Daisys decision, p.30
Daisy's Decision, page 30
“Traci,” he started, then cleared his throat and continued, “Traci, I love you. I have loved you from the moment you flattened me with a reverse round kick. Putting your black belt on you is one of my happiest memories. I would love to marry you, to love you for the rest of my life, to go to bed next to you at night and wake up next to you in the morning. Will you marry me and be my partner in life, with God as the head of our home?”
He understood her! He wanted to marry her even though she would never amount to what society considered “wife material.” Instead of some impractical girly bauble, he had bought her a ring she could wear to work, to workout, to spar. It even matched her uniform.
“Yes.” The word escaped on a laughing sob. Where had that come from? She didn’t know which one of them felt more surprise at her affirmative answer. He slipped the silicone band onto her finger and stood, keeping a light grip on her fingers. He slipped his hand around to the back of her neck and leaned over, pulling her lips to his. Though brief, the kiss completely took her breath away. An intensity that didn’t exist before flowed from her chest, causing a wave of heat to move outward and down to even the tips of her fingers. Trapped in the booth, her hand still in his, she couldn’t do much more than try to lean closer.
“Well. ‘Bout time. Sup’s on.”
At Betsy’s words, Travis lifted his head and looked down at her, then winked. Traci stared up at him, mind blank, heart pounding. As he let go of her hand, she felt the real world flood back, and she gripped her hands in her lap.
Betsy stood behind him, holding a plate piled high with meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans, and gravy. In her other hand, she carried a garden salad topped with grilled chicken. She had tucked the bottle of oil and vinegar under her arm.
Travis blushed and slid back into the booth across from Traci. She reached for the fork sitting on top of the white napkin but could not take her eyes off Travis’ face.
Had she seriously just agreed to get married? Her mother’s office came to mind, with the fake zebra rug and the pink leather furniture. She couldn’t do that to herself. She just couldn’t.
After Betsy walked away, Travis held out his hand for her to take it so they could pray over the meal together. As she set her fingers into his palm, she said, “Let’s not do a wedding. How about we do something fun instead?”
He stared at her for several seconds as if already disapproving of the notion. “Like what?”
After running her tongue over her teeth, she grinned and said, “I know! How about we say our vows while skydiving over the Grand Canyon? We were going to go there this summer anyway.”
“Really?”
“Really.”
“What about the bridal party? That could get expensive.”
She shook her head. “Just you, me, and a minister.”
His eyebrows knitted. “You’d seriously rather exchange vows alone while free falling a few thousand feet than walk just a few yards down the aisle of our local church with our friends and family there?”
“Yeah! I think it would be amazing!”
He narrowed his eyes and stared at her, finally saying, “Whatever you want. You’re the bride. It’s going to be your day. But you’re going to tell her. Not me.”
Pursing her lips, she asked, “Will you go with me?”
His eyebrow slowly raised. “It’s going to have to be tonight because you and I both know she’ll hear about it before tomorrow.” Gesturing with his head toward Betsy, he squeezed her fingers. “But I will go with you.”
Get your copy of Black Belt, White Dress at this link!
Suggested discussion questions for Daisy’s Decision by Hallee Bridgeman.
When asking ourselves how important the truth is to our Creator, we can look to the reason our Savoir said He was born. In the book of John chapter 18 and verse 37, Christ explains that for this reason He was born and for this reason He came into the world. The reason? To testify to the truth.
Our Lord often used fiction in the form of parables to illustrate very real truths. In the same way, we can minister to one another by the use of fictional characters and situations to help us reach logical, valid, cogent, and very sound conclusions about our real lives here on earth.
While the characters and situations in The Dixon Brothers Series are fictional, I pray that these extended parables can help readers come to a better understanding of truth. Please prayerfully consider the questions that follow, consult scripture, and pray upon your conclusions. May the Lord of the universe richly bless you.
At the beginning of the book, it’s apparent Daisy has recently made some sinful decisions. One of the things holding her back from accepting God’s grace and forgiveness is the shame she’ll feel when people find out what she did. She didn’t feel this way about her sin until it was going to be found out.
1. Do you think this is a normal reaction for people, to feel the weight and burden only when it’s known?
2. If so, shouldn’t we always feel that way, knowing the Holy Spirit is privy to all of our thoughts and actions all the time?
Daisy tells her cousin that she doesn’t want to tell Jason’s wife about her affair or the baby because she doesn’t want to risk Jason coming after the baby.
3. Do you think she should have given Jason more of an opportunity to accept his child?
4. Do you think she should have told Jason’s wife about her affair with Jason?
Daisy asks God to forgive her; however, the burden of shame still weighs heavily on her shoulders and overwhelms her emotionally.
