He conceded her statement with a slight incline of his head. “I know that, but do you believe in them?”
“Not sure how much I believe. The Bible speaks of prophets and at the same time, warns us not to deal with mediums or sorcerers so I try to abide by that. I may glance at my horoscope from time-to-time but I don’t put much store in what it says. Laurel and I both get a kick out of fortune cookies, but other than those or palm readers and such at carnivals, which we all know is a farce, I’ve never had any dealings with one.”
He held a hand toward her, the ultimate test. “Let’s sit and talk.”
She took a step back, hesitated a moment then agreed with a slight inclination of her head.
His lips curved in a tentative gesture. “Chocolate’s probably cold by now, want me to warm it in the microwave?”
“Sure.”
Lorelei, pulled out a chair, waited for him to join her. Scriptures which spoke of prophets intermingled with those against witchcraft and sorcery in her mind. Dread tightened her lungs. Silent prayers rose with each ragged breath. The microwave beeped and she nearly bolted.
Carson set down her cup of chocolate then sat. She wrapped both hands around the hot mug in hopes the tremors would cease, but dared not lift the cup to her mouth lest she spill its contents.
“You look terrified.”
He sounded normal, but she wondered about his sanity. “Not every day one meets a psychic.”
He chuckled. “Or a psycho?”
Heat climbed up her neck, stung her cheeks. She refrained from comment.
He lifted his cup with a shaky hand, took a sip, grimaced then lowered it to the table with a soft thud. “I don’t even know where to start.”
“What makes you say you’re psychic or prophetic?”
“Guess I’ve always known. Even as a young boy I knew things. Most of the time fun things like where someone hid or what color shirt they’d have on or what shoes my sisters would wear. As I got older, my abilities sharpened. I started having premonitions, many of which came true. At first I assumed everyone has this power but soon learned that’s not only untrue, but many are afraid of those of us who do. I learned to keep the impressions to myself or make light of it when I predicted something and the event occurred.”
A bitter little chuckle escaped his humorless smile.
“Folks tend to shy away or worse, get nasty. This aptitude, deemed both a curse and a gift, has labeled me a warlock or freak, even a heretic. Especially when I say God has shown or told me something.”
Lorelei’s heart cringed at the anguish in his eyes. “Regardless of the origin of their faith or level of belief, many are afraid of the supernatural.”
He chewed on his lower lip. His voice lowered a notch when he continued. “I don’t understand how people can claim to know God and yet, mock His anointed ones. I was raised in the church, known Him all of my life, did my best to honor and respect Him in everything.”
“I’m sure you did and continue to do so, Carson, but you must take into account the countless numbers of those who do just the opposite. How does your family feel about this?”
He blinked hard and set his jaw. His struggle for composure tugged at her heartstrings.
“My family…” He cleared his throat, swallowed hard. “They supported me until our parents died. Then they blamed me, said I could have done more to stop Mom and Dad. Only one sister and my brothers seem to understand. Or at least they’ve forgiven my failure.”
“Could you have stopped them?”
His eyes swam with emotions.
“I tried, I told them everything I knew, all I felt. My parents, devout Catholics…were, I wouldn’t say doubtful or ashamed, but perplexed by my abilities. The never shunned me or shamed me into keeping quiet, but I don’t think they believed wholeheartedly. Both were quick to defend me to others when cornered or questioned…” He trailed off, swallowed hard again.
The anguish in his voice sluiced through the doubt in her mind. “This has caused a breach in your relationship with more than your family, hasn’t it? You’ve struggled with God over it, haven’t you?”
“What’s the use of this ability if nobody listens?”
“I don’t know, but I’m sure God has a plan.”
“Yeah, I thought so, too. Once upon a time, but not anymore. I wish He’d just take it back.”
“Be careful what you wish for. He may take back the gift, but who will that benefit?”
His eyes bored into hers. “So, you believe me? What would you say if I told you I think you and Laurel should move in with me? To be safe from him.”
