by Mary Manners
“I’m sorry.” He was itching to reach for her. Instead, he shoved his hands into his pockets. “I stayed away on purpose.”
Peyton tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear as her lips dipped to a frown. “Why on earth would you do that?”
“It’s a long story. Can we talk?”
She stepped in front of him, blocking his path. “Isn’t that what we’re doing?”
“I mean privately, away from here?”
“I think we should.” Her teeth snagged her lower lip, gnawed for a moment as her gaze locked with his. “What’s been happening?”
“I’m going to get my grafting house.” Reese turned south toward the rose greenhouse. “We’re building it right back here.”
“Well, that’s great news, and quite a coincidence.” Peyton nodded, offered a fleeting smile even though the glow didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Since I just got off the phone with my friend at the grafting house on UT’s aggie campus. We can have that tour you wanted if you’d like. The drive into Knoxville will give us a chance to talk.”
“Now?”
“Sure. She’s agreed to wait on us along with a few of her staff to give you the grand tour. So, I’ve filled all of my orders for the day, closed up shop. And you…” She checked her watch. “Well, it’s getting close to dinner time. I figured your work would be finished for the day, as well. Did I assume too much?”
“No.” He stretched the kinks from his back, stomped dirt from his boots as he thought things over. He’d done her wrong again, hiding out like she carried the plague. His intentions were in the right place, but his actions said little for that. Maybe it was time to come clean. “I’ve been digging in the dirt, so I’m just a little…messy.”
“Goes with the territory.” She jangled her car keys, still fresh-faced after putting in a full day.
That went with the territory, as well, Reese noted. The desire to be close to her grew exponentially as she looked at him. “You want to captain the ship, or should I?”
“I’m on it.” Suddenly, Reese felt as if his life had segued from pause to play. Being with her woke him from a deep hibernation. He took her hand, led her toward his pick-up as his gaze scanned her faded jeans and sun-yellow T-shirt. “No stilts today?”
“I gave them up—at least during work hours.” She waggled a sandal-clad foot. “This is much more comfortable.”
“Is it, now?” Reaching his truck, he eased her against the passenger door and turned her to face him. “I have a confession about comfort, as well.”
Her eyes grew wide. “What is it?”
“The past few days have nearly killed me.” He leaned in, dipped his head. “The raw truth is, I avoided you because I want this…” His lips brushed her temple, slipped to her jaw. “And I’ve been taking your words to heart, about whose will it is.”
“Reese…” The murmur rang light and airy, barely a gasp.
“Does that surprise you?”
“A little.” She leaned into him, rested in his arms. “Yes, but in a good way.”
“I’m not one hundred percent sure of the answer yet, but I have a pretty good idea.” He smoothed a lock of hair behind her ear, gently lowered his head to claim her lips. “So, you missed me, too?”
“Yes, I missed you.” Without the heels, she barely reached his chin. She pressed her cheek to his shoulder, regardless of the soil that clung to his T-shirt. “Enough to seek you out, to wonder what you were doing…what you were thinking. Does that surprise you?”
“Just the right amount.”
Peyton pressed a finger to her lips. They were still tingling hours after Reese kissed her. Is this what it feels like to be loved, she wondered—to be in love? She turned toward him, drinking in his profile bathed in moonlight that shimmered through the windshield. His jaw was set, his gaze fixed on the road. One arm draped over the steering wheel as he hummed along with the radio.
Could life be any more perfect than this?
“What did you think of the grafting complex?” She asked.
“It’s amazing. I can’t believe you did all that, found the grant money to get it started. It had to take so much time and energy.”
“I had plenty of that at the time, with my dad gone and no real direction. I needed something, and the project filled the need nicely. I learned a lot about plants along the way, as well.”
“I could use your help getting the nursery’s grafting house started. Are you game?”
“Definitely.” More time with him was certainly an added bonus, though she didn’t mention that. “I’d love to roll up my sleeves and get dirty.”
