by Jenna Brandt
“What’s up?” he asked casually.
Sitting down on the couch, she placed her hands in her lap and gripped them tight in apprehension.
“I was at the doctor’s office earlier today—” He sat next to her and waited for her to continue. “And it wasn’t good news.”
He placed his hand on top of hers and asked, “What’s the matter?”
She tried to swallow the lump in her throat before saying, “I have endometriosis.”
His brows came together in a furrow. “I don’t understand. What does that mean?”
She let out a deep breath, then whispered as her eyes dropped to the floor, “I can’t have children.”
Rick yanked his hand back as if she were on fire. “What are you talking about? You’re young and in great shape.”
“It’s true that both of those play a factor in fertility, but my diagnosis is certain. My mother had fertility issues, but honestly, I didn’t think about it until we became serious.”
Rick started to pace the room in an angry stalking motion. “You’ve known the whole time we’ve been together and you’re just now telling me? How could you let me get so serious with you and not say something?”
She jumped up and moved over to him. Placing her hand on his arm, she pleaded, “We can still have a family. There’s always adoption.”
He pulled away from her. “I want my own children to raise, not someone else’s.”
“Maybe you will feel differently after a few weeks,” she countered. “I know it’s a lot to take in, but you just need to give it some time and pray about it.”
Shaking his head, he stated firmly, “I won’t change my mind on this.”
She spent the next six months beating herself up over the fact she couldn’t give Rick what he wanted. She finished her degree and threw herself into her new job as a social worker.
A year later, she found out Rick was married and expecting his first child. She had dated sporadically up until then, but the news hit her like a ton of bricks. She had given up on dating until Erica set up her profile.
Although Aiden’s good looks and easy disposition were enticing, she didn’t know if she could go through something like that again.
Besides, she was too busy with her job, wasn’t she? She didn’t have time for a serious boyfriend. It wasn’t like she was going to be seeing him again, so it didn’t matter anyway.
“Those officers sure were nice and their dogs were awesome,” Alex said from the backseat of her car.
“Yes, it was great of them to let us meet Cooper and Harley.”
“Do you think we will see them again?” Alex asked.
“You never know,” Lindsay replied, “it depends what God has planned.”
Nine
Aiden pulled his police SUV through the gates of the Clear Mountain Elementary School parking his vehicle at the end of the carnival area.
Rows of booths for games lined one area along with vendors set up for food; all of them were decorated with either Christmas or winter themes.
Just like the past five years, the school had asked the police department to come and talk with families. Lieutenant Davis had assigned the K-9 units to attend knowing they would be a good fit as the face of the department for the community outreach.
Zach parked his own vehicle next to Aiden’s, both of them opening the doors and hatch for the kids to be able to see inside the vehicles. Next, they pulled the dogs out of their kennels bringing them to a heel on their leashes.
“You ready for this?” Zach asked Aiden. “It’s your first time doing one of these outreach events at a school. The constant onslaught of people can be brutal, especially when kids are involved.”
“I think I can handle whatever happens,” Aiden countered. “Besides, I like kids.”
“Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
Glancing down at his watch, Aiden realized the students and their families would be arriving any moment. Taking a wide stance, Aiden prepared himself for the rush of kids who would want to see Cooper and ask questions.
A few minutes later, children lined up to speak to Aiden and Zach about being cops, and to look through the patrol vehicles. A few of them asked to pet the dogs while the parents watched and occasionally thanked them for their service.
The steady stream of children didn’t relent. After some time passed, he realized Zach was correct. He was beginning to feel the strain of the steady barrage. Rubbing his hand on the back of his neck, he stretched for a moment while there was a break in gathered students. Glancing down, he made sure Cooper wasn’t stressed out. His wagging tail and light panting made it clear he was content for the time being.
Off in the distance, he heard a little boy shout in excitement, “Look, there’s Officer Aiden and Cooper.”
Aiden turned towards the direction of the voice and found Alex running towards him with Lindsay following behind.
Ten
In the distance, Lindsay saw Aiden standing with Cooper next to his police SUV. He looked handsome in his dark blue uniform with his polished badge shining in the light and his inviting smile beckoning her to come closer.
“Hi, Officer Aiden. It’s so cool you’re here at my school carnival,” Alex exclaimed. “I’ve been telling all my friends about how awesome Cooper is and now they can see for themselves.”
Aiden nodded. “They sure can. When you get a chance, you should bring them over.”
Bending down next to Cooper, Alex asked, “Can I pet Cooper?”
“Sure, Champ, just make sure to be gentle like you were last time.”
Aiden turned his attention to Lindsay and stated, “We never did get that snow, but they’re calling for it tonight.”
Lindsay’s eyebrows shot up in shock. “I’m surprised you remember the details of our conversation from the night we met. Most of the men I know can’t remember what happened two hours ago, let alone two weeks.”
Tapping the side of his head, Aiden explained, “Details are everything for a cop. We have to remember Miranda rights, the facts of cases, the penal code, so even when we aren’t at work, it spills into our personal life.”
