Lambert's Peace

by Rachel Hauck

  Taylor hurdled over a defender who lunged for the flag flying from her waist and sailed past the cones.

  “Touchdown!”

  Her teammates raced to meet her, congratulating her with high fives.

  Will busted through the group with a “Whoo hoo!” picked her up, and swung her around. “Taylor’s my lady.” He motioned to the rest of the guys. “My lady. Making touchdowns. Blowing past Jordan West.”

  Jordan protested with a deep huff, trying to catch his breath. “Taylor, next time, you play for me.”

  “Finders, keepers.” Will wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her to him.

  Taylor stepped away from him. “Hello, I’m not a kept woman.”

  Jordan laughed and took the football from her. “Let’s go, or we won’t be able to finish before dark.” He jogged over to his team.

  Will caught Taylor’s arm. “Sorry. I know that—”

  “It’s okay.”

  After the game, Will convinced Taylor to go for burgers and fries at Sam’s. “Thanks for playing today. You made it fun. Bunch of smelly guys out on the field …” He winked at her. “Gets a little old.”

  “How often do you play?” she asked, taking a long sip from the straw in her water glass. She could see her red-faced reflection in Sam’s shiny windows.

  “Couple of times a month if the weather’s good. Sometimes the guys have family stuff to do, or we’re all at home taking naps.”

  She laughed then blurted, “Jordan asked me to dinner, Will.”

  He didn’t flinch. “He’s a nice guy.”

  “I have to be honest about something.”

  He picked up his soda glass. “There’s more.” His expression remained friendly, but his tone was defensive.

  “I’m not staying in White Birch; you know that. I can’t let our relationship go beyond casual friendship. I don’t want to end up where we did ten years ago.”

  “A lot of things have changed since then.”

  “Of course,” she said, her voice elevated. “But at the root of it all, we are in the exact same place now as then. You are married to Lambert’s Furniture, and I’m married to … out there, getting my career back on track.”

  She stopped, not meaning to toss the marriage word into the conversation. She didn’t mean to imply … “Not that we would, you know, want to get married, to each other, but I’m just saying …” She gazed up at Will. “Help?”

  “What do you want me to say?”

  She shrugged, frustrated. He’s been flirting with me for three weeks, and now he’s acting like he’s the one being cornered. So typical. Exactly what he did ten years ago. “Forget it.”

  “Look, Taylor, you can have dinner with whoever you want.”

  “I’m aware of that. I just thought you should know.”

  “I appreciate it,” he said, his smile forced.

  They were silent for a long time. Taylor excused herself to go to the ladies’ room where she splashed cold water on her face. Glancing in the mirror, she muttered, “Nice move, Hanson.”

  By the time she got back to the table, Will had evidently rebounded from her awkward attempt to expose any romantic undercurrents in their relationship.

  “Taylor,” he said, “I know we have a history. I know things didn’t go the way either of us planned. But being with you the past few weeks has reminded me of how much I love being with you. How much I treasure your friendship.”

  “I’m sorry, Will. I didn’t mean to be so rude.” She stretched her hand out to his. “I love our friendship. You’re one of the most amazing men I know.”

  “You are the most amazing woman I know.”

  She laughed. “I take it you don’t know very many women.”

  He grew serious. “Let’s just take it one day at a time.”

  “Perfect. Now can we order? I’m starved.”

  On Monday morning Will entered his brother’s office. “I have an idea.”

  Bobby glanced up from his computer. “I’m shocked and amazed.”

  “Funny man.” Will sat in the adjacent leather chair. “Let’s hire Taylor.”

  “Hire Taylor?” Bobby shot Will a quizzical look. “For what?”

  “The new business system. She’s worked at two major New York CPA firms and one financial magazine. I’m sure she’s been through this kind of conversion before.” Will propped his forearms on his knees.

  Bobby regarded him, tapping an unsharpened pencil on his desk. “It’s really a brilliant idea. She’s available, she’s experienced, and she’s extremely intelligent.”

  “We’d be crazy not to contract her. If she’s willing.”

