Color of Love

Book Series: Stand Alone Title

Publishing Date: 2017

Author: Anita Stansfield

Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc.

Category: LDS Historical Romance
Point of View: Third Person Limited: Amala and Henry
Chapter Count: 14
Page Count: 281

Chapter 1    Equally Indian

Wiltshire, England-  1867

       Meet Amala Hepworth, adopted daughter of a wealthy English family, who brought her back from India when Amala was nine after the tragic death of her parents who were murdered, shot in cold blood, for reasons never fully explained. Amala's happily married parents worked as servants in the Hepworth home. Needing a companion for their own daughter who was just Amala's age, the Hepworth family graciously saved her from becoming a cast-off orphan forced to live on the streets in India.

      Ten years later, while Amala will be forever grateful to her adoptive family, whom she loves and appreciates all they've done for her, she has always felt like an outsider in a foreign land. Tonight's ball is yet another example, as Amala sits, alone, resenting the fact that, despite her respectable connections, she will never be fully accepted in high English society and can certainly never hope to marry. She is a minority. Her loving, adoptive parents and sister pretend these barriers don't exist. Amala finds this very frustrating. 

       Certainly none of the eligible bachelors here tonight have ever sought her out while Katerina, known hereafter as "Kat," is having the time of her life. She collapses, breathless, next to her wallflower sister with hardly a moment to exchange pleasantries before she is whisked off again for another dance.

        It is then "Prince Charming" Henry Beckenridge, tall, well-built and very Caucasian with dark blonde hair and blue eyes, a striking contrast to Amala's olive skin, black hair and eyes despite being dressed in the latest English ladies' fashion, plops down next to her and starts babbling.

         Attracted by her exotic beauty, having just arrived after spending nine years in the country of her birth where he LOVED it, Henry  is anxious to discuss all things India with Amala. But Amala, unable to bear the flood of memories just hearing the word "India" brings, stands and flees the ballroom. 

         Henry chases her down outside to the gardens. The cool summer air a welcome relief after the hot and stuffy room inside. He understands her heartache and would love to talk and get to know her some more as he really has the hots for her! He realizes: they've just been introduced, I do not know you well, but when the music started something drew me to your side but before he can suggest, "Shall we dance?" Amala squeals, "You're white superior, I'm illegal immigrant. Don't you realize it would never work between us?" and runs away. 

Again.

This will be repeated many times, so get used to it.

          Amala finds her adoptive parents, sticking to them like glue until time to leave the party. She thanks the Christian god she converted to as a child that she will never have to see or talk to Henry Beckenridge again.

At least until the next chapter.

Chapter 2     The Unwanted Suitor

        The very next day, Mr. and Mrs Hepworth welcome two special, very single men with connections to India whom they talked to last night at the ball and invited over for luncheon to meet Kat and Amala. You'll never guess who one of them is!

        Bored by all the talk of India, Kat excuses herself to bed while Mr. and Mrs. Hepworth want to show Henry's best friend all of their Indian souvenirs which he is eager to see and discuss. Henry takes this opportunity to get Amala alone with him, suggests she give him a tour of the family rose garden out back so he can kiss her and declare his feelings for her which upsets Amala. She tearfully reminds him they can never be together. You've got to be carefully taught, you know. She runs away. 

        This time, Henry doesn't try to go after her. Instead he makes his way to the carriage house and spends a few pages chatting with Everett, the overseer, who shares a special friendship with Amala and wishes there were something he could do to help these two star-crossed lovers as Amala was just here, mourning this relationship that can never be. This gives Henry hope.

Chapter 3     The Declaration

         That night, after dinner, Amala marches into the room where her parents and sister are relaxing to announce "the declaration" which is: she will never marry!

         Surprisingly, there are no protests, in fact, none of the Hepworths have anything to say. Amala finishes her long speech as to why this society she was adopted into will never accept someone like her and why, thanks to the color of her skin, no white man in their social class would ever want her, before excusing herself and exiting the room. Nobody comes after her. With the help of her lady's maid, Amala prepares for bed where she cries herself to sleep.

        Narration says there were tears and strong discussion about the issue over breakfast which remains unresolved. Amala might as well have declared her sexual orientation. She talks to Everett and feels a little better.
(Um, are there no single Indian men in England she could hook up with?)

      Meanwhile, three weeks pass as Henry still cannot get thoughts of Amala out of his mind. He is more determined than ever to marry her. But he has to propose first, and we all know what Amala's answer is going to be. Henry finds Everett who promises to play matchmaker. Not that they need any help. Everett delivers Henry's letter containing his marriage proposal to Amala, next time she comes to visit him in the carriage house, early one morning. Amala reads the letter and feels more confused than ever. She just announced her "End of Men" and now one of them has gone and ruined all her feminist plans with a proposal of marriage!

Chapter 4       The Secret

        Amala's parents, who know nothing about this budding relationship between Amala and Henry, bring up his name over breakfast that very morning. Such a nice young man! They must have him over for dinner sometime, right girls? Kat is indifferent. Amala feels sick. 

