"You don't really want an abortion or you wouldn't have left the clinic."
Josh's touch was gentle as he slid his hands on either side of her face, silent begging her to listen. "I want this baby, Dani, and I'll take care of both of you."
Oh, how she wanted to say yes. To be his wife and have his baby, but something held her back. "Do you love me, Josh?"
"Yes, I love you." He'd hesitated only a moment, but it was enough.
Dani's heart shattered. "You want the baby, not me."
"Give me a chance. That's all I'm asking." He closed the distance between them, his gaze pleading. "We loved each other once and we can do it again. I know you're afraid, but I won't let you down."
"What happens the next time you can't deal and need a drink?" she shot back at him. "Or worse you turn to drugs. I know you mean well, but you can't even take care of yourself, Josh!"
Each accusation was like a stone hurled at him, but he didn't flinch knowing he deserved her doubt. "Ok. I get it," he said slowly. "I've messed up, but I can overcome this with Jesus. Please, Dani."
Her ride pulled into the drive.
Dani's heart ripped into. She saw his pain which he didn't bother to hide and knew when he closed his eyes he was praying. "I'm sorry!" she shouted, hurt and angry.
He watched, stricken, as the driver loaded her bag. "Why'd you even tell me about the baby if you wanted to abort it after all?" His voice cracked on the last words. Tears shined in his eyes.
"I really am sorry." Dani slid into the cab, but before she closed the door she paused. "Goodbye, Josh."
"No!" Dani shot awake screaming, soaked in sweat.
It was like in A Christmas Carol where she could see her past self making mistakes but she couldn't stop it. She could never hit rewind. It was done.
"Thank you, Jesus." She'd never have been able to live with herself if she'd had the abortion. It was difficult enough knowing she'd given up her family. That's what they'd have been if she hadn't let herself doubt Josh.
She and Josh had been just eighteen when they had landed themselves a movie deal that rocketed them to instant fame. Suddenly, they had money, attention, and an endless choice of entertaining party invitations. It had been too much temptation, and neither of them could handle it.
The single movie they'd made together had sucked the life from them, and Josh had fallen. They'd both made mistakes. She drank too much and experimented with drugs. Josh became addicted, but he was strong enough to pick himself up and get clean. He'd always been steady, strong, and dependable. After all, Josh had the living God on his side. Why couldn't she have trusted him?
It was because she hadn't trusted God then. She'd been smug and self-righteous when he spoke of the Lord who gave him the strength to overcome his sins. Her heart had hardened. "Thank you, Lord God, for softening my heart. Thank you for Jesus."
Trembling, she tried to go back to sleep but tossed and turned anxiously for most of the night. When the alarm went off at four AM she groaned, but got up and reached for her Bible on the nightstand. First, she read the words from Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
She liked Proverbs because it was easy to understand most of the time.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart—Dani was working very hard to do that.
YOU ARE READING
Unfailing Love (Heart Series #3)
SpiritualDani has loved Josh since high school. It started out as a crush, but a senior trip changed their lives forever. Suddenly, they were making a movie and swept into the glamorous but dark life of the rich and famous. They fell into a world where sin a...
