Free Crossing Values by Carrie Daws Page B

herself to walkin’ with you.”
    “I know, Dad. I’m walking carefully, praying constantly.”
    “I don’t s’pose we can ask any more. Whatever you decide, know I’m proud of you, son. God’s honored your mother’s prayers that you’d be strong and compassionate and absolutely in love with Jesus.”
    “Thanks, Dad. That means a lot.”
    “Well, I’d best be gettin’ back. Don’t you be late tonight. Your mother’s cookin’ up a storm for her Christmas party.”
    “I’ll be along in a bit.”
    Frank walked to the front door and looked around once more. “Yep. Needs a woman’s touch in here.” He was out the door and in his truck before Peter could reply.
    He shook his head as he looked around himself. The party started in about four hours, so he thought he would have time to finish hooking up the dishwasher and get the new lights in the extra bedrooms working. He’s right, Daddy. I’m praying You and I have the same girl in mind, but if not, please make it clear before my heart gets lost in her any more than it already has.
    : : : : :
    Ready to go to the party, Peter walked into the kitchen and put his glass into the dishwasher. “Well, I guess I will try you out tomorrow after breakfast to make sure you work without leaking. I can’t quite start you with nothing more than a bowl and a spoon from lunch and my water glass.”
    He looked around, taking in the new light blue paint on the walls. “God, I know You’ve got things in hand, but this dishwasher just looks so empty. And the house is quiet with only me here. I’m used to having people around.” Or at least Sassy, he thought.
    Faith, Peter.
    “Yes, Lord. I see Your hand moving. I do.”
    Hope, Peter.
    “My hope grows stronger each week. But is the one I’m hoping for the one You have planned for me? That pesky free will thing keeps coming up.”
    Love her.
    Peter sighed deeply and looked out the window at the same trees his dad had looked at earlier. They sparkled in the moonlight, rivaling any indoor Christmas tree he’d ever seen.
    “I do, Lord. Please draw her.”
    Peter walked over to the back door and turned off the lights. He stopped to look again at the back yard when he saw something in the trees. He looked closer and felt sure he saw the face of a man. “What the—?” He opened the door and yelled, “Can I help you?”
    The man locked his eyes onto Peter. Peter felt strange, like he was being drawn toward the man. He was almost eager to go to him, not apprehensive. The man stood quietly at the edge of the trees in his coat and blue jeans, seemingly not cold in the dropping temperatures.
    “Sir?”
    The man dipped his head slightly at Peter then turned to walk away. Peter jumped off the deck and began to run in his direction. “Wait!”
    Peter was at the trees in just seconds, but he couldn’t see the man anywhere. He looked at the place where he’d last seen him.
    No footprints!
    Suddenly, Peter noticed how cold the night was becoming.

Chapter 13
    THE WINTER NIGHT AIR FELT good against Amber’s flushed cheeks. The annual Christmas party had turned a normally spacious house into a gathering place for wall-to-wall people. The Christmas tree was beautiful, and while Christmas decorations of every kind covered the banister, mantel, bookshelves, and doorways, food covered all the available tables and counters: ham, turkey, meatballs, cheeses, breads, fruits, cookies, and cupcakes. Faye had prepared all week for this feast and it looked like the whole town had showed up.
    Amber looked down at Sassy. “Too many people for my taste, girl.”
    The dog wagged her tail in response.
    Amber turned to look through the French doors at the interesting mix of people inside. It looks like Micah and Frank are following orders again. Faye had kept them busy adding chairs for people to sit in, taking coats, and slicing meat. Amber was in charge of the punch bowl, keeping it full and cold, while Peter had been assigned trash and parking