Starlight in Her Eyes by Joann Durgin Page A

shuddered. “What good would it do to know her identity? I can only assume she was among the hundreds of mourners at his funeral service.”
    Serena could see more questions written in Colin’s eyes. “My apologies for bringing up something hurtful,” he said.
    “In some ways, it’s a relief to tell you, Colin. I realized a long time ago that I can’t compete with that type of woman for a man’s affections.”
    “Don’t ever feel that you need to compete, love.”
    Placing his hand on the side of her face, Colin caressed her skin.
    Serena leaned into his touch.
    “Other women can’t hold a candle to your inner strength and depth of character,” he said. “You’re much stronger than you give yourself credit for. I can’t begin to imagine how difficult it was for you to lose Graham, and in such a terrible way. One last question and then I’m done. Have you been able to forgive him?”
    “Yes. Although I can admit that if I didn’t have Lily, I’m not sure what I would have done. Her sweetness has helped to fill the holes in my heart. It’s primarily because of the daughter I shared with Graham that I’ve been able to finally find my peace and forgive him.”
    “I can see why. Lily is an incredibly bright and loving child.” Colin took her hand. “You’ve done a remarkable job with her.”
    “Thank you. Sometimes I think Lily understands the things of the Lord and His love for us more than I do. She accepted Jesus into her heart after Graham died. To be honest, I’ve felt terribly guilty because I wasn’t there at the time, and I should have been. She was attending church with her friend, Evie, and her family. In many ways I’m sure Lily can’t understand yet, that was the most important decision she’ll ever make.” Serena shook her head. “She came to faith, and that’s all that really matters.”
    “You’ve been there for her ever since.” Colin squeezed her hand. “Children have such a simple, trusting faith. When we’ve been knocked around a bit by life we’re skeptical and more hesitant to believe and trust.”
    Serena nodded. “You’re right. And now I need to accept the responsibility for encouraging Lily’s faith to grow. I’ve fallen far short, Colin. Instead of setting the example, my daughter has become the better testament of how to live her strong faith.”
    Colin kissed her temple. “You put way too much pressure on yourself to be perfect. I was watching you with Lily earlier. You’re modeling your faith more than you know, and it’s a beautiful thing. She’s loving and compassionate and those are qualities she will carry with her for the rest of her life. And she loves her mum. Keep doing what you’re doing.”
    “Thank you.” Serena sniffled and raised tear-filled eyes to Colin’s. “Your turn. I’d like to hear how you came to know the Lord.”
    “Nikki and her husband, Alex, shared with me. It’ll be a year ago this coming February.” He shifted to face her more directly. “I got to the point where my life was going in an endless circle, in constant motion but arriving nowhere. I took people and things for granted. I had a terrific job at the television station and a busy social life, but I was only living for the moment and seeking to satisfy my own selfish desires. Nikki and Alex helped me see that I wasn’t feeding the heart and, more importantly, my soul. In many ways, observing how Nikki’s relationship with Alex unfolded impacted me a great deal. They trusted in the Lord to work out the details and had the kind of peace I wanted but didn’t know how to find.”
    Serena squeezed his hand. “I’m so thankful Nikki and Alex shared with you. I became a believer when I was ten, but we didn’t attend church faithfully. Once a month, on average. When I married Graham, he was at the same point in his faith that I was. I’m afraid I haven’t gone to church in much too long. I’m not happy with myself for that decision although I’ve sent Lily