How Sweet It Is

by Bonnie Blythe

  He reluctantly pulled back, drawing a strand of her hair from her cheek. “How have you been?”

  Delphine let out a sigh and lifted her shoulders. “I miss Papa.”

  Brad lowered his gaze, feeling like a jerk for worrying about where he stood with Delphine, nearly forgetting what she’d gone through in the past days. How can I be of any help to her? I’m too self-centered! Delphine needs someone more mature, someone who sees to her needs before his own.

  She touched his face. “Why are you frowning?”

  Brad attempted to smile. It felt more like a grimace. He remembered the rabbit.

  “Um, I brought you something.” He held up the toy, hoping she’d understand his whim. “I noticed you had it when you were sleeping in my sister’s room.”

  Her cheeks turned scarlet. “I’m sorry, I had no right to do that—”

  “Delphine, stop. I’m giving it to you, okay?”

  Her gaze slid to the rabbit. She nibbled her lip. “Why? And shouldn’t you ask your sister first?”

  “It’s not my sister’s. It’s some antiquey thing my mom got at an estate sale for decoration or something. She’d want you to have it, too.” He lowered his voice. “And I thought maybe it would give you something to hold onto when I’m not around.”

  Delphine took the toy and gazed at it for the space of several heartbeats, smoothing down the front of its dress. When she looked back up at him, there were tears in her eyes.

  “Thank you,” she said softly.

  He rested his hand on her shoulders, noticing the gentle blush of her cheek, the trusting light in her eyes as she gazed up at him.

  He swallowed a sigh and took her hand in his. “How about when you’re finished here, I take you out to dinner.”

  “That sounds nice.”

  “My mom wants me to pick up some flowers next door and bring them home. If it’s all right with you, I know of a restaurant near my neighborhood we can go to afterwards.”

  She nodded. “Okay.”

  Brad searched his brain for a way to be helpful. “Um, is there anything I can do for you while you’re finishing up?”

  Delphine shook her head. “I’m done for the night and was just heading home. Let me get my purse. And you better hurry. The florist shop will be closing in a few minutes.”

  Brad watched her go to her office. The pleasure of seeing her was spoiled by the fact that he’d pulled back from her in her time of need, instead of supporting her like he should have. Only a dunce could’ve messed this up. And one ratty old bunny won’t make up for that fact.

  When she reappeared, he mustered a returning smile to answer hers, determined to do better from here on out.

  ****

  Delphine allowed her gaze to drift over Brad’s features as they sat in a trendy, busy eatery near the beach after dropping the flowers off at his house. Despite the crowds, they were situated in a relatively private alcove behind some potted palms.

  She wondered why he acted different today. His effusive personality seemed subdued, as if he were worried or upset.

  Delphine reached out to touch his hand, suddenly craving contact with him. When his fingers closed around hers, a bit of her angst eased.

  The initial attraction she had for him had burgeoned into a love that burned fiercely in her heart, frightening her in its intensity. He’d made her loss somehow more bearable. Delphine shuddered to imagine the yawning loneliness without him.

  “How’s your salad?”

  Delphine blinked, then flushed. She’d forgotten about her food. “It’s fine.”

  Brad grinned. “You haven’t taken a bite.”

  She swallowed, admiring his eyes. They reminded her of a glimpse of blue sky through gray clouds, a blue that promised freedom from mundane worries.

  He gripped her hand. “What are you thinking about?”

  Delphine didn’t know what to say. That I can’t imagine life without you? That I still can’t believe this is happening? She lowered her gaze, afraid he might see her growing need for him in her eyes.

  Brad felt the warmth of Delphine’s hand under his own. The dark light in her eyes as she regarded him left him wondering what she really thought of him. Did he see love there because he wanted to?

  Does she doubt whether she can trust me? What do I really had to offer her? Let’s see. I’m unemployed, live with my parents, haven’t been as supportive as I should be. Wow, I’m a real keeper!

  A heaviness descended on his chest, making it difficult to breathe. He’d already let her down in so many ways—how could he make it up? If only the loan wasn’t an issue. If only it didn’t matter.

  He sat up straighter. Perhaps if he got rid of the loan anonymously, he could remove the obstacle that seemed to hold their relationship back—while at the same time proving he wasn’t just a beach bum boyfriend. He had some prize money tucked away from his surfing days. Would it be enough? And how to do it in such a way that she would accept the fact that it was paid off?

  First things first. I have to find out the amount of the loan.

