My Valentine Read online

  “I present the happy couple, Mr. and Mrs. Pierce Blackwell,” the minister announced.

  “Oh, Pierce!” Constance said, coming to hug her big brother. “I’m sohappy for you! How wonderful to get married on Valentine’s Day!”

  “He only did that so he could avoid going to the bachelor ball again,” Dennison teased then added, “My dear, you are a radiant bride. Welcome to our family.” He kissed her lightly on the cheek and hugged her gently.

  “Thank you,” Darlene whispered. “Thank you for everything.”

  Eugenia Blackwell Morgan’s absence from the wedding did nothing to spoil the fun. The house staff laid out a wonderful wedding breakfast and everyone gorged themselves until they could hold no more. Pierce had worried that Darlene would regret such a small wedding, but she assured him over and over that it was only important that he be there, whether the rest of the world showed up or not.

  When evening came and the couple made their way to the privacy of their first bedroom as man and wife, Darlene felt an uneasy nervous flutter in her stomach and trembled when Pierce lifted her to carry her across the threshold.

  “I love you,” he said, gently putting her down again. “I will always love only you.”

  Darlene’s nerves instantly settled. She stared up into the face of her husband and smiled. “And I love you and so long as I live, you’ll be my only valentine.”

  “That reminds me,” Pierce said. He went to the large bureau and pulled open a drawer. Fishing out an envelope, he brought it to her and grinned. “Happy Valentine’s Day.”

  “But I didn’t get you anything,” she protested.

  He nuzzled her neck with a kiss. “I’m sure we’ll work that out.”

  She blushed, feeling her face grow hot. Concentrating on opening the card, she found it to be an identical replica of the one she’d lost in the fire. But this time it was signed as well.

  “To Darlene, my darling wife, with all my love, Pierce,” she read and tears came instantly to her eyes. She looked up at him and saw the tenderness in his expression and knew that God had done a wonderful thing in her life. Stepping into his arms once again, she thought of the future and the hope that lay before them. It was good to know that they would face it together. It was good to know they’d have God to guide their way.

  “Thank you for my Valentine,” she said, pulling away. “I’ll cherish it always.” She turned to place it on the bureau, but Pierce reached out and pulled her back with a deep, mischievous laugh.

  “I’m not letting you get away,” he said. Then, grinning in a roguish manner, he pulled loose the ribbon from her hair and whispered, “Now, about my Valentine. . .”

  About the Author

  Tracie Peterson, bestselling, award-winning author of over ninety fiction titles and three non-fiction books, lives and writes in Belgrade, Montana. As a Christian, wife, mother, writer, editor and speaker (in that order), Tracie finds her slate quite full.

  Voted favorite author for 1995, 1996, and 1997 by the Heartsong Presents’ readership, and awarded Affaire de Coeur’s Inspirational Romance of the Year 1994, Romantic Times 2007 Career Achievement, American Christian Fiction Writers Lifetime Achievement 2011 and other awards, Tracie enjoys the pleasure of spinning stories for readers and thanks God for the imagination He’s given. She desires that the books would Entertain, Educate, and Encourage—Tracie’s three E’s.

  Tracie was the managing editor of Heartsong Presents for Barbour Publishing for over three years and helped with acquisitions prior to that. She co-founded the American Christian Fiction Writer’s organization in 2000 and continues to work with new authors, teaching at a variety of conferences, giving workshops on inspirational romance, historical research, and anything else that offers assistance to fellow writers. She often speaks at women’s retreats and church functions. Her website is www.traciepeterson.com

  Dedication

  Dedicated to David Brown with much thanks and gratitude for the extensive research on the Jewish faith, culture, and people. Bist a mensh!