A Brush of Wings Read online

  What Readers Are Saying About Karen Kingsbury’s Books

  “I have read many of Karen’s books, and I cry with every one. I feel like I actually know the people in the story, and my heart goes out to all of them when something happens!”

  —Kathy N.

  “Novels are mini-vacations, and Karen’s are my favorite destination.”

  —Rachel S.

  “The best author in the country.”

  —Mary H.

  “Karen’s books remind me that God is real. I need that reminder.”

  —Carrie F.

  “The stories are fiction; their impact is real.”

  —Debbie L. R.

  “Every time I read one of Karen’s books I think, ‘It’s the best one yet.’ Then the next one comes out and I think, ‘No, this is the best one.’ ”

  —April B. M.

  “Whenever I pick up a new KK book, two things are consistent: tissues and finishing the whole book in one day.”

  —Nel L.

  “Karen Kingsbury is changing the world—one reader at a time.”

  —Lauren W.

  Thank you for downloading this Howard Books eBook.

  * * *

  Join our mailing list and get updates on new releases, deals, bonus content and other great books from Howard Books and Simon & Schuster.

  CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP

  or visit us online to sign up at

  eBookNews.SimonandSchuster.com

  To Donald:

  Maybe the best thing we ever did as a couple was this past year’s “Fifty-Two Date Nights” adventure! I’ll never forget the waiter at that coffee shop taking our picture and looking at us like we were on a first date. We told him we’d been married twenty-seven years and about our fifty-two dates and he was amazed. He made us promise to come back at the end of the year to show him all fifty-two pictures. And now we’re already on our second year of weekly date nights! Our family is so grown-up now. Sometimes I walk by a young mom sitting with her kids at Starbucks and tears automatically sting my eyes. Not that I’m sad—I’m not. I’m just so grateful to God for every wonderful season we’ve loved each other through. Kelsey and Kyle well into their fourth year of marriage and raising little Hudson, Tyler a graduate changing the world for Jesus, Sean finishing his year with YWAM, and Josh and EJ halfway finished at Liberty University. In a few weeks Austin will graduate and celebrate one last summer here before heading off to Liberty also. People ask, where did the time go? But I don’t have to ask. I already know. The time went to a million beautiful moments with you and our kids, times I will cherish forever. And even still we are making memories—as grandparents and parents! I pray God lets us dance together until the final page. Thank you for being steady and strong and good and kind. Hold my hand and walk with me through the coming seasons—the graduations and grandchildren, the growing up and getting older. All of it’s possible with you by my side. Let’s play and laugh and sing and dance. And together we’ll watch our children take wing. The ride is breathtakingly wondrous. I pray it lasts far into our twilight years. Until then, I’ll enjoy not always knowing where I end and you begin. Can’t wait for our next date night! I love you always and forever.

  To Kyle:

  Kyle, you are the answer to so many of our prayers, our son-in-love who is forever part of our family, and such a wonderful new daddy!! Because of you, our five boys have someone besides their dad to follow behind. You have set the bar as high as it could be in your daily example of loving Jesus, His word, and our precious daughter and grandson. Somehow you find a way to balance it all. We’re so proud of how your music is changing lives, more so every season. Keep writing and singing for God—He’s got such good plans for you as an artist! We’re also proud of the book you and Kelsey wrote—The Chase—and how it is impacting a generation of young girls everywhere. On top of all that you’re so much fun, Kyle. We love hanging out with you and Kelsey, double dating, and watching you with little Hudson. God is growing your family into world changers for Him. Love you always!

  To Kelsey:

  My precious daughter, what an amazing year it’s been! You are a mommy now to Hudson—and the most beautiful, wonderful mom ever! You and Kyle are such great parents! So patient and gentle and attentive. So loving. And your book—The Chase—debuted at number 1 on the bestseller list!! I’m so happy for how God is using you and Kyle. Your heart for the youth of this generation is now clear for all to see! On top of that your dreams of acting and designing for Jesus are firmly taking shape. But even still it is your beautiful heart that best defines you. Time and again I point to you and Kyle as proof of God’s faithfulness. Whatever the next seasons in life bring, your dad and I will be here for you and Kyle. We love our tennis dates and together times and dreaming about all that’s ahead. And we love being grandparents to Hudson! But most of all we love being right here, right now in this beautiful moment in time. You’re in my heart always. I love you, Kels.

  To Tyler:

  You’re already grown up, out on your own, and finding the path God has for you. It’s been one of my life’s greatest gifts, watching you grow up, Ty. Watching you graduate from college last year was a surreal moment, because life really does happen in a blink. It’s so easy to see you as a baby and a little boy—directing those cousin plays—and flash forward to you on a stage as Tony in West Side Story. And every amazing moment in between. You can write and direct, you can act and sing. One day I have no doubt you’ll find a way to do it all, using the power of the visual story to bring hope to a hurting world. I’m so proud of how you continue to show the light of Christ to your peers. Keep letting God’s word be a lamp unto your feet, Ty. He knows the good plans He has for you. And wherever the journey takes you, we’ll be cheering from the front row. I love you always.