       Unable to stand it any longer, Henry mounts a horse late that night and rides over to the Hepworth estate where he finds Amala, looking lovely in a yellow dress and dark shawl, her black hair cascading over her shoulder in long, soft curls, waiting in the stable, almost expectantly, for him. 

        Taking her in his arms, they kiss passionately but, she begs him, as she is unable to give him an answer regarding his proposal of marriage, he must promise to keep their romance a secret.

        They snuggle in one of the old carriages, knowing Everett will warn them if they are caught, and talk of their respective homes and families, getting to know each other better. Henry's home is not warm and loving like Amala's. He looks forward to rectifying that after he marries. Amala again reminds him it won't be with her. They share another kiss before parting.

       Two formal visits to the Hepworth home later and nobody even suspects that Henry and Amala are secretly engaged. It's been pure torture for both as they've hardly had a moment alone but, at last, one rainy afternoon, everyone finds other activities leaving Henry and Amala free to make out in the library.

Chapter 5      The Decision

       They spend several pages talking. Amala recounts the day British soldiers came into the Hepworth home in India and shot her parents for no good reason while Kat and Amala hid under a sofa, terrified. This exciting account comes to an abrupt end when a maid enters to announce teatime.

      Months pass as Henry continues to visit Amala's home under the presumption of friendship while secretly courting Amala-stealing kisses when nobody's looking. The only thing they disagree on is the decision to make their union public. Henry doesn't care what anyone thinks. He's ready to run off to Vegas and elope. While Amala has no trouble kissing him, she refuses to take their relationship to the next level. One afternoon, after another round of passionate kisses, Henry asks her again to marry him. Again she hesitates, about to start her old argument about their different ethnic backgrounds and how scared she of is of being rejected by their culture. Henry interrupts, as a God-fearing man, he believes all are equal under His eyes. He suggests they go talk to the vicar.

       To the dismay of both, when Mr. Guthrie learns of their intentions to marry, he goes off on a long rant about how such a union would be an abomination in the sight of God, that mingling foreign seed with the white, pure English is a SIN!
       Henry tells him off, takes a weeping Amala's arm and escorts her out of the church while Amala can barely keep from saying, "Told you!" before breaking free and running away from him. Again.

Chapter 6     Running Away

        Amala spends three days in bed, claiming fatal illness. Her family leaves her alone but knows something is seriously wrong. So they do what any respectable family would do in such a situation, they send for the maiden aunt.

       Auntie Paulina, a woman in her fifties who never married, arrives like Mary Poppins to set everything right. The sister of Amala's father, she inherited a good size portion of the family estate. Upon reaching the respectable age of spinsterhood, she set off on a carefree trip around the world never taking up permanent residence in England but coming back often to visit her two favorite nieces. Paulina owns three homes in three different countries complete with staff and servants. 

        After hearing the entire story from Amala, she has the perfect solution. Who needs men? Amala will join her on an extended holiday, a Grand Tour, an opportunity to experience life as an independent woman. Something that was only possible to women of that time who had the means to support such a lifestyle. How nice of Auntie Paulina to share her wealth with a young woman she's not even related to.

       Kat has no problem not being invited on this trip. She's been seeing a few suitors of her own. Amala wishes her well, packs her bags and is off with Paulina for the adventure of a lifetime.

Chapter 7     Distant Hearts

       Unaware Amala's run away from him. Again. Henry checks the carriage house on his next visit, just missing Everett who had a note from Amala to give him. He is instead received into the house where Amala's father drops the bomb. Henry's intentions towards his adopted daughter remain unspoken. Henry stumbles outside to the stables where Everett gives him Amala's breakup note. Poor Henry. He never even got to say goodbye.

       Meanwhile, Paris for Amala is a whirl of gaiety with Paulina as her guide. They spend hours shopping, touring museums, staying only in the finest hotels and eating at the most expensive restaurants including, Paulina insists, Indian cuisine, which Amala hasn't tasted since her childhood. The memories on her tongue are almost sacrilegious but Pauline keeps encouraging her to embrace her ethnicity. They travel to Paulina's grand home in the south of France and spend several months doing absolutely nothing. Occasionally Amala thinks of Henry, but can't help feeling relief it's officially over between them and she can follow Paulina's advice to let it go, forget him and enjoy her new life (as Pauline's lesbian companion?).

Chapter 8    Letting Go

       After a few months in Italy, Pauline takes her to her home in Spain. World traveling agrees with Amala, who follows Pauline's example using her wealth to help those less fortunate through small, humble acts of service and anonymous donations. Pauline is well received wherever she goes and has many friends and neighbors in each of her three foreign homes. 

      It is here, in Paulina's country home in Spain, the letter arrives from Kat, joyfully announcing she met the man of her dreams and is getting married-to Henry!

      Amala stares at these words in shock. 

      

      The shock continues to follow her as she and Paulina spend the next several weeks traipsing around the Continent, mostly to distract Amala. They don't bother attending the wedding. Kat writes of their blissful honeymoon and that Henry has taken up residence at Willenbrock House, the Hepworth home, where their mother and father have made their new son-in-law feel very welcome.

