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  KAREN

  KINGSBURY

  BETWEEN

  SUNDAYS

  Between Sundays

  ePub Format

  Copyright © 2007 by Karen Kingsbury

  This title is also available as a Zondervan audio product.

  Visit www.zondervan.com/audiopages for more information.

  Requests for information should be addressed to:

  Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49530

  ISBN-10: 0-310-29601-3

  All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible: New International Version®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other—except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without the prior permission of the publisher.

  Cover design: Matt Van Kirk

  TABLE OF CONTENTS

  Dedication

  Acknowledgments

  Forever in Fiction

  Note to the Reader

  Foreword by Alex Smith

  Prologue

  One

  Two

  Three

  Four

  Five

  Six

  Seven

  Eight

  Nine

  Ten

  Eleven

  Twelve

  Thirteen

  Fourteen

  Fifteen

  Sixteen

  Seventeen

  Eighteen

  Nineteen

  Twenty

  Twenty-One

  Twenty-Two

  Twenty-Three

  Twenty-Four

  Twenty-Five

  Twenty-Six

  Twenty-Seven

  Twenty-Eight

  Twenty-Nine

  Thirty

  Thirty-One

  Epilogue

  A Note from Karen

  Reader Study Guide

  About the Author

  About the Publisher

  DEDICATION

  To Donald, my Prince Charming…

  I smile as I write those words because of our recent trip to Ohio. I would take the stage at my speaking events and say, “So, this probably isn’t a good time to mention that I’m a Michigan fan.” When the boos died down, I would hurry and tell them, “But my husband’s a huge Ohio State guy.” After the hearty applause, I would say, “See…he really is Prince Charming!”

  We made great memories with the kids, and Kim and Keith, and we gained thousands of new friends. But here’s the thing: you really are my Prince Charming, Donald. I mean it. I love you more with every passing day, understanding as we settle into these middle years that time is not a guarantee. Today is a gift, and tomorrow uncertain. And so I treasure these beautiful, loving days, looking forward to our intimate moments in a quiet walk or laughing over something only we would understand. The ride is breathtakingly beautiful, my love. I pray it lasts far into our twilight years. Until then, I’ll enjoy not always knowing where I end and you begin. I love you always and forever.

  To Kelsey, my precious daughter…

  You are eighteen now, a young woman, and my heart soars with joy when I see all that you are, all you’ve become. We prayed that through the teenage years you would stay true to who you are, to that promise of purity you made when you were thirteen, once upon a yesterday on a bench overlooking a sunlit river. But I never dreamed you’d so fully hold true to that promise. You look forward to that far-off day, when you can share with your future husband the gift you’ve saved for him alone. But in the meantime, you trust God that laughter and friendship and dancing and singing and spending time with your family is enough. More than enough. Honey, you grow more beautiful every day—inside and out. And always I treasure the way you talk to me, telling me your hopes and dreams and everything in between. I can almost sense the plans God has for you, the very good plans. I pray you keep holding onto His hand as He walks you toward them. I love you, sweetheart.

  To Tyler, my lasting song…

  So many wonderful things are happening in your life right now, things we once only dreamed about. You’re the Cat in the Hat in Seussical, but not once have I seen you act arrogant about the fact. Worried, yes. Something that makes me smile, because I know…I know you’ll be the absolute best ever at that part when the show opens later this month. I’m proud of you, Ty, at the young man you’re becoming. I’m proud of your talent and your compassion for people, and your place in our family.

  But two things will stand out when I look back on this time. The way my heart melts when you sing “Proud of Your Boy,” and the earnest look in your eyes when you told me last week that maybe…just maybe, you’d want to be a teacher like your dad. A drama teacher, of course. Giving kids the skills to be successful on stage. You’re fourteen and six-foot-two, Ty, no longer my little boy. But even as I see the future in your eyes, I’ll treasure my memories of all the stages of your life. However your dreams unfold, I’ll be in the front row to watch it happen. Hold onto Jesus, Ty. I love you.

