Maid to Love

by Jennifer Johnson

  “But I’ve felt such peace since I moved back here. The community, the church”—she spread her arm out—“the beauty of this place. I truly want to stay here, and that surprises me.”

  Nick opened his mouth. He should tell her he wanted her to stay as well.

  She continued, “But is that what God wants for me? I was so sure of His guidance to go into interior design. It was a passion I felt came from Him. But how could I possibly find a job close enough to River Run to be able to do my passion and live here?”

  I’ll ask her to redecorate my house. I’ll pay her for it. Nick started to mention the idea when a prick stabbed at his heart. He could hire her, but it wouldn’t be a permanent job. He thought of the church and all the decorating she’d done for it. God had truly given her talent, a natural eye for making things beautiful. He couldn’t step in the way of what God had planned for her, especially when he couldn’t decide if his thoughts and feelings were from the Lord.

  God, give me the right words. Guide my thoughts and feelings.

  Nothing came. Knowing he didn’t want to say the wrong thing, he walked beside her in silence as she shared her heart’s ponderings with him. As he listened, Nick knew his adoration for the woman grew. She longed to be in the center of God’s will, no matter where that was, no matter what she was doing. He needed to make that daily commitment to God as well, especially as his heart seemed more and more drawn to her. He couldn’t confess his feelings until he knew they were in God’s plan for his life and hers.

  They walked back to the house. Nick looked up and saw his dad sitting in a rocking chair on the front porch. His mom leaned out the front door and motioned for Nick and Addy. “Come on, you two. Help us get the dishes in Amanda’s truck. Y’all gotta get to scootin’.”

  Nick looked at his watch. Church would start in just over an hour.

  “Oh my,” Addy squealed as she looked at her watch. “We’ve been walking forever.” She raced up the porch stairs, barely waving at his dad as she went inside.

  He followed behind her, grabbed a couple of the bowls of potato salad, and took them to the truck. Within moments, Addy and Amanda had left. Needing a moment to simply sit, Nick walked to the front porch and sat in the rocking chair at the opposite end of his dad’s.

  For several moments, his mind swarmed with all Addy had said. The only sounds he heard were the creaks of the rocking chairs, the calls of birds, and the distant lows of cattle.

  His dad’s voice broke his train of thought. “What’s on your mind, son?”

  “Nothing.”

  “Nothing?” His dad laughed. “I’d say there’s something on your mind.”

  Nick shrugged. He really didn’t want to talk about his feelings for Addy. He wanted to wait for God to show him.

  “I’d say Addy’s on your mind. If my guess is right, she’s been on your mind for quite a few weeks now.”

  Nick glanced at his dad. The older man’s piercing gaze seemed to threaten to take him behind the woodshed and whip his tail if he even considered fibbing to him. Nick sighed in defeat. “I’d say you’re right.”

  His dad started rocking again. “What’s the problem?”

  “The problem is, I’m starting to care about her.”

  “Why is that a problem?”

  Nick stood and walked to the edge of the porch, looking away from his dad. “The problem is she kinda wants to work in the city, and yet she kinda wants to stay here. I don’t want to tell her how I feel—” Nick smacked his leg. “The girl had a crush on me for half of forever. I don’t want to lead her on, in case—”

  “In case, you don’t really care about her? Well, that’s about the silliest thing I’ve ever heard. You either care about her or you don’t. And if you’re honest with her about what you’re feeling, you’re not playing games with her. Son, what do you want? Where do you want your feelings for her to go?”

  He turned back toward his dad. “That’s just it. I haven’t thought about this. Drew and Mike and Wyatt and I had a bet we wouldn’t let any woman take over our lives, and Wyatt’s already lost, and—”

  “What?” His dad hopped out of his chair. “You’d let a sweet, kind, beautiful, Christian woman get away because of a bet?”

  “No, Dad. I just need to know what God’s will is.” As the words slipped through his lips, he thought of beating Drew at cornhole or his kiddos beating Drew’s at Bible school. Drew had been particularly grumpy lately, and Nick had thoroughly enjoyed his victories.

