Her Hometown Heart.

by Andrea Boeshaar

  “Keep track of every cent,” Jim advised, combing fingers through his bushy white hair. “It’s doable.” At the end of the conference, Jim stood, arms stretched wide. “Amie, Tom,” he began with a teasing gleam in his eyes. “I now pronounce you an LLC.” He chuckled and nodded to Tom. “You may shake your colleague’s hand.”

  Tom’s face flamed at the mock ceremony, especially given where his thoughts had been lately.

  A high-pitched squeal came from Amie and then she practically jumped into his arms. After a short, but enthusiastic hug, she stepped back. “This is so exciting.”

  Words suddenly failed him, so Tom gave a nod.

  Amie hurried around the desk and embraced Jim too. “Thanks for everything.”

  “Anytime, Amie. And Tom…” Jim faced him and stuck out his right hand. “Congratulations, son. You’ll go far. Hal and I always knew it.”

  “Appreciate that, Jim.”

  Tom and Amie left the office.

  Amie’s exuberance continued as they rode the elevator downstairs then bundled up before heading back to the truck. Again, Amie took his arm.

  “Your first investment might be in some sensible boots.” He couldn’t help teasing her.

  As if to prove his point, she slipped and would have landed hard on her backside had she not been clinging to his arm.

  They reached the truck and Tom made sure Amie got inside without falling and breaking her neck. Then he climbed in and snapped his seatbelt into place. “We’ve got a couple of hours to kill before dinner.”

  “Is there a shopping mall around? I can easily pass the time away in there.” She smiled. “I might even find some sensible boots.”

  Tom started the truck. “Shopping mall, here we come.”

  ~*~

  Shoppers filled the stores at the mall, but Amie wasn’t intimidated. She was accustomed to competing with other Chicagoans at stores, and she managed to coax Tom into a few shops. After a while, they sat down in the middle of a thoroughfare and conversed and watched all the people pass by. When at last it came time to leave the mall for the restaurant, a comfortable, easy ambience had settled between them as they made their way across the parking lot. The pavement was clear and salted, but Amie grabbed hold of his arm anyway.

  “Strange, but I feel as if I’ve known you my whole life.”

  “Yeah, it does sort of feel that way.”

  She opened her mouth to say more, but the cold winter wind took her breath away.

  “Except for Hal, I can’t ever remember telling anybody the things I’ve told you.”

  Amie smiled. “I’m flattered.”

  He grinned, but a strange expression played across his features, one of chagrin, perhaps, and Amie felt a bit guilty for bringing up things she’d read in her uncle’s journal. It really hadn’t been any of her business and she was grateful that she hadn’t offended him. In truth, his candidness amazed her. They reached the truck and Amie climbed inside. She tossed her packages into the backseat.

  Tom took his place and within moments they were on their way to the restaurant.

  Tom had selected a Chinese place. Once inside, Amie surveyed the high-vaulted ceiling, accentuated with thick, polished wooden beams.

  “This used to be a hotel.” Tom seemed to read her curious thoughts. “Now it’s more of a rooming house. The lobby is still intact. It’s on the other side.”

  “Cool. I love coffee houses and restaurants that rehab old buildings and make them useful again.”

  “I figured.”

  Amie continued to take in her surroundings with fascination. The walls were decorated with rococo C-and-S scrolls and shells in gilt gesso, framing panels of photographs of China. White linen cloths covered the tables and a large, marble fireplace stood in the center of the far-end wall.

  “This is so...charming.”

  Tom took her coat and handed it along with his to the Asian hostess who hung them up in a cloakroom. Then she directed them to their table and handed them each a menu.

  “Just don’t get any ideas.”

  Amie lifted her gaze from the list of dinner specials. “What do you mean?”

  “I mean, like your café.” His hazel eyes scanned the room. “It sure won’t look like this.”

  “No, I suppose it won’t.” She’d imagined something modern. “I’ll just have to wait to develop our full-scale restaurant until we’re wealthy entrepreneurs, selling franchises all over the world.”