      Then a letter arrives announcing Kat is pregnant. Paulina assures her, to a woman who has chosen never to marry or have children, being an aunt is the most satisfying compensation in the world. Amala will LOVE it! Amala cannot deny the feeling of peace in her heart when she thinks about becoming an aunt and knows Paulina was right. Jilting Henry was all part of God's mysterious plan for her.

      Until another letter arrives, this time from her mother hinting that something is not quite right with Kat and her pregnancy but excludes any details.  Amala can't shake the feeling of urgency. Something's wrong. They must leave at once and return to England. Paulina agrees.

Chapter 9      Much Changed

      The reunion with her family, and especially Henry, isn't as painful as Amala anticipated. Kat appears to be perfectly fine, practically glowing in her first trimester, joking happily about morning sickness and needing lots of extra sleep. Since Kat's not saying anything, Amala takes Henry aside, asking him what's wrong. Henry doesn't want to be the one to break the news so Henry and Amala confront Kat who insists she's FINE except for one small thing she insists is nothing to worry about. She has a "little bump" no, not her baby bump it's a little bump she's had for years over her hipbone which never bothered her until she got pregnant and it started getting bigger. She even rolls down her petticoats to show them. The doctor examined her but this is the late 1860's and science hasn't advanced far enough yet for cancer treatments. Nobody knows how long Kat has to live or if she'll be able to deliver a healthy baby. Kat is optimistic she'll be fine. Everyone else isn't.

        Amala and Henry talk privately as Amala absorbs all this. Henry tells her nobody knows about their past relationship because it's just that, in the past. Amala agrees. Her feelings toward him have changed as have his. Amala can tell Henry truly does love her sister with all his heart. She respects that before excusing herself to her room where she can cry in private.

       Later, at teatime, Amala is surprised when a young Indian woman enters the drawing room with a tray. She and her husband, as well as her father-in-law, worked in Henry's household when he lived in India. He sent for them after he married and they have been a welcome addition to the Hepworth home. They, in return, absolutely love their new life here in Merry Old England.

      Who cares about all that when Kat is dying?! Amala isn't sure she can adjust to all these changes.

      

Chapter 10      Sisters

       Everett passed away, but nobody will miss him. Endless pages of narration describe the passing weeks and months for Amala who spends every waking moment at Kat's bedside. 

       Point of view occasionally switches to Henry, who observes this tender bond between the two sisters. He smiles before returning to his reading of A Promise of Forever, a much better Anita Stansfield cancer romance.

        At last, the nine months are up and Henry paces restlessly in the library downstairs while Kat struggles to deliver a healthy baby boy whom they name Henry George Beckenridge but will call "Harry" to distinguish him from his father. Amala never left her sister's side the entire time and is the one to announce the happy news to Henry and the rest of the family waiting downstairs. Henry rushes up to meet his new son and kiss his angel wife; soon to become one.

Chapter 11     Katarina's Wish

       Up to this point, Amala and Henry have been very careful to avoid any topic of conversation regarding their past romantic feelings toward each other. Henry keeps insisting, after deciding he was in love with Kat, all feelings of love and marriage he once felt for Amala were set aside so he could focus on his new relationship. 

      More boring pages of narration describe the turning of another season, summer passing to fall and winter while Kat's health continues to spiral down. Henry nobly presses forward, trying to enjoy what time he has left as husband and father to Kat while Amala has found her place in life as aunt and sister. Both keep telling themselves how much better it always was that they never got together.

      Until Katarina ruins it all by calling them both to her dying bedside to announce her last wish, something she wants very much for them to do for her,  "Anything!" they cry.

      After she is gone, Katarina tells them it is her dying wish that they both get married.

      To each other.

      You see, Kat knew all along.

      THE END 

(Oops. Sorry, there's still three more chapters to go!)

      Henry gets very upset and leaves the room to sob his heart out in private while Amala can hardly believe they hadn't been fooling anyone all those years ago. EVERYONE knew! But they were too nice to say anything.  Safe in her own room, Amala buries her head in the bed cover and cries as if her heart will break.

Chapter 12     Without Color

      Paulina has been hanging around all this time too. She gives her blessing on the whole confusing situation. Henry keeps insisting he was never unfaithful in his heart to Kat! He didn't put her up to this. He PROMISES! 

      Several more pages of narration pass as it becomes painfully evident it's time to kill off Kat. Her death scene is poignant and filled with irony as she gasps her last breath. Henry is choking back his tears. Amala trying to be strong and let it go. Kat's last words make it evident Amala's dead parents were the ones waiting for Kat to welcome her on the other side of the veil. Why Kat would even recognize Amala's parents or care about seeing them again is puzzling since she was never close to them in mortality. Kat never wanted to talk about her experiences in India. She and Amala aren't even blood relations.
      The funeral is attended by all presided over by that hypocrite vicar, Mr. What's-his-name. Riding home from the service, Henry and Amala repeat to the rest of the family in the carriage, word-for-word, the offensive words he spoke to them when Henry and Amala came asking for his blessing. Lucky for them, they are TRUE Christians who know better. Let's get an "amen" people!
      You know, Katarina never mentioned who she wanted to have marry them.

