Once Upon a Campus | Karen Kingsbury

Once Upon a Campus

#1 New York Times Bestselling Novelist

Karen Kingsbury

Once Upon a Campus‌

A Liberty University Short Story

Dedicated to every Liberty University student, past, present, and future.

Those bold and brave young men and women, driven toward excellence and determined with every heartbeat to become Champions for Christ.

Godspeed!

Chapter 1

Shawn Flanigan shouldered his duffle bag and ducked his head as he stepped off the prop plane at the Lynchburg Regional Airport. For a quick moment once he reached the tarmac he didn’t move, didn’t hurry off with the other young passengers. A breeze stirred the warm October air, and overhead the blue sky seemed to stretch forever.

The kind of sky heaven might have.

A smile tugged at Shawn’s lips. The traffic this fall weekend would hardly feel like heaven. At least that’s what his older brother, Connor, had told him. Connor was a sophomore at Liberty University, and for the most part he was the reason Shawn was here.

Today was the beginning of College For A Weekend — or CFAW, as it was known by students at Liberty. The university hosted two CFAWs each semester — a chance for high school kids like Shawn to see what Liberty was all about.

And why most students like Connor believed it was the best Christian university anywhere on the planet.

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Shawn gripped his bag and headed across the tarmac. What was this feeling? Excitement and adventure. Like he’d stepped into his own amazing, unforgettable movie. Shawn could almost hear the soundtrack playing in his mind.

“Okay.” He whispered the word out loud, took a deep breath and headed across the tarmac. “Here goes.”

The airport was slightly bigger than Town Hall in Bloomington, Indiana, where the Flanigan family lived. But the buildings were modern. Lynchburg, Virginia, wasn’t the most happening college town he’d visited this past year. But somehow it already felt like home.

Which was crazy.

No matter how nice Liberty might be, Shawn had full-ride scholarship offers to play basketball at Duke, Ohio State, and Indiana. There were other offers, too, but he’d narrowed it down to those three. Signing day was in a few weeks. The official time for high school senior athletes to declare which university they would attend.

Liberty University wasn’t on the list.

No, Shawn wasn’t here this weekend to seriously consider playing basketball at Liberty. He was here because of Connor.

Two years ago Shawn had promised his brother that before he signed with any other school, he would at least attend CFAW. This was Shawn making good on that promise.

A quick ride up the escalator and Shawn spotted Connor on the other side of security. His older brother was a music performance 4

major and part of the LU Praise team. Over the last two years, Shawn’s year-round basketball had kept him from making a single visit to the Lynchburg campus.

Until now.

Life would get even busier after this. He would sign at one of the three biggest basketball schools in the nation and immerse himself in earning his scholarship.

But this weekend he would hang out with Connor — the brother who twelve years ago begged their parents to adopt three six-year-olds from a Christian orphanage in Haiti. Three little best friends who wouldn’t have had a chance otherwise. Bailey and Connor and Ricky Flanigan — Shawn’s siblings — all voted back then. Yes, they wanted three new brothers.

It was the first time anyone had ever said yes to Shawn. He hugged his brother as the two met. Connor’s face lit up. “You’re actually here! I can’t believe it.”

“You gotta show me this amazing place you’re always talking about.” Shawn slung his arm around his brother’s shoulders. “I want to know everything about your school.”

“Your school, you mean.” Connor grinned at him.

“Whoa!” Shawn chuckled. “Too far!”

Connor shrugged. “We’ll see.”

The airport was busy, crowded with high school students like Shawn. A few guys nodded in their direction. Shawn and Connor did the same. They made their way through the glass doors toward the parking lot, and Shawn felt the heaviness of the 5

approaching signing day slip away.

Never mind the busy ride ahead, the big basketball program commitments and full-time training. The local media coverage likely to come whenever Shawn made up his mind about what school he was going to attend. This weekend Shawn would put all of that aside. He would throw himself into CFAW, and he would enjoy his time with Connor, his older brother.

His best friend.

Twenty minutes later they had brought Shawn’s things up to Connor’s East Campus dorm on the third floor of one of the buildings that made up the square. One of the most social student housing areas at Liberty.

Connor had a meeting with his RA and after that the two of them would walk to the Hancock Welcome Center so Shawn could check in. But for now he was alone in Connor’s room.

From his spot on Connor’s lower bunk, he could see the football stadium and the campus beyond that. Connor was right. The campus was stunning. Every building looked new and state-of-the-art. He’d toured ten schools and none of them was as beautiful as Liberty.

He leaned back and closed his eyes. Days like this his past seemed close to the surface, a reminder of how far God had brought him. He didn’t remember much, of course. He was only six when his family brought him home to Bloomington. But 6

sometimes when he closed his eyes he could still see the barren ground, the razor wire fence that surrounded the low-slung brick orphanage.

And of course the day that would always stand out in his memory. The day his mother abandoned him. It was hotter than usual that afternoon when his birth mother grabbed him by the shoulder and marched him through the streets. The whole time she shouted at him. “You’re no good. You’re always in the way!”

Shawn remembered every word. They had come at him like so many bullets. They must’ve walked five miles that day before they arrived at the orphanage. Shawn was a skinny kid back then.

Food was scarce, and his raggedy clothes hung on him.

When they had reached their destination, his mother glared at him. “Go!” She shoved him toward the orphanage.

His little body couldn’t take the force. He remembered flying across the rocky dirt and landing on his hands and knees. Both started bleeding, and tears came before Shawn could scramble to his feet.

“Mommy? Why did you do that?” Shawn had wiped his face.

He could still feel how the dirt from his hands mixed with his tears. Still feel the mud on his cheeks.

“I said go! Get away from me!” She had been a thin woman.

Pretty with a low cut shirt. But she had never looked more mean, more angry than that day. Shawn could see her still.

He took a step back. “I … I’m scared, Mommy.”

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Just then a woman from the orphanage had opened the locked door. She must’ve seen the muddy tears on Shawn’s face or his bloodied hands and knees. Or maybe the fury in his mother’s eyes. Either way she stepped out. “What’s the problem?”

What Shawn’s mother said next would stay with him forever.

She squinted at the woman and then spat her response. “Take the boy.” She cast angry eyes at Shawn. “I don’t want him. He doesn’t belong with me.”

Doesn’t belong. Shawn winced even now at the memory of the words. He could remember the woman from the orphanage stepping up and taking hold of him. He fought her, scrambling in the dust and dirt for the chance to follow his mother. But then a man from behind the gates joined them and there was no escape.

Shawn’s mother turned and walked back to town.

She didn’t look back. Not once.

And like that, Shawn was an orphan.

The memory lifted, and Shawn opened his eyes. After he was adopted, his parents had told him countless times that even on that awful day, he was never alone. God had been there, in the midst of the rocks and dirt and a little boy’s broken heart.

The Lord had held onto Shawn right there in the middle of the moment. Protecting him. Placing him in a godly orphanage.

Preparing him for his real family.

The Flanigans.

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Chapter Two

Connor’s meeting with his RA was for one reason only: To pray for his brother, Shawn. It was a miracle that Shawn was here for CFAW. The kid was being pursued by every major university in the nation. His game was that good. Not that any of the Flanigans were surprised by the outpouring of offers. Shawn had been gifted at basketball since he came home from Haiti.

As far back as Connor could remember, Shawn had been the laughter in their home. A very bright light. When he first arrived from Port-au-Prince, and once he had even a slight command of English, Shawn was the one who had a million questions. “Who would win: a bear or a lion?” or “Which is stronger: a tornado or a hurricane?”

Now the question playing in Connor’s mind was different. Who would win? Shawn or the culture he was about to throw himself into? Especially at one of the universities he was considering.

Shawn was a follower. It was something he knew about himself, something he warred against. He hadn’t gotten into much trouble, but on occasion — despite his faith and his family 9

name — Shawn would go the way of the crowd. He was always looking for a place to belong, and sometimes his choice of places wasn’t the best.

Connor believed Liberty University could be the difference for his brother.

So when he teased Shawn about Liberty being his school, too, Connor wasn’t actually kidding. His RA and the prayer leaders from his dorm met him downstairs and the five of them had circled up and prayed. That God might get Shawn’s attention, and that against all odds he might leave this weekend with a different hat on his head come signing day.

A hat from Liberty University.

When the prayer ended, Connor thanked the guys and hurried back to his dorm. He opened the door to his room and saw Shawn standing by the window. Connor hesitated. The view was a selling point. He didn’t want to rush him. After a few seconds Shawn turned around. “The campus is beautiful.”

“If heaven had a university. That’s what I always say.” Connor smiled. “You ready?”

“For sure.” Shawn stretched. “I’ll get my backpack.”

They walked across the bridge, past the bookstore and up the hill to the welcome center. Streams of kids were gathering from all directions. Liberty students had mixed feelings about CFAW. Another four thousand people added to the already sixteen thousand students made for congested roadways and busy sidewalks.

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But Connor enjoyed the insanity. It was on a weekend like this that he had known for the first time that Liberty was where he wanted to attend school. The university took its motto — Training Champions for Christ — seriously. Connor had loved every minute of his time at Liberty. He had just one complaint.

His time here was flying by too quickly.

They filed into a long line of students and after half an hour they had Shawn’s information packet and a new T-shirt. Next was lunch at The Food Court at Reber-Thomas — better known among the students as The Rot. On the walk there, Shawn chuckled. “I might not want to ask this. But why do they call the cafeteria, The Rot?” “It’s a nickname.” Connor laughed. He had wondered the same thing his first time here. “It’s not because of the food.” He looked at his brother. “I told you right? The Rot was voted one of the best college cafeterias in the U.S.” “You told me.” Shawn grinned. “It’s basketball I’m looking for.

Food’s food.”

Connor didn’t want to push too hard. “When are you meeting Coach Calloway?”

“Saturday. Early afternoon. Before the concert.” Shawn looked concerned. “I hope the man doesn’t think I’m really looking.”

“He knows about your other offers.”

“Good.” Shawn set his eyes straight ahead. “This place is great, Connor. But I have to be serious about hoops.”

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Connor let the conversation end. Before switching topics, he caught a glimpse of the still blue sky. God, this is your time.

Speak to my brother. Help him to see that life is more than basketball. And that he can be a standout player for You right here at Liberty. Maybe more than anywhere else.

They reached The Rot. Connor opened the door and followed his brother inside. Work a miracle this weekend, God. Please.

After the silent prayer, Connor felt better. No one loved Shawn Flanigan more than the Lord did. Connor had done his part.

Now it was up to God.

Coach Cason Calloway closed his Bible and sat back in his office chair. He’d been at Liberty for two years, and without a doubt Saturday would be the biggest day of his time with the Flames. It would be the first time a top five blue chip recruit would walk into his practice gym.