  To Sean:

  You knew you needed something to take you from being a boy to standing tall as a man, and together we prayed and God showed us the answer: YWAM. You still have another few months before you’re ready to go back to Liberty University again, but this much is obvious—God is doing amazing work in your life. We believed this year would be life changing, and so it has. You have moved from being a comfortable spectator in your faith, to knowing deep in your heart that serving and loving God are all that matter. This is part of your story, son. A part we are very excited about and proud of you for choosing. The beautiful thing about this season in life for you is that you are finding the answers. God is meeting you right where you are. Whatever the seasons ahead hold, you’ll be successful for Jesus and with Him. I know that with all my heart. I’m so proud of you, Sean. Keep loving and serving God! Love you so!

  To Josh:

  What a wonderful journey it’s been watching you discover yourself at Liberty University! You’re a junior now, and making strides in every area of life. Most of all I love watching your very deep heart come to the surface. The poem you wrote for Dad and me last Christmas, the beautiful texts, the realization that sometimes we’re closer to God when we have a week of struggle. Amazing revelations, and proof that God is working a very good plan in your life. Keep being yourself, Josh! You’re one in a million, and the world needs your very bright light for God. So proud of you! Love you always!

  To EJ:

  Can I just say how very proud of you I am? There were days when you weren’t sure about even attending college, and now you’ve nearly finished your sophomore year at Liberty University. It’s been one of my greatest joys watching you blossom and grow in your faith and confidence at that incredible school. How wonderful that you’re considering a career in film—and not just any moviemaking, but films that glorify God. I can’t measure the blessings, EJ. And now I know for sure whatever is ahead, you will choose a path t
hat shines God’s light and love on a hurting world. God will see you through it all. He has great plans for you and a wonderful future ahead. So glad you’re such a part of our family! I love you so!

  To Austin:

  Austin, how can you already be finishing your senior year in high school? Just yesterday we were handing you off to a surgeon at three weeks old, praying as you underwent emergency heart surgery, and thanking God as you survived that day. We wondered whether you’d be small and sickly like the doctors predicted. Now that you are six-five, we can confidently say that only God can decide your future. He’s in the midst of your life and He always has been, Austin. This year we have loved seeing you grasp new dreams, dreams of acting and filmmaking! You’re a very bright light on the media arts team, a young man people turn to for encouragement. We are so proud of you for that. I remember earlier in the school year when one of the administrators pulled Dad aside and said, “Austin is an amazing young man.” She went on to explain that you stand up for the smaller, bullied kids, and you help pick up trash when you think no one is looking. Small things, you tell us. But they shine the love of God amid a hurting world. And very soon you will share that light away from home at Liberty University. Only a handful of weeks now and you’ll be out the door. I’m so proud of your determination to live healthy and to protect your heart, so proud of your academic success and your leadership among your peers. You have a special heart, for sure. In every possible way. Keep shining for Jesus! Trust Him with your future. Love you forever!

  And to God Almighty, the Author of Life, who has—for now—blessed me with these.

  Prologue

  Angel Town Meeting—Heaven

  ORLON’S MIND WAS MADE UP. There would not be a new team of angels, not for this final stage of the mission. Earth had suffered much heartache in the past year. The angels on his team specialized in desperate matters of the heart. They were needed now more than ever.

  In places around the globe.

  Orlon took his place at the front of the room and felt an assurance come over him. He was leader of this group of angels, and he’d made the right decision. He was sure of it. Ember and Beck. Jag and Aspyn. In the coming season, the four would face intense struggles and challenges, greater than any they’d encountered before. But they were the right angels for the terrible times ahead.

  Orlon was sure of that.

  He breathed deeply. Stay strong, he told himself. These four must believe the mission is possible. Even now. A heavenly peace filled him. The room was empty, the angels still a few minutes from gathering. Orlon turned toward the window, toward the bright light that streamed through the opaque glass and filled the room.

  He closed his eyes. Help us, Father. You know my concerns. Using the same teams of angels would present difficulties. A greater chance of being discovered. For humans to recognize an angel meant interrupting events that needed to play out. Events that must play out. Orlon sighed. But You know all this, God. Give us wisdom. Go before us. In Jesus’ name, amen.

  The first angels entered the room. They arrived in twos and threes. A few spoke in whispered voices, but many were quiet. Somber. They didn’t fully know the challenges ahead, but they knew this much:

  The stakes had never been higher.

  Ember and Beck, Jag and Aspyn sat near the front. They were among the first to arrive, and of course, their hearts were already deeply invested in the mission. When the rest of the angels were seated, Orlon waited a few silent moments. Thank You, God, for this team. What would Earth be without them?

  Orlon straightened himself. “You know why you’re here. I’ve been alerted by Michael that the Father is ready for the final stage of this great mission—the one involving Tyler Ames and Sami Dawson, Mary Catherine Clark and Marcus Dillinger.”

  A few of the angels nodded. The four already involved leaned closer, completely focused.