  “I think God is being pretty obvious. You’re just thickheaded and full of pride.” His dad walked into the house, allowing the screen door to smack against the jamb.

  Nick stared at the door. A fist seemed to twist his gut as his dad’s words washed through him. Was it his own pride, his unwillingness to lose that had his thoughts and mind in a jumble?

  Eight

  The very next morning, Addy’s exhilaration at the Bible school children’s presentation plummeted. She hung up the phone and rubbed sleep out of her eyes. Peering at the clock above the kitchen stove, she trailed her fingertips through her sleep-matted hair. It was barely past eight. The company had called her first thing in the morning to let her know they’d selected a different designer. She hadn’t gotten the job.

  She trudged to the kitchen sink, gripped the cool metal against her hands, and peered out the window. Staring at God’s creative design that had been her backyard as a girl, a peaceful calm rushed through her. God had a plan for her life. And it wasn’t working for that company.

  She walked to the refrigerator and pulled out the container of orange juice. After pouring herself a glass, she took a long drink, thankful she’d told Nick the night before that she wouldn’t be cleaning his house until after lunch. At church, Gracie had introduced Addy to a woman who owned a hotel on the outskirts of Lexington and who needed some advice about design. Addy had agreed to meet the woman that morning at Gracie’s house.

  She placed the glass in the sink. I might as well get my shower and get ready to get over there. She scaled the stairs and got ready for the meeting. Unsure of what she would need to take with her, Addy packed most of her samples in her bag and headed out the door.

  Despite the heat of the mid-June weather, the drive to town seemed more beautiful each day. Contemporary Christian music pealed out of the speakers, and Addy couldn’t help but lift her voice in praise to her heavenly Father. I seem to be running out of options for a job near River Run, her heart seemed to cry out to God, and yet, I don’t care. I trust You. You have a plan for me. I’m more sure of it every day.

  She thought of the disciples, leaving the jobs they’d known most if not all of their lives, who followed Jesus wherever He led. And Jesus took care of them. He even provided His and Peter’s tax from the very lips of a fish. He knows what He has for me. He will provide what I need when I need it.

  With her heart refreshed and revived, Addy pulled into Gracie’s driveway. An unfamiliar car was already parked in front of the house, and Addy assumed it was Sarah Abell’s, the hotel owner’s car. Addy slipped out of her car, grabbing her bag and hefting it over her shoulder. She made her way up the sidewalk then rang Gracie’s doorbell.

  Her friend opened the door. “Hey, Addy.”

  Gracie lifted her arms to wrap her in a big hug, and Addy noticed the slight pooch of her friend’s belly. Addy giggled and she singsonged, “I see the slightest proof of a baby.”

  Gracie’s face flushed. “I know.” She patted her belly. “Wyatt won’t leave me alone about it.”

  Addy’s mouth dropped open, and she furrowed her brows. “He better not—”

  “No.” Gracie placed her hand on Addy’s. “He loves it. I’m just over three months along, and the man already talks to my belly every chance he gets.”

  Addy’s defensive feelings settled, and she grabbed her friend’s hand as a twinge of jealousy wrapped around Addy’s heart. A vision of Nick making over their baby popped into her mind, and she brushed it away. Ni
ck hadn’t said the first word that would make her think he was interested in her. Sure, there’d been moments she was almost certain she could see it in his eyes, but he’d never actually said anything. Focusing back on her friend, Addy smiled. “I’m glad he’s so excited.”

  Gracie waved Addy farther into the room. “Well, come on in here. Sarah can’t wait to hear your ideas.”

  Addy followed Gracie into the dining room, where Sarah had several papers sprawled across the table. Addy hadn’t expected the woman to have so much information with her. She thought she was only giving a few ideas, maybe a few tips. The older woman extended her hand to Addy. “Hello, Addy. It’s so good to see you again.”

  Addy nodded. “It’s good to see you as well.” She placed her bag on one of the chairs. “I see you have your blueprints and some pictures of the rooms.”

  “Yes. I know you haven’t had time to prepare anything, but I wanted to hear any first thoughts you had.”

  “She has the most amazing eye,” Gracie said in a proud-as-a-momma-bird-whose-babies-just-flew-for-the-first-time tone.