Chapter 13      Making Peace

       As if it isn't painfully obvious by now how this story is going to end, Henry keeps going back and forth in his mind as to when he'll be ready to move past his grief and fall back in love with Amala with whom he can only feel the deepest bonds of friendship. Love is out of the question.
      Amala feels the same way. It takes Paulina speaking to them both in separate scenes to make them understand they must get past the first stage of grief: anger. Once they've vented their feelings of anger toward Kat, they can allow themselves to move forward in obeying Kat's last wish.
      
        This of course takes several more pages.

       Amala and Henry finally have the conversation they should've had in Chapter 10. He was very angry with her for leaving, while she suffered guilt then her own anger when he had the nerve to fall in love with her sister. With God and Pauline's help, she came to accept their union but Henry isn't ready to open his heart to her again. They are going to need more time.

Chapter 14     Filled With Color

       Now that he's come to terms with his feelings of polygamy, (I kept waiting for Mormon missionaries to show up so they could all move to Utah. Fail, Anita!) and forgiven himself for his romantic involvement with two women who just happened to be sisters while always having the blessing of their father, Henry is ready to officially ask for Amala's hand. 
      "About time," says Amala's father (and the reader).
       Henry finds Amala in the sitting room and pops the question. Amala reassures him her wanderlust is most definitely over by accepting. Everyone at the supper table that evening is ecstatic by the news. It's about time. Paulina asks for an "amen."
      Since the vicar won't marry them, they decide to travel to Scotland, have their honeymoon there and return to begin their new life together with the new baby (who has been under the care of a wet-nurse and nanny all this time while the adults came to terms with their grief).
     One year later, totally inactive from their local parish thanks to that hateful vicar, Amala and Henry are visiting Kat's grave when a man of the cloth approaches them. He is the new vicar, replacing the old, outdated one and he would like to go on record right now in saying he fully supports such marriage unions as theirs. Henry and Amala are so glad at this absolute lack of prejudice, they promise to start attending services beginning this very Sunday and extend on open invite to the vicar and his wife to dinner at their home, whenever convenient.
      Henry and Amala return to their carriage knowing nothing on earth could be more beautiful than the family they've become.

THE END

      

       

The Miracle

Book Series: Gables of Legacy   (Byrnehouse-Davies & Hamilton)  

Publishing Date: 2003

Author: Anita Stansfield

Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc.

Category: LDS Contemporary Romance
Point of View: Third Person Limited- Emma & Scott
Chapter Count: 14
Page Count: 235

In loving memory of my dear friend Jacqui

Chapter 1

South Queensland, Australia

When we last saw Emma Hamilton, the youngest in this remarkable family, she had just opened her mission call to the Utah Salt Lake City Temple Square mission. Ironically, her favorite older brother Jess also served in the Temple Square mission years ago (this will be significant later). Now, sitting in her room in Australia, surrounded by all the required items she'll need for the next eighteen months, Emma sighs. Her mother, Emily, helps her pack. While Emma is glad to be back in her old childhood room, she still wonders why she is being called to serve just a few miles up the road from Provo, Utah where she lived with her oldest sister while attending school for so many years. She will miss everyone terribly and it will be hard not to jump on a bus and sneak a visit to her nearest family member but she'll go wherever He wants her to go.

In lieu of their deceased father, Jess offers to give Emma a "father's" blessing before she departs. The blessing is full of comforting words and Emma feels better about her decision to serve a mission.

The Christmas season is everywhere when Emma arrives in Salt Lake, fresh out of her three weeks of training at the MTC in Provo. Her companion is from France which means Emma doesn't stand a chance against Sister Symonette's intriguing accent and European style. This is made apparent when a young, American man, Scott Ivie approaches and begins chatting them up. 

The narrative has switched over at this point to Scott's POV. Bummed over his recent divorce, (no kids) Scott felt a spiritual prompting to leave his home (in the Avenues?) and make a quick drive downtown to temple square for no apparent reason except to cheer himself up. 

Who knows, maybe he'll meet someone!

Emma is quick to notice how handsome this man is-tall, broad, with thick, dark curly hair-before reminding herself firmly of the mission rules regarding flirting and dating.

Emma continues to study him while Scott continues to chat up her companion. Finally, he acknowledges Emma and (what a coincidence!) when he sees her name-tag recognizes the name Hamilton, realizes she's from Australia and asks if she happens to know an Elder Hamilton who talked to him on these very streets many years ago which led to his further investigating the church and accepting baptism. That's her brother! Scott laughs in delight and asks if Emma wouldn't mind giving him Jess' phone number. She passes along her brother's email address instead. Scott thanks them heartily and walks off. For the first time since she arrived, Emma is very glad she decided to serve a mission.

A few weeks pass. After many email exchanges with Jess, Scott impulsively decides to pick up a box of pastries from a German bakery (probably Schmidt's Pastry Cottage, YUM!) which Jess told him Emma was particularity fond. Today is Valentine's Day by the way.

Scott leaves and the two sister missionaries enjoy the gift. Emma tells herself there's absolutely no romantic interest at all in this gesture.

