Free Reclaiming Lily by Patti Lacy Page A

Powells to entrust her with Lily’s health?
    Such a void struck Kai that she thrust her hand into her jacket pocket to be comforted by her cell phone. She could call David, who was surely swamped with emergency calls, or Pamela, the MRA receptionist who had made Kai promise to leave her office, her patients—her life—behind. Thinking of the Chang strength, she lifted her chin and withdrew her hand from her pocket. She would not trouble busy colleagues and her doctor boyfriend with her little drama.
    Kai released her phone, straightened her spine, and continued her battle with doubt. Could a foreigner succeed in America? In Texas ? Would fate cede to her efforts and allow her to reclaim Lily? As the lights blinked and winked, Kai clutched Lily’s file, her fears, and waited. It was the only thing she knew. It was the only thing she could do.

    Who do you think . . . Gloria opened her mouth, then clamped it shut and ground her teeth. To keep from grabbing Andrew and shaking him, she dug her nails into her arms. She, who had never dreamed of hurting another—who had barreled out of the house screaming on that awful day nearly thirty years ago when Mommy slapped Daddy—itched to not only shake her husband but strike him! Anger climaxed as she stared into Andrew’s placid cow eyes. How dare he expose their daughter to this woman, to PKD, until they confirmed things? Why, it was downright negligent, when she’d labored to keep Joy safe! Not that it had worked.
    A sob of frustration puffed the air. She would give her life for Joy . . . not that it had seemed to matter. As a child, Joy had expressed faith in Christ, but years had passed since she’d acknowledged the one who had given His life for her. Despite Andrew’s teachings, Gloria’s prayers and pleadings, Joy hadn’t even been baptized. . . .
    “Gloria . . .” Andrew stepped near and held out his arms, offering a hug.
    She jerked away, sure his touch would electrocute her. Hadn’t his complicity in this matter swelled a spark into a thousand-volt jolt?
    “Fine.” Andrew’s face hardened into flint and sent a chill through Gloria, who wasn’t used to seeing fire and ice in his eyes. Andrew hadn’t glowered at her—or anyone, to her knowledge—since the cataclysm that shook their church’s foundations. “If you’re going to act like a two-year-old, I’ll treat you like one.”
    Gloria’s lips trembled. Tears pooled. How could Andrew wound a heart bruised by problems with Joy and now this mysterious sister? Though she tried to will it away, a sob slipped from Gloria. Lord, it’s too much.
    Andrew stepped near. A whisper-touch wiped away her tears. “Gloria. It’s okay. Really.” His calm and sure voice soothed her emotional torrent. “How long have we begged for the Lord to help Joy? How many prayer chains have we contacted, how many counseling sessions have we attended?”
    More than I can count—that’s for sure . She shook her head, unable to talk.
    “Out of the blue, seemingly, this doctor—Joy’s sister —calls.”
    Gloria’s head hung heavy with regret. Oh, God. I’ve been overreacting.
    “She just happens to have an explanation for symptoms that Joy just happens to be having.” Andrew’s voice quivered. “She nailed it, Gloria. Were you listening?”
    Gloria shook her head. She’d been too busy falling apart.
    “Joy’s sent an SOS.” His voice broke. “For . . . years. We’ve failed. Maybe Kai will succeed.” A warm hand cupped her chin. “For heaven’s sake, Gloria, she’s kin!”
    “A woman who says she’s kin,” Gloria added, though her feistiness had evaporated. How many times had she lovingly traced Joy’s proud brow, kissed her tiny bow lips? Features so like Kai’s? Though she’d tried to ignore it, her soul broadcast the truth. Kai was Joy’s sister. Perhaps God had sent her after all.
    Someone rapped on the door. The sound—and her regret—propelled Gloria into Andrew’s arms.