  Brad glanced at Delphine. Should he ask outright? She looked at him with a gentle smile. Nah. Why spoil the moment? I’ll just have to ask Dad. With the idea burning in his brain, he felt a lightening of spirit.

  He’d come through for Delphine after all.

  ****

  After dropping Delphine off at her apartment, Brad headed home, his mind whirling with how he might accomplish his plan. He fantasized about Delphine’s response to his largess. Would she throw herself into his arms with joy and gratitude? He remembered her fit of temper at the chocolate shop.

  Hmmm. Probably not. In fact, it might make her feel more beholden to him than ever. Maybe even make her use some choice French phrases that would singe his ears. Brad frowned at the frustrating complication, wishing Delphine would quit worrying so much about money. He felt a disloyal jab at the thought. Never having to agonize about personal finances had perhaps made him cavalier.

  Well, he was determined to find a way to get rid of the loan, anonymously if possible, to remove the last impediment he could see from their relationship. If she didn’t have to concern herself with the bottom line so much, she could worry more about giving him hugs and kisses. He grinned, pulling into the driveway.

  In the house, Brad noticed his parents were absent. His mom had mentioned something about taking their guest down to the beach after dinner. He let out a sigh, wishing he could ask his dad about the loan right away.

  But would he tell you?

  The thought halted Brad on the stairs. He imagined himself asking his father about the amount—and immediately realized he’d say it was a private matter. Brad slapped his hand on the stair banister. He had to find out the amount, even if it meant enduring his father’s anger when he found out his son had snooped in personal papers.

  Brad thought about Delphine—about the way she was coming to mean more than anything to him. Without a doubt, he knew it’d be worth it.

  Thirteen

  Delphine spent the next several days training Minnie and Stephan to make chocolate as she’d learned in Belgium. They faired well, and seemed to enjoy their work. Of course there could be problems, Delphine mused. Minnie had taken one look at Stephan and had promptly fallen in love. There was no doubting that puppy dog mien as her expressive eyes followed every move Stephan made.

  Luckily, Stephan had transferred his flirtatious tendencies from his boss to Minnie, though Delphine felt somewhat sorry for the girl. Poor, shy Minnie didn’t stand a chance against such practiced onslaught. But they worked well together and perhaps all the positive, amorous energy would manifest itself in the chocolate products they helped produce.

  Delphine felt a pang as she watched their budding relationship. She desperately missed Brad every moment he wasn’t with her. He’d been vague and abstracted lately, mentioning something about having to begin looking for a job.

  Delphine especially wanted to take up his dad’s offer and go to ch
urch with them, but she felt shy about asking. At the back of her feelings for Brad hovered the nagging worry that somehow she’d cornered him, or was becoming too clingy. She straightened her shoulders and decided to call him when she got home after work.

  After a quick shower, Delphine picked up the phone to call. When she got his voice mail, she hesitated, then left just her name before hanging up. She didn’t like the feeling Brad’s parents might intercept the message. Despite their welcoming demeanor, she worried they might think she was chasing him like some gold-digging female.

  Delphine had a quick dinner of leftovers, then she spent the rest of the evening going over her shop accounts, hoping Brad might return her call.

  ****

  Brad looked up when his bedroom door opened. His mom popped her head in and smiled.

  “Hi, sweetie.”

  Brad covered the papers on his desk with a section of newspaper and smiled back. His mom opened the door a little further and came inside. She glanced at the folders and piles of paperwork and raised her brow.

  “What are you working on?”

  Brad inwardly panicked. He tapped the newspaper, mustering a reassuring smile. “Just a little job hunting, you know. And looking around for my own place. It’s time I flew the coop for good.”

  His mother’s face fell. She toyed with her necklace. “Oh. No rush, you know.”

  “Can I help you with something, Mom?”

  She shook her head. “I just wondered if you’d heard from Delphine lately. It seemed like she disappeared after the funeral. I really miss her.”

  Brad had received her phone message but hadn’t yet returned her call. Despite her expressions of affection, he tortured himself with the idea that she felt indebted to him and his family—that she’d only called out of duty.

  “Is…everything okay between you two?”

  Brad noticed his mom’s hesitation. Usually she had no qualms about interfering with his life. He looked at her, wondering what to say. “She’s been busy training her new employees. Besides, I’m…giving her a little room.” He shrugged. “She’s been through so much lately, I guess I didn’t want to be an extra burden.”

  His mom walked over and bussed his cheek. “My baby a burden? Never.” She ruffled his hair. “Seriously, I think this would be the precise time Delphine would like having you around. Imagine how lonely she must be now.”