“Now you’re talking.” Laughter filled the cab. “I’d really appreciate it—the help, I mean. I’d be glad to reciprocate by helping you fill your orders, make any arrangements you might need, maybe even help you with Kami and Wyatt’s wedding flowers.”
“Now, that would be nice.” She nestled in a bit closer to him, straining her lap belt. “Sounds like the makings of a partnership to me.”
“Yes, it does.” He slipped his hand across the seat to join with hers. “One I’m going to enjoy, for sure.”
“I’ll be able to afford some part-time help soon. That will be nice.”
The song changed to a popular country tune and Reese cranked up the radio, singing along in an off-key melody that didn’t seem to bother him in the least. Peyton joined in.
“I love that song.” She laughed as it finished, clapping as the happiness welled.
“You can really belt it, I might add.”
“Singing’s not my strong suit, but I torment those around me anyway.”
“I could get used to that.”
“In that case, I’ve been wondering…Would you like to go to church with me this Sunday?” Reese turned the corner and steered them toward home. “I could pick you up. We could go together, have lunch afterwards, and make a day of it.”
“I don’t know…” Peyton shifted in the seat, turning to stare out the window at a rush of moonlit trees as they passed by. The thought brought her down to reality, like a wave of cold water splashing up in her face. She’d let Reese kiss her, and maybe that was a mistake. She felt something strong for him, powerful, that the time spent together this evening had only proved to intensify, and maybe that was wrong, too. “I haven’t been to church in so long. I think I’ve forgotten how.”
“How to what—worship in a sanctuary?” He whistled lightly under his breath. “Peyton, that’s not something you forget—ever. It doesn’t matter how long it’s been.”
“Are you sure?”
“Positive.” He eased off the gas pedal as he reached for her hand once more. “I’d like it very much if you’d join me.”
“I…okay.” There was no point in thinking it over. Something inside her nudged, and she made up her mind without further argument. “What time will you come for me?”
“Service starts at ten, so I’ll pick you up about nine-thirty. Is that okay?”
“It’s perfect.”
“So, what do you think?” Reese asked as music filled the sanctuary. People milled around, finding their seats, as sunlight streamed through stained-glass windows. Peyton was nestled between him and Kami, with Wyatt on Kami’s other side, flanked by Hattie and Anthony. They took up the whole row of seats, and for the first time in a long time Peyton felt like she belonged to a family.
The Cutler family.
They’d welcomed her that morning as their own— Hattie with a bear hug and Wyatt with a slight nod in a manner that only he could offer. Kami was thrilled, as well, and couldn’t seem to let go of Peyton. Anthony promised a pan of his hand-made chicken Alfredo for lunch.
“It’s…amazing.”
The sanctuary was small but welcoming, filled with the sweet, fragrant scent of a floral arrangement she’d designed for the communion table. Hattie had placed an order for a fresh arrangement each week, and Peyton filled that order with a sense of pride that could only be brought by one who bel
ieved in her—Hattie.
“Here you go, dear.” Hattie offered up a hymnal. “You’ll need this.”
“Thank you.” She’d brought her dad’s Bible, as well…felt it was only fitting to carry it along, have a part of his memory here with her this first time. “I’ll share mine with Reese, if that’s okay.”
“That’s perfect.” Hattie nodded, smiling. “You’ll come by my house after the service for our family dinner, right? Anthony made the main course, but I do all the trimmings.”
“I’d love to come.” Tears welled in her throat, making it hard to speak. She was suddenly overcome with emotion beyond reason. She nodded vigorously, finding her voice. “Thank you.”
As Reese took her hand, lifting his voice as the first hymn began, Peyton felt as if the puzzle was coming together…she’d found some of the pieces and merged them in an attempt to unveil a lovely, precious picture that she was now convinced was part of God’s plan.
