Reese Sanders E-Book

Amanda Umfress

• Herausgeber: Next Chapter
• Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2025

Beschreibung

Reese Sanders always knew her life wasn't picture-perfect. Adopted as a baby, she was raised by loving parents but has long felt the ache of unanswered questions about where she came from.

When health challenges leave her in need of a kidney transplant, Reese finds her prayers answered in a way she never expected. As she begins to heal both physically and spiritually her search for her birth mother leads her down an unexpected path.

Through faith, resilience, and the steadfast support of those who love her, Reese discovers that her story is not defined by tragedy, but by courage. Along the way, she learns that family is not only who you’re born to—it’s who walks beside you when the road grows darkest.

Deeply moving and filled with hope, REESE SANDERS is the second book in the Family Circle series by Amanda Umfress.

Leseprobe

Reese Sanders

The Family Circle Series

Book 2

Amanda Umfress

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Epilogue

Broken Spirit

Acknowledgments

About the Author

Copyright © 2025 Amanda Umfress

Layout design and Copyright © 2025 by Next Chapter

Published 2025 by Next Chapter

Edited by Kimberly Coghlan

Cover art by Charlyn Llanos

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the author’s permission.

For my sister, Lisa Weaver.

You left this world too soon, but I know we will see each other again. I love you always and will miss you till my last breath.

ChapterOne

She slowly walked up the cobblestone driveway, inhaling and exhaling deeply, but she froze when she heard laughter behind the home. Fear crept up her spine, and panic filled her throat. She leaned forward and held her knees.

“I can’t do this,” she said aloud.

Brusquely, she whipped around, dashed toward her car, and ran into the most handsome man she had ever seen. His phone made a cracking noise as it hit the sidewalk.

“Crap,’ he said as he bent down. “The screen cracked.”

“I’m so sorry,” Reese replied, embarrassed. Then she burst into tears.

“Hey. Hey, it’s okay. It was an accident. Don’t cry. It’s no big deal. I wasn’t watching where I was going.”

“No. It’s not that, well not only that,” she wailed between sobs. “I just can’t do this. They all sound so happy, and I can’t just walk in there and remind them of… She’s dead, and I’m alive… and, oh God.”

He studied her face with curiosity. “Oh, you must’ve been a friend of Claire’s,” he said, patting her shoulder. “I know it’s sad she’s gone, but this is a celebration of life ceremony. We’re all here to remember the good times with her.” He paused. “It’s okay to cry, but if you were Claire’s friend, then she wouldn’t want you to be sad. She’s in a good place, and she’d want you here, with her family.”

Reese raised her head to meet his eyes, “I know. You’re right. It’s just…”

“Besides, I’d like to keep talking to you,” he said with a wink.

A small laugh escaped her, and she rolled her eyes. Is he seriously hitting on me now?

“So, are you coming or leaving?” he asked with a mischievous smile.

“I’m….” She took a step to the side to move around him.

“Reese, you came. I’m so glad you’re here,” Jack said as he walked toward them.

“Reese?” the handsome guy asked. “As in the Reese that has Claire’s kidneys?”

“One in the same,” Reese said, wiping away her remaining tears. “Hi Jack,” Reese called.

“You met my brother?” he asked.

“Your brother?” Reese asked.

Jack gently punched Nolan in the shoulder, and they embraced in a hug. Reese couldn’t believe she didn’t see the resemblance before. They both had wavy brown hair and green eyes. The only differences were that Nolan stood a few inches taller and was more muscular than Jack.

“Man, it’s good to see you again bro. How are ya doing?” Nolan asked.

“Doing fairly good. Every day seems to be a little easier. It’s still hard without Claire. I miss her so much.” Jack let out a faint sigh and turned his attention to Reese. “Seriously, I’m so glad you could make it, Reese.” He held his hand out.

Reese accepted his hand, and they shook. “Thank you for the invite, Jack. It was sweet of you to remember me for this special moment.”

Nolan raised one eyebrow. “Why don’t you tell my darling little brother here that you were just leaving?”

