Bamboo and Lace by Lori Wick

she finished on a somber note.
    â€œIt’s no one’s fault that this happened. I’ve had to pray constantly since I woke early Saturday morning. It’s not often that I have pain great enough to induce me to such thoughtfulness of my Savior. I’m thankful that this happened, if only to remind me of the horrible place hell is. Not that I’m comparing my pain to that, but it does give one a glimpse. Many people still need my prayers and blameless witness so they will turn their lives to Christ.
    â€œIt’s always tempting to ask God why He chooses hard paths for me. This time, however, I did not ask. I worked hard to see the reason myself, and I found it. I think this happened to make me more aware of the lost world we live in.”
    Lily glanced up, first at Ashton and then swiftly to Bailey. At last she looked at Gabe and could not look away.
    â€œWas it wrong to say that to you?”
    â€œNo. You rescued us, Lily. Thank you,” said Gabe.
    â€œThanks, Lily.” Ashton put his word in, and both men went on their way.
    Lily’s gaze went back to Bailey. The older woman was smiling a little.
    â€œI have something for you.”
    â€œOkay.”
    Bailey held up a scrap of fabric.
    â€œI got sunburned a number of years ago, and the worst part was my shoulders. I wore this in the house and found it offered great relief.”
    â€œWhat is it?”
    â€œA tube top.”
    â€œI don’t think I’ve heard of it.”
    â€œIt’s exactly what it sounds like. It’s stretchy and surrounds the body without straps or sleeves, just like a tube. In fact, with as slim as you are, you could step right into it and pull it over your breasts, and then you can slip out of your shirt. You’re not wearing a bra, are you?”
    Lily answered in the negative, even as she was gaining a picture of what Bailey was suggesting.
    â€œI’m not sure I can sit around here and be that bare,” she made herself admit.
    â€œIt’s true that your shoulders will be exposed, Lily, but you’re not going to be immodest. Your small figure will be perfectly covered in this tube top, and you’ll be remarkably comfortable compared to wearing any type of top or shirt that touches your shoulders.”
    Lily was tempted, but her face heated at the thought of the men returning and seeing her sitting there without a shirt.
    â€œI don’t think I can.”
    â€œOkay,” Bailey said, knowing she would have to let it go. “I’ll leave it with you, though. Maybe you’ll just want to wear it to bed with a pair of shorts.”
    â€œThank you.”
    â€œAre you up to seeing the children?”
    â€œYes, that’s fine, but I think I should mention one other thing to you. These water blisters are going to start to burst, and my bed is such a nice one. Maybe I should try to sleep elsewhere.”
    â€œNo, it’s fine, Lily. Your bed has a mattress pad, and whenever the sheets need to be changed, we’ll just do it.”
    â€œOkay. Thank you.”
    The children came and a video was started, but Lily didn’t last very long. She dozed in and out, wondering if she would ever have energy again.

    â€œI didn’t know she had that many words inside her,” Ashton said to Gabe when they both ended up in the kitchen an hour later.
    â€œAnd so eloquently said too. Had she looked at me too soon, she would have found my mouth hanging open.”
    â€œI must admit to you, Gabe, that the different things Jeff has said over the years didn’t make sense until Lily spoke to us today.”
    Gabe was on the verge of agreeing when the phone rang. He was closest and picked it up.
    â€œHello.”
    Ashton watched him smile as he listened and knew exactly what was going on.
    â€œBy the way,” he heard Gabe say matter-of-factly, “I’ve decided not to marry you.”
    Gabe listened then and laughed at his own