Stories from Lightport, MassachusettsMore stories from your favorite characters in The Front Row Series
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Stories from Lightport, MassachusettsMore stories from your favorite characters in The Front Row Series
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Josiah Barrett got used to getting up early when he was fourteen years old. Reluctantly, his mother would remind him. Lighport High School didn’t have a swimming pool, so the swim team had to practice at the college. Before school. At 6 am. It was brutal, and looking back, his mom bore the brunt of his teenage attitude about it.
But now, a decade later, his body was conditioned to early mornings. It was why Pete at The Daymark paid him to open up the diner and start the griddle in the mornings. It was why he met his Dad as the sun came up on Sunday mornings to open up the church for services. He was a rarity - a morning person. It was why he was enjoying this beautiful sight the morning after his wedding. Kate was still asleep, clutching one pillow to her chest while another was beneath her head. Her fine, strawberry blonde hair was probably what she would call “a mess,” but to him it simply looked ethereal. Little wisps framed her face, and strands fell across her shoulder. She had started off the night cuddled against his chest, but that hadn’t lasted long. She’d wrinkled up her nose, told him he was as hot as a furnace, and wriggled away from him. Then he’d teased her as she’d gathered up pillows and pulled up the comforter. He’d rolled over to face her, and they’d talked and laughed until they fell asleep, never bothering to get dressed. He rolled over now and ran a hand over her bare back where the comforter had slipped down. She shivered but didn’t wake up. A lump of emotion filled his throat as he thought about how perfect the night before had been. He’d worried that their mistake a few months ago would cheapen their wedding night or cast a pall of regret over it. God was good, however. His grace was truly sufficient, and it overwhelmed him. Kate shifted again, and her eyes blinked. She released a deep sigh, and without opening her eyes, mumbled a question. “What time is it?” Josiah looked over his shoulder at the clock on the nightstand. “A little after seven.” Kate groaned. “Then why are you awake? It’s vacation.” He laughed lightly. “How can I sleep when there’s an angel in bed next to me?” “I’m disappointed in you, preacher’s kid.” Kate’s eyes were still closed, but a teasing smile played at the corner of her lips. “That is theologically incorrect.” “Oh is it?” he teased, wrapping an arm around her waist and nuzzling his nose into her hair. Kate giggled and squirmed in his arms. “I’m no angel, and I’m trying to sleep here.” Her eyes were still closed; she was determined, he’d give her that. Or stubborn. Probably both. Definitely both. Josiah rolled onto his back, pulling Kate with him. She squealed, her eyes flying open. She landed on his chest, and his heartbeat kicked up. Her hair was wild around her face, and some of it tickled his chin. “Okay, then I woke up with the world’s most beautiful woman in my bed. How can I sleep?” She smiled at him then; a sleepy, almost dreamy smile that spoke of contentment, peace, and safety. All the things that had eluded her for so long. He gathered her closer, tucking her against his side, and brushed his lips across her forehead. “I can tell you’re still tired, go back to sleep,” he whispered against her hair. “Hmmm,” she mumbled, her fingers dragging through his chest hair. She was asleep within moments, her hand going limp right above where his heart thumped for her. He blinked at the tears welling suddenly in his eyes, surprised at the emotion flooding him again. “Thank you, Lord,” he whispered. Thanks for the woman in his arms, and thanks for the grace that made her feel safe there.
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Melanie TillmanI am a former English teacher turned homeschool mom of three who writes Christian romance novels on the side. You know, in my huge amount of spare time. Archives
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