“Over here,” she answered and stood from her squatting position. She wiped the sweat from her brow with a no-longer-white handkerchief. “What’s up?”
“I need you to shoot some more publicity photos. The client insists we didn’t have the lighting correct.”
Dena rolled her eyes heavenward. There were advantages to photographing wildlife as opposed to actors and models who insisted they knew more about the light and angles of a shoot than the photographer. “I’ll be right there.” She gritted her teeth and reminded herself that she could do this. Tomorrow couldn’t come soon enough. Nothing seemed to go right on this trip. From the moment she’d arrived, one problem after another developed. Is it the shoot or just me? she wondered.
Putting on her professional smile, she greeted the customer once again, listened to her suggestions, and did as instructed—all the while knowing these photographs would not be used.
An hour later she finished the new round of photographs and said her good-byes. She’d driven from Boston in her own car for this remote shoot on Long Island. She opened her car door to let out the hot air then dropped her camera cases and equipment in the rear seat and put down the top.
A whistle pierced the air. “Nice set of wheels, Dena. Photography must pay more than I thought,” remarked a young man as he walked around the car. She recognized him as one of the gofers who’d worked on the set all day.
“After many years and saving all my pennies, I was able to purchase the car.”
“No way. How long did it take?”
“Well, if you don’t count the eleven years of raising my children, it took four years. I’ve had the car for five.”
“No way,” he repeated. “It looks in mint condition.” He examined the rear of the car. “Guess you’re right; it is an older model.”
Dena chuckled. “Yeah. So are you thinking of becoming a photographer?”
“Nah, I’m going into motion pictures. That’s where the real money is. Plus, I have connections.”
“Well, I wish you much success. Just don’t forget to give time to the Lord.”
“Oh, man. You’re one of those born-againers, aren’t you?”
“Guilty. I was a preacher’s wife and my oldest son is a pastor.”
The young man, with orange-tinged hair, stuffed his hands in his pockets and looked down at the pavement.
“Are you all right?”
“Fine, just heard enough of that God stuff.”
Okay, Lord, this is the last thing I want to do right now. But if You want me to witness to this boy, give me the words, Dena prayed. “I’m not sure what you’ve heard, but there are Christians in Hollywood making movies today.”
“Yeah, but I want to make the box office success films. I want to rake in the big bucks.”
“Well, then you don’t want to be the photographer. You want to be the director or producer. But even those who earn the big bucks have to learn their craft and learn it well. I’m afraid your goal is just making money, not the joy of learning to do a job well and liking it. I can’t imagine working all these years and not liking my job.”
“You didn’t look too happy today.”
Guilty again. “I’ll admit, it wasn’t the most joyous of days for me, but I still enjoy the craft. Did you see me slip away and take some shots when no one was looking?”
“You did?”
“Yup. I came across a beautiful butterfly opening its wings while perched on a flower. I held the camera still until the light shifted slightly and got some good shots before it flew away. Then there was the baby seagull.”
“Who you selling those pictures to?”
“No one, most likely. But I have a granddaughter who loves butterflies, and I’ll put a picture or two in a book for her. Or I’ll simply give her the photograph to play with.”
“But?”
The obvious questions played across his forehead.
“What’s your name?”
“Michael.”
“Nice to meet you, Michael.” Dena extended her hand. Others walked past and headed for their cars. “I take thousands of photographs in a year. Only a small fraction of those are marketable. Could this butterfly be a marketable product? Possibly, but that isn’t why I took the picture. I took it because I enjoy taking pictures. I enjoy being able to capture a tiny fraction of what God’s created and saving it for others to enjoy.” Dena leaned against her car. “Money isn’t the answer to all of life’s problems. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind earning a comfortable living, but it isn’t the only reason to work. You need to find out what is special to you. Success is doing what you love, doing it well, and keeping your head on straight as much as possible. God equips everyone with special gifts. Talk to Him and find out which ones He’s given you.
“I’ve been blessed, no question about it. But there were times when the kids were teens when I didn’t know from one day to the next if I’d earn enough to put food on the table. What I did know was that I was doing something I loved and, with God’s help, providing for my family.”
“What about your husband?”
“Bill died when Jason was thirteen.”
“Sorry.” He glanced back at her again. “Why was it not an enjoyable day for you today?”
“Several reasons. But I guess the main one is Brianne, my daughter-in-law, was in the hospital last week because she nearly lost her unborn child. If I hadn’t agreed to this job weeks before, I would be home helping her.”
“Man, your life isn’t like this Mercedes, is it?”
Dena chuckled. “Depends on how you look at it. If you’re looking at the fancy paint, leather interior, and the Mercedes logo suggesting wealth, you’re right, it isn’t my life. Now, if you look under the hood and look at all the years of hard work and engineering that went into making this fine machine then, yes, my life is like this car. God’s investing years of research and development in me, and He’s still working on me. When I’m done, I’ll have this fine exterior and a wonderfully crafted engine and I’ll be fit for heaven and driving on the streets of gold.”
Michael laughed. “You had to be a preacher’s wife.”