Lorelei searched her heart and chose her words with care. “I believe you have this ability, and I’m sure you mean well. But I can’t just pack my daughter up and move in with you. What will people think? Especially those with whom we attend church.”
“Then marry me. I can’t keep you safe if I’m not around when he shows up.”
She gaped at him. “You barely know me!”
“In the natural, yes,” He touched his chest. “But something in here knows you. God, my heart, something. Tell me you don’t feel a connection.”
She stared at him, wanting, but unable to deny his words in her heart. Finally she spoke again.
“I’ll do whatever it takes to protect myself and Laurel, but, you can’t keep watch over us all the time either. You teach, Laurel has school, and I have work. Unless we are all together twenty-four-seven, which is impossible, we’ve got to figure out a plan. I’m not going to marry you out of fear and desperation. There has to be another way.”
Silence stretched. Trepidation shimmered up her spine. She picked both mugs of cold chocolate, carried them to the sink, dumped the contents and turned on the hot water. A swish of soap and a quick rinse under the scalding tap and she placed them in the drain board. Something resonated in his words, though. Marriage. Family.
Carson’s chair scraped back from the table, his footsteps moved soft, but sure in her direction. She turned to face him. The tenderness in his eyes battered her control. Gentle hands encased her waist. She buried her face against his chest, relished the strong, solid feel of his arms around her and his hands stroking her hair. He brushed his lips over her head.
“We’ll figure it out,” he promised in a husky whisper.
Funny how safe and secure she felt, in his arms, this man she barely knew.
She let him lead her to the living area, cuddled with him on the couch. Quiet conversation flowed between them into the wee hours of the morning.
****
Dawn broke in an amazing display of light and color. The dark fury of yesterday’s storm seemed surreal against the brilliance of morning. Carson shifted Lorelei out of his embrace. He pulled the afghan off the back of the couch and covered her. Under a hot shower, he worked the kinks out of his back, neck and shoulders. Familiar sensations curled up his spine. He hesitated in his task, lowered his head under the pulsating spray then let the visions come. Again, nothing concrete, only images of violence, fear and desperation.
Lord, I know we’re not on the best speaking terms but You’re going to have to give me more this time. My heart is already bound by this woman and her child. I couldn’t bear to lose someone I care about again.
The images stopped, emotions untangled. Peace reigned in their wake. He breathed a sigh of relief and finished showering. He dressed, then exited his bedroom and bumped into Laurel as she stumbled out of the guest room. “Whoa there, you OK?”
She rubbed her eyes and mumbled, “Mom’s not in bed.”
“She’s on the couch. We were up quite late so let’s not disturb her. OK?”
She nodded.
“Hungry?”
“Starved.”
He grinned. “There’s cereal and pastries in the kitchen. Make yourself at home. I’m going to ride my bike to town and rent whatever vehicle they have left. After I return, I’ll drive you and your mom to Nashville to rent something.”
The
y headed in opposite directions. He rode to Rick’s Rides, thrilled to find he didn’t have to deal with the same snotty girl who answered the phone last night, although he did voice his complaint. An hour-and-a-half later he returned to find Laurel in front of the television. A kid’s station blared out of the tube.
Lorelei nursed a cup of coffee on the couch. He held a hand toward Lorelei. “Coffee smells wonderful. Got another cup?”
Lorelei allowed him to lead her into the kitchen.
He lowered his lips close to her ear and whispered, “Even wrinkled from sleep you’re a beautiful sight.”
His husky voice made heart flutter, nerves quiver. He chuckled. Heat filled her cheeks then spread like a warm glow. She elbowed him in the abdomen, grinned at his soft grunt and muttered, “Behave yourself.”
“Shucks; can’t have any fun even in my own house.”
Her lips bowed in response to the pouty lilt in his voice. He caressed her cheek. “Now that’s worth an elbow to the gut any day.”
“You are an incurable tease, Carson Alexander.”
