Open Arms

By Tracy Wainwright

When waiting is the hardest prayer, can faith sustain a heart that longs for more?

Sarah thought marriage would complete her dreams, but after months of hoping for a baby, each passing day tests her trust in God's timing. As disappointment threatens to overshadow her blessings, Sarah discovers she's not walking this journey alone. Around her, lives intersect in beautiful chaos—her brother-in-law fights to save his marriage, her best friend battles hidden trauma, and her beloved grandmother's health begins to fail.
This inspirational Christian fiction story weaves stories of hope, healing, and the unexpected ways God answers our deepest prayers. Through tears and triumph, Sarah learns that divine timing often brings an abundant joy we couldn't imagine. Perfect for readers seeking faith-based tales of spiritual growth and community, Open Arms reminds us that God's love sustains us through every season of waiting.

Whether you're navigating a season of unanswered prayers or need encouragement in life's uncertainties, this heartwarming tale will restore your faith in God's plan.
Discover how patience becomes a pathway to blessings.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Prism Lux
• Release date: May 23, 2025
• ISBN: 9781522305019

Book preview

Open Arms

Fruit of the Spirit

Book 2

Tracy Wainwright

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales, is entirely coincidental.

Open Arms COPYRIGHT 2025 by Tracy Wainwright

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author or Pelican Ventures, LLC except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews. eBook editions are licensed for your personal enjoyment only. eBooks may not be re-sold, copied or given to other people. If you would like to share an eBook edition, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. Contact Information: [e-mail]

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version(R), NIV(R), Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com

Scripture quotations, marked KJV are taken from the King James translation, public domain. Scripture quotations marked DR, are taken from the Douay Rheims translation, public domain.

Scripture texts marked NAB are taken from the New American Bible, revised edition Copyright 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C. and are used by permission of the copyright owner. All Rights Reserved. No part of the New American Bible may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Cover Art by Nicola Martinez

Prism is a division of Pelican Ventures, LLC

www.pelicanbookgroup.com PO Box 1738 *Aztec, NM * 87410

The Triangle Prism logo is a trademark of Pelican Ventures, LLC

Publishing History

Prism Edition, 2025

Electronic Edition ISBN 978-1-5223-0501-9

Published in the United States of America

1

Sarah stared at the small device in her hand and tears filled her eyes. One line. Again.

She and Warren had agreed to start trying for a family right away, after some convincing from him to bump up the timeline. She couldn’t have imagined that months would pass without the joy of seeing a positive result on a pregnancy test. Ironic that she had been the one to wait, but after their decision she had envisioned a dozen different ways to tell him they were expecting. She could leave the gadget with two lines on the bathroom counter for him to discover. Wrap up a box of diapers for him to open. Cook a special meal of baby carrots, baby corn, baby potatoes, and steak medallions and wait to see if he caught on. The ideas were endless.

Every month she imagined a different way to celebrate the news, yet it seemed as if she’d never get the chance to use even one of them. She double checked the display area of the little white stick again. Nothing else had appeared. She wrapped it with a couple of tissues and threw it away. No need to let Warren know that she’d thought she might be pregnant. Again. That she’d worked herself into thinking it had finally happened.

The first two months when she’d gotten negative results, she’d cried in his arms. The last seven, she’d kept to herself. Maybe she needed to stop buying pregnancy tests.

The dollar store carries the tests, so I’m not wasting a ton of money, she told her reflection.

With a sigh, Sarah picked up her hairbrush and pulled it through her wet hair. She closed her eyes, and her hand stilled. Oh, Lord, please give us a baby. You know it’s the deepest desire of our hearts. Protect and bless our marriage.

The popping open of her eyes was the only amen her brief prayer received. Her own parents’ divorce when she was young and her brother-in-law’s flailing marriage kept her vigilant about bringing her own before God in prayer.

She smiled. A few years ago, she couldn’t have imagined praying about anything, yet it had become as natural as breathing. She had no idea what she’d do without the Lord. Or Warren.

Becoming a mom was the only item left on her list of what she needed in order to have a full life.

She wouldn’t have that yet.