Dena smiled. “True, but Bill died nearly twenty years ago. I’ve learned a few things since then. Do you go to church?”
“Not really. I have some friends who do. They’re like you, really into this God stuff. They’ve been trying to tell me for a long time that money isn’t everything. But you know, when you live in a place like this and you see the superstars of sports and movies all the time, it’s kinda hard not to want it.”
“I’m sure. But watch them closely and find out what makes them truly happy. Most of the time, it’s the love from their family, not the things they own. A rich man is a man who has a house full of love, even if it’s a simple cottage.” Dena’s mind flashed back to Wayne. He truly was a rich man.
“God bless you, Michael. I hope you decide to find your true gifts and work within those.”
“Uh, thanks. I think.”
Dena placed her hand on the boy’s shoulder. “Keep talking with your friends. Take care, Michael.”
“Bye,” he said with a wave.
She slipped behind the steering wheel and turned the key. Her cell phone rang.
❧
“Hey, honey, how was your day?”
“Strange.”
Wayne paced the front porch of the bed-and-breakfast where Dena had rented a room. According to her schedule, she should have been back from the shoot two hours ago. He was beginning to wonder if his surprise visit would be a surprise to him and not her.
“What happened? Are you still on the shoot?” He heard the wind in the background, so he was fairly certain she was in her car. He prayed she wasn’t on the highway heading back home.
“Long day. Suffice it to say, I hope I don’t have one like that again. I did have a rather interesting encounter with a young man after the shoot.”
The little hairs on the back of Wayne’s neck rose.
<
br /> “He noticed my car.” She went on to explain her encounter with Michael.
“Did you decide to come home early?”
“No, I’m too exhausted. I’m going to enjoy the night off and possibly spend the morning at the beach before heading home.”
“Hmm, sounds wonderful.”
“Wayne, I think I need some solitude time. I think the kids might be right about my work schedule. I am losing my joy for the constant travel. But it means a lot of decisions will need to be made. Like how I’m going to support myself, for one.”
Wayne sat down on an old wooden sliding rocker. “Are you saying we can’t see each other while you’re sorting this out?”
“Oh goodness, no. That’s not what I meant.”
Relief washed over him.
“Honey, are you up for a visit?”
“What?” she squeaked.
“I’m at the bed-and-breakfast. I rented a room. I’m on the third floor. I think it was an attic room years ago.” Wayne rubbed the back of his head where he’d banged it earlier while unpacking his suitcase.
“Are you really here?”
“Yes.”
“And this is your first trip outside of New England?”
“Yes,” he answered tentatively. What is she driving at?
“And you did this simply to visit me?”
“Yes. Dena. Is there a problem?”
“No, no. I’m flattered. Let’s book another night and spend some real time together.”
Wayne chuckled. “I’m glad you said that, because I booked us both for another night.”
“Pretty sure of yourself, huh?”
“I was. But, woman, you’ve got me wondering. Seriously, how long before you get here? I’m going stir-crazy waiting for you.”
“Sorry, give me another ten minutes; I should be there shortly.”
“Great. I’ll wait for you in the driveway.”
Dena laughed. “See you in a few.”
She hung up the phone, not waiting for a response from him. Wayne clicked his phone shut, leapt off the front porch, and headed for the driveway. His heart kicked into high gear when he saw her red Mercedes driving down the rutted pathway to the seafront home.
She coasted into a parking space. “You’re a nut.”
“Hope you like nuts.” He winked.
She smiled. “Love them.”
His heart skipped a beat. Lord, I don’t think I believe in long courtships.
❧
Dena lay back on the beach blanket and looked up at the night sky. A light breeze passed over her. She couldn’t believe how one day could have started out so poorly and ended so perfectly. Wayne lay on the blanket beside her. He had flown from Portland to New York and rented a car out to the point on Long Island.
“Beautiful night,” he yawned.
She yawned in response. How is it that always happens? “I still can’t believe you actually came all this way to see me.”
He rolled to his side and rested his head on his hand, his elbow extended for balance. “Honey, I love spending time with you. Besides, I might just get to see the world this way.”
Dena chuckled. “Did you apply for a passport?”
“Not yet, but I’ve been thinking about it. Of course, I’d need some passport photos. Do you happen to know of someone who could do them for me?”
“Very funny.” She sat up on the blanket, tucking her knees to her chest and wrapping her arms around her ankles. “Wayne, are we moving too quickly?”
He sat up and rested his elbows around his knees. “You know, I’ve been wondering the same thing. There are moments when I think we’re going too slow, and then there are moments when I sit back and realize we’ve only known each other for a summer.”
She felt a deep sense of comfort when she was with Wayne. A comfort she’d not known for years. It frightened and excited her at the same time. “Bill and I were high school sweethearts. We dated for three years, then married when he started college.”
Wayne reached down and picked up a handful of sand and let it sift through his fingers. “Dena, I don’t know if I’m ready for marriage.”
Marriage? How’d he get—Oh, right, my relationship with Bill. “I didn’t mean to imply I was talking about us getting married. Just that Bill and I dated for quite a while.”