He glanced over his shoulder. Her gaze followed his to make sure Laurel still sat glued to the television. Their eyes locked in a heated embrace. He boxed her in against the counter, brushed his lips across hers, lingered a moment then stepped back.
“No teasing here, Sweetheart. I’m as serious as a heartbeat. You captivated me the moment you stepped out of your dollhouse with your back up and eyes flashing, ready to defend your daughter against her nosy English teacher.”
He walked over to the table, pulled out a chair and waited while she sank into it.
“I’ll pour us a cup and join you in a jiffy.”
She mumbled her thanks, took a deep breath and willed her flighty pulse into some semblance of normal.
What on earth is wrong with you? The silent question screamed through her brain. I’ve never felt this way before, her heart answered. There’s just something about him and it’s more than looks. The thought curved her lips. Carson set a cup in front of her.
“You have a beautiful smile.”
His husky voice caressed her senses. She turned that smile on him, watched the corners of his mouth curl in response. Her heart catapulted at the warm, slightly wicked gleam in his eyes. He moved to the chair across from her, placed his cup on the table and sat down. Her hand slid over his. Her pulse leapt into high gear when he turned his hand palm up and interlocked his fingers with hers. Physical attraction mellowed, anchored their hearts into peace and purpose.
“I know we need a plan but I don’t want Laurel to know what’s going on.”
He eyed her with more than a hint of curiosity. “With me, us, or your ex?”
“None of the above.”
His eyebrow arched, irritation flitted over his features. A hint of doubt and pain darkened his gaze and tugged at her heart. She squeezed his hand. “You’re her teacher and I don’t want her to feel pressured, or insecure, or any of the numerous negative emotions that will certainly come with the knowledge of us as a couple. Nor do I want her to be afraid or intimidated by your gift.
She waited a beat, took a sip of coffee, and then continued. “I promised her this would be our last move and I refuse to be goaded into running again. She needs a home and stability. I haven’t been able to give her that. I want to now.”
He lifted their clasped hands, brushed his lips over her knuckles. “Makes perfect sense.”
His gaze sharpened. Goose bumps rose on her arms, the hair on the back of her neck stood on end, her heart began to shudder. She jerked her hand back, curled both fists into her lap and whispered, “What?”
He leaned forward in his chair, his gaze lit from within, intense. “I feel like I should know him. What’s his name?”
“Jaxon Devereaux.”
He reared back as though slapped, a stunned expression on his face. His breath heaved in and out in harsh pants. “Oh, my God,” he muttered and rolled his eyes heavenward. “You’ve got to be kidding, Lord.”
Lorelei didn’t know if the words were a prayer or curse. She remained silent.
“My sister...” His words trailed off.
He shook his head, shock evident in his tone and the paleness of his skin. Tension slithered through the atmosphere, and settled between them. Desperate to be voiced aloud, the question hung in the air like a noxious cloud. Lorelei took a deep breath and blurted out the words. “Who is your sister?”
“Julia Alexander Devereaux.”
She felt the blood drain. Shock collided with fear and propelled her into action. She sprang from the chair and glared, her breath trapped in her lungs. “What kind of sick joke is this?” she rasped.
“No joke.”
She stepped back and called to Laurel. “Get dressed, we’re leaving.”
Laurel protested.
Her eyes narrowed and she stormed into the living room. “Don’t question or argue with me, young lady. Just do as I say.”
He rose as Laurel scurried from the room. “Lorelei, wait.”
She turned on him in an angry whirl. “You stay away from us.”
He strode into the living room, and led her back into the kitchen. “Calm down,” he muttered.
She stiffened and jerked free from his grasp. “Call me a cab.”
“I’ll drive you to rent a car, but you’ve got to calm down. There’s a reason God brought you here, and us together. Lorelei, please, think about this. It’s possible I’m the only one who can protect you and Laurel.”
