by JoAnn Durgin
Stuffing the tube of lip gloss in the pocket of her shorts, she reached for her purse on the dresser. After removing her driver’s license and a credit card from her wallet, she detached her house key from the butterfly key ring, a gift from Deidre on her last weekend visit to Atlanta. “Honey, one of these days you’ll emerge from your cocoon and you’re going to sail through the air like the most beautiful butterfly. You’ll soar like you’re meant to do.”
As she left the house, Serenity spied Jackson leaning against his car, facing her, his cell phone at his ear. A huge grin spread across his face when he spied her and he gave her a thumbs-up sign. After locking the door, she pocketed the key and headed down the front walkway to meet him.
“Charlie sends you his best regards,” Jackson said, finishing the call. “Said to tell you he’s thinking of you today.”
Dear Charlie. He knew today would be a hard one for her. He’d left her a voice mail on her phone but she hadn’t listened to it yet. For a fleeting moment, she wondered if she’d hear from her dad. Ever since Liam’s death, he hadn’t let the day go by without contacting her in some way. “Thanks. And where are you taking me today, kind sir?”
“I’m kidnapping you.”
“Excuse me?”
“You heard me. Okay, first I have a confession.” After stuffing his phone in the pocket of his shorts, he held up both hands with an adorably sheepish smile.
“You don’t look especially repentant.” Her attempt to frown didn’t work. The man was irresistible.
“I called Charlie since I figured he’d know the perfect place to take you, but I’m not telling. You have to wait and see. After you, Princess Serenity.” Opening the car door, Jackson ushered her inside.
“You realize there’s a high penance to pay for kidnapping royalty,” she said as he slid behind the wheel.
“I’ll pay whatever the price for the pleasure of your company.”
She couldn’t even muster a comeback. Jackson was certainly as smooth as the engine of his car as it purred to life. Serenity’s stomach rumbled, reminding her she hadn’t eaten anything. “So,” she said a mile down the road, “I hope you’re planning to feed me.”
He tossed her an amused glance. “I heard. Whatever your heart desires—or make that your stomach—shall be yours once we reach the kingdom.”
“And which kingdom are we traveling to today, kind sir? Please don’t say Burger King.”
His laugh made her heart spiral. “The kingdom of Serenity, of course.”
This man is a gift.
Serenity settled into the seat as Jackson turned onto the highway. She hadn’t ventured out of Croisette Shores since her arrival, and it was good to hit the open road. It brought a sense of freedom even though she never felt confined in her small town.
“How about some music?”
“Sure.” A few seconds later when he turned on the CD player, she turned in the seat to face him. “You listen to Mozart?”
“Don’t sound so surprised. I guess you could say I’m developing more of an appreciation for it.” Reaching for her hand, he gave it a quick squeeze.
“I’m not surprised,” she said, leaning her head against the seat, admiring his rugged, handsome profile. “Just...very pleased.”
Twenty minutes later, Jackson pulled the car into the large parking lot of Faire Kingdom, an amusement park catering to the preteen and younger age group—complete with a small castle, moats, dragons and attendants in medieval costumes. She glanced around in wonder. “I haven’t been here in a long time. I’d forgotten all about it and didn’t even realize it was still here.”
As Jackson helped her out of the car, she planted a kiss on his cheek and slipped her hand in his. “I love it. Thank you. I can’t tell you how much this means to me.”
He dipped his head to capture her eye contact. “Sure you’re okay? You looked sad for a minute there.”
“Being nostalgic. My parents brought me here a few times. I have lots of fond memories in Faire Kingdom.” She met his gaze. “Honestly? It’s absolutely perfect for today.”
“Then let’s go have some fun. But first order of business is to get you something to eat.”
She laughed. “Let’s wait until after we ride the roller coaster.”
Four hours later, Serenity collapsed on a park bench beside Jackson. “I haven’t had this much fun in as long as I can remember.”
“You realize those little girls over there have been following you around for about an hour.”