“Not that I’m suggesting we get married, either, but don’t you think the three years were in part because of how young the two of you were?”
“No question. And if we were to talk about marriage, I wouldn’t suggest a three-year courtship.”
“Phew,” he whistled.
“Oh, stop.” She pushed him over to his side. “What’s the game plan for tomorrow?”
“I don’t know.” He brushed the sand off his left arm. “What do you suggest? I’d love to see more of the area, if that’s possible. The beaches are so sandy, so different from Squabbin Bay.”
“A lot of beaches have sand,” she teased.
“Okay, smarty-pants. You know the world; what do you suggest?”
“Well, are you driving back with me or flying home?”
“Hmm, guess it all depends on the company.” He leaned over and kissed her cheek. “Driving,” he whispered.
A shiver of excitement traveled down her spine. “Then I suggest we do some sightseeing and spend tomorrow night someplace else. Tell me what you’ve heard about in New York and New England that interests you.”
“Goodness, there are so many places I’ve read about. I’d love to see the Statue of Liberty.”
“All right. It’s the other end of the island, and then some, but well worth the trip. Why don’t we drive over to the Jersey side and visit Ellis Island, as well?”
“I’d love to.”
“When do you need to get home?” She hoped it wasn’t tomorrow night.
“I can be away for three days, but today counts as the first one.”
“Gotcha.” She stood up and dusted herself off.
Wayne followed suit and picked up the blanket. “I’m at your disposal, Dena.” He captured her hand in his. “Show me your world, please.”
Dena’s heart warmed. Perhaps a summer was enough time to know if you wanted to spend the rest of your life with a man. She firmed up her grip of his hand. “Only if you continue to show me yours. There’s so much I’ve never seen in Maine.”
“You’re on.”
They walked hand in hand up to the old Victorian bed-and-breakfast. A good-night kiss, and Dena found herself lying on her four-poster canopy bed. For the first time in two days, she scanned the room, absorbing every detail. It was no longer a room to spend the night in while she worked. It was a room in which she would need to make some serious decisions. Should I sell my place in Boston and move up to Maine, like Jason suggested? Or do I want to keep my life the way it has been for the past five years?
Sixteen
Wayne rolled his shoulders as he drove Dena’s car up I-95. Full of unspeakable emotions, he worked his way through the thinning traffic. Today had been wonderful. He’d seen the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island many times since he was a kid—books, TV, news, and movies. They decided to spend tomorrow in Boston so she could keep an eye on Brianne.
Dena stirred. She’s an amazing woman, Lord. He’d been tempted to pop the question today but held back. Impulsive decisions to marry weren’t wise, he justified. The matter would take more time and prayer. They needed to see if they could work with her schedule.
Dena blinked her eyes open. “Hi,” she yawned. Straightening up in her seat, she asked, “Where are we?”
“Not too far from Stockbridge.”
“We’re making good time.” She picked up her cell phone and dialed. “Hi, Brianne, sorry for calling so late. How are you?”
She paused.
“I’m on my way home right now. Which is why I called. I was wondering if Wayne could spend the night in your spare room.”
Another pause.
“Great, thanks.” She c
licked the phone off.
“You’re impossible.”
“No, I’m thrifty. I seriously can’t see you paying over a hundred bucks for less than six hours’ sleep. Besides,” she yawned again, “this way I can sleep with a clear conscience.”
Wayne chuckled, grabbed her hand, and kissed the top of it. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.” She yawned again.
“Go to sleep, woman, before your yawning makes me tired and you’ll have to drive.”
“ ’Night.” She stifled a yawn.
Wayne took a swig of his now-chilled coffee. The caffeine would help him stay awake for the next two hours.
He drove for another thirty minutes when his eyes started to close. Thankfully, his cell phone rang. “Hello,” he whispered.
“Daddy, it’s me, Jess. I’m so excited. I’m sorry for calling so late, but I just had to tell you before I bust. I told Trev, and we’ve been on the phone for two hours. I’m just so excited.”
Wayne grinned, then his grin slipped at the thought of a two-hour long-distance bill. “Slow down; tell me what’s so exciting.”
“Why are you whispering?”
“I’m trying to not wake up Dena.”
“Dad?” she croaked.
“She’s asleep in the passenger seat,” he explained.
“Oh, sorry.”
He couldn’t blame his daughter for holding him accountable, especially since he also held her accountable, but it still felt a bit odd.
“Daddy, you’ll never guess what I found in the mail when I got home from work this evening.”
“You won the lottery?” he teased.
Dena stretched and sat up in her seat. He cupped the mouthpiece and apologized. “Sorry.”
“No problem. Why don’t you pull over at the next rest area and I’ll drive the rest of the way?”
Wayne nodded. Jess continued in his ear. “So, what do you think?”
Ugh, I missed her big news. “I’m sorry, honey, Dena just woke up. I missed what you said.”
“I got the job in Boston. Isn’t that great?”
“That’s wonderful, sweetheart. Is this the one you wanted? Didn’t they hire someone else?”
“Yes, and yes. Apparently, things didn’t work out. I’m so excited, Daddy, I could burst. Isn’t this great news?”
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