Lily (Song of the River) (50 page)

“What difference does that make?” Irritation colored her voice. “I’m not mar—” Her throat closed up as the implication of his question struck her.

Blake nodded. “It wouldn’t have worked in New Orleans, Lily. I know that now. You were right to push me away. But I’ve found God. It’s changed me so much. I’m not saying I’m perfect—”

“I’m sure of that.” Lily recovered her equilibrium as joy exploded within her, a feeling so strong and so pure she knew it came from God. “But I’ve never wanted to love a perfect man.”

“All I’ve been able to think about is sharing my life with you, living in His will.” Blake moved closer and brushed a tendril of hair out of her face.

Lily turned to her father. “Papa?”

He shrugged. “Blake came to me yesterday and asked for permission to court you, but if you don’t love him …”

“But I do. I do love him.” She blushed as she spoke the words and looked up at Blake.

Slowly and with great care he took her hand from her father’s arm and wrapped her in a hug. “I love you, too, my Water Lily.”

Diane T. Ashley
, a “town girl” born and raised in Mississippi, has worked more than twenty years for the House of Representatives. She rediscovered a thirst for writing, was led to a class taught by Aaron McCarver, and became a founding member of the Bards of Faith.

Aaron McCarver
is a transplanted Mississippian who was raised in the mountains near Dunlap, Tennessee. He loves his jobs of teaching at Belhaven University and editing for Barbour Publishing and Summerside Press. A member of ACFW, he is coauthor with Gilbert Morris of the bestselling series, The Spirit of Appalachia. He now coauthors with Diane T. Ashley on several historical series.