5. Do you think her thoughts in the emergency room were a normal, human reaction? Or do you think they perpetuated the sin she’d already committed?
Jon counseled Ken that men could never understand the desperation women can feel as they face the public judgment stemming from an unwed pregnancy.
6. Do you think this is a valid assessment?
Ken reacts with strong emotion at the news that Daisy could have wished harm to her baby for even a moment.
7. Do you think that was fair of him?
8. How do you think you would feel or act or react in Daisy’s or Ken’s place?
Ken claims he loves Daisy and the baby she’s carrying. He believes he was made for Daisy and always meant to be Rosita’s father.
9. Do you think it’s possible for Ken to love Rosita with the same depth of emotion that Brad and Jon feel toward their natural daughters?
10. Is it possible to think that God always intended for Daisy to be pregnant when she and Ken met?
Daisy dreams she is going to die in childbirth. Ken patronizes her about her dreams, attributing them to the unpredictable hormones often associated with pregnancy.
11. Could this dream have been God preparing her for the complications she experienced?
12. Even though she survived, do you think all the preparations she made in advance of her labor and delivery were still necessary?
13. Do you think Ken should have taken her dream more seriously when she told him about it?
All three wives can identify their husbands at a glance, even in the company of their identical brothers.
14. Do you think this is just a flight of fancy typical of a fiction novel? Or do you think there is such a thing as a heart prepared for the spouse God intended for you?
Suggested luncheon menu for a group discussion about Daisy’s Decision.
Those who followed my Hallee the Homemaker website years ago know that one thing I am passionate about in life is selecting, cooking, and savoring good, whole, real food. A special luncheon just goes hand in hand with hospitality and ministry.
In case you’re planning a discussion group luncheon surrounding this book, I offer some humble suggestions to help your special luncheon talk come off as a success. Quick as you like, you can whip up an unforgettable meal from the book that is sure to please and certain to enhance the discussion and your special time of friendship and fellowship.
Roasted Bass with Anchovy Tomato Sauce
Daisy is amazed at Ken’s deftness in the kitchen and is surprised that his special ingredient in his sauce is anchovies. He explains how the fish enhances the flavors of the garlic and tomatoes.
1 1/2 to 2 lbs bass filets
2 TBS extra virgin olive oil
2 TBS unsalted butter
Salt to taste (Kosher or sea salt is best)
Pepper to taste (Fresh ground is always best)
1/4 cup diced onion
1 TBS minced garlic
1 TBS tablespoon drained capers
4 anchovy fillets to taste
1 15-ounce can crushed tomatoes
1 lemon (sliced for garnish and 1 tsp juice for sauce)
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Clean and prepare the fish fillets, if needed.
Heat oven to 400° degrees F (200° degrees C).
Dice the onion.
Chop the parsley.
Slice half the lemon. Squeeze the other half for at least a teaspoon of juice.
Heat the oil and butter over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add fish.
Season lightly with salt and pepper. Brown fish, then turn and brown other side.
Remove the fish from the pan and place on an oven-safe plate or baking dish. Place in oven.
Leave in oven until cooked through (about 5-10 minutes depending on thickness of filets.)
Reduce heat on stove to medium. Add the onion. Cook until onion is soft. Add garlic and anchovies.
Cook, stirring regularly, until the anchovies break up—about five minutes. Add tomatoes and 1 tsp lemon juice (to taste). Turn heat to high.
Bring pan to boiling, stirring regularly. Cook until tomato sauce thickens.
Return the fish to the pan. Turn to coat with sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices.
Herbed Couscous
Couscous is one of those dishes that takes very little effort in exchange for great reward. It is the perfect accompaniment to the flaky white fish and anchovy sauce because it will help sop up some of the sauce, and you won’t miss a bite of it.
1 cup vegetable broth
1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
Pinch of salt (Kosher or sea salt is best)
1 cup couscous
1 clove garlic, minced
2 green onions, chopped
2 TBS fresh parsley
Mince the garlic.
Chop the onions.
Chop the parsley.
In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes.
Stir in the vegetable broth and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil.
Stir in the couscous, onions, and parsley. Remove from heat. Cover. Let stand for 10 minutes.
Fluff with a fork before serving.
Garden Salad with Homemade French Dressing
Homemade dressings are easy to make and come with a freshness of flavor that you cannot get from a bottle. This is one of my favorite dressings to serve. The sharp garlic pairs perfectly with the vinegar, and the smoky paprika brings out the vegetables' flavor in the salad in beautiful harmony.
The French Dressing
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 TBS honey
1 tsp salt (Kosher or sea salt is best)
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dry mustard
1/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper
1/4 cup white vinegar
3/4 cup organic canola oil, or safflower oil, or sunflower oil (your taste preference). You can use olive oil, but the dressing won’t keep as long. It does taste amazing, though.
