Cords Of Love

by Coleman, Lynn A.

  A nagging thought crept in from the darkness. What if Benny was behind the power outage? Gooseflesh rose on her arms.

  Stop it, she reprimanded. No use making a mountain out of an anthill. The power’s gone out, plain and simple.

  Where’s Aaron? Why hasn’t he returned?

  She struck the match. A warm glow balled in front of her around the glowing flame. She lit the candle, forgetting to take off the cellophane.

  “Oh, for pity’s sake,” she mumbled and blew out the match. She worked the plastic down the candle and tried the process again. Successfully lighting the candle the second time, she looked for a candleholder. Not finding one, she improvised. Remembering the Cuban coffee cups looked like shot glasses, she retrieved them from the cabinet and melted some wax in the bottom and set a candle in each of the small cups. The three candles lit the area fairly well, but she wouldn’t recommend reading in this light.

  A thump from the backyard caused her to pause. Was Benny out there? She rushed into Adam’s room and made certain the boy was all right. Lord, why can’t they find him and put him away? She knew it would take more than the restraining order to put Benny away again, but it just didn’t seem right that men like Benny could walk the streets, threaten people, and never get caught.

  Renee took in a deep breath and calmed herself. No sense getting worked up over nothing, she chided.

  Where is Aaron? Shouldn’t he be back by now?

  She left Adam sleeping soundly in his bed and headed toward the front of the house. The front door was open. Cautiously she walked toward it. Her heart raced. Her pulse drummed in her ears. She licked her dry lips and swallowed.

  Pausing, she listened. Nothing. Shouldn’t she hear something? Anything, a car driving by, something?

  “Aaron,” she called.

  No answer.

  She stepped closer to the door.

  “Aaron,” she called louder.

  Father God, where is he? Please keep him safe, she pleaded.

  A cold sweat rose on her skin. She was nervous, too nervous. She needed to calm down. She placed her bare arms and hands on the cool plastered walls. Reality. She took in a deep breath.

  Her hand caught the end of an umbrella Aaron kept by the front door. She wrapped her fingers around it. A weapon, she thought. With renewed strength, she forced her steps to the open doorway.

  “Aaron,” she hollered.

  “Over here, Honey.” He waved from across the street.

  She leaned the umbrella against the interior door casing. He jogged back to her. “Sorry. I was bragging about the deep-fried turkey to Jerry.”

  You scared me half to death, she wanted to say but instead held her tongue and smiled.

  “The transformer blew. Jerry said someone saw it blow with a huge fireball. But it burned itself out right away. The power will be down for a few hours. I’ve got a flashlight in the front hall closet.” Aaron went into the darkened house.

  Renee shook her head. I can’t believe I was so afraid, Lord. The shock took hold, and her body started to shake. Thank goodness it’s still dark and Aaron can’t see me like this.

  A door opened and various thuds echoed in the empty hall. “Found it,” Aaron called out.

  “Shh,” she warned. “You’ll wake Adam.”

  “Nah, the kid sleeps like a rock.” A golden beam of light lit Aaron’s chest up to his face. His handsome features calmed her frayed nerves.

  “I should probably go,” she whispered. “I lit some candles in the kitchen.” She rubbed her arms, willing off her earlier tension. It was foolish to live in fear. She knew it, and she refused to be a victim of it. Unfortunately, knowing it in her head was one thing. Acting on it took a bit more persuasion for the body to comprehend.

  Perhaps it had been seeing Marie today, knowing her situation, knowing all too well the personal anguish the woman lived through day in and day out. In Marie’s eyes, she could see the fear of returning home. Lord, give her the courage to leave Manuel for her and the children’s safety.

  “You’re probably right,” Aaron answered.

  Renee did a mental jerk. What was he agreeing to? Oh right, my leaving. “I had a wonderful day, Aaron. Thank you for letting me invade your family.”

  “Are you kidding?” He came up beside her and wrapped his arms around her. “You made the day, Silly. I can’t believe you went to all this trouble. You made it special, Renee, and I appreciate it very much.”