Chapter 2

Scott has a good career in business management working for a prestigious company in Salt Lake. One day, his boss calls Scott in with a promotion offer which would mean moving to another country. His choices are England, Korea, or...wait for it...Brisbane, Australia.

Scott goes right home to call Jess Hamilton and share his exciting news. After congratulating him on his new position, Jess insists he come visit, ASAP.

Without even bothering to unpack, Scott takes Jess up on his invite that very first weekend. Just like Tamra in Vol 1 of this mini-series, Scott feels a tangible, almost spiritual force rush through him as if to welcome him as he drives up the lane to the great mansion, the Hamilton legacy is calling.

Scott receives a warm welcome from the entire Hamilton family and staff as Jess takes him on a complete tour of the house and facilities. In the gabled attic upstairs, Scott pauses to read the very lengthy, half-a-page-long script inscribed on a plaque written by great-great grandmother Alexa detailing the mission of the Boys' Home as a refuge for all lost souls. 

Scott feels like part of the family already. What a beautiful place they have here.

Chapter 3

Next stop on the tour, the horse stables. And, look at this, another amazing coincidence! Scott grew up a tragic orphan, passed around the foster care system, abused, neglected, before ending up at a horse camp for juvenile delinquents, very similar to the Boys' Home here, where he turned his life around and developed a great love for all things equine. 

Jess tells him more about the family. Emma is a twin, her brother died at birth. He introduces Scott to Emily who immediately becomes a surrogate mother to Scott. 

They sit down to dinner. Scott feels like he's stepped into some kind of 1950's TV show, part of a real family as the women serve the meal while feeding the babies in their high chairs everyone talking and laughing at once. Jess helps with the cooking too, as learned from the great Michael Hamilton. Scott wishes he'd known this good patriarch. Emily tells him the story of how they met. It is all a miracle. Scott and Jess are now as close as brothers.

Chapter 4

Is this a romance or a "bromance?"

On Saturday, Jess insists he take Scott into town to shop for the appropriate riding apparel he'll need if he wants to fit in around here. Just as the men in this family have done for their lady guests in past books, Jess buys his guest a new pair of riding boots.

When they get back, Emily tells Scott how grateful she is he's here and what a difference he's already making in the family dynamics. She explains how Jess lost his brother in a car accident. Scott has now officially taken the place of that lost son and brother. They are very grateful and he will always be welcome here. Scott falls on Emily's shoulder and weeps uncontrollably.

Church is an hour's drive away in the nearby town and Scott gets on the road immediately following the block. He is sad to go but promises to come back soon for another visit. The Hamiltons can't wait.

Scott does return. He also has an idea which he's already made arrangements with his boss about. He's going to start taking three-day weekends, spending them here where Jess, he noticed, could use a hand in his Human Resources department. Too many lazy, rule-breaking stablehands are dragging down the business. Scott wants to take over as the new horse breeding manager. He'll fire all the troublemakers and use his MBA to help turn their hundred-million-dollar family business into some serious money.

Sitting around looking at old family photo albums, everyone sheds sympathetic tears after Scott shares the tragic story of his childhood, his subsequent divorce after joining the church and why horses mean so much to him. Jess' wife, Tamra, declares Scott's ex-wife an idiot and everyone laughs.

Chapter 5

To further indoctrinate Scott into the family, Emily emails him the electronically transcribed journal of her husband's grandfather, the first Michael Hamilton, with whom Scott has a lot in common as both grew up in abusive homes but, through the love of a good woman, redeemed themselves to become the successful men they are today. While Scott finds his thoughts often drifting to a cute, curly brown haired, sister missionary back in Utah who inadvertently introduced him to this family, he has no hope Emma shares his feelings of attraction.

Scott has also been house hunting in Brisbane, to no avail. Jess has a better idea. Move here to Queensland and work from home. Scott starts packing immediately.

Not until he's unpacking in his new room in the mansion do we get yet ANOTHER miraculous coincidence connecting Scott to the Hamilton legacy-years ago he picked up a certain best-selling author's set of books at his local DI. The name Hamilton meant nothing to him then...until now! Could this be the same Michael Hamilton whose books touched him so deeply? Of course, this was back when he was investigating the church, giving up his smoking, drinking and partying habits to spend quiet evenings at home, reading, while his ex-wife laughed at him before taking off.

Jess and Emily share his joy in this amazing discovery. Emily says she already knew her husband's departed spirit was watching over Scott before he even met them while Scott marveled remembering how, while reading the books, he felt the author's presence in the room with him despite having never met the man.

Scott enjoys attending the Hamilton's family ward and even accepts a calling. His life is rich and full working two jobs with an occasional trip to Brisbane for business meetings. He's found many new investors for the Hamilton horse breeding business which is booming. Everyone loves him and he's always been financially set. This divorced man, in possession of such a good fortune, must be in want of a wife, but Emma isn't due back from her mission for another six months...

Chapter 6

Just before Christmas, Emily receives a call from her daughter's mission president in Salt Lake. Due to health issues (no she's not bipolar or suffering severe depression-the author will explore those topics to great extremes in future books!) Emma is being released and sent home for treatment. As the ever-noble Emma tells the family when she arrives (Scott is in Brisbane) she developed a kidney malfunction years ago, back when Michael's cancer diagnosis was taking center stage and didn't want to say anything. Until now. She's been taking medication all this time and keeping it under control but it's gotten worse.