The Salad
Make a salad using your favorite fresh vegetables like lettuce, cucumbers, onions, radishes, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, cabbage – whatever you like in your salad.
Crush the garlic using a garlic press.
Chop the veggies for the salad to your preference.
The French Dressing
In a jar, mix all ingredients. Put on a tight lid. Shake well. Serve with your fresh salad.
The Salad
Make a salad using your favorite fresh vegetables like lettuce, cucumbers, onions, radishes, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, cabbage – whatever you like in your salad.
Find the latest information and connect with Hallee
at her website: www.halleebridgeman.com
FICTION BOOKS BY HALLEE:
Standalone Romantic Suspense:
On the Ropes
The Red Blood and Bluegrass Series:
Book 1: Black Belt, White Dress
Book 2: Blizzard in the Bluegrass
Book 3: The Seven Year Glitch
Coming Soon
Book 4: A Change of A Dress
Virtues and Valor Series:
Book 1, Temperance’s Trial
Book 2, Homeland’s Hope
Book 3, Charity’s Code
Book 4, A Parcel for Prudence
Book 5, Grace’s Ground War
Book 6, Mission of Mercy
Book 7, Flight of Faith
Book 8, Valor’s Vigil
The Dixon Brothers Series
Book 1, Courting Calla
Book 2, Valerie’s Verdict
Book 3, Alexandra’s Appeal
Book 4, Daisy’s Decision
The Jewel Series:
Book 1, Sapphire Ice
Book 2, Greater Than Rubies
Book 3, Emerald Fire
Book 4, Topaz Heat
Book 5, Christmas Diamond
Book 6, Christmas Star Sapphire
Book 7, Jade’s Match
Book 8, Chasing Pearl
COOKBOOKS BY HALLEE:
Parody Cookbook Series:
Vol 1: Fifty Shades of Gravy, a Christian gets Saucy
Vol 2: The Walking Bread, the Bread Will Rise
Vol 3: Iron Skillet Man, the Stark Truth about Pepper & Pots
Vol 4: Hallee Crockpotter, and the Chamber of Sacred Ingredients
Get your copy of the Dixon Brothers at this link!
Courting Calla
Dixon Brothers book 1
Ian knows God has chosen Calla as the woman for him, but Calla is hiding something big. Can Calla trust Ian with her secret, or will she let it destroy any possible hope for a future they may have?
Valerie’s Verdict
Dixon Brothers book 2
Since boyhood days, Brad has always carried a flame for Valerie. Her engagement to another man shattered his dreams. When she comes home, battered and bruised, recovering from a nearly fatal relationship, he prays God will use him to help her heal.
Alexandra’s Appeal
Dixon Brothers book 3
Jon falls very quickly in love with Alex’s zest for life and her perspective of the world around her. He steps off of his path to be with her. When forces move against them and rip them apart, he wants to believe God will bring them back together, but it might take a miracle.
Daisy’s Decision
Dixon Brothers book 4
Daisy has had a crush on Ken since high school, so going on just one date with him can’t possibly hurt, can it? Even if she’s just been painfully dumped by the man she planned to spend the rest of her life with, and whose unborn baby she carries? Just one date?
Find the latest information and connect with Hallee
at her website: www.halleebridgeman.com
With nearly a million sales, USA TODAY bestselling and award-winning author Hallee Bridgeman writes action-packed romantic suspense focusing on realistic characters who face real-world problems. Her work has been described as everything from refreshing to heart-stopping exciting and edgy.
An Army brat turned Floridian, Hallee and her husband finally settled with their three children in central Kentucky so they could enjoy the beautiful changing of the seasons. When she’s not penning novels, you will find her in the kitchen, which she considers the ‘heart of the home’. Her passion for cooking spurred her to launch a whole food, real food “Parody” cookbook series. In addition to nutritious, Biblically grounded recipes, readers will find that each cookbook also confronts some controversial aspect of secular pop culture.
A prolific writer, when she’s not penning novels, you will find her in the kitchen which she considers the “heart of the home.” Her passion for cooking spurred her to launch a whole food, real food “Parody” cookbook series. In addition to dozens of nutritious, Biblically grounded recipes, each cookbook also confronts some controversial aspect of secular pop culture.
Hallee has served as the Director of the Kentucky Christian Writers Conference, President of the Faith-Hope-Love chapter of the Romance Writers of America, Secretary and Assistant Programming Chair of Novelists, Inc. (NINC), is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and the American Christian Writers (ACW). An accomplished speaker, Hallee has taught and inspired writers around the globe, from Sydney, Australia, to Dallas, Texas, to Portland, Oregon, to Washington, D.C., and all places in between.
