Marcos explains that Emperor Nero used to burn Christians alive on poles to light his garden parties. In Rome, Todd, Christy and Katie see the Mamertine Prison, where the apostle Paul was once held captive. Marcos gives his life to the Lord after reading the book of Romans, which Katie tells him was written specifically for his people, the Italians. During their trip across Europe, the four friends witness to Marcos, Antonio’s cousin, who is not a follower of Christ. Todd, Christy, Katie and their friend Antonio sing worship songs around a campfire in Italy. They rely on God to draw them closer to Him and closer to each other as they prepare for their future together. The next six months are filled with excitement and frustration as Christy and Todd make wedding plans and realize their differences. Shortly before Christmas break, as they gather with their college friends at a local restaurant, Todd pops the question, and Christy says yes. Weeks go by and Christy wonders when Todd will ask her. Christy thinks that once she admits she loves him, Todd will get down on his knee and ask her to marry him. She finally gets a chance to coherently reveal her feelings for him during a breakfast picnic on the beach. Christy tells Todd that she loves him over and over while he is unconscious in the hospital. But before she has a chance to tell him, Todd is involved in a terrible car wreck that leaves his body permanently scarred. Christy realizes that she loves Todd during a youth group retreat to the desert. But Christy feels she can’t say she loves him back until she knows it in the depths of her heart. At the end of their journey, Todd tells Christy he loves her. As she travels across Europe for three weeks with Todd and her best friend, Katie Weldon, Christy wonders if she and Todd will ever move forward in their relationship. In fact, he gave her a “Forever” bracelet years ago as a symbol of their friendship. Christy Miller has been friends with Todd Spencer for over five years.

Shadows by Robin Todd