  Butterflies started to swarm in Addy’s stomach. She really hadn’t expected all this. She thought she might talk about a few colors that worked well together, maybe look a little bit at how the rooms’ space was being used, but not the entire layout of the hotel. She picked up one of the papers. “Well, let’s see. . . .”

  Ideas seemed to flood her mind all at once. She pulled out palettes and colors and textures from her bag. She grabbed her sketchpad and scratched out an idea to help the front desk have a better flow and more appealing design. She gazed at the clock on the wall. Two hours had passed in what seemed like only moments. Addy sucked in her breath. “Oh my. I’ve got to go. I’m supposed to be at someone’s house in half an hour.”

  Gracie rolled her eyes. “I don’t think Nick will mind if you’re a little late coming to clean his house.”

  Addy studied her fingernails. “I know he wouldn’t, but I told him I’d be there by eleven thirty, and I like to stand by my word.”

  Addy felt Sarah studying her. She couldn’t decipher if the woman was angry that she needed to leave. Addy started to collect her samples and slip them into the bag. She’d had a blast sharing ideas for the hotel with Sarah. It renewed her desire for the opportunity to design.

  “Would you be willing to take on this job?” Sarah’s voice came out low and laced with confidence.

  Addy thought she must have had plugs stuck in her ears. She thought the woman just asked her, a woman who hadn’t “officially” designed any businesses, to take on her 54-room, four-star hotel. Addy looked at Sarah. “Excuse me?”

  The woman leaned back in her chair. “Of course, I would want you to bring a couple of ideas to my office for me to choose from, but. . .” She clasped her hands and rested them on the table. “Well, I’m good friends with Henry Isaacs. I believe he was one of your professors.”

  Addy nodded. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing.

  “Yes, well, he has only the most wonderful things to say about you. And after hearing all your ideas right now, I think you might be the right choice for me. This is what I can offer you.”

  Speechless, Addy listened to the woman’s offer. Never in her wildest imaginings would she have thought this would happen. Isn’t that just like God? Her spirit seemed to smile within her; more than smile—it seemed to jump for joy within her. God had a plan. He always had a plan.

  With the agreement verbally set, Addy shook Sarah’s hand and said she’d be by her office the following morning to sign an official contract. Gracie followed her to the door. Addy turned toward her friend. “Did you know that was going to happen?”

  Gracie’s face lit up as she shook her head. “I didn’t. But I have to admit I had a feeling. God wants you here right now. Here in River Run.”

  Addy felt her heart might burst from her chest in excitement and praise. She loved when God worked in ways she’d never even dreamed of. “I believe you’re right.”

  ❧

  Nick walked up the hill toward his house a little later than usual. He’d spent a good part of the day asking God for His leading about Addy. There was just too much to worry about in terms of that woman. The fact that she’d had such a long crush on him made him not want to make her think he liked her if it wasn’t more than him being infatuated with her growing up into such a beautiful woman. There’s no way I’d hurt her family. I’m as close to them as I am my own.

  But the truth of the matter was that it did nag at the back of his mind that he didn’t want to lose the bet, especially not to Drew. The man had been so cantankerous since Addy’d been home, at least when it came to Nick, that Nick didn’t have the foggiest idea what had gotten into him. His constant grumpiness just made Nick want to beat him even more.

  He looked at the driveway, noting Addy’s car still sat there. He hadn’t expected that. Usually she finished with his house in about three, maybe four hours. It was well after five o’clock and she hadn’t left. He blew out a long sigh. “God, I’ve been talking to You all day, and You haven’t told me anything. Now I have to talk to the woman who’s causing me to lose sleep at night?”

  Even in his frustration, God seemed to be quiet. Nick knew his attitude wasn’t right, wasn’t God-honoring. Remorse flooded him. I’m sorry, God. I know sometimes You want us to wait. I’m tired of waiting, but I know You’re the boss, and I want You to be the boss. Everything works better when You’re in charge.

  Shaking off his bad attitude, Nick pushed through the back door. He walked into the dining room, and Addy nearly jumped a foot off the ground.