Like most CFAW events, Cason would be busy morning to night for the next four days. Lots of talented players were looking to make Liberty their home. The Flames’ record had improved dramatically each year since Cason had come to Lynchburg. Last season Liberty men’s basketball had a number of appearances on ESPN, and games against top contenders like Notre Dame and Michigan.

But the program would never be mentioned with the great basketball schools until they signed a blue-chipper like 12

Shawn Flanigan. The fact that the young man was even gracing the campus was nothing short of an answer to Cason’s ongoing prayers.

Cason ran his fingers over his Bible. He had read Philippians, chapter four today. Verse thirteen would always be his favorite. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Cason smiled. Maybe even convince Shawn Flanigan to at least think about attending Liberty.

Normally Cason didn’t like talking about his résumé. However successful, all of it was part of his life before Christ. But his past accomplishments were bound to come up with Shawn.

Cason had come to the United States from Greece straight out of high school. He spent four years as a starting guard at Kansas, and another four coming off the bench for the Portland Trailblazers before a knee injury ended his career. After that there was only one thing he wanted to do with the rest of his life.

Coach basketball.

He worked his way up through the college ranks, coaching at a handful of small schools before landing a job at North Carolina.

There he had taken his team to the NCAA Tournament Final Four six times in his ten years at the school.

The change for Cason came four years ago.

One of his players, Mark Maddox, an outspoken Christian, was killed in a car accident heading home from church in the middle of the season. A teenager was texting and crossed the double yellow lines. Maddox never knew what hit him.

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The tragedy cut through Cason’s agendas and ambition.

Up until that point Cason had viewed God much the way he viewed Santa Claus. A nice idea, good for the holidays. But after losing Maddox that weekend, Cason vowed to never believe in God again.

Not ever.

All that changed at Mark Maddox’s funeral.

One after another his players took the podium and talked about Maddox, the difference he’d made, the sort of man he was on campus and in the community. Cason fought tears the entire time, even as he took the podium and spoke about Maddox and his work ethic, his impact on the team.

Last of all, Maddox’s home pastor spoke. He talked about how Mark Maddox had given his life to Jesus in middle school. At that point, the boy was already a talented basketball player.

Cason could still remember what the pastor said next.

“On the day he was baptized, Mark told everyone in the church that he didn’t want to be famous for playing basketball. He wanted to be famous for leading people to faith in Christ.” The man looked around. “Mark told us that if he could lead one person to become a Christian, his life’s goal would be fulfilled.”

The pastor went on to talk about the reality of heaven and hell.

The fact that no one could ever know when someone might cross the double yellows in his or her life. “Make Mark’s goal complete.

If you haven’t decided to follow Jesus, this is your day.”

Suddenly something clicked in Cason’s heart. With his players 14

and their families gathered in the church, with sorrow and sadness heavy in the air, Cason could only think of one thing: What if it had been him?

He gave his life to Jesus that day and never looked back. His wife and daughter got on board with his newfound faith, and they became believers, too.

A year later, he heard from Liberty University. They were rebuilding, looking to create a program that could compete with the major basketball schools. His wife was all for the move. What better environment to trust God with the future, she told him?

But before Cason could decide about Liberty, his wife was diagnosed with an aggressive liver cancer. Two months later she was gone. In the whirlwind of grief and the shock of becoming a single parent, Cason called Liberty University and accepted the job.

He and his fifteen-year-old daughter, Vienna, moved to Lynchburg and began living out the rest of their lives. Vienna was beautiful like her mother, long dark hair and piercing blue eyes. She was a senior now at nearby Liberty Christian Academy, and this weekend she was attending CFAW. Cason had his concerns about Vienna being here for CFAW, mixing with college students. She was his entire world now. The two of them attended church and did Bible studies together. He would do anything to protect her.

Before CFAW began he pulled her aside. “Be careful this weekend. College guys are very … different from high school boys. You’re still young, Vienna.”

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“Daddy.” She smiled, her expression troubled. “The guys at Liberty University are great. You say so yourself, all the time.”

“Just be aware.” He kissed her forehead. “That’s all I’m asking.”

She might have another year of high school left, but Vienna was ready to take flight. She was a cheerleader at LCA and next year she wanted to cheer for the Flames. He could do nothing to stop her from soaring into a bright and beautiful future. He didn’t actually want to stop her. He only wanted to keep her safe.

His prayer was that one day she would meet the right young man at Liberty University.

Just not yet.

Which meant he had two things to pray about this weekend.

That his daughter would stay away from the guys at Liberty University and that Shawn Flanigan might — by some miraculous change of heart — actually think about making this his home.

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Chapter Three

Shawn followed Connor into the Vines Center. The Welcome Rally was tonight, featuring an appearance by the school’s worship band and a message from university president Jerry Falwell. The center was also where the Flames basketball team played.

Whatever Shawn had expected, he wasn’t prepared for what he saw when he and his brother walked into the arena. The place was huge, filled with students all here because they were excited about Liberty. No question, the enthusiasm in the building was contagious.

Connor led the way down the stairs and the brothers took their seats. Until now, every university Shawn had visited seemed about the same. But here, waiting for the evening to begin, once more Shawn had that feeling. The thrill of excitement and anticipation. Like something big was about to happen, something Shawn couldn’t put his finger on.

But it wasn’t until the worship began that Shawn felt a supernatural peace and joy wash over him. He’d never been in a room with this many high school kids singing for Jesus. A power 17

filled the Vines Center, a rush of God’s presence that sent chills down Shawn’s arms and filled him with hope.

If this many young people cared about God, then the future couldn’t be all bad. No matter what the headlines said.

Next to him, Connor was singing, his hands raised, eyes closed.

Connor had always been close to God, always able to draw near to Him through times of worship. Suddenly the goodness of God came over Shawn like never before, and he could do nothing but respond the same way. He lifted his hands toward heaven, toward God and with all his heart he sang along.

“Holy Spirit You are welcome here … come flood this place and fill the atmosphere …”

The song was nearly finished when Shawn felt someone step into the row and take a seat. He didn’t look that way until the singing was finished. Then, as everyone sat down, he glanced over and what he saw took his breath.

Sitting with just one seat between them was the most beautiful girl he’d ever seen. She noticed him at the same time and smiled.

It wasn’t just her long shiny dark hair and her pretty face. There was a beauty in her eyes he simply hadn’t seen before.

Shawn turned his attention back to the stage. But throughout the assembly he caught himself looking her way, thinking about her. When the event finished, Connor had to get to a study group for a few hours.

Once Connor was gone, Shawn walked out of the building alongside the girl and her friends. It took all his courage to get up

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the nerve to talk to her. He positioned himself so he was walking beside her and then he caught her eye again. “Hi.” He smiled at her.

“Hi.” She grinned. “Wasn’t worship amazing?”

He understood her eyes. Like they’d known each other all their lives. “I’ve never been a part of something like that.” They walked toward the exit, and Shawn checked a few times to make sure his feet were on the ground. She had that effect on him. “I’m Shawn, by the way.”

Her eyes lit up, but there was a shyness in her voice. “Vienna.

Nice to meet you.”

“You, too.”

When they were outside, they turned left along with most of the students. Curfew was in less than an hour, but Shawn was desperate for a way to keep the night going. He slid his hands in his pockets and turned to her. “Have you seen DeMoss Hall?”

Vienna grinned. “Yes.” Her eyes sparkled in the lamplight. “A few times.”

“I haven’t.” Connor kept the pace slow. Anything to make the moment last. “My brother goes here. He says it’s got, like a thousand classrooms.”

She laughed. “Something like that.”

He peered around the trees that lined the sidewalk. “It might be open.”

“True.” The girl raised her eyebrows. “Let’s check.”

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Shawn could hardly believe it. She wanted to spend time with him.

The two of them picked up their pace. Instead of continuing toward the dorms with the mass of CFAW students, they crossed the parking lot, past the fountain and toward the impressive DeMoss stairs. The pillars that made up the front of the building were the most massive Shawn had ever seen. He stopped and looked up. “Amazing.”

“Come on.” She led the way, hurrying up the steps to the grand entrance.

He kept up with her and sure enough, the doors were open. His voice fell to a whisper. “You think it’s okay?”

“Sure. We’re just looking.” Vienna waited while Shawn held the door for her.

Once inside, Shawn stopped again. “I’ve toured lots of schools.

None of them look like this.”

A smile lifted Vienna’s lips. “There’s nowhere like Liberty.” She paused, and her eyes met his. “The buildings are just a small part of that.”

Shawn nodded. Already he understood what drew people here. There was a look in the eyes of most students. Clear and intelligent, kind and intent on excellence. If the party crowd was here, they weren’t in plain sight. Nothing like the big basketball schools he’d toured.

Vienna showed him around the main floor of DeMoss and then she checked the time on her phone. “We should go.” She gave him 20

a quick look. “Curfew!”

“True.” Shawn chuckled. “My brother will be looking for me.”

None of the other schools had a curfew. But then, excellence came at a cost. Higher standard, higher results. That’s what his dad always told him.

Vienna pointed to the left of the sidewalk. “See that? The Welcome Center was the first of the new buildings.” They walked past it toward the bookstore. “You staying on East Campus?”

“I am.” He narrowed his eyes, curious. “How do you know so much about this place?”

She looked straight ahead and for a moment she didn’t respond. “My dad works here.” Her eyes met his again. “He’s … very protective.”

I can see why, Shawn thought. He nodded. “My dad was that way with my sister, Bailey. He kept her safe. She’s married now.”

He smiled. “So it worked out for the good.”

“Yeah.” Vienna shook her head. “It’s different with me.” She stopped and looked at him. Sadness flickered in her eyes. “My mom died a few years back. It’s just me and my dad now.” Her expression was a mix of sorrow and compassion. “He doesn’t want me to date. Hates when I go out with friends.” She shrugged.

“I get it … and I love him for caring.” She started walking again.

“It’s just hard.”

Shawn didn’t move. He was too struck by her story. “Vienna,” he spoke her name softly. “Wait.”

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Her hair framed her face as she turned back to him. “It’s okay.

It’s my life. I accept it.” She offered him a sad smile. “God has a plan. It’s just … my dad has to let me go at some point.”

“Hey.” Shawn took a few slow steps toward her. He looked deep into her eyes. “I’m sorry about your mom.”

“Thanks.” She looked down for a long moment and then back at Shawn. “She was amazing. My dad met her in college. She was Jamaican, and in her last year, she had a love for God bigger than the ocean.”

“Her last year?”

“It’s a long story.” She started walking again. “Curfew, remember?”

Shawn wanted only to stop at the Starbucks in the campus bookstore — the one where he and Connor had gone earlier today — and hear every detail of her story. Instead they walked over the bridge and Shawn stayed with her until they reached the dorm where she was staying.