Jack looked confused. “Leaving?”

Reese shot Nolan a dirty look, “I… I’m sorry Jack.” Tears flooded her eyes again.

“Why? Reese, Claire would want you here. We all want you here,” Jack said.

“Jack, I’m just a reminder that she’s gone. I wouldn’t be alive if she weren’t dead. It’s just… I don’t know. It’s not fair.” Sobs escaped her lips again. “It’s not fair that she’s gone and I’m still here. Her family doesn’t want to be reminded of that.”

Jack wrapped his arms around her in a hug and spoke softly. “Reese, you are our family now, and you’re wrong. Everyone wants you here. You didn’t kill Claire. She was already gone, and I know my Claire. She’d be happy that she was able to help you.”

She looked up at Jack and saw his love for Claire shining in his eyes. How does he do that? How does he look at me and not feel resentment? “If you’re sure, it’ll be okay…” she said hesitantly.

“Sure, I’m sure,” he said with a smile and a pat. “Now wipe those tears and follow me to the backyard. I hope you’re hungry. We’re grilling a ton of food.”

“And for the record, I definitely want you to stay,” Nolan said.

Reese looked at him critically. She almost forgot he was standing there.

“Easy there, Tiger,” Jack said with a smile. “Today’s all about celebrating Claire—it’s not a chance for you to go on the prowl.” He turned to Reese and gave her a crooked smile. “You have to watch out for this one. He’s trouble.”

“Trouble! Me?” Nolan winked at Reese again.

Reese inhaled a deep breath and wiped her hands on her pants. He’s definitely trouble, she thought as she followed Jack.

ChapterTwo

Reese surveyed the backyard and recognized several familiar faces from Claire’s funeral. In the pool, she saw the twins playing chicken with two girls sitting high on their shoulders. She had met Ezra and Francis Kline at Claire’s funeral. A movement caught her attention, and she glanced toward the covered patio. She inhaled deeply as she recognized Claire’s mother, Beth Kline. She held her breath as Beth smiled and waved. Reese felt a nudge into her side.

“First, you should exhale, and then you should go over and say hi,” Jack said kindly.

Reese realized she was holding her breath. She exhaled. “Oh, dear.” She ran her hands through her hair. “I completely forgot y’all were still standing beside me.”

Jack took her hand into his. “Reese don’t be nervous or scared. We’re all friends.”

“Speak for yourself,” Nolan teased. “I, for one, could think of something more than friendship with you, Dearie.” He winked.

Reese let a small laugh escape her. She looked at Jack and then back to Nolan. “Seriously? What is up with you?”

Me?” Nolan asked arrogantly. “Nothing, I just know a good thing when I see it.”

“Good grief, Nolan. Let it alone for tonight,” Jack moaned.

“Okay. I’m going to give it a break, but only because I need food.” He glanced at Reese. “But I’ll be back.” Nolan took two steps forward and turned his head back toward them. “Are you coming, little brother?”

Jack looked at Reese apologetically, “Sorry, he tends to be lacking in the manners department… a lot.”

“I heard that” Nolan called back. “Come on, dude. I need food!”

“Do you want to walk with us to get food?” Jack asked.

“No, thank you. I…” Reese spotted Macy walking toward them and waved. “Hi!”

“Hi there. How are ya, Darling?” Macy asked with her southern drawl.

Reese shook her head rapidly, “I’m good. I’m so glad to see you.”

Before Macy could respond, her feet were lifted off the ground. “Come here sweetie,” Nolan said as he swung her around!

She threw her head back and laughed, “Nolan St. John, I am a married woman; you put me down right this minute! I mean it, Nolan. Put me down.”

“Aww now, Macy, you're breaking my heart,” he purred.

As Macy’s feet hit the ground, she straightened her shirt and smiled a bright smile at Reese. “Always the lady’s man.”

“Ladies man, me?” Nolan asked sweetly while batting his eyes at Macy. “Macy, we both know if David hadn’t seen you first, we’d be in Aruba together walking on the beach at sunset drinking Pina Coladas.”

