Love Finds You in Humble Texas

by Anita Higman

  Mason tossed his head back, laughing. “Now that is funny.” He looked at her. “You’re not laughing. But it is kind of funny that you can’t see how you affect me.”

  She stared at her hands. “I guess I’ve seen some of it. Maybe. But I’m pretty faithful in not believing it.”

  Mason touched her wrist and then let his finger glide up to the inner curve of her arm. “Well, maybe you’d better start believing it.”

  Trudie tried to keep her cool, even though sirens had just gone off all over her body. She bolted off the bed and turned to look at him. “But you look like...you resemble...”

  “Superman?”

  She rolled her eyes. “See, even you knew about it.”

  Mason chuckled. “Not really. I’ve heard a few people say that over the years. I’m not sure I see what people are talking about, but even if it were true, what does it matter?”

  “Those gallery women for one thing.” She already sounded like a spurned woman. Not good. Trudie pulled out a desk chair and sat across from Mason. “You’ve already forgotten. It’s because you’re so used to it. But those women at the gallery...they were fondling you with their eyes.”

  “Fondling me with their eyes?” Mason covered his mouth, obviously trying to hide his amusement.

  “With some pawing thrown in too.”

  “I haven’t forgotten, Trudie.” Mason frowned. “To be honest, one of those women invited me home with her.”

  “Really? Truly?” She moved her finger back and forth along the top of the chair as she thought about Mason’s comment. “Wow, I wish I hadn’t been so right.”

  “But I said no, and then I walked away.” He made an open-handed gesture. “Please know that I’m not interested in any kind of short-term pleasure. I’m only interested in long-term joy.”

  “Okay.” That certainly sounded chivalrous and exactly what a woman wanted to hear. “But what about your uncle buying the family business and all?”

  “Yes?” Mason rose off the bed.

  “Well, from what you told me, one of the reasons you hesitated in bringing women into your home office was because...well, you know... they couldn’t quite deal with the idea of being the wife of a funeral director. That possibility is gone. You can now date any woman you want.” Mist filled her eyes to think of it.

  He walked over to her.

  “Any woman in Humble or Houston.” Trudie looked up at him.

  He lifted her into his arms.

  “Any woman in the whole state of Texas,” Trudie added. “And maybe even—”

  Mason kissed her then. And his message, though without words, was quite effective. He apparently didn’t want to date any of those women. He wanted to date her.

  While they kissed, Trudie could think of several more arguments, but they were all drifting away like petals in the breeze. She was helpless, and she knew it. In fact, she could feel herself falling so deeply in love that there could be no turning back.

  When their kiss came to a satisfying close, Mason eased away. “You never have to worry about me not knowing what to do if women approach me inappropriately. I know how to handle women.”

  Trudie grinned. “Oh, you do, do you?”

  Mason pursed his lips and nodded. “Yeah, pretty much.” He broke out into a grin.

  “Well, you did grow up in a world of women.”

  “It’s true. And I know enough that if we don’t show ourselves back in the kitchen soon, they’re going to come after us.” Mason handed Trudie her cup of cocoa and led her back through the hallway. When they reached the edge of the kitchen doorway, he stopped and whispered in her ear, “I thought you might need a reminder.”

  Trudie gave Mason a puzzled look. When she stepped into the kitchen, all the aunts were lined up facing her, and they were all wearing T-shirts, each with a big, bright rainbow splashed across the front. Sentiments of the sweetest kind swept over Trudie.

  Mason’s mom gave her a hug. “It is a happy day.”

  “It is indeed.” Trudie hugged her back.

  Chapter Forty-four

  It was on a Saturday morning in early October when Trudie noticed something different about Mason. He seemed a little anxious. There’d been a quiver in his voice on the phone, and then when he’d picked her up for their outing, she’d seen a slight tremor in his hand on the steering wheel. What was going on? Nerves just weren’t his style.

