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    Veils and Vows: Reconciled and Redeemed, #3
    Veils and Vows: Reconciled and Redeemed, #3
    Veils and Vows: Reconciled and Redeemed, #3
    Ebook202 pages3 hours

    Veils and Vows: Reconciled and Redeemed, #3

    By Michelle Lynn Brown

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    About this ebook

    Renee Winters has the voice and the face of an angel.  She's the worship leader at her church, runs the Brides for Christ program for young teenage girls, and she is the chaste "bride" modeling the gowns for the bridal shop she works at.

    The problem is – it is all a lie.

    Renee's childhood was filled with memories of an alcoholic mother who paraded a slew of men in and out their home. Renee vowed she would never turn out like her, but one broken night, she runs from the nightmare of her home and into the arms of handsome bad-boy, Ian McKnight.  She laid down her vow to God that night, and woke up with a heart filled with regret.

    Since then, she has tried to erase her moment of weakness with years of faithful service. Yet each time she stands before a group of young girls, preaching about the beauty of remaining pure, she is painfully aware of her broken vows.

    Then Ian returns – a wounded soldier, a recovering alcoholic and no stranger to broken vows. Ian is the only one who knows the truth, and Renee tries to avoid him at all cost, unsure if she can trust him – or herself.  When the bridal shop she works for hires him to create their website, she realizes that she can't avoid him forever.  With his camera pointed in her direction, he tries his hardest to capture a the real Renee – the one behind the veil of lies.

    Will Ian tempt Renee to break her promises again, or will he help her understand the true nature of her vows?

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherMichelle Lynn Brown
    Release dateJun 2, 2015
    ISBN9781513020846
    Veils and Vows: Reconciled and Redeemed, #3
    Author

    Michelle Lynn Brown

    Best-selling author, Michelle Lynn Brown is a housewife, mother of three, writer, blogger, hopeless romantic, and a cuddly lap for one very large cat. She was born in Dayton, Ohio, but raised in El Paso, Texas. The Lord has blessed her with the opportunity to live in many locations, from Germany to Oklahoma, where she now resides. When she was a teenager, her mother used to take her to used books stores at least once a month. It was there she fell in love with the written word. As a writer, she uses this passion to share with others the joy of having a personal and intimate relationship with Christ. Like the flawed characters that grace her books, she has had many stumbles and struggles in her life. God's grace and mercy through these trials have kept her on her knees. It is from this humble position that she seeks to minister through her writing - not as someone who has it all figured out, but just someone who has figured out how wonderful and awesome God is.

    Read more from Michelle Lynn Brown

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      Book preview

      Veils and Vows - Michelle Lynn Brown

      Copyright © 2014 Michelle Lynn Brown

      Veils and Vows - Volume Three in the Reconciled and Redeemed Series

      Cover Design by Michelle Lynn Brown

      Image © Gromovataya / Bigstock Photo (43608841)

      Image © Kiya / Bigstock Photo (3902596)

      Image © Curaphotography / Bigstock Photo (34169258)

      Image © Rustie / Bigstock Photo (63584728)

      SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

      No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form, stored in any retrieval system, posted on any website, or transmitted in any form without written permission from the publisher, except for brief quotations in printed reviews and articles.

      This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author's imagination and are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to locations, actual events, or persons, either living or dead, is coincidental.

      Dedication

      Veils and Vows is in memory of

      Sandra Jean Turpin

      You will never know how your simple act of kindness moved me beyond words.

      Acknowledgements

      This book would not have been possible without the grace and mercy of my Lord, Jesus Christ, who strengthens me daily. May these words bring glory and honor to You.

      I will never grow tired of thanking my editor, Nat Davis of Davis Professionals. Working with her on this series has been a wonderful blessing.

      Many thanks to the Christian Indie Author’s Group for their mentoring, wisdom and guidance.

      If you think you are standing strong,

      be careful not to fall.

      1 Corinthians 10:12

      Chapter One

      T hanks for walking me home, Kay, Renee Winters said as the two girls neared the entrance of the mobile home park Renee lived in.

      Raucous laughter erupted from a group of boys sitting on top of the park benches nearby.

      Kay’s eyes slid toward the benches. On second thought, it might be better if I walk you to your trailer. Besides, Kay added with a shrug, I can cut through your yard and get home faster.

      Renee looked over toward the clubhouse area where a handful of teenagers sat on the picnic benches, a six-pack of beer between them. Renee shrugged. It’s just Ian and his friends. They may be jerks, but Ian keeps them in line.

      Kay’s brows drew together in concern as she stared in Ian’s direction. What about him? Who keeps him in line?