Lindsay smiled and said, “I kind of have to do the same thing for my job. My cases—”
Before she could finish telling him about her job, Alex interrupted saying, “I’m hungry. Can I go get a hot dog?”
“You can have one hot dog meal,” Lindsay instructed as she opened her purse and pulled out a five-dollar bill, then handed it over to Alex.
“Can I get a cookie too?” he asked with pleading eyes.
Pausing for a moment, Lindsay pulled out another dollar and said, “Okay, but only one. I don’t want you getting all hyped up on sugar.”
With a toothy grin, Alex said, “Thank you,” before rushing off towards the food vendors.
With an appreciative tone, Aiden said, “You’re a great mom.”
A fit of laughter burst out of Lindsay. It took her several seconds before she could speak. “I’m not Alex’s mother. I’m his social worker.”
Aiden chuckled. “Sorry about that. I just assumed he was your kid.”
“It kind of feels that way. I’ve had Alex since I first became a social worker two years ago. He was one of the first kids assigned to me.” With a hint of sadness, she added, “He’s had a rough life.”
“How did you end up bringing him here tonight? Don’t foster parents usually bring them to events like this?” Aiden probed.
“Alex is between foster parents right now,” Lindsay explained. “He’s in a shelter group home until I can find him a permanent placement.”
“That’s a bummer. He seems like a good kid.”
“He is, which is why when he asked me if I would bring him to the carnival, I agreed.”
“Sounds like Alex—”
“Hey guys, sorry I have to interrupt,” Zach said, “but the line of kids to see the dogs is getting pretty long.”
Lindsay felt herself blush. She hadn’t planned on sta
ying and talking to Aiden so long but conversing with him was always so easy.
Embarrassed about keeping him from his job, Lindsay excused herself. “It was nice seeing you again. I’ll let you get back to work.”
Turning on her heel, Lindsay headed over to Alex’s side.
Eleven
“Why did you do that earlier?” Aiden asked once there was a break from kids wanting to see the dogs.
“What are you talking about?” Zack questioned back in confusion.
“Why did you cut me off when I was talking with Lindsay earlier?”
“Did you see her ring? I did you a favor; you were barking up the wrong tree,” Zach stated. “I mean, it’s not a deal breaker for me, but you’ve made it clear it is for you.”
Zack was right. Even though Alex wasn’t her kid, it didn’t mean she wasn’t married. He felt foolish for even entertaining the idea of asking her out considering her likely married status.
Not wanting to think about it anymore, Aiden said, as he put Cooper back in his kennel, “I need to go use the bathroom. Can you keep an eye on Cooper for me?”
“Sure, man, no problem.”
Aiden left and headed towards the school office. He was pretty sure they would have a restroom he could use.
About half way to the front of the school, Aiden saw Lindsay and Alex playing a dart game at one of the booths. He debated about whether or not to say anything. Before he could make a decision, Lindsay turned around and saw him.
He couldn’t help but notice Lindsay looked tempting in her jeans and black sweater. With her blond hair pulled back in a ponytail, it showed off her long neck and gorgeous face.
A hesitant smile developed as she said, “Alex is going to make a great cop when he grows up. He just hit three bullseyes in a row.”
Aiden looked past Lindsay to where Alex was standing in front of the dart targets. Sure enough, all three darts were sticking in the center of the target.
“Good job, Alex,” Aiden praised.
“Thanks, Officer Aiden,” Alex said before turning back to play another round.
Glancing around, Aiden asked with curiosity, “Why didn’t your husband come with you tonight?”
Lindsay’s brows crinkled together in perplexity. “I’m not married. Whatever gave you that idea?”
He gestured to her hand. “You’re wearing a gold band on your left ring finger.”
Glancing down at it, she said, “My father gave it to me in junior high. I’ve worn it ever since.”
A sense of relief flooded Aiden as he realized his attraction to Lindsay was no longer inappropriate. “In that case, I was wondering if you would want to go out with me sometime? Maybe this Friday night?”
With a warm grin, she replied, “Yes, I’d love to.”
“Can I get your number, so I can text you the details?”
“Sure,” Lindsay said telling him her number which he promptly saved in his phone.
As he watched Lindsay leave to find Alex, a sense of elation filled him. For the rest of the night, Aiden couldn’t keep his mind from thinking about Lindsay and the prospect of getting to know her better.
Twelve
A wave of peace passed over Lindsay as she entered Clear Mountain Assembly. Like every Sunday morning, she attended the early-morning church service with her best friend, Erica.
The burdens of the week vanished—if only for a short time—as the welcomed tranquility of the church helped calm the chaos caused by Lindsay’s chosen profession.
“Good morning, Lindsay, Erica,” Stacy Wingate, the elderly church secretary, greeted them as they entered the double doors to the sanctuary.
Lindsay smiled as she took the bulletin from the other woman’s hand. “Good morning, Stacy.”
“Hi, Stacy,” Erica stated in a chipper mood.
“You both working today during second service?”
Both women nodded.
“I’m going to be in the nursery,” Lindsay explained.