  Since Trudie knew their plans were to play tourists all day, she felt certain there’d be plenty of time to find out what was wrong. They both walked into the visitors’ center at Mercer Arboretum and Botanic Gardens, and then after signing in, they headed out into paradisiacal grounds. A cool front had passed through in the night, making the air dry and silky and creating what promised to be a spectacular autumn day.

  Trudie’s concerns about Mason seemed to temporarily fade as they strolled through the gardens. “I can’t believe I’ve never seen this. Right here in Humble. Have you been here before?”

  Mason didn’t answer. His hands were stuffed in the pockets of his slacks, and he seemed lost in thought.

  “Are you okay?” Trudie touched his sleeve.

  “Sure. What do you mean?”

  “Well, I asked you a question just now.”

  “I’m sorry.” Mason looked at her.

  “You seem anxious about something. Or maybe preoccupied.”

  “You’re right. And I will tell you all about it. But first, let’s enjoy this garden.”

  Okay, but leaving a big question mark in her head wasn’t the best way for her to enjoy the day. Give it up, Trudie. Mason would talk about it in due time. She decided to go with the flow.

  Mason took hold of her hand, and together they walked through the garden. They saw an impressive array of plants and trees, some that were exotic like the Australian bunya pine, and others that were more common like the camellias, hibiscus, and zinnias. When the morning was spent and they’d hiked the trails and enjoyed the splendor of the gardens, Mason suggested they sit on one of the wooden benches to talk.

  He seems so serious. Trudie sat down next to him and looked up. The sun filtered through the trees, giving the light a dappled effect, which was both enchanting and calming. She straightened her shoulders, readying herself for what she thought might be bad news.

  Mason reached out and touched her cheek. “Did you have a good morning?”

  “The very best.” She took his hand and kissed it. “I just want you to know that whatever is troubling you, well, I’m here for you.”

  Mason smiled. “There has been something on my mind. Something I’ve needed to talk to you about.”

  Trudie released her hold on his hand and waited for Mason to continue.

  Instead of speaking, he looked down at the walkway where a box turtle was making its way across the path. “I used to have one of those when I was a kid.”

  “I did too...when we lived on the farm.”

  “I’ve always liked box turtles.” Mason smiled. “They make good pets, although I discovered at an early age that they don’t give hugs very well.”

  Trudie laughed. “True.”

  “You know I never understood why they were called box turtles. They aren’t really in the shape of a box.” Mason rested his arms across the back of the bench.

  “I have no idea either.” Trudie enjoyed reminiscing about reptiles but wondered why Mason was avoiding what he really wanted to talk about.

  “Because I certainly do know the shape of a box. You know, it’s like a cube. And it usually has a lid.” Mason pulled something out of his pocket. “Kind of like this one.” He held the tiny box in front of her. “Only this box has a bow.”

  “What is this?” Trudie looked into his eyes for an answer.

  “It’s a cube with a lid.” Mason handed the box to her. “Maybe you’d better see what’s inside.”

  Surely it wasn’t the obvious. Could it be? She lifted the lid and saw a black velvet box inside—a ring box. Maybe it was just a generic gif
t. She looked at Mason again, but he wasn’t giving away any clues with his expression. Then she pulled out the velvet box and opened it. Her breath caught in her throat. “Is this a dinner ring?”

  Mason shook his head. “No, darling.” He leaned over, whispering in her ear. “It’s an engagement ring.”

  She was almost afraid to touch it. “It’s the most exquisite thing I’ve ever seen. Is it a pink diamond?”

  He nodded. “From Tiffany’s.”

  “You mean the Tiffany’s?” She tried to absorb the news.

  “Yes, the Tiffany’s.”

  Trudie snapped the lid shut and glanced down at her jeans. She should have dressed up more, but even then, would she be worthy of such an elegant and life-changing gift? “How can I possibly accept such a luscious present?”

  Mason wrapped his arm around her. “Because I love you.”