Her gaze searched his. Tears sprang to life, spilled down her cheeks. “I swear I didn’t know he was married. I never would have had anything to do with a married man much less marry him myself. He never mentioned a wife or even an ex-wife for that matter. He just waltzed right into my life right after my parents died, sweet talked his way through my grief and took advantage of my naiveté and innocence.”
Her voice quivered, she rubbed her eyes and continued. “When I found out he was married, which made our union illegal and Laurel illegitimate, I left. He’s followed me ever since, wants to take Laurel away from me. But I’ll die before I let him.”
Carson cupped her face and brushed the moisture off her cheeks with his thumbs. “I believe you, sweetheart. You weren’t the first in a long string of affairs and abuse directed toward Julie from this psycho. She couldn’t have children, and when she found out about Laurel after a beating, that added insult to injury. They’ve been divorced more than seven years now. I’m grateful you got away before he hurt you as badly, or worse than he hurt her.”
She shook her head, stepped away. “I need to think, to plan. I can’t do that here.”
He nodded. “I understand, but promise you won’t do anything rash. Promise you won’t run. I can’t protect you if I don’t know where you are.”
She stood, transfixed by his steady gaze, calmed by the strength reflected in his eyes. Her heart, her traitorous heart, filled with warmth, steady as his gaze. “I promise.”
****
Carson took Lorelei and Laurel into Nashville to rent a vehicle then drove home in a fog. Confusion battled with trepidation. Fear left a metallic taste in his mouth. His clenched fist banged on the steering wheel. “God, I wish you hadn’t done this to me again! Five years of peace and now this!”
Peace?
The question echoed in his mind. Not really, he conceded with a sigh. Avoidance maybe, but no peace.
For five years he ignored the call on his life, avoided extraneous contact with people, stuffed everything deep inside, including his faith. None of those efforts brought him true peace or a hint of happiness. He did have a bit of solitude and a lot of loneliness but little joy, and no purpose. Now, when he finally decided to try and rebuild at least a small measure of what he had before, this thing starts up again. And it apparently came to life when he opened his heart to really care about someone again! He arrived home, barreled out of the car and raised his fist to the sky.
“You cost me everything
with this….this….curse! Why can’t I just be normal?”
“It shall come to pass, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions…”.
He slumped down on the steps with a moan. “Why me?”
“Because you were dedicated to me the day you were born.”
The answer shocked him. Dedicated? What on earth did that mean? His parents were Catholic—they didn’t dedicate babies, they christened them. He’d followed the rules and regulations of his religion…First Reconciliation, then Communion, and as a teen, Confirmation. He hadn’t strayed from Catholicism until college when he studied religion as an elective. So when had this dedication taken place?
Only one way to find out.
He retrieved his cell phone from the front pocket of his slacks, flipped it open and dialed his parent’s house. His sister Julie, the youngest of three girls and closest to his age answered.
“Hello?”
“Hey, Jules how are you?”
“Carson, hey! It’s been so long! How are you?”
“I’m OK Jules. Miss you all. How are the boys?”
“Good. Doug and Kyle are in their last semester at college; the twins are doing well in high school. The sisters and their broods are fine, too. What’s up with you?”
“The impressions are back, Julie. In full force. I thought they were done with after the accident, but evidently God decided to give me a break is all. But the break is over. When I asked why me, He said I was dedicated to Him before I was born. Do you know anything about that?”
Her sigh spoke volumes. Carson heard her pull out a chair and plop down in it.
“You know how for years mom and dad prayed for a son but she kept having miscarriages and all sorts of problems? While doing a Bible study she came across the story of Hannah and how she prayed for a son with the promise to give him back to the Lord. She began to pray as Hannah prayed. When you came along, she told the priest about her prayer so not only were you christened, you were dedicated to the Lord for His service. We always figured that meant you’d become a priest or go into some type of ministry, especially when you started studying religion and theology in college. We never dreamed you would have the gift of prophesy.”
Love in Season Page 17
