Rachel held up the strong act. They tried to hide the extent of her illness from the kids. The girls were so strong. Audrey was five and Shelby six. Audrey’s lip began to quiver a little as she looked at her mommy lying so pale on the bed. Shelby was quiet as she kept her eyes on the floor. When she did look at Rachel it was plain that she was holding back tears. They were too small to lose their mother. He was too young to lose the love of his life.

The nurse came in and checked her IV bag. She looked at Randy and gave him a smile that said how sorry she was.  Can I get you anything? There was so much compassion in her eyes and the tone of her voice. She knew the same thing he knew. The time was near.

Thank you, but I’m alright. I don’t think I could keep food down anyway. He tried to smile, but it came off wobbly and moist from his tears. How could he even try to eat when his stomach was clenched in misery?

If you need anything just buzz the nurse’s station. You’ll make yourself sick by not eating. You need to keep up your strength. She gave him a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder and walked out. All the nurses knew him since he was on the police force. This was a small town and most of them went to their Church.

Their pastor and his wife had been wonderful. They took turns with Luke and Amanda watching the girls. The Church had even done a prayer vigil two days ago. He knew that God would do His will. He knew that Rachel was a good woman and had given her soul to the Lord a long time ago. She wasn’t afraid to die. They’d discussed and prayed about it on many occasions. The only fear she had was for him and the girls. Her eyes filled with tears just talking about the girls growing up.

The first night she was admitted into the hospital she told him to tell Amanda to come see her. She needed stationary and a pen. He was a little confused because they had a will. But he called Amanda and she came within fifteen minutes.

She grabbed Rachel’s hand and smiled. Hello my friend. How are you tonight? It tore Amanda’s heart just watching her friend suffering. Rachel had become a great friend since her marriage to Luke. Since Randy and Luke worked the same shift, Amanda spent a lot of time with Rachel and the girls.

I’m not good Amanda. I know the Lord is getting ready to call me home. A tear slipped from her eye as she tried to be strong. This was so hard, not the dying but the knowledge that her little girls wouldn’t have a mommy.

Amanda put her hand to her mouth to stifle the sob that surged forward. Rachel, don’t talk like that. You’re strong and I know you’re going to beat this again. Rachel closed her eyes and squeezed her hand. She knew the fight was almost over. Her strength was gone and it was time to go home.

Not this time. He came to me in a dream and told me to get things prepared. I’m not afraid. I’ve been ready since the day I gave my heart to Him. She got quiet for a moment and then took a deep breath. I need you to help me do something special for the girls.

Anything, I will do anything you need me to do. She pulled the chair up to the side of the bed.

Did you bring the items I asked for?

Pulling them from her purse, she handed them to Rachel. I had some really pretty stationary with roses on it. It made me think of your rose garden at the back of the house.

Will you help me write letters to the girls? I need you to write them as my hand shakes too badly. I would’ve asked Randy, but you know his handwriting. The girls would never figure it out. She tried to laugh, but she wound up coughing instead.

Just tell me what to write. Her heart was so heavy. To think this poor mother was having to compose a goodbye letter to her two precious girls. This was almost too much to take. She had asked Luke last night why God was taking such a precious person when she had so much to live for. He’d held her as she’d cried and he told her something that she knew but refused to admit. The Lord has His reasons and it’s not for us to ask why.

Slowly Rachel recited the letters to Amanda. She stopped several times to get her composure. Amanda wiped at her eyes constantly. The letters were so sweet. She’d written three for each of the girls. One letter was for after the funeral, one was for the day they graduated from school and the third was for the day they got married. She’d thought of everything.

When she was done, she smiled and seemed to relax. Now I can be there with my girls for their big days. One more thing I need to ask of you. Will you make sure that they know about girlie things like dance class and dolls. I know Randy will do his best, but you’ve seen how their hair looks after he gets through with it. She managed a good hearty laugh then. It was good to hear that laugh. Amanda held it locked inside for future daydreams.

The girls will carry you in their hearts as long as they live. I will definitely be a part of their lives and make sure they have matching clothes and ballerina classes. Don’t worry. They will be well taken care of. She reached over and hugged her close. This was hard losing a close friend.

Then Randy came back to the current from his daydream. He felt her weakly try to squeeze his hand. He looked up and saw her looking over at him. Her eyes were only barely open. He stood up and sat down on the edge of the bed. Hey baby. Do you need anything?

The only thing I need is you here with me. She tried to smile but failed. You look tired. Why don’t you try to rest? She was worried about him. He’d been by her side almost the whole time she’d been in the hospital this time.

I’m not leaving you. I want be here if you need anything. He felt his heart hammering in his chest. It was odd the feeling he had. It was as though he knew this was the last time they would talk. There was something telling him that she was going to leave him tonight. He closed his eyes to the pain that staked through his heart. The Lord knew best, but it didn’t help the pain he felt. He also knew she’d be well in Heaven.

Randy, will you hold me? I just need you to hold me tight. I’ve missed your bear hugs. She looked up at him and made another attempt to smile. She wanted to drift into sleep with his arms around her. She had to make this her last memory.

You know I’ll do anything for my girl. He leaned over and gently pulled her