Robin's Reward (Bonita Creek Trilogy Book 1)

by McCrary Jacobs, June

  They unloaded the bags, and Robin motioned for Jeff to serve himself first. “We can eat on the back patio if you’d like. The weather is just gorgeous.”

  “Sounds good. I’ll make another trip to carry out the drinks.”

  He smiled as he placed his loaded plate on the picnic table. In usual Robin fashion, she’d covered the table with a colorful tablecloth and set out a basket filled with hand-embroidered linen napkins wrapped around silverware. Jeff returned to the kitchen to pick up the iced tea pitcher and glasses filled with ice. He held the door open for Robin and then seated himself across from her.

  As he sat down he said, “I figured out at the restaurant last night if I sit across from you, I have a better view of your pretty face.”

  “A girl could get used to hearing things like that 24/7, 365.”

  They talked about their childhoods, and she asked some more questions about the death of Jeff’s younger brother, Gregory. Conversation flowed easily and soon it was dark on the patio.

  “Oh my goodness, it’s nine!” Robin exclaimed in surprise.

  “What happens at nine, Cinderella? Does your pumpkin turn into a carriage or is it the other way around?”

  “No, my pumpkin won’t turn into a carriage. I try to get to bed by ten on work nights so I can get up early and have my quiet time and get in some stretching and walking before I head to the library.”

  “Got it. What’s on our agenda for tomorrow evening?”

  “I thought you could come over and I could fix dinner for us. Do you like grilled chicken? I can make my famous macaroni salad and a green salad, if you’d like.”

  “I think I may have mentioned several times I don’t cook at all. I mean, I’m not sure I can even successfully scramble eggs. I can safely operate a microwave, though, so I don’t starve. I sure do like your home cooked meals.”

  When they got to the front door, Jeff leaned down and tenderly kissed Robin, gathering her close.

  “Thanks for bringing over the food tonight, Jeff. It was fun.”

  “You’re welcome. I’ll see you tomorrow night, but I’ll be thinking of you every minute we’re apart.”

  Chapter 23

  The pair spent their limited time together sharing their faith, building memories, setting goals, and having fun. They discovered many things about each other and their compatibility. The weekend was even more special because they had long hours available to spend together. On Saturday Robin prepared a big picnic lunch, and Jeff drove them over to the coast to visit the Garden at the Coast.

  “Have I mentioned before that this is my favorite place on earth?”

  Jeff scratched his chin. “Only a few dozen times since we’ve been dating.”

  They walked many of the garden’s trails hand in hand, and then trekked out to the coastline so Jeff could see the Pacific Ocean for the first time. The rugged rocky coastline prevented them from walking along the ocean’s shore. Instead, perched on the bluff at the headlands, they had an excellent view of the waves, tide pools, and various shore birds in their natural setting.

  Jeff deeply inhaled the salty aroma of the ocean as the cool marine mist touched his skin. His heart readjusted itself to the rhythm of the waves. “This place is miraculous,” he declared. “I can see why this is your favorite place on earth.”

  “The Lord really outdid himself on this piece of real estate, don’t you think?”

  “Yes, He certainly did. I’ve worked up a real appetite with all of this outdoorsy-ness. Want to go back and get the picnic basket and find a special spot to eat?”

  “Are you always thinking of your stomach?”

  “I’m an active boy.”

  After retrieving the picnic basket, the two found a quiet, shady place in Robin’s most favorite spot of all, the Dahlia Garden. She bubbled over with excitement as they wandered through the garden and enjoyed the various species and colors of dahlias. “I love the dinner plate-sized blooms on those white dahlias over there, but my favorites are the magenta pompom dahlias.”

  “Funny how I never even noticed flowers until you came into my life. Now I appreciate them everywhere I go, even when you’re not with me.” She smiled and squeezed his hand tightly.

  After their picnic, they wandered over to the wooden gazebo at the ocean side of the garden. Arm in arm they gazed at the ocean for a long time before packing up the picnic blanket and leftovers to return to the car. As they turned to leave, Jeff faced Robin and took her hand. “I’ll never forget this place or this day as long as I live. Thank you.”

