Until we meet again, I wish you the blessing of a full heart that has not only known but given love, the joy of enriching someone’s world just by having you in it and the peace that comes from accepting that whatever happens, He has it under control.
Blessings,
Lois Richer
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
—Romans 8:28–29
This book is dedicated to those who strive tirelessly to make a difference in their world. Shut out the naysayers, the negativity and the nonsense. Keep on keeping on. It’s worth it.
Contents
Note to Readers
He would have recognized her anywhere.
Oblivious to the May long weekend crowds thronging the Canadian airport in Edmonton, Jake Elliot strode directly toward Gemma Andrews, her gorgeous, waist-length tumble of auburn hair drawing him like a homing beacon.
“Hello, Gem,” he said when he reached her. “Welcome home.”
Her forest green eyes widened as she surveyed him, studying him as though he was a complete stranger.
“Uh, thank you.” The lack of energy in her response bothered Jake.
“Are you all right?” He glanced at the strip of gauze covering her left temple. “Your head...?”
“Wh-who are you?” The pure panic in her words floored Jake.
“Excuse me.” Only then did Jake notice Gemma’s companion. “I’m Celia Shane from the Canadian embassy in Lima. You are?”
Unease skittered across his nerves. An embassy official had escorted Gem? Because she couldn’t manage the trip on her own or...?
“Jake Elliot. I’m here to take Gemma home.”
“I was told someone, um, older would meet us.” Celia’s phone pinged. She checked it and returned a text. “Apparently there’s been a change. May I see some credentials?”
Jake fumbled for his wallet to show her his driver’s license.
“Thanks. Hello, Jake.” Celia’s calm demeanor offered some serenity to Jake’s whirling thoughts and apparently to Gemma, too, because her scared look eased. “Now, let me explain. As we notified the family, Gemma was at Machu Picchu with a tour group when the earthquake occurred. Subsequent to that notification, we learned she’d been struck by tumbling rocks, had fallen and, as a result of that, she’s lost her memory. Because her head injury was minor and she’s otherwise in good health, the hospital released her. They feel she’ll recover best at home. Besides, they need the beds.”
“Lost her memory?” Jake was stuck on that.
“Temporarily.” Celia smiled. “Her doctors are convinced her memory will return in time.”
“Will she—?”
“You two do know I’m standing here, right?” Gemma interrupted indignantly. “I can speak for myself.”
Ah, that was more like the feisty woman Jake had known.
“Sorry, Gemma.” Celia smiled at her. “Hazard of the job. I tend to take over.”
“I am fine.” Gemma’s eyes met Jake’s with the same directness she’d always employed. “I have a cut on my forehead and my brain is a little dinged up, but as Celia