For Paulo, for herself, for Lucas. And for the strength to face her fear. She would not think about the past right now. Ella would be back in a few minutes. She’d taken a short break to run a few personal errands before ensconcing herself by Paulo’s side.Reaching for the backpack Anna carried in lieu of a purse, she grabbed her Bible and turned to the verse that had become her mantra over the last four years. God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. She whispered the verse to herself, praying, God, I know the time has come to face the past, but I’ve got to be honest with You. I’m scared. Really, really scared…and I don’t want to be. Don’t let the fear handicap me. Could You please keep Your hand of protection on whatever it is I’m getting myself back into?“Hey.”She looked up to see Lucas standing in the door looking rumpled and wonderful, his reddish-blond hair windblown…or maybe it was messy from the number of times he’d shoved his fingers through it.