  ~*~

  Jeff’s words left Robin speechless, so she simply stepped forward and hugged him. Once again, she found the steady beat of his heart as she rested her head on his chest. It felt like she’d somehow come home. He kissed her on her temple and cheeks before finally finding her lips.

  With a sigh she said, “I always feel a little sad when I have to leave this place. Then I remind myself the ocean will be right here forever, and I start looking forward to my next visit.”

  They explored some of the small coastal towns nearby. By the time they were ready to head back to Bonita Creek it was dinnertime. Robin offered to scrounge up some leftovers at her cottage, but Jeff had other plans. He wanted to take her to La Reyna Café.

  “I hope Jorie is working tonight so I can introduce you two. I really want you to meet Penny and Jorie before you have to go back to Illinois in a few days,” she said tearfully.

  “Hey, no tears, remember? It’s already going to be hard enough on me to leave you. If you start crying it’ll be excruciating for me. Trust me, I don’t do excruciating well.”

  “I promise I’ll try not to cry, but I can’t guarantee it. I just love having you around and these past few days getting to know you have been fantastic.” Tears flowed freely down Robin’s cheeks. “I didn’t keep my promise for long, did I? Sorry . . .”

  Jeff reassured her with a squeeze of his hand before he began the challenging drive back to Bonita Creek. They made good time, and Robin was composed by the time they arrived at the parking lot for La Reyna Café. The restaurant was busy, but Jorie intercepted them at the hostess station and showed them to a quiet booth in the back. Robin briefly introduced the two, and Jorie and Jeff shook hands quickly.

  “We met a few nights ago when he was in here with—oh, sorry. I’ll give you a few minutes to decide what you’d like before I come back for your order.”

  “Thanks,” Jeff said with a smile.

  “I forgot you came here previously with Susan.” Robin’s face flushed scarlet again.

  “But I’m with you now, as you’ll notice.” Jeff covered her hand with his.

  Doubt and envy flared in Robin’s heart. Would she ever be able to completely trust a man again after how Thomas had treated her?

  ~*~

  Jeff dreaded his return to Illinois. He was falling in love with Robin Bennett. He’d chosen not to mention his feelings to Robin yet. She still didn’t completely trust him. He’d always regret his lack of candor when they first met. He felt like it was an insurmountable obstacle in their relationship. Robin had been through a lot of unnecessary pain with her first husband, and he didn’t want to cause her any more disappointment in her life.

  ~*~

  By the time Robin and Jeff attended church together for a second Sunday, they were considered a couple by the congregation. Robin hadn’t told anyone except Pastor White and Penny about the exact dark details of what had happened between Thomas and Robin, but she suspected everyone had had their own ideas based on rumors after the Bennett’s separated after only a couple years of marriage.

  After a poignant sermon relating to forgiveness, Robin and Jeff exited the sanctuary to mingle with the other congregants. Penny approached Robin wearing a huge smile. Robin wondered if Jorie had given Penny the lowdown about the new relationship. The two women hugged before Robin spoke. “Penny, I’d like you to meet Jeff Clarke. Jeff, this is my best friend ever, my cousin, Penny Ralston.”

>   Jeff shook the petite woman’s hand politely and said, “I’ve heard a lot of wonderful things about you. It’s nice to meet you, Penny.”

  Penny blushed brightly and responded shyly, “Thank you. I’ve heard some nice things about you, too.” Looking at her cousin, Penny said, “Call me later, okay? We need to catch up. Nice to meet you, Jeff. Have fun, you two.”

  After Penny left, Robin looked at him with a bright grin. “Penny likes you. I can tell she likes you a lot.”

  “She said maybe a dozen words to me!”

  “Penny has always been painfully bashful. The fact she spoke to you at all tells me she felt comfortable with you.”

  “Is this yet another one of those I-will-never-understand-women moments?”

  “Probably.”

  He shook his head and grinned. “Let’s get ready for our hike at the lake.”

