~*~
Robin awoke to the sound of her phone ringing around eight o’clock. “Hello,” she said sleepily.
“Did you change your mind about marrying me already?”
Robin smiled. “No, why do you ask?”
“I’ve been knocking on your front door for the past half hour.” She could hear the humor in his voice. “I thought you were supposed to fix me a homemade breakfast, woman. Now, pay up.”
“Good morning, fiancé. In all the excitement I forgot to set my alarm clock. I’ll get dressed and let you in a few minutes. I’m sorry.”
“I was teasing. Take as long as you like. I’ll sit out here with Miss Praise and enjoy this fine morning in your front garden.”
About fifteen minutes later, she found Jeff dozing in a patio chair on her front porch. Miss Praise rested comfortably at his feet. He looked boyish with his eyes closed and a sweet grin on his lips. She leaned over to kiss him and was startled when he grabbed her and pulled her into his lap.
“I can’t wait to wake up next to you each morning,” he said.
He nuzzled her neck and kissed her before helping her out of the chair. She led the way through the cottage to her kitchen and asked what he felt like eating for breakfast.
“How about some fried eggs, cooked hard, wheat toast, and maybe a bowl of fresh fruit if you have it?”
“Coming right up.”
She turned toward the refrigerator and set to work. “I called Penny last night. She’s going to design and make my wedding dress, Jorie’s dress, and her maid of honor’s dress. She’ll also design and make all of the decorations for the wedding and reception. Just wait until you see Penny’s work. She’s incredible!”
“Do you think I could talk her into making my outfit, too?”
“No. You’ll be wearing a tuxedo, if I have my way.”
“Tuxedo? I thought I could get by with a new pair of jeans and a starched shirt.”
“I don’t think so. You’ll be the best looking groom ever, and you will be wearing a tuxedo.”
“I reckon it’s a small concession to make for the greatest prize of all.”
“Prize?”
“The prize of winning your heart forever.”
“You’re a true romantic at heart, aren’t you? You earned another kiss.” She stood on her toes to place a quick kiss on his smiling lips.
“I like this reward system of yours. Let me think of another compliment so I can earn another kiss.”
“You’re incorrigible.”
“Now you sound like my mother or grandmother when I was in big trouble.”
“Your incorrigibility is one of my favorite things about you.”
“I wish I didn’t have to go back to Illinois until my contract with Brownstein ends on the final day of March.”
“I’ll miss you, but I understand. You wouldn’t feel right about leaving a job undone. You’ll move to Bonita Creek in early March, and we’ll have three-plus months to plan our wedding. It’ll all work out the way it’s supposed to work out. God’s taken care of everything so far, hasn’t He?”
“I wish we didn’t have to wait until March to see each other every day. I treasure the time I get to spend with you.”
“You’ve earned another reward.”
~*~
As they cleaned up the kitchen, Jeff suggested she try to catch Jorie before she left for her shift at La Reyna Café. They’d already decided on two of the songs for their wedding ceremony, “The Wedding Song,” by Noel Paul Stookey and the traditional “The Lord’s Prayer.”
Jorie answered on the first ring. “Jorie, this is Robin. I have the most fantastic news.”
“Hi. I was hoping it was you. Did you enjoy the picnic?”
“It was unbelievable. Thanks for the delicious food and table setup. It’s a day I’ll never forget. It’s why I wanted to call you this morning. Do you have a minute to talk?”
“I don’t have to leave for work for another forty-five minutes. What’s up?”
“We’re engaged. Jeff proposed at the Dahlia Garden yesterday.”
Jorie squealed. “Congratulations to you both. I knew the picnic was for something big. I thought maybe it would be the first time he told you he loved you. A wedding proposal is even better.”
“I’ll tell him. I’d like you to be my bridesmaid. I’d be honored to have you stand up with me when I marry this guy.”
“I’m touched. Of course I’ll be your bridesmaid.”
