Plain Return (The Plain Fame Series Book 4) by Sarah Price Read Free Book Online

matter what that butterfly does, it cannot return to the cocoon nor can it go back to being a caterpillar.” She felt Alejandro squeeze her hand under the table. “I believe that when we follow God’s will without question, that is the day when we truly become an adult in his eyes and, at that point, there is no turning back.”
    Alecia remained silent for a long-drawn-out moment. Amanda couldn’t help but wonder if she had said something to offend her. But then Alecia reached out and lifted up her wineglass: “To Amanda. To mi hija ,” she said, her loud voice booming across the table. “A true butterfly if ever I saw one.”
    The rest of the table cheered and lifted their glasses in the air. The embarrassment of being the center of attention brought color to her cheeks, but from under the table, Amanda felt Alejandro caressing her skin with his thumb. She glanced at him and saw the pride glowing in his eyes.
    Pride, she pondered. Why is it such a sin? Whether or not it truly was, she knew that she relished the expression of gratification that Alejandro now wore. She sensed that he did not often have such moments in the presence of his mother. For whatever reason, a rift had formed, and Amanda understood that for it to be healed, she would need to serve as the bridge between mother and son. She tried to avoid feeling honored at being chosen by Alejandro—or, rather, she tried to let God take the lead in creating that connection between the two of them. But when she turned back to scan the faces at the table that looked at her, Amanda couldn’t deny that she did feel that way.
    If this is God’s plan, she thought, I am happy to follow as he desires. She had been but a child in New York City on the day when she crossed that street, so eager to see and understand the ways of the world. She knew now that God had placed her on that street corner, where she’d been so unfamiliar with traffic lights, and guided her into the path of Alejandro’s car. It was as if God had whispered in her ear: “Time to become a woman.”
    When she’d awakened in the hospital and Alejandro had entered her room, she had slowly started to fulfill God’s plan. Despite the physical pain, the spiritual questioning, and, ultimately, the emotional stress—all of which had left Amanda reflecting on her faith and his will—she finally felt comfortable with the decisions she had made. God wanted her in Alejandro’s life for reasons perhaps still unknown. But there was one thing of which Amanda was quite certain: she was where God wanted her to be.

Chapter Four
    The reflection from the sun against the pool blinded Amanda as she stretched out on the chaise longue, halfway in the shade of the cabana. The air wasn’t hot, just warm enough for her to enjoy the sunshine. An occasional cooler breeze that carried the salty scent of the ocean provided additional relief from the sun. With her eyes closed and one arm tossed over her head, both arms resting on the lounge chair’s cushion, Amanda soaked up the warmth as she listened to the soft music streaming through the outdoor speakers hidden in the landscaping.
    She pondered relaxation. An odd concept for a woman who grew up on an Amish farm tucked into the back roads of Lancaster County. Farm life did not lend itself to solitary moments of relaxation spent enjoying the sun, music, and inner reflection.
    But she definitely needed this after the previous evening.
    The impact of her comments at the table had shifted the energy for the rest of the night. Not only had Alecia been listening, and really hearing what was said, her bullish attitude toward Alejandro had also quickly dissipated, Amanda’s words having sparked in her a new appreciation for her son. Amanda knew that Alejandro was pleased; for he, too, seemed more relaxed in the presence of his mother. Amanda’s words that spoke of godly love had transformed the atmosphere of the gathering. The rest of the family members had looked at her with