She sighed and refocused. After a quick swipe of her cheeks and a deep breath, she tackled what scarce makeup she wore to work. She grabbed her phone and checked the time. Quarter after six. Only a few minutes late for coffee and breakfast.

Sarah strode from the bathroom and pasted a smile on her lips before entering the kitchen. Warren sat at the breakfast table with his head bent over his Bible. He glanced up as she approached and flashed the grin that still launched hundreds of butterflies in her stomach. Her smile widened as she pushed away thoughts of her most recent disappointment. She leaned down to kiss him, and he pulled her onto his lap. Good morning, beautiful.

A deeper kiss tempted her to forgo her morning coffee, and possibly even work. She pulled away and ran her fingers through his thick, dark hair. Good morning. You’re in a great mood.

Why not?

His optimism was contagious, but the picture of the negative pregnancy test hadn’t given her any reason for cheer. Instead of saying what she felt, she jumped up and crossed the floor to the coffeepot. She filled their mugs, doctored hers, and returned to the table. She sat on the opposite side from Warren for safety. She’d felt enough emotions for the day and calling in sick for work wasn’t a real option.

Holding her cup with both hands, she took a sip of scalding brew and asked, So what’s the verse of the day?

Warren inhaled the aroma from above his cup. He preferred his coffee tepid. Romans 12:12.

That was a message she wasn’t in the mood to hear. They’d memorized the whole chapter as a small group over the summer.

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer, he read the verse out loud.

She sipped her coffee again. She wasn’t rejoicing in hope; she was losing hope. Her patience was wearing thin, although not getting pregnant when she wanted wouldn’t be considered true tribulation by most. The constant in prayer, though, that she had down.

Warren cocked his head. You’re looking very thoughtful.

It’s a deep verse. Especially when one was struggling with putting it into practice.

True. Although it seems simple. He finally drank from his mug. Specifically, rejoicing in hope. There are so many people who don’t have hope. They don’t know there is hope beyond what we experience in this world. Like the people I read about in that missionary’s autobiography. We have so much, yet we too often have a hard time rejoicing.

Sarah swallowed guilt along with her next sip of coffee. They had an abundance of things: wonderful people in their lives, solid jobs, and a great marriage. You’re right. It’s good to rest on a verse like this and be reminded how blessed we are.

So does that mean you’re ready to tackle patience in trials?

She drained her cup and stood up. You start while I cook breakfast. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to continue their discussion, but if they got too deep down the path, she might spill what felt like a test of an empty womb. They didn’t have time to get into that topic before work.

And if she was willing to admit it to herself, she found it a whole lot easier to push away thoughts of defeat and sorrow and focus on the gorgeous face of her husband. Which she did when she returned to the table several minutes later with plates loaded with cheese scrambled eggs and toast.

Warren rose to refill his cup and grabbed the honey butter and strawberry jam out of the fridge.

The routine of their morning settled Sarah. The normalness of it. The love filled with every minute together. Something big to rejoice in.

Warren reached over and covered her hand with his. Thank You, Father, for Your great provision and love. Keep reminding us that our hope is in You. Amen.

Sarah echoed the ending of his prayer and scooped a forkful of eggs.

Don’t forget I’m heading to Tom’s house today after work. He wants to get started on the obstacle course for the kids.

Martin and Maria have really gotten into that, haven’t they?

He nodded. Yep. And Tom wants to do whatever he can to make being at his place more attractive.

She shook her head. The whole situation was such a shame. Do you think there’s any hope of him and Claudia reconciling?

He finished chewing his bite. I don’t know. Tom’s hanging on to hope. He’s told me so much about them arguing and the vicious things they did and said to each other. I still can’t believe they kept all that from us. We had no idea until the day he told us she’d demanded he leave.

It’s scary to know that a marriage can be that broken and no one is aware of the need to step in and help. That a couple can go from loving each other and devoting their lives to each other, to such animosity in a handful of years.

I’ve harassed him, probably more than I should have, about not sharing with me what was going on. I feel as though I could have at least directed them somewhere to get help before it became too late.

Sarah picked up her empty plate and carried it to the dishwasher. Maybe you should share today’s verse with him while you’re there. Think he’ll be open to it?