  To Sean, my happy sunshine…

  Today you came home from school, eyes sparkling, and you told me you’d tied the school record for the high jump at track practice. The fact that your mark didn’t count because it wasn’t in a meet didn’t dim your enthusiasm even a little. I was struck, as you recounted your jump, how much the story symbolized everything about you, Sean. You’re so happy, so optimistic. You have a way of bringing smiles into our family, even in the most mundane moments. I pray that God will use your positive spirit to always make a difference in the lives around you. You’re a precious gift, son. Keep smiling, and keep seeking God’s best for your life. Make sure the ba
r’s set high—not only at track practice. I love you, honey.

  To Josh, my tender-hearted perfectionist…

  Watching you work on your social studies project today, I saw again what always amazes me about you. Your work is so careful, so detailed, it would almost seem you’d traced pictures straight from the textbook. I couldn’t turn in the work you do if I took all week. And yet—even with track and soccer and homeschool tests—you still take the time to seek perfection. Along with that, there are bound to be struggles. Times when you need to understand again that the gifts and talents you bear are God’s, not yours. And times when you must learn that perfection isn’t possible for us, only for God. Even so, my heart almost bursts with pride over the young man you’re becoming. You have an unlimited future ahead of you, Josh. I’ll be cheering on the sidelines always. Keep God first in your life, and who knows…one day maybe you and Alex Smith will be teammates. I love you always.

  To EJ, my chosen one…

  We had a family meeting the other night, one of those talk sessions you kids sometimes tease us about. The subject was a reminder that sitting around the dinner table each night are the very best friends you’ll ever have. Your sister and brothers. And also that everyone needs to pitch in more. We talked about giving a hundred percent, because some day far too soon, when all you kids are grown and in families of your own, you’ll need to give a hundred percent always. That’s what love looks like. In the days that followed our family talk, Dad and I were thrilled to see you truly stepped up your efforts at helping out. We’d see you standing at the sink, washing dishes and singing a happy song, and you’d grin at us. “A hundred percent!” you’d say. EJ, I pray that you hold onto that very small lesson always. You’re a wonderful boy, son, a child with such potential. Every day, every season, just give a hundred percent, okay? Because God has great plans for you, and we want to be the first to congratulate you as you work to discover those. Thanks for giving your heart, EJ. I love you so.

  To Austin, my miracle boy…

  I was editing this book when you came into my writing room yesterday and smiled at me. “You’re the most beautiful mom in the whole world,” you said. “I really mean it.” Then you plopped down on the sofa beside me and put your arm around my shoulders. “I think I’ll cuddle with you here all day.” I smiled, “Okay…you can watch me edit.” And then—here’s how I know you’re getting older—you jumped up and giggled. “No, Mom. Just kidding. I have schoolwork to do.” You kissed me and patted my cheek, and then you were off.

  But in the storage room of my heart, I had a memory I’ll hold onto forever, sweet son. That, and the one from this afternoon. You’re taking voice lessons, and this week your song is from Casting Crowns—“Who Am I.” When the teacher was gone, you came upstairs with Dad, and from the other side of my writing room door, I heard Dad start to play his guitar. I stopped editing for a moment and stared out at the forest beyond my window, holding tight to the precious sound. You’re my youngest, my last, Austin. I’m holding onto every moment, for sure. Thanks for giving me so many wonderful reasons to treasure today. I thank God for you, Austin, for the miracle of your life. I love you, Aus.

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

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  A book of this magnitude does not come together without help from many, many people. And so, here I humbly take a few minutes to thank the family and friends who partnered with me to bring you Between Sundays.

  First, a special thanks to my dear friends at Zondervan Publishing. Without a doubt, in the world of Christian publishing, the team at Zondervan understands best my dedication to writing Life-Changing Fiction™. They are completely committed to getting these books to you, and to praying along with me that somewhere between the first and last pages, people will find their lives changed by the power of story. I am blessed beyond words to work with you. Thank you to Sue Brower, my truest supporter. And to Leslie Peterson, my editor on this project. You pushed me and challenged me, Leslie. I need so much more of that. Let’s work together again soon!

  Also, thanks to my amazing agent, Rick Christian, president of Alive Communications. Rick, you’ve always believed only the best for me. When we talk about the highest possible goals, you see them as doable, reachable. You are a brilliant manager of my career, and I thank God for you. But even with all you do for my ministry of writing, I cherish most your prayers. The fact that you and your wonderful wife, Debbie, are praying for my family and me keeps me confident every morning that God will continue to breathe life into the stories in my heart. I could never find the words to truly thank you.

