by Pat Simmons
“You’re distracting me,” she said, “you know that? I’m supposed to be your tour guide.” She smiled. “What I don’t have to tell you is Nashville played a major part in the civil rights struggle.”
“That much my parents ingrained into Karl’s and my heads before we started school. They participated in the Nashville sit-ins in the sixties at the Woolworth counters reserved for whites only.”
“My inspiration for pursuing engineering came from the McKissack brothers: Moses and Calvin. Calvin attended Fisk and later built a dorm there, then designed libraries on other college campuses. When I came to Nashville for college, I wasn’t sure of my major. After learning about how the brothers were refused entry into college and were forced to receive their architecture degrees through correspondence courses, I made my decision. They were among the first registered architects, even though the state didn’t want to issue them a license.” She sighed. “After hearing their story, I wanted to leave my stamp on buildings and parks and…”
“And me.” Nicholas waved his hand in the air and looked up. “Lord, thank You for this incredible woman You placed in my life.”
She laughed. “You’re the man.” She waggled a finger at him. “I got some side-eyes from women at Bible class who wanted your attention.”
“I choose you.” He winked. “And I feel like God is sharing you with me, and I want to treat you with the utmost care.” She was speechless. Surely, others had treated her the same. He didn’t want to ask about her past, so he continued, “Since you have a passion for history, how about dinner at Woolworth on Fifth?”
“I’m learning more about my passion every day,” Rachel said and glanced out the window as he drove off for their impromptu dinner date.
Chapter 16
“Don’t take this the wrong way, but Nicholas is ruining our friendship,” Jacqui teased over the phone.
Rachel laughed. She had spoken with him not long ago. “Jealous,” she teased back.
“Yes. I want one of them, minus the minister part.”
“He’s a package deal,” Rachel said, staring out her office window overlooking Broadway. This part of downtown was the pulse of the city. “So how is Nicholas ruining our friendship ?”
“Girl, please. You cancelled the yearly Fourth of July bash you always throw from your condo.”
“Yeah. Since this year is supposed to be the biggest celebration, Nicholas is taking me on a cruise to watch the fireworks between the Shelby and Woodland Bridges.”
“See! That is why I need me a Nicholas clone. How romantic. You two have been dating for two months now.”
“Actually, two months and a week.” Rachel giggled. “I want to spend as much time with Nicholas as I can. I really, really like him.”
“I knew you would as soon as you opened your eyes.”
“You were right, Jac, so thanks for understanding that I want to spend the holiday with him.” She felt a bit guilty for ruining their routine. “Somebody must be throwing a pool party or a party to watch the fireworks.”
“I know of a couple, but it’s not the same without my girl.” She paused. “But I’m happy for you. He really cares about you.”
“He does,” Rachel agreed softly, then checked the time. “Ooh. I have a meeting in twenty minutes. Got to go. Love you. Bye.”
Late that afternoon, when Rachel opened her door for Nicholas, she sucked in her breath. Whether in a suit and tie or polo and jeans, he was always handsome. He looked patriotic in a red, white, and blue polo. “Ready? The General Jackson Showboat boards at five, and we don’t want them to sail off without us.”
After grabbing her shawl and purse, they were off and, within minutes, maneuvering through the crowds to get to the riverfront.
Rachel was glad Nicholas suggested a cruise to admire the fireworks instead of watching from the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge. Renamed the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge, it spanned the Cumberland River from East Nashville to downtown and was one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world.
She respected the architectural and aesthetic design of the truss. It was no wonder it had been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The structure had been set for demolition because it was no longer safe for cars, but there had been an uproar about erasing history because of its significance in the civil rights movement.
Years before she’d even thought about her current occupation, Gersham-Smith had lost the bid to restore the structure. Still, the winning company’s architectural restoration was magnificent, with an impressive lighting system that made it perfect for a romantic evening stroll with the downtown skyline as a backdrop. Maybe after all the Fourth of July mad rush, she and Nicholas would take a stroll there on the weekend with her dogs.
“It was a good thing we left early,” Rachel said, frazzled, but once the showboat set sail, all the hassle was forgotten as they enjoyed a sumptuous meal on the second floor of the Victorian Theater. Perfectly timed, the live performance on the boat ended at the first sound of the firework explosion.
Standing on the outside deck with Nicholas beside her, a happiness that she had never felt before in her life filled Rachel’s being. It is the perfect night to fall in love, she thought with every explosion of color. Was she falling?
“Hey,” Nicholas whispered in her ear and caused her to turn and stare into his eyes.
“If you’re ready, I want us to become an official couple.” He didn’t blink.
Rachel smiled and lowered her lashes before looking at him again. “I thought we already were.”
“Me too, but I didn’t want to assume.” Nicholas gave her a lopsided grin. “Then in that case, carry on.” He turned back to the fireworks as they shared a laugh.
* * *
“Congratulations” read the subject line in an office email a few weeks later. “Gersham-Smith has been awarded a multimillion-dollar contract by the county government in Lexington, Kentucky…”
By the time Rachel finished reading the lengthy memo, her boss was standing outside her door. “Good news, huh?” He grinned, tilting his head toward her monitor.