“Thanks, Jorie. The other thing is we’d both like to have you sing at our wedding ceremony. Will you please bless us all with your beautiful voice and sing two or three songs?”
“I’d consider it a privilege. Thanks for asking me. It’ll be my wedding gift to you both.”
~*~
They decided to walk over to their church to tell Pastor White their good news.
“Do you think he’ll be surprised about our engagement?”
Jeff threw back his head and laughed. “The man is smart like a fox. He’s been able to read me like a book from the moment I got to town. No, I think he’ll be the least surprised of anyone. He probably knew what ring I’d pick out before I ever even saw it.”
“Yes, he is a wise and loving soul. I don’t know what I’d have done without him during my break-up with Thomas. I learned so much about forgiveness and love through his counsel.”
Jeff squeezed Robin’s hand as they entered the church office. Before they could ask to speak to the pastor without an appointment, his office door flew open. They heard his jolly laughter before he stepped inside the church office.
“Well, good morning, you two. Why am I not surprised to see you two lovebirds holding hands and smiling like Cheshire cats? Come into my office.”
The pastor stepped aside to allow them to pass through the doorway. He leaned toward his secretary and said, “Please hold all of my calls until we’re finished, Olive. Thank you.”
As he firmly closed his door the pastor turned to them. “Now what is the meaning of this unscheduled visit?” His eyes were twinkling with merriment and a hint of mischief as he gazed at the young couple.
Jeff spoke first. “We’re here to share our wonderful news with you. Robin has accepted my proposal of marriage. We’ve set a tentative wedding date for June.”
“Robin, is this true? Have you agreed to take on this rascal as a husband?”
“It’s true, Pastor. I took mercy on him and accepted his humble offer of marriage.”
“I see. I can’t say I’m at all surprised by this development. I’ve always had a good feeling about you two, and I’ve prayed for you both from the moment God put the thought in my mind you might have a future together. Congratulations! Marian will be so happy for you, Robin. We’ve both come to love you like one of our granddaughters. May I hug the bride?”
Robin stepped into his warm embrace. “Thank you for all you did to help me heal from the loss of my first marriage so I could find love again. You guided me back to the light with patience, wisdom, and understanding,” she mumbled tearfully.
The pastor set her back from him and squeezed her shoulders. “It was my honor and pleasure to serve as God’s instrument in your healing process. Now you can look at Jeff’s proposal as your reward for overcoming the treacherous challenge and difficult transition in your life. This reward is God’s gift of a new chapter in your life filled with a new, true love. Thank you for coming to share your good news in person. Would you like to me to announce your engagement at the end of the church service this coming Sunday?”
Robin and Jeff’s eyes met in agreement. “I think we’d both like you to have the honor of sharing it with the congregation,” Jeff said.
“Will you please officiate at our wedding ceremony? It would mean the world to us,” Robin said.
The pastor bowed his head in agreement. “Let’s pray before you two leave.”
The trio bowed their heads, “Father, thank you for being a powerful and guiding spirit in our li
ves. Bless this couple as they plan their special day and as they grow together in your love and light. Amen.”
~*~
The following Sunday morning the happy couple’s engagement was announced to rousing applause and a few whistles at the social hour after church. They received many words of congratulations and a few hugs and handshakes as well. Robin was astonished when Thomas Bennett’s parents, Fred and Arlene, walked directly over to them to congratulate them. Then Fred asked for a private word with Robin.
“Excuse me for a few minutes,” Robin said to Jeff.
Jeff gave her hand a squeeze and the trio walked toward the sanctuary. Once they entered the sanctuary, Arlene began weeping.
“I’m so glad for you and Jeff. I want you to know Fred and I wish you many years of happiness together.”
“Thank you, Arlene. It means a lot coming from you.”
“I want to ask your forgiveness. Until recently we had no idea about the depth of our son’s cruelty toward you when he broke off your marriage. He told us some horrible things about you, and made it appear you were to blame for the marriage’s failure. We’ve learned since it was his choice to dissolve the marriage.”
