Destiny's Wish by Marissa Dobson Read Free Book Online Page A

who need it more.”
    “This is what Chelsea does. It’s kept her sane and helped her get over the loss of her daughter. She just recently agreed with Kingsley to bring on someone to help her and that’s only because she found out she was pregnant.”
    “Pregnant, that’s wonderful.” She remembered how joyous it was when she found out she was pregnant with Destiny. Even after the news came that Jim had been killed, being pregnant was the one thing that kept her going.
    “They married almost a year ago and have been trying for several months. They just found out a few weeks ago and she’s due at the end of September. She wants to train someone she trusts before she’s too far along. With her due date so close to the busy season for Hope’s Toy Chest, she wants to make sure whoever she brings on to help is able to handle it,” he explained on their way downstairs.
    “Sounds like it will be a busy time for her. A new baby, the holidays, the charity, it will keep her on her toes.”
    “I’m not sure if Chelsea knows any other way.” He chuckled. “It seems like every few months she’s got an idea to make the charity better than it was before.”
    “It sounds like a great organization.” She had been involved in charity work before her daughter was born. It was mostly visiting injured military personnel at the hospital, talking with their families, making sure their needs were met, and sending care packages. She had been very involved with her husband’s platoon and had made the most out of military life. It had been a way to ease the loneliness.
    But when Jim was killed, that ended. All the friends she had were military spouses and they seemed to fall away after she moved off base. Their lives were different. The months before Destiny’s birth had been the longest and loneliest time in her life. It was sad that with Jim’s death she’d lost so much more than just her husband.
    “Mommy, Mommy, look.” Destiny hollered to her the moment they came around the corner to the living room where everyone had gathered. She held up a big purple stuffed dog with white spots. “It’s a message dog. There are these markers and you can draw or write all over him. Then you throw him in the wash to clean him, so you can do it all over again.”
    “Wow, and he’s your favorite colors. Did you say thank you?”
    Destiny nodded and uncapped one of the pens to start doodling on her dog.
    “Hello, I’m Chelsea. I hope you don’t mind the impromptu visit, but I thought Destiny might like a few new toys to keep her busy.”
    “It’s very kind of you, thank you.” She looked around, suddenly unsure what she should do.
    “Nora, you okay?” Brian touched her arm.
    “Sorry, normally I’d offer a guest a coffee or something, but as I’m a guest here I’m not sure what to do. It’s the southern heritage in me.” Everyone shared a good laugh while she began to feel slightly at ease.
    “Mommy, Greta’s doing that. Come play with me.” Destiny sat on the floor, playing with her new toys.
    “In a bit, sweetie. We have visitors and I’m going to talk with the grown-ups for a bit.”
    “How about we all have a seat?” Brian suggested. “There’s no reason we should stand around the entryway.”
    “We can’t stay long.” Chelsea was interrupted by Greta, who walked in carrying a tray full of drinks. “I know you’re still trying to get settled, but if there’s anything I can do please don’t hesitate to call. If you need someone to talk to, there’s a call list.”
    “Call list?”
    “My wife’s newest project, because she doesn’t have enough on her plate.” Kingsley smiled at Chelsea as he rubbed the back of her hand with his thumb.
    “You should have received the list in your check-out folder.”
    “She did,” Kingsley assured her before looking to Nora. “I put it in there, along with some additional paperwork on the treatment in case you wanted to look it over again. My cell number is on the