Made for Each Other

Made for Each Other
Irene Brand

Single mother doesn't seek love Raising a teenager kept widow Aimee Blake too busy for a relationship. Or so she said. Her daughter was trying–with all her rebellious might–to cut the apron strings. So Aimee took some "me time." She attended a singles group and met a handsome counselor as not interested in romance as she was.With his painful family past and a failed engagement Jacob Mallory was a one-date kind of man. These days he committed only to his work. Problem was Aimee had discovered that she and Jacob were made for each other…

“Is this becoming a habit?” Jacob asked. “We keep running into each other.”

“I’m not following you,” Aimee said with a low laugh. “I promise. I didn’t know you attended this church.”

“Yes, and it’s great that you’re here. Let me find a good seat for you.” Once seated, Aimee surreptitiously watched Jacob as he carried out his duties as usher. His voice was compassionate. He was gracious to old and young alike. She noticed again how captivatingly handsome he was, and decided that Jacob’s nature matched his appearance.

Was it just coincidence or was it significant that she had encountered him three times in as many days? Her Granny always used the expression, “It was meant to be.” Could that be true of her and Jacob?

IRENE BRAND

Writing has been a lifelong interest of this author, who says that she started her first novel when she was eleven years old and hasn’t finished it yet. However, since 1984 she’s published more than thirty contemporary and historical novels and three nonfiction titles. She started writing professionally in 1977 after she completed her master’s degree in history at Marshall University. Irene taught in secondary public schools for twenty-three years, but retired in 1989 to devote herself to writing.

Consistent involvement in the activities of her local church has been a source of inspiration for Irene’s work. Traveling with her husband, Rod, to all fifty states, and to thirty-two foreign countries has also inspired her writing. Irene is grateful to the many readers who have written to say that her inspiring stories and compelling portrayals of characters with strong faith have made a positive impression on their lives. You can write to her at P.O. Box 2770, Southside, WV 25187 or visit her Web site at http://www.irenebrand.com.

Made for Each Other

Irene Brand

For if you forgive men when they sin against you,

your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

—Matthew 6:14

To the youth of Harmony Baptist Church

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

Questions for Discussion

Chapter One

“You’re going to do what?”

Aimee Blake pivoted quickly away from the vanity where she was applying her makeup and stared at her daughter. With a bulging backpack slung over her shoulder, Samantha leaned carelessly against the doorjamb, her face serene, as if she hadn’t just tossed a bombshell in her mother’s lap.

“I’m going to ride to school with Jennifer. She’s picking me up.”

“Why?”

“Duh—because she can drive now,” Samantha said, avoiding her mother’s stare. “Jennifer’s parents bought her the most awesome car. I’ll just ride to school with her from now on.”

“Without asking me if it’s okay?”

Samantha rolled her heavily made-up, smoky-gray eyes, too heavily made up for Aimee’s taste. “Puh-leeze, Mom. I’m not a kid anymore.”

“Well, at fourteen, you aren’t an adult, either,” Aimee stated decisively. “Besides, Jennifer hasn’t had her driver’s license more than a month.”

Samantha shrugged dismissively. “So? She hasn’t gotten a ticket. Proves she’s a safe driver.”

Aimee stifled a grin. Even in her frustration, she was amused at Samantha’s adolescent reasoning. Before she could discuss it any further with Samantha, Jennifer Nibert’s screeching tires announced her arrival as she sped into the driveway. A slamming car door indicated that she was on her way to the house.

“You can go with Jennifer this morning, but we’ll discuss the future tonight,” Aimee said quietly. She stepped into the hallway a second before the front door opened and Jennifer wandered inside. As usual, Aimee was startled by the girl’s appearance. She was dressed totally in black, except for the silver chains around her waist and neck. Aimee counted four earrings in her left ear, two in the other one. Heavy makeup disguised Jennifer’s beautiful facial features and gold-green eyes.

“Ready, Sam? We’ve got to go. Oh, hi, Mrs. Blake. Come and see my new car.”

With an inward sigh, Aimee stepped out on the porch. Jennifer pointed with pride to the two-door blue sports car parked in the driveway. “Pretty sweet ride, huh, Mrs. B.?” she asked Aimee.

“It’s awesome!” Samantha agreed. “I love it already.”