  “I guess I needed a special holiday,” she admitted.

  “Honey, since Hannah died, holidays have been less than special. Adam needed this. I needed this. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I could never repay you for the joy you’ve given me and my family today.” He kissed her lightly on the forehead.

  “Good night, Aaron. Thank you.”

  He followed her out to her car and waved good-bye. God, help me, I don’t want to leave his house. Your will, Lord, not mine, she prayed as she drove in silence back to her own apartment. Tonight she would face the demons of years past, alone. All alone.

  ❧

  Giving in to his insecurities, Aaron called his father and woke him up in the middle of the night. Charles Chapin was a patient man, but Aaron couldn’t believe his father actually agreed to come out in response to his two a.m. phone call and for such an irrational reason.

  When the older man arrived, Aaron shook his hand. “Thanks, Dad.”

  “No problem.”

  Aaron noted the pajamas, slippers, and robe his father had on. He hadn’t bothered to change.

  “Do you really think her life is in danger?” his father asked.

  “Honestly, I don’t know what to think. I can’t sleep. It’s the first night she’s alone in her apartment since the break-in. I just know I’ll rest more comfortably if I check out her apartment building. See if someone’s hanging around.”

  “But you don’t know what he looks like, Son.”

  “Actually I do. The fellows working with me on the sting pulled up his record and showed me his mug shot.”

  Charles rubbed the back of his neck. “Be careful.”

  “Don’t worry, I will. I just need to reassure myself that she’s okay.”

  “You could call her,” his father suggested. He clicked the light switch. “What’s with the lights?”

  “Transformer blew shortly after you left. FPL should have it up and running soon.”

  “Ah, well, I don’t plan on staying up all night. If you’re going to go check on her, scoot.”

  “Yes, Sir.” Aaron headed toward his van and turned back. “Thanks, Dad.”

  His father waved him off. Aaron knew the man could have lectured him about how foolish he was being, but instead he simply came over and took his place watching Adam. It was more than likely Aaron would find him asleep on the sofa when he returned.

  The drive to Renee’s apartment was peaceful, hardly a car on the road. The cool night air held a relaxing feel to it. He pulled over to the side of the road and waited. In the distance he could hear an occasional car driving on Biscayne Boulevard. A dim light burned in Renee’s apartment. Was she still awake? Should he call? Would she be angry that he was outside her apartment building watching out for her?

  No, he wouldn’t call. Father, give me peace. I need to know that You’re watching over Renee, that she’ll be safe. You know I’ve fallen in love with her. I know I shouldn’t have. I should have waited until things with the business were settled. But what can I say, Lord? I want to do what’s right. Are You calling us to each other? In so many ways it seems right, but we barely know each other. And yet we connect on such a deep level. Protect her, Lord. Forgive my fears and unbelief. Help me rest in Your sovereign peace.

  Aaron turned the key, put the car in gear, and drove home. There was nothing he could do. She was out of his hands and in the Lord’s. That knowledge should make him feel more confident, but it didn’t. Hannah’s tragic accident flooded back in his memory. Days of asking God “Why?” There were no
answers, at least none that satisfied. And now he knew Renee was at risk, and there was still nothing he could do. “A man should be able to do something to protect the ones he loves, Lord.”

  ❧

  The following Monday afternoon, Aaron found himself torn between doing what the investigators wanted and being honest with Renee. He didn’t want to deceive her, but if the sting was going to work, he had to have her full attention. All afternoon he’d been trying to come up with a plan that wouldn’t tell her what was happening but wouldn’t deceive her either. The feds had set up a dummy corporation. Sunny Flo Designs had to put a proposal together for Innovative Trust, a think tank for businesses and social groups.

  He had their brochures, corporate vision statement, logo, and target audience. Hopefully, Renee wouldn’t ask too many questions. Entering the office, he smiled. “Hi.”

  “Hi, Honey. How was your meeting?”

  “Good. They’re interested in having us put together a full multimedia package for them. But first they want to start with a Web page.” He handed her the material.