  She held the box tightly in her cupped hands. Life wasn’t supposed to be so good—so fairy-tale like. “I have questions.” Maybe instead of pelting Mason with queries, she should ask herself why she was determined to ruin such an idyllic moment. But Trudie had to ask, “Have you been acting anxiously because you were afraid of commitment?”

  Mason chuckled as he raked his fingers through his hair. “No, not at all. Actually, I was afraid you’d say no to my proposal.”

  Trudie felt a smile teasing the corners of her lips. “Oh.” She took in a deep breath and then let it out slowly, knowing she still had several eggs of uncertainty that needed hatching. “I have two more questions before I say yes.”

  “Okay. I’m ready for you.”

  She looked at him. “Why is it that you love me?”

  Mason rubbed his chin. “Is this a test? I gotta tell you that except for math, I didn’t do well on exams in school.”

  Trudie chuckled. “I’m sorry to torture you like this.” She hugged her middle. “But I just want to know.”

  “Well, maybe it’s dangerous to dissect love...too much.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  Mason shifted in his seat. “Well, if I tell you that I love you for your art, what happens if you choose to stop painting? If I say I love you for your beautiful ivory skin, what if you go to one of those salons and get a tropical tan? Or if I love your humor and sense of wonder, then what if you lose those qualities someday? All I know is that until I met you I didn’t even know I could love this much. You drew it out in me. Like a chemical bath developing a photo in a darkroom.” He looked upward and cringed. “Hmm. I don’t think that was the best example.”

  Trudie laughed. “I love your answer.” She looked into his eyes. They were wonderful eyes of a golden brown hue, and they revealed honesty and tenderness and loyalty. And she would be a fool not to marry Mason. “But I have one more question.”

  “I think my ego can handle one more.” He grinned.

  “You are a man without defects, and it scares me. It’s intimidating. I have flaws. Big gaping ones that you can sail a boat through.”

  “Oh, yeah, like what?”

  Trudie made little circles on her jeans with her finger. “Well, even though I have a history of pride, I am also full of self-esteem issues. Weird combo, huh? And sometimes it’s hard for me to trust people. I tend to think the worst first, and then I gradually migrate to the positive.”

  “Like right now?”

  Trudie nodded. “Like right now.”

  “Hey, you know, you’re right. Those are some pretty big flaws.” Mason puckered his face. “Do you think I should ask for my ring back?”

  “No, I don’t think you should.” Trudie gave him a teasing punch. “And you didn’t answer my question. I need shortcomings.”

  “Okay, got it.” Mason took in a big breath and let it out. “You know, come to think of it, there is no downside to marrying me. I guess you’re right. I am perfect.”

  Trudie chuckled.

  “All right, here’s one that’s truly disgusting. I’m not only addicted to mac and cheese, but I eat bean burritos in bed while I watch baseball. And I won’t be able to give up the habit even after we’re married, in spite of the obvious romantic drawbacks.”

  Trudie laughed. “I can tolerate baseball just fine, and I adore bean burritos. Especially the fatty kind made with lots of lard.”

  “Okay, here’s another one.” He crossed his arms. “I’m a real oaf sometimes, which is another reason I hired your sister for some image coaching sessions.”

  “I’ve never seen you be a klutz once. Okay, well, maybe I saw you trip over the welcome mat at my apartment one time. But that was more of a lurch than a real stumble. Actually, you’re the most genteel man I’ve ever known, so you’ll have to do better than that.” Trudie made a little check mark in the air. “Next.”

  “Hmm. Well, since the first grade I’ve had a fear of rats. When I was five, a rat lunged at me from the woodpile and then chased me a good two miles.”

  Trudie laughed.

  “So throughout our married life, if we ever encounter rats, you’ll have to be the macho one to deal with them.” Mason shook his head as if he’d told her a dark truth from his past.

  “I think I can handle that, since I had a pet mouse when I was a kid.”

  Mason shuddered.

  “I’m still wholly unimpressed with your imperfections. Why don’t you dazzle me with some real deficiencies?”