“Oh, good grief, Nolan,” Macy said.

“I thought you were starving,” Reese said.

Nolan smiled. “As a matter of fact, I am starving, but I’m willing to sacrifice my own comfort to provide attention to you beautiful women. That’s just the kind of person I am.”

Macy rolled her eyes, laughed, and grabbed Reese’s hand. “Well, that’s quite enough of your sacrifice. Go eat. I’m taking this one far away from you.” She winked playfully at Nolan. “Come on, Reese. Follow me, and I’ll introduce you to some more people.” Macy led her toward the side of the pool.

Reese looked back at Nolan, and he blew her a kiss. “What in the world is that man doing?” she murmured to herself. “Macy, how well do you know Jack’s brother?” she asked with a lifted eyebrow.

“Nolan?” She bit her lower lip with a smirk.

“Yes, Nolan. He’s been extremely bold since we bumped into each other.” Reese laughed.

“Bumped into each other?” Macy arched an eyebrow. “Do tell?”

“Literally,” she said matter-of-factly. “I was walking toward the house, and just as I decided to retreat… don’t give me that look.”

“I’m not giving you a look,” Macy responded innocently.

“Umhmm. Sure, you're not. In my defense, it was scary walking up to Claire’s home,” she said as she placed her hand on the right side of her back.

“I get it,” Macy said with a sudden sadness. She inhaled deeply and blew her breath out in a quick stroke. “I miss my dear friend more than you could imagine.”

Reese stopped walking. “I’m sorry, Macy.”

Macy smiled. “Don’t you apologize. I know it’s a unique situation, coming here, but you have nothing to apologize for, and we’re all thrilled you came.”

“She was an amazing person. I didn’t know her as long as you, nor were we as close, but we had an unusual bond.” Reese paused. “I completely feel her presence. Do you?”

Macy patted Reese’s hand and looked up to the sky. “I do feel her with us. To be honest, I feel her with me a lot. I have no doubt—our dear Claire is an Angel.” She inhaled deeply.

“Momma… Momma…” Macy’s three-year-old squealed with flailing arms as he ran toward her.

Macy’s attention quickly focused on the brown-headed toddler. She bent down, picked up Gabe, and slid him onto her right hip.

“Me too! Me too!”

Macy bent further down to pick up Charlotte Emeline St. John. “Hello, my sweet ones,” she said between kisses.

“Hello,” Charlotte muttered.

Reese watched as Macy held the two toddlers. Charlotte favored both her parents with her blonde hair and green eyes. “She’s gorgeous and I can see so much of her momma in her.”

“Mama?” Charlotte said.

“Yes, your mama,” Reese gently spoke.

“Me miss mama. You know me mama?” Charlotte asked, pointing at Reese.

Reese smiled gently. “Yes Emmie, I knew your mother. We were friends. She was very sweet, and all she did was talk about you.”

Charlotte nodded with satisfaction and wiggled to get down. “Gabe, play,” she said pointing up at Gabe.

“Me play, momma?” Gabe asked.

“Of course, Sweetheart. Y’all go to the sandbox and play.”

“Swim, me swim?” Gabe asked as his feet hit the ground.

“No, Sweetheart. Wait just a bit, okay?” Macy said gently.

“Hmm.” Gabe stuck his bottom lip out. “Come on, Em. Me mad.” Gabe grabbed Charlotte’s hand and headed toward the sandbox.

“I swear.” Macy laughed. “That little one is going to make me old and gray way too soon.”

“He’s adorable,” Reese said.

“Yes, he is, isn’t he?”

“And Emmie is a beautiful child. I can’t get over how much she favors Claire,” Reese said as she watched the kids fill buckets of sand with their sand tools.

“It’s crazy, right? Remind me to show you a picture of Claire around that age. You’ll be shocked at how much they look alike.” Macy gently sighed. “I just wish Claire could be here to see Emmie grow up. She loved her so much.” Macy’s eyes filled with tears.