  A special thank you to my husband, who puts up with me on deadline and doesn’t mind driving through Taco Bell after a baseball game if I’ve been editing all day. This crazy wild ride wouldn’t be possible without you, Donald. Your love keeps me writing, your prayers keep me believing that God has a plan in this ministry of fiction. And thanks for your help with the guestbook entries on my website. I look forward to that time every night when you read through them, sharing them with me and releasing them to the public, praying for the prayer requests. Thank you, honey.

  And thanks to all my kids who pull together, bringing me iced green tea and understanding about my sometimes crazy schedule. I love that you know you’re still first, before any deadline.

  Thank you also to my parents, Anne and Ted Kingsbury, and to my sisters, Tricia, Sue, and Lynne. Mom, you are amazing as my assistant—working day and night sorting through the mail from my reader friends. I can picture you and Dad sitting there in your family room, while you interrupt his paper or news show every few minutes. “Wait, Ted…listen to this one!” I love that you and Dad still get tears in your eyes—the way I do—when you hear that another life has been touched, a heart healed through what God’s doing with fiction. Amazing.

  Tricia, you are the best executive assistant I could ever hope to have. I treasure your loyalty and honesty, the way you include me on every decision and exciting website change. My website has been a different place since you stepped in, and along the way, the readers have so much more. Please know that I pray for God’s blessings on you always, for your dedication to helping me in this season of writing. And aren’t we having such a good time too? God works all things to the good!

  Sue, I believe you should’ve been a counselor! From your home far from mine, you get batches of reader letters every day, and you diligently answer them using God’s wisdom and His Word. When readers get a response from “Karen’s sister Susan,” I hope they know how carefully you’ve prayed for them, and for the response you give. Thank you for truly loving what you do, Sue. You’re gifted with people, and I’m blessed to have you aboard.

  Thanks also to my forever friends and family, the ones who have stood by loyal and true through the years. Worldly success does strange things to people who watch it happen, even though that success is transient and pretend. I always say there’ll be no autograph lines in heaven, so this is only about helping people see a little brighter glimpse of God and making friends along the way. Thank you for not seeing me or us differently, and for your love and laughter. You know who you are!

  A very special thanks to San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith, who helped me research an inside look at the NFL and at the country’s foster care system. Thanks for writing a foreword for Between Sundays, Alex. Our children’s books are going to be a lot of fun over the next few years. And one of these days, we’ll have to see that fox-trot we’re not telling anyone about.

  And the greatest thanks to God. The gift is Yours. I pray I might use it for years to come, in a way that will bring You honor and glory.

  FOREVER IN FICTION™

  A special thanks to Candace Rathbun, who won Forever in Fiction™ at the San Ramon Valley Christian Academy auction in Northern California. Candace chose to honor her daughter, Paige Judith Rathbun, by naming her Forever in Fiction™.

  Paige Rathbun is nin
e and loves bringing sunshine to the lives of her family, including her older sister Katie, and her younger brother, John. Paige has blue eyes, blonde hair, and a contagious smile. She loves Disneyland, swimming, playing with dolls, and spending time with the people she loves. She wishes her four cousins still lived next door.

  In addition, Paige loves to sing in her church choir and she prays for anyone with a need. Everyone who knows Paige, knows she’s a hugger. And while she’s passing out hugs, she’s also likely to pass out her toys or books, anything someone else takes a liking to. Her huge heart is part of what makes her special.

  When her family rescued a golden retriever last year, Paige took him under her care. They named him Shakespeare, and he and Paige have become best buddies. Paige asks a lot of questions, but only because she’s intelligent and knows there’s an answer.

  In Between Sundays, Paige Rathbun’s character is the niece of the 49ers head coach, Chuck Cameron. During a season when Chuck’s career is on the line, Paige makes weekly phone calls to her uncle, encouraging him, and helping him keep his focus on Jesus. Because that’s the sort of thing Paige would do in real life.

  Candace, I pray your daughter Paige is honored by your gift, and by her placement in Between Sundays, and that you will always see a bit of Paige when you read her name in this novel, where she will be Forever in Fiction™.