Hearts Under Construction (20 page)

“I thought I’d leave that up to you.”

“To me?” Now she really was confused.

He picked up the potted tree. “You know, when you planted your maple tree, I thought that was the craziest thing I’d ever seen. You talked about roots, commitments, everything I’d run from all my life. But things have changed for me. With God. With you.” He looked at the tree and held it out to her. “This is a symbol of that change, and I want to plant it in the yard of our first home—that is, if you’ll have me.”

She opened her mouth to say something, but couldn’t seem to find the air. She felt like a fish thrown up on the sand, gasping for breath. Had she heard him right? Did he say he wanted to plant the tree in the yard of
their
first home—as in her home and his home?

Together?

The same one?

“I believe there’s something on that front leaf for you.”

She glanced down, tears already making wet tracks down her cheeks. There on the branch sparkled the most beautiful diamond upon which she had ever laid her eyes.

Cole pulled it from the branch and put the tree down. He turned to her. “I’m sorry to do it like this, Ellie. I mean, I would rather take you to some fine restaurant, offer you an evening of candlelight and romantic music, but to be honest, I couldn’t wait.” He took her hand in his. “Ellie Williams, for the first time in my life, I’m not afraid of commitment. You have taught me what trusting is all about. I will love you till the day I die, and I want to commit my life to you, tangle our roots together deep in the foundation of God’s love. Raise a family with you.” He paused and took a deep breath. “Ellie Williams, will you marry me?”

She nodded meekly, her face wet with tears. Cole slipped the ring on her finger and pulled her to him, kissing her hair, her eyes, her face, and finally allowing her tears to mingle with the sweetness of their kiss.

When they pulled apart and her tears had subsided, Ellie looked up at him. “I love you, Cole. I have loved you from the first day you turned my world upside down with your policy changes.” She laughed and grabbed his hand. “Thank you for helping me see my needs but most of all, for giving me a change of heart.”

He pulled her into a warm embrace once again. The strains of “Kumbayah” fringed the edges of her mind, then grew stronger as she snuggled into Cole as if he were a warm blanket. She decided she liked that song after all. The question of whether she had marshmallows popped into her mind, but she pushed it aside.

For now, the tune of the familiar song and the feel of Cole’s strong arms around her was enough.

Dear Reader,

Ellie Williams struggled with change, and Cole Preston dug his heels in at the thought of commitment, but both learned to deal with life’s changes in a positive way.

Some changes we welcome, some we wish would never find us. However, we have a God who remains constant in our ever-changing world. Malachi 3:6 tells us, “I the Lord do not change.” His love and mercy never fails. He remains faithful. I know this is true because I asked Him to change my life in 1974 and He has been, and continues to be, my stronghold.

So take heart. If you have experienced turmoil in your life through marriage, divorce, children, grandchildren, career moves, illness or even the death of a loved one, God is there for you and stands ready to meet your needs.

Whether you greet change with open arms, or you run from it, go to God and ask Him to change your life, if you haven’t already. This is one change you’ll be glad you made. After all, He sent His Son that we might receive a change of heart….