by JoAnn Durgin
Immediate sadness engulfed Serenity when she followed the nod of his head. “It’s so rundown,” she said, removing her sunglasses. How could the disrepair of one of her favorite childhood places change her life? Taking a steadying breath, she dropped her purse on the ground and lowered into one of the swings. She pulled on the chain and bounced a couple of times, testing it. Thankfully, it seemed sturdy and strong enough to hold her weight.
“I’d like to rebuild this playground.” Jackson dropped down into the swing beside her, grimacing at the rusty iron chains. “Meaning this is a two-project offer, if you’re willing.”
This is a surprise. “I’ve never heard of decorating a playground before.”
“In this case, it’s helping with the selection and placement of the equipment, colors to use, that sort of thing.”
“So, you want me to take care of the esthetics while you take care of the logistics?”
“Right. I’ll take care of getting the permits, licenses and other legalities if you’ll help me with the rest.”
She hesitated. “Need I remind you, I’m an interior decorator, not an...exterior one. I’m not sure what a project like this would involve. Have you talked to the town engineer and planner?”
“We’ve been in preliminary talks and there’s an initial planning meeting set up in Town Hall at the end of next week.”
“Then I’m sure they’ll be able to give you all the direction you need.”
“Okay, I’ll tell you another thing about me.” Jackson blew out a sigh. “I stink at fundraising, and I was hoping you’d be willing to help.”
Ah, there it was. The bottom-line reason he needed her for this project. The thing Jackson couldn’t know was it intimidated her. “I’ll tell you another thing about me,” she said. “I’m not the best with people.” She hesitated. “Interior decorating allows me to work one-on-one for the most part. I like that.” Pushing off from the ground, Serenity started to swing and Jackson followed suit.
“I saw the way the locals in the coffee shop watched you today,” he said. “They admire you, and I’d venture to say they’re protective of you. Kind of brings that fierce loyalty you mentioned into play.”
She pondered his comment as they passed each other on the swings. “I think rebuilding the playground is a very worthwhile project, Jackson, but the obvious question is, why are you doing this? Isn’t it enough to move to a new town and set up your practice? That’ll take a huge chunk of your time, as it is.” He kept pace beside her on the swing, but Serenity slowed, not putting much effort into it as her mind worked overtime.
Surprising her, he chuckled. “I like to get involved and plug into projects as I see the need. Obviously, the need is here. If I find I’m getting in over my head, one thing I do very well is recruit.”
“I can see that. But where did you come up with the idea for renovating the playground? Surely you weren’t walking around this neighborhood and stumbled upon it?” Stopping her swing, she lightly kicked a piece of broken pavement with her foot to reinforce her point.
“Actually, Charlie mentioned it to me.” Jackson stopped beside her.
“I see.” Charlie had been busy. “I’ve known Charlie as long as I can remember,” she said. “When did you meet him?”
“A couple of days ago. He stopped by the office to leave something for Doc Rasmussen. We got to talking and ended up having lunch together. He’s a great guy with a wealth of wisdom.” He made a “V” with two fingers and positioned them between his brows. “It’s all in the eyes, you know.”
“Good assessment, and I completely agree. Charlie retired from his accounting practice a few years ago. I’m sure you could recruit him for the playground renovation, too.”
Jackson’s grin was slow and easy. “Already done. He’s the one who suggested I ask you.”
“Let’s look at this objectively.” Serenity caught his curious glance as he passed by on the swing. “You hardly know me and vice versa. Why would you invest such an important job in a stranger?”
“First of all, we’re not strangers since we’ve shared cherry cheesecake and conversation. Secondly, I’ve already hired you to decorate my office, an equally important job. The way I look at it? It’s trust. You’ve proven yourself intelligent, articulate and you come highly recommended from a trustworthy source. What more could I want?”
“Thanks, I think.” She frowned.
“Sorry. That might sound clinical, but what I’m trying to say is, I think you’d do a great job, and I’d rather get started sooner than later.”
