“Need a jail break?” I grinned, pulling him into a warm hug. Too warm. I groaned as a wet sensation soaked through my sweatshirt. After changing Chase’s soaked diaper and putting him into warm clothes, I placed him on the floor and he ran to Levi. The dark, wet spot on my sweatshirt was sticking to my stomach, so I excused myself to change. As I passed the door a movement caught my attention through the window. No way. Seriously?
Jack was walking toward the house and glaring at Levi’s pickup. Chase’s belly laughs jolted me from my frozen state. What do I do?
“Levi?” I rushed into the living room, my tone alerting him that something wasn’t right. He stood up quickly from his wrestling position on the floor. The boys quieted their laughter with an abrupt halt and waited, their large eyes riveted on me.
“Jack is here, I don’t know why but I just saw him—“ My words were cut short by a loud knock on the back door.
Levi glanced behind me for a moment before closing his eyes. A second later he jumped into action.
“Abby? Why don’t you change your shirt? He can wait for a second, and I’ll put a movie on for the boys. We’ll answer the door in a few seconds, okay?”
I rushed to my room, threw on a new sweatshirt, met Levi in the kitchen, and we walked to the back door. Jack was waiting with a scowl on his face that turned into a sneer after seeing Levi. Without a hello, he pushed past me and strode into the kitchen and sat down. Levi seemed calm, but his eyes had turned into blue ice, and I prayed for self-control for both of us.
The air was thick with tension, and I didn’t know how to proceed. Did I tell him to leave? Did I try to ‘kill him with kindness,’ or did I just hope he ticked off Levi enough to get himself beaten to a pulp? The last thought made my face twist into a small smile I tried to hide, but Levi saw and gave me a curious glance. Here we go.
“Jack? I wasn’t expecting you. Is there something you need?” My voice held a calm I didn’t feel.
His eyes were hard as he glanced from Levi, to me, and back to Levi.
“What I have to say to you doesn’t involve him.” Jack jerked his chin in Levi’s direction.
“I doubt that.” Levi spoke with quiet authority. Jack glared at him.
“What do you want, Jack?” I spoke carefully.
“Is this the reason you won’t let me see my boys? Is this the reason you won’t take me back, Abby?” Jack stood up and threw his hands up in the air. He paced a moment then paused, his gaze riveted on Levi. “I don’t know what she’s told you man, but it’s not the truth. I don’t want this. I love my children, I love my wife.”
At that, tears began to stream down Jack’s face. All I could do was watch in silent horror. What was he doing?
“She kicked me out, saying she wanted something, someone else. She sucked you into her lies, now you’re just as fooled as I was. I thought I was just giving her time to figure things out. Not that she was screwing you behind my back.” Jack shouted and then crumpled to the floor.
If I didn’t know the truth, I would have believed him. His tears, his story, and the conviction by which he spoke were compelling. Fearful, I glanced at Levi, who evaluated Jack with a curious gaze.
“I see.” Levi nodded, working his jaw.
My heart stuttered in my chest and a sinking feeling stole my breath. Surely Levi didn’t believe Jack? The seconds ticked, and I couldn’t find my voice. Levi stood there silently, still evaluating Jack. After a moment, Jack stood up and nodded. He held his hands out to his side and turned to me.
“Abby, I’m a broken man, I never wanted what we had to end—“
“So why did Frank tell me something different?” Levi spoke quietly, leaning back on his boot and tilting his head.
“Frank?” Jack gave Levi a wary glance.
“Yeah, I know Frank and Samantha pretty well. In fact, they introduced Abby and me a few months ago.” Levi moved behind me and pulled me against his solid chest, wrapping his hands around my waist.
Jack glared from Levi’s face to my own. With a look of disgust he took in Levi’s grasp on me. The repentant expression was wiped from his face and replaced with unabashed hatred.
“Yeah, I’m just having a hard time believing you when I’ve been told by several people what really happened.” Levi’s voice rumbled, deep and soothing.