“Hey … Vienna … can I have your number? Maybe we can get coffee tomorrow?”

She hesitated, then took a few steps toward the dorm. “I better not.” She seemed suddenly nervous. “We’ll see each other. Look for me.”

Disappointment hit him like a cold wind. “Okay.” He held up his hand. “I will. Goodnight.”

“Night.” She flashed him one more smile. “Nice meeting you, Shawn.”

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“You, too.” He watched her go, and then slowly he turned toward the square. Connor’s dorm was just four buildings down from the one where Vienna was staying.

Shawn had no idea what was on the schedule for tomorrow, but he knew one thing for sure. He would find Vienna.

If he had to spend all day looking.

CFAW was everything Connor had told him it would be.

At Convocation, the worship time was beyond powerful. The place was packed, every seat and even the standing area around the perimeter of the Vines Center. Connor’s LU Praise team sang during the worship time, and Shawn was blown away. If he thought the welcome rally was amazing, this time of singing to God brought tears to his eyes. Literally.

Heaven will be like this, he thought. And how good You are God, to let me see my brother singing for You this way.

After Convo, Shawn sat in on classes and for each one, the professor prayed before starting. Shawn later asked Connor if that was something special for CFAW. It wasn’t. Liberty professors always started their class time this way, inviting the Lord to be part of the learning process.

After lunch, Shawn went with Connor to the Snowflex Centre on Liberty Mountain, overlooking the campus. The lodge reminded Shawn of a luxury resort, complete with wood paneled walls, enormous fireplaces and comfortable leather sofas.

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Connor smiled at Shawn. “Crazy, right? Kids come up here and study all the time.” He pointed to the towering manmade snowy hills behind the lodge. “On breaks you can watch the snowboarders. They’re amazing.”

Next Shawn sat in on Dr. David Wheeler’s evangelism class.

Dr. Wheeler was a favorite on campus, and Shawn was moved by the dialogue that took place in a single hour. They talked about sharing Christ in a practical way, what to ask and how to defend faith in God. As the hour ended, Shawn felt something he hadn’t before.

A sense of purpose and belonging.

He thought about the three schools he was considering.

His memories of those places felt suddenly dark and empty.

Nothing like the fullness of hope and joy and direction he felt here at Liberty.

Only one problem plagued Shawn all day. He never saw Vienna. Not at the Rot and not that afternoon when he and Connor took in a men’s hockey game at the LaHaye Ice Center.

And not hours later at the Tower Theater where they met up with a group of Connor’s friends from their sister dorm — to watch the musical, Hairspray. At Liberty every guy dorm was matched up with a girl dorm. Brother-sister dorms, they were called.

Shawn loved the idea.

But he didn’t see Vienna once through all of it.

When Shawn slipped into his sleeping bag that night, he could hardly wait for another day on campus. I’m actually going to 24

miss this place, he thought. It was like Vienna had said. The draw was so much more than the buildings.

The next day was filled with more wonderful moments, and then it was time to meet Coach Calloway. Shawn had been dreading the meeting, not wanting to disappoint the man, but knowing he had no real choice. On his way to the Vines Center, he talked to his parents.

“Liberty’s amazing.” He chuckled. “My head’s spinning.”

“Good.” He could hear his father’s smile over the phone.

“Remember, son. Pro players have come from Liberty, too. You could be one of those.”

Shawn felt dizzy by the time he walked into the practice gym and found Coach Calloway. What was happening to his plans? His high school coach would think he was crazy if he came here. The media would mock him. Who would turn down a scholarship to a basketball powerhouse like Duke or Ohio State? What kind of player would miss the chance to play in their backyard for Indiana?

Coach Calloway spotted him and his smile lit up the gym.

“Shawn Flanigan. You’re here!”

“Yes, sir.” Shawn met him midway across the gym and the two shook hands. “Thanks for meeting with me.”

The coach’s eyes shone in a way that was other-worldly. His mom had taught him that a person’s eyes said much about their character. Coach Calloway had what his mother called Jesus eyes.

Full of light and love, kindness and faith. The man smiled and looked intently at Shawn. “I know you’ve got bigger offers. The

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world expects a certain kind of answer from you on signing day.”

He paused. “Isn’t that right?”

Shawn nodded. “Yes, sir.”

“Well,” his smile grew. “God’s bigger than the world. His ways are higher. I’ve asked Him to talk to you this weekend … so that you would know what many of us already believe.” He paused.

“Liberty University is where you belong.”

Belong.

The word came over him like a summer breeze, making its way to the depth of his heart. Wasn’t that what he’d always wanted?

Ever since his mother abandoned him? He belonged with his family and now …

In a rush Shawn knew without a doubt Coach Calloway was right. This was where he belonged. With other believers, other guys and girls looking to make a difference in the world. Other students wanting to be Champions for Christ.

Why would he take his God-given talent anywhere else? Plus, how many guys could play for a legend like Coach Calloway?

He swallowed hard. And as he opened his mouth to tell Coach Calloway that maybe he was right, a girl’s voice echoed across the gym. “Daddy! There you are!”

They turned to the sound and Shawn felt his heart skip a beat.

The girl was Vienna.

Was this really happening? Shawn’s head started to spin again.

The girl he’d met Thursday night was the coach’s daughter? This

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was the man Vienna had told him about, the one so protective he wouldn’t let his girl date?

Shawn wasn’t sure what to do, what to say. Vienna was halfway across the gym floor before she realized it was him, that he was the basketball player talking to her father. For a brief moment, she hesitated and then turned her attention back to her dad.

“I’m going to Chick-fil-A with a few of the girls.” She smiled at him. “If that’s okay.”

“Isn’t there enough food on campus?” He put his hand on her shoulder. His eyes were open to the idea, but clearly he didn’t want to let her go. Even for lunch.

“Dad.” Her tone was gentle. “I’m eighteen.”

“I know.” He kissed her forehead. “Go ahead. Wear your seatbelt.”

“I will.” She looked to Shawn. Her expression remained light.

“You didn’t say you were a basketball player.”

“You didn’t ask.”

Coach Calloway cleared his throat. “You two … know each other?”

Vienna smiled. “We met at the welcome rally.”

“I see.” Coach turned to Shawn and back to Vienna. “You better get going. Don’t make your friends wait.”

“Okay.” She waved to her dad and then looked at Shawn. “See you around.”

“See you.”

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Again Coach Calloway hesitated. But he let the moment pass. When Vienna was gone he motioned toward the back of the practice gym. “Let’s take a look at the facilities. They’re brand new … best locker rooms in the NCAA. The Liberty administration made sure of that.”

The tour was incredible, like everything else about Liberty. But Shawn didn’t need a big sell at this point. He had made up his mind. Like Coach Calloway said, this was where he belonged.

And maybe one day in the near future he and Vienna Calloway would have a class together. Or a coffee date. He wasn’t sure about it. Especially since her father was about to be his coach.

Because Shawn was sure about one thing. When signing day came, he would tell the whole world that he had made up his mind. After this weekend there was only one school where he wanted to spend the next four years. One school where he couldn’t wait to attend. One school that would take him from here into the future God had for him.

Liberty University.

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Chapter Four

Everyone At Clear Creek High knew what was about to happen. In fact, the week leading up to national signing day nearly everyone in Bloomington, Indiana, knew.

Shawn Flanigan, one of the top recruits in the country, was going to play basketball at Liberty University.

The news was definitely not a secret on campus. Ever since he’d returned from College For a Weekend, Shawn had told everyone who asked. He was going to play for the Flames. He was proud of the fact.

But the rest of the nation was absolutely in the dark.

Shawn still received dozens of letters each day, requests from well-known programs and schools he’d never heard of — all of them asking Shawn to consider playing for them. This was an official contact period, meaning NCAA rules allowed coaches to reach out to prospective players. So daily calls from the big three schools — Michigan, Duke, and Indiana — were the norm.

All of them had been on Shawn’s list of possibilities before his visit to Liberty.

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Every call came with the same question. “Have you decided where you’ll play basketball in the fall?”

And each time, Shawn said the same thing. “I’m playing for Liberty University.”

But apparently none of the major college coaches believed him.

Or maybe they thought as long as Shawn hadn’t officially signed a letter of intent, there was still a chance he’d change his mind.

They were wrong, of course. But they wouldn’t let up.

Which was why Shawn couldn’t wait for signing day, so the phone calls and letters would stop. Then he could focus on school and graduation and time with his family and friends before moving to Lynchburg, Virginia.

Even after playing basketball all these years, Shawn had no idea how player ratings actually worked. There were hundreds of talented high school players. But whatever the reason, Shawn remained in the top ten — where he’d been most of the last year or so. The nation thought it was a big deal where he played college basketball. His dad had told him there would be plenty of media at his signing day.

Basketball’s early signing period had come and gone, and Shawn had no intention of waiting for the late signing date. He’d been hounded enough. The three big schools were in for a huge surprise.

Shawn drew a full breath and stared out the window of the bedroom he shared with his younger brother, Baynor James. The kid used to go by BJ. These days he preferred to be called by his middle name, James. It was a good fit, the sort of name a person might expect from a doctor.

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Which was what James intended to be.

“Signing day’s tomorrow.” James entered the room and sat on the end of his bed. The family had just returned from church.

“You nervous?”

“Not really.” Shawn laughed. “Just want to get past it.”

“I bet.” James leaned back. They’d been roommates since their family adopted them. If anyone knew how Shawn was feeling, it was James. “It’s a dream come true.” Shawn shook his head, still amazed. “I guess I’m more excited than nervous.”

“Big dream come true. God answered your prayers from all those nights.” James smiled. “You thinking about the media?

They’re going to freak out about Liberty. You know that, right?”

Shawn shrugged. “I’ve been telling everyone. It’s not a secret.”

There was a sound at the door and their big brother Connor walked in. He had flown home from Liberty on Saturday to be home for Shawn’s signing. Connor leaned against the open door.

“How about that sermon this morning?”

“I know, right?” Again a slight chuckle came from Shawn.

Everywhere he looked he felt God confirming his decision to attend Liberty. The message today was another example. “Seek first His kingdom and all these things will be added.” Shawn shook his head. “I’m definitely headed where I’m supposed to be.”

The verse came from Matthew 6:33. It was one Shawn had memorized when he first gave his life to the Lord, the year he left Haiti and came home to live with his forever family. Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things 31

will be given to you as well. After God made it clear Shawn was supposed to play basketball at Liberty, the Scripture came back to him again and again.

Ricky bounded up the hallway and popped his head in the room. “I thought the party might be in here.” He was their youngest — and tallest — brother, still as blond as he’d been in preschool. Ricky grinned at Shawn as he plopped down on the bed next to James. “This time tomorrow it’ll be official.”