  “All right. I just want to say ‘hello’ to my aunt and uncle. I won’t be long.”

  As Robin moved off to see her relatives, Susan Stinson instantly appeared by Jeff’s side. “My, my, Jeff. You’re certainly getting friendly with our boring, homely librarian, aren’t you? Why are you wasting time with frumpy, dumpy Robin Bennett when you could have me instead?”

  “Hello, Susan,” Jeff replied with a scowl. “I didn’t know you attend this church. I haven’t seen you here before.”

  “I only came to visit the church today so I could talk to you. I don’t actually belong with this group of losers. Come on, handsome. Let’s go have a romantic lunch in a quiet corner of La Reyna Café.” She latched on to Jeff’s arm and caressed his chest with her other hand.

  Jeff bit back an angry reply and shrugged off her hands making certain not to touch her in the process. “I thought I made it clear to you a few weeks ago I’m not interested in spending my time with you. I don’t know how I can make myself any clearer. It’s obvious we have nothing in common.”

  “But you haven’t even given us a chance to get to know each other, if you know what I mean. I’m gorgeous and you’re attractive, so what else could you want?”

  “I want a lot more, to be honest. Listen, Susan, I really hope you find a man who’s a better match to you and your lifestyle than I am. Let’s avoid all the drama and make this our last goodbye.”

  Anger flared in the model’s eyes and she raised her voice a few decibels. “I don’t know what I ever saw in you! You’re a self-centered, stupid, selfish jerk. You and Robin Bennett deserve each other. Stay away from me, you creep.” Susan turned around and stomped off in a huff.

  Robin returned to Jeff’s side just as Susan was fleeing. She lifted her eyebrows in question.

  Jeff shook his head. “She had nothing valuable to say, trust me. I wish she’d get the message I’m not interested in her.” He sighed. “Let’s get going.”

  “Susan Stinson has acted the same way since we were fourteen years old. She drives people away with her rude remarks and snooty attitude. I honestly feel sorry for her. Penny and Jorie and I think she’s a lonely person.”

  ~*~

  The two enjoyed an afternoon hiking around the lake and watching the birds and other wildlife, including humans, enjoying the weather. As they drove home, Jeff became quiet. Robin had learned this was his habit when he was working up his nerve to talk about something troubling or difficult.

  Since she didn’t want to wait to find out what the bad news was this time, Robin asked, “Jeff, do you need to tell me something?”

  He turned his head quickly to look at her. “How did you know?”

  “I’ve noticed a pattern to your behavior. Whenever you get really quiet, it means you’re postponing something you want to or need to say.”

  He blew out a breath. “You’re right. I have to be back at work this coming Thursday morning. I’ll have to travel all day Wednesday to get home. We have two more evenings before the big farewell. I’m just feeling down about having to leave you.”

  “We’ll make the best of the time we do have together. Why don’t we take a picnic and go to the concert in the park tomorrow night. They’re supposed to have several local groups on the bill.”

  “You’ve got a date.”

  “On Tuesday night I’ll cook us a meal and we’ll spend a quiet evening at home.”

  “When I’m back home I’ll miss seeing your beautiful face and spending time with you each day.”

  “The feeling is mutual. Not the beautiful part, but the part about spending time with one another.”

  “You don’t find me beautiful?” he teased.

  Robin laughed. “You know what I mean.”

  Before she could respond, he said, “Where would you like to eat tonight?”

  “Do you like Chinese food?”

  “I like any kind of food.”

  “There’s a little hole in the wall called The Fire Dragon that’s sensational. We could eat there or get take out, your choice.”

  “Let’s eat there so you won’t have to do dishes at your cottage. If I know one thing, it’s Robin Bennett will not allow anyone to eat out of cardboard cartons or use paper napkins in her home.”

  ~*~

  The next two days passed quickly. Robin found it difficult to concentrate on her work at the library on Tuesday. The longer the day wore on, the harder she found it to smile. She hunkered down in her private office to avoid dealing with patrons and volunteers. When it was time to close up, she nearly forgot to set the alarm. Once she’d double-checked the locks and the alarm, she headed home walking more slowly than usual.