“Excellent.”
“You’re a more than superb structural engineer. When it comes to public spaces, your think-outside-the-box innovation helps to bring our clients’ visions to life. I’d like you to use your expertise to assist the team in Lexington on the Town Branch Greenway in a consultation capacity only. I have confidence in the team leader there, but the design the client chose is similar to our Lentz Public Health Center project that we completed, so you can save them from some missteps. As you know, it’s going to require traveling for the next year, but this could mean a regional director position for you, depending how you assist the team.”
A regional director position was not only more money but a coveted spot for a person of color. Rachel didn’t have to think twice. “When do I need to leave?”
“Next Monday. Plan for a week to get your bearings. Lexington is going to be your second home during the start of this project.”
“Got it.” This was her opportunity to shine in everything she did. Like the McKissack brothers, Rachel wanted to leave her mark in the history books. While in her reverie, Nicholas texted her.
Busy? Want you to know I’m thinking about you, miss you, and praying for you.
Rachel paused and reflected on his words. She loved everything about this man. She blinked, then reality set in. How would she bear being away from him? Thank you for all! I got news about my job. Why don’t you take your girlfriend out to dinner tonight and I’ll tell you?
Then it’s a Tuesday night date.
Hours later, Rachel had showered, dressed in jeans and a girly top, then slipped into her high heels to accent her look. When Nicholas knocked at the door, she greeted him with a smile when she wanted a hug. She understood his reason for minimizing public affection to hand
holding. She did get a kiss on the cheek. Rachel respected the restraint, but it didn’t mean she liked it; however, she didn’t want to taint his name with scandal. Besides, who would see them steal a kiss or two?
“You are gorgeous, you know that, woman?” His nostrils flared in appreciation. Nicholas took a deep breath and turned away, exhaling.
Her heart always fluttered when Nicholas said it. She’d told him the truth, that she had heard the compliments the moment she hit puberty, and she learned to sway her hips just to make the guys freeze midsentence. Natural beauty, Aunt Tweet used to say. None of that mattered anymore. She had captured Nicholas’s heart without trying. His praise always included her intelligence and passion. He made her feel beautiful inside and out, like her inner beauty was visible only to him.
Nicholas chose a more upscale restaurant than she would have thought of for a midweek dinner. They slid into a booth facing each other. After placing their orders, he reached across the table for her hands. She welcomed his touch.
“So, Miss Knicely, what’s this news?”
She wiggled in her seat at his intense stare. He always gave her his undivided attention whenever they were together. “I’ve been picked to work on an impressive project.”
He grinned. “Congratulations!”
Bowing her head, she fumbled with her fingers. How could she be excited and bummed at the same time? “It’s in Lexington.” Rachel looked up to gauge his reaction.
Stunned, his jaw dropped. “As in Kentucky?” His words came out slowly.
“Yes.” She nodded, then gave him the details. “For the next year, I’ll be traveling a lot. I’ll be gone for days, weeks, or even a month at a time.”
Disappointment flashed across his face, and her heart cracked when she saw his shoulders slump.
“I leave on Monday, and I’ll be gone for a week at first, but as we get into the details, my colleagues and I could work long days and a lot of weeks.”
Huffing, Nicholas glanced around the restaurant and didn’t say anything, making Rachel wonder about his thoughts. Finally, he gazed into her eyes again, then exhaled. “I finally fall in love, and my lady is testing me with a long-distance relationship…” He rambled on as if he hadn’t said anything earth-shattering.
“Rewind.” Rachel tilted her head as he gave her a lopsided smile. “I’m going out of town, and you, Nicholas Adams, now profess that you love me?” She cherished the moment. Yes, their feelings were strong and they were headed in that direction, but for Nicholas to declare it first made her surrender her heart too.
“I love you back,” she heard herself whisper in awe. Rachel never imagined she would say that to a man who was a minister.
His stunned expression was almost amusing—maybe he thought she would never have uttered it too. Time seemed to slow so they could revel in their emotions.
“You love me,” he repeated in awe as their server placed their salads before them. He held his breath until the man left their table. “I had acknowledged my feelings for a while and again when we were on that cruise. Although it felt natural to say, I struggled with maybe it was too soon, then as my heart beat stronger whenever you were near, I knew I couldn’t keep it locked in.” He looked away sheepishly, like a bashful little boy, before he seemed to regain his resolve. “I’d planned to tell you the next time we went to dinner.”
She leaned forward. “Well, this is our next time, so tell me again, then bless our meal.”
He met her halfway. “Woman, you are everything I want and more. I love you, Rachel Knicely.” Nicholas bowed his head and clasped her hands. “Father God, in the name of Jesus, thank You for this woman and this moment. I ask that You bless us to grow in You and our meal. Give us the resources to bless others who might be hungry. In Jesus’s name. Amen.”
“Amen,” she whispered and began to fork up her lettuce. “You’re the only man I’ve met who makes me feel like you care about me beyond what you see,” she choked out and patted her chest.
“Make no mistake, Miss Rachel, you are hot! But you’re so much more than those dainty dimples, sultry voice, long lashes, clear brown eyes, pleasing proportions, silky long hair, and confident personality. Should I go on?” He winked.