Emma looks terrible, all bloated and exhausted, with little appetite due to all the toxins building up in her blood.

Emily doesn't take the news very well. Emma finds her kneeling by her bed, face down, sobbing as if her heart would break. She can't lose another family member to either death or illness. She can't! Mother and daughter hold each other and cry some more.

Scott's home! Just in time for dinner, too. He stops short seeing Emma at the kitchen table with the entire family all ready to eat. Emma is equally surprised to see him. Declaring she's no longer hungry, Emma gets up and exits the room to pace the library. How DARE they invite a single man into her home without telling her? She calls Emily's cell phone, demanding she and Jess get in here and explain themselves. Both tell Emma to quit acting like an entitled, selfish witch, leaving Emma to stew some more over her troubled thoughts. Why does the mere sight of Scott Ivie make her so angry?

Chapter 7

With no idea what Emma's problem is, Scott asks Jess who explains Emma's kidney issue. It is just now dawning on everyone there's been a serious breach in communication. Nobody told Scott or Emma about their new connection to each other. This explains Emma's tension. Perhaps, with tomorrow being Christmas Eve, the holiday will cheer Emma up.

No such luck. Everyone indulges Emma who just wants to sleep but lacks the energy to take the stairs so when she enters the library with her blanket, demanding they leave, Jess and Scott have no problem taking their conversation to another room. Emma gives Scott another dirty look as he exits, wondering what on earth is this woman's problem? He returns later, though, to watch Emma while she sleeps pondering how beautiful she is. Creepy.

In the true spirit of Christian romance, Scott wants to give Emma something for Christmas. He decides on the tear-drop crystal hanging in his own bedroom window. The refracted light from the sun paints rainbows on the walls. Emma reluctantly thanks him but she's probably thinking this is something more for an old lady in a nursing home. Not very romantic, Scott!

Next day, Emily takes her daughter to the doctor. She calls the house a few hours later, frantic. They took one look at Emma and sent her to be admitted to the hospital for dialysis and surgery. Emily is understandably frightened. She begs Scott to drive Jess here for moral support. Jess explains why his mother doesn't trust Jess to drive himself-their family has a bad history with car accidents due to distracted driving.

Chapter 8

Emma is humble and scared in her hospital bed, waiting to be wheeled into surgery. She allows Scott to assist Jess in giving her a priesthood blessing where she's promised better health. Scott still feels like an outsider as Emma expresses her tender love for her mother and brother with nothing for Scott except another glare as she's taken away. 

Both men will be getting tested to see if their kidneys are a compatible match for Emma. Jess excuses himself to the hall where he has a panic attack. Scott supports him while Jess freaks out: while giving Emma that blessing, he KNEW that, when the time comes, he is going to be the only one who can donate but, dear God, what if he'd succeeded in his suicide attempt? Or, even worse, what if he'd DIED in that car accident? (no not THAT accident the other one...oh, never mind!) Having never heard any of these stories, Scott is understandably confused. Jess explains.

Three days later, Emma is home and looking much better. She'll be on dialysis for the rest of her life or until a living organ donor match can be found-who turns out to be Jess after all. Scott is just a little disappointed as that would've made a great story to tell the grandkids. He leaves for another trip to Brisbane.

When he gets back, Scott declares he's quitting his job and staying on here full time to help run the family business. Everyone is ecstatic at the news. Except one person, that is. You'll never guess who.

Emily and Scott have another nice chat. Remember the "Faith in Every Footstep" theme from 1997 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of pioneer heritage? Scott tells Emily he keeps remembering that Willie & Martin handcart company story: when the pioneers reached the Sweetwater river in Wyoming they were so mentally and physically exhausted they just sat down and wept unable to go another step, until those brave young men offered to carry them across. Well, the Hamilton family "carried" him across his own personal Sweetwater. They've also helped him learn the importance of just putting one foot in front of the other-faith in every footstep. He'll never forget that which is why he quit his job to devote the rest of his life to helping these unbelievably altruistic people (with one exception) run their family business. Despite Emma's glare of disapproval whenever they're in the same room, Scott feels good about his decision. Emily hugs him and tells him not to worry about Emma.

Honestly, what IS that woman's problem?

Chapter 9

Scott talks to Jess about Emma who promises to speak to her. Jess finds Emma lying prostrate on the floor of the famous exercise room in the house where family members like to put on cheesy music and dance, or in Emma's case, just lie on the floor letting the vibrations from the pounding music of the cranked up stereo run through her body.

Emma has been listening to that 1988 Paula Abdul classic, "Straight Up" on repeat for almost an hour now. Jess tells her to get up and they'll dance. He promises to keep it easy so she won't overexert herself.

Curious at all the noise, Scott silently observes brother and sister dancing and lip syncing in pre-choreographed movements made up when they were kids. Scott's never seen Emma looking so happy as she performs the cute routine with her favorite brother, until she catches sight of him in the doorway and the music comes to a scratching halt. 

