Free Calling Love: A Contemporary Christian Romance (Modern Conveniences Book 2) by Leah Atwood Page A

his hands in refusal. “No, ma’am. I appreciate it, but we do this as a service, not asking anything in return.”
    “Thank you.” The generous gesture momentarily granted reprieve to the dancing butterflies in her stomach. Acts of kindness had a way of doing that.
    Unfortunately, when she walked into the hospital and was met with curious stares as people eyed the wedding dress she carried, every doubt she had magnified. She drew a long, calming breath and made her way to a small room off the chapel. 
    Archer had taken care of all the arrangements, both with a pastor and the hospital. The ceremony had to be quick—the hospital wouldn’t close off the chapel for more than a twenty-minute block.
    She understood, wouldn’t want to keep anyone from the building when they needed it. All right, my motives aren’t purely altruistic. The sooner this is over, the sooner my life can return to normal . Was that possible? Her life had been in a tailspin since she met Archer, and despite the in-name-only marriage—more like on-paper-only because she wasn’t changing her name—the wedding would still have implications to her life.
    No dating. Secrecy. Lies. The latter of the two plagued her as she knew they did Archer as well. But what could they do? They were in too deep.
    As she approached the room, the door opened. 
    Archer walked out, dressed in a black suit with a white button-down shirt underneath. No tie.  He rolled his shoulders, adjusted the buttoned jacket. He glanced up, surprise flickering in his eyes. “You’re early.”
    “Late, actually.”
    He looked at his watch, his mouth forming an O. “I lost track of time.” Pausing, he regarded her with a solemn expression. “Isn’t it bad luck to see the bride before the wedding?”
    “I think we’re beyond superstitions.” She released a shaky giggle.
    “There’s something I ought to tell you.” Wringing his hands, he also rocked on his heels.
    Madison’s blood froze in anticipation. “What?”
    “Gran had Landon retrieve her wedding ring from the safe deposit box.” He squeezed his eyes shut and took a deep breath before opening them. “She wants you to have it.”
    Her hand went to her chest, but she forgot that she carried her dress in it and the clear plastic covering rubbed against her face. She stammered several times. “I can’t accept it.”
    “If you don’t she’ll know this is a ruse, or she’ll be offended.”
    “Then let her think less of me, but I won’t take an heirloom for a sham marriage.” She looked at the fake ring on her finger—that was bad enough. “Tell her it won’t go with my engagement ring.”
    Not meeting her gaze, he muttered, “It does match. It’s a plain gold band.”
    “Then why did she have it in a safe deposit box?”
    “Not all value can be measured in monetary terms.” A scowl passed his face.
    Great, now she’d insulted him. “I didn’t mean any offense. I’m stressed, nervous, and wondering what in the world I’ve gotten myself into.”
    “Maybe I overreacted.” He raised his shoulders in an apologetic shrug. “Gran’s ring is special.” He reached into a pocket, withdrew the ring, and then handed it to her. “Look on the inside.”
    After depositing her armful of wedding gear on a nearby chair, she accepted the piece of jewelry, and peered at the inner band. Held it closer to her eyes and squinted. “God has joined together.”
    “Granddad surprised her with the engraving. If you look closely, you’ll see their initials also engraved.”
    She examined it again and saw J.R.R. & E.D.R.
    “Jonathan Ryan Reeves and Edna Diane Reeves.” He took back the ring and secured it once again in his pocket. “Maybe God did bring us together for a bigger picture than we can see. I don’t know, but I do know Gran wants you to have the ring. We’re already in this deep…”
    “If it’s that important, I’ll wear the ring, but when this is over, it goes back to your family, no questions