Redeeming-Love-By-Francine-Rivers

F R A N C I N E R I V E R S
Angel laughed, all the pent-up tension gone. “Well, I don’t know, John. I
think you’re supposed to decide that.”
Everyone laughed, John included, blushing beet red. Shaking his head,
he went into the bedroom. Miriam and the children filed in quietly behind
him.
Michael smiled at her in a way that made her heart race. “Your eyes are
shining,” he said.
She was so full of emotion she couldn’t speak. His expression was so
endearing, full of so much promise. She loved him so much she felt consumed
with it. When he came to her, she lifted her face so he could brush
his mouth lightly against hers. “Oh, Michael,” she said, putting her arms
around him.
“Someday,” he said, then went cold at his cruel blunder. He held her
more tightly.
Angel knew what he was thinking. They would never have a child. He
drew back slightly, but she couldn’t look up at him, not even when he
cupped her face. “Amanda, I’m sorry,” he said softly. “I didn’t mean—”
“Don’t apologize, Michael.”
Why hadn’t he thought first before saying anything? “I’ll tell them we’re
going home.” He left her long enough to congratulate the Altmans. The baby
was beautiful.
Elizabeth took his hand. “Amanda was wonderful. Tell her I’d be honored
to tend her when her time comes.”
“I’ll tell her,” he said dully, knowing he couldn’t.
They walked home in silence. He watched her bank the fire.
“Elizabeth said you were wonderful.”
“She was magnificent,” Angel said. “She could have managed with no
one to help her.” She glanced up at him with a sad smile. “It’s what being a
woman is all about, isn’t it? Miriam called having children a divine privilege.”
She looked away. “John’s seed was planted in fertile ground.”
“Amanda,” he said, putting his hand beneath her arm to stop her.
“Don’t say anything, Michael, please.…”
She didn’t fight him when he drew her into his arms. He held her firmly,
his hand spread over the back of her head. He wanted to take away the hurt
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