Jess urges them to dance together and slips out of the room. Scott takes Emma in his arms as the song starts over. Scott leads her in a slow, easy tango. It's obvious he knows how to dance. Emma tries very hard not to be impressed. (I'm impressed they can tango to "Straight Up")

Suddenly, Emma passes out in Scott's arms. Who knew he had such a way with women? Scott eases her tenderly to the floor, stroking her face and hair with gentle fingers. As Emma comes to, she fights the rush of attraction she suddenly feels as she realizes whose arms are holding her. Begging him not to tell the family, Scott promises and they part ways.

Three days later, Emma is back to her usual glare when Scott enters the stable. She was about to saddle a horse. It's been awhile since her last ride (horseback riding is against mission rules so it really has been awhile) Scott steps up to help her and his sudden closeness makes Emma pass out AGAIN. Emma frowns finding herself lying on the ground, in Scott's arms, his smiling face hovering above hers. To her dismay, he picks her up in his arms, carries her into the house to deposit her at the feet of her family who needed to be told about these fainting spells. He smirks leaving Emma to their care. Emily teases her daughter about her fainting spells as the result of being in love. Emma disagrees. Scott is arrogant and obnoxious and the last person on earth whom she could ever marry!

Next day, Emma returns home from her latest dialysis appointment, feeling healthier than ever. She was looking forward to going riding with Jess, but finds Scott in the stables instead. He makes her pass out again.

Emma comes to with a tender look in her eye. She wants to know, why does he feel for her this way? He gives her a smart aleck answer and she loses her temper. Jess enters and Emma is more than ready to mount her horse and leave Scott Ivie far behind her.

That night, Emma goes outside to find Scott already relaxing on the veranda admiring the starry view. They talk for the first time about their feelings for each other, Emma accuses Scott of the "bromance" going on between him and her brother-giving him her brother's email did NOT mean she was giving him permission to move in with him-but Scott can prove he's not taking advantage of the family fortune. He's always had sufficient for his needs. Emma growls and goes inside. 

Chapter 10

Emily finds her mother so they can talk about her confusing feelings for Scott. Emily assures her daughter she's in love with Scott, she just hasn't acknowledged it yet.

Scott is also struggling with his feelings the next morning but Emma finds him and apologizes. She suggests they saddle a horse and ride together and she'll take him somewhere they can talk which turns out to be a plateau overlooking the estate from two sides. He helps her off and carries her over to a large rock (Emma decided to forgo shoes for this outing) where they can have a real heart to heart.

Turns out Emma has been weary of Scott all this time because she distrusts all single men looking to marry her because her family is so wealthy. Like Allison explained to her future hubby in Home for Christmas, all the men she's ever dated told her they couldn't commit because of the money issue. Apparently all Mormons in good standing believe money is EVIL! It's the world's curse and because her family has a lot of it means they'll never get into the Celestial kingdom. Who would marry into a family like that? Hence Emma's perpetually single status.
(Does this make any sense at all? You'd think all the men in her singles wards would be beating down her door with marriage proposals so they could spend the rest of their lives snacking on her family's wealth: playing video games, indulging in porn and never having to work or complete a degree for the rest of their lives! Yeah, no wonder Emma can't find a suitable husband, father or provider to take her to the temple.)
But Scott's not like that. Emma says that's what scares her. They need more time to get to know each other.

For once, Emma doesn't pass out when they return to the house. Emma thanks him for the nice "date" and goes inside to lay down.

Emma is not at the dinner table that evening but Scott finds her outside that night sitting on the veranda wearing cute pajamas. He offers his hand to help her up so they can take a walk. Emma accepts. He declares his love for her. Emma stops on the grass, the stars twinkling above. The perfect setting for their first kiss. It's then Emma recalls her great grandmother, whom she was named after, married a rouge. There may be hope for Scott Ivie after all, she tells him.

Chapter 11

They decide to start over in their relationship, "Hello, I'm-" they shake hands and laugh. Scot tells her his life story: his parents both died when he was very young. Growing up in foster care was tough but the horse camp turned his life around. He graduated from school and found good jobs to support himself. While he always believed in God and prayer, the drinking and partying habits were too tempting to resist. He only slept with one girlfriend and they lived together for years until they impulsively decided to get married. Even then she was always more of a drinking buddy and roommate than a wife. Then he met her brother, the Mormon missionary, on the street one day. Jess spoke some hard words to Scott that stuck with him and that's when he decided to make some drastic changes in his life.

Emma declares his past is in the past. She'll take him as he is, right now, which is good enough for Scott. They're about to kiss passionately again when Jess comes around a corner of the house and interrupts them.

It's time for bed anyway. Scott picks Emma up off the grass, carries her inside and up the stairs to her room to personally tuck her into bed. Very romantic.

Scott volunteers to drive Emma into town the next day for her dialysis. He takes her out to dinner afterward. They enjoy more wholesome getting-to-know-you conversation.

Sharing a single serving of dessert, staring dreamily into each other's eyes, Scott suddenly proposes. Emma nearly chokes. Well, why not, Scott asks, he's been in love with her since Salt Lake and now that she's come to her senses and especially now with her health conditions, he wants to be by her side from now on for EVERYTHING. He can't do that unless they're married. Emma sees his point.