“In a town like Croisette Shores, with its galas and charity events, there’s plenty of people far more qualified to help in your fundraising quest.” Plenty of women would trip all over themselves to help this man raise just about anything.
“That might be true, but I’m asking you first. It’s your job to turn down, Serenity. Because you grew up in this neighborhood, I thought you might want to help and you’d certainly have more of a vested interest. Listen, I know you’re busy getting your own business going, and I don’t want this to be a burden to you. I’ll pay you a consulting fee for your time. We’ll get a group of town citizens together to form a committee, and you’ll more or less help me coordinate the effort. Plus, it’ll be spread over a period of almost a year before the playground is operational. If you turn me down, I’ll understand. Disappointed, but I’ll understand.”
She held up one hand. “You’re pretty good at heaping on guilt, too, it seems.” First Dad and now some guy she barely knew. “I’m not saying no. I’d love to help out my old neighborhood, but this is...unexpected. All I ask is that you give me a couple of days to think about it.”
“Fair enough. You’re hired to decorate my office and you promise to consider the playground project. Whatever you decide, I’ll pay you well for your expertise and your time. Deal?” He offered his hand.
Hesitating only a moment, Serenity put her hand in his. As she suspected, it was warm. Strong and manly, like his voice, his laugh and seemingly everything about him. “Deal.”
When she started to withdraw her hand, Jackson held on tighter. From the spark in his eyes, it’s like he could see inside her soul, as crazy as it seemed. Danny could never “read” her the way this relative stranger could. What a scary thought. Was she an open book? No, more like Dr. Ross could see past the façade and delved straight into her deepest insecurities and vulnerabilities. For years, she’d kept so busy that she’d fallen into bed from exhaustion every night. In large part, doing that very thing became her manner of survival. This man was her client and she needed him, but it’d be much easier all the way around if they kept any relationship between them strictly business.
“Serenity, I sense—”
Withdrawing her hand, unease swept through her. She didn’t want him making conclusions about her personal life. Better to cut him off now. Aware he watched, Serenity pushed her foot on the ground to start the swing. “Do you make a habit of sharing personal conversations with women you’ve just met? Or is it the psychology thing kicking into high gear?” That sounded harsher than she’d intended, but it was too late to retract.
Jackson stopped his swing and reached to stop hers. She didn’t protest and he waited until her swing stabilized and slowed. “I was going to say I’d be honored to pray for you.”
“Oh.” She shot him a sheepish glance. “I’ve never shared cheesecake, deep conversation and swings with a practicing, praying psychologist. Bet you can’t swing as high and fast as me,” she said, digging her foot into the ground to gain a solid push, feeling childish.
Beside her, Jackson mirrored her actions. “The one minute challenge has begun. This I can do, but don’t challenge me in a spelling bee. That’s another thing I don’t do so well.”
“Only if you can spell l-o-s-e-r,” she said, laughing, as she passed him. Silly, yes, but he seemed to like it. He was also gaining on her, but being lighter and a few inches shorter, she had the distinct advantage. She’
d always loved the swings as a kid. It freed her, and her inner child emerged as she giggled. Leaning back in the swing, she soared higher and closed her eyes.
Not long after, Jackson whistled to gain her attention. “You win.”
Serenity felt the seat beneath her shift precariously to one side, and she cried out as she lost her grip. Her fingers slipped down the chain, and she was powerless to stop her fall, landing in a heap in a rather unladylike sprawl in the dirt a few seconds later. With dust swirling around her, she struggled to pull down the hem of her skirt, thankful it wasn’t twisted around her waist. Of all days to wear a skirt and sandals, it had to be today. Still, it could have been so much worse. Small consolation.
Jumping off his swing, Jackson rushed to her side, kneeling on the ground beside her. “Don’t move. Does anything hurt?” When she burst into laughter, his expression registered surprise.
“Only my pride. If you don’t mind, please help me sit up and recover what’s left of my dignity.”
“I’ll do you one better.” He plopped down in the dirt beside her, flat on his back, waiting while she recovered her breath and shaky composure. “Let me know when you’re ready to get up so I can keep you steady and make sure everything’s...intact.”
