Chapter 1
April 21, 2014
Julie felt an ache in her heart as she watched a family come into Julz & Jay diner, while she munched on a juicy cheeseburger. She had known the family since she’d returned to Montana. When she saw Monica holding her one years old in her arms and their three years old holding onto His daddy’s hand, tears wanted to fall, but smiled, faintly.
They’ve noticed her and waved as they walk to her booth. Monica, who is in her early thirties, smiled to Julie as her one years old playing with her curly brown hair. “Hi, Julie! How have you’ve been?”
Julie groaned within herself, not wanting Monica to see her sadness. “Good. Work and home life keep me busy.” She smiled to her friend.
“That’s good. And how’s Eric? Still ornery as ever?” Dave asked, with a cheesy smile on his face.
Julie giggled. “He sure is! Your baby is adorable!” She roared with laughter, hiding the pain well.
Monica beamed then her expression turn to one of concern. “What’s wrong, Julie?”
“Oh, it’s nothing.”
“It’s Eric isn’t it?” Dave sounded all manly as he chimed in his concern.
Julie fought back the tears that wanted to come, but they found a way down her face. “I love him, and all, but he is so adamant about not having children.”
“Oh, Julie! I’m so sorry!” She handed Dave Jr to her husband then slid in next to Julie. She put her arms around her friend. “It didn’t take Dave that long. We had talked about children before we married. We’ve both decided to wait a year. Keep praying for Eric. He just needs a little boost from God.” She gave Julie a squeeze. “You’ll pull through.”
Monica’s words of comfort didn’t seem to help the pain go away, but Julie appreciated them. “I will.” She smiled.
“Well, sweetheart, ready to find a table for us?” Monica asked her husband.
“Yes. Hang in there, Julie! We men can be stubborn, but love, usually, wins out.”
Monica scooted out then took Little Dave Holden from him. Julie waved to them as they walked to another table.
“Thank you, God for sending Monica and her family my way.” Julie finished her lunch then walked to the counter to pay her bill. “—See you later, Julz!”
“Sure thing!” The woman said from the kitchen.
***
It was difficult for Julie to keep her mind off herself while she worked behind the counter, ringing up sales. She could see young mothers coming in with their little ones causing the pain in her heart to deepen.
