“Amelia, I see you’re dressed for outdoor work, so you go with Chase, and…”
Stunned by this turn of events, Amelia didn’t hear the rest of Rick’s assignments. She could not spend the day alone with Chase!
When Chase appeared at her side, saying quietly, “This will be like old times,” Amelia knew it was too late to refuse politely. Were her steps destined to travel a path that would disrupt the even current of life she’d developed in the post-Chase era, as she always thought of the last fifteen years?
The eagerness in Chase’s clear gray eyes was disconcerting, and she forced herself to regard him dispassionately, as she might look at a stranger. Amelia considered the man facing her to be a stranger. Very little that she’d noted in the short time they’d spent together yesterday had reminded her of the man who’d loved her, married her and disillusioned her so thoroughly that she had no interest in marrying again.
IRENE BRAND
Writing has been a lifelong interest of this author, who says that she started her first novel when she was eleven years old and hasn’t finished it yet. However, since 1984, she’s published thirty-two contemporary and historical novels and three nonfiction titles. She started writing professionally in 1977, after she completed her master’s degree in history at Marshall University. Irene taught in secondary public schools for twenty-three years, but retired in 1989 to devote herself to writing.
Consistent involvement in the activities of her local church has been a source of inspiration for Irene’s work. Traveling with her husband, Rod, to all fifty states and to thirty-two foreign countries has also inspired her writing. Irene is grateful to the many readers who have written to say that her inspiring stories and compelling portrayals of characters with strong faith have made a positive impression on their lives. You can write to her at P.O. Box 2770, Southside, WV 25187 or visit her Web site at www.irenebrand.com.
Second Chance at Love
Irene Brand
For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
—Psalms 91:11
With appreciation to:
Bill Davis, County Emergency Director,
Mingo County, West Virginia;
Cecil E. Hatfield, Executive Director,
Tug Valley Chamber of Commerce;
Judy & Tom Ashley, Red Cross volunteers,
Putnam County, West Virginia;
Charlie Erwin, Office Coordinator, Red Cross,
Putnam County, West Virginia.
Dear Reader,
By now, you’ve finished reading Second Chance at Love. Hopefully, you’re cheering for Chase and Amelia and sharing the joy of their reconciliation.
During the writing of this book, my mind has often dwelt on God’s willingness—indeed, eagerness—to give His people new opportunities to live abundant lives. Not only does He give the second chance, but the third, fourth, fifth—limitless opportunities for reconciliation with Him. No matter how many times we mess up our lives, His arm is outstretched to lift us from the mire of our mistakes. There is no problem so great that God cannot solve it.
Consider people in the Bible who have been favored with second chances—Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Samson, David, Peter and Paul. Although these people of faith are often remembered for their failures, we rejoice in knowing that they rose above their mistakes and took another opportunity to be faithful in God’s service.
Whatever mistakes we’ve made, God is willing and able to give other chances to serve Him.
May God bless you.
Contents
Chapter One
Amelia Stone didn’t consider herself an impetuous woman until she said, “I want to go and help. Can you manage without me for three weeks?” Many times during the following few days, she questioned this comment to her supervisor.
After her usual morning routine, when Amelia had entered the American Red Cross office, she’d greeted Tom Matney, her supervisor, picked up a cup of coffee and gone to her computer to check the local and national news.
“Six dead, ten missing in flood,” she’d read aloud.
“Where?” Tom asked.
“In southern West Virginia.”
Amelia continued reading the computer message. “Several areas have been inundated with floodwaters from the Tug Fork River, a border stream between West Virginia and Kentucky.”
Before Amelia had finished reading the account of death and destruction, Tom laid a fax sheet on her desk—a call for help from the West Virginia Red Cross. She experienced an overwhelming urge to answer that call. Amelia wasn’t naturally impulsive, so her reaction to this emergency surprised her, as well as her supervisor.
Tom had stared at her with incredulous eyes when she volunteered. A fourteen-year employee of the American Red Cross, Amelia had been exposed to many national tragedies, but she’d always been content to remain at her desk to do her part in helping the unfortunate.
“We’re very busy, as you know,” Tom said slowly, “but we must send help. Speed