Warren joined her in the kitchen. Maybe. Hard to tell since he stopped going to church. I think it’s more about embarrassment and not wanting to answer questions than anything. I’ve tried to get him to go somewhere else, but he shrugs it off, says he’s too busy, and doesn’t want to miss any of the little time he’s got with the kids.

That’s not good. She closed the dishwasher and refilled her cup with the last of the coffee. I’ll pray this afternoon that his heart will be softened. Martin and Maria need parents who love God and love each other more than anything Tom could build them.

He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her forehead. Just one more reason I love you. You’re a wise woman who also happens to be gorgeous.

Heat rose into her cheeks. I love you, too.

He looked down at her and planted a kiss on her lips that time.

She pulled away breathless. She couldn’t imagine not loving Warren.

He winked, released her, and strode over to the table. He grabbed his Bible and slipped it on the bottom shelf of the end table. What’s on your agenda this evening?

Going by to see Mema. Mom’s supposed to meet us for dinner. Then I’ll take her out shopping.

He leaned against the counter a few feet away. She’s up for that?

She says she is, but I insisted we take the wheelchair. I don’t need her falling while we’re out. I know it’s been over a month since she fell, but I don’t think we should take any chances.

True. He stepped forward and caressed her cheek. You have fun taking care of your stubborn loved one while I enjoy tending to mine. If I don’t see you during the day, I’ll see you tonight.

OK. She glanced at the clock on the stove. They didn’t need to leave for another ten minutes. So, you’re heading on to work?

Yeah. About a third of one of my classes failed the last test, so I need to create an optional retake exam.

She scrunched her nose. You’re the nicest teacher. I don’t think I ever had one offer a retake on a test. She grinned. Or one that looked as good as you, if you don’t count that one substitute…

Ha, ha. His eyes sparkled.

All right. Go on and put in more time for your students.

After Warren left, Sarah opened her Bible app. She read the verse he’d shared earlier, and then read the whole chapter, closing her eyes and trying to once again say it by memory. She was amazed at how much she’d forgotten in the few months since they learned the verses. Perhaps she should spend more time reviewing the chapter chock-full of spiritual advice.

Not that morning, though. A quick glance at the clock told her it was time to head out.

She may not have gotten the answer to her prayers, but life continued.

Maybe God would answer another prayer if not the one she longed for most. Lord, help Tom be open to Your healing and love. Show him that You still work miracles and want to do one in his marriage. Soften Claudia’s heart, too. Help her to be willing to consider restoring her marriage.

Sarah grabbed her keys and left, determined to swallow her disappointment once again.

2

Warren stared at the array of wood, plastic, and hardware laid out on the patio behind Tom’s rental house. Tom could have stayed in the apartment above their parents’ garage but decided last spring he needed his own place. You sure you want to tackle this? You never were good at following directions.

Tom punched him in the arm. Thank you very much. When you have natural skills like me, you don’t need to read directions.

Warren motioned at the mess before them. Then why’d you call me to help? Seems as if someone with all that talent would be able to whip together a rock-climbing wall, extreme monkey bars, stepping stones, and a balancing bridge like that. He snapped his fingers.

Funny. Martin and Maria are coming tomorrow for the weekend, so I only have today to get it done.

Maybe they’d like to help you put some of it together.

Tom shook his head. Nah. Besides I only have them two afternoons a week and every other weekend. I don’t want to make them work when they’re with me.

Warren ran a hand through his hair. I know this is tough on everyone, but you don’t want them to end up spoiled on top of dealing with your separation from Claudia.

Tom’s eyes darkened. You don’t get it at all. Not only don’t you have kids, you don’t know what it’s like to see their hearts breaking and not be able to do a thing about it. If Claudia would give me half a chance, we could make it work.

Warren held his brother’s gaze for several heartbeats, turned, and grabbed a hammer. He checked the instruction manual and matched a couple pieces of wood before responding. You’re right. I’m not a father. But I do know a lot about kids. I work with them every day, remember? I’ve seen it time and again. As if the splitting apart of a family isn’t bad enough, the kids find it’s effective to pit their parents against each other, and by all appearances, seem like they’re getting everything they want. Until their world comes crashing down when they have to pay the consequences for some stupid choice. Or someone with authority tells them no, and they haven’t got a clue how to respond.