  She placed her hand on her chest then looked up at the clock. “Oh, Nick. I’m sorry. Time got away from me.”

  He looked at the scattering of papers and slips of colored papers and fabrics spread across his dining room table. “What are you doing?”

  Excitement filled her features as she pointed to all the stuff. “I’ve been hired to redecorate Sarah Abell’s hotel, the one just off the interstate.”

  Nick nodded. He knew which hotel was Sarah’s. “That’s a pretty big job.”

  She slid into a chair, her gaze resting on the materials before her. “I know. I feel so overwhelmed.” She looked back up at him, her eyes filled with thrill and joy. “But I know God gave me this job. Just yesterday I was telling you I wanted to stay in River Run. Well, this morning I got a call about the job I’d interviewed for, and they decided not to hire me.”

  A strong wave of relief washed over Nick.

  Addy continued, “Then I went to Gracie’s house to talk with Sarah about some ideas.” She placed her hand on her chest. “I thought we were just going to talk about a few color schemes, maybe a new way to arrange some furniture, but she asked me to do all this.” She waved her hand over the table. “I just can’t believe it.”

  Nick’s heart felt as if it melted straight through to the bottom of his belly. It made his day to see the excitement on her face, to hear the humility and joy in her voice. Coming home to this every evening would make him a better man, a better Christian.

  He thought of the happiness he’d witnessed in Wyatt since he and Gracie tied the knot. Sure, Wyatt had moments when Gracie got him all riled up, but mostly Nick had noticed a change for the good in Wyatt. He seemed more conscious of what his customers needed, and Gracie’s smiling face, when she was there, made it kinda nice to go in the store. It just seemed she made Wyatt better. To Nick’s surprise, Wyatt himself hadn’t changed all that much. He was still the same guy, just better.

  I think I might like that, Lord.

  “Why don’t you stay for dinner?” The invitation slipped through his lips before he realized what he was saying.

  “Well, I—” Addy started to straighten the papers on the table. “I didn’t mean—”

  With the idea out, Nick realized how much he would like for her to stay. He touched the top of her hand, wishing he could just trace his fingertips around and take he
r whole hand in his grasp. “I’m serious. I have two steaks set out in the refrigerator, all ready to grill. We can wash up a few potatoes. I’m pretty sure there’s a pack of rolls in the pantry.”

  Addy looked at his hand atop hers. He couldn’t seem to make himself move it. For what seemed an eternity, she didn’t pull away either, simply stared at his hand. Finally she looked up at him and nodded. “Okay.”

  Nick released her hand. “All right then.” He swallowed the knot in his throat, willing his desire to wrap his arms around her to wash down as well. He didn’t want to make a fool of himself or scare the life out of her. What would she think if he wrapped his arms around her? A vision of her slapping his face swept through his mind, followed by a vision of her wrapping her arms around him, welcoming his kiss. He had to shake the second vision away. He didn’t need to think like that. Not yet. He knew how he felt, and he was beginning to think God would approve of him telling her how he felt; he wasn’t ready, though, to just put himself out there until he could tell a little better how she felt about him.

  He walked into his pantry and pulled out two good-sized potatoes and the bag of rolls. “If you wouldn’t mind. . .” He turned around abruptly, thinking Addy was still in the dining room. She stood mere inches from him, her eyes big and wide as she hadn’t expected him to turn around so quickly. A flash of desire to bend down and kiss her lips overwhelmed him, and he leaned toward her.

  Addy blinked and grabbed the food from his hands. She looked away. “I’ll start this if you’ll grill the steaks.”

  “Sure.” Nick felt heat race up his neck and cheeks as he turned to the refrigerator and got out the steaks. Without a backward glance, he headed out the back door. Well, maybe that’s how she feels about me.

  Or maybe she doesn’t want me kissing her when I haven’t even told her how I feel.

  Renewed embarrassment washed over him as he placed the meat on the grill. He would never in his lifetime take advantage of a woman. Never lead a woman on. Addy should know that. He’d made his feelings clear to her the night he’d come home and found a wall painted and all his furniture moved around, the night she’d stopped cleaning for him five years ago.