Chapter 9
“IF YOU DON’T QUIT PACING, you’re going to wear yourself out before the ceremony—or the honeymoon—even begins.” Reese settled into a padded folding chair, adorned with a summer-green ribbon, as he watched Wyatt stride the length of the garden behind Mom’s house once again. Blooms were at their peak, dancing in a gentle breeze as their scent drifted lazily. An arch, woven with fragrant tulip stems, had been erected at the end of a walk formed of inlaid river rock. Yellow rose petals formed a quilt of color along the crisp, gray stone. “What’s wrong with you? You were fine this morning.”
“Guess it’s nerves.” Wyatt paused and turned to face him. “Are you sure you have the rings?”
“Yes, I’m sure I have the rings.” Reese patted his breast pocket, felt the pair of gold bands nestled there along with notes for his Best Man toast. “Right here.”
“Really? You’re positive?”
“Good grief.” Reese grabbed Wyatt’s tux jacket by the hem, yanking him into the shade of a majestic oak. “Take a breath. You are wearing me out. This best man duty is more than I bargained for.”
“I’m getting married.” The words rushed out in a bewildered tone, as if Wyatt was just realizing the depth of his actions for the very first time. “I mean, really married—to Kami.”
“Yes, you’re getting married to Kami.” Reese patted his shoulder, using a tone fit for a frightened five-year-old. “And I promise marriage isn’t a fatal condition.”
“Kami is in one of the second-floor guest rooms, primping as we speak. Maddie got in late last night.”
“I know.” It had been so good to see his sister, to spend time together at the rehearsal meal and afterward, on the back deck of Hattie’s house. “And she’s with Kami, helping her along like I suppose sisters do. Peyton, too. She fits right in, a real keeper.”
“Yes, she is.” Reese’s pulse did a two-step at the sound of Peyton’s name, remembering how she’d helped him with his tie after they’d spent the morning arranging the wedding flowers. The fit was just right— not too loose or tight. “Though it’s been hectic, she’s had a good time in all of this.”
“I hope so. And Dillon—where’s he?” Wyatt glanced around, his eyes wide and wild as they searched for the youngest Cutler brother. “I haven’t seen him yet this afternoon.”
“That’s because I have him working a highly covert mission.”
“What sort of mission? Did you say covert?” The wildness intensified.
“Good grief. Take a look.” Reese motioned out the window, pointing to Wyatt’s truck where Dillon was busy stringing aluminum cans from the bumper. “That’s the mission.”
“Oh, right.” Wyatt ran a hand through his hair as perspiration beaded along his collar. “It’s awfully hot out here. I’m feeling a little…”
“Here, drink.” Reese handed him a bottle of water. “Suck it down. The last thing we need is a swan dive as you and Kami get to the I do’s.”
“I think I’m losing my mind.” Wyatt slumped back against the tree trunk. “This is so surreal…like a dream.”
“Well, I guess that’s better than a nightmare.”
“Very funny.” Wyatt laughed and the wild glimmer fled from his eyes as his shoulders relaxed. “But I suppose you’re right.”
“Of course I’m right.”
“Kami and I have been engaged over a year. It’s gone so fast.”
“I know. Time flies when you’re having fun—and planning a wedding, especially when Mom and Anthony get their hands into things.”
“You got that right.”
The soft melody of a violin drifted and Reese glanced over to see guests milling toward the rows of padded seats that had been set up along the garden area. A quick glance back toward the house afforded a glimpse of Peyton through French doors that led into the great room off the deck. His breath caught as she smiled and offered a quick flutter of a wave.
“This place looks nice…transformed.” Wyatt drew his attention as he turned in a slow three-sixty of the grounds, whistling through his teeth. “Thanks for helping Peyton with the flowers. They look great.”
“No problem. We work well together.”
The music cranked up, and Wyatt was on his feet once more. Guests began to enter, filling the pews.
“That’s our queue. Better get going.”
“Yes, we’d better.” Reese clapped Wyatt on the back. “Here comes the bride…and the maid of honor.”
“Mission accomplished.” Peyton joined Reese at the punch bowl and watched as he dipped a ladle of the fizzy drink for her. “I think things went off without a hitch, don’t you?”
