Coveting Love (Jessica Crawford) Read Online Free PDF Page B

someone in need, these women were there. They routinely sent care packages to children in orphanages all over the world, shamelessly soliciting money from big companies all over the United States, refusing to accept no for an answer. They were right there with letters of gratitude and care packages for the volunteers of the nine-eleven attack. Most recently, one could find them working endless hours going door-to-door collecting items to ship to the troops fighting overseas.
    “ Yes, she does,” Sarah answered, pleased that her daughter had remembered something from her days in church. “In fact,” she continued, “if you girls are around on Sunday, perhaps you would like to attend service with me. I’m sure she will be there, and I’ll bet Rev. Clarke would be surprised, and delighted, to see you.”
    Jessica frowned at her mother, catching her point well. This was another mission she was on; get Jessica Crawford to church before her soul rots.
    “ I don’t know. We’ll have to see what happens. We have this new project we’re working on, and it’s going to take a great deal of concentration.” She stopped, suddenly aware of how stupid she sounded. It was just an excuse; of course, it was, and they all knew it.
    She flushed slightly, feeling more than a little guilty. She proceeded to tell her about the project they were starting on, leaving out the part of her meeting with Phillip Stewart.
    Amy cast a disapproving glance in her direction. Jessica returned it with a “stay out of this, it’s none of your business” look. Amy had no choice but to keep quiet, considering what Jessica was hiding for her.
    “ Well, let me know if you change your mind,” Sarah said, unable to hide the disappointment in her voice. “Now, if you two will excuse me, I think it’s rather late and time for me to turn in.”
    Jessica looked at the clock, astonished to discover that it was already two a.m. She had no idea they had been talking so long. She stood, stretched, kissed her mother good night, and then watched as she walked up the stairs.
    “ How are you feeling?” she asked, noting the look of weariness in Amy’s eyes. “I suppose we should get you into bed. You need all the rest you can get.”
    Amy nodded absently. She had other things on her mind.
    Jessica suddenly remembered her promise to talk this evening. She decided sleep could wait just a little longer. She sat back down and pulled Amy’s hand into her own.
    “ Have you thought any more about what you want for the baby?”
    Amy shook her head. “I’m not sure, Jess. This is all so sudden, and such a surprise to me. I certainly was not expecting to fall in love, get pregnant, and find out the father is married all in a course of just a few short months.”
    “ Do you really love him?”
    Amy nodded. “I think I really do.”
    Jessica arched her brow in concern. “And does he love you?”
    Amy looked thoughtful for a moment. “I don’t know. He says he does, but I can’t help feeling that if he really loved me, he would tell his wife he wants a divorce.”
    “ I agree. Maybe it would help if you told him about the baby.”
    She shook her head again. “I’m sure you’re right, Jess. But I don’t want him out of pity or obligation. I want him to marry me because he loves me, not because I’m carrying his baby.”
    “ I can’t say that I blame you. Maybe a little time away from him is a good idea. It will give him a chance to think a little, and miss you a lot.”
    Tears began to cloud Amy’s vision. “I hope so. I know you’re right about one thing. I am tired and need to get some sleep.”
    Jessica nodded in agreement. “Okay, let’s turn in.” Then as an afterthought, she added, “Maybe in the morning we could take mom to breakfast, and then perhaps do some shopping. That is, if you’re feeling up to it.”
    Amy nodded. “I think some fresh air would be nice. Then after lunch we might go down to the lake and do a little work on this