  Tom let out a soft, slow whistle. “Amie, you’re a big dreamer, you know that?”

  “Dreaming is fun.”

  “And what if your dreams never come true? Then what?”

  “They’re just dreams.”

  “You’ll not be disappointed, will you?”

  “Probably.”

  He glanced up from the menu. “You really want to be a wealthy entrepreneur?”

  She considered the question while taking a sip of water from the long-stemmed, glass goblet. “Actually, Tom, I don’t care a whole lot about money. Perhaps that’s because I’ve never been without it, but, no, I’m not aspiring to earn some great fortune. I just want to do something fulfilling. Something that’s mine. God gives all his children gifts and a ministry of some kind.” An elderly woman who attended her church came to mind. She had numerous health issues and didn’t participate in a lot of church functions, but she was a dedicated and powerful prayer warrior. Amie felt sure that Nelly’s prayers got her through many of life’s trials. “Maybe my gift is in our partnership and building the hotel and then somehow ministering to the community through it. Still, I feel in my heart that our hotel is really only the first step—to what, though, I’m not sure.”

  “A dreamer and a deep thinker.” Tom gave a wag of his head. “You are so much like Hal it’s spooky.”

  She smiled. “Except he needed a level-headed business partner.”

  “He sure did.”

  “Someone who could have helped him develop that gas station and laundromat into a profitable business.” Amie scanned the list of dinner specials again and decided on either the sweet and sour chicken or the shrimp and snow peas. “Uncle Hal had such visions for the place when he first purchased it after his wife died.”

  Tom sat back.

  She’d said too much. She didn’t want to reveal that she’d gleaned this information from Uncle Hal’s journal. It seemed like eavesdropping or snooping, but for Amie those journals proved motivating and inspiring.

  Tom folded his arms. “You told me the day we first met that you never really knew your uncle.”

  “And that’s true. But I’ve been finding out more and more about him.” She cleared her throat uncomfortably and then took another sip of water.

  “Where are you getting your information, if you don’t mind me asking?”

  “From my uncle.” She almost laughed, realizing how ridiculous that sounded. She’d backed herself into a corner by giving her tongue free rein. While her predicament was somewhat amusing, she prayed Tom wouldn’t hate her for what he might perceive as spying or, worse, intruding on Uncle Hal’s memories.

  He sat forward once more, hands folded over his menu. His countenance was a mask of disbelief. “Your uncle?”

  Amie gave him an apologetic frown and confessed. “I’ve been reading Uncle Hal’s journals.”

  His green eyes alighted with understanding. “Ahh...I wondered where those went.”

  “Please don’t be angry, Tom. I wasn’t prying into anyone’s past...except, perhaps, my uncle’s. But that’s only because I wanted to know who he was and what he was like.”

  “And that’s how you found out about my family.”

  “Yes.” Why did she feel like a naughty child? “But it’s only been in this third diary that he’s talked about you. I won’t read anymore if you don’t want me to. I’m not even halfway through it.”

  “I never read them,” Tom muttered as he gazed off in the distance. “But I saw him writing from time to time. He said it helped h
im sort things out.” He glanced back at her. “I thought I’d accidentally pitched his journals in the trash when I emptied the apartment.”

  Amie shook her head. “No, I packed them up with his other books along with the photographs that were on his dresser.” She worked her lips together for several seconds. “Tom...?”

  “I’m not angry and I guess I don’t care if you read the rest or not.” His features softened.

  Amie nearly sighed audibly with the relief she felt. Then he took her hand, holding it between the two of his, and the mantle of warmth which suddenly enveloped her was startling.

  “I’ve got no secrets from you,” he told her, wearing a tender expression. “You’re my business partner and my friend and my...well, I guess there comes a point in every relationship when you either trust the other person or you don’t. And, Amie...I trust you.”

  She swallowed hard. It was about the sweetest thing she’d ever heard because she understood the words came straight from Tom’s heart. Her lips parted to speak the same thing back to him. I trust you. And yet the utterance refused to take shape.