“We were just talking about that.” Connor laughed. “I’d love to see the faces on the coaches of those big schools.” He raised his brow in Shawn’s direction. “You’re about to put Liberty on the map.”

His brother Justin walked in then. “Liberty’s already on the map.” He sat down on Shawn’s bed opposite their brothers. “Dad just told me the new acceptance rate is only twenty percent.”

“Wow.” Shawn leaned against the wall and studied his four brothers. “We have to all go there. Y’all need to find a way to get in. So we can have Sunday afternoons like this.”

Around the room the brothers nodded. Their conversation shifted to James’ new Spikeball set, the one he’d gotten last week for his birthday. James looked out the bedroom window. “Perfect day for a game.”

Everyone agreed and in no time they changed into shorts and T-shirts and moved the conversation outside.

It was warmer than usual for mid-April — so the competitive game turned into three games — the best way for Shawn to get his mind off tomorrow’s signing. Their mom cooked her pot roast

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for dinner and though the hours seemed to pass slowly, finally they all turned in for the night.

And just like that it was Monday after lunch.

So many people were expected at the signing that Clear Creek High School Athletic Director Tim Swanson chose to have the event in the gymnasium. Besides, Shawn wasn’t the only Clear Creek athlete signing letters of intent today. Though none of their signings would make the news, they were still important. Their families and friends were here, too, making the crowd even bigger.

Shawn sat at a table in the center of the gym with his parents on either side of him. The four other athletes signing today were at adjacent tables, all in a line. Laid out on Shawn’s table was a microphone along with four baseball caps — one from each of the big schools that had been recruiting him for the past year, and one from Liberty University.

The hats weren’t necessary. But Mr. Swanson insisted. “It keeps the mystery going a little longer,” he told Shawn yesterday. He added that he thought the gesture only fair to the coaches who had put so much time into pursuing Shawn.

Big breath, Shawn told himself. There was only one hat needed. Everyone will know soon enough. He looked around. A few feet away were his sister Bailey and her husband, Brandon and their baby girl, along with all four of Shawn’s brothers.

The gymnasium was packed and among the people there to celebrate the moment were several of his parents’ good friends — the Baxters.

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The noise in the gym rivaled that of a basketball game and for a moment Shawn looked at the hardwood floor, at the place where he’d scored more points than any other Clear Creek player. So many memories. He smiled and took another look around the room.

Along the back wall, reporters and cameramen were poised and ready to capture Shawn’s decision. Finally the time came. Mr. Swanson talked about Shawn’s academic contributions to Clear Creek High and how he’d been one of the most highly recruited students ever to come through the school.

Shawn felt his father’s hand on his shoulder. “Proud of you, son.” His dad’s whispered words rang through Shawn, filling him with peace. He sat a little straighter.

“And so,” Mr. Swanson smiled at Shawn, “the moment we’ve been waiting for. Shawn Flanigan, it’s time for you to choose.

Which school will you sign with today?”

Without hesitating, Shawn reached for the Liberty University hat. He placed it on his head and grinned. “I’m going to Liberty University.”

Applause came from the crowd but even so Shawn could see the reporters scrambling, whispering among themselves while their photographers kept the cameras rolling. Mr. Swanson presented him with a letter of intent, which he signed while the crowd watched.

His parents leaned in and congratulated him and his siblings surrounded him with more of the same. They huddled in a group hug as Justin laughed. “The media can’t believe it.”

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“I can’t wait to see the news.” Ricky raised his brow. “The whole country’s about to know.”

It was true. Before he left the gym, Shawn gave interviews to two major networks and ESPN. For each of them he said the same thing. “I chose Liberty University because I love the school, their commitment to Jesus, their commitment to excellence. I love everything about Liberty.” Shawn smiled at each of the reporters. He was beyond thrilled with his decision.

For each interview, he continued, telling them, “Liberty has an NCAA Division I basketball program getting stronger every year.

On every level. They have the best facilities and a coaching staff with a vision for succeeding at the highest level. When Liberty reaches that goal, I want to be part of the team.”

That night all three interviews were played across national networks. ESPN gave the most time to the topic, calling his decision a shocker and predicting what Shawn’s decision would mean for Liberty.

Shawn put his comments in writing and that afternoon his dad used those in a response to dozens of emails from other news sources. Honestly, Shawn was as surprised as the media. Why were they making such a big deal of his decision? Clearly the reporters didn’t know how great Liberty was.

Just after dinner he got a call from Liberty’s Coach Cason Calloway. The man sounded elated. “We saw the news on ESPN!” Coach laughed. “Shawn, we’re excited to have you on board.”

“Me, too.” Shawn adjusted the Liberty cap still on his head. “Big things ahead.”

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“Yes, for sure!” Coach Calloway uttered a slight laugh. “This has been one of the greatest days for our basketball program, I’ll tell you that. And Shawn, on behalf of my coaching staff and me, welcome to Liberty!”

“Thank you, Coach. I’m honored to play for you.” The two made a plan to talk again in a few days, and the call ended. Shawn’s family celebrated with a steak dinner that night, and more rounds of watching the sports segments on various networks. A few of the sportscasters debated whether Shawn truly thought Liberty might make it to the Big Dance. The NCAA Division I basketball tournament. March Madness.

Shawn watched, wishing he could add his comments to theirs.

Because not only did he dream of helping Liberty get to the NCAA tournament.

He expected it.

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Chapter Five

Coach Calloway could hardly believe the events that had transpired since Shawn’s signing. Once his letter of intent was official, the Flames heard from two additional top recruits. Both had held off signing on Monday because of a rumor that Shawn was going to attend Liberty.

Once that was a sure thing, the two players had no doubts.

Liberty was their school, too. By Friday afternoon, Coach Calloway jumped on a FaceTime call with Shawn to thank him once more for believing in the program.

“It’s my dream that we’ll become the go-to basketball program for Christian players,” he told Shawn. “No matter how talented they are. So that young men at the highest level of the game would consider us at the top of their list.”

Shawn smiled. “Seems like that’s already happening.”

“Yes.” Cason shook his head. “Because of you.” His head was still spinning. “We’re going to do some great things together!”

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Before the call ended, Cason explained the logistics of what was ahead. Shawn would report to Liberty in June for the start of Summer Bridge. He would join the rest of the team in receiving an orientation to the school and taking two summer courses.

“You’ll have a personal advisor and an app that will help you keep track of your training time and private tutoring — which every athlete gets at Liberty.”

Cason went on, explaining the start dates of open gym and practice times leading up to fall and the beginning of the season.

At the end of the FaceTime talk, Cason paused for a long while.

He looked straight into Shawn’s eyes. “I can’t say enough about how excited we are that you’re playing at Liberty. But I need to be very serious about one thing. We want you on the Flames not just because of your basketball skill but because of your moral character.”

Humility shone in his new player’s eyes. “Thank you, Coach.”

“With that in mind, it’s best you stay focused.”

“Sir?” Shawn looked confused. “On basketball?”

“Yes.” Cason wanted to be clear. “God first and your family.

Basketball and your studies next. Girls can wait until a later time.

Especially for your first few years at Liberty.”

The young man had the slightest raise in his brow, but his eyes remained full of respect. “Yes, sir. I don’t want anything getting in the way of my success at Liberty.” He hesitated. “I understand.”

The conversation session ended on a positive note – like the earlier part of the conversation. Only the part about Shawn 38

staying focused had been even the slightest bit uncomfortable.

Cason stared at the dark screen and then turned his attention to his office window.

Campus looked more beautiful with every passing semester.

The Freedom Tower — home to the School of Divinity — was nearly complete now and would be tallest building in Lynchburg.

Shawn was going to love it here. But deep in Cason’s heart the slightest doubt began to stir.

His directions to Shawn were not the norm, not something he’d ever told another incoming recruit. Sure he would encourage them to focus on their studies. But the part about avoiding relationships was for Shawn, alone.

The reason was obvious only to Cason. He was worried about his daughter, Vienna. She also would be a freshman at Liberty.

Her cousin would be on campus, too. Devon Freeman, a first-year medical student. Devon had promised to keep an eye on Vienna.

Cason sighed and turned to the paperwork stacked on his desk.

He had two more phone calls to make before he could wrap up for the day.

It wasn’t that Cason didn’t trust Shawn Flanigan. But he had seen the way his daughter looked at the young basketball player that day in the gym, when Shawn visited for CFAW. If Cason didn’t do everything in his power to keep Shawn and Vienna apart, he had a strong feeling they would find their way together.

And Cason would lose Vienna. She would fall in love and find her way out of his life. His little girl. Since his wife had died six

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years ago, Vienna was all he had. When her time came to grow up and move on with life, Cason would be alone.

Something he simply wasn’t ready to do yet.

Connor Flanigan loved singing with LU Praise. He was nearly finished with his sophomore year and already looking forward to the fall — especially since his brother Shawn would be here.

This spring had been a dream for Connor since the first few weeks after Christmas break. LU Praise had been invited to sing at the Presidential Inauguration Prayer breakfast, an honor most choirs would never know. In the months after that, Connor had traveled with LU Praise to various churches and events on nearly half the weekends of the semester.

Always God used their group in powerful ways.

Last week after singing at a Sunday service in southern Alabama, the pastor spoke with them in the back room. The man was in his sixties, a widower, who had recently lost his father to a heart attack. He admitted that lately he felt weary in the pulpit.

Until the LU Praise team’s visit.

“You’ve brought a fresh sense of the Holy Spirit,” he smiled at them, though his eyes still looked tired. “You’ll never know what your time here has meant to me.”

It was Connor’s friend and fellow choir member Aliyah’s idea that they surround the pastor and pray for him. After the prayer,

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the pastor had tears streaming down his face. “No one ever prays for me,” he said. “I’ll remember this day forever.”

Moments like that made Connor sure he was exactly where God wanted him to be. Today was another of those times. It was Liberty’s final Convocation before summer break and LU Praise was leading worship. They’d been practicing for a week, and all of them were ready.

The morning figured to be a beautiful one.

It wasn’t until the choir gathered in the upstairs dining room at the Vines Center that they heard from David Lassiter, the campus vice president for spiritual development. “We have a surprise for you today,” he grinned at the choir members and student leaders gathered around. “Here’s how it’s going to happen!”

David detailed how Convocation was going to play out. Around the room there were gasps and even a few teary eyes. Connor couldn’t believe what was about to take place. “Only at Liberty,” he whispered to Aliyah next to him. She smiled and nodded.

None of them could wait for the next few hours, and as they finally took the stage and began with Amazing Grace, Connor looked around the enormous auditorium. The students had no idea what they were in for!