Even though she worked with kids all week long, she didn’t often get to spend time with the children in a happy environment for any length of time. Knowing she might never have a baby of her own, volunteering in the nursery helped keep her biological clock from going crazy.
“And I’m helping out with the junior high students,” Erica stated.
Erica was a bit of a firecracker. Kids were naturally attracted to her ball of energy personality, which made her a perfect fit to work with the pubescent teens.
“You guys are always so dependable; helping out wherever Pastor Steve needs you,” Stacy praised. Glancing behind her, Stacy added, “You better go get some seats. Looks like worship is about to start.”
The friends made their way down the aisle and deposited themselves about four rows from the front of the moderate sized room.
Moments later, the musicians started to play one of Lindsay’s favorite contemporary worship songs. The upbeat music pumped out through the speakers into the sanctuary causing the congregation to clap to the beat and their singing to fill the room.
After the worship ended, everyone took their seats as Pastor Steve moved to the stage. He was dressed in a pair of jeans and a button-up.
Lindsay had grown up going to a more conservative church. When she first started attending Clear Mountain Assembly, it had taken her a few visits to get used to the casual style.
“Good morning, Clear Mountain Assembly. I’m so glad you guys made it today. We’re starting a new series called, ’God’s Handiwork.’” Pastor Steve looked around the room before continuing. “Some of you might be new to Christianity, and that’s okay. We want to help you find the answers you are looking for. Why are you the way you are? Did God design you that way for a reason? And if so, what is it? Others of you might have grown up in church, but never really knew what your purpose was. How do I find my purpose? How do I fulfill it?”
A meme popped up behind the pastor of a baby crying with the caption, “Please don’t judge God’s handiwork. He isn’t finished with me yet.”
Laughter rang out across the room and Pastor Steve waited several moments. “You’re probably wondering what’s keeping us from finding the answers to these questions? The biggest obstacle is accepting that we’re all a permanent work-in-progress. Your purpose will always be changing and your calling will grow with you. God’s handiwork is a kaleidoscope, and we’re all important changing colors that make it work. With one small turn, new beauty is created. All the glass shards work together to create an ever-changing masterpiece. Once you accept this important truth, you can move forward in resolute knowledge.”
Lindsay loved the idea of being a changing color in a bigger picture. There was comfort knowing she didn’t need to be perfect. As a constant work-in-progress, she needed God to keep molding her.
Pastor Steve concluded his sermon with a prayer before a final worship song played for dismissal.
Erica and Lindsay made their way to the hallway off the lobby where the children and youth ministry was held.
“The message was powerful,” Erica said with enthusiasm.
“Agreed. Pastor Steve did a great job.”
The friends came to a stop in front of the nursery. “I’ll meet you in the lobby after service,” Lindsay stated.
“Sure thing,” Erica confirmed with a smile before turning on her heel and heading towards the youth room.
Lindsay opened the door to the nursery and went inside. The elderly Maria Lopez was holding one of the Wheaton twins in a chair. “Good morning, Lindsay.” She pointed to the other twin. “You should probably grab Bryce before he starts crying.”
With a nod, Lindsay picked up the nine-month-old baby and sat in one of the nearby rocking chairs. She brushed his blond curls from his forehead and smiled at him. The little boy returned the grin, revealing one tiny tooth poking up from his lower gums.
Though she had held many children throughout her time as a social worker, often the situation was tense, and the child was crying. I
t felt good to hold a baby in a relaxed environment without trepidation.
“How was your week?” Maria asked.
“Difficult. I’m still looking for a home for one of my kids. He’s been in a temporary shelter group home for two weeks now. He’s not adjusting well, and I suspect he is being bullied.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.” A compassionate look formed on Maria’s face. “I will pray for him.”
“Thank you.”
“Are you dating anyone right now? I haven’t seen you with any new fella around here,” Maria probed.
“I do have a date on Friday night.”
Excitement filled Maria’s voice as she spoke. “You have to tell me all about him. How did you meet? Is he handsome? I hope it wasn’t one of those online things,” Maria stated with distaste. “I just don’t get how all that works.”
Shaking her head, Lindsay explained, “No, I bumped into him downtown a couple of weeks ago and then again at Happy’s a few days later. One of my kids ran up to him because he was in uniform; he’s a K-9 officer. He’s good-looking and friendly.”
Maria nodded. “Where does he go to church?”
Lindsay’s stomach clenched. She didn’t know if Aiden even went to church, let alone if he was a Christian. How could she have overlooked something so important? As Aiden’s handsome dimpled cheeks and sultry smile flashed through her mind, she realized she had been focused on other things. She made a note to herself she would have to ask him about his religious background on their date.
Avoiding answering, Lindsay asked, “How was your week?”
“Oh, you know, same old, same old. I took care of the grandkids for my daughter while she was at work.”
“Don’t dismiss what you do,” Lindsay stated. “You’re amazing for taking care of your family.”
Maria met Lindsay’s eyes. “I appreciate your kind words. I always wondered if I should have gotten a job after Frank died, but Lucinda needed my help after her divorce, so I moved in with her to help.”
