Authors: Sandra Robbins
Yuletide Defender (21 page)
He grinned. “Look at it.”
Rachel reached inside and pulled out a page torn from a catalog. She gasped at the picture of the most beautiful diamond ring she'd ever seen. Stunned, she glanced up at Matt. “I don't understand.”
He reached for her hand. “I didn't want to buy one until you could pick out the one you want. I love you, Rachel, and I want you to be my wife.”
She stared in disbelief from the picture to Matt. “B-b-but, Matt. You know what my future may hold. Are you sure you can face the possibility that Cara may become my responsibility?”
He nodded. “You don't have to worry about Cara's future. As David once told me, what good is my money if I can't use it to help people?”
A tear trickled from her eye. “Are you sure?”
“I've never been surer of anything in my life. Not only do I love you, but I love your mother and sister, Rachel. Please marry me and let me be a part of this family.”
The pleading look in his eyes sent a surge of happiness through her. “I love you, Matt. I want to marry you.”
He pulled her toward him but let go just as Cara ran into the room. With a big smile on her face she squeezed between them on the couch and glanced from one to the other. “Merry Christmas!”
Matt and Rachel both draped an arm around Cara and hugged her.
Matt stared at Rachel over Cara's head. “It is a merry Christmas, Cara. The best one I've ever had.”
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Dear Reader,
Each December I get more excited as Christmas approaches. The decorations, shopping for gifts and the special foods make me feel like a child waiting for a visit from Santa Claus.
However, I've discovered there are people who are so troubled that they only want the hectic season to end. Many times it's because they've missed out on the joy that the reason for Christmas can bring.
In Isaiah 9:6, the prophet told of the birth of a baby who would bring hope and joy to mankind when he said, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
It is my prayer that you have found His peace in your life.
Sandra Robbins
- Since Rachel Long was a child, she has felt a great responsibility to her special-needs sister. Have you ever dealt with a family member or know someone who must have such care? How can all the needs within the family unit be met?
- Matt Franklin grew up as a child of privilege, but he was unhappy. Have you ever thought money can solve all your problems? What does the Bible teach about money?
- Rachel wanted a job that paid more money. Is there anything wrong with desiring to advance in your career?
- Matt and Rachel were concerned over the problems their city faced because of the gangs who'd taken over some of the neighborhoods. Has your hometown experienced a rise in street gangs? How are the police handling the problem?
- What can citizens do to keep gangs from infiltrating their neighborhoods?
- What should parents and schools teach children about the effect gangs will have on their lives? What can be done to keep teenagers from being lured into gang life?
- The villain's act of downloading spyware on Rachel's phone reminds us that we live in an age of advanced technology. How can parents protect their children from those who would prey on them in cyberspace?
- Matt's judgment about Rachel's motives for a relationship with him was colored by his past experiences. Do you tend to judge people by what others have done to you or do you look below the surface of the individual to their true character?
- When Matt and Rachel argued, he realized he was wrong and begged Rachel to forgive him. She refused. Have you ever ignored someone's plea for forgiveness? What does the Bible teach about forgiveness?
- Matt longed to be part of a family that really cared about its members. Do you value your family? Do you get so wrapped up in your daily activities that you forget to tell them you love them?
ISBN: 978-1-4268-7666-0
YULETIDE DEFENDER
Copyright © 2010 by Sandra Robbins
All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, is forbidden without the written permission of the editorial office, Steeple Hill Books, 233 Broadway, New York, NY 10279 U.S.A.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.
This edition published by arrangement with Steeple Hill Books.
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