  In spite of his past lies and secrecy, Robin knew without a doubt she’d fallen in love with Jeff Clarke. Unfortunately, now he was leaving to return to his previous life. Robin knew he wasn’t abandoning her in the same manner as Thomas, but her heart was aching. It would be hard to get used to Jeff’s absence after they’d grown so close.

  ~*~

  When Jeff arrived at Robin’s cottage at six, he looked sullen. He tried to remain upbeat and positive, but he was feeling the effects of leaving Bonita Creek keenly. He’d asked the Lord to guide him in his words and actions this evening. He felt it was time to tell Robin the depth of his feelings for her. He’d placed a heavy burden upon himself to get everything relating to this relationship just right. Never having been in love before, he was unaccustomed to the strong feelings surging through his system.

  As she opened the cottage door, Jeff noticed Robin had been crying. Her eyes were red and puffy, and her cheeks were suspiciously flushed. Her voice cracked as she greeted him and held open the door.

  She blurted out, “It’s going to be so quiet without you around.” Then she fell into a chair. “I’m going to miss you, Jeff.” She began weeping.

  Lord, give me strength and wisdom, please. I really need your guidance at this moment. Jeff took Robin in his arms. He kissed her tenderly on her temple and waited until her storm had passed. He decided to follow his heart once again. He was at peace with his emotions, and he knew he needed to share his heart with Robin to gauge how she felt about him. He abruptly pulled away from her and said, “We need to talk.”

  “Is it bad?” she sobbed. He realized all too late, once again, he needed to avoid putting Robin in situations where she felt as if she were going to be ambushed in Thomas-style fashion.

  He took a deep breath and said, “No, it’s something positive. It’s the best news I’ve ever wanted to share with someone in my life.”

  “Oh . . . May I have a couple of minutes to compose myself?” He nodded. “I’ll be back soon.”

  Robin headed in the direction of her bedroom, and when she returned five minutes later she appeared serene. She seated herself in her favorite chair and waited for him to begin.

  Jeff seated himself across from her and began sharing what was in his heart. “These past ten days have been wonderful for me. It’s been the best period of time in my life. You’re so much more than I ever imagined in a companion.”

  Robin was fidgeting nervously with the corner of th
e quilt on her chair. Her attentive gaze told him she was soaking up his every word.

  “I don’t know how else to say this except to just say it straight out. I’ve fallen in love with you.” He heard her inhale. “Is there any possibility you could come to love me in the future, too?”

  She smiled serenely. “No, no chance, Mr. Clarke.”

  “I see.” He turned away to hide his disappointment.

  “No, I don’t think you get it. There’s no possibility I could come to love you in the future because I’m already in love with you.”

  Jeff was astounded. Robin loves me? I didn’t expect this! Now what do I do, Lord? I need a plan.

  In an instant he was kneeling next to Robin’s chair clasping her hands in his. “I can’t believe this is happening to us,” he said with a shaky voice. He offered her his hand and helped her stand. He encircled her waist with his strong arms. “I love you very much, Robin Bennett.”

  “And I love you, Jeff Clarke.” The two kissed as tears filled their eyes.

  “Do you believe me?” he asked.

  “Yes, why shouldn’t I?”

  “You did have doubts about my trustworthiness as recently as a few days ago.”

  “I’ve done a lot of thinking and praying about us.”

  “What did you come up with?”

  “The same thing you did, I guess.” She smiled. “We belong together—at least for the time being.”

  “So much for romance, huh?”

  “I know what I feel is genuine, and when you told me you love me, you sounded sincere.”

  “I do all right when I let my heart lead me rather than my logical brain,” he shrugged.

  “Yes, you do.”

  “I guess we have a few things to talk about tonight, huh?” he posed.

  “Since experience tells me you always think best on a full stomach, how about if I serve dinner and then we’ll talk?”

  “Let’s do it.”