Chapter One
Colorful balloons in every color of the rainbow filled the cafeteria of Hope House. Matching confetti covered the center of the tables. One would think it was a birthday celebration, not a going away party.
But as sad as every person at Hope House was to see Rachel Bradley leave, they couldn’t help but celebrate the next phase of her life. Rachel and her husband, Aaron, were expecting their first child, and had made the decision to move closer to Rachel’s family in California.
Alexis Simmons stood back, contemplating the shoes she had to fill. As the new director of Hope House, she prayed she’d continue the work and growth Rachel had fostered. She’d started her new position three weeks ago, in order for Rachel to train her and teach her the ropes before leaving.
She still couldn’t believe she’d landed her dream position. Years ago, she’d seen the difference a shelter like Hope House could make in a person’s life, and she’d known since high school what she wanted to do.
Of all the applicants, she knew she was the least qualified. While she had the formal education and some experience with shelter work, she’d not held a leadership position like the other candidates. She’d sat in a group interview with each of the finalists, answering questions in front of the board.
Her chances had seemed slim, but somehow, she’d been the one to receive the offer. Rachel had let it slip last week that Alexis had beat out the competition because the board members could feel her passion for the position.
As she surveyed the room, though, the task ahead was daunting. Rachel was clearly loved by all the employees and residents. Alexis closed her eyes, said a quick prayer. God had brought her here, and of that, she was certain. He would give her the wisdom and discernment to succeed. He was her confidence.
When she saw Rachel had slipped away to grab a cup of punch, Alexis took advantage of the opportunity. “You’ll be missed, for certain.”
“I’m going to miss everyone here dreadfully, but Hope House is in great hands with you.”
“I pray so.”
Rachel offered her a compassionate smile. “You have the same expression I often wore during my first days here, but don’t worry. You’re going to do an amazing job.”
“Thanks. I am nervous, but excited as well.”
“Not that you’ll need it, but I’m only a phone call away. If you have any questions, you can call anytime.”
Alexis tilted her head, giving Rachel a pointed stare and laughed. “With what time? You’ll have your hands full settling into a new house and preparing for a new baby.”
A light sparked in Rachel’s eyes. “Plus, a new job.”
“You got it?” Alexis had to stop herself from squealing. She’d gotten to know Rachel well, and she knew how much Rachel wanted the position of assistant director at a shelter local to her family in California.
Rachel put a finger to her lips and nodded. “Yes, but don’t say anything. They called minutes before the party started.”
“I’m so happy for you. It will be perfect.”
“It’s a God thing. He knew I wasn’t ready to give up my work but being the assistant director and working part-time will give me the best of both worlds.”
Alexis gave her a congratulatory hug. “That’s amazing. They hired the right person.”
Tiffany Dempsey, the daycare director, joined them. She gave Alexis a subtle wink when Rachel looked away briefly. “Sorry to break this up, but you’re needed in my office Rachel. You never signed those papers for the contracts on the new playset.”
Squinting her eyes, Rachel appeared confused. “I signed those last week. Can’t Alexis take care of them? She’s in charge now.”
Tiffany shook her head adamantly. “Your name is on all the other paperwork. This is another one they faxed over this morning.”
“Okay, I’ll take care of it.”
As Tiffany and Rachel walked away, Tiffany turned to look at Alexis, mouthing, “Thank you.”
She’d been happy to do her part in keeping Rachel distracted while most of the women had discreetly left the cafeteria. They had one more surprise in store for Rachel, and Alexis was grateful to be included in the planning.
When everyone who was leaving had left, Alexis made her way to the daycare. She heard Rachel’s shocked squeal before she reached the area. Alexis smiled. They’d pulled off the baby shower without Rachel finding out.
There were no traditional baby shower snacks, as there was plenty of party food in the cafeteria, with the exception of iced sugar cookies in the shape of elephants and rattles. They’d decorated the main room of the daycare with neutral baby colors—Rachel and her husband wanted the gender to be a surprise.
Cardboard elephants hung from the ceiling, connected by crepe paper streamers. The men had brought in metal folding chairs earlier and arranged them in a circle, with one of the rockers pulled out from the nursery and placed among the folding chairs. A tall pile of gifts sat beside it.
