Lessons from the Heart

Dorothy Clark

When ambitious reporter David Carlson was assigned a story on her fledgling literacy center, Erin Kelly was nearly swept off her feet by his keen intelligence and incisive remarks. But the story uncovered agonizing memories Erin thought long buried and feelings she struggled to hide. Then a deadly shooting placed David's life in danger, and everything changed.While Erin's courage and spirit rocked David's natural cynicism to its core, they each needed to overcome the past if they were to have a future together. Teaching David to open his heart to God's love just might be Erin's most important lesson yet.

David smiled. “I like it when you blush.”

The warmth in her cheeks increased several degrees. She took a breath. “Then you must be very pleased at the moment.” It came out a tiny bit acerbic, which didn’t help her blush at all.

David’s smile widened. “I am.”

Smooth. Very smooth. A nervous little quiver rippled through Erin’s stomach. She grabbed her small white clutch bag off the table by the door and stepped out onto the porch before she lost her courage and bolted back to her bedroom to change into something less attractive—like an old baggy sweat suit.

“You’re not going to keep me waiting?” Shock spread across David’s face. “You’re ready to go?”

“I’m afraid so. There’s no point in more primping. This is as good as it gets.”

“It certainly is.”

DOROTHY CLARK

Critically acclaimed, award-winning author Dorothy Clark is a creative person. She lives in a home she designed and helped her husband build (she swings a mean hammer!) with the able assistance of their three children. She also designs and helps her husband build furniture. When she is not thus engaged, she can be found cheering her grandchildren on at various sports events, or furiously taking notes about possible settings for future novels as she and her husband travel throughout the United States and Canada. Dorothy believes in God, love, family and happy endings, which explains why she feels so at home writing her stories for Steeple Hill and Steeple Hill Love Inspired. Dorothy enjoys hearing from her readers and may be contacted at dorothyjclark@hotmail.com.

Lessons from the Heart

Dorothy Clark

Be ye not unequally yoked together with

unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness

with unrighteousness and what communion hath

light with darkness?

—2 Corinthians 6:14

Can two walk together, unless they be agreed?

—Amos 3:3

This book is dedicated, with affection and deep appreciation, to my editor, Krista Stroever, who gently and kindly eases me over the rough patches of the writing process with her humor, patience, enthusiasm and wonderful editing talent. And to my agent and friend, Joyce Hart. Without her faith in my writing, this book would not exist.

Thank you to the ladies of the Literacy Volunteers of Cattaraugus County for graciously answering my questions about this important work. And to all of the volunteers at all of the literacy centers across America for their dedication in helping others to a better life.

And I must extend my special thanks to Elizabeth Curtis, a sister ACFW member, who immediately stepped forward to answer my cry for help with the medical information I needed for this book. It must be all that E.R. trauma nurse training that makes her so quick to react! Whatever it is, she saved my skin. I couldn’t have written this book without your expert advice, Elizabeth. So again, thank you.

“Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.”

Your word is truth. Thank You, Jesus. To You be the glory.

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Epilogue

Letter to Reader

Chapter One

David Carlson glanced at his mirrors, signaled then pulled over into the turn lane. Disappointment rode his shoulders. H