  “What does Ethan think?”

  “Let’s get him in here and find out.”

  Bobby picked up his phone and dialed Ethan.

  “I was just on my way to see you two,” Ethan said as he entered Bobby’s office, taking the vacant seat next to Will. “One of the new CNC machines is giving us trouble. I called the vendor and they are coming out to replace it, but that means we’re behind in production for a day or two. Which means our schedule will get backed up a week or more. We’re already behind three weeks because of that lemon of a machine.”

  Will hung his head and pressed his palm against the back of his neck. “See if you can get some of the crew to work overtime until we’re caught up. Let’s pay double time.”

  Ethan whistled. “It’s fair, but really going to hit our payroll budget hard.”

  Will laughed sardonically. “With that machine down, we’re already off budget. Let’s do what we can to make it up. Might as well throw in a comp day for every weekend day worked.”

  Ethan grinned. “They are going to love you, Boss.”

  “Speaking of love,” Bobby said.

  “Hey, no fair,” Will said.

  “Will wants to hire Taylor to consult on the HBS system. What do you think?”

  Ethan looked at Will, then Bobby, grinning like he’d discovered a secret. “Fine by me.”

  “All right.” Will stood. “I’ll go see what the going rate is for consultants.”

  “Did you kiss her?” Ethan asked, still grinning.

  Will stopped at Bobby’s door. “If I did, I wouldn’t tell you.”

  seven

  Taylor ate breakfast with Dad and Mom in the warm, cozy kitchen, then spent the morning researching job opportunities.

  By noon she was frustrated and anxious. She trotted down to the kitchen for a glass of water.

  “How’s it going?” Dad asked, tucking his newspaper away as she strolled into the family room.

  She sat on the ottoman, in the rays of the sun streaming through the windows. “Terrible.”

  “Nothing turning up?”

  She sipped her water and shook her head. “It’s like I’m searching in the dark with absolutely no light. I’m so, so …” She stood. “Frustrated.”

  “I can see.”

  Taylor regarded him, thinking how well he looked after only a week. His cheeks had color, and his eyes sparkled.

  “You can’t let this get to you,” Dad said. “Anxiety leads to depression, then you make bad decisions.” He patted his stomach. “Look for the peace of Jesus right here. The peace that resonates from your spirit—not your head.”

  Taylor collapsed against the couch cushions and flopped her arm over her eyes. “Easy for you to say.”

  “No, I’ve had to work at walking in peace, too. Just like you and every other human on the planet.”

  “Except Will Adams.”

  “What do you mean?”

  Taylor lifted her head to see her dad. “He exudes peace like he drinks a cup of it every morning for breakfast.”

  Dad laughed. “He does, but I know he’s worked hard at walking in peace. He didn’t get there overnight.”

  “Well, whatever he’s got, I want it.”

  “You can have it.”

  “Yeah, I know. Be like Mary of Bethany, sitting at Jesus’ feet.”

  “That�
��s right. Settle your heart and mind on Jesus. Stay in prayer, meditating on God’s Word. Marry Will.”

  Taylor jumped up. “Dad!”

  “You won’t find a better man, Taylor.”

  She drank from her water glass. “Maybe not, Dad, but he isn’t asking.” She hopped up and went to the kitchen.

  The phone rang as she rounded the kitchen corner. She snatched up the receiver. “Hello?” She glanced at her dad, shaking her head. Marry Will. Ha!

  “Taylor, Indiana Godwin.”

  She raised a brow. Indiana was the former head of human resources at Blankenship & Burns. “Indy, hello. How are you?”

  “Doing well,” he said. “Loving my life in Boston.”

  “Good for you. How did you know I was here?” Taylor asked.

  “Reneé Ludwig sent me your résumé.” Taylor smiled, going to the refrigerator for more water. “She did?” She made a mental note to call Reneé and thank her. “It’s a stellar résumé.”

  Taylor leaned against the counter. “Thank you.”

  “I didn’t know if you’d be interested in working for the Print First Newspaper Group.”

