Unveil (15 page)

After taking one last bite of her sugary cereal, Mom stood. “Remember, we’re going to Grandma’s for dinner tonight.”

Swallowing a giant bite, I nodded.

Mom dropped her bowl in the sink, turned on the faucet. As she rinsed out her dishes, I looked around at the cheery kitchen with lemon yellow walls. Bright California sun shone in through the large picture windows.

A knock sounded at the door. I shot out of my chair. After setting my bowl and spoon into the sink, I raced to answer it.

“Good morning, beautiful.” Isaac smiled the minute I opened the door. Then he leaned down to kiss me softly.

My heart fluttered in my chest. As I bent down to retrieve my backpack from off the ground, Mom stepped into the room.

“Hey, Isaac.” She waved in his direction.

“Hi, Ms. Smith.”

I flung my backpack over my shoulder.

“Hope your classes go well today.” Mom grinned.

“Thanks. You have fun at the salon.”

“I always do,” Mom trilled as Isaac and I walked outside into the warm morning air. The roses by the side of the house emitted a sweet scent. I loved the little house Mom and I rented. It was so much cleaner and nicer than the one we had in Washington. Not only that, but it was only a few miles from Grandma’s place.

As I hopped into Isaac’s car, I thought about how weird it was that Mom and Grandma didn’t get along for most of my life. Now they were practically inseparable. Of course, a lot changed when Mom became a Christian. Everything was different about her now.

“Ready for your math midterm?” Isaac raised his brows.

I groaned. “Not even a little.”

He reached over and squeezed my hand. “I’m sure you’ll do great.”

“You know me. I’m terrible at math. I was up all night studying.” I threaded my fingers through his, enjoying the feeling of his skin against mine.

As Isaac drove down the street, I unrolled the window and allowed fresh air to spill into the car. My hair whipped around my face.

“You should’ve asked me to come over and help you.” He winked.

I rolled my eyes. “You’d only be a distraction.”

Isaac chuckled. He flicked on his blinker and turned the corner. “Oh, your Grandma is making lasagna tonight.”

“When did she tell you that?”

“She was outside working on her garden when I left the house this morning. She invited me for dinner, too.”

I smiled, not surprised at all. Grandma loved Isaac and she especially loved that Isaac and I were together. My phone vibrated in my pocket. I pulled it out and glanced down to read the text.

Good morning!

“Haley?” Isaac asked.

I nodded while texting back.
Hey.

Are you and Isaac on the way to school?

I shot back a response.
Yes.

Tanner and I are too. Have a good day!

U 2.
I replied.

It was still funny to me that Tanner and Haley were together. I never saw it coming, but it made sense. They spent a lot of time together after Mom and I moved here the summer after graduation. Both of them stayed in Washington and attended the same college and church.

When I first found out I have to admit that I was a little jealous. But then I saw them together and realized that Tanner loved Haley in a way he never did me. Probably because my feelings were always divided. Haley loved Tanner completely. They were actually super cute together and the relationship had grown on me.

I peered over at Isaac. He threw me a heart-stopping grin. Besides, I knew I made the right choice. Isaac and I were meant to be together. I loved him so much.

Staring out the window, I took in the beautiful Folsom morning full of sunshine and vibrant flowers. People were out in full force, walking their dogs or jogging with friends. Reaching up, I grasped my cross necklace. I still wore it all the time, even though it was starting to rust a little. It gave me peace. Although I wasn’t as frightened anymore. There wasn’t much to be afraid of.

Dad and his accomplices were behind bars. Wesley hardly ever came around anymore. When he did, he never appeared to me in the flesh. He was merely the icy whisper, the doubt, the nudge of temptation I felt sometimes.

I rarely saw angels or demons anymore. I didn’t need to. I knew they were all around me. But I’d claimed victory over the demonic before and I could do it again. I had witnessed God’s incredible power, and I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that He would always win.

Other Titles by Amber Garza

Prowl Trilogy:

Prowl

Entice

Unveil

Engraved

Delaney’s Gift Series

Dazzle (Fall 2012)

Shatter (Early 2013)

Betray (2013)

Awaken (2013)

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UNVEIL
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UNVEIL
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