  “You remember that ultimately a baby’s life is at stake, a baby who will grow up to be a very great teacher. His name will be Dallas Garner, and he will turn the hearts of the people in the United States back to God, the Father.” Orlon paused. He needed to be clear. “This baby will be an evangelist, a great teacher. A modern-day C. S. Lewis or Billy Graham. He will stand firm on the Word of God.” Orlon hesitated. “His teachings will capture the attention of the world—but particularly Americans.”

  Orlon paced a few steps toward the window, toward heaven’s crystal blue sky. He turned and faced the angels again. “There was a time when Christ’s followers in the United States were an example of love and truth for all the world.” He felt the heaviness of the mission ahead. “Today people have strayed from the truth. Dallas Garner will help return a generation back to God’s word.” He paused. “If . . . he is born at all.”

  The weight of Orlon’s words seemed to settle on the shoulders of every angel in the room.

  Orlon explained that all four humans must stay alive, and together. In friendship and relationship. Despite the enemy’s attempts to tear them apart. Otherwise the mission would fail. And this stage of the mission involved life and death—but not like the last time.

  He returned to the podium and checked his notes. “Previously, Jag and Aspyn faced gang violence and murderous attempts on the humans. This time the threats will be random and deadly. Accidents aimed at these four. And the greatest danger will come from within Mary Catherine. Her heart.”

  The very great problem, Orlon explained, was that Mary Catherine still planned to leave for Africa. “There, she will face every kind of danger.”

  A restless anticipation came over the room. The angels wanted to take action. It was how they were wired. Orlon stepped out from behind the podium, his voice determined. “I have already decided which Angels Walking team will be sent.”

  A few of the angels blinked, looking about the room, surprised. Usually the angels volunteered for a given mission. This would be different.

  Orlon turned to the angels at the front of the room. “Ember and Beck, Jag and Aspyn. You know the humans well, you’ve studied them and prayed for them, followed alongside them and intervened for them. You’ve wept over them.”

  The expressions on each of their faces shifted from shock to holy determination. They sat a little taller in their seats, their attention fixed on Orlon.

  “All four of you will work this final part of the mission. You will meet together often and decide which angel is best for each situation.”

  Jag looked at his three peers and each of them nodded in agreement. “We are willing. And we are ready.”

  Orlon glanced around the room at the others. “We will no longer stay here in heaven, planning and praying about what happens next.” He took a few steps closer to the group. “The people of Earth suffer more each day. Every team in this room will be on an Angels Walking mission by the end of the week.”

  Several angels exchanged looks. This was definitely different.

  Orlon took a quick breath. It was time to get to work. “Let’s pray.”

  Around the room the angels closed their eyes and bowed their heads. Some raised their hands toward the Father, and others lifted their faces to the light. After the prayer, Orlon walked with Beck and Ember, Jag and Aspyn to the back door. “This will be your most difficult assignment yet.” He looked each of them in the eyes. “Pray constantly. Believe.”

  The four angels looked set, determined. As they left the room, Orlon silently begged God that although the mission seemed doomed to fail, the four angels might succeed. He prayed also for Dallas Garner, the baby whose life hung in the balance.

  And for a generation who might never find redemption otherwise.

  FOUR EMPTY CHAIRS faced each other at the center of the adjacent room.

  Jag took the lead as they entered the space and shut the door behind them. Windows lined the walls, flooding the place with light and peace.

  When they were seated, Jag studied his peers. “Are you surprised?”

  Beck leaned back. Rays of sunshine str
eamed through the windows and flashed in his green eyes. He breathed deep, clearly bewildered. “Shocked.”

  “It’s true, we know the humans better.” Ember ran her hand over her long, golden-red hair. Concern knit itself into her expression. “But if they suspect us, it could alter their choices. We must be so very discreet.”

  Jag nodded. “Discretion will be key.” He planted his elbows on his knees, leaning closer to the others. “We’ll need a strategy.”

  “For every minute.” Aspyn crossed her arms. She had the most street sense of anyone in the room. “I want this mission. But it’s risky.” She looked at Ember and then at Jag and Beck. “I’m concerned.”

  Aspyn sighed. “It won’t be easy.”

  “Remember what Orlon said.” Beck narrowed his eyes. “The baby has only a two percent chance of being born. The odds of failing are high.”

  Silence like dense fog hung over the room for more than a minute. Then Jag rose to his full towering height. “If the odds are against us, then we will better prepare ourselves this time, more than for any of the missions before.” He felt his determination build. “We will commit to pray and we will always have each other’s backs.”

  Jag sat down again, intensity filling his soul. “Here’s what we’ll do.” He could see the mission coming into view. “Let’s start with Mary Catherine . . .”

  An hour later they had a plan. There were great risks, of course. Jag had never taken an Angels Walking mission without them. But this one would be even more dangerous. They would leave heaven later that afternoon and begin the assignment first thing in the morning. Jag was grateful about the immediacy of their actions.

  Every hour could mean the difference—not only for the mission.

  But for all mankind.

  1

  BECK CROSSED OCEAN AVENUE, the sea behind him.