Have a great day and thanks for stopping by my website!
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LOVE IS KIND by Joyce Livingston
(another Heartsong Presents book published by Barbour Publishing) |
LOVE IS KIND by Joyce Livingston and LOVE IS PATIENT by Cathy Marie Hake are Heartsong Companion books, being released in July, 2003. Both are contemporary Inspirational Romances. Cathy and I will be doing two more books in this LOVE IS series, both of which will be released in 2005. I hope you'll watch for them! Since so many of you wonderful readers tell us you hate for a book to end -- because you like the characters and want to know more about them, Cathy and I came up with the idea of each of us doing a book about the same family. Then, as our creative juices began to flow, we decided to make our heroines be twins! My book is about Valene, Cathy's book is about Vanessa, two lovely, but very different young women who are seeking that perfect man God has for them. My book takes up where her book leaves off! Isn't that a delicious idea? What fun we had doing it! However, we wrote them so our readers don't have to read one - - to enjoy the other. They are each *stand-alone* books. And, it really doesn't matter which book you read first ! I hope you like this idea - - Cathy and I are writing another pair of books in this LOVE IS series right now. So, thank those of you who contacted our editor, Rebecca Germany at Barbour Publishing, PO Box 719, Uhrichsville, Ohio 44683, or called her (Rebecca Germany) at 1-800-847-8270 with your comments- - Because of you and your wonderful comments we are writing the additional two books. |
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Here's part of the first chapter of my book, LOVE IS KIND Valene Zobel blinked back tears as she slipped the smoky blue, satin dress onto a padded hanger and placed it in her closet. How she was going to miss her twin. “Why’re you crying, Aunt Val? Weddings are supposed to make you happy. That’s what my daddy said.” She pulled her new nephew close and ran her fingers through his hair. “I am happy, Jeff. Sometimes grownups cry when they’re happy. It’s just that I’m going to miss Vanessa. Now that she and your daddy are married, we won’t be together as much.” The boy seemed satisfied with her answer and turned his attention toward Hero, the big black Labrador Vanessa had given Valene several months ago. “Come on, Boy. Wanna watch me ride my new bike?” Hero seemed happy with the idea, and the two of them raced off to retrieve the little bike from the living room of Valene’s first floor condo. “Jeff!” she called out after him, remembering the rules Nathan had laid down before he and her sister had taken off on their honeymoon to Ireland. “You can only ride your bike on the sidewalk! Not on the parking lot! And wear your helmet! Do you hear me?” Jeff nodded over his shoulder as he mounted his prized possession, the shiny red bicycle his new step-mom had given him. Valene had looked forward to being Jeff’s baby-sitter while they were gone. She grinned as he slipped the helmet on his head, and took off down the sidewalk, with Hero nipping at his heels. What was it her twin sister had told her when she’d given her that cute little six-month-old puppy to bribe her to do her taxes for her? Flattering her by telling her that she was the smart one? The Valedictorian who could do anything with numbers? Well, I might be good with numbers, but I must be lacking in other areas of my life, or today’s wedding could’ve been a double wedding. I didn’t even catch the bridal bouquet! “Be careful, Jeff!” she yelled out loudly, cupping her hands to her mouth. “I don’t want you getting any skinned knees while your dad is away!” She stood in the open doorway watching, wondering what it would be like to find that perfect man, like Vanessa had when Nathan appeared in her life. She smiled as she recalled the funny way he and her sister had met, laughing aloud as she remembered the expression on Nathan’s face when he’d first seen the two of them together. He’d done a double-take, then blurted out, “You’re twins!” Valene had wanted to say, “Duh! You’re kidding!” but had refrained and kept her mouth shut. Words like those might’ve come from Vanessa’s mouth, but not hers. She’d never say anything that might offend or embarrass someone. How was she ever going to get along without Vanessa now that she was married? Just thinking about it made her sad. “Watch, Aunt Valene! Watch me! I can ride really fast!” “Remember what I said about—“ Suddenly realizing what was about to happen, she screamed out, “Jeff!, “watch out!” She ran toward him, picking up her pace with each stride, franticly waving her arms, trying to get his attention. But it was too late. Instead of stopping where the sidewalk ended, the bicycle whizzed onto the crowded parking lot at full speed, right into the path of an approaching pickup truck. A small boy’s scream, the screeching of brakes, and the sound of a sudden thud, all seemed to happen in slow motion as Valene