Thomas’s mother paused to dry her moist eyes before she continued. “I’m not making excuses for our behavior because after all we are adults. Thomas forbade us to have any communication with you at all. We were cowards and gave in to his demands. It’s the reason we’ve avoided you for the past few years. Unfortunately, we took Thomas’s words for the truth. We’re truly sorry for our unkindness.”
Fred spoke so softly his voice sounded like little more than a whisper. “Robin, we’ve loved you like a daughter since you moved to Bonita Creek as a teen. We watched you grow up and mature into a beautiful woman. We’d like to be a part of your life again if you can find a way to forgive us. We’d like to get to know Jeff, too. He’s a fortunate man to have you as his life’s partner.”
Robin’s emotions ran the gamut from deep sorrow to great joy. The Bennetts had always been good to her until the divorce. She’d dreamed of healing the rift in their relationship, but figured Thomas had given them no alternative but to cut off all contact with her.
“I forgive you both. I’ve missed your love and presence in my life. When Thomas abandoned me, I felt like I lost my entire family all over again. Then when my grandma died, I had no one to rely upon except for my cousin, Penny, and my friend Jorie. You two have always been special to me. Let’s put aside the past and renew our contact with each other. We’d be blessed to have you in our lives. Thanks for taking the first step in healing our relationship.”
The three hugged and walked out of the sanctuary arm in arm. Robin led the Bennett’s over to Jeff and introduced them to her fiancé. After a few moments of trivial chatter, the older couple excused themselves.
“Was it what I hope it was? You’re all, I don’t know, glowing.” Jeff said.
“It most certainly was. I’ll tell you all about it later. For now, I’m starved. I’ll treat you to lunch at La Reyna Café, if you want.”
“I want,” he said as he stole a kiss from his bride-to-be when no one was looking.
Robin and Jeff were so wrapped up in each other they didn’t notice an agitated Susan Stinson watching them from her car parked in front of the church. When Susan received the text from a waitress who worked with Jorie at La Reyna Café, she’d wanted to physically damage Jeff or Robin or their property. The waitress, Lydia, had overheard Jorie and Penny talking about Robin and Jeff’s recent engagement. Susan’s anger at the couple had escalated to new heights since the text had come in after midnight. She’d been staked out across from the church for the past two hours waiting for a glimpse of the couple.
Very uncool, Mr. Clarke. Now you’re both going to pay dearly. I don’t care what I promised nosy Pastor White after he caught me sending those emails. I’m a grown woman, and I can do whatever I want. Beware, Jeff and Robin—it’s really going to cost you this time.
Chapter 29
Robin and Jeff filled his remaining days in Bonita Creek day-tripping around the region. They harvested tomatoes and zucchini from Robin’s gardens, and delivered overflowing baskets to her neighbors and church friends. She patiently taught him how to cook some nutritious meals he could prepare without a lot of time and effort.
One morning, as they were loading Robin’s car with their hiking and picnic gear, Sheriff Snead pulled up and blocked Robin’s driveway with his cruiser. Jeff and Robin exchanged a bewildered look and turned toward the sheriff. His expression was strained.
“Good morning, Sheriff Snead,” Robin said.
“Folks.” He tipped his hat.
“Is anything wrong?” Jeff asked.
“Yes.”
“What is it?” Robin asked.
“We’ve received a trespassing and vandalism complaint about Jeff here. Apparently, he spent some time this past weekend slashing a neighbor’s tires.”
“What?” Jeff shouted. Robin patted his forearm.
“Let me guess. Susan Stinson filed the charges, right?” Robin asked.
“How did you know?” The sheriff answered Robin’s question with a question.
“Because she’s been bullying me since ninth grade and has moved on to harassing us both the past few months. She made this up. Jeff didn’t do anything to her tires.”
