Pursued

by Kristin Vayden

  The intense gaze he directed toward me held my attention as he continued.

  “I’m sure being a father isn’t easy. Lord knows, my own father’s grey hair was hard earned.” He chuckled. “But never once while praying about you, for you and your little boys, did I ever think of you as a burden. Families are a blessing Abby. They are a gift. If God honors me with one, I’ll be grateful, not resentful.”

  Will you marry me?

  Be still my beating heart. I wanted to pinch myself. Who was this guy, and could I have him wrapped up with a pretty bow for my birthday? Yet, my heart was sad because I had lost that vision he had clearly expressed concerning fatherhood. Over the years I had taken more and more responsibility for the boys because Jack had rejected it and resented it.

  “Thank you. For praying for us. And thank you for all those other things you said. I…” I swallowed a lump in my throat. “I needed to hear them.”

  And I can’t wait to see them in action, should we ever get there.

  “You’re welcome, Abby, but they’re not just words. That’s who I am. I know this is pretty deep stuff for only meeting me once before, but I’m not one to beat around a bush. Sometimes that’s to my benefit, others my intense detriment.”

  I laughed as he grimaced in response to his own words.

  “So, you’re sure about this?” I asked, hesitant. Yes, I really was that insecure.

  “Absolutely.”

  We walked on for about an hour longer. The conversation took off into a million different tangents as we learned about each other. Levi was allergic to eggs and dairy. At first, I thought he was joking. He worked on a dairy farm! Wasn’t that a little ironic? But he assured me it was accurate, and I laughed hard. The sensation was amazing; it had been a long time. He asked about my likes, dislikes, and fears. He laughed about my paranoia of spiders and aversion to anything with rye flour. By the time we headed back I was remarkably comfortable with his presence. Not only did we have a lot in common, but also the areas we didn’t share common ground were complimentary. He was a perfect fit, so far. What scared me most was that time would tell, nothing else.

  When he left, my mom pounced on me, her eyes begging for details.

  “Spill, missy. You’re glowing, and I want to know everything!”

  Chase tried to crawl off my lap, and I placed him gently on the floor. With lightning speed, he attacked his bucket of toys. Javan handed him a truck, and I watched with silent amazement at the blessing of my children.

  “Hey!” My mom snapped her fingers in front of my face, startling me.

  “Sorry, yes?” I shook my head and focused on my mom once again.

  “So, it’s clear you had a great time. What I want to know is why?”

  “Why? Well, Mom, he leveled with me. Although I didn’t want to freak him out, I was dangerously honest with him, and in turn, he was with me. It wasn’t a ‘look at the daisies’ type walk. It was a ‘let me bare my soul and see if you’re still interested’ type walk.”

  “Oooo, sounds interesting. So what’s his ‘soul’ like?”

  “Honestly Mom, he deserves someone much better than me.”

  “Oh, nonsense! He’s the one who should be counting his blessings!”

  Gotta love moms for their unfailing loyalty.

  “Anyway, he said something that rocked my world.”

  My mom’s eyes widened, and she sat forward a little more on the sofa, waiting.

  “He said that rather than me having children being a deal-breaker, it was a blessing because families are a gift from God. He looked at us like a gift, Mom. Not a burden, a gift.” My eyes welled with tears as I thought about the sincerity of his conviction.

  “Wow. Marry him.”

  At her response, I laughed loudly, earning a smile from both Javan and Chase.

  “We’ll see, Mom. But he did say that he didn’t take any type of relationship lightly and didn’t date casually. He’s interested in me, meaning he’s already looking at our relationship as potentially leading toward marriage.”

  “He moves fast.” My mom whistled as she settled back into the cushions.

  “The way he explained it made sense. It takes a brave man to speak those words to a single mom.”

  “Yes or just a wise one.” My mom regarded me with a shrewd gaze. “I’ll be praying, baby. You be praying too. Remember we want this only if God does, and if he does, it will be clear. He’s not a God of confusion, but of clarity.”

  Amen. “Thanks, Mom.”