raced into the lot, weaving her way among the parked cars, her heart pounding furiously, her mind whirring with thoughts of what if? “I didn’t see him coming! Honest I didn’t!” the driver yelled out as he leaped from the over-sized pickup and raced around to the front. “I tried to stop—“ “J E F F!” “I’m sorry, Aunt Valene.” She blinked hard, breathing a prayer of thanks, her palm flattening against her chest, as she heard the boy’s petulant voice. There was Jeff, on the other side of the truck, still straddling his bike, and he was okay. But the man was bending over someone. Who? After wrapping her arms about Jeff and making sure he hadn’t sustained any injuries, she cautioned him to stay put before hurrying to see if she should call for an ambulance. But the man wasn’t leaning over a person. He was leaning over Hero, and the big dog wasn’t moving. He was lying frightening still in a small pool of blood. “I didn’t mean to hit him! I didn’t see him! Oh, why did this have to happen? I never meant to do it! I hit the brakes when I saw the boy, but—“ Weeping, Valene dropped onto her knees and tried to comfort Hero, stroking his head frantically. “We need to get him to a Vet!” the man said, stooping beside her and carefully scooping up the dog in his long arms, his face filled with sheer panic. “I can’t leave him here to die. He needs attention immediately!” “But—“ “Hurry!” the man ordered, moving quickly to his spotlessly clean truck and carefully lowering the injured dog onto the leather back seat. “Let’s hope we’re not too late.” “But, Jeff——“ Valene said, almost incoherently. “What--“ “Hurry,” the man said again, after nodding toward Jeff. Almost robotically, she rushed back to her apartment and grabbed her purse before closing and locking the door. “You ride in back with your dog. Your son can ride up front with me. Now hurry!” the man told her in a take-charge manner, although he seemed to be shaking as badly as she was. He placed the shiny red bike in the truck’s bed while Valene and Jeff crawled inside. “You’ll have to help me. Where’s the closest Vet or Animal Hospital?” “Ah—let me think. Dr. Bainbridge’s Clinic is—is--“ For a moment Val’s mind went blank. “Two blocks down and—and turn to the left—no right.” The man’s concerned gaze caught hers in the rear view mirror and she could see tears in his eyes. “Which is it? Left, or right?” “Right. It’s right. About three blocks.” I’ve got to settle down, she told herself, taking a deep breath before continuing. “It—It’s across from the shopping center. A red brick building, I think. It’s the Animal Hospital. I—I took Hero there for his shots.” For the first time, she became fully aware of the turmoil the man must be experiencing. He’d nearly hit a boy on a bicycle! He could’ve killed Jeff! She couldn’t even begin to imagine how she would feel if the same thing had happened to her, and suddenly, instead of anger, she felt sorry for him. All this time she’d been so concerned about Jeff, then Hero, she hadn’t even considered how he must be feeling. “Ar—are you alright?” she mumbled through chattering teeth. “I mean—you—“ He nodded, but kept watch on the road. “I—I’ll be okay. Just a little shook up. Don’t worry about me. You take care of that dog. He’s the important one here. I’ll have us there in a flash. What’s your name?” “I’m Valene Zobel. Jeff is my nephew, not my son. He’s staying with me this week.” A shudder passed through her body as she slipped her free hand over the seat and squeezed Jeff’s slim shoulders. How close she’d come to losing him. Thank you, Lord. If that truck had been just one second— “My mom got really sick, and died a long time ago,” Jeff said sadly. “Vanessa is my new mama. She’s nice.” “I’m Jordan Young.” The driver gave them a quick sideways glance then turned his attention back to the oncoming traffic. Within minutes, the truck pulled into the Vet’s parking lot. The driver leaped out, jerked open the back door, scooped Hero up, and was dashing toward the hospital. Valene grabbed Jeff’s hand, and the two ran in behind the man named Jordan. The receptionist took one look at Hero and quickly called out for the doctor on duty as she guided the truck’s driver toward an examination room. “I’ll need some information,” she told him, motioning toward a desk in the lobby. “Your wife can stay here with the dog while we fill out a few papers.” “I’m not—“ Valene inserted, clutching Jeff’s hand tightly, her fingers entwined with his. But the man who’d introduced himself as Jordan Young took hold of her arm and stopped her. “It’s okay. Stay with your dog.