Full Circle

Full Circle Series, Vol. 1 by Anna Dynowski

Allegra returns to her home town following her mother's death, a town she had fled because of her broken romance with Nick. Even though Nick had betrayed her in the past, Allie has forgiven him--of course she has--after all it's the Christian thing to do. But it would be silly to consider resuming their romance. She had been hurt too badly the last time. Still Allie finds Nick and his young daughter irresistable.

ISBN 1-59431-257-5 Inspiration / Romance

Cover Art by Maggie Dix



CHAPTER 1

The phone peeled. Leaving the unopened box of aromatherapy candles on the counter, Allie Blackwell reached for the phone on its second ring.

“Heal Thyself Health Food Store. How may I help you?”

“May I speak to Allie Blackwell, please?” a warm masculine voice responded.

“You got her!”

“Allie, my name is Joshua Lockhart. I’m the pastor at Paradiso Tabernacle.”

“Oh, yes, my mom has mentioned you. How are you, Pastor Lockhart?” A smile tugged at her lips as she sat down on the stool behind the counter.

He hesitated before replying, “I’m fine, thank you. And please call me Joshua.”

She missed neither the slight hesitation nor the uneasiness that crept into his gentle voice. A shiver ran down her back and she shuddered. Her hand grasped the counter, her knuckles white from the pressure. An inexplicable fear gripped her. Exhaling a deep breath, she willed her fingers to release their vice-like grip and waited.

When next he spoke, his voice was full of compassion. “Allie, I’m sorry to have to tell you this, but your mother just passed away.”

Shock paralyzed her. She felt the color drain from her face. As her hand flew to her throat, she shook her head in disbelief.

“Mom passed away?” she parroted blankly, raking an unsteady hand through her hair. “That can’t be! I just spoke to her by phone two nights ago and I …I saw her three weeks ago when she came to visit me here in Toronto.” Her voice was barely a whisper. Tears flowed down her cheeks. “How? When?” she choked.

“About an hour ago. I was with her. Your mother apparently had been sick for some time. Her illness went undiagnosed until it was too late. I’m sorry, Allie. If you’d like, I can help you with the arrangements,” he offered.

She swiped at the tears rolling down her face. Why didn’t you tell me, mom?

“I’ll go home and pack a few things. I…I should be there in about four, maybe five hours,” she stammered. “Uh, where do I go? To the hospital? Or the funeral home?” She tried gallantly to clear her benumbed head.

“Why don’t you stop by the Church office and I’ll accompany you,” he suggested.

“Thank you. I’d appreciate it very much.”

As Allie replaced the phone on its hook, Samantha Jones came out from the back storage room, fussing with her wild riot of strawberry red curls.

“Honey, what’s wrong?” Samantha was at her side, draping a comforting arm around her shoulders.

Through her tear-dimmed eyes, Allie gazed at her friend. She’d first met Samantha ten years ago when Allie had escaped to Toronto. She’d been a loyal friend with her rock-solid support. Now, the concern in Samantha’s voice tugged at Allie’s heart, bringing a fresh wave of tears flowing down her cheeks.

Her words came out in gulps and gasps. “Sam, my mom just died. I…I have to go to Paradiso right away.”

“Oh, honey, I’m so sorry. Don’t worry about a thing here. I’ll hold down the fort. Just call me.”

…