Longing

  Longing

  KAREN

  KINGSBURY

  NEW YORK TIMES

  BESTSELLING AUTHOR

  BAILEY FLANIGAN

  SERIES

  BOOK THREE

  DEDICATION

  To Donald, my Prince Charming …

  Tyler is gone to Liberty University and Kelsey is more than half finished with college, but here’s what’s amazing: God continues to take us on one adventure after another! A move to Nashville? Who could’ve seen that coming? So many exciting transitions ahead. It hit me the other day just how much I really love you. We’ve been busy with kids, but at the end of a trip or a day or an afternoon … I look across the room and see you and I know that God has given us the greatest gift of all in each other. You constantly tell me I’m beautiful or that you wish we were together more. In every way you make me feel like a princess living out a fairytale that is more wonderful with every year. Thank you for that, Donald. Thank you for being so steady and strong and good and kind. Hold my hand and walk with me through the coming seasons … the graduations and growing up and getting older. All of it’s possible with you by my side. Let’s play and laugh and sing and dance. And together we’ll watch our children take wing. The ride is breathtakingly wondrous. I pray it lasts far into our twilight years. Until then, I’ll enjoy not always knowing where I end and you begin. I love you always and forever.

  To Kelsey, my precious daughter …

  Only one year left of college, and I am amazed at how far you’ve come, Kelsey … how much you’ve grown. Your time in California — though some of the most painful days in your life and mine for reasons we both understand — was a time God used to raise you into the strikingly beautiful young woman you are today, inside and out. Your commitment to living for Him even in your loneliest days stands as an example for teenage girls and young women everywhere. I have watched you learn to love serving and listening and helping others — more than you care for yourself. I remember one day not long ago when you were still in California — alone and heartbroken — and you called. “Listen to this!” Hope filled your voice. “Some great Bible verses I found today. They’re perfect for where God has me.” You didn’t know this, but your dad and I were in our room, and you were on speakerphone. The two of us exchanged a look — the sort of look that could only be shared between two parents who have prayed a lifetime for a child, only to see God’s answer in a single moment. I’m so glad that hard year is over … and that God has brought friends into your life who know your heart. Really know it. Friends who make you laugh and dream and believe what only yesterday felt impossible. Like I told you, sweetheart, God cleared away the old and wrong to make way for the new and right. Whoever he is, honey, God is preparing him for that time when the two of you will be together forever. Until then, you keep being the light of our family, the laughter in our hearts … and that one-in-a-million girl who inspired an entire series. My precious Bailey Flanigan, I pray that God will bless you mightily in the years to come, and that you will always know how He used this time in your life to draw you close to Him, and to prepare you for what’s ahead. In the meantime, you’ll be in my heart every moment. And wherever you sing and dance and act for Him, we’ll be in the front row! I love you, sweetheart.

  To Tyler, my lasting song …

  You’re gone to college and the house is quieter for the change. But even so I can’t begin to express how proud I am, how happy my heart is that you are at Liberty University singing for Jesus. I guess I knew deep down you’d end up at LU ever since we toured it a year ago. “If heaven had a university,” I said that day. And right now it feels that right for this season of your life. You’re not too far away now that we’re in Nashville, and very soon you’ll wind up back in our new home. I believe that. Still, I thank God for Skype and school breaks, when we’ll see you in person again. In the meantime I believe with all my heart that God has you right where He wants you. Learning so much — about performing for Him and becoming the man He wants you to be. I feel a little like I did when you left for kindergarten. Like I want to line up your professors and mentors and friends and let them know that you’re not just any freshman. You’re that rare guy with a most beautiful heart for God and others. Your dad and I are so proud of you, Ty. We’re proud of your talent and your compassion for people and your place in our family. And we’re proud you earned a scholarship to Liberty University. However your dreams unfold, we’ll be cheering loudest as we watch them happen. Hold on to Jesus, son. I love you.

  To Sean, my happy sunshine …

  How wonderful to see you running and dribbling and dunking on the basketball court again, last year’s injury behind you finally and fully. This past summer was a crazy one, picking up and moving to Nashville in little more than a few weeks’ time. But God was calling us, and we wanted nothing more than to follow Him. Already I can say I’m so glad we did. Especially as you have started working out with the basketball team at your new school. Basketball is at an entirely different level here, and I know you’re having to work harder than ever. But that’s been good for you, and along the way you’ve kept the most amazing attitude. That’s the one thing that sets you apart, Sean. Besides your athleticism and concern for people, you have this happiness that defines the joy God must be talking about when He commands it for all of us. Be joyful, He tells us. And so in our family you give us a little better picture of how that looks. On top of that, I love how you’ve gotten more comfortable talking with me and Dad and Kelsey about your life. Stay that close to us, Sean. Remember, home is always the place where your heart is safe. Your dream of playing college basketball is alive and real. Keep working … keep pushing … keep believing. Go to bed every night knowing you did all you could to prepare yourself for the doors God will open in the days ahead. I pray that as you soar for the Lord, He will allow you to be a very bright light indeed. You’re a precious gift, son. Keep smiling and keep seeking God’s best.