  Mason looked down at his hands. “I guess you should know that even though you think I look like a superhero, I’m not, Trudie. I’m not at all.” He took her hand in his. “But I am a man very much in love.”

  “And I’m a woman very much in love.” Trudie scooted closer to him. “The answer is yes.” She handed him the velvet box. “And I am more than ready for you to place that ring on my finger.”

  Mason took the ring out of the box and slipped it on her finger.

  Trudie looked at the ring—a pink diamond—the color of seashells and nymphs, and blushing brides-to-be. She felt God smiling then, and the truth was, He’d always been smiling on her. He’d always loved her. The sun burst through a bank of clouds, and that sense of time passing came to her again, but the seasons no longer seemed to be rushing past her. She felt herself living inside them, falling into the rhythm of her life. Was she using the minutes and the decades wisely? With her all heart, she hoped so.

  Trudie reached up and gently turned Mason’s face toward hers. “And now...I think this would be a very good time for us to make some rainbows.”

  And Mason did just that.

  Chapter Forty-five

  Months later—on St. Valentine’s Day—Trudie stood at the back of the stone chapel, ready to take her first steps as a bride. The wedding planner lifted the delicate veil over Trudie’s face, smoothed her long train, and then gave her an encouraging wink. “Are you ready?”

  “I am.” Trudie waited for the music to signal her entrance. She glanced down at her billowy gown. She hadn’t selected traditional white but the palest pink to match the engagement ring that Mason had given her from Tiffany’s. And match it did, along with her cascading bouquet of peonies.

  Trudie took in a deep breath. What a day. Drenched in the color of heaven—a hue unfamiliar to her—but she knew the angels were surely wearing it, and they too were celebrating. Yes, one could almost hear the angels singing.

  The string quartet began to play Pachelbel’s Canon, and the guests rose with a soft swishing thunder. Trudie’s heartbeat quickened. Bits of life’s happiest moments came to her then—whispers of compassion, songs of worship, the bright eyes of children, sunbursts and candlelight, and the champagne laughter of lovers. So many gifts. She looked upward, breathed a prayer of thanksgiving, and began her walk up the aisle.

  Trudie continued her slow and steady steps as she noticed all the nods of joy coming from so many who wished them well. Light streamed in through the stained glass windows in glittering rays of colored light, reminding her of the kaleidoscope that she and Lane had always viewed in different ways. Perha
ps in the end they had both been right. Life was a collage of pretty pictures as well as a thousand shattered moments. But God brought marvel to it all as He took those broken pieces and, with the light of His grace shining through them, made something beautiful, something treasured.

  Trudie looked toward the front of the church at her waiting groom. Mason looked so handsome—so full of love. It was a day made of all things good and all things lovely. A day made unforgettable.

  Want a peek into local American life—past and present? The Love Finds You™ series published by Summerside Press features real towns and combines travel, romance, and faith in one irresistible package!

  The novels in the series—uniquely titled after American towns with unusual but intriguing names—inspire romance and fun. Each fictional story draws on the compelling history or the unique character of a real place. Stories center on romances kindled in small towns, old loves lost and found again on the high plains, and new loves discovered at exciting vacation getaways. Summerside Press plans to publish at least one novel set in each of the 50 states. Be sure to catch them all!

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  Love Finds You in Miracle, Kentucky by Andrea Boeshaar

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  Love Finds You in Snowball, Arkansas by Sandra D. Bricker

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  Love Finds You in Romeo, Colorado by Gwen Ford Faulkenberry

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  Love Finds You in Valentine, Nebraska by Irene Brand

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  Love Finds You in Humble, Texas by Anita Higman

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  Love Finds You in Last Chance, California by Miralee Ferrell

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  Love Finds You in Maiden, North Carolina by Tamela Hancock Murray

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  Love Finds You in Paradise, Pennsylvania by Loree Lough

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  Love Finds You in Treasure Island, Florida by Debby Mayne