Although she’d noticed them a few times during the day, she hadn’t thought twice about it. “Why do you think they’re following me? They probably think you’re someone famous. Face it, Jackson. You have a certain quality or whatever about you, and that car you drive is pretty awesome.”
Relaxing against the back of the bench, Jackson draped one arm around her shoulders. “I think it might have a little something to do with that glittery thing perched on your head.”
Serenity touched the rhinestone tiara he’d bought for her in one of the stores on Palace Avenue. She’d always loved them as a child. Somewhere, at the back of her closet, she still had the one her dad bought her at Faire Kingdom for her seventh birthday.
“A tiara does not a princess make, you know.” Jackson’s smile sobered a bit. Those deep chocolate eyes bore straight through to her soul. He already knew her mind more intimately than Danny. Her husband hadn’t been as much concerned with anything intellectual as physical and tangible. In some ways, sitting on the bench beside Jackson now, her life with Danny seemed like someone else’s life.
“Time for another confession,” Jackson said. “Your dad called when I was waiting for our food earlier. He asked me to buy one for you. Dance, Princess Serenity, dance—”
“This is your kingdom, and all of God’s riches shall be added unto you,” she murmured.
“Oh, no you don’t.” Jackson rose to his feet and pulled her up with him. “No sad looks allowed. How about some cotton candy?” He left his hand wrapped around hers. “Come on, live dangerously.” When he raised a brow, she laughed.
“Tempting. Only if you share it with me.”
“Deal. Only question is which color.”
“Pink, of course.” Serenity smiled at the little girls as they walked past. When one of them tugged on the bottom of her shorts, she stopped with Jackson beside her. He released her hand as she crouched down beside the freckle-faced redhead.
“You look like a real princess.”
“Of course, she’s not, silly,” another one of the little girls piped up, nodding at Serenity with a serious expression. “They sell those crowns at the gift shop.”
“I’ve never seen a princess wear shorts and tennis shoes.” That comment came from a dark-haired girl who looked a few years older.
“Sure they do,” the red-haired girl said.
“I’m Serenity. What’s your name?”
“Isabella. Serenity sounds like a princess name.” She glanced up at Jackson. “Are you her prince?”
Playing along, Jackson bowed at the waist. In so doing, he captured more of her heart. “Prince Jackson at your service, Royal Miss.”
All the girls giggled and it brought that sweet but rare flush of color to Jackson’s cheeks that made him look all the more charming. With a smile, Serenity carefully removed her tiara, thankful her hair didn’t catch on the comb. “I hereby crown you Princess Isabella.” The awe in Isabella’s bright eyes was unmistakable as she reached up with one hand to touch the tiara.
“Does this crown make me a princess?” The hope in the girl’s voice was precious as Serenity helped her secure it in her hair.
Lord, help me say the right words. “I might look like a princess, but I’m really not in the eyes of the world. In God’s eyes, you’re a princess every day, Isabella. He’s the true King and He wants you in His kingdom. It doesn’t matter whether you wear this crown or not. All you have to do is invite Jesus into your heart and love Him. Talk to Him like
a best friend. You’ll always be a princess in His eyes.” Serenity tapped a light finger on the tip of the girl’s nose, prompting giggles. “And one day, your handsome prince will come along.”
Isabella nodded before throwing her arms around her neck. “I think you’re the prettiest, nicest princess I ever met.”
“As if you’ve met any,” the skeptic commented, rolling her eyes. “Come on, Bella. We’ve gotta get back or mom’s gonna yell at us. You sure you want to give her that?” Defiant dark eyes stared at Serenity.
“Yes.” She winked at Isabella. “It looks a lot better on you than me. Have a good time. Bye girls!” Serenity gave them her best impression of a royal wave, and avoided looking at Jackson. When the girls were out of earshot, she turned to face him. “Please don’t tell me you spent a lot of money on that tiara. It was a pretty nice replica.”
He gave her a coy grin. “I could buy you another one.”