  To Josh, my tenderhearted perfectionist …

  Can it be you’re starting your junior year? Our move to Nashville was intended to benefit you and Sean most of all. Because having just two more years of high school left, there was no time like this year to get involved with a school whose bar is exceptionally high at every level. The way we want that bar set for you. I feel this is the beginning of so many exciting times for you, Josh. College coaches looking at your football and soccer skills and the very real possibility that you’ll play competitive sports at the next level. But even with all your athleticism, I’m most proud of your growth this past year. You’ve grown in heart, maturity, kindness, quiet strength, and the realization that time at home is short. God is going to use you for great things, and I believe He’ll put you on a public platform to do it. Stay strong in Him; listen to His quiet whispers so you’ll know which direction to turn. I’m so proud of you, son … I’ll forever be cheering on the sidelines. Keep God first in your life. I love you always.

  To EJ, my chosen one …

  EJ, my jokester, this move to Tennessee has been hardest for you, for sure. And yet, even so, from the beginning you have said, “Whatever you and Dad think is right, that’s what we’ll all do, and God will lead us.” You are starting your sophomore year in a new place, and already I can see that with a good attitude comes growth and more opportunity for you. School seems to be your thing, and for that I’m so proud of you. I see you sitting at the counter or at the computer working hard as you can for those A’s and B’s and I wonder if you know that your effort really will go somewhere. One day not too far off from here, you’ll be applying to colleges, thinking about the career choices ahead of you, the path God might be leading you down. Wherever that path takes you, keep your eyes on Jesus and you’ll always be as full of possibility as you are today
. I expect great things from you, EJ, and I know the Lord expects that, too. So glad you’re a part of our family … always and forever. I love you more than you know. I’m praying you’ll have a strong passion to use your gifts for God as you move through your sophomore year. Thanks for your giving heart, EJ. I love you so.

  To Austin, my miracle boy …

  As you enter your last year of middle school in a brand new place, I see you becoming such a godly leader, determined to succeed for Him, standing taller — and not just because you’ve grown so much this past year. I love the fact that before we moved you stopped in at one of the baseball games from last year’s team and the dads didn’t recognize you. They wondered who that man was in the dugout. Not for a minute did they believe it was Austin, eight inches taller than when they saw you last. In the past season I’ve seen your competitive drive like never before. Some days you come home from training with tears and some days you come home with frustrated silence. Austin, I love that you care enough to be and do your best. It shows in your straight A’s and it shows in the way you treat your classmates. Of course it absolutely shows when you’re playing basketball. But always remember what I’ve told you about that determination. Let it push you to be better, but never, ever let it discourage you. You’re so good at life, Austin. Keep the passion and keep that beautiful faith of yours. Every single one of your dreams are within reach. Keep your eyes on Him … and we’ll keep our eyes on you … our youngest son. With you come a host of lasts, but I hold on a little longer to every one. I refuse to focus on tomorrow when you’re giving us so much to smile about today. There is nothing more sweet than cheering you on — from the time you were born, through your heart surgery until now. I thank God for you, for the miracle of your life. I love you, Austin.

  And to God Almighty, the Author of Life, who has — for now — blessed me with these.

  Contents

  Cover

  Title Page

  Dedication

  Forever in Fiction®

  One

  Two

  Three

  Four

  Five

  Six

  Seven

  Eight

  Nine

  Ten

  Eleven

  Twelve

  Thirteen

  Fourteen

  Fifteen

  Sixteen

  Seventeen

  Eighteen

  Nineteen

  Twenty

  Twenty-One

  Twenty-Two

  Twenty-Three

  Twenty–Four

  Twenty-Five

  Twenty-Six

  Twenty-Seven

  Reader Letter

  Discussion Questions

  Loving

  Acknowledgments

  What Readers are Saying About Karen Kingsbury’s Books

  Other Life-Changing Fiction™ by Karen Kingsbury

  Copyright

  About the Publisher

  Share Your Thoughts

  FOREVER IN FICTION®

  FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS NOW, I’VE HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF offering Forever in Fiction®* as an auction item at fund-raisers across the country. Many of my more recent books have had Forever in Fiction characters, and I often hear from you reader friends that you look forward to this part of my novels, reading this section to see which characters in the coming pages are actually inspired by real-life people, and learning a little about their real stories. Then you enjoy looking for them in the coming pages, knowing with a smile how it must feel to their families seeing their names Forever in Fiction.

  In Longing, I bring you two very special Forever in Fiction characters. The first is Lance Egbers, age sixty, whose friends pitched in to make him Forever in Fiction at the Whitinsville Christian School auction. Lance has been the much-loved principal at the school for a very long time. In addition, Lance has been married to his best friend Roseann for thirty-seven years, and together they enjoy hot-tubbing, sledding, and hiking around their large country house. Lance’s hobbies include remodeling furniture, fixing things, and spending time with his three grandchildren. People know Lance for the way he lives his life as a Christian. In Longing, Lance is the opposing football coach in the state title game against Cody Coleman and the Lyle Buckaroos. He plays a man known throughout the state for his character, and as such he serves as a role model for Cody.