  Taylor raised a brow. Print First was one of the largest newspaper chains in the country. “I might be.”

  “It’s a little different than what you’re used to at a CPA firm, but you could handle a CFO or financial director position with no problem.”

  “Absolutely.” Excitement bubbled in her middle.

  “Unfortunately, we’re going through a corporate restructure.”

  “I see.” She filtered out a resonating disappointment. “You and every other company on the eastern seaboard.”

  “If you can hang on, I’m sure I can get you in for an interview by the New Year.”

  “Indy, that’s three months away.”

  “I know, Taylor. Tell you what—let me talk to a few people and see what I can find. Maybe one of the smaller chains has a CFO position.”

  “Indiana, I appreciate it.”

  “You don’t care where you live, do you?”

  “No, but, Indy, the pay has to be right.”

  “I understand. Taylor, one more thing. This is kind of a delicate matter … “

  She felt the blood drain from her face. “What? Tell me.”

  “Let me close my door.”

  Taylor heard the kerplunk of Indiana’s office door. “I could get in big trouble for this, but as a friend, I need to tell you.”

  A prickly feeling ran over her scalp. Dread anchored her feet to the kitchen floor. “This doesn’t sound good.”

  “We post all applications and résumés on the intranet. One of our VPs saw your résumé. Impressed, he decided to call Blankenship & Burns. He’s one of those corporate big shots who thinks he can call up the White House and talk to the president if he wants.”

  Dread. Definitely dread. “Oh, no.”

  “He talked to your boss, Lisa Downey.”

  Taylor felt sick to her stomach. “Lisa and I clashed.”

  “No kidding. She told the VP all about it.”

  Taylor inhaled sharply. “Indy, she can’t do that.”

  “I know that and you know that, but she did. I thought you should know. If any other companies call, she may vent to them, also.”

  Taylor sank to the floor, her head in her hands. “What am I going to do?”

  “If I were you, I’d shoot her an e-mail or give her a call. Clear the air, if you know what I mean. But, Taylor, if you mention me, I’ll deny it.” He chuckled.

  “I understand. Thank you.”

  “No problem. I talked to the vice president who called Lisa. I told him I knew you personally and surmised Lisa Downey was getting revenge.”

  Taylor laughed sardonically. “I can’t believe this.”

  “What did happen up there, Taylor?”

  Taylor sighed. “She is one of those women executives who don’t like other women in management. She came down pretty hard on me, demanded a lot. In return, I subtly undermined her initiatives and authority.”

  “Welcome to corporate life.”

  “Yeah, but I don’t want to play that way.”

  Taylor hung up. Angry and disappointed—more with herself than Lisa Downey—she went upstairs, put on her sneakers, and grabbed her sweatshirt. She needed to get out. Fresh air. Run. Think. Pray.

  Will slowed his truck, driving down Main Street after the town council meeting. In the bright afternoon light, farmers lined their produce carts along the south side of the city’s center. Fresh apples, corn, squash, tomatoes, and crates of other fresh vegetables glistened in the sun.

  Will glanced at his watch. Two o’clock and he was hungry for lunch. He spotted a fellow church deacon, Hank Burgraf, and waved. Next to him was a cousin on the Adams side, Lyle.

  At the far end of the line, a vendor whipped cotton candy onto sticks for the moms out with their toddlers. Will shook his head, remembering the night with Mia. Verbal cotton candy.

  He wanted to linger in town and grab a sandwich at Peri’s, but he needed to get back to Lambert’s Furniture. A pile of work waited on his desk.

  Yet, when he cruised past Milo Park, Will parked. There wouldn’t be many more days like today—sunny, blue skies with a gentle breeze—and he wanted to enjoy it while he could.

  The walk to the park benches cleared his head, still stuffy from the council meeting. To build a skateboard park or not had been the big debate. Will saw the merits on both sides—for and against. However, when the discussion ran well past lunchtime, he motioned to table it until the next meeting.

  Half the room shouted, “Second.”

