Wonders Of The Heart

Wonders Of The Heart
Ruth Scofield

TO EVERYTHING THERE IS A SEASONAnd Spring had just arrived in Chad Alexander's household. Namely, Spring Barbour, an effervescent young woman who brought a breath of fresh air to the jaded businessman's world–along with a storm of temptation….A TIME TO HEALOfficially, Spring was under Chad's roof for one purpose: to look after his orphaned kid sister. But as she sensed the anguish in her handsome employer's lonely heart, she suspected the Lord had another plan….A TIME TO LOVEUntil Spring came along, Chad's life was about work and worry. Now it was bursting with so much more: faith, laughter–even hope that he might build a future with the woman who had changed everything….

Spring wished she had artistic talent. She’d love to capture Chad on paper as he looked this very moment.

His hair reflected golden streaks under the lamplight, and the shadowed light gave his nose strength while it softened the tired lines around his mouth. An unexpected tenderness crept over her; she wanted so badly to smooth those lines away, to feel the texture of his skin beneath her fingers.

The man needed to go to bed…to sleep solidly until morning. It couldn’t hurt to merely suggest he call it a night.

She lowered herself beside him, keeping her focus squarely on his face. She leaned forward to place her hand on his shoulder. His soft breath brushed her skin, sending a quiver up her arm.

RUTH SCOFIELD

became serious about writing after she’d raised her children. Until then, she’d concentrated her life on being a June Cleaver–type wife and mother, spent years as a Bible student and teacher for teens and young adults and led a weekly women’s prayer group. When she’d made a final wedding dress and her last child had left the nest, she declared to one and all that it was her turn to activate a dream. Thankfully, her husband applauded her decision.

Ruth began school in an old-fashioned rural two-room schoolhouse and grew up in the days before television, giving substance to her notion that she still has one foot in the last century. However, active involvement with six rambunctious grandchildren has her eagerly looking forward to the next millennium. After living on the East Coast for years, Ruth and her husband now live in Missouri.

Wonders of the Heart

Ruth Scofield

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness,

and all these things will be given to you as well.

—Matthew 6:33

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and

certain of what we do not see. This is what the

ancients were commended for.

—Hebrews 11:1–2

To the BICC gang.

May you all continue long and creatively

as each of you balance life with gracious dedication

to love, family, your talent and our Father.

And to my daughters, Karen, Laura and Lisa,

who do the same. God bless you.

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

Chapter Nineteen

Letter to Reader

Chapter One

Chad Alexander unlocked the door and entered his apartment. Too tired and hungry for comfort, he wondered if there was anything edible left in his kitchen. He should’ve swallowed his distaste for airport food, he guessed now, and grabbed something before starting for home. He didn’t think he had any energy left to visit Harry’s Grill, the closest place where he could order a decent meal.

He listened for his sister, Honor Suzanne.

On first observation, the apartment was fairly quiet. A CD played. He recognized the music only as a classical piece. One table lamp shed a narrow stream of light from the living room.