Before the last song, David Lassiter brought up a junior communication student — Carrie Jo Bennett. The girl looked nervous as she walked down the stairs and up onto the stage at the center of the room.

“Hi, Carrie Jo.” David put his arm around the girl’s shoulders.

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Then he looked out into the faces of the 14,000 students gathered in the building. “Hey everyone. This is Carrie Jo. You remember last week I told you about a student on campus whose father was serving oversees in Afghanistan.” He smiled at the girl. “Well … this is her.”

Connor watched the students lean forward in their seats. He thought about what was coming. God, bless this girl today … let her know how much You love her.

David went on to remind them how last week during Friday’s Convocation he had asked students to donate what they could to help a fellow student’s soldier father afford the flight back to the United States. David paused, his eyes shining. “You crazy generous Liberty students donated $3,458 dollars.” He smiled.

“More than enough to purchase a ticket for Carrie Jo’s father to come home for a visit.”

He asked Carrie Jo how long it had been since she’d seen her father. “More than a year.” The girl was trembling now. She was partly laughing, partly crying. “So you mean … we can use that money to buy a ticket?”

“Actually,” David looked around the room again, “we figured if the students at Liberty could be so generous, we could, too. So we matched those funds with another $3,500. In fact,” He paused and motioned to someone off stage, “Carrie Jo we went ahead and bought your dad a ticket home.”

At that moment, from the opposite side of the circular stage, a man in uniform climbed up the stairs and walked up behind Carrie Jo. The students erupted in applause and loud cheers as 42

they rose to their feet. At the same time, the girl must’ve realized someone was behind her. Because she whipped around and there — standing before her — was her dad.

Connor felt tears in his own eyes as Carrie Jo and her father hugged. There was something different about seeing someone reunited with a parent who’d been overseas serving his or her country. Less smiles and pleasantries and more desperation.

Probably because with the military, there’s always a chance that parent wouldn’t return at all.

Carrie Jo was still crying, and she and her dad were still locked in an embrace. When they finally faced David, Carrie Jo hugged him, too. “Thank you!” She looked out at the crowd. “Thank you so much!”

David was clearly choked up, also. He forced a laugh probably so he could find his voice. “That’s what Liberty University looks like.” He hugged Carrie Jo’s father. “Thanks for serving.” Again he faced the students. “Can we thank Mr. Bennett again for serving our country?”

Once more the students let out a wild loud cheer, all of them still on their feet, clapping and shouting out their gratitude.

David waited until the noise quieted. Then he pulled a check from his suit jacket. “Here’s the rest of the money. I’m sure your family will find a way to use it!”

With that LU Praise started their final song. Up in the dining room after Convocation, Connor met Carrie Jo and her father.

Both were still emotional, but the reality was sinking in. School

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was out in two days, and the first month of summer would see this military family reunited.

That night Connor called Maddie West, a girl from back home.

The one he couldn’t stop thinking about. He told her what had happened at earlier that day and added something else. “I can’t wait to see you.”

She hesitated, but not for long. He heard the smile in her voice as soon as she spoke. “Me, too.”

Connor and Maddie had struggled over the past year. They had been childhood friends, since Maddie was part of the Baxter family back home in Bloomington. But over the years they’d lost touch. Then they met up again a year ago Christmas. Initially it seemed they had found something special. Love, even. But things were nothing but rocky after that.

She had a boy pursuing her at her school, and Connor never seemed to connect with her over text and FaceTime the way he could when they were together in person. Anyway, whatever trouble they’d gone through in the past, it was behind them.

Summer was here.

For the next three months, Maddie and Connor would be in the same city. Yes, he would miss singing with LU Praise, but even so he could hardly wait to get home.

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Chapter Six

Graduation was behind Shawn, and now he and his parents had already moved his things into his East Campus dorm. The whole Flanigan family had toured Liberty a few years ago with Connor. But their parents wanted these few days with Shawn.

They’d spent a day walking around campus, and they even had a private tour of the basketball facilities with Coach Calloway.

Shawn’s dad was the head coach for the Indianapolis Colts, but even he was impressed by Liberty’s new locker room.

Every minute of the last few days had been a blast. Now Shawn had just a few minutes to tell his parents goodbye.

He wouldn’t see them again until the first home game — five months away. His mom came to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. “I can’t believe it’s already time.” Her voice broke. “I promised myself I wouldn’t cry.” She looked into his eyes. “I’m really so happy for you, honey.”

“I know. I’m happy, too. But I’ll miss you.” Shawn’s heart felt heavy.

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“We can talk as often as you like.” His mom kept her head pressed to his chest. “You’ll call, right?”

Shawn nodded. “Of course. I promise.”

His dad joined the hug and then, the way his dad always did, he prayed over the moment. That God would keep watch over Shawn and lead him in every possible way. Also that Shawn would be a leader even at a school full of Christian students. His dad put his hand alongside Shawn’s face. “You’re a wonderful son, Shawn. I’m here for you. Always. Whenever you need me.”

“Thanks, Dad. I love you.”

“Love you, too.” He grinned, blinking back his own tears. “And don’t forget that Face-Skype thing. Let’s do that every now and then, too.”

“FaceTime?” Shawn chuckled. His dad hated technology. “Yes. Definitely. I’ll FaceTime you for sure!”

They said a few more goodbyes, and then his parents climbed into their SUV and headed off, back to Bloomington. Shawn watched them leave, and he took a deep breath.

The adventure of the next four years at Liberty University had officially begun.

Shawn looked around the bookstore parking lot and then checked the time on his phone. Another two hours before the first basketball meeting. What to do? He stood there for another minute, taking it all in.

Then he remembered his Bible 105 class, the one he was taking first during Summer Bridge. Coach had told him the textbook 46

would be waiting for him at the bookstore. He could pick that up, then he’d be a step ahead. A breeze drifted over the sunny campus as he made his way up the front steps of the bookstore.

The place was so much more than a typical college shop. They had every sort of Liberty gear imaginable and a Starbucks café at the far end. Twenty tables made up the corner of the place, and every time Shawn had been here he’d seen the same thing — dozens of students caught up in conversations. Many of them with Bibles open.

Shawn made his way to the café and studied the students here now — even in the early days of summer the tables were filled.

Bible discussions were clearly happening at several of them.

One thing was for sure — the faith of the students at Liberty was real.

He was three people from the front of the line when it happened. Something he hadn’t expected till fall. He spotted the girl he’d been thinking about since CFAW. Vienna Calloway. The coach’s daughter.

She was as breathtaking as Shawn remembered, sitting at one of the tables looking even prettier than she had a few months ago.

Only there was a problem.

She was sitting with another guy.

Disappointment rushed through Shawn’s veins. Had she already found another guy? And what was she doing here for summer school? Shawn was six-foot-three, but he tried to hide behind the other people in line as he watched her.

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So who was the guy? He was handsome, dressed in a shirt and tie. Government major, maybe. But then … he looked older than her. Maybe he was a law student. Shawn thought for a moment about Vienna’s father. No, the guy couldn’t be a grad student. No chance Coach Calloway would let his freshman daughter date someone so much older than her, right?

Shawn paid for his sandwich and iced coffee, and tried to make a quick exit. But as he moved away from the counter, Vienna saw him. Their eyes locked for the briefest moment and she gave him the hint of a smile. Then just as quickly her attention was back on the guy seated across from her.

There was nothing more Shawn could do. He turned down one of the aisles and headed downstairs toward the textbook area. He would eat his sandwich somewhere else. Outside maybe. The last thing he wanted was to sit alone and watch Vienna laughing with someone else.

By the time he picked up his Bible textbook and headed to a bench outside, Shawn’s heart was right-side up again. He had no reason to be upset. He was young … so was she. If she wasn’t interested in talking to him, so be it. There were other girls, and besides, he was about to be busier than at any time in his life.

This was only their freshman year.

He prayed over his sandwich and stared at the mountains that bordered the Liberty campus. As he ate, he found himself feeling even lighter. He didn’t need Vienna to make this time of his life a great one. Father, I’m all yours. Please let this summer and this school year be what You want it to be. I trust You, in all ways. In 48

Jesus’ name, amen.

Besides, Coach Calloway was right. This was Shawn’s time to be single. He would focus on God and grades and his basketball game. Dating could wait. The only ring he wanted by spring was one he would earn on the hardwood.

An ASUN Conference championship ring.

Vienna knew she’d made Shawn upset.

Her cousin Devon had been sitting with her when Shawn walked into the bookstore café. Vienna had felt her heart fall to the floor, but she had to hide the fact. Her dad had given her no choice.

She tossed her coffee cup in the trash and looked around. Her cousin Devon was gone now, headed back to the medical school up on the hill. Her time with him had been very sweet. Her cousin had shared memories of when they were little kids, and he had to help her cross the street whenever the cousins went to the park across the street from her parents’ home.

“I’ve always looked out for you,” Devon had smiled at her.

“This’ll just be more of the same.”

Vienna loved having him on campus. Of course, her father was glad, too. “Did my dad ask you to spy on me?” She had looked straight into her cousin’s eyes as she asked. The question was more serious than she let on. It was something she had wondered

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about for weeks. “You know, did he ask you to report back to him? Make sure I don’t talk to boys?”

It was right at that moment that she had seen Shawn Flanigan get in line at the café. Her heart sank, and she felt her cheeks grow hot. For a moment she couldn’t say a word.

Devon didn’t seem to notice. He laughed. “Your dad doesn’t want you dating. I can tell you that much.”

His words were only partially reaching Vienna. All she could think about was Shawn, and how she wanted to go tell him hello.

She had watched the news when he signed with Liberty, and she knew all her father’s athletes would be on campus today.

She had dreamed about this moment, the chance when she would first see Shawn and maybe they could pick up where they left off during CFAW. She had pictured being his friend from the moment they would see each other again. After all, she would be on campus all summer, too. She was taking a summer class, commuting from home.

But she could hardly jump up and run to Shawn while here cousin was telling her just how badly her dad wanted her to stay away from boys. Making matters worse was the fact that Shawn no doubt thought Devon was some guy she was interested in.

Vienna would explain everything to him later, but there had been no missing the look on his face as he walked away. Shawn was upset. The expression in his eyes seemed to ask her what had happened, how come she didn’t seem glad to see him? And who was the other guy?

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After Devon left, Vienna walked outside and looked for Shawn.

Just in case he had eaten his lunch on one of the benches near the bookstore. But he was gone. Frustration weighed on her, placing a layer of clouds over the pretty morning. A sigh came from her lips as she walked back to her car.

Tomorrow was the first official day of summer school. Surely she’d see Shawn again. But what was the point? Her dad wouldn’t want her hanging around Shawn anyway. She had even asked her dad about staying at the Commons this summer, like a few of her friends were doing. But his answer was firm.