  I leaned over to hug her, inhaling the cinnamon and spice fragrance that clung to her clothes. It was amazing how smells could provide so much comfort.

  “Hey, do I get one?” My dad asked as he walked into the room.

  “Of course!” I got up and hugged him as well.

  “Your mom will tell me everything, in great detail I assure you, so you don’t need to repeat it but know this. I like that guy.” My dad nodded and released me from the hug and placed his hands on my shoulders.

  “Thanks, Dad, I think he’s all right too.”

  “She thinks he’s more than all right.” I heard my mom mutter behind me.

  “Okay, we gotta go.” I called as I began to collect all our coats.

  My parents helped me get everything and everyone loaded into the car and we headed home. The smile from Levi lasted the whole way.

  Chapter Twelve

  The newspaper sat benignly on the table, and I eyed it. When Jack had amended the divorce papers to only allow a year of spousal support I had agreed. I still wouldn’t change it for the sake of making sure the boys were mine. But that didn’t make my task any more enjoyable. The chair squeaked as I sat, and I opened the paper to the employment ads.

  My updated resume was warm from the printer when I heard Chase begin to talk, followed by a thump, thump, thump from Javan’s room. I left the papers and went to free them from their nap.

  After dinner and baths, I snuggled up with my boys on the couch. Their skin was still flushed and warm and they smelled like their lavender scented baby soap. Chase’s soft baby curls ticked my cheek as I placed my head against his and inhaled deeply. Grateful, I was so very grateful. After Danny and the Dinosaur and a few Curious George stories, I gently tucked Javan into bed and sang to him. The night light turned on as I flipped off the switch for his room, and I blew him a kiss.

  “I love you, baby, sweet dreams.”

  “Mommy?”

  “Baby?”

  “I love you. Lots.”

  My heart swelled.

  “I love you too, sweetheart. Night, night.”

  I closed the door and went into Chase’s room and nursed him, stroking his soft hair and kissing him as he burped. The stars twinkled outside his room as I walked slowly, lulling him to sleep. I laid him down and shut the door. As I did, I closed my eyes and offered up a prayer of gratitude. Yes, life had dealt me some harsh blows, but I still remained blessed. And realizing those blessings was something no one could take away from me.

  ****

  “Hello?”

  “Hi, Abby. How are you today?”

  “Hi, Levi! I’m doing pretty good. How about yourself?”

  I released the phone and held it with my shoulder as I stirred the chicken soup and reached for the salt.

  “I’m doing fine. How are the boys?”

  I grinned at his question. If the way to a man’s heart was through his stomach, then the way to a woman’s heart was through her children.

  “They’re good, playing trucks in the living room. Oh, wait.” I heard Chase scream in anger and assumed that Javan had stolen his truck, again. I placed the phone on the counter and ran to the living room. It only took a moment to fix the issue, but I wondered how Levi would respond.

  “Sorry, Javan stole the truck.” I explained once I picked up the phone.

  “Ahh, yeah. I remember my little brothers doing the same thing. My mom used to say that if she made it through one phone conversation without being interr
upted, it would be a miracle.”

  “I can relate.” I chuckled.

  “Well, I was calling you to find out if you were busy Saturday?”

  “Umm, no, I don’t think so.”

  “Can I talk you into taking another walk with me?”

  “Fond of your walks, aren’t you?” I teased.

  “Only when they involve chatting with a cute little blonde.”

  I blushed. He thought I was cute! Before I could answer he chimed in.

  “And I can come too. My sister won’t mind at all.”

  “Hey!”

  He choked on his laughter, and I couldn’t stop my own giggle.

  “Funny.”

  “Oh, I thought so. Don’t worry, I was talking about you.”

  “Thanks, I think.” I rolled my eyes and went back to the soup that now was boiling a little too rapidly. The heat was turned down, and I pulled a spoon out of the drawer.

  “What are you cookin'?”

  I paused. Did I say something about cooking?

  “I can hear the clanging of the pan and spoons and things. I was just curious.”

  “Chicken soup.”

