Hurricanes in Paradise (45 page)

“Um, this is for domestic violence.”

She shook her blonde hair, almost as white as her cream suit. “Oh, right . . . right. Domestic violence. Yes, let’s get those women some defense training.” She looped her arm through Tamyra’s and they walked toward the front of the house. “You know I had a defense training class one time and . . .”

Riley sneaked away as soon as the coast was clear.

Riley, Winnie, and Laine stood out on the lawn surrounded by cameras from all over. The Jason Weathers trial had made headline news across the nation. Tamyra had become a household name, and now she was taking full advantage of it to change the lives of women just like her.

Riley leaned over and wrapped an arm around Laine. “How’s your heart?”

“Still broken.”

“But I can tell you’re healing.”

“I am. Beautifully.”

Winnie put an arm around Riley.

“You’re glowing, Winnie.”

“I’m in love with a wonderful man.”

“Me too.” Riley winked at her.

“Your wedding was beautiful,” Laine said.

Riley had to agree. “It was, wasn’t it?”

“Christian wrote me a note.”

Riley turned back to Laine. “He did? What did he say?”

She chuckled softly. “He thanked me for driving you so crazy that week because it drove you to him.”

Riley laughed. “He did not.”

Laine shook her head. “No, he told me that he knew now how much Mitchell had loved me. And he was so sorry for what I had gone through. But he believed one day I’d find someone to love me that way again.”

“Now that sounds like Christian,” Winnie said.

“Did you write him back?” Riley asked.

“Yes, and I told him I had already found Someone who loved me that way. I found Him before Mitchell and I ever reconciled.”

Riley pulled Winnie and Laine closer to her. The three stood there, arms wrapped around each other, and watched as
the
Victoria Phillips declared it Tamyra Larsen Day and presented her with a key to the city.

“Is that the mayor?” Winnie asked.

Riley shook her head. “No, Tamyra said she was the head of the chamber of commerce.”

“I thought mayors gave out keys to the city,” Laine said.

“I’d say this city probably doesn’t need a mayor as long as she’s around.”

Tamyra cut the pink ribbon. Applause erupted, balloons lifted, and a whole new season began.

* * *

“Can we just slip in here for one second?” Riley asked.

Christian held Gabby’s hand as Riley pointed at the bookstore. They both looked at Riley with that you-want-to-go-in-a-bookstore? look.

“Laine said it was coming out this week.”

“How about Gabby and I go grab something from the café while you see if you can find her book.”

“That sounds like a plan,” Gabby announced.

“Sounds good to me,” Riley said, giving Christian a wink. He patted her softly on the butt as he and Gabby made a beeline for the café.

Riley walked through the front of the store and down a row of wooden bookcases of new releases. She stopped in front of the second shelf, and a smile spread across her face. Her right eyebrow rose as a soft chuckle floated from her gut. She picked up the book. The four pairs of feet and a storm-strewn beach displayed on the cover, along with the title
It Happened in Paradise
, made Laine’s comment make perfect sense.

“I changed all the names to protect the innocent.”

Laine Fulton had never been innocent. But they had all been changed.

Acknowledgments

I’ve always said nothing in life is truly ever accomplished by one person. At the end of the day all our efforts are collaborative. Which, I think, makes life a beautiful mosaic. In the course of this book there were quite a few people who helped make it what you hold in your hands today, and if you’ll permit me, I’d like to take a few moments to thank them.

My agent, Greg Daniel, you came at just the right time with a belief in my stories. Thank you for walking this road with me.

To my Tyndale team: My publisher, Karen Watson, you just make me smile. I love to hear your voice on the other end of the phone, and I’m grateful for this new journey together. To Stephanie, Babette, the creative and sales teams at Tyndale, thank you for believing in
Hurricanes in Paradise
and for helping me share a little bit of my story with others. To my editor, Kathy Olson, you tweaked me, challenged me, and encouraged me. And then you just made my story better. Thank you for your time and your talent.