Serenity deep-breathed a few more times. “Ready.”
Sitting up, Jackson held out one hand and she allowed him to pull her to her feet beside him. She took a tiny step backward when he put both hands on her elbows, steadying her. His presence, his nearness and all that masculinity radiating from him was unnerving. Why did her first Croisette Shores client have to be this incredibly mannerly, caring man? And why was he looking at her cheek? She brought a hand to her face. “May I ask why you’re staring at me? Do I have dirt smudged on my face?”
“A little...right here.” Jackson brushed the pad of his thumb over her left cheek. “Better.” He dropped his hand. She dusted off her skirt and righted her blouse while he did the same with his khakis and polo. “I’m glad you weren’t hurt.”
“I’m hardier than I look, but I’m not sure if it was better or worse that I was on the uphill climb. Not bad for a girl whose middle name is Grace, huh?”
Jackson’s gaze fell on her and the admiration she glimpsed shot up more red warning flags. Oh, he was handsome. This couldn’t be good.
“Only one thing better than a beautiful woman.” When she didn’t take the bait, he smiled. “A woman who knows how to laugh and find the joy in life. Remember, the offer’s on the table if you ever need someone to listen, Serenity Grace.”
She raised her chin. “In spite of appearances, I don’t need a hero, Dr. Ross.”
“Ah,” he said, “now we’re back to the formality. Come with me, please.”
She groaned. “Client or not, you’re exhausting me. I think I’ve seen—and done—enough for one afternoon.” She was still trying to recover from his compliment.
“All I want is to escort you to your office or wherever you’re going next, if that’s allowed.”
“If you answer one question.” She started walking and he fell into step beside her.
“Ask away.”
“Exactly how will renovating this playground change my life?”
Her mistake was glancing over at him to see his quirked brow and that dimple surface. “Well, for starters, it got you here, didn’t it?”
Oh yes, this man was dangerous.
~CHAPTER 6~
Taking a deep breath, Serenity climbed out of her car, locked it and approached the outside stairs of the old stone church in the center of town. Why was she so nervous? The words of her friend, Andrea, in Atlanta came to mind. “The church isn’t a scary place, Serenity. It’s bricks, concrete, wood and mortar. The people inside? Well, they’re supposed to encourage and build you up, but sometimes they won’t. It’s sad, but it’s a fact, so tune them out if they have their own agenda. Keep your focus on Him and you can’t go wrong. He’s the reason you’re there. Worship Him. Sit and breathe. Allow His peace to fill your soul and let all that blessed grace and mercy flow over you.”
You can do this. Placing one hand over her stomach, Serenity deep-breathed a few more times as she slowly started up the stairs. Growing up, she’d only visited this church—one of three in Croisette Shores and the one with the biggest congregation—on occasional holidays. Neither of her parents were church-goers, although Mama was raised in one. Somewhere along the way, she’d rebelled, but she’d never shared the details with her.
Dad always called Grandma and Grandpa Wells Bible-thumpers and holier-than-thou. She didn’t see them much, but she’d liked them and they’d seemed perfectly normal to her. It’s not like they tried to shove Jesus at her or spouted Bible verses at the dinner table or during random moments. Now they were gone—thankfully before her mother’s disappearance or that alone might have killed them—and her dad’s parents passed away when she was very young. Serenity couldn’t help but wonder what Grandma and Grandpa Wells would think if they could see her now as she climbed another step, bringing her closer to the opened front doors of the church. Maybe her grandparents could see her now. The Almighty Himself must be smiling. She hoped it wasn’t wrong to think that way.
“You know I’m new at this, but I’m trying, Lord,” she said under her breath.
“Serenity?” The voice was a bit gravelly and vaguely familiar.