      Renee chuckled at her friend’s concern. He brings me hot cocoa with marshmallows. With a wistful smile, Renee started to walk away. He is so sweet.

      Kay grabbed her by the forearm, pulling her to a stop. Come on, Renee. You can’t be that naïve. The way he looks at you reminds me of a hungry panther.

      Renee laughed at her friend’s description as the two began to stroll toward Renee’s home again. He’s really nice, despite his reputation.

      I know you think he’s cute, but be careful, Renee.

      I don’t think he’s cute. He’s just... Renee hugged her Bible toward her chest and turned toward the object of their discussion. He understands and doesn't judge. We talk and we help each other.

      Kay lowered her voice as they neared the clubhouse. He’s exactly what we were talking about tonight in Bible study class – a wolf in sheep’s clothing. You two have that troubled family connection, but he is just the type of guy to use that to his own advantage.

      Renee shook her head. You’re wrong, Kay. He’s really nice and respectful when I’m around. He would never try anything. Renee paused then added, Besides, you don’t have to worry about me. I will never be like my mom.

      Being like your mom is one thing, but I’m talking about giving in to temptation.

      Renee laughed. Don’t worry. I would never be tempted to be like my mom.

      Kay was about to say something when she was interrupted by the whistles of the boys. Ian looked their way and Renee shivered as his eyes met hers. Kay’s description of him fit – tall, lean and lithe, he moved with the grace of a panther and the hard edge to his silver-blue eyes made him appear just as lethal. Yet they softened when she offered him a hesitant smile.

      Renee watched as he stood up, throwing his empty beer can in the trash. Really? Ian growled at his friends. How old are you guys? She heard his scathing comment and shivered at the silent warning that hovered between his words.

      One of the boys didn't heed the warning. You just want that little saint for yourself. The rest of his comment disintegrated under Ian’s steely glare.

      Come on; let’s hurry. Kay grabbed her by the elbow and propelled her along, but not before Renee turned back to send a thankful smile toward her defender.

      As they rounded the corner, she stopped in her tracks when she saw a strange car in her driveway. Ugh. I think I was safer with Ian.

      Whose car is that? One of your mom’s boyfriends?

      Renee scoffed. That is a generous way of defining the men in her life.

      As Renee stood there, hesitating if she should go in or not, Kay spoke up. Why don’t you come over to my house?

      She wavered, not wanting to go inside the trailer, but knowing she wasn’t welcome in Kay’s home. I don’t think so. You know your mom doesn’t like me.

      It’s not you... Kay explained.

      It’s my mom – and your mother thinks I am just like her.

      No, she’s just worried that all of your mom’s influences might... Kay stopped and tried to word it differently. She knows that you’re always around all of that sinful behavior, and it might...

      Renee scoffed, Rub off on me?

      Kay started to deny it, while Renee tried to pretend it didn’t bother her - but the words hurt. Look, don’t worry about me. I’ll run to my room and lock myself in. They probably won’t even notice I’m there.

      Kay hesitated. Okay, but call me in a few and let me know everything is okay.

      Renee embraced her friend and then walked up the stairs, the worn, rotted wood creaking beneath her feet.

      She opened the door, and the smell of cigarette smoke and sweat assaulted her senses before she even stepped inside the house. Renee found her mom sitting in the lap of a man at least ten years younger than her. Upon seeing Renee, the man smiled, revealing several missing teeth.

      Well, hello, lovely.

      Ugh, was all Renee could manage without releasing the bile that was starting to rise in her throat.

      Her mom pulled the man’s blurry gaze back toward her. Don’t pay her any attention, Scott. She thinks she’s too good for us.

      Her mom bent and whispered something in the man’s ear, and Renee took that opportunity to walk swiftly to her room. The man’s hearty chuckle sent a shiver down her spine. Whatever her mom had whispered in his ear was a promise the woman was about to deliver. Renee wasn't sticking around to see that. She had witnessed too much in her short eighteen years of life.

      Once inside, she turned the lock and leaned against the door, struggling to still her quivering chin. Why God? Why does she have to be like that? Pushing off the door, she pulled out her phone to call Kay.

      Are you okay?

      Yeah, I’m locked in my room.

      I’m sorry your mom is such... Kay caught herself. I’m sorry she acts like she does.

      Me too. It wasn’t always bad, you know. When I was little, she used to be different.

      Well, we will keep praying for her.

      Yeah. Renee’s voice was distant. Talk to you tomorrow, okay.

      After she hung up, she walked over to the window and separated the plastic blinds with two fingers. She could see Ian and his friends were still at the benches. As if he sensed her watching, he turned toward her trailer.

