Sunrise by Karen Kingsbury

called. And Bob told me I had to be careful.” Dayne was still having weekly conversations with Bob Asher, his missionary friend in Mexico, and he was glad for the challenge of getting to know God and understanding His Word better.
    Katy wasn’t sure where Dayne was going with this. “About what?”
    “Getting a hard heart. Staying mad at them and holding it against them anytime I’m around a photographer. Bob said all that’ll do is hurt me.”
    Again Katy thanked God for the wisdom of Bob Asher. The guy seemed to always come through at the right time with the words Dayne needed to take the next step in his faith. Katy hadn’t thought much about it, but Bob was right. Dealing with his feelings toward the paparazzi was something Dayne would have to do—especially once he returned to Los Angeles.
    Maybe sooner, if the banquet manager at the Hyatt hadn’t kept quiet about their Monday meeting.
    Dayne lowered his leg to the floor and ran his fingers along Katy’s face. “I’ve just had the best day ever.” He cupped the back of her head with his hand and studied her. “I don’t want to talk about the paparazzi.”
    Katy was always amazed at how quickly her feelings could intensify when Dayne was close to her this way. Suddenly she couldn’t think from the nearness of him. “Dayne . . .” She was going to tell him that maybe they should step outside, sit on the front porch glider, and look at the stars—anything to keep from getting too close to him.
    But before she could say anything, Dayne brought his other hand up alongside her face. “I love you.” He breathed the words against her face. They weren’t filled with the familiar desire but with a desperation, especially in light of all they’d been given, all they’d almost lost.
    He brushed his lips against hers, and for the sweetest minute they let themselves be lost in the moment, in the rush of everything they felt for each other.
    When she came up for air, she sat back. “So . . . you think Jenny’ll smell the smoke in the kitchen?”
    A chuckle filled his throat. “In other words, we better take a break?”
    Katy drew a quick breath and released it slowly. “I know I better.”
    The house was quiet except for the occasional sound of the ice maker and the subtle hum of the heater. Tonight was supposed to get down into the twenties, and Jenny and Jim kept the house cozy.
    “Maybe we should light the fireplace in the living room.” Dayne grinned. “Then the smell wouldn’t be so obvious.”
    “Thanks.” She gave him a playful push. “Seriously, it’s not that bad, is it?”
    Before he could answer, the phone rang. For the past hour she’d almost forgotten about Cody Coleman and the battle he was waging against alcohol poisoning. Now she looked at Dayne, and fear painted broad strokes across her heart. “Probably Jenny.” She hopped up and ran to the kitchen, picking up the receiver on the third ring. “Hello?”
    “Katy?” The relief in Jenny’s voice filled the phone line in as much time as it took her to say Katy’s name. She uttered a quick cry. “Cody’s awake. His doctor said he’s going to be okay.”
    “Oh, Jenny . . . thank You, God.” She closed her eyes for a few seconds and silently prayed. Every year kids died from drinking too much. But by God’s grace alone, Cody Coleman wouldn’t be one of them. Not this time.
    “He’s groggy and nauseous and embarrassed.” Jenny sounded drained from the vigil. “He can’t believe he nearly died and all he put us through.”
    Katy turned and caught Dayne’s eye. She nodded and gave him a thumbs-up. Then she gripped the phone a little tighter. “He needs help. . . . Does he realize that?”
    “He’s still pretty sick, but yes. He’s more broken than I’ve ever seen him. He’s been awake for about an hour, and the tears keep streaming down his face.”
    “Maybe this’ll turn things around for him.”
    “I think so.” The relief was back in Jenny’s voice.