The Soldier's Holiday Vow (15 page)

One year later

T
he lights of the Christmas tree blinked cheerfully in front of the big picture window. September Hawkins, with her arms wrapped around a gigantic bowl of popcorn, froze in the middle of the kitchen. Every once in a while it still hit her. The wonderful man sitting on her couch was her husband. They were looking forward to their first anniversary next month, and she still couldn't believe it was real. Her life was a dream come true.

“Hey, sunshine.” Hawk looked up from his half-finished string of popcorn. “Good thing you've got a fresh batch there. My bowl is mysteriously empty.”

“I wonder how that could have happened.” She was crossing the room without realizing it, drawn closer to him with a love that would never end. Bing Crosby was serenading them in the background, a pile of presents
gleamed and glinted beneath the live Christmas tree and outside the window the lit stars were joined by a small family of lighted reindeer. “You eat everything that isn't nailed down.”

“It's a fault of mine. Just add it to the list.” Grinning, he set down his work and rose to help her. “You should not be carrying anything.”

“As if the popcorn bowl is too heavy. Really. You are overprotective, Hawk.” She didn't mind that when he took the bowl from her, he took the time to give her a kiss. His hand settled on her gently swollen midsection. “I'm fine. You are just using this as an excuse to come snuggle me.”

“I'll use any excuse I can get.” To prove it, he dispensed with the bowl and wrapped both arms around her. “We have to take advantage of the time we have left. Three more months and we won't be alone anymore.”

“I can't wait to hold Little Timothy Frank Hawkins for the first time.”

“Neither can I.”

Happy, September wrapped her arms around Hawk's neck. Hawk had kept his promise to her. His vow to make her happy. To live his life for her. Her world was one of light and love, of joy and fulfillment. What a beautiful year she'd had first as his fiancée, as his bride and then his wife. Soon, they would be starting a new chapter of their marriage together—parenthood. Already their nursery was taking shape. Good thing the town house had three bedrooms. It would accommodate them for several more years before they had to upsize.
For now, this place was just right. Full of love, filled with happiness and hope.

To think she had almost missed this opportunity, this life. It was hard to believe now she had once been too afraid to love him. She would have missed out on the greatest year of her life. And the best, she knew, was yet to come.

“Mistletoe.” Hawk's lips grazed her cheek. “I felt it was my duty and obligation to hang it up while you were making the popcorn. After all, we have to start our own traditions.”

“Yes, we do,” she agreed. “Traditions are very important.”

His kiss was sweet perfection, as their every kiss had been and always would be.

Life is beautiful, she thought, grateful to God for her blessings. The Lord's gentle grace had brought her through the darkness of her grief to this beautiful new beginning.

Dear Reader,

You may remember Hawk from
A Soldier for Keeps.
When I was writing that book, I fell in love with the tall, dark and silent soldier. I know he was searching for the Lord's leading, and I wondered if he had found his way. As I began writing Hawk's story, I fell even more in love with this faithful, solid, good-to-the-core man. I admire the choices he makes with his life and the tender way he falls in love with the heroine, September Stevens. September is a woman who is wrestling with grief, and who is struggling with her faith. I hope you are encouraged by her story, and that you enjoy watching how God leads September and Hawk to hope and everlasting love.

Thank you so much for choosing
The Soldier's Holiday Vow.

Wishing you the best of blessings this Christmas season,

1. At the beginning of the story, how would you describe September's character? What are her weaknesses and her strengths? How is the mine she's fallen into metaphoric?
   
2. What is September's reaction when she first sees Hawk? What does this tell you about her? How is Hawk characterized through her perspective?
   
3. In the beginning of the story, September feels as if loss has changed the woman she used to be. Have you ever felt that way? Explain.
   
4. What is behind Hawk's decision to bring September flowers, a pizza and his mission to help her out? What does this say about him?
   
5. Why is it painful for September to see Hawk? How does this change throughout the story? Why does it change?
   
6. Why does Hawk feel that he is too tough and too scarred for love? How do these feelings change?
   
7. How does September rebuild her faith? How does God lead her through her fears? Have you ever struggled with similar issues?
   
8. September believes that friendship is the only kind of love she can count on. How is this belief challenged through the book? How is God's leading evident?
   
9. What role does September's love for causes and fund-raising play in the story?
   
10. When does Hawk realize he is in love with September?
    
11. What do you think are the important themes? How do they relate to the Christmas season?
    
12. What do you like most about September and Hawk as a couple? How do you know they are meant for each other?
    
13. How would you describe September's faith journey? How are her and Hawk's faiths strengthened through the story?
    
14. September believes that if she opens her heart she will be too vulnerable, and that's too great of a risk to take. What changes her mind? What does she learn about love and life?