Chapter 12 

With her surgery approaching, and all the complications that might come from it, Scott and Emma know if they want to throw together an impromptu wedding, they'll need to inform the rest of the family, fast. Emma starts panicking on the drive home. What if she DIES on the operating table or can never have children or becomes so ill Scott has to take care of her for the the rest of their natural lives? He'll leave her for sure! Scott pulls over so he can take Emma in his arms. One step at a time, he tells her.

Lucky for them, all the adults are gathered in the living room before bedtime so they can sit down, still holding hands and make their big announcement which nobody saw coming, of course! Emily gives her blessing, if they'll promise not to try for any babies until AFTER the surgery and the doctor gives approval. They agree.

Emma never wanted a big, fancy wedding anyway. She calls all her sisters who all promise to come, as soon as they set a date. Scott and Emma kiss each other and laugh.

Chapter 13

Emily handles almost all the wedding details and mailing of announcements. Scott surprises Emma with the news he got his pilot's license months ago so they don't need anyone to fly them to Sydney for the wedding. The family has two planes now, Jess will bring the rest of the gang tomorrow. Emily does come with them to chaperone, though. She pretends to read in the back while Scott and Emma declare to each other how much in love they are. Once in Sydney, they drop Emma off at her dialysis appointment and go check into the hotel. 

The wedding the next day couldn't be more perfect. Scott is immediately accepted by all his new in-laws. The big luncheon afterward is enjoyed by all. Children run around everywhere, adults talk and laugh. Scott carries Emma across the threshold of their hotel bridal suite.

Six days later, Scott lands the plane and Emma is glad to be home. The house is overflowing with siblings and in-laws. Jess decorated Scott's car, since he couldn't do it in Sydney. That evening, Emma and Scott are hanging out in the lounge room with the rest of the family when Emily passes a large wrapped wedding gift to Emma who squeals in anticipation, already guessing what it is. She's not wrong, more "legacy lace" pieces-a tablecloth, pillowcases and table runner-all made with love by great-great grandma Alexa as well as her female descendants intended as wedding gifts for all future grandchildren.

Emma has another dialysis treatment before the big neighborhood and ward wedding reception that night at the house, just as other family members have done in past books. Emma's health is good but over the next few weeks, she begins to deteriorate. There's a big family fast the night before Jess and Emma's scheduled surgeries.

Scott is especially glad he married Emma before all this as only immediate family members are allowed in the ICU waiting area. Jess recovers before Emma, who develops a bacterial infection and grows even weaker. Scott takes her hand and makes her promise not to leave him yet.

Chapter 14

Emma slips into a coma and everyone starts panicking. Scott starts having an emotional meltdown but Jess grips his shoulders and tells him to keep it together. Then they both turn to see their beloved mother, Emily, has gone into shock. With great passion, she declares they WILL NOT lose any more members of this family. They won't! She collapses, sobbing, into Scott's arms.

Days pass as everyone takes turns keeping vigil at the hospital, anxiously waiting for any change in Emma's condition. Scott is thin, pale, and silent. Jess arrives to relieve him, but first insists they go down to the cafeteria for something to eat. He gives Scott some words of encouragement and advice he learned while dealing with his own father's ordeal with terminal cancer. Scott thanks him, tells him Jess just carried him across his own personal Sweetwater. He'll explain downstairs over the meal.

Three days later, Emily arrives to visit. She has something for Scott to read. His wife's patriarchal blessing which states Emma will live many years and see her posterity rise up around her and call her blessed. Well, that settles it. Emma is most definitely NOT going to die today.

The very next day, Scott wakes up where he was napping in the recliner chair of the hospital room to find Emma awake and alert. She's going to be okay.

It's a miracle!

That Christmas is very special as every single Hamilton sibling and all the grandchildren pose on the lawn, the mansion home in the background, while a professional photographer takes many combinations of pictures. All the women wear white dresses. All the men wear white shirts and dark pants. They pose as an entire clan, then all the sibling couples with Emily in the middle. All the women sit on the grass, skirts flowing, their respective spouses kneeling behind them.

A few days later, the developed prints arrive. Jess, Emily, Tamra, Scott and Emma admire each one. Then Jess points out the "sibling couple" shot with some unusual spaces. One can almost imagine his deceased brother and his wife would fit perfectly right there. Scott points to the space just behind Emily where Michael could've been kneeling.  With everyone in white, it's not so hard to imagine.

Another Festivus miracle! Let's get another "Amen" people!

Not long after that, Emma and Scott are enjoying another weekday family dinner when Jess hands them a large envelope. It's an all expense paid trip for two to Hawaii. Christmas was so crazy with all the family running around, they completely forgot to give it to them. Emma and Scott laugh in pure delight. While they appreciate the gift, they're already looking forward to coming back because, as the famous saying goes...there's no place like home! 
Everyone laughs again.

Emily declares this is is starting to sound like some kind of cheesy, ridiculously romantic, Anita Stansfield novel. 

And she's absolutely right.

THE END