For the Children

“Because you’d make a great dad, and all,” Blake added.

Unless he counted the endless single moments he’d sat and watched his daughter die, Kirk had never believed in a single moment changing an entire life. But as he stared into the two sets of green eyes looking up at him with unmistakable adoration, something irrevocable happened to him. Something stronger than anything he’d ever experienced. In that seemingly incongruous moment, Valerie’s boys healed wounds in him he’d never been able to heal himself.

He gave his life for the children. And they, in turn, gave him life. His life.

Completely oblivious to the miracle they’d wrought in one broken man’s life, the boys messed with each other all the way across the street, Brian punching Blake’s arm as they crossed the grass in front of Menlo Ranch.

As he watched them, it occurred to Kirk that what Valerie had said was true. What her husband had also known and not lived by. For years Kirk had been guided by his own ruthless interpretation of moral law, living his life according to a self-serving vision of what was right. Then he’d gone to the opposite extreme, crucifying himself, accepting only the most literal view of redemption. But the spirit of the law sometimes strayed outside the letter of the law. And in the past few moments he’d discovered that very thin line where the two came together in perfect harmony. Looking over, he saw her standing outside her car.

He willed her to walk across the street, not the least bit surprised when she appeared at his side.

There was no time for words. As a matter of fact, he had only about sixty seconds before the next batch of kids showed up on his corner. But looking into her eyes, he knew there was no need for words. And plenty of time for them later. He kissed her, while a giggling group of six junior-high girls witnessed the sealing of his fate.

“Marry me,” he whispered as Valerie pulled away.

“Okay.”

He nodded. Turned. And stepped off the curb with his sign. Traffic stopped instantly. Obediently. Kirk Chandler expected no less.

VALERIE DROVE to work that morning with a smile on her face. The rest of her life was going to be filled with challenges; she didn’t doubt that for a second. A millionaire crossing-guard businessman for a husband was bound to present some tests. As would living with twin teenage boys. But it was also going to be the best life had to bring. Her fiancé was a determined man; he expected no less.

And she trusted his judgment on that.