“ For the first time since the accident, his chiseled features softened a bit and he smiled. “Hero? Isn’t that what you called him?” She nodded, finding it hard to speak without crying. “I’ll take care of everything. After all, I’m the one who—“ He paused and she could see his Adam’s apple rise and fall as he swallowed hard. “Caused his injuries.” “But you didn’t, I—,“ she managed to get out before he wagged a cautioning finger to silence her. “We’ll worry about where the blame goes later. Right now, you need to be with Hero.” After spending several minutes checking Hero, Dr. Bainbridge momentarily diverted his attention from the limp, banged up body on the table, to Valene. “This dog’s injuries seem pretty serious. It might help if you’d talk to him a bit. He might not hear you but, then again, he might. Right now, I think he could use a few words of encouragement.” Valene gathered her shoulder length hair in one hand and pulled it to the side as she leaned over Hero and whispered into his ear. “I love you, Hero.” She gulped hard, barely able to continue as the tears rolled down her cheeks. “I need you, Hero. Please don’t die. Please—“ She felt a slight tug on her sleeve and, pulling herself away from her beloved Hero, she looked into the worried, tearstained face of the six year old. “Is he gonna die?” “Oh, no, Sweetie.” Valene gulped hard and forced a smile as she pulled her nephew close and held him tight. “I’m sure the doctor is going to fix him up just fine.” “You’d better go now,” the veterinarian told them as he pulled a curtain about the tiny examination area. “We’re going to do the best we can for Hero. You can wait in the lobby if you want, but it may be awhile before we can tell you anything for certain, after I’ve done a more thorough examination and we’ve x-rayed him. If his injuries are as extensive as I fear they might be, he’s going to require some long term care.” “But you will be able to save him, won’t you, Doc?” a trembling male voice asked. Valene turned and found the man whose truck had hit Hero standing beside her, apparently finished filling out the necessary papers. Jordan Young’s hand cupped the doctor’s shoulder. “You gotta save him, Doc. He can’t die!” The doctor stood upright and hung his stethoscope about his thick neck. “What happens to Hero from here on out somewhat depends on you folks.” Valene’s gaze went to the doctor as she found herself finally able to speak. “What do you mean, depends on us?” She dabbed at her eyes, feeling slightly offended by his words. ”Of course, I want him to be alright. He’s my dog and I love him. I’ll do anything to keep him alive.” Jordan pulled a handkerchief from his back pocket and wiped at the beads of perspiration forming on his forehead. “Me too, Doc. That dog has got to live.” “Does that mean he’s gonna die, Aunt Val?” Jeff asked with big eyes as he stared at the still figure on the table. Before she could answer, with a reassuring smile Jordan slipped an arm about Jeff’s shoulders. “Hey, don’t you worry. I’ll betcha the doc’ll be able to fix him up just fine.” The doctor seemed to be assessing their words carefully before speaking. “I have to be brutally frank with you. The possible surgery and long-term care we’re talking about can get pretty expensive. Many folks decide to put their animals to sleep, rather than go to such an expense.” Valene gasped. “Put Hero to sleep? I’d never do that!” “Do whatever is necessary to get that dog well, Doc. I’m footing the bill on this. I don’t care what it costs. I’m the one who hit him, and I aim to do the right thing.” With a raise of his brows, the veterinarian shrugged. “Well, like I said, the decision is up to you and your wife. I’ll do whatever you tell me. I never like putting a dog down, especially when I can see how much he’s loved.” Valene clung tightly to Jeff’s hand. She started to speak, to correct the doctor’s misapprehension, but felt a reassuring arm slip about her shoulders. A feeling of gratitude warmed her heart and kept her silent. They could straighten the doctor out later. Hero’s welfare was the important thing right now. “Do it, Doc.” Jordan Young’s tone was firm and unwavering. ”I’ve already given my credit card to your receptionist. It’s as good as paid for.” Dr. Bainbridge, looked from one to the other. “Just wanted to make sure you and your wife know what you’re getting into. Like I said, some folks—“ “I don’t care what some other folks do, Doc,” Jordan Young answered quickly, breaking into the man’s sentence. “Do everything you can for Hero. No matter what it costs.” Valene was so relieved she wanted to throw her arms about Jordan’s neck. Although her thoughts had been focused on Hero and his injuries, she had to admit, she had been concerned about the cost. Not that she’d ever let the doctor put Hero down, as he’d so delicately put it. She wouldn’t. She’d find the money somewhere, even if she had to refinance her nearly paid-off car. But his words had set her mind at ease. “Hero? That’s his name?” the kindly doctor asked with a slight grin as he placed a gentle hand on the big dog’s back. Valene nodded, still blinking back tears. “He’s Lick’s brother,” Jeff inserted, his eyes rounded with fear. “Lick’s real name is Licorice.” “Hero and Lick came from the same litter. Lick is Jeff’s dog,” Valene explained in a shaky voice. The doctor bent and clamped a firm reassuring hand on Jeff’s shoulder. “Well, don’t you worry, young man. We’re going to take good care of Hero.” He motioned Valene and Jordan toward the