“I’m so sorry she can’t be here. It's hard to believe it’s been a year,” Reese murmured.

“I know. It seems just like yesterday. We were ordering pizza, and Jack and David were watching tv. We had just got Gabe and Emmie settled for a snack, and Claire volunteered to go get the pizza…” Macy’s voice trailed off. “That was the last time I saw her.” Macy shook her head. Then she smiled and cleared the tears from her eyes. “I’m sorry. I… I… Look, there's Beth.” Macy waved.

“Macy, y’all come over here,” Beth Kline called from the food table.

“Yes ma’am,” Macy yelled back. She took two steps forward before she realized that Reese hadn’t moved. “Reese, you coming?” she asked.

Reese inhaled deeply as panic crawled up her spine again. She watched Beth meticulously rearrange the desserts on the table. Beth, are you my mother? she thought.

Reese was adopted and knew nothing about her birth mother, but since the kidney transplant, she had grown curious about her biological parents. Claire had been a 50% match for her kidney transplant, and though most people just saw it as an inexplicable miracle, Reese had a nagging feeling that the match had something to do with her biological origins.

“Reese?” Macy asked again. “Is everything okay? Are you feeling alright?”

Snapping out of her thoughts, Reese turned her attention to Macy. “Yes, so sorry. My mind has been elsewhere, today, I suppose.”

“I’m sure this is slightly overwhelming.” Macy grabbed her hand and tugged her gently forward. “Come on. Beth don't bite.”

Reese let Macy lead her to the dessert table. “These look delicious,” Reese said, moistening her lips with her tongue.

“A friend after my own heart. I’m a sucker for sweets. Ain’t that right, Beth?” Macy asked, grinning.

“Well, that ain’t no secret. Reese, now you come right around here and give me a big ole hug.” Beth outstretched her arms.

Reese nodded and circled the table to reach Beth, but then she hesitated as she approached. Looking at Beth, she had a feeling she couldn’t put her finger on. Beth, who are you? Are we connected somehow? she thought.

“Now, now, sweetheart. I won’t bite.” Beth let her thunderous laugh erupt.

“See. I told ya so.” Macy gently laughed.

Reese embraced her and felt an electric pulse race through her veins. “Momma?” she whispered. Then, panic gripped her. Omigosh. Did I say that out loud?

Beth felt Reese’s body tense, ‘Well, deary, everyone calls me momma, so you can, as well.” Beth pat Reese’s back.

Startled, Reese jumped back from the embrace. Her face reddened with embarrassment. “I’m so sorry Beth. I don’t know why I said that. Please forgive me.”

“Shug, don’t you worry about it one bit,” Beth said.

Still embarrassed, Reese looked down toward the ground.

Macy cut in. “Seriously Reese, it’s okay. I even call her mama sometimes, don’t I mama Beth?”

“Ain’t that the truth, Macy,” Beth said. “Anyway, I’ll be more than happy to claim ya. You do have my Claire’s kidneys sitting right there inside ya. Now, tell me. How are Claire’s kidneys treating you?”

“They are treating me just fine. I am healed and doing well.” Reese bit her bottom lips still unsettled. “I can’t thank you or your family enough for the gift.”

Beth smiled. “Claire wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. How’s everything else in life? Boyfriend? Work? I don’t believe I've seen you since Claire’s funeral.”

“I've been well. Work has been amazing. Working in the ER is extremely rewarding, and it helps keep me mentally fit,” Reese said softly.

“I’m so happy for you. God is good, isn’t he?” Beth smiled.

“Absolutely he is. I am very blessed to be alive considering what I went through.” Reese paused. How could I have just said that out loud? Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! Oh, God what am I doing here, I should just go home.

Beth watched the emotions cross Reese’s face. “Macy, love. Be a doll-face and go grab us some fresh lemonade.” Beth pointed to the round table situated in the corner.

“Yes ma’am. Reese, would you like some as well?”

“Yes, please.” Reese nodded.