      Closing the blinds, she curled up on her bed. Renee thought about what Kay had said, but Ian was nothing like the man out in the living room. Whenever her mom was entertaining a man, Renee would leave and sit on the benches. About two months ago, Ian and his friends started hanging out near there.

      Their friendship began with him standing up for Renee when his friends harassed her. Then he started staying behind when they took off. Before she knew it, he was bringing her hot chocolate on cold nights or bottled water on hot nights. Most of all, he brought her a smile, a shoulder, and understanding.

      He is just as wounded as I am.

      Trying to shake her thoughts of Ian, Renee started working on her homework. It wasn’t long before she heard the rattle of her doorknob.

      Go away, mom.

      It’s not your mama, sweetie, the man slurred. Now open up.

      No.

      The handle jiggled more forcefully, and then she heard the push button lock spring open. The man stood in the doorway, a grin on his toothless face. He folded the pocketknife he used to open the door, and slid it into his back pocket.

      Did you think a flimsy little lock could keep me out?

      Renee swallowed hard, wondering if she could get the window open and escape before he got to her.

      I will scream for my mom.

      He laughed. She’s so drunk she can barely stand.

      Her eyes danced around the room, furtively looking for something to defend herself with. She inched toward her bedside table, a little round plywood table with a pink and green cloth covering it. It held her Bible, her clock, and a lamp.

      When the man lunged for her, she leapt for the table and grabbed for the lamp, bringing it down on his head.

      He slumped to the floor, but Renee wasn’t sticking around to survey the damage. She grabbed her purse and headed out the door as fast as she could.

      She had barely made it out to the deck when her mom’s shrill voice stopped her.

      What did you do to him?

      Me? Renee half turned, aghast at the notion that she was to blame. He tried to attack me.

      Right. Her mom scoffed, pulling the worn satin wrap around her thin body. You probably seduced him while I was in the bathroom. You are always trying to turn the heads of my men.

      Seduced? Renee shook her head. I’m not you, mom. I’m not interested in giving my body out for every man to use.

      Her mom laughed. I see you with that dark-haired boy all the time. You can pretend you are miss goody-two-shoes, but I see the way you look at him. And I know what it means when a man looks at a woman the way he looks at you.

      Renee just shook her head and started walking down the stairs.

      Trust me, Renee. You think he is sweet now, but he wants one thing, and when he asks for it, you will give it to him. Sooner or later, you will be just like me.

      Renee ran from her mom’s words, down the driveway, and started heading toward the clubhouse. Her heels dug into the loose gravel of the road as she abruptly halted her steps. Knowing Ian was there, she double-backed and opted to go in the opposite direction.

      The streets in the mobile home were a maze of winding roads that all lead to the clubhouse and entrance. She wound her way through the streets as the day began to release its tenuous hold on the sun. Tears were streaming down her face as her mom’s words rang inside her head.

      When he asks for it, you will give it to him. Sooner or later, you will be just like me.

      Kay’s words joined in. ...all that sin you are around might rub off on you...

      Followed by the lewd grin of the man she had just hit over the head.

      Why God? My mom, Kay’s mom, and all these guys – everyone looks at me the same way. But I’m not! I’m not dirty and filthy like her. She brushed back the tears, barely able to see. Why can’t someone look at me and see me as more than that?

      Wow, do you have a fondness for trouble?

      Renee jerked to a stop when she heard Ian’s voice. He stood a few feet from her, his thumb hooked through the belt loop in his jeans.

      His face changed when he saw her tears, and, though it was too late, she dashed them from her cheeks as fast as she could.

      What happened? His voice held anger and concern.

      Before she could answer, they both turned at the sound of gravel crunching underneath the feet of his friends.

      Who are you talking to, Ian? One of them asked, but they all snickered when they saw her.

      It’s the little saint he’s trying to seduce.

      Ian growled in frustration, and without her approval, he took her hand and walked toward his car.

      In a voice that brooked no disobedience, he barked, Get in.

      She hesitated as her mom’s voice rang out in her head, he only wants one thing. She took a step but turned in the diamond created by the open doorway of his car and his arms.

      Before she could protest, he said, Trust me.

      Despite Kay’s warning of a wolf in sheep’s clothing, she slid into the front seat. Her stomach churned with doubt and uncertainty. It felt too intimate sitting in the seat of his car, as if she was sitting in his lap. An image of her mom sitting on the man’s lap earlier that evening caused her to groan in mortification.

      What are you doing?

      She reached for the handle just as he opened the driver’s side door. As he slid in next to her, she caught the scent of his cologne. She lifted her head

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