door. “You two take your son and go on into the waiting room. Once I’ve taken some x-rays I’ll be able to tell you more about his injuries.” “But—“ Valene sent a quick glance at the man standing beside her. “I think we’d better do as the doc says.” Jordan gestured toward the door. She paused a second, then, realizing how unimportant it was that the doctor know they weren’t husband and wife, moved toward him, tugging on Jeff’s hand. “I’ll come out for you as soon as I’ve finished,” the doctor called out just before he closed the door behind him. The three seated themselves in a corner, with Valene and Jeff on one side of a little square table, and Jordan on the other. She slipped an arm about Jeff, then bowed her head and prayed silently, asking God to be with Hero. When she opened them, she found Jordan Young staring at her. “I’m—I’m sorry about hitting your dog. If only I’d—“ “It wasn’t your fault,” Valene said, turning to face him. His cheeks were flushed and, although it was cool in the room, he was still perspiring. “It was my fault,” Jeff said, his rounded eyes filling with tears. “Aunt Val told me to stay on the sidewalk and I didn’t do it.” “I guess we were all at fault,” Valene said in a raspy voice as she wrapped an arm about her nephew and drew him close. “Letting you ride your bicycle on that narrow sidewalk wasn’t the smartest thing I’ve ever done. I knew it dead-ended at the parking lot. I just didn’t think to tell you.” Jordan pulled out his handkerchief and dabbed at his forehead again. “I’m sorry I hit Hero, but I’m glad it wasn’t the boy. I could never have lived with myself if—“ “But you didn’t hit him,” she reminded him, trying to control her voice and the turmoil still going on inside her. “Neither Jeff, nor Hero, should have been in that parking lot.” She stared at him, trying to comprehend the pain and fear he must’ve felt when he thought he’d hit Jeff. No wonder the man was shook up. How would she feel if the same thing had happened to her? “Normally, I never let Hero outside, unless I have him on a leash.” She watched as a slight smile curled at the corners of his strong mouth. “I know. I’ve seen you walking him.” His grin turned into a full smile. “Or, should I say, him walking you?” She smiled back. “He does tend to get a bit rambunctious sometimes.” Jeff frowned and yanked on her sleeve. “What’s a ram-but-yus, Aunt Val?” She placed a loving hand on his shoulder and gave it a gentle pat. “It means, sometimes he wants to run and check everything out, when I want him to walk.” Jeff nodded and seemed satisfied with her answer. “Hero, huh? That’s quite a name for a dog.” Jordan’s eyes twinkled and he seemed to be a bit more relaxed than when they’d first sat down. “How’d you come up with it?” Valene let out a slight chuckle. “You’ll probably laugh at me.” He grinned. “I’ll try not to.” “My twin sister, Vanessa, gave him to me when I moved into my condo. We both love animals. In fact, she owns a pet store. Whiskers, Wags, and Wings. She thought I needed a dog for protection. This is the first time I’ve ever lived alone.” “Vanessa is my new mother,” Jeff inserted. “Vanessa and Jeff’s dad were married today.” Jordan’s jaw dropped. “Today?” “I was the ring bear!” Jeff lifted his head proudly. Valene smiled back when Jordan sent her an amused grin. “Ring bear—er,” she corrected, running her hand across her new nephew’s back. “Ring bear—er,” he repeated. She pulled a children’s magazine from the stack on the table and handed it to Jeff. He opened it and immediately began perusing the words. “Anyway,” Valene went on, “since my new dog was supposed to be my protector, I named him Hero. Kinda dumb, huh?” “No, not dumb at all. I like the name. It suits him.” “He’s a good dog, and I feel much safer having him around. Especially at night.” “A woman can’t be too careful.” They sat in an awkward silence for a few minutes, the ticking of the clock on the wall and the sound of Jeff turning the pages, the only sounds in the room. For the first time since entering the hospital, Valene became aware of the faint, clean smell of antiseptic. She glanced across the room at a man sitting opposite them, grimly holding onto a small cat who seemed frightfully thin. She couldn’t help but wonder why the man had brought the cat to the Animal Hospital. Maybe it was there to be spayed. “Doesn’t Jeff go to school?” Jordan asked, his gaze going to the boy. Her attention was quickly drawn away from the cat. “Yes, but they’re having a State teachers meeting next Thursday and Friday. School will be out anyway, so my new brother-in-law figured it wouldn’t hurt Jeff to miss a couple of days, so he could come to Spring Valley and spend the week with me. He’s a bright kid. It shouldn’t hurt him to miss a few days of school. He can make it up easily.” Finally, the receptionist appeared. “Mr. and Mrs. Young. Dr. Bainbridge is ready to see you now.” The three filed quickly back into the little room where Hero still lay on the table. “How is he, Doc?” Jordan asked, stepping quickly to the dog’s side. |
