Knight Music Read online

  They joined the receiving line, and Ty spotted his parents. “You’ll never believe who showed up at the castle last night.”

  Sonia turned to him, her eyes glittering from happiness. “Who?”

  “Who is this angel?” Mom, dressed in a floral dress that floated around her, asked.

  His father asked, “Where have you been keeping her hidden?”

  Ty told himself to relax. “Sonia, I’d like you to meet my parents, Thomas and Terri Knight.”

  Sonia’s laughter rang free and clear. “I am so glad to meet you.” She looked at Ty then at his father. “Does this mean. . . ?”

  “We have buried the hatchet.” Ty’s father clasped his hand and shook it. “He talked so much about what happened here. I know he came back a changed man. I had to come and check it out for myself.”

  “We’re glad to have you.” Sonia flung her arms around his father’s shoulders.

  Dad laughed. “Ty, this one’s a keeper. That’s for sure.” He winked and went on to congratulate Joe and Michelle.

  “I’m so happy for you.” Sonia squeezed in the comment before greeting the next person in line.

  When Michelle called for all single ladies to stand behind her, the bouquet landed at Sonia’s feet. She scooped it up.

  Dad watched the byplay. “I think you’ve made the right decision, son. Although if you ever want to come back to Knight Industries, you’ll always be welcome.”

  “Thanks, Dad. That means more than you can know.” Tears stung Ty’s eyes. He prayed Dad would see his own need for a Savior. At the moment, he was as blind as Ty had been. He’d pray for God to open his eyes. After all, he knew that prayer worked.

  Across the way, Sonia was holding baby Lila and giggling with Carrie. She looked so natural with the child; Ty’s heart clenched, and he decided he wouldn’t wait any longer. He made his way across the fellowship hall. “May I have the pleasure of your company, Miss Oliveira?”

  Sonia lifted laughing eyes to his, which turned serious when she saw the expression on his face. “It would be my pleasure. She’s adorable, Carrie.” Sonia handed the baby back to her mother and accepted Ty’s arm.

  “Let’s go for a walk.” He patted her arm and took her to the library. . .the place where they had had that fateful conversation so many months ago. . .the one place he could find privacy on this busy day. He shut the door behind them and then brushed the back of his hand against the smooth skin of her cheek. She closed her eyes and swayed toward him. He took advantage of her distraction and knelt in front of her, feeling in his pocket for the other ring, the one Joe hadn’t given to him for safekeeping.

  She sensed he had moved and opened her eyes, gasping when she saw him on his knees.

  “Sonia. I know I’m not worthy of you. I never would have met you if I hadn’t made such a royal mess of things—let’s be honest—if I hadn’t sinned in such a colossal way.”

  “God has a way of turning those things to our good.” The words trembled on her lips.

  “I’m learning the truth of that statement. I do know you are the very best thing that ever happened to me. I thank God every day for you.” He stopped. Words faltered at times like this, but he had more than words—he had a song. He smiled. Lifting his voice on the wings of melody, he sang. “God gave me a song when He gave me you—will you be my wife?” He opened the jewelry box where a diamond and ruby ring sat.

  “God gave me more than a song when He gave me you—He gave me my own knight.” She smiled. “The answer is yes, today and always.”

  He slipped the ring on her finger and let her lift him to his feet. Gathering her into his arms, they kissed—a kiss that created its own kind of knight music.

  About the Author

  Award-winning author and speaker Darlene Franklin recently returned to cowboy country—Oklahoma. The move was prompted by her desire to be close to her son’s family; her daughter Jolene has preceded her into glory.

  Darlene loves music, needlework, reading, and reality TV. Talia, a lynx point Siamese cat, proudly claims Darlene as her person.

  Visit Darlene’s blog at www.darlenefranklinwrites.blogspot.com for information on book giveaways and upcoming titles

  Dedication

  To the Lord who gives me songs in the night.

  To the real-life Max, who brims with the glory of God—and who happens to share my birthday.

  A note from the Author:

  I love to hear from my readers! You may correspond with me by writing:

  Darlene Franklin

  Author Relations

  PO Box 721

  Uhrichsville, OH 44683.