  Now, taking long strides across the grounds, the mental cobwebs blew away, and Will caught sight of a familiar dark, burnished head. Taylor.

  She sat with her face tipped to the sun, her sweatshirt balled between her hands in her lap. She’d been running.

  “Beautiful day, isn’t it?” Will said as he plopped down next to Taylor.

  She screamed. He laughed. She popped him lightly on the arm.

  “Ouch.” He rubbed the spot.

  “You scared the wits out of me.”

  He laughed. “I doubt that.”

  “What are you doing in the park in the middle of the afternoon?”

  Will stretched out and crossed his legs at the ankles. He locked his hands behind his head and closed his eyes. “Town council meeting every Monday.”

  “Ah.”

  “What are you doing?”

  “Praying. Well, trying to pray, but I’m sulking more than anything else.”

  He tipped his face upward. “What’s going on?”

  “Stuff.”

  He opened one eye. “Like what?”

  Starting with a sigh, Taylor told him about the call from Indiana Godwin, the wonderful job possibility, and how her track record with Lisa Downey followed her.

  Will thought for a moment. “I’ve learned there are always two sides to every story. This Lisa person must feel justified in some way.”

  “Whose side are you on?” Taylor jumped to her feet and walked back and forth in front of the bench.

  “Yours, of course. But you’re not going to get Lisa Dowling—”

  “Downey.”

  “Downey—to admit any wrongs.”

  “So I’m helpless? At the mercy of her opinion?”

  Will squinted up at her, catching the ire in her eyes. “No. But sulking over her isn’t going to change anything. You’ve got to take the higher road. Don’t let some woman hundreds of miles away in New York control your emotions.”

  She lifted her arms in surrender. “You’re right; you’re right.”

  Will patted the park bench. “Sit.”

  “No, I’m too antsy.”

  “Sit!”

  Taylor sat. “I feel like your dog, Harry.”

  “No,” Will said with a shake of his head, “he sits the first time I tell him.”

  “Ha, ha.”

  Will grabbed her hand. “Can
I pray with you?”

  Taylor bowed her head, her lips moving in silent prayer. Will noticed her grip grew tighter and tighter.

  “Father, Taylor wants Your best. Give her wisdom and peace. Let her know the plans You have for her. I know You delight in her.”

  A drop of moisture hit his hand. Taylor sniffled then covered her face with her free hand. Will wrapped her in his arms. When her tears subsided, he gave her his handkerchief.

  “Better?”

  She laughed and blew her nose. “Much. Thanks.” She faced him, her eyes and nose red. “I’ve been mad at Lisa for being an ogre when all along I should have been asking for forgiveness for my own selfish actions.”

  “Now it’s forgotten. Over.”

  “Well, I probably need to e-mail or call Lisa, but yes, the Lord’s forgiven me.” Taylor carefully folded the handkerchief and tucked it in her pocket. “I’ll wash it for you.”

  Will grinned and smoothed his hand over her hair. “It’s going to be all right, Taylor Jo.”

  She leaned against him, and his hand cradled her shoulder. “Sure, but my career is still stopped at the red light of life. I need a green go.”

  “In that case, I have a proposal for you.”

  eight

  To her surprise, the word proposal made her skin tingle. In an instant, time rolled back and she stood with Will on the White Birch covered bridge, serenaded by the water and surrendering her heart to love.

  “… installing a new business system. We can’t go forward with our e-business until we can handle the revenue and reporting.”

  Taylor tuned in to Will. “Um, what? Business system?”

  He grinned, making her feel like they were the only two people in existence. He had a way about him that made her feel special. “Right. We’re looking at HBS—”

  She perked up at the familiar initials. “Hayes Business Systems?”

  “Yes.”

  “Very classy. Kind of high-end for Lambert’s Furniture, don’t you think?”

  “For now, but we’ve developed a line of furniture to sell online. HBS has a great solution for e-businesses including a module to work with online and distributor inventories.”

  “They do. But, Will, a lot of their standard modules are very expensive and over the top for the streamlined business you run. Even with adding the e-business, you’ll—”