  A blonde waitress appeared beside the table. She introduced herself as Tracy asked to take their orders.

  Amie had more of a decision to make than simply which entree to select. Did she dare share it? Her dark secret? Tom’s words reverberated within her soul. There comes a point in every relationship when you either trust the other person or you don’t...

  It seemed she’d arrived at that crossroad.

  15

  During the ride back to Tigerton, Amie and Tom fell into one easy conversation after another. Dinner was delicious and, at the concert, the musicians played with heart and soul, making the evening complete.

  “I’ll send you Uncle Hal’s journals if you’d like.” Amie watched the filtered light from passing vehicles play across Tom’s features.

  “Yeah, I’d like that.”

  “Sure, just as soon as I finish reading the last one. But I have to warn you, I’m a slow reader. Might take me a good week or two.”

  “No problem. Send them when you’re ready.”

  “I’ve enjoyed reading them. I’ve gotten to know what kind of man my uncle was and...I’m proud to be his niece.”

  “I’m glad. He was a good man.”

  “I agree.” Amie also had a hunch that this business partnership was no accident; Uncle Hal hoped, prayed, and planned for it. Did he also play matchmaker?

  At last Tom pulled into the Warrens’ driveway and an awkward hush filled the inside of the truck’s cab.

  “I had a nice time tonight...today. All day.” Amie had to break the awkward silence.

  “Yeah, me too.” He cleared his throat. “Um...I’ll walk you up to the house.”

  “Thanks.” Amie opened the door and jumped down out of the pick-up.

  He met her half-way around in the still and frosty night.

  Amie took his arm and they walked side-by-side to the small front porch. Little flutters of nervousness welled up in Amie and she decided that endings to a first date always seemed uncomfortable. Except the one three years ago. That finale was a nightmare. But tonight, she shoved aside those horrible memories and focused on her present companion. The thought of Tom’s embrace was not at all unpleasant and the idea of his mouth lingering on hers in a sweet kiss sent shivers of excitement through her. Somehow, he’d captured her heart in a very special way.

  Thanks, Uncle Hal.

  They stopped by the front door. Indecision flittered across his face. He was debating whether to kiss her good-night. It felt like eons until he decided. Finally, he leaned forward. She lifted her chin and pursed her lips ever so slightly. Her eyelids drifted shut in dreamy anticipation.

  “Amie...”

  She blinked. “Yes?”

  “I...I’m falling in love with you,” he stammered. Beneath the porch light, his face shone with a boyish innocence that seemed so lost on their generation.

  “Tom, you’re so sweet.” She smiled. “But aren’t you supposed to kiss me and then tell me you’re falling in love with me?”

  “I don’t need to kiss you to know how I feel.”

  His expression held adoration. He meant every word. She longed to throw her arms around his neck and smother him with the unshed emotion building within her.

  “But, I hope you’ll understand.” He stuck his hands into his jacket pockets. “About eight years ago, I made a decision not to kiss a woman until she was my wife. I probably sound like some dumb country hick.” He shuffled his feet with obviously nervousness. “But that conviction came from God and I can’t break my vow to Him.”

  “I wouldn’t want you to violate your conscience.” Besides, given her past, Amie actually saw the wisdom in that resolution. She wished Jasper had been a stronger Christian.

  Tom momentarily looked down before returning his gaze to hers. “It’s not that I don’t want to kiss you—”

  “It’s all right. Really.”

  “See, I’ve watched so many of my peers, Christians included, date and kiss women, only to break up and move on to someone new. Then I got to thinking that what they were doing was the same as...well, kissing somebody else’s wife because a lot those ladies wound up marrying other guys.” He paused and cleared his throat. “I made a decision to keep myself pure until marriage.”

  Something deep within Amie began to wither. “I understand.” She forced the words out of her mouth. “I admire your conviction.” She was not the woman for Tom. She didn’t possess those attributes. She blinked back sudden tears, praying Tom wouldn’t notice.