“Now, come right over here and rest those pretty little feet of yours Reese. Let’s continue with our little chit-chat.” Beth motioned toward the lounge area near the pool. They walked in silence for a moment. “Now, tell me, Reese. How’s your mother and father?” Beth sat down first and placed her hand next to her. “Come on dear, sit down.”

Reese eased down onto the seat and ignored Beth’s question, “The boys sure have grown,” she said as she gazed at the pool.

“Oh, my yes.” Beth placed her hand on her chest. “My babies are all grown. Well, at least they think they are.” Beth laughed.

“And Gabby, will she be here tonight?” Reese asked.

“She’ll be here soon. She had to work the seven to three shift today. She should be here around five-ish.”

“Who’s that talking to Jack and his brother?” Reese asked.

“That’s Chad, Gabby’s fiancé. I think you met him at the funeral.” Beth looked at Reese. “Are you avoiding my questions about your family, sweetheart?”

“Oh, no ma’am. I’m sorry.” Reese looked down at her hands as she fidgeted with her fingers.

“Honey.” She put her hand onto Reese’s hands. “Is something the matter? You seem troubled? Anything I can help you with?” Beth asked genuinely.

Reese studied Beth. She was aging gracefully, as her wrinkles were minimal. Her hair was still red, which Reese assumed was with the help of coloring. Her green eyes were full of wisdom. Suddenly, Reese focused on Beth’s eyes and nose and felt like she was staring in a mirror.

“Reese, are you okay?” Beth asked again.

Reese inhaled softly and nodded her head, “Do you mind if I ask you something?”

“Not at all,” she responded kindly.

Before she could ask the question, Macy approached holding two lemonades in her hands and a bottle of water tucked under her arm. “Oh, my goodness. It’s hotter than Hell’s door hinges.

“Hotter than Hell’s door hinges?” Reese asked, confused by the statement. Reese eased back against the seat, thankful for Macy’s interruption

Macy shrugged her shoulders, “I dunno. It’s something my grandma Polly used to say. I didn’t bother to ask why.”

Beth laughed. “That’s a new one for me too. I believe you meant to say it's Hotter than the devil dancing on the rooftop.”

“What in the world is that saying?” Macy cooed with laughter.

Reese chuckled and sipped her lemonade. The tartness of the lemons made her lips pucker.

“Y’all mean to tell me you ain’t never heard that before? Well, what about this one? It’s hotter than the devil riding a bicycle on Hell’s pavement,” Beth said with a smirk. “Or try this one, It’s hotter than a two-dollar pistol.”

“OMG. I… don’t even know how to respond to that,” Macy said while laughing.

“Well, I have plenty of sayings. Don’t worry none about that. I'll make sure to teach you a few more before the day’s out.” Beth winked and turned her attention back to Reese. “Now honey, what was the question you wanted to ask?”

Macy looked at Reese. “Question? What did I miss?” She took a sip of her lemonade.

“Oh, it’s nothing important. I was… um…” Reese paused to collect her thoughts. “I was going to ask if y’all were enjoying living in Nashville? I know y’all are from Mississippi and wanted to see how the transition was going.”

Beth eyed Reese. “Honey, are you sure that’s all you wanted to ask? It seemed like something was weighing on your mind.”

“No ma’am. That was it.” Reese smiled.

“If you're sure then?” Beth questioned.

“Yes, ma’am. I’m sorry if it seems to be more.” Reese felt embarrassed for lying to Beth.

“Okay then. Well, to answer your question, we adore Nashville. We moved to the area shortly before Claire had her accident.” Beth paused as sadness washed over her. “I’m glad to have made the move. It gave us a little more time with my girl.”

“Claire loved having you close. We all do,” Macy gently spoke.

“To tell the truth, it’s not the same without my Claire here.” Tears filled Beth’s eyes. “But that’s neither here nor there.” She wiped a tear from her face.

“Sorry, that was an intrusive question. I don’t know why I’m saying so many wrong things today,” Reese said as she took another drink of her lemonade.