“Actually, she has a video showing Jeff on her driveway doing something with the tires. When I got over there this morning all four tires had been slashed. I took photos and fingerprinted the wheels for evidence.”
“I did not slash her tires! She asked me to check the air pressure in her tires a few months ago before I knew what kind of trouble she was. She said it had to be done at night when the tires had cooled down which at the time I thought was weird. I was trying to be a good neighbor. I didn’t damage her tires, sheriff. You’ve got to believe me.”
“You didn’t tell me about this, Jeff. I guess this is another one of your lies of omission.” Robin’s voice reflected her fury. Bright red stains appeared on her cheeks.
Jeff turned to his fiancée and spoke quietly. “I didn’t tell you because this happened before you and I even thought about dating. I didn’t do anything wrong.”
“I’ll have to take you down to the station for a formal statement, Jeff. I’m sorry, but I can’t ignore the evidence.”
“I understand. Are you going to handcuff me?”
“No. You can take your own car. Robin can come with you.”
“I don’t have a car on this trip. Can you give me a lift, Robin?”
“I think I’ll stay here,” Robin snapped. “You’re on your own for this one.”
“Thanks for your support.” Jeff’s voice was shaky.
“I’ll give you a ride in my cruiser—the front seat,” Sheriff Snead offered.
The couple exchanged a heated look but spoke no more before Jeff walked out to the curb to the cruiser.
“Don’t bother coming back here today, Jeff,” Robin tossed out.
“I’m sorry about this, Miss Bennett,” said the sheriff. “I’m only doing my job.”
“You haven’t done anything wrong, Sheriff Snead.”
The sheriff opened the passenger door for Jeff, and walked around to the driver’s side. With a tip of his hat the sheriff settled into his car and drove down the street toward the station.
Why didn’t you learn your lesson with Thomas? You’re going down the same path with Jeff. They’re deceitful, sneaky, liars.
Suddenly Robin’s inner voice spoke to her clearly. What if Jeff is innocent of any wrongdoing? What if he was just trying to be neighborly? What if he is telling the truth—again? You’ve driven a wedge between you and Jeff based on the word of Susan Stinson.
Robin paused, holding her head in her hands.
“I’ve really messed it up this time,” she said aloud as she ran inside to get her purse and car keys.
Jeff needed her understanding and support more than e
ver right now. Robin’s place was at her future husband’s side, and she knew it.
~*~
Robin found Jeff, the sheriff, and a deputy in a soundproof conference room. A video camera was pointed directly at Jeff. She stood at the window of the room trying to figure out what they were saying. Jeff looked over at her and raised his eyebrows in wary surprise. Robin smiled slightly. After almost an hour, the sheriff opened the door and waved Robin inside.
“Jeff’s story is consistent with the video Susan took and the other evidence—except for the slashed tires. She had the video date and time stamped for last night, but it’s easy enough to accomplish if you know what you’re doing.”
“Wouldn’t that be good for Jeff?” Robin asked.
“Not necessarily. Now I have to convince Susan Stinson we’re on to her and get her to drop these charges.”
“Maybe you can talk to the desk clerk at the motel where I’m staying,” Jeff said. “He saw me come in last night around eight o’clock because I stopped by the front desk to check for my messages and mail. We talked for a few minutes about baseball, and then I went to my room.”
“Would he have noticed if you left in your car later?” the sheriff asked.
“Probably. I always park right in front of the office window because there’s a bright light there. It’s a big-city habit of mine. The clerk’s name is Chuck.”
“I’m going to follow up on this personally. You two go home and try not to worry. Stay in town until this is over, please. It’d be best if you didn’t share our conversation with Chuck at the motel.”
Robin and Jeff both nodded their heads in agreement.
“Oh, and stay away from Susan Stinson. She is bad news, very bad news; but you didn’t hear it from me.”
Jeff stood and shook the sheriff and deputy’s hands before turning to Robin.
Robin's Reward (Bonita Creek Trilogy Book 1) Page 21