  “I guess I just wanted to share my heart with you on this matter.”

  “I’m glad you did.” Her remark came out hurried, but in a few moments, she’d dissolve into tears. Inside, that old familiar ache of sheer and utter discouragement quickly choked any hopeful blossoming of love she might have begun to entertain.

  And why was she so shocked, anyway?

  She forced herself to breathe. “You’re a fine Christian man, Tom.” She opened the door to the Warrens’ house. “You made a godly decision. I pray you will never go back on it.” A flash of confusion crossed his features, but Amie didn’t bother to explain. “Good night, and thanks...”

  Entering the house, she closed the door on his murmured “‘Night” and stood in the little foyer. Everything was dark and quiet, obviously, the Warrens were already sleeping. In the silence, she stood pondering the events of the last few minutes while the tears she’d been holding back streamed down her cheeks. How ironic that on the way back from Wausau tonight she’d determined to share her hurtful past, certain that Tom would be the one who’d understand. And he would, no doubt about it. But he wouldn’t want her after learning about her shameful secret. If he considered kissing “impure” what would he think of sexual abuse?

  Or sin…maybe she’d sinned when she’d dressed nice for her date. Jasper and his pastor had both felt she’d been immodest in her choice of clothing. According to them, part of the blame lay at her own feet.

  Amie put her face in her hands, succumbing to the urge to weep until she could no more. And once her tears had dried, she’d begin her life again. Single. Forever on her own. The curse.

  Well, at least one thing was sure: she couldn’t stay here. How could she ever face Tom again? And why lead him on? Nothing could come of it.

  Moving away from the front door, she crept down the hall to the little sewing room where she quietly packed her things.

  ~*~

  Tom couldn’t believe it. The words Katie spoke seemed to misfire inside his brain. Amie? Gone?

  “She must have left some time during the night,” Katie told him once worship service had ended. She opened her purse and pulled out a slip of paper. “This is what I found just before I made breakfast.”

  He took the proffered note on which a simple Thank you for the memorable Christmas! Had been penned and was signed by Amie at the bottom. Looking back at Katie, Tom was speechless. />
  “Why don’t you come over for lunch today?”

  The compassion he saw in Katie’s eyes only made him feel worse. What happened? Why did Amie take off? Had he offended her by sharing his conviction about kissing? Or was there a family emergency?

  Katie set her hand on Tom’s shoulder. “We can talk about things later.”

  “Thanks. Sure, I’ll do that. But I think I’ll go down stairs and give Amie a call first.”

  “Good idea.” Katie’s expression seemed to mirror the confusion in his heart.

  Leaving the sanctuary, Tom’s puzzlement over Amie’s swift departure mounted, although the speculation about a family emergency made some sense.

  In his make-shift apartment, he picked up the extension in the kitchen area and dialed her phone number. He had limited data on his cell phone, but the church’s landline had nation-wide unlimited calling.

  Disappointment sank like a weight when he got Amie’s voicemail. “Hi, Amie, it’s me,” he began, leaving a message. “Give me a call back when you can. I’m worried. Are your folks OK? Your brother and sister all right? Call me.”

  Hanging up the receiver, he decided to try her parents’ home. He knew that number from memory too. But again, only a machine answered, and he chose not to leave a message.

  Concern and frustration plagued him as he walked back into his bedroom/living room area. He glanced at his computer and decided to check his email. Much to his relief, Amie had left a message: Don’t worry. I got home all right. I’m sorry for leaving abruptly, Tom. It’s not you. It’s me, but I don’t want to elaborate in an email and I for sure don’t want to discuss it. You said you trust me, so trust that I’m right about this. I’m not the girl for you. From now on it’s strictly business between us.

  He sat back in his chair, heartbroken. Nothing about her message made sense. They’d had a fun time last night. He’d sensed she felt the way he did, although perhaps her feelings weren’t as intense as his. After all, he’d admitted to falling in love with her.