  She scrunched up her nose. “Who designed these?”

  “They need us,” he replied.

  “They need an overhaul. This is really bad, Aaron. Did you go over these?”

  “Yeah, did all I could to keep a straight face.” That was truthful. He glanced at one of the hidden cameras and smiled. He knew they were watching.

  Renee continued to work through the haphazard material. “Honey, I’m not about to tell you your business, but do these folks really know what they’re doing? I mean, they are setting themselves up as consultants and, and. . .”

  “I know, it looks bad, but they’re not claiming to be advertising guys, just business advisors.”

  Renee shook her head. “Don’t think I’d want their advice. No offense.”

  Aaron chuckled. “None taken. Besides, that’s what we’re here for, to take folks like this and make them shine.”

  “Hmm, might take a miracle.” She scribbled something on the edge of one of the pages. “What about the logo? Is that set in stone?”

  “Nope, they want to be completely revamped.”

  “Okay,” she mumbled, continuing to lean over the papers. He loved watching her work. She’d nibble her lower lip ever so slightly when she got a brainstorm.

  There, she’s got it. He grinned. “Knock ’em dead, Renee. Get John to help you with any layouts you need.”

  “Uh-huh.” She didn’t look up.

  Aaron chuckled under his breath. She’d come up with a great campaign. It was a shame nothing would come of it. Thankfully the government had agreed to pay his normal fees for such a proposal.

  “How long do we have?” Renee popped her head up as he sat down behind his desk.

  “Two weeks.”

  She nodded and continued to jot down some notes.

  ❧

  Two weeks! They’re asking a lot. On the other hand, it was more time than most gave for a proposal. But never with this much work. Innovative Trust. Who thought up that name? Sounds more like a new bank or something.

  “Honey.” Aaron’s voice nipped at her senses. She paused. Had he called her?

  “Renee?”

  She glanced over to his desk. “Yes?”

  “I said, Adam’s waiting for us. I think we better pack it in for the night.”

  “Oh, sorry. Give me a minute.”

  He smiled. “I knew you would dive into this one.”

  “There’s no choice. It’s a bear of a project. How long has this company existed, and who thought up the name?”

  “I think they told me a year and a half.”

  “Do they have clients?”

  “Apparently not enough. That’s why they’re hiring us.”

  “Are they? This isn’t just a proposal?”

  “Well, no—but I figure they’ll have to hire us. Who else can do a better job on this?”

  “Don’t be too sure, Aaron. I’m good, but I’m not a miracle worker. That name—whoever named it that?” she mumbled, grabbing her purse and slipping on her sandals.

  Sandals in December, unbelievable. Aaron chuckled.

  “I’m glad you find this so amusing. Do you know how much time will be involved with this project?”

  He sobered and paused. He opened his mouth slightly, then closed it. “I have complete faith in you, Honey.”

  “Nothing like adding to the pressure,” she teased.

  “Ah, but I’ve seen you under pressure. You’re a wonder to watch.” He wiggled his eyebrows.

  And with those gorgeous chocolate eyes, he could ask me to do anything, she mused. “Kiss me before I say something logical.”

  “With pleasure.” He captured her and gave her a quick peck on the lips.

  Hmm, it must be later than I thought. Normally they’d share a warm kiss before picking up Adam, wanting to limit their physical contact in front of the boy.

  He led her to the door.

  Renee looked up at him as he punched the code on the security pad. “I’ve been thinking about Christmas and what to get Adam, but I haven’t come up with anything. Any ideas?”

  “He loves planes, trains, boats, blocks, all sorts of things,” Aaron replied.

  They stepped onto the sidewalk. Aaron turned around and locked the door.

  “I know, but he has a ton of toys. Who bought him all that stuff?”

  “Uh, I guess I did, why? Do you think it’s too much?” He cupped her elbow and led her to her car.

  “I don’t know. It seems like a lot, but I can’t really judge from my past.” He waited while she unlocked the car door. “Are we dropping your car off or mine tonight?”