“She’s not worth your protection. She’s nothing but a whore.” Jack spoke with a low and menacing tone. His fists clenched and unclenched like he was spoiling for a fight. I tensed, worried that Levi would take him up on the offer, and that was the last thing I needed the boys to encounter. No movie would distract them from the sounds of a fight in the kitchen. As it was, nothing but the grace of God was keeping them from being curious enough to peek into the kitchen.
“You. Will not. Speak that way about Abby.”
I glanced back at Levi and saw his nostrils flaring. I gripped his hands with my own and held tightly.
“I’ll speak however I want. What are you going to do about it? Fight me?” Jack walked closer to us, leering over my body in a bold way.
Behind me, Levi’s body was rigid, his muscles clenching.
“Jack, leave, or I’m calling the police. You’re trespassing.”
“This is my house.”
“This is not your house.” I spoke through clenched teeth.
“Are you threatening me?”
“No, you’re threatening me. Now leave.”
My words were resolute. Levi held me tightly, offering strength. It felt good to stand up for myself. I needed to prove to myself that I could. Levi must have agreed because he nodded in affirmation when I glanced back at him.
“You’ll get tired of her too. She’s got nothing to keep you around. Just wait, you’ll see…” Jack threatened as he strode to the door. He ripped it open and slammed it shut. The sound of a truck roaring to life and the squealing of tires let us know he was gone. I exhaled a large breath and sagged into Levi’s arms.
“I’ve never been so tempted to murder in my life.” Levi ground out.
“I agree.”
“Abby, I need a moment. Plus I’m already late for work.” Levi ran a callused hand down his face. “I’ll be back tonight, okay?” Levi rubbed the back of his neck with his hand and offered me a small smile. His eyes didn’t twinkle like usual, and I saw a hard edge to their crystal blue.
“Okay.”
“Abby?”
“Yeah?”
“I love you, and just so you know, everything he said was wrong. You’re not forgettable, and you’re not someone I’ll ever get tired of.” He leaned forward and kissed me gently, and with slow movements, reached up and cupped my face with his warm hands. The tension that had controlled me earlier slowly dissipated as I melted into Levi’s kiss.
“I’ll see you tonight, Abby, and, just in case Jack shows back up, call the police. All right?”
“All right, I will.”
Levi nodded and started out the door but paused. He gave me a quick wink before jogging into the living room. I followed him. He kissed Chase and Javan’s heads and said a quick goodbye. They glanced up at him from their movie and gave him sweet little ‘g’byes’ before turning their attention once more to their show. With a wink and a smile Levi left.
****
My mind whirled from all that happened that morning. What would I have done if Levi hadn’t been there? But part of me wondered if Jack stopped by because Levi was there. By the time evening rolled around I was still confused. I had tried to call Willi but had forgotten she was stuck in airports and on planes all day on her way home. At least I’d get to talk with her in person rather than over the phone.
Levi arrived for dinner, and we settled into our new routine. Eat, cuddle with the kids, get them in bed, then cuddle some more. But I knew Levi and I needed to talk about what had happened earlier. The thought stole some of the joy away from my alone time with Levi. We were nestled on the couch. I was leaning back into Levi’s chest, and he had wrapped both arm
s around me, his breath gently brushing the hair by my ear.
“So, Abby, I’ve been thinking about this morning, and I keep comin’ back to one question.”
“Okay.”
“Do you think Jack stopped by for my sake?”
“How so?”
“What I mean to say is…” He shifted and I moved so we were looking at each other face to face.
“Do you think he stopped by because I was here? It kinda seemed a bit, I don’t know, like he was trying to run me off by all his theatrics.”
“I know what you mean. I’ve been wondering the same thing. It’s not like he could miss your pickup outside. And if we’re right about him seeing us a few weeks ago, then he surely knew it was your pickup.”