“No, no sweetie. It’s fine. Sometimes the sadness just gets me. No parent should lose a child. As a parent, you never want to outlive your child. It’s not how it’s supposed to happen.” Beth sighed. “You see that little blond over there?” She pointed toward the swing set. “That little one is my pride and joy. She’s her momma made all over. When Emmie laughs, I can hear Claire’s voice. I’m amazed daily by the gift God has given me through Emmie.”

“She is beautiful. Beth, I’m sorry, and I hope me being here doesn’t make it more difficult.”

Beth placed her hand on top of Reese’s hand. “Not at all. I’m glad you’re here. The pain a momma feels after losing a child doesn’t go away, but neither does life. God is faithful, and through prayer, I’ve learned to not cry as much.” Beth gazed toward Charlotte. “I firmly believe Emmie is a joy that God has brought me to help bind up the sorrow of losing my sweet Claire.”

“One of my favorite verses deals with loss. Psalms 147:3. ‘He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds,’” Macy said. “God loves us and doesn’t want us to suffer. Loss is hard, and I really don’t think we can understand each other's pain. We can have empathy, but true understanding is only to those who are experiencing it.” Macy inhaled deeply. “369 days, 22 hours, and 41.5 minutes. That's how long it's been since I’ve seen my best friend. But who’s counting”

“Now, now, enough of all this sadness,” Beth said with authority. “Today is a day of celebration, and we all miss Claire. We can’t change the past, but we can all look forward to the future.” Beth smiled. “I see possible swimming in y’all’s future. You two ladies going swimming?”

Reese nodded. “I believe so. I wore my swimsuit. Macy?”

Beth noticed Macy wasn’t listening. “Now, Macy what has gotten your attention?”

Macy cleared her throat and laughed. “It’s not my attention that we need to be worried about.” She smiled. “It does appear you have caught one gentleman's eye.” Macy nodded her head toward the grill. “Someone is looking your way.”

“Well, well. What do we have going on here?” Beth asked mischievously.

Reese’s eyes locked with Nolan, and it hit her like a ton of bricks—heat rushed through her cheeks, her pulse increased, her mouth went dry, and her breath became uneasy. “Nothing is going on,” Reese said unconvincingly.

“Nothing?” Macy laughed. “Do you believe that, Beth?”

“Not for a minute.” Beth stood. “Excuse me, girls. I need to check on the kids, and it looks as though you might want to check on him.” She nodded her head toward Nolan.

Reese stared at Nolan, and for a moment, time stood still.

ChapterThree

Nolan held his red solo cup up in a salute. “She’s gorgeous, right?”

Jack, Chad, and David exchanged looks. “And who would we be talking about?” David asked with a hint of sarcasm.

Jack laughed. “David, you know my brother and his wily ways. He’s talking about your woman again.”

David laughed and nodded his head.

“Not Macy, stupid,” Nolan said, his eyes focused on Reese. “Reese. She’s hot, right?” he asked. “Like really hot.”

“Yeah. She’s pretty hot,” Chad said.

“Chad, dude. You’re marrying my sister-in-law,” Jack said with a laugh.

Chad laughed. “Yes, I’m marrying your gorgeous, talented sister-in-law, but I’m still a man, and there’s nothing wrong with looking and commenting on a potential date for a fellow buddy.” He winked at Nolan.

Nolan took a swig of his beer. “Here-here,” he said holding his beer upward.

“Nolan, don’t you have a girlfriend?” David asked.

“Girlfriend, are you crazy?” he asked mockingly. “I don’t do girlfriends. I do casual relationships with ample opportunities for girl variety.”

“That’s wrong on so many levels, bro,” Jack said. “And David’s a preacher. Come on, man.”

“Sorry, David. I can’t help how your God created me,” Nolan said unapologetically.

“Nolan, we both know that our God didn’t create you to be a playboy.” David laughed. “Nowhere in the bible does it say you should have as many sexual relationships as possible before marriage.”