Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 25039 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 125(@200wpm)___ 100(@250wpm)___ 83(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 25039 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 125(@200wpm)___ 100(@250wpm)___ 83(@300wpm)
Hilary was the reason I was now here, and God was the reason I remembered to ask for help from Hilary.
And as for where here was...
I threw my arms out and spun around.
Disney might be the happiest place on earth, but Sixty-Acre Woods' Sanctuary was certainly one of the most beautiful places in the world, and I still can't believe I've been working here for years.
Oh, thank You, God, thank You!
All I prayed for that night was a roof over my head, but He's given me everything on my bucket list...and more.
A job that doesn't just have my heart...but has no calorie requirement either!
A home that just isn't located in a four-season state...but one that also comes with the very best nature has to offer!
And best of all, which is the one thing I didn't even think was possible to ask for?
My new life has given me confidence.
In Him.
Because this time I know I'm not alone, never was, and never would be.
I've stopped being afraid.
Because of Him.
And that's why...
I just can't help it, you know?
The moment I'm out of the house on a crisp fine October morning like this, and I feel His presence around me so, so strongly...
I can't help it.
I simply must plug my ears and start playing the theme song from The Umbrella Academy.
♪♫♬🎶🎵
It's a half-mile hike to my workplace, but dancing my way to the Sanctuary makes the distance negligible.
A rare sighting of a golden-cheeked warbler catches my eye, and I have my camera out in a flash even as I continue grooving to the beat.
Snap! Snap! Snap!
Social media marketing isn't part of my job description, but we all do what we can to promote our non-profit, and I'm pretty sure Chickie will love these photos.
Oh yeah!
I'm still dancing and bobbing my head to the music while taking more photos along the way.
There's a squirrel and his newly found acorn—-
Snap!
Pops of pink and purple from the asters that have bloomed against a backdrop of maples and oaks—-
Snap!
A Free Little Library miniature house with its doors newly painted in orange and black.
Snap! Snap! Snap!
I'm slightly breathless by the time I reach the top of the steps, but I'm not sure if it's because of exhaustion or exhilaration.
Today is going to be a really, really good day, I can't help thinking giddily as I pop a caramel-flavored candy into my mouth.
The sweetness is as addictive as the scent of autumn, and I just have to close my eyes to savor it.
Thank You, God.
Today's going to be a good day for sure, and—-
"If you could step aside, please?"
POOOOOOOOOOP!
I whirl around in shock, and I can feel my face draining with color as a furious pair of silver eyes collides with mine.
Poop, poop, poo—-oh, poop!
My lips have been silently forming each word in my panic, and it's only when I belatedly notice his hardened expression that I realize he's been lip-reading my thoughts the entire time.
Halp, God!
I've never been easy to embarrass, but there's just something about this man that makes everything so painfully awkward.
The billionaire glances at his watch, and my cheeks heat up at the pointed reminder that I'm still standing in his way.
"I'm so, so sorry, si—-"
My voice trails off as he walks past me like I'm invisible.
Ouch.
My mind does its best to make light of the situation, but my heart is already breaking.
I'm hurting, alright, and how can I not?
Hale has had my heart since day one.
On the other hand, everyone in the Sanctuary knows how much the billionaire hates my guts...and why.
I still don't understand, God.
Hale's parents lost their lives because of a millionaire who had consumed one too many tequilas. And while my stepfather hadn't actually killed anyone, Henry had also ruined lives, albeit in a different way.
If Hale isn't the man You chose for me, then...
As far as the billionaire's concerned, an apple can't fall far from the tree, and since I see no chance of ever changing his mind—-
Why do I love him still?
Four Years Ago
HALE'S STEPS SLOWED to a halt upon entering the Rodent Room. Animal Week was one of the Sanctuary's most important annual celebrations, and today in particular saw his foundation hosting over a thousand students from various public schools.
Early education was an essential key to preventing senseless animal cruelty, but this one, though...
Hale caught the eye of a passing employee, and the younger man hurried towards him.
"Yes, sir?"
Hale checked the nameplate on the guy's shirt. "Jacob, isn't it?"
The man beamed at being addressed by name. "Yes, Mr. Hale."
Hale gestured to the exhibit. "When did we put this up?"
"The hamster exhibit? About three weeks ago, sir. It was sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery."
Ah.
He did recall Harry and Devon telling him about adding a new exhibit, but Hale had assumed it would be something more on brand with the couple's Evergreen ranch, such as something equine. Or bovine.