chapter 1 (cont.)

     If Harold would win a modeling contract it would be for his Bunyanesque physique, not for his facial features. He was built of meaty muscles, solid from the sweat of his labor. His foreman�s position at Davidson & Son�s Lumberyard provided all the comforts his small family of two desired.

     Harold was sawing the end of a plank when the lumberyard receptionist brought him a message to call his wife. He looked out toward the office trying to imagine what was important enough for Clair to call him at work�since she didn�t disturb him the time when her own mother died. She had waited until he came home that evening, and he found her sitting on the floor weeping in the darkest corner of the house.

     Harold rushed to the office, found the first available telephone, and called Clair. When she told him the news his elation rivaled hers, but his cheers were stifled by the sterile office surroundings.

     Clair and Harold Essex had prayed for a child of their own for the past ten years. Their prayers were finally being answered.

(free preview cont.)