Lois Richer - Easter Promises

Praise for Lois Richer

A wonderful, emotionally heartwarming story about loss and love.

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Lois Richer delivers a touching, evocative, wonderful story of selfless love.

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Lois Richers His Winter Rose is a wonderful, warm love story with two powerful protagonists.

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Praise for Allie Pleiter

Delightful and clever, this first novel is worth reading.

Library Journal on Bad Heiress Day

Pleiter delivers an appealing romance as well as a story filled with interesting characters.

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Allie Pleiter has written a sweet and tenderly moving story.

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LOIS RICHER

likes variety. From her time in human resources management to entrepreneurship, life has held plenty of surprises. Having given up on fairy tales, I was happily involved in building a restaurant when a handsome prince walked into my life and upset all my career plans with a wedding ring. Motherhood quickly followed. I guess the seeds of my storytelling took root because of two small boys who kept demanding Then what, Mom? The miracle of Gods love for His children, the blessing of true love, the joy of sharing Him with othersthat is a story that can be told a thousand ways and yet still be brand-new. Lois Richer intends to go right on telling it.

ALLIE PLEITER

Enthusiastic but slightly untidy mother of two, RITA Award finalist Allie Pleiter writes both fiction and nonfiction. An avid knitter and unreformed chocoholic, she spends her days writing books, drinking coffee and finding new ways to avoid housework. Allie grew up in Connecticut, holds a BS in Speech from Northwestern University and spent fifteen years in the field of professional fundraising. She lives with her husband, children and a Havanese dog named Bella in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois.

Easter Promises

Lois Richer
Allie Pleiter

CONTENTS

DESERT ROSE

Lois Richer

This book is dedicated to Pastor Dan as thanks for his revealing study of the Psalms.

But when I am afraid, I will put my confidence in you. Yes, I will trust the promises of God. And since I am trusting him, what can mere man do to me?

Psalms 56: 3, 4

Chapter One

M y client has decided not to make an offer on your floral business.

Jayne Rose thanked the Realtor and hung up, but her stomach churned with angst.

Lord, how am I going to help Granny Em?

The shops doorbell interrupted her silent plea. She shoved the sturdy frames of her glasses an inch higher on her nose and peered through the thick lenses at her newest customer.

Welcome to Roses Roses. Can I help you?

Im not sure, the man said. Your window display intrigued me. Im kind of a window shopper.

Ah. I dont have time, Jayne thought.

Im thinking Easter lilies, he mused. A friend loves spring, though the Palm Springs version isnt exactly what she was used to in England.

Well, its a bit early for potted Easter lilies, Jayne explained. But I could make up an arrangement. She grabbed an order form. Name?

Well, Im not sure He peered at the orchids Jayne had unpacked late last night. Those are amazing. Maybe I should

Would you like a minute? she offered with a desperate glance at the clock.

At least a minute, he agreed, but his gaze rested on her.

Ill finish some errands while you decide. Call when youre ready. Jayne stepped inside the cooler, anxious to finish her wedding order.

But she couldnt dismiss the man in the shop so easily. Through the glass walls she saw him perusing her stock. He was tall and lean, muscular, but not bulky. His dark brown eyes studied the bucket of roses intently while he tilted back on his heels. Jayne immediately labeled him artistic, though she couldnt have explained why. Perhaps it was the easy way he moved, as if he was totally comfortable with himself.

Jayne had never managed to achieve that ease, not since the accident.

Stop staring and concentrate. She consulted her list. Everything was almost ready for delivery, only a few more tweaks. Shed barely finished gathering what she needed when the shops bell rang again.

So hed left. She ignored her disappointment and took her time selecting the best blooms. Even though the money shed make on this wedding was minimal, Jayne believed every bride deserved a beautiful wedding. Just because this bride didnt have a lot of money didnt mean Roses Roses would skimp.

She had one foot out of the cooler when she heard voices.

Jaynes the most perfect florist. Im not like her other clients, you know. I havent got a bundle of cash to spend on my wedding, but Jayne doesnt care. She pours her soul into everything she does. Ill hate it if this place has to close.

Jayne grinned at the glowing tribute. Lou Anne was such a sweetheart. Jayne stepped around the corner with a smile on her lips and saw Lou Anne talking to her earlier customer.

Hey, Jayne, Lou Anne said.

Hey, yourself. Arent you supposed to be at home, dressing in all that ivory and lace? For a minute Jayne worried Lou Anne was having bridal jitters. She censured the thought. Lou Anne was committed and confident. Her marriage would be solid and happy.

Jayne quashed a rush of longing to be in love like that.

I would be dressing, Lou Anne said, but I just found out my bridesmaid wrecked her gown. Now shes wearing green instead of blue. Can we change the ribbons in the flowers?

Jayne stifled a groan. Changes at this stage meant even more time spent on a not very profitable order, which was okay, but there was still that quilters convention tomorrow to prepare for.

Im asking too much of you. Lou Annes pretty face fell.

Of course youre not. You go home. Ill handle everything, Jayne said, pushing Lou Anne toward the door. Move it, lady, or youll be late for your own wedding. Ill have everything at the church before you get there.

See what I mean? Shes a blessing, Lou Anne said over one shoulder to the man who stood watching them. She paused long enough to hug Jayne. Then she hurried away, glowing with the radiance of a bride-to-be.

Its not going to be quite as simple as you said, is it? His quiet question broke the silence.

It will be very not-simple, Jayne agreed. But it will happen. She began the delicate process of unweaving the blue ribbon from the arrangement shed just finished.

Can I help? he offered. I promise Ill try my best not to wreck your flowers.

Im sure you dont want

Id really like to help, if youll allow me. The firm response combined with the rich glow of his dark brown eyes sent a powerful message. By the way, Im Ben. Ben Cummings. He held out a hand.

Jayne Rose, she said as his strong fingers enclosed hers.

Of Roses Roses. He grinned.

He really was the most handsome man. Sprinkles of sunlight dappled the sandy strands that flopped across his forehead and framed those amazing eyes, brown with a capital B. He wore knee-length shorts and a polo shirt and both of them fit like a custom-tailored glove, as elegant as any Hollywood visitor to Palm Springs.

Let me help, Jayne.

She thought about it for two seconds. Help was good. Help was exactly what shed been praying for.

If youre sure? She felt dubious about his abilities.

I am sure.

Then Im grateful. Here, you lift it out like this.

He watched for a moment then nodded. Got it.

Normally Jayne wouldnt dream of allowing a customer to help, but desperate times called for innovative solutions and with her assistant absent, she was frantic for help.