“That’s okay. The thought was there and it was fun while it lasted, but there’s so many obligations in the royal spotlight. I think I’d rather be one of the common folk.”
“It was definitely worth every penny to see the look on Isabella’s face. Even more so what you said to her about belonging in God’s kingdom.”
Serenity frowned even as she heard the admiration in Jackson’s tone. “I don’t usually say things like that and it was the first time. Not sure why I did.”
“You’re thinking more about the things of God’s kingdom these days. I can tell.”
She raised a brow. “Really? I’ve been making a conscious effort to do what Pastor Tom suggested about showing people God’s love, even without words. This is the first time I’ve actually verbalized my faith.” Her eyes met his.
“How’d it feel?”
Her grin escaped. “Amazing.”
He stepped closer. “In case I haven’t told you yet today, you’re a beautiful woman, Serenity McClaren. And you’re in no way, shape or form among the common folk. You’re actually quite extraordinary.”
She couldn’t hide her smile. “And in case I haven’t told you today, you’re...” She paused for dramatic effect.
“I’m...what? Don’t you dare leave me hanging. You might as well learn now that open-ended statements drive me absolutely crazy. Bonkers.”
Serenity touched his cheek with a gentle hand. Leaning into it, Jackson watched her, his expression curious, but full of optimism. “I think you’re quite possibly the most wonderful, honorable man I’ve ever been privileged to know.”
“I don’t know about that,” he said. Glimpsing the flicker of emotion in Jackson’s eyes, Serenity could see how deeply her words affected him. “Thank you for letting me in, Serenity.”
After a romantic carriage ride around Faire Kingdom, they poked in another one of the shops, trying on goofy hats and acting silly. Leaving the amusement park, they stopped at a nearby diner. As they shared a burger and fries, they discussed the preliminary plans for the gala fundraiser for the playground. The thirty-minute drive back to Croisette Shores was quiet and Jackson kept his hand over hers most of the way. Yawning, Serenity fought the overwhelming urge to sleep.
“Wake up, Princess Serenity.” Her eyes fluttered open to find Jackson’s handsome face next to hers.
“What a wonderful way to wake up.” She struggled to sit up and ignored his light chuckle. “You know what I mean,” she said as he helped her out of the car.
“I do, but it sure sounded great.” Stuffing his hands in his pockets, he walked beside her as she dug her house key from her pocket.
“Thanks for turning what could have been a horrible day into one of the best of my life, Jackson.” Although she wanted to invite him inside, it was best they say good night now. If he came inside, the temptation would be too strong for him not to leave until morning.
“I know my limitations, and it’s best if I don’t come in, Serenity.”
She lowered her gaze. The man’s ability to read her mind was uncanny, but she was thankful he understood his limits and was such a man of honor. “I’m sorry about earlier today,” she whispered, meeting his eyes again.
“I’m not.” Scratching the beginnings of a beard, his grin was wry. “You tempt me without even trying, fair maiden.”
The way Jackson looked at her set her heart afire although it was tinged with something she couldn’t define. Not a sadness, exactly, but like he had words on the tip of his tongue he wanted to say but felt he couldn’t. What, she couldn’t imagine. Even with all the teasing and laughing during the day, she’d noticed that same look in his eyes several times. Whenever she tried to broach the subject, he’d turn the conversation around or ask her a question. Deflecting attention away from himself might be part of his training as a psychologist, but in any case, the man was very adept at it.
“Want to come to dinner tomorrow night at my house?”
“Are you sure...”
“I promise to be at my most chivalrous. Good fun and hopefully a halfway decent meal. I can pick you up around six, if that works.”
Her heart raced. “Sounds great, but I can drive myself. What shall I bring?”
He kissed her forehead. “All I need is you.”
Crawling into bed a short time later, Serenity felt more at peace than she had in a very long time. It’s true what she’d told Jackson. What started out as one of the worst days since coming back to Croisette Shores had become one of the best ever. All because of Jackson.