  “Oh.”

  “I take it you don’t like chicken soup?” Who didn’t like chicken soup?

  “Uh, yeah. It’s probably the one thing I can’t stomach. It reminds me of being sick. I hate being sick.” He sounded like an eight-year-old boy.

  “I’ve yet to meet someone who did enjoy being sick.” I added wryly.

  “True, but yeah, that’s probably the one thing I try to avoid eating if possible.”

  “Okay, memo to self, if Levi ever comes over for dinner, do not make chicken soup.”

  He laughed for a moment. “So you can go Saturday?”

  “I’d love to.”

  “Good. I’d love to see you.”

  My face split into a grin, and I bit my lip.

  “Where?”

  “Do you want to go to your parents again? It seemed really easy for you with the kids.”

  “True, sounds good. I’ll see you Saturday.”

  “Ten-thirty?”

  “Yes, thanks Levi.”

  “No Abby, thank you. Have a good day. Enjoy your soup.”

  I giggled on the phone. “I could save you some and bring it Saturday.”

  “No, no thanks.” He chuckled, and my heart warmed.

  “Bye, bye Levi.”

  “Bye Abby.”

  ****

  Levi arrived promptly. The rain was gentle, and the breeze strangely warm for early spring. Levi waved at me from the cab of his truck and got out, walking around the back of the truck bed. I couldn’t help but smile as I watched his eyes dance as he gazed at me. One hand was tucked behind his back as he walked toward me. The curiosity burned my chest as I leaned to the side to try and see around his broad frame.

  “No peeking.” Levi scolded jokingly.

  “Why not?” I rose up on my tiptoes as he got closer, as if that would help. He was easily almost a foot taller than I.

  “Close your eyes.”

  I eyed him dubiously before I made a show of closing my eyelids. I jumped as I felt his warm hand cover my eyes as well.

  “Don’t you trust me?” I teased, inhaling the scent of diesel mixed with antibacterial soap on his hand.

  “Nope.”

  “I’m crushed.” His laugher was deep and rich, and my heart sighed. There was a rustle of what sounded like tissue paper and then Levi cleared his throat.

  “Okay, you can look now.”

  I opened my eyes and pushed his hand away with a saucy grin. In front of me was a beautiful bouquet of tiger lilies, daisies, sunflowers, and greenery. The flowers were arranged with pink tissue around them and inside was a card almost hidden by a large lily. The gesture left me speechless. With wide eyes I glanced up at Levi, who was studying my reaction.

  “The, um, lady at the florist said that lilies were one of her most popular requests. I was going to call as ask what your favorite flowers were, but I was afraid I’d give away the surprise.” He watched me, waiting.

  The corner of his lip was lifted in a half grin that was completely disarming.

  “Thank you.” I managed to say with a hitch in my voice. The flowers demanded my attention with their strong fragrance, and I closed my eyes to inhale the scent. “They are perfect. Utterly perfect and I am so grateful. Thank you.”

  Levi’s grin split his face, and his eyes sparkled. “You’re very welcome. Ah, and one more thing.” He loped back to the truck and opened the passenger door and took out a long stick.

  I held the flowers close to me and bit my lip, thrilled to receive such a thoughtful gift.

  “I thought we might need this.” He held up a large umbrella. With a flourish, he opened it up and tossed it over his shoulder, striking a ridiculous pose.

  I couldn’t contain my laughter and snorted, to my humiliation.

  “You snorted!” Levi’s eyes were huge as he relaxed his posture and pointed at me, wearing a huge grin.

  “I did not.” I covered my mouth with my hand after speaking, and my face flushed. Shoot!

  “Oh yes, you did.” He began to chuckle.

  “So?” Mustering up my courage, I straightened my shoulders and gave him a defiant glare, although all I wanted to do was hide behind my flowers. I hated it when I snorted.

  “Ah, nothing, nothing. It’s just… entertaining.”

  “What’s that mean?”

  “Ahh, nothing.”

  With a knowing smirk, he took my shoulders and turned me around to face the house.