She turned on the top step outside the church doors as a brawny, well-dressed man bounded up the concrete stairs, two at a time. Spencer Walton. Danny’s nemesis in high school. The guy who’d played her for a fool and asked her out to make Kendall Robinson jealous. All it accomplished was to make Danny crazy out-of-his-mind, especially when she’d admitted to harboring a big crush on Spencer. What girl hadn’t? Silly high school stuff that seemed so life-and-death important when she was sixteen.
Like most of their classmates, Spencer had moved away after graduation. Most couldn’t get away fast enough. The same age as Danny, he’d been a year ahead of her in school. From all outward appearances—the shiny leather shoes, well-tailored suit and expensive-looking watch—Spencer had done quite well for himself. He obviously kept in great physical shape as he reached the top step beside her, appearing not at all winded.
“Hi, Spencer. It’s nice to see you again.” She didn’t know which one of them was more surprised to see the other on the steps of the church, of all places.
“Same here. You look incredible, Serenity. My dad mentioned you’d moved back to town.” Spencer’s appraisal was none-too-subtle before the megawatt, high school quarterback grin emerged. Some things never change, but gone were the dark curls the girls used to drool over, replaced by a stylish, shorter cut. Tall and confident, Spencer was more attractive than ever. Considering a lot of women found the scruffy, unshaven look sexy, Serenity surmised his day-old stubble must be a concession to the lopped-off curls.
“Are you visiting your dad and stepmom?” she asked as they moved into the front vestibule and accepted bulletins from the greeters. Seeing Spencer reminded her that his mom, Doreen, had succumbed to cancer while she’d lived in Atlanta. A sweet woman, she’d always had a kind word for everyone and volunteered to help with a lot of school functions. His dad, a retired cop, was a quiet man. The cops and firefighters shared a longstanding rivalry, and while her dad and Ed appeared friendly, an underlying tension always existed between them. But unlike her dad who preferred living in the past, Ed Walton had chosen to move on with his life. Not that remarrying was necessarily the answer, but at least he’d taken a step forward.
“Listen, I’m really sorry about Danny, your mom and...everything you went through.” Appearing awkward, Spencer shoved his hands into the pockets of his fitted dress slacks and the muscles in his jaw tightened. “To be honest, I’m surprised to see you back here again.” Five years must have brought about this new-and-improved, more sensitive, grown-up version of the former high school jock.
“Thanks. I’m doing okay. Croisette Shores is my home, so
here I am.”
The beginning chords of the organ wafted through the half-closed doors, inviting them into the sanctuary. Spencer offered his arm. “Care to share a pew?”
“Sure.” She looped her arm through his and gave him a smile.
Halfway down the aisle, Spencer stepped aside, waiting for her to be seated. As she sank onto the soft cushions, Serenity tried to ignore the whispers. She should be used to tongues wagging by now, even in church, but it bothered her. Spencer glanced at the bulletin and pointed out names of former classmates. They sang the opening praise choruses and shared a hymnal for “Blessed Redeemer.” Bowing her head during the morning prayer, Serenity prayed for her mother if she still had life and breath in her, her father’s health, her decorating business, Deidre and Wes and their kids, Danny’s family who’d moved away before his untimely death...
The pastor’s voice broke into her thoughts as he began the morning message. As she listened to his words and the passages of scripture, Serenity’s thoughts wandered, making it difficult to focus. Pastor Tom broke into her thoughts with a question, “What are you doing with God? Are you pushing Him away, like Peter and so many others, effectively denying you even know Him, much less have any kind of personal relationship with Him?”
Serenity closed her eyes as she pondered those words. Dear Lord, I pray others in the town, and especially Dad, will see a difference in my life. She didn’t know much scripture, didn’t know much about the Bible, didn’t know the “right” God-speak or whatever people in the church called it, but she’d given her heart to Him when she’d lived in Atlanta. Accepting Andrea’s invitation to church was one of the best things she’d ever done. The way she looked at it, He’d chosen her. He’d found her among the ruins of her life and lifted her from the ashes. Even as she cherished that thought, she feared if she talked too much about it, she’d prove herself ignorant and somehow that new, fragile faith would slip away like most everything she’d considered precious in her life.