“I have You to thank, Lord,” she said into the darkness of her bedroom. “Thank You for bringing Jackson into my life.” She’d been reading her Bible, trying to get in a few chapters each night.
She’d been surprised by how much of her life compared to the characters and their stories in the Bible—some sad, some unbelievably hard, some hopeful and others tragic. As Jackson had promised, the verses she read made her think and evaluate her own life. No matter what happened in the past, it wasn’t because of anything she’d done. She hadn’t caused Danny’s murder. That was a random act of violence. Liam didn’t die because of anything she’d done wrong. As always, though, it was her mother’s disappearance that continued to befuddle and confuse her the most. For that, she had no answers and wondered if she ever would. She’d continue to pray for her the same as she’d continue to pray for her father. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit.
Reading her Bible gave her comfort, but a different kind of comfort from being held in Jackson’s arms. No longer was she alone in the world. She had the greatest ally of all beside her to help fight her battles. The Lord wrapped her in the warm blanket of His love, the kind of soul-soothing, soul-satisfying love no earthly man could give her. Not even Jackson, as important as he’d become to her. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Through faith, she’d been able to share about God’s love with Isabella at Faire Kingdom. She wouldn’t have been able to do that a month ago, even a couple of weeks ago. The light in the little girl’s eyes gave her hope what she said might plant a seed of truth in her young mind. Most likely, she’d never see Isabella again, but she could pray for her. The Lord delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His unfailing love.
“Lord, help her know she’s a princess in Your eyes,” Serenity murmured as she turned over in the bed, pulling the lightweight blanket over her and closing her eyes.
~CHAPTER 36~
Serenity awoke to pounding on her front door less than an hour later. Struggling to sit up, she pushed her hair out of her eyes and glanced at her clock on the nightstand. Almost twelve-thirty. What was happening? Her heart raced and she put a hand on her chest. Closing her eyes, she said a quick prayer, willing the person assaulting her door at this unearthly hour to leave. She held her breath when the pounding stopped, but then it started again a few seconds later with even more force.
“Miss Serenity! Miss Serenity!”
Mrs. Marciano. She breathed a sigh of relief. Tossing the sheet as
ide, she swung her legs over the edge of the bed and reached for her robe. Pulling it around her shoulders, she lifted her hair out of the way and tied the robe in a haphazard fashion at her waist. “I’m coming, Mrs. Marciano!” She had to holler twice before the pounding finally stopped. Surely she wasn’t using the skillet. If she did, the front door would be dented.
Out of habit, Serenity peered through the peephole before flinging the door wide and stepping aside. “What’s wrong, Mrs. Marciano? Has something happened?” She stifled a yawn and ushered the elderly woman inside, closing the door behind her.
“You have a Sneaking Thomas.” In her lightweight housecoat, fuzzy slippers and her salt-and-pepper hair half falling out of pink sponge rollers, her neighbor made quite a sight. Sure enough, she held the cast iron weapon at her side.
Swallowing the impulse to giggle, Serenity sucked in her cheeks and listened as she went on for at least three minutes. “I’m telling you,” Mrs. Marciano said, gesturing wildly with her hands, “he’s lurking around here somewhere, and you need to call the police.”
“Slow down a minute.” Serenity held up one hand. How could the woman talk so fast? “Why don’t you come sit on the sofa and I’ll fix you a cup of that soothing orange tea you like?”
An exasperated sigh escaped. “You’re a sweet girl, Miss Serenity, but honey, you gotta wake up and smell the roses!” She didn’t make a move toward the sofa and stood with one hand on her hip, one foot engaged in a constant up-and-down thumping. “You tell me, what kind of pervert sneaks around a woman’s home at this hour of the morning?”
“It’s not that late for some people, but I know you usually go to bed earlier. Why are you up, anyway?”
“Couldn’t sleep since my arthritis is acting up again. I was watching an old rerun of Who’s the Boss.”
Serenity stifled her yawn and smiled. “That’s your favorite show, isn’t it?”