  He looked up at the deep blue sky and grinned. “Mine.”

  She chuckled. “I’ll meet you at your house after I go home and change.”

  “Okay.” He leaned over and kissed her again. This time with a bit more passion. “Bring your bathing suit. I think we’ll want to swim later.”

  She didn’t have the heart to tell him she’d left it there Thanksgiving day. He jogged toward his car, looking both ways for oncoming traffic.

  Unclasping the roof locks, she lowered the top. Adam loved the top down. Of course, Aaron enjoyed it as well. Not to mention her own particular joy in having the cool wind racing past. She’d have to take a day off and drive through the Keys soon, just for the joy of the ride.

  She worked her way through the North Miami traffic and entered the secured garage below her building. Before going upstairs to her apartment, she took the time to put the cover over the collapsed roof. She waved to the super and headed up to the seventh floor in the elevator. Pressing the black button, she watched the doors close.

  In her apartment, she kicked off her sandals and stretched her toes. Rolling her shoulders, she strolled into her bedroom and undressed. Seconds later she donned a comfortable pair of khaki shorts and a light cotton blouse. She pulled her hair back in a loose ponytail, did a quick check in the mirror to make certain her makeup was intact, and headed toward the door.

  The answering machine’s red light caught her attention. She pressed the play button.

  “Renee,” a voice said, sniffling. “This is Marie, Aaron’s sister. I–I don’t know why I called really. I guess I just wanted to say hi. We had a good time on Thanksgiving. Thanks.”

  “That was your last message,” the machine droned.

  Should she call her? Was she okay? Renee looked up Marie’s phone number and punched it in. The annoying busy signal came on. She copied the number and recorded it in her cell phone. She would keep trying. With each passing day, she was enjoying this small wonder of technology more.

  Turning her security system back on, she left her apartment and headed toward Aaron’s house. Tonight they were going out at dinner to the “peanut place,” as Adam liked to call it. She was grateful his all-time favorite restaurant was getting rather old.

  She looped her keys around her finger and spun them around. Fath
er, let me know what to do for Marie, she prayed.

  Sitting behind the wheel of her car, she called Marie again. Still busy. She snapped her phone shut and hooked up the hands-free headset.

  She started the engine.

  The phone rang.

  “Hello,” she answered.

  “Hello, Renee.”

  Her body stiffened. She clenched the wheel.

  Sixteen

  “Dad?” Adam called.

  “Yes, Son.”

  “Is Renee coming with us?”

  Aaron looked in the rearview mirror and caught a glimpse of his son wiggling his feet back and forth. “Yup, she’s going to meet us at our house.”

  “Dad?” he sang again.

  “Yes, Son.” Twenty questions. Would the child ever get beyond this stage? he wondered.

  “Can Renee be my new mommy?”

  Aaron’s mouth went dry. To say he hadn’t thought of the prospect would be lying, but they’d only been dating for a couple months. “Ah, I don’t know, why?”

  “ ’Cause I like her, and you kiss her all the time.”

  Hmm, he has me there, Lord. “Well, it takes more than kissing to make a woman your new mommy.”

  “Why?”

  “Because men and women have to know it’s right to get married.”

  “Why?”

  “Because God doesn’t want us marrying the wrong person.”

  Adam crossed his arms and knitted his eyebrows.

  Aaron took a deep breath. He’d stopped that onslaught of questioning.

  “How do you make her a mommy?”

  Aaron loosened his tie. “First a man has to ask the woman if she would like to marry him.”

  “I can do that.” He beamed.

  Oh dear. “No, Adam. I’d have to ask Renee.”

  “Why?”

  Good grief. How do you explain engagement to a four year old? Father, any wisdom here sure would be appreciated. “Because you have to be a man before you can ask a woman.”

  “I’m a man.”

  “No, you’re my little man. You’re not all grown up yet.”

  “I’m getting bigger.”

  Aaron chuckled. “Yeah, you are, Buddy, but you still need to be as big as Grandpa or me.”