Terror gripped her as Abigail felt the dog’s sharp teeth pierce through her arm, searing pain mingling with fear in a nightmarish haze. She screamed for help, her voice lost in the shadows of her dream. Then, in an instant, the feral canine vanished, leaving her alone in the comforting confines of her moonlit room.

Abigail shot up straight in bed, the sheets tangled around her as sweat beads streamed down her face, glistening in the soft glow of the nightlight. A wave of relief washed over her as she realized it was just a dream—a grotesque figment of her imagination. But as she glanced at the clock, she winced; it was the third night this week that nightmares had haunted her sleep.

Determined to vanquish the darkness that seemed to encroach on her spirit, Abigail slid off her bed and knelt on the cool wooden floor, the familiar texture grounding her in the present. She clasped her hands together and closed her eyes, her heart pounding as she prayed earnestly. “Dear Heavenly Father,” she began, her voice steady even as anxiety lingered, “the enemy is trying to frighten me. But I know that You are more powerful than the devil and that You will give me comfort and peace.” Each word was a shield against her fears, and she continued to pray, allowing her thoughts to flow freely until the first timid rays of sunlight filtered through the window, casting warm hues across her room.

Instead of feeling exhausted, Abigail found an unexpected rejuvenation from the power of prayer. Peace settled in her heart like a warm blanket, wrapping her in a sense of safety and readiness to embrace the day ahead.

**************

Later, as the day unfolded, excitement buzzed in the air.

“Hey! Keep your eyes closed! We’re almost there!” David said mysteriously, his voice laced with anticipation.

Abigail giggled, unable to contain her curiosity. “Alright, alright! My eyes are closed, see?” She fidgeted with eagerness, each second feeling like a small eternity as they walked.

Finally, David’s voice broke the silence, “You can open your eyes now!”

Abigail blinked several times to adjust her sight, scarcely believing what lay before her. “A mansion!?” she gasped, her heart racing with disbelief and awe.

“Surprise!” he exclaimed joyfully. The mansion’s grandeur stood tall against the clear blue sky, its opulent architecture adorned with ornate details and perfectly manicured gardens that seemed to stretch endlessly.

“Uh…wow! Well…” Abigail stuttered, her mind scrambling to grasp the reality of the moment.

David cleared his throat, his tone shifting to reflect a deep admiration that resonated with sincerity. “Abigail, you are—well, one of a kind. From the day I met you, I knew you were special. I’ve cherished so many moments with you; both the sorrowful and the joyous. Each experience has woven a thread of love and connection between us.” He took a breath, his eyes shining with determination. “I want to spend the rest of my life with you! So, you see, this mansion is for the both of us—if you will marry me.”

And with that, he got down on one knee, pulling a sparkling diamond ring from his pocket, the sunlight dancing off its facets. “Abigail Sherwood Augustine, will you be my wife?”

At that moment, time seemed to halt. A rush of memories flooded her mind: her unwavering belief in Jesus, their sweet first kiss, and the comfort of his God-inspired advice during their hardest days. Overwhelmed with emotion, Abigail felt tears brim in her eyes, joy mixing with disbelief. From the depths of her heart, she let out a tearful, but joyful, “Yes!” This simple word was a promise of forever, binding their lives together in love and faith, ready to build a new life in the warmth of their shared dreams.