Levi tucked me under his arm once more. His warmth made me sleepy, and in my relaxed state I thought of something new.
“I think I understand.”
“Oh, so you speak crazy? That’s good to know…” Levi teased
“No.” I pinched his arm lightly.
“What I’m saying is that I think I know what is going on in his head. It kinda makes sense in a twisted sort of way.”
“I’m sure about the twisted part.”
“True story. But okay, get this.”
I turned around again. “Remember what you said about Jack and pride a while back? Well, first he goes to the church trying to attack me that way, but it doesn’t work. At least not to the extent he wants. So he waits for an opportunity to run you off.”
“Yeah, he was definitely trying to get rid of me.” Levi grinned. “Good thing I‘m so stubborn.”
“Levi?”
“Hmm?” He tugged on a strand of my hair that was loose from my ponytail.
“Thanks for standing by me, for fighting with me. It wasn’t even your battle. Jack dragged you into it, and you’re still here. Thank you.”
“Abby, I didn’t do much, I couldn’t. It took everything within me not to beat the man to a pulp. Cheerfully, I might add.”
I grinned.
“But I’m proud of you. You stood up for yourself as well. The look on Jack’s face told me you didn’t do that often.”
It was true. “So what happens next? I don’t want to live fearful that he’s going to pop up like a jack-in-the-box at random locations.”
“True, it’s something we need to pray about and possibly look into a restraining order.”
“I’ll call my lawyer in the morning.” I shook my head. “Part of me feels like it’s useless to pray for someone who doesn’t want your prayers.”
“But, Abby, that’s exactly why we need to pray.”
“You’re right.”
“I love it when I hear that… mind repeating it?” Levi closed his eyes with a blissful grin.
“Seriously? You want me to inflate your ego? Hmmm. I’m thinking no.”
A knock on the door startled us. Levi cast me a wary glance as he rose off the couch. I followed close behind him, and we both peeked out a window to see who was at the door.
“Willi!”
I rushed to the door and pulled a grinning Willi into a huge hug.
“Willi! You’re here! I’m so glad to see you!”
“Me too, me too. Wow, I’m all groggy. I need to stop taking meds when I fly, but I’m afraid I’ll turn into one of those panicky people who they tie to the seat.”
“You know they don’t actually do that, right? That’s just the movies…”
“Whatever, with my luck they’d do it.”
The sound of Levi’s laugh covered by a cough made me remember I needed to introduce him to Willi.
“Levi? This is my sister Willa—“
“Willow, my name is Willow.” Willi shot me a death-glare, and I grinned unapologetically.
“Hi there, Willow.” Levi shot me a grin and spoke her name carefully.
Willi narrowed her eyes at me.
“Great, fine. Call me Willi. I can see it’s useless. You, sister dear, will pay dearly for this.”
“I always do.”
“Yeah, yeah, right. Do you have coffee?”
****
Willi and Levi got along like two siblings already. Levi would tease, Willi would react and vice versa. By the time Levi said goodbye, my face hurt from laughing.
“Walk me out?”
“Sure.” I grinned, taking Levi’s offered hand.
“Hey, you two. Remember I’m in here, no prolonged PDA; you’ve got three minutes. Now, go!”
“I rolled my eyes at Willi and Levi chuckled, opening the door to let us out.
“She’s hilarious.”
“Yes, she is. She’s crazy too. Remind me to tell you later about the bungee jumping company she wants to start up someday. You’ll never feel safe around her again”
“Um, remember Tony? My brother who is the skydiving instructor. Yeah, not much scares me, darlin’.”
“True, speaking of which… Tony’s not married is he?”
Levi’s brow furrowed for a moment before his face broke into a grin.
“Matchmaking already, are you? Hmmm. That’s interesting. I wonder…”
“Just a thought.”
“A good one… we’ll see.” We walked a few steps further before Levi paused and turned toward me.
“I hate leaving you, Abby.”
“I know. I hate watching you go.”