He hammered two boards together and snatched up a third. Tom hadn’t replied, but Warren was sure he was listening. I know you love your kids and want the best for them. He pounded two nails into the next boards and then turned toward his brother. I also know you still love Claudia.

Tom clenched his jaw. I’ve tried as much as I can. She’s refused to budge, and she’s decided living the single life is what she wants. She’s done some awful things.

I know. And said some horrible things, too. But you haven’t been the easiest person to get along with either. This is the brother you finally confessed everything to, remember? Just because you’ve committed to set all that aside and try to work things out, doesn’t mean Claudia is there. Yet. Don’t give up hope.

Tom relaxed his cheek muscles and took a deep breath. He joined Warren and held the next board into place. After attaching it to the rest, Warren spoke again. I think you’re as mad at yourself as you are at Claudia.

Tom handed him another long piece of wood. I hadn’t thought of that.

Warren continued to work.

They had the whole side of the extreme monkey bars together before Tom spoke again. If I’m honest, I’m angry at everybody. Claudia for not being who I wanted her to be. Myself for not being the husband I should have been. Mom and Dad for not teaching us how to argue fair. He grunted. God for not making our marriage work.

Warren flipped the partially built structure over and met his brother’s gaze. I want you to hear my love in this question. Did you ever put God first in your marriage?

Tom’s eyes flamed again. We went to church every Sunday.

Yes. Except when Martin had a soccer tournament or Maria had a gymnastics competition out of town.

What would you have us do, not let our kids have a life?

Warren shook his head. That’s not what I’m saying. You weren’t at church every Sunday. More than that, though, I wonder how much of the church or the Bible was in you.

Tom cocked his head as he held a board in place for Warren to hammer. What’s that supposed to mean?

"Did you pray with Claudia? For Claudia? How often did you two read or discuss the Bible together? Did you have friends in the church that you did life with?"

Tom frowned. Who has time for all that? We both work full time, have two kids, run them around all the time. Life is crazy as it is.

If life is too crazy for you to spend time with God and with others who know and love Him, then life’s too busy.

They finished the monkey bars in silence. Without a word, Warren grabbed one end and Tom the other. They set it upright.

Where do you want it placed? Warren asked.

Tom pointed to his left.

Warren stepped backward until he was in the location Tom had indicated. He retrieved the post hole digger and returned to hollow out the holes for the legs. Tom still didn’t say anything. Warren dug the four holes, they positioned the posts, and Tom filled some dirt in around them.

Warren wiped a drop of sweat off his brow. It was a perfect October day, the high only being in the mid-fifties, but they’d worked hard. As Tom pounded the dirt, Warren wondered if his brother was about to explode or break. Either way, Warren hoped he’d come to terms with reality.

After debating all day on how to approach the conversation that needed to happen, the direct approach was best. He’d most likely waited too long to have the blunt talk. On the other hand, maybe Tom wouldn’t have been able to hear the truth before. He still wasn’t sure his brother was ready. Anger emanated from his brother.

Tom began filling the last hole, and Warren went into the house for waters. He returned as Tom finished the job. Warren handed him an ice-cold bottle.

Thanks, Tom mumbled. He drained the bottle, crumpled it, and tossed it into the outside trashcan. He sat on the edge of the patio, elbows on his knees, face in his hands.

Warren joined him.

Tom looked up. I don’t know what to do. I thought I was doing everything for my family. I work hard. I provide everything I can for my kids. I was faithful to Claudia. I thought that’s what was required of me. Now you’re telling me I had everything wrong. The proverbial climbing up a ladder propped against a building that’s empty with nothing at the top.

Those are all good things, brother. The problem is they’re all focused on temporary things. In a way, the analogy fits. You know Mom and Dad taught us there’s more to life than worldly accomplishments and success. They may have kept every disagreement they ever had behind closed doors, and we never learned to fight fair, but they taught us above all else that our relationship with God is most important. The things we do for Him far outweigh the things we do for ourselves.

Tom turned his hands up, as