Unfailing Love (Heart Series #3)

Three-Moving On

May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you--Psalm 33-22

One month later

Josh watched his son hit the firetruck pinata with the end of an old broomstick.

The years had flown by and now his baby boy was a happy, energetic four-year-old who loved Jesus and firetrucks.

He'd been barely twenty years old and anxious about becoming a dad, but then the nurse had carefully placed Jacob in his arms and his entire life changed. His son had been a warm bundle of life, a gift from the Lord, who kept him on the right path when he was tempted to go back down the road that had almost killed him.

Josh didn't like to think about his short-lived acting career or the addiction that had almost killed him, but he'd never forget. Remembering the dark period in his life kept him focused on Jesus and made him a better dad. It would make him a good husband too. His gaze slid to Meredith, as she pushed a chunk of hair behind her ear and steadied the pinata.

A warm gentle breeze blew his hair and he caught a whiff of grilled hot dogs and cherry punch. His friends Caleb, Parker, and Tanner were arguing over who was the grill master. He smiled.

God had blessed them with a beautiful spring day in March, warm and sunny with green grass, blooming azaleas, and budding trees.

One strike. The paper broke and the kids cheered.

Another strike and candy fell onto the grass. More cheers and applause.

Jacob beamed. "Dad, look!"

His heart warmed, and that was before his son ran and wrapped his arms around Josh's legs while the rest of Jacob's friends descended on the prized candy. "Nice job, buddy."

"Who wants to play four corners?" Meredith asked, tossing him a smile.

Josh watched her with affection. So did his son. Jacob ran to her, and she crouched to hug him claiming another piece of his heart. They'd been dating for over a year, and he'd been thinking about proposing. He'd prayed about it.

Seven energetic three and four-year-olds hooped and hollered their excitement at the new game.

He mouthed thanks to Mer. She was amazing. Lord knows he couldn't have pulled this party off without her and his friends. Josh glanced at his watch. It was past time to move on to pizza and cake, but still, he waited.

"She'll be here," Caleb said, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Dani never misses a party."

He winced at the unwelcome reminder of the wild and glamorous life Jacob's mother led. She partied a lot according to the tabloids with many different men, not that he cared about what she did anymore.

But she'd missed Ty and Annie's wedding.

Caleb blinked, realizing how his words had been taken. "Hey, I didn't mean that the way it sounded."

He shrugged, pretending indifference. "It's true."

"She hasn't missed a single birthday," Parker added. "For all her faults, Dani loves Jacob."

"Yeah, she does," he admitted. She just didn't love him.

Last year Dani arrived at Jacob's party looking like she'd stepped off the runway dressed in heels, a pencil skirt, and a shiny blouse that probably cost more than his truck. She'd been beautiful but as out of place in a jump house for a three-year-old's birthday party as he'd been in Hollywood.

Despite their reckless, unhealthy relationship he still had feelings for her. He'd asked God to help him and Jacob get over her, and he'd met Meredith. She was literally the answer to his prayers. Dani would always be his son's mother, but it wasn't healthy to want more from her than she could give them. Meredith was their future.