To my family, who consistently believes in me completely separate from what I do, and who have walked with me through some pretty brutal hurricanes. We survived. And are stronger for them.

To my new family, one thing I know is that hurricanes come, but I am certain that we will weather them well, and I am so grateful to be able to weather them with you.

To you, the reader, I never take for granted the gift you are giving me when you pick up one of my books. I pray I will be a good steward of both your time and your money. And I hope that after reading this book, you will see life a little differently, understand yourself a little better, and know how much you are completely valued and loved in a way you never have before.

And to my heavenly Father, my, what hurricanes You have brought me through. There were days I felt bruised and bloody, and You wrapped me in Your arms. There were days I was just plain scared to death, and You filled me with a supernatural peace. And there were days when I was standing in the eye of the storm, with chaos all around, and knew I was in the hollow of Your hand. Thank You for being a constant in this ever-changing flow. And for being Paradise to me in the middle of my hurricanes.

About the Author

Denise Hildreth has spent the last six years writing fiction that has been hailed as both “smart and witty.” Her ability to express the heart of the Southern voice has led to her being featured twice in
Southern Living
and receiving the accolades of readers and reviewers alike, but it is the simple joy of writing stories that keeps them coming. Her previous books include the Savannah series,
Flies on the Butter
, and
The Will of Wisteria
.

Denise makes her home in Franklin, Tennessee. And on her days off, she will settle for a long walk or a good book and a Coca-Cola.

Visit Denise’s Web site at www.denisehildreth.com.

Discussion Questions

1. At the beginning of the story, Laine and Riley each misjudge the other. How much credence should we give our first impressions of people? How can we wisely and charitably relate to people who initially rub us the wrong way? How should we respond if our first impressions are proven false? when they are proven true?

2. Laine is a demanding guest at times, forcing Riley to cancel some personal calendar events. How does she treat Laine with compassion and humility? What causes Riley to snap at Laine? How should we deal with difficult people?

3. Riley chooses to work in the hospitality field and takes responsibility for her guests’ needs, no matter how small or nitpicky. There are times we “may be entertaining angels,” so what are some practical ways we can show hospitality to those around us?

4. Winnie seems especially attuned to the problems of others but is seemingly unaware of the “hurricane” she’s experiencing in her own life. Why do you think that is?

5. Though relationship problems aren’t often as extreme as Tamyra’s, each of us has encountered people who, given the opportunity, might manipulate, use, or abuse us. How can we recognize unhealthy relationships? What are appropriate measures when we find ourselves in these situations?

6. Tamyra was afraid that God was upset because of her poor choices. Have you ever felt you’ve done something to anger God? What was the healing process like for you? If you still feel that this comes between you, what steps can you take to reconcile with Him?

7. Both Riley and Laine have difficulty forgiving themselves for significant events they were responsible for. Why is it so hard sometimes to forgive ourselves? Psalm 103:8-12 has some beautiful thoughts on forgiveness.

8. Throughout the course of the story, Winnie learns that the pain she experienced in losing Sam showed the depth to which she loved. Have you ever lost something dear to you? How did you respond in that circumstance?

9. Riley trusts Mia with her life story, only to have this information used against her. Do you agree with Riley’s decision not to press charges? How do we forgive people who have deliberately harmed us?

10. Laine and Tamyra reach a point of peace about the circumstances in their lives, but both women see additional trials. Some people think if there is a God, then no one should experience any pain. So why does God allow bad things to happen in our lives, even when we’re seeking Him? How should we respond when those times come?

11. Have you ever been in a desperate situation where you felt completely at the end of your rope? If you feel you ought to, share this situation with people whose counsel you trust. What has this situation taught you about yourself? about God? about other people in your life?

12. Each of us has different places we turn to during the “hurricanes” of life. When you face difficult times in your life, where do you turn? Is that the healthiest place for your heart or should you turn somewhere else?