“I do.” He handed her the short glass. “Have I mentioned how beautiful you look?”
“About half-a-dozen times, but once more won’t hurt.”
“Well then…” Reese laughed. “You’re beautiful. May I have this dance?”
“Of course.” Peyton slipped off her shoes, releasing her screaming toes as she drained the glass and set it on a tray beside the table.” thought you’d never ask.”
Reese led her to the dance floor, drew her in. Slowly, they swayed to George Strait’s I Cross My Heart.
She eased in close, pressing her cheek to his shoulder. “I love this song.”
“Oh?”
“The words, have you ever really listened to them?”
“Can’t say I have.”
“Well, they’re perfect, lovely.” She shivered as his lips brushed her hair that had been swept into a chignon of curls. “And so are you.”
“Really?” He paused slightly, missing a beat as the music swirled around them. “How so?”
“You’ve made my dreams come true, dreams I didn’t even know I had.” She eased back to look up into his eyes. “You helped me get the floral shop off on the right foot, gave up your own dream to convert it to a grafting house so I could have mine.”
“But that worked out. I have a grafting house now.”
“I know you do.” It had been completed only days before the wedding, and she knew he was itching to get his projects started. “But you didn’t know that at the time, and you still relinquished what you wanted, regardless of the sacrifice.”
“Reluctantly at first, I’ll admit.”
“You told me a Bible verse, wrote it down so I could read it, remember it every day. You prayed for me when I needed it most. Somehow you knew…” She smiled. “You took me to church, helped me to find my faith once again.”
“It was always there.” He tapped just beneath her right shoulder, indicating her heart. “It was just buried deep inside, in the darkness.”
“You let in the light.”
“That light is love, Peyton.” He dipped his head, nipped her lips. “I love you.”
“I’m a lucky woman, to have such love for my own.” She kissed him back. “And, for the record, I love you, too.”
“That’s good.” He twirled her into a two-step, holding her close as the song merged into another. “Because I’ve found the answer to the question yo
u asked not so long ago—about whether my desire to know you, to love you, stems from my will or His, and I’m convinced this is all a part of His plan.”
“So, where do we go from here?”
“How do you feel about white picket fences?”
“I like them…very much.”
Enjoy this sneak peek at…
Diamond Knot Dreams:
The Collection
Four Romantic Tales in One Heartwarming Collection…
Get swept away to Diamond Knot Dreams, a bridal boutique run by four friends, in a refurbished Victorian home that carries loads of southern charm and haunting secrets.
Veiled Gems
Will superstitions spoil Lila and Morgan’s Happily Ever After?
Lila Brooks believes in fairytale endings for everyone but herself, even as she commissions Morgan Holt to transform the run-down Victorian house she's purchased into an all-inclusive bridal boutique she's named Diamond Knot Dreams. Clover Cove’s residents have whispered the house is filled with spirits, but superstitions have no place in Lila's life.
Morgan Holt spent the better part of his youth transplanted from one foster home to another. Separated from his older brother at an early age, they’re reunited shortly after Morgan’s arrival to Clover Cove. But the last thing Morgan wants is to trust his heart again to a family—or a woman as intriguing as Lila Brooks.
Soon Lila and Morgan have a chance at their own Happily Ever After, but will events from the past destroy their future?
Jeweled Dreams
Will an S.O.S lead to Avery and Jason to tragedy, or love?
When best friend Lila Brooks sends out an S.O.S. for help at Diamond Knot Dreams, graphic designer Avery Lakin heads to Clover Cove. She’s planning to stay only a few weeks, but nature photographer Jason Ingram captures her attention. Soon, she finds herself swept up in the beauty of his work…and in him.
Jason Ingram traveled the earth as a nature photographer until tragedy called him home to Clover Cove. Now. he’s determined to share nature's bounty through his photography studio while raising his precocious niece, Kenzie. What he doesn’t plan on is falling for Avery Lakin.
