Josh fell to his knees beside Jacob's bed and bowed his head.

"Thank you. Thank you, Lord God, for keeping her safe. For bringing her back to our son." His words were filled with emotion. "I'm afraid, Lord."

He took comfort in knowing God already knew what was in his heart and what he needed because saying them out loud opened wounds that had taken him years to heal. Just the thought of someone hurting Dani made him want to do violence to the guy, but he was wise enough to fight this battle on his knees.

Dani didn't need his anger or his protection, and she hadn't wanted his love. I miss you, Josh. I should have accepted your proposal. We'd have been a family. Her heartfelt admission tore him apart. Why did she have to do this now, Lord?

He hadn't expected to feel anything for Dani other than her being the mother of his son, and he knew he couldn't trust those feelings. But they were there all the same. Friendship, compassion, affection, love. They'd been best friends, and they shared a child. That was all there was to it. Wasn't it?

"God, what do you want from me?"

Silence.

Meredith was the one he loved. She was the woman God brought into their lives, and he intended to one day make her his wife. Jacob adored her, and so did he.

Dani's glamorous life didn't allow for a four-year-old. Her visits over the past few years had been short and painful the older Jacob got. It broke his boy's heart when she left. She might think she wanted to be a mother, but how long before reality set in and she got bored with an ordinary life?

Jacob needed someone who would stay, and that was not Danielle Christy. He ignored the voice that said it might be Danielle Spencer. She'd had her chance. Still, he couldn't deny his son the chance to know his mother.

"Daddy?"

"Shh. Go back to sleep." He brushed a lock of hair from Jacob's head. "I love you."

"Love you and Mer. And Mama." Turning over he pressed a small fist beneath his chin. "Mama," he said sleepily.

The innocence made his heartache. Jacob had been an easy baby, and now he was a loving child. It was as if God knew he needed all the help he could get, and had sent him Jacob, the sweetest, gentlest, most well-behaved child a parent could ask for. A child that loved Jesus. A child that longed for his mother.

Jacob asked for one of the last two Christmases. No, not just any mother. He'd wanted Dani. The mall Santa Claus had sent him a helpless look, not that it mattered. Jacob knew that the man in the red suit with a white beard could not bring his mother home. Only God could perform that miracle, and so Jacob prayed.

Dani had kept in touch and sent Jacob presents every holiday. Once she found out about Jacob's Christmas present request, she'd visited more often, several times a year—Thanksgiving, Christmas, his birthday, and in the summer. He'd give her credit for trying. After all, she didn't know how difficult it was when she left, and he'd never tell her.

He felt for the engagement ring in his pocket that he'd carried around for the last month waiting for the right time to put it on Meredith's finger. It just never seemed like the time to pop the question, but he loved her. Jacob loved her.

Meredith fit perfectly into their family. She'd been Jacob's first Sunday School teacher, and he'd felt an instant connection to her. God had sent her to him.

He bowed his head again. "Dear God, forgive me. Help me do your will. Watch over us and protect us. I don't know what to do. Should I let Dani back into Jacob's life? Should I ask Meredith to marry me?"

Josh waited.

Listened.

Silence.

He knew God would answer in His own time. Still, he waited hoping for some direction but trusting in the Lord's perfect plan. Ask her.

"What?"

Ask her. Dani had her chance.

Josh shot to his feet, glancing around Jacob's room. He could have sworn he heard someone whisper in his ear. Shaking off the unease, he went in search of Meredith and found her in the kitchen staring into a cup of hot tea.

"Hey," he said, sliding an arm around her and pressing his lips to her cheek. "Thanks for watching Jacob."

"I didn't have any plans since my date canceled." She tossed him a small smile and he felt a pang of guilt.

Rachel and Caleb had offered to babysit, and he'd promised Meredith a quiet evening alone. He'd made reservations at her favorite Italian restaurant, but instead of a date with the woman he loved, Josh rushed off to see Dani.

She stared up at him, hands on her hips, waiting for his apology. He picked up her hand and placed it against his heart. "I'm really sorry."

From her expression, he knew she was softening. "Don't be. I don't want an apology."

"I'll make it up to you, Mer." He felt her stiffen. Not good.

A frown line appeared between her delicate brows, and her gaze narrowed. "What exactly are you making up to me?"

He was confused. "The canceled plans? Dinner at The Italian Inn."

She slid from the stool and walked to the sink to rinse her cup. "Nothing else?"

"I don't know what you mean."

A long pause while she thoroughly dried her hands on the towel. Finally, her gaze lifted to his. "Did anything happen between you and Dani tonight?"

"What? No, of course not. I needed to see if she was ok. You saw the bruises on her, and she missed the wedding." He sighed, feeling suddenly very weary. And all of a sudden reluctant to share this with Meredith. "She's Jacob's mother."

"I know," Mer whispered softly like she was dealing with her own conflicting emotions. "You did the right thing. It's just I feel like—"

He went to her and slid his palms on either side of her face. The unshed tears in her eyes, when she looked up at him, made his chest tighten. "Tell me."

"Like I'm not supposed to be here. The three of you are a family." Her voice broke on family.

"Mer, don't," he said gently. "Dani walked away from us. She chose a different life. You're a part of this family now."

"You said if she ever came back..." She wet her lips and drew a shaky breath. "What if she's changed her mind?"

"We can't play the what if game. Have faith. God will work this out." Josh was suddenly very sure of everything. God wanted him to act.

Lines of worry marred the smooth skin of her forehead. "You saw her tonight. She didn't look anything like the famous Danielle Christy."

Josh wasn't sure what she was trying to say. "It's a disguise. I doubt she wanted reporters bothering her here."

She seemed to let that sink in then nodded.

He took her hands in his. "We can pray about this but don't worry. Leave it in God's hands."

"You're right," she agreed, nodding. "That's exactly what we should do. Pray."

They bowed their heads in prayer. When it was over, Josh was calmer. He hoped Meredith felt the same.

She loves you and Jacob. You need her.

God was urging him on. Telling him to fix this problem on his own. He was suddenly anxious. Restless.

"Let me take you home," he said, pulling his keys from his pocket and with it the engagement ring. His chest tightened as he heard the faint clink of the diamond as it hit the tile.

Meredith saw and her eyes widened lifting to his.

He read her silent question. The fallen ring was the answer he was waiting for. God was telling him to propose. He'd even given him an easy way to do it.

Be still, son. Wait on the Lord.

Josh stiffened at the faint voice. What was he supposed to do? Meredith was staring at him with such hope he didn't want to let her down.

He picked up the ring. "I've been waiting for the right time. I wanted it to be memorable. Romantic."

BE STILL

A sigh escaped her pink lips and her hands covered her mouth. Joy and love shined in her eyes burning out any lingering doubt.

He dropped to one knee. "Meredith Elizabeth Jones, will you marry me?"