Rachel shook her head. He had said more than enough.
* * *
Nicholas was blown away by Rachel’s declaration. His heart was still trying to regulate its rhythm. “All the men you’ve met in the past have looked at you and seen only what their eyes could behold, but I have a vantage point,” Nicholas said in a deep, serious voice.
She squinted and squeezed her lips together until a dimple appeared. Her eyes sparkled. “And that is?”
“The source of your beauty—your heart. After your heart captured me, then your free spirit did, and that opened my eyes to see the beauty the Lord gave you.”
Rachel was silent. “You, Nicholas, are deep. I’ve never let a man see me when I’m not at my best physically. My aunt drilled into me that it’s unattractive. You saw me at my worst—physically, mentally, and spiritually…” Her words trailed off.
“Babe.” Her words humbled Nicholas. “You’ve always been beautiful to me, but as Christians, we are charged by God to do double duty. We’re supposed to be aware as we walk in this world but have spiritual eyes to discern.”
“I thought you were coming to minister to my aunt…”
“And you. You were the one who needed healing and comfort. Your aunt was already confident in her faith and where she was going.” He was quiet. “I said all that to say this. I love you, and I’m interested in building a relationship that includes everything you need in a mate—a friend, confidant, and…more.” He never wanted this night to end, but it did, three hours later.
Chapter 17
Whew. When Nicholas escorted Rachel to her door, she was a ball of crazy emotions. From the look on his face, he seemed as flustered as she was. Good, they were in this together. She wanted a long hug and kiss.
“I love you so much. Trust me, after tonight, our attraction will grow stronger, so we have to rein in our hormones to honor our Christian walk.” He paused to glance down at their intertwined hands. “Intimacy between married people is worth the wait.” Staring into her eyes, he brought her hands to his mouth and brushed his lips against them. She shivered and exhaled.
“Good night.” Stepping back, Nicholas waited for her to go inside.
When she closed her door, Rachel broke out in a sweat. Whew. What was her blood pressure? She had a machine around here somewhere from when Aunt Tweet was with her, but she realized she had packed it up.
Sweet Pepper and Shelby came galloping from around the corner. She squatted to scratch their ears. “He loves me.” Rachel was about to cry. Men had told her they loved her before, and it sounded good, but this was like a trumpet vibrating her core. She had never felt like this—never. “Thank you!” Rachel lifted her eyes toward heaven.
Minutes later, she put the leashes on her pooches’ collars for a quick trip to the rooftop doggie park. As she sat on the bench watching her pets frolic with other hounds, reality set in again, and she called Jacqui. “Nicholas is in love with me!”
Jacqui screamed in Rachel’s ear. “My favorite color is coral. I prefer a June wedding. Definitely white roses, and please make sure his groomsmen are bachelors.”
Was her best friend planning her wedding? Rachel laughed, and it seemed to unravel her pent-up energy. “We are so not there yet, but I don’t know what to do.”
“Back up. When did you ever need my advice concerning men?” Her friend chuckled.
“I mean, this is crazy,” Rachel said without responding to her friend’s query. She shut her eyes tight and wanted to scream but restrained herself. “I’ve never felt this way ever! I’m scared but happy. I feel like I’m going to faint or explode like fireworks.” Rachel couldn’t stop rambling. “This is
a life-changing moment.”
“Yep.” Jacqui giggled. “Have you told your sisters?”
“Oh.” Rachel patted her cheek as if to wake herself from a dream. “I haven’t! I’ve got to go and call them.” Her heart pounded with excitement.
“Okay, but make sure you let them know I knew first. Bye.”
* * *
Nicholas counted down the days before Rachel’s departure to Kentucky. How could he go from being full of bliss because he’d found the love of his life to being sorrowful in a matter of days?
Rachel explained she would only be gone one week—at first. As the project progressed, she could be away weeks at a time, even more than a month.
He understood her work commitment—she’d worked hard to achieve her goals. Nicholas got that, but his heart would long for her. Until she left, he wanted to spend as much time together as their schedules would allow, which explained why he drove past his church to pick up Rachel for Bible class Wednesday evening, then doubled back to Believers Temple Church. Every moment counted.
Nicholas had everything planned out. On Thursday, they would go to the movies. Friday would be fun night at Donelson Plaza Strike and Spare Bowl, then on Saturday morning, Nicholas would slip into his role as Minister Adams to visit and pray with those on the sick list.
Since three church members were in St. Thomas Midtown Hospital, Nicholas could make those rounds easier. One was an elderly mother with a fractured hip. The next was a young man who had been in a car accident.
The last stop was to Jason Kimbro’s room. Doctors had given the fifty-year-old father of three teenage boys months to live. His health was deteriorating fast with stomach cancer. The end-stage-of-life visits were always bittersweet. Nicholas thought this particular man was too young to leave his family. Mr. Kimbro mustered a smile when Nicholas entered the room.
“Minister Adams.” He extended his hand weakly to shake. Nicholas took it, then sat in a nearby chair. “I’m waiting to take my flight. Can’t go until Jesus calls me.”