  The second Forever in Fiction character is Bill Dillman, age eighty-one, whose daughter Marcia Ridenour won the right to place him in this book at the King’s Way Christian School auction. Bill is a godly man with tremendous history of loyalty and laughter and living the vibrant life. He has been married for more than sixty years to his forever love, Barbara. Before retiring, Bill was a highly successful salesman, even while serving as a deacon at his church and singing in the gospel quartet. His family likes to say Bill could sell snow to an Eskimo. Though Bill dreamed of spending his retirement years in Florida, he gave up that plan when his sweet Barbara was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. Last year he took a rare trip from her side to accompany his family to the first Baxter Family Reunion. In Longing, Bill plays the manager in a jewelry store when a key character is shopping for an engagement ring. Bill’s wisdom and conversation that evening have a great impact — as they would in real life.

  A special thanks to both of my auction winners for supporting your various ministries and for your belief in the power of story. I pray the donations you made to your respective charities will go on to change lives, the way I pray lives will be changed by the impact of the message in Longing. May God bless you for your love and generosity.

  For those of you who are not familiar with Forever in Fiction, it is my way of involving you, the readers, in my stories, while raising money for charities. The winning bidder of a Forever in Fiction package has the right to have their name or the name of someone they love written into one of my novels. In this way they or their loved one will be forever in fiction.

  To date, Forever in Fiction has raised more than $200,000 at charity auctions. Obviously, I am only able to donate a limited number of these each year. For that reason, I have set a fairly high minimum bid on this package so that the maximum funds are raised for charities. All money goes to the charity events. If you are interested in receiving a Forever in Fiction package for your auction, write to [email protected] and write in the subject line: Forever in Fiction.

  ____________________

  *Forever in Fiction is a registered trademark owned by Karen Kingsbury.

  One

  THE RICH SMELL OF COOKED TURKEY WARMED THE HOUSE, AND for a moment Bailey Flanigan stopped at the base of the kitchen stairs and closed her eyes. Just long enough to take it all in — Thanksgiving at the house where she grew up, her boyfriend Brandon Paul in the next room with her brothers, and the sound of the NFL Lions and Cowboys playing football on TV. Everyone she loved gathered around her. Once in a while God presented a slice of time where Bailey’s whole world felt perfect. Or almost perfect. Bailey felt the smile on her lips, the peace and joy in her heart.

  This cool, cloudless Thanksgiving afternoon was one of those times.

  She leaned against the wall and tried to imagine a year from now. Would Brandon still be in her life? Would she still be part of the Broadway cast of Hairspray in New York City? Or would God lead her through still more changes?

  “Bailey?” Her mom’s voice brought her back to the moment.

  “Sorry.” She opened her eyes and stifled a laugh. “Just memorizing this, the way it feels right now.” She glanced at the stove. The potatoes were off the flame, sitting in a pot of hot water near the sink. “I’ll work on these.”

  Her mom was putting the finishing touches on a deep dish apple pie — the Flanigan family Thanksgiving favorite. She leaned close and peered toward the TV room. “Looks like it’s going well.”

  Bailey smiled and followed her mother’s gaze. Brandon was sitting next to Ricky, the two of them laughing about something. “I
didn’t tell you what happened this morning,” Bailey whispered, making sure only her mom could hear her, “what Brandon said.”

  “About having Thanksgiving with us?”

  “Yes. Actually, first he said you and Dad have made him feel so welcome.” She bit her lip, as the memory from earlier returned. “But he also said he was a little nervous. You know, about whether he would connect with Dad and the boys.”

  Her mom’s surprise showed in her eyes. “Why would he worry about that?”

  “Because …” Bailey allowed a quick look into the family room, “he knew they’d watch a lot of football today. And I guess because football’s not really Brandon’s thing.”

  “Hmmm.” Understanding slowly softened her mother’s expression. “And of course, last year Cody was here.”

  “Cody, who loves football as much as Dad and the boys.” Bailey pictured Cody in the family room, playing pool with her dad and she felt her heart sink a little. Was that only a year ago? Wherever Cody was this Thanksgiving, he hadn’t contacted her or even wished her family a happy holiday. She dismissed the thought. “Anyway, yeah. Brandon was a little worried. Like he might not fit in.” She gave her mom a crooked smile. “He hasn’t been here in a while.”

  For a long moment her mom didn’t say anything. Then she turned her back on the scene in the family room and studied Bailey. “Have you heard from him? From Cody?”

  “No.” Bailey’s tone made it clear she didn’t want to talk about Cody Coleman, not now. “If I hear from him, you’ll be the first to know. Like always.”

  Her mom angled her head. “No need to get upset.” Clearly she had picked up on Bailey’s irritation. “I just wondered. It seems crazy that none of us have heard from him.”

  Bailey exhaled and tried to see past her frustration. “He walked away when everything was perfect.” She brought her tone back to normal. “I’m sorry for sounding mad, it’s just … I don’t know, I guess his silence today shouldn’t surprise us.”