Heaven Knows. Jillian Hart

So here’s what we can do. Consider it a temporary position and you’re free to leave for a better opportunity. What do you think now?”

      “I think you’re trying to make it impossible for me to say no.”

      “True,” he admitted, warm and deep, like richly flowing chocolate, and the sound was enough to make her stop breathing and remember how masculine and strong he’d been without seeming cruel or controlling. Just like a hero out of a movie.

      Well, men like that weren’t real, she told herself, sensibly. They really weren’t.

      “At least tell me you’ll think about it?” he asked.

      She held the phone tight to her ear, wishing a part of her didn’t long to accept. To spend her days taking care of a nice little girl, baking cookies and playing in the sunshine. She wouldn’t be alone—at least for a little while.

      And that was almost temptation enough.

      “I’m afraid I can’t.” It was hard to say the words. Harder still to think about hanging up the phone. “I appreciate the job offer, really I do, but I don’t think I’m what you’re looking for. Goodbye, John.”

      “Wait! Alexandra—”

      She hung up. It was the right thing to do. For John and Hailey. And for her.

      “If it’s a local call, next time I’ll let you use my phone instead of the pay phone,” the lady in the office offered as Alexandra swept by.

      “Thanks.” She smiled at the woman, who then stepped into the back room where she lived with her husband. The aroma of meat loaf lingered.

      It was suppertime. Everyone in the campground was settling down to eat. She walked past motor homes, where retired couples chatted over their meals, and tents, where families cooked over open fires. Everywhere she looked, people were gathering in pairs and groups.

      One day, that would be her. She was certain of it. Surely the Lord didn’t mean for her to always be alone.