Levi leaned down and kissed me softly then caressed my nose with his. With a soft touch, his hands caressed my arms as he pulled me closer. His lips met mine in an achingly and deliberately slow kiss that burned my insides.
“One minute!” I heard Willi yell from the porch.
“I’m going to gag her.”
“I’ll help you.” Levi mumbled against my lips before kissing them quickly and walking way.
“I love you, Abby.
“I love you too.”
“I heard that!” Willi yelled. I was going to kill her… after I told her about my hectic day.
As I headed back to the house Willi gave me a saucy grin. “You go girl. Those are defiantly ‘big girl kisses’.”
“Um, isn’t there some sort of invisible rule that says you can’t watch other people kiss?”
“Nope. Never heard of it.” Willi tossed the words over her shoulder as she walked into the kitchen for more coffee.
“You’ll never sleep.”
“I don’t plan to. I’ve slept on and off all day on those wretched planes.”
“I’m so glad you’re here, even if I did think about killing you earlier.”
“Aww, I missed you too, sis.” Willi gave me a quick squeeze before sitting down.
“Now, the important question is.” She blew on her coffee and gave me a mischievous wink. “Does Levi have any brothers my age?”
“Yep, and one’s a skydiving instructor.”
“Dibs.”
“I already told Levi I was thinking that you two should maybe meet…”
“Good girl. If he is half of the man Levi seems to be and is at least a quarter as gorgeous, consider me married.”
“You might want to inform the groom…”
“Naa, he’ll be cool with it.”
“I’ll be watching for that. “
“No really, joking aside. Levi is great. I’m really happy for you, Abbs.” She reached across the table and grasped my hand.
“I know. I keep wanting to pinch myself, and I hate that I still question why he would want me.”
“Honey, it’s wretched to think like that. We both know that’s not true. He’s the lucky one to have you. Or I should say, blessed, but you know what I mean. From the start you’ve been seeking God’s direction, and remember, every good and perfect gift…”
“…Is from above,” I finished.
“Exactly. Levi’s a gift sweetie. Seriously, all he’s missin’ is the bow, and I think I can talk him into wearing it if you want…”
“Ha ha, yeah, not necessary but I know. You’re right. Thanks.”
&
nbsp; “You’re welcome. What are sisters for? Okay, so now when do I get to meet the brother?”
****
Willi left a little before midnight. I later realized I never once mentioned Jack and the drama of that morning. Oh well. Willi would hear about it later.
To celebrate Willi’s arrival home, my parents had planned a dinner Friday night. It had slipped my mind, so I called Levi to ask if he could join us.
“Sure! I’d love to, what time?”
In the background I heard mooing and a clinking of gates as the cows fed. I grinned at the noise.
“About sixish.”
“No problem, I’ll be there.”
We made it to Friday without any further drama. After we arrived, my parents hugged me, and I snuck into the kitchen. Quickly I stole a piece of French bread, warm from the oven.
“Saw that.” Willi whispered as she walked by and snuck a piece as well.
“I’m hiding the evidence.” I said with my mouth full.
“Good idea.” She shoved a huge piece in her mouth as well. We grinned as we walked away.
“Hi there!”
“Weevi!” Javan shouted, and the blocks he had stacked fell over. Chase stared at the fallen tower for a moment before rushing up to greet Levi as well.
“Hi’ya, guys! How are you? I missed you.” He spoke and kissed their heads.
I caught Willi’s eye and gave her a sappy grin. She winked and mouthed ‘big bow’ and pointed to Levi. I nodded, because, well, it was the truth. He was a gift.
Levi hugged my mom and shook my dad’s hand before coming over to me and dipping me back and planting a loud kiss on my lips. As he swung me back up, I heard my family’s laughter.
“I missed you too.” I teased, running my fingers through his hair.
“Abby, I forgot something in the truck, can you run and get it for me? It’s a box about this big? It’s for your mom from my mom.”
Pursued Page 12