Absolutely not.

She was growing up too quickly as it was.

Vienna turned the key in the ignition and thought about driving to the Vines Center. Just showing up at her Dad’s office.

Maybe if she asked him again about staying at Commons, he’d change his mind. She was eighteen, after all. It wasn’t her fault that her mom had died, or that she was their only child. Her father’s decision to keep her isolated couldn’t stop the clock.

And it wouldn’t stop her from thinking about Shawn Flanigan.

But in the end she didn’t drive to his office. There was no point.

All she could do was pray that her dad would change his mind soon — that he’d realize it was right for her to grow up. This was her time.

She played Colton Dixon’s Through All of It on the way home.

The song was one of her favorites. As the music played, Vienna let the words soothe her anxious heart. Life’s been a journey, I’ve

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seen joy I’ve seen regret. Oh, but you have been my God through all of it. Yes, you have been my God through all of it.

Nothing could be more true.

Vienna managed a smile as she walked through the front door of their house. Her dad wouldn’t be home for several hours, and it felt like tomorrow morning and the start of summer school would never come. Vienna let their German shepherd into the house. “Come on, Mandy. Come keep me company.”

The dog wagged her tail and followed Vienna to her room.

Ever since the meeting with Devon, since seeing Shawn at the bookstore, Vienna had known what she wanted to do today.

She pulled a book from the nightstand beside her bed and took it to the chair in the corner of her room. For a long while she sat with the book on her lap and just ran her hand across the cover.

The book contained dozens of letters her mama had written for her years ago.

Back when she first found out she was sick.

At the front of the book was this simple inscription from Vienna’s mother to her: Vienna, In case I don’t get better … all my love, Mom. The book had a pale blue cloth cover and inside, the letters were arranged by topic. Vienna held the cover to her cheek and closed her eyes. Sometimes the book made her feel like her mama was here, sitting beside her. Telling her all the things she would say if she were still alive.

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She opened the book and turned to the page that said this across the top: When You Meet a Boy. Vienna had read all her mother’s letters more times than she could count. But sometimes only one specific letter would do.

This was one of those times. She read the letter silently to herself.

Dear Vienna, You are very young as I write this letter. Just twelve years old.

But you are a beautiful girl, inside and out. Your heart is filled with romance and joy and longing for the sort of love story your father and I shared. The one we still share. If I’m there with you then along the way, you and I will have hours and hours of conversations about boys.

That’s the way I want life to go.

But if this dreaded disease takes me from you, then I’ll be praying for you from Heaven, dear girl. And I’ll leave you my words so you know what I’d say. Even if I only get this one chance to say it.

A single tear trickled down Vienna’s cheek. She kept reading.

You will meet many boys in your growing up years, especially in high school and definitely in college. They will think you’re the prettiest girl they’ve ever met. But there will always ever be just one boy worthy of your precious heart, Vienna.

Here’s how you can tell that boy from the others.

He will be a gentleman. He will open the door for you and look you in the eyes when you talk. There will be a sense that for him, the rest of the world ceases to exist when he’s in your presence.

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That’s how much he’ll care about what you say and think and feel.

Your dreams and goals and trials.

But more than all of that, he will be a man after God’s heart.

You will want to take your relationship with him slowly, waiting for God’s leading on when it’s the right time to date and when you should share your feelings with him.

Only a young man who loves God more than you, could ever be worthy of your time and your heart. Remember that, Vienna.

There was more to the letter. Practical advice on letting the boy chase after her, and how not to share her feelings for the boy too quickly. She’d read it all before. But Vienna stopped there and closed the book. She looked at the Bible verse her mother had painted in pink on her wall before she got sick.

For I know the plans I have for you, plans to give you a hope and a future and not to harm you – Jeremiah 29:11.

Her mother would have understood the situation she was in.

Vienna was a freshman in college. Of course she should be allowed to talk with boys and even date. In a group setting, at least. If her mama was still alive, she would’ve talked to Vienna’s father, and everything would’ve worked out.

Earlier today she could’ve motioned Shawn to the table and introduced him to her cousin. So there’d be no confusion about the conversation Vienna had been having. Instead, everything was a mess.

Yes, her mom would’ve helped make sense of everything. She would’ve listened to Vienna talk about the cutest boy on campus, 54

the one she couldn’t stop thinking about.

And her mama would’ve liked him, too. Because the truth was, there was only one guy on campus Vienna was interested in. One that fit every description her mother had written in that long ago letter. The boy Vienna hoped would give her another chance when they saw each other again.

Liberty’s best newest basketball player — Shawn Flanigan.

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Chapter Seven

Some days it was all Shawn Flanigan could do to keep from thinking about Vienna. After all, he was Liberty University’s star basketball recruit, and she was the coach’s daughter. A match made in heaven if ever there was one. They were both freshmen, both at the beginning of the most exciting chapter of their lives.

The two of them together seemed as perfect as Liberty itself.

But there were two problems.

Coach Calloway had basically forbidden the freshmen players from dating.

And Vienna was dating some LU medical student. At least it seemed that way. The last two times Shawn had seen her, she was with the guy.

He pushed the thoughts from his head and breathed in deep. This was the Fourth of July Celebrate America weekend in Lynchburg, and all his family had driven in for the event.

Fireworks were tonight at Williams Stadium

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For now they were doing something none of them expected to do in the middle of summer. They were tubing down the mountain overlooking Liberty’s growing campus. Not on real snow, of course.

Liberty’s Snowflex was covered with artificial white powdery snow, perfect for snowboarding, skiing, and tubing. Shawn stood back with his older brother Connor and younger teenage brother Ricky, a sophomore in high school.

Their mom and dad stood closer to the top of the tubing slide.

“I say we go first,” Dad looked over his shoulder at the boys and laughed. “To test it out.”

Ricky crossed his arms. He was the youngest, but he always had a comeback. “Mom will never get on that thing.”

“Well …” She stared down the steep, forever-long hill and winced. “Maybe someone else goes first.” Her eyes locked on their dad’s. “I mean … what if we flip?”

“What?” Dad’s eyes grew wide, like he was shocked at the thought. “My lady, you are always safe with this fine prince.”

“There it is.” Shawn shook his head and elbowed his two brothers and chuckled. “Now dad’s a fine prince.”

Gradually their mom smiled. “You are a prince, now aren’t you?”

Their dad did a grand bow. “For you alone.”

“Always the romantic.” Connor grinned. “You go, Dad.”

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“Alright.” Mom shrugged. “She kissed Dad’s cheek. “What girl could turn down an offer like that?”

Dad made a quick move for a double tube. There was no line, so he helped Mom into the front of the two-seater. Then he dropped in behind her. “Here we go!” One of the Snowflex workers made sure the slide was clear. Then their dad pushed off and they were gone.

The three Flanigan boys shouted and clapped and moved closer to get a better look. Their parents were flying down the hill. In no time they reached the bottom with not the slightest hint of flipping.

They could easily hear their parents’ laughter all the way at the top.

For the next hour Shawn and his family took turns on single tubes and doubles. Shawn had never ridden the hill at Snowflex, so his first trip down was with Connor. The moment they hit the hill his heart crashed to his knees. He couldn’t take a full breath till they came to a stop at the bottom. Connor raised both fists in the air. “Wow!” He high-fived his brother. “Talk about an adrenaline rush!”

It was true, and as they headed down the stairs of the lodge toward the exit they were all still talking about how much fun they had, and how great it was to sled on a ninety degree summer day.

“I can’t wait to tell Baynor and Justin.” Dad grinned as he gave the rest of them a thumbs up. “They’ll love this next time they’re here.” The other two Flanigan brothers were on a three-week mission trip to Africa.

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Before they reached the door, while they were still walking, their mom raised her eyebrows in Ricky’s direction. Her face had that teasing look. “And you thought I wouldn’t do it.”

“Well …” Ricky shook his head and glanced at their dad. “I didn’t count on the whole ‘fine prince’ thing.”

Everyone laughed, and as they stepped outside, a group of girls was just arriving. Immediately Shawn saw that Vienna was one of them. As they crossed paths, she hesitated. Her eyes met his and she stopped for the slightest moment. Her friends continued on inside.

“Vienna.” For a few seconds, Shawn felt like they were the only two people on the mountain. What was it about her? Every time he saw her he felt like she was the one. Like God Himself was speaking the possibility straight to Shawn’s heart.

“Hi.” Vienna looked down, suddenly shy or maybe upset. Shawn couldn’t tell. Vienna turned to his family. “Hello.”

“Uh,” Shawn couldn’t find the words fast enough. “Mom, Dad, this is Vienna. We met that first week. At CFAW.” He turned to his brothers. “And you remember my brother Connor. And this is Ricky, the youngest Flanigan.”

Everyone said their hellos and an awkward silence hung between them. Vienna pointed her thumb toward the door. “I better go.” Her smile proved she had rebounded from the initial shock. The one they both clearly felt. She turned to his family.

“Nice to meet you.”

They responded the same and Shawn and his family walked

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down the path to their SUV. They were barely inside the vehicle when Ricky did a dramatic turn in Shawn’s direction. “Who is she?” He grinned. “She’s gorgeous.”

Shawn gave a slight laugh. “Yeah, she is.” The whole carload seemed to wait for his response. He took a quick breath. “She’s Vienna Calloway, my coach’s daughter. She’s a freshman like me.”

“Hmmm.” In the rear view mirror his dad caught Shawn’s eye.

“Seems like a nice girl.”

“She is.” Shawn wanted to cut to the point. “But coach doesn’t want his freshmen dating. Oh, and she has a boyfriend.” He paused. “At least I think she does.”

“Too bad,” Connor patted Shawn’s shoulder. “Take it from me.

Boyfriend or not, she’s interested. I could see it in her eyes.”

“Definitely,” their mom’s tone was light, “and Connor’s the family expert. At least for now.”

Shawn laughed under his breath. Connor had been interested in a few different girls. The drama of his relationships was well known throughout the family. The Flanigans were close that way.

Over dinner at The Food Court at Reber-Thomas, Shawn was glad the conversation shifted to the coming school year. No point talking about Vienna. She was off limits. Period.

“Tell them about the LU Send trip.” Connor lit up and looked at his parents. “You won’t believe this.”

Everyone turned to Shawn. “Tell us.” Dad set his fork down.

“This sounds good.”

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“It really is.” Shawn sat a little straighter. “The team is only off the first part of August. Which is when the LU Send Now team is going to Puerto Rico to help with hurricane damage.”

“LU Send Now?” His mom hesitated. “I’ve heard about it. Like a mission trip, right?”

“Sort of.” Shawn explained that LU Send Now was more specific than most mission trips. They went to damaged areas with a onetime job to accomplish. “For the most part they help with disaster recovery.”