  “Let’s go before I get myself into more trouble,” he teased as I followed him to the door. The umbrella was closed up, and he shook it to remove the rain before he opened the door for me and waited to enter.

  “Honey! What beautiful flowers!” My mom gushed as I carried them to the cabinet that held vases and picked one large enough to hold my precious gift.

  “Aren’t they?” I murmured while I arranged them and lovingly caressed a flower with the tips of my fingers. The petals were so soft. When I glanced back at Levi, he met my gaze, clearly pleased that I was enjoying his gift. “Thank you, again, Levi.”

  “Believe me, the pleasure was all mine.” He nodded, and I lost myself in his blue eyes.

  The sound of my dad clearing his throat startled me. I collected myself and went to go say goodbye to Javan, who was playing with his train in the living room.

  “Baby I’ll be back soon, okay? If you need anything, ask Grandma.” I kissed his soft hair and squeezed his solid little body tightly. He squirmed after I held him for what he determined was too long and I sighed, letting go with a grin.

  “You’re a good mom.”

  “Oh, I have my days, but thanks. I appreciate the compliment.”

  “You’re welcome, but I’m not just saying that.” His eyes were serious as he considered me.

  The truth about Levi was that he didn’t just say anything. No, when Levi said something, it was because he meant it. Sincerity was apparent in his tone when he spoke, and already, I had come to respect him for that particular trait.

  “C’mon, let’s go.” I nodded my head in the direction of the door, and he grabbed the umbrella.

  “Bye, Mom, Dad. We’ll be back after a while.”

  “Have fun, honey!” My mom called as Levi opened the door for me.

  The rain had let up slightly, and the sun had broken through the clouds in patchy bursts of light.

  “So tell me about your family,” I asked as we walked along the grass toward the sidewalk.

  “Ah, so you want to take a long walk, huh?” Levi teased.

  “That bad, huh?” I teased back.

  “No, just that much information. Although I wanted to wait till later to tell you all my dirty little secrets, but if you want to know…” He trailed off, grinning at me.

  “Spill.”

  “Well I don’t know how much Sam told you about my family…” He trai
led off, watching me for a response.

  “Nothing, actually. Oh, wait. Your dad’s a pastor, right?” I offered, remembering that one detail.

  “Yes, Dad’s a pastor, and I’m the oldest of the bunch.”

  “Oh? How many brothers or sisters?” I asked, glancing at him.

  He tossed me a sheepish look before answering. “Twelve.”

  I tripped. So, though I had grown up in farming community where the families tended to be larger than the average, I hadn’t ever known someone to have more than eight children.

  “Yeah…” His response was drawn out as he chuckled. “That’s the reaction I’m used to seeing.”

  “Wow, I’m… impressed. Your mom is an amazing woman.” I hadn’t met the woman, but anyone who had borne and raised that many children deserved sainthood.

  “Yes, she is.” Levi nodded and grinned at me, seeming to wait for something.

  “What…”

  “Aren’t you going to ask me something?”

  “Ask you… what exactly? If you liked being a part of a large family?” My guess made him laugh.

  “No, I mean yes, I loved being part of a huge family. Someday I hope you’ll get to meet them all. They’re amazing. But no, that’s not what I was thinking you were going to ask.”

  “Okay then…” I trailed off, waiting for him to clue me in.

  “Usually, the first question a woman asks me when they find out the size of my family is if I plan on having that many children as well.”

  “Oh.” The thought hadn’t struck me, but now I found myself concerned. Okay, two was great and yes, I did want more maybe, someday. But twelve? My heart began to pound thinking about it.

  “Yeah, oh.” Levi teased, no doubt seeing the potency of the question rock my world.

  “Do you?” I asked, half curious and half afraid of knowing the answer.

  “No.”

  Whew.

  “Why?” I asked as I recovered.

  “Oh, well lots of reasons actually. Don’t get me wrong. I wouldn’t trade my family for the world, but I just don’t see myself having that many children. There’s nothing wrong with it, more of a personal thing rather than a choice I made because of experience.”