“The trip had all the people they could take.” Connor leaned his forearms on the table and looked from Mom to Dad. “But someone dropped out.”

“Yeah, that’s the only reason I’m in.” Shawn talked about the details, how Coach Calloway was going and two other teammates.

Long after they finished eating and headed to the football stadium for the Fourth of July celebration, Shawn couldn’t stop thinking about the trip. The opening felt like a gift from God. Something besides basketball to look forward to, a way to help out. And something else. The trip would be a way to take his mind off Vienna.

Which was maybe as important as the LU Send Now work itself.

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Chapter Eight

Vienna was glad DeMoss Hall had air conditioning. This end of July was one of the hottest Lynchburg had ever known. She had chosen two general education classes to take this summer.

An English composition course and theology. Both in the main building on campus.

Mostly because she couldn’t wait to be a Liberty student.

All her teenage years she’d looked forward to attending school here, so now she was thrilled to be taking summer classes. She couldn’t wait to move into her dorm in the Commons II. But that would come in late August. For now, she was commuting from home, and everything about her first few weeks had been perfect.

Except for the heat.

As Vienna walked toward the Vines Center, she pulled a water bottle from her backpack and took a long drink. Maybe the heat was a good thing. Practice for her LU Send Now week in Puerto Rico coming up in early August. Her dad was only letting her go because he was one of the Liberty staff in charge of the work trip.

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Which was fine.

Like always, Vienna knew her dad meant well. He didn’t want anything to happen to her. And since the hurricane clean-up in Puerto Rico was still ongoing, there were areas of disrepair that had become dangerous. Going with her dad and the LU Send Now team was much safer.

She picked up her pace. Today she was meeting her father for lunch. Basketball conditioning was in full swing so he was busy.

But her aunt and uncle had moved to Lynchburg a few weeks ago, which gave Vienna somewhere fun to hang out when she wasn’t in class or when her friends were busy.

And since her dad hadn’t budged on the idea of her spending time with boys.

Particularly one boy — Shawn Flanigan.

Vienna ran into Shawn often — around the Vines Center and whenever she was stopping in to see her dad. Sometimes at the Starbucks in the campus bookstore.

But they barely talked. She still hadn’t explained that the guy he’d seen her with wasn’t her boyfriend. How he was her cousin. Beyond that she had talked to God about Shawn. Maybe her dad was right and this just wasn’t their season to be more than distant schoolmates. Or maybe her dad was wrong. Maybe sometimes young love was good and right. And maybe this was one of those situations.

If only she and Shawn could have a heart-to-heart talk.

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Vienna walked through the gym and spotted Shawn at the free throw line. He glanced at her, and they shared a quick smile.

Nothing more. At the same time her dad approached. “Hey there, baby girl.” He hugged her. “You ready for lunch?”

“I am.” The two of them left through the back door. No more shared looks with Shawn, no more quick smiles. She wasn’t in the gym more than a few minutes before she was gone.

Lunch at Cookout with her dad was the usual laughter and conversation and deeper moments remembering Vienna’s mom.

It was real and rich and marked with the tender love Vienna had always known from her father.

Not till the end of the meal did he take a document from his messenger bag and slide it across the table. “Here.” His smile wasn’t convincing. “This is everything you’ll need for the LU Send Now trip.” He paused. “I’m glad I’m going.”

There was more that he wasn’t saying. His tone told her that much. But she wasn’t sure what the catch in his voice meant until later that night when she was alone in her room. That’s when she finally flopped down on her bed and looked through the paperwork.

The document contained everything Vienna expected. Flight dates and time, a packing list, and details about the sort of work they’d be doing. The last page made Vienna realize why her dad had maybe been a little reluctant to give her the information.

That sheet held a list of the students attending the trip. Near the top was a name that took Vienna’s breath.

Shawn Flanigan.

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“What?” She sat up and stared at the paper. Weeks ago she had seen an online roster of the trip attendees. Shawn hadn’t been on it.

He must’ve taken Kenny Otter’s spot. The senior basketball player had dropped out a few weeks ago. Never did Vienna think for a minute that Shawn would join the group going to Puerto Rica.

The weeks that followed felt like months. Vienna looked for a chance to talk to Shawn about the trip. But her dad had the team busy morning to night doing summer training.

Finally it was early August, and the day before their flight. Her dad found her packing in her room. “Shawn Flanigan is on this trip. I assume you saw that.”

Vienna looked up from her suitcase. “I did.” She sat on the edge of her bed. “Daddy … what is it about Shawn? It’s like you don’t trust me around him. Ever since we met.” Frustration welled in her heart. “Did I do something wrong? To lose your trust?”

“Oh, sweetheart.” Her dad leaned against the doorframe. A sigh slipped from his lips. “I’m sorry. It’s not you.” He squinted and looked across the room. At the framed photo of Vienna and her mom. “If she were here … if your mom were still …”

He let the thought hang in the air between them. Vienna stood and came to him. She took his hands in her own. “If Mom were alive she’d know what to do. Is that it?”

The struggle was obvious in her dad’s expression. Finally he nodded. “Yes. I just … I want you safe, baby. You’re young. And guys … well … “ He looked at the ceiling for a long minute, and then back at her. “I want you to stay young.”

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Vienna felt her eyes soften. “Thank you. For explaining it.” She hugged him and for a while he held her in his arms, the way he used to do when she was a little girl. As she drew back she lifted her face to his again. “I thought I’d done something wrong.”

“Not at all.” He was quick to shake his head. “Shawn’s a great guy. It’s … it’s too soon. That’s the only problem.”

All her life Vienna had trusted her daddy, and this time was no different. He was right. She was young, and she had time. She and Shawn Flanigan had four years to figure out if they were supposed to be more than friends.

For now she would focus on the LU Send Now trip.

And the people in Puerto Rico who needed them.

They were halfway through the week-long trip, and still Vienna had barely made eye contact with Shawn. Thirty-three students and staff had made the trip, and the group coordinator had kept them busy every waking hour. Each day was very much the same.

An early breakfast at the hotel, then the group would break into teams of six and head into the small towns still struggling after the hurricanes. The teams would pull trash and debris and destroyed walls and floors from a single house. All day, with barely a break.

During lunch they would share the Gospel with people from the neighborhood. Sometimes they would lead the locals in a few praise songs to Jesus, then it was back to work. When the sun 66

went down and they were exhausted, they would head back to the hotel and meet up with the other teams.

Next came dinner, and then it was time to turn in for the night.

But on Friday, they finished around two in the afternoon. A quick prayer with the neighbors and they took a moment to survey the work they’d done. An entire street was ready for rebuilding because of their efforts. Dinner was earlier, too, which left them a bit of free time. That evening Vienna didn’t want to chat with her roommates.

Her heart was heavy for the people of Puerto Rico and all the work they still had ahead. She had heard stories of great loss, children who had died and people who had gotten sick in the aftermath.

Many hadn’t made it.

It was dusk by the time Vienna walked out to the courtyard behind the hotel. There were a few chairs around an old fire pit.

A few dim lights, but no view really. That didn’t matter to Vienna.

At least the spot was private.

Quiet. Which was what Vienna wanted.

But as soon as she stepped outside into the muggy night air, she saw she wasn’t alone. Someone was sitting by the fire pit, his back to her. She didn’t need him to turn around. She knew who he was. Shawn Flanigan. The two had barely seen each other all week.

He turned and looked at her. It took a second before he stood.

His voice was barely a whisper. “Vienna.”

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Her heart raced as she took slow steps toward him. She should go back to her room. Her dad wouldn’t want her out here by herself with Shawn. But she couldn’t help herself. She and Shawn hadn’t had this chance for way too long.

She didn’t respond until she was standing a few feet from him. The breeze played in her hair as her eyes met his. “I … didn’t think anyone would be out here.”

“I wasn’t tired.” He motioned toward the seat beside him. “Sit?” Her dad would be furious. She swallowed hard. “I shouldn’t.”

“Just for a minute?” He lowered himself to his chair, but his eyes never left hers.

Vienna knew better. This wasn’t a good idea. She didn’t want to have to explain herself to her father. But then … what could it hurt? This wasn’t a date. They were on a mission trip together, after all. They should be able to talk for a few minutes, catch up on all they’d been doing these last few days.

She filled her lungs and sat in the spot beside him. “I can’t talk long.”

A slight grin tugged at his mouth. “I’ll take it.” He leaned over his knees and folded his hands. A minute passed before he spoke again. “It’s worse than I thought.” He looked at her again. “Life here.”

It was exactly what she’d been thinking all week. “So many hurting people.”

“They lost everything.” He shook his head. “I’m just glad we could help.”

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“Me, too.” She thought about the week, how most people they worked with had only the clothes on their back. “I wish we could do more.”

“Yeah.” He breathed in deep and lifted his eyes to the starry sky.

“It makes basketball feel pretty unimportant.”

A shiver ran down Vienna’s arms despite the balmy night.

“That’s something my mom used to say. Whenever our family took a mission trip.”

“Your mom.” Shawn stared at her, quiet for a long moment. “Tell me about her.”

“Mmm.” Vienna leaned back. This time she turned her eyes upward. “She loved me. With a fierce kind of love. Like, she would’ve done anything for me.” Her sigh mixed with the sound of cicadas in the nearby trees. “My mom was funny and quickwitted. “ She turned to Shawn again. “We were in Africa once and she gave a woman her shoes. Took them right off her feet and walked barefoot the rest of the day. That’s how she lived.”

Shawn nodded. He took his time responding. It was that type of conversation, slow and thoughtful. Like time had stopped so they could sit here and talk. “I would’ve liked her.”

“Yes.” Vienna allowed a quiet laugh. “You would’ve loved her.

And yes … this makes basketball seem super unimportant.”

“I love the game. I want to win this year, for sure.” Shawn smiled, his eyes locked on hers. “But after college, I want my work to matter. Whatever that is.”

“Me, too.” Vienna smiled. “Shawn … can I tell you something?”

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“Sure.” He waited, his eyes shining in the light of the canvas of stars.

“Okay.” Vienna sighed. “I’m not sure how to say this.” She felt her heart pick up speed again. She didn’t want to assume he liked her more than a friend. But if he did, then he was bound to be confused by her cousin. She shifted so she was facing him. “That time when you saw me in the bookstore? With that guy?”

A shadow fell over Shawn’s eyes. “A few times.”

“Right.” Vienna bit her lip. “That’s Devon. My cousin.” She shrugged one shoulder. “I wasn’t sure if you thought …”

“He was your boyfriend?” Shawn exhaled, like a bundle of bricks had been moved from his shoulders. “Yeah, I thought that.

Older guy. I was like, ‘Figures.’”

They both laughed, and Vienna felt her eyes begin to dance.

“He’s a med student.”

“I guessed that. The way he was dressed in a shirt and tie.

Medical or government major.” Shawn raised his eyebrows.

“Couldn’t compete with that.”

Vienna let his words wash over her once more. Couldn’t compete. And just like that Shawn Flanigan had made his intentions clear. She lowered her chin, shyer than before. Seconds passed before she looked at him again. “I’m sorry.”

“It wasn’t your fault.” Shawn slid to the edge of his seat, a little closer than before. “I … really want the chance to date you, Vienna. Sometime.”

She had to look down to see if her feet were still on the Puerto 70

Rican ground. When she lifted her eyes a thought occurred to her.

She would remember this moment forever. “I’d like that … but …”

“Your dad?” He lowered his voice.

“You already know.” She looked straight at him.

“Players can’t date. Not as freshmen.” Shawn didn’t roll his eyes or look upset by the rule. “I just … I want to spend time with you.”

“Not sure he’ll let me date till I’m a senior. Even if you can.” She wasn’t sure what to say. “He’s really protective.”

Shawn looked like he was ready to ask her something, but there was a sound behind them. Vienna looked over her shoulder, and there was her dad.

He took one step into the courtyard and stopped. His voice was loud and more than a little gruff. “You both have two minutes to get to your rooms.” That was it. Nothing more. No explanation or gentle reminder. Without waiting for their response her dad turned and walked back into the hotel.

Vienna was on her feet before her father was out of sight.

Shawn did the same. For a few seconds she looked at him, trying to find the words. “He doesn’t mean to come across like that.” She backed up a few steps. “He’s just … it’s because of my mom.”

“It’s okay.” Shawn caught up to her, and they walked together.

He glanced at her as they neared the door. “Another time.”

Her dad wasn’t going to be mad at her, and she wouldn’t be in trouble. Vienna knew that much. But she wanted to respect him.

She and Shawn moved quickly into the building and before they went their separate ways, Shawn reached for her hand and gave 71

it the slightest squeeze. “One day.”

There was nothing she could say in response. Her heart was flying a mile above her. She nodded and turned to go. But as long as she lived she would hold tight to this night and their conversation beneath the stars. And his two words that kept her awake for the next hour.

One day.

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Chapter Nine

Something had to change.

Coach Cason Calloway knew that, but he hadn’t found the right time, hadn’t figured out the way to go about it. He still felt bad about what had happened in Puerto Rico, even now when they’d been back to Lynchburg for three months.

Shawn Flanigan was one of the most outstanding young men that had worn a Liberty uniform. He was excelling at the game, but more than that he was a born leader.

A few weeks ago at practice, half the team was grumbling about Cason’s new approach to defense. Before Cason could take charge and get the guys in line, Shawn stepped up. “Look,” he told his teammates, “this is coach’s plan. We play for him. Nothing happens if we don’t believe. First in God and second, in Coach.”

Cason had shared a look with his assistants. None of them had ever seen a freshman with so much leadership. Shawn’s character and faith in Jesus constantly took Cason by surprise.

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So why had he put such strict boundaries on the kid? Why had he been so rough on him in Puerto Rico? Nothing could hide the way the young man looked at Vienna whenever she stopped by the gym. And of course, Cason knew how his daughter felt about Shawn.

They had talked about it the night they returned from the mission trip. Cason had found Vienna in her room and apologized for his behavior that night in the hotel courtyard. “I’m just looking out for you, baby,” he had told her.

Vienna had explained that she wasn’t angry with him. But she said something that night that stayed with Cason. Words that kept playing over and over in his mind: “Daddy, Shawn is exactly the type of guy you and mom prayed I would fall in love with. I keep hoping you’ll remember that.”

Cason gritted his teeth. His daughter shouldn’t have to hope and pray that he would remember something that was absolutely true. Cason could still hear his late wife’s sweet voice calling out to God on behalf of their only child, their precious daughter.

When the time is right, bring her a man after Your heart, Lord. Please.

Cason’s soul felt heavy in his chest. Who was he to say this wasn’t the right time?

It was Friday morning, a few minutes before ten. Pastor Steven Furtick from Elevation Church was speaking today at Convocation. Cason didn’t always attend, but today he felt something pulling him to the Vines Center.

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Fifteen minutes later he found a seat near the top of the bleachers. A place where he could be by himself and focus on whatever reason God had brought him here. The worship time was beautiful. Songs about the sovereignty and peace of God. How His plans were perfect. Always.

Cason felt his heart soften. When the music stopped, Pastor Furtick took the stage. He was barely into his message when he said something that took Cason’s breath.

“Right here and now on this day, I want to present to you the same ultimatum that Joshua from the Bible asked his people.

After wandering in the desert for forty years, the directive was simple. ‘Choose this day whom you will serve.’” The pastor looked around the auditorium. “Do you trust God? Do you believe His promises? Choose this day. Right here. Right now.”

Whatever followed, Cason wasn’t sure. The question from the stage played in his heart again and again. Do you trust God? Do you trust Him? Tears welled in Cason’s eyes. He did trust. He would trust forevermore. It was time to stop playing gatekeeper, time to let God work in the lives of the people he loved. Starting with his daughter, Vienna. Which meant he had to do one thing before another day passed.

He had to schedule a meeting with Shawn Flanigan.

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Shawn got the text an hour after convo: Hey, Shawn, could you please come by my office before practice.

We need to talk.

A chill ran down Shawn’s arms. What had he done wrong?

His jump shot seemed a little off, but he had scored ten points in their last game. Which was pretty good for a freshman. Shawn was sixth man off the bench. He still hoped for a starting position before they got too far into the season.

So what could possibly be wrong?

The hour dragged by, but the moment Shawn walked into Coach Calloway’s office he knew the news wasn’t bad. Coach’s eyes were soft. The man stood and motioned to the chair across from his desk. “Have a seat. Please.”

“Yes, sir.” Shawn sat down.

For a long moment, Coach didn’t say anything. Then he looked at a framed photo on his desk. A photo of Vienna. He pulled the picture close, and then turned his eyes to Shawn. “God has made something clear to me.” He paused. “I haven’t been fair to you.

Not where Vienna is concerned.”

A warm feeling spread from Shawn’s heart through his body.

Where in the world was Coach going with this. “Sir?” He smiled. “Could you tell me, Shawn … what are your intentions with Vienna?”

Of all the things Shawn had figured Coach might talk about, this wasn’t even on the list. His mind raced as he began to

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answer. “Sir, your daughter … she’s amazing. She’s that one-ina-million girl, I’ve prayed for as long as I can remember.” He grabbed a quick breath. “Every time I’m with her I hear the Lord saying the same thing.” He shrugged. “Maybe she’s the one.”

Coach Calloway allowed the hint of a smile. He nodded, and his eyes locked on Shawn’s. “That’s what I thought you’d say.”

There was more. Shawn let the words spill out. “I know we’ve never dated, and maybe I’m wrong. But every day I think about what if … What if I could ask her on a date. What if I could have your blessing to pursue her? Because she’s the girl I can’t stop thinking about and praying for and …”

“Shawn.” Coach nodded and held up his hand. “That’s all.” He chuckled. “You want my blessing.” He hesitated. “You have it.”

This couldn’t be happening. Shawn leaned back. His head was spinning. “Sir? Are … are you serious?”

“I am.” He stood and moved around the desk. Then he reached out his hand. Shawn did the same and they shook. Then Coach pulled him into a hug. “You’re one of the finest young men I’ve ever coached.” He stepped back and looked at Shawn again. “You have my permission to date my daughter.”

His coach’s words stayed with him as he left the man’s office, and as he called Vienna. Three hours later the two of them hiked up to the gazebo at the top of the mountain adjacent to the Liberty campus. They stepped inside and stared at the view.

Vienna turned to him. “I … don’t understand, Shawn. My dad really said we could do this?”

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“He did.” Shawn faced her and took her hands in his. “He told me I could ask you the question that’s been on my mind.”

Her eyes sparkled, and Shawn knew he wouldn’t forget this night as long as he lived. She did the slightest shrug. “What question?”

“This one.” He searched her eyes. “Vienna … will you be my girlfriend?” He could feel the way his smile took up his whole face. “We can take things slowly. We have time. But … if you’re okay with it … if you think God’s okay with it … can today be a beginning?”

Before Vienna could respond, her eyes glistened with tears. “Is this really happening?”

He laughed. “That’s what I kept asking myself in your dad’s office earlier.” He was still holding her hands, still lost in her eyes.

“But it’s all real, Vienna.”

“Okay, then …” she caught a tear with the tip of her finger. “Yes, Shawn! Yes, I’ll be your girlfriend!”

They hugged and laughed, and slowly they turned to face the sunset. All of life was ahead of them, and Shawn could hardly wait for the adventure to play out. This year and next year and every year until graduation. At least that’s the way he pictured it.

So that one spring he would come back to this gazebo with more than good news. He would come with a degree from the best possible university ever … and something else.

A ring.

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Other Life-Changing Fiction Titles by

Karen Kingsbury To the Moon and Back Love Story In This Moment The Chance Fifteen Minutes Angels Walking Series Angels Walking Chasing Sunsets Brush of Wings The Bridge Now a Hallmark Movie Redemption Book No. 1 in the Baxter Family series

For more information and other novels by Karen, visit KarenKingsbury.com

About the Author Karen Kingsbury, #1 New York Times bestselling novelist, is America’s favorite inspirational storyteller, with more than twenty-five million copies of her award-winning books in print. Her last dozen titles have topped bestseller lists and many of her novels are under development as major motion pictures and television series for Netflix and Amazon.

Her Baxter Family books are being developed into a TV series slated for major network viewing sometime in the next year.

Karen is also an adjunct professor of writing at Liberty University, where she is actively involved in Liberty University’s Karen Kingsbury Center for Creative Writing. She firmly believes if heaven had a university it would be Liberty. Karen lives with her husband Donald in Tennessee near their adult children and grandchildren.

Visit KarenKingsbury.com for more information about Karen or to learn about Karen’s Life-Changing Fiction ™ books and upcoming films. Also, Karen sends out an encouraging, inspirational newsletter every week or so. Sign up for free at Karen’s website. Follow Karen on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @KarenKingsbury.

Ever wonder what it would be like

to follow a couple of incoming Liberty University freshmen through their college experience? Run with them through campus as they search for Green Hall, sit with them at Convocation — the largest Christian student gathering in the world. Cheer with them from the stands on a football Saturday. And feel your heart pound as romance begins and lifelong friendships start.

Ready?

Here’s your chance.

Read Once Upon a Campus today!

Liberty.edu/KarenKingsbury