  How could he make his mother understand his fear? What if Delphine was at this moment breathing a huge sigh of relief to be free from his presence? What if she’d been acting a part because she felt pressured by his attentions? Round and round went his jumbled thoughts until he couldn’t think straight any more.

  His mom put her hands on her hips and gave him one of her famous looks. “I think Delphine’s a keeper, Brad. Don’t mess it up.”

  “Mom,” he said, exasperated, nonetheless feeling a tide of red creep up his face. “I’m twenty-six, not sixteen. I think I can handle my own love life.”

  “Don’t forget I had a part in all of your sibling’s marriages,” she persisted. “Someday you’ll thank me.” With that, she drifted from the room.

  If his mom only knew how much he missed seeing Delphine. But Brad wanted to take care of the loan before he took the next step.

  After finding the dollar figure in his dad’s files, it was quite a bit more than he’d assumed it would be, it would take some financial gymnastics—and time—to get the full amount of money together. He figured that by pulling all his funds from his savings accounts, some of which had been in CDs and money market accounts, and taking out a personal loan, he could just meet the necessary amount.

  Despite the expense and hassle it would be, he never doubted for a moment the importance of the gesture. He’d told Delphine he loved her, now it was time to show it. Unfortunately, it would take almost a week before he could have the cash in hand.

  Brad chafed at the delay. He wanted to clear the matter immediately, and see how his relationship with Delphine fared from then on. He sat staring at the phone on his desk for a moment, hoping with every fiber of his being that she’d accept the help, even after it was accomplished.

  He snatched the phone and dialed her number, needing to hear the sound of her voice.

  ****

  Delphine woke up with a feeling of expectation. Brad had called the night before, and she’d managed to get the nerve up to ask about attending church with him and his family. To her relief, he’d responded with enthusiasm.

  She rummaged through her closet, looking through her meager wardrobe for something Brad hadn’t seen her in before. She settled on a navy blue sleeveless linen dress.

  While she applied her makeup, she realized her hand was shaking. Blowing out a breath, she had to admit she felt nervous about seeing him. He’d said he loved her, right? Delphine held onto that thought like a lifeline.

  When the doorbell rang, Delphine jumped. Pressing her hand to her chest, she went into the living room and opened the door. Brad stood on the other side of the door looking very appealing in a jade-colored shirt worn with black slacks.

  His welcoming smile helped to ease her anxiety somewhat. “My parents are waiting in the car.”

  “Thanks for coming all this way to pick me up.”

  “No problem.”

  She saw him glance to the right and to the left at the other doors in the hall. Then, he lowered his lips against hers in a light, sweet kiss. Brad lifted his head before she could respond.

  Delphine put a hand to the doorjamb to steady herself. “Um, just let me grab my Bible and I’m ready to go.”

  After greeting Brad’s parents, she sat in the back of the Ford with him. Mrs. Larsen turned around in her seat and smiled. “We’re heading back toward Redondo Beach to where we’ve attended church for the last twenty years.”

  “And nothing’s changed in the last twenty years,” Brad murmured with a twinkle in his eye.

  “I heard that,” said his mom. “Don’t listen to him, Delphine. He thinks we’re just a bunch of old fogies, but Don and I became Christians during the Jesus Movement in southern California. We were hippies back then.”

  Delphine smiled at Elaine’s dreamy expression. “I think it’s nice that you’ve put down roots.”

  “You see, Bradley, Delphine agrees with me. Tradition has value.”

  Brad gave a mock look of defeat. “Fine. But it’s only your tradition you value. My generation wants to start their own traditions.”

  Elaine wagged her finger at him. “You won’t be happy until you have a rock band leading worship.”

  “Now you’re talking,” he said with a grin.

  “You must be guided by those more mature in the faith.”

  Brad groaned. “Just like you were when you were living in that commune?” He turned to Delphine. “You should see the pictures of my parents back then. Dad’s hair was longer than my mom’s.”

  A grmmph came from the driver. Delphine stifled a grin.

  “My mom wore these hippie dresses that looked more like a bunch of scarves tied together. Dad wore bell-bottom jeans and usually went barefoot.”

  “We weren’t into material possessions,” his mom retorted. “And everyone else looked like us so we didn’t know the difference.”

  “And now you go to the type of church you would’ve frowned on back then.”

  “Bradley, it’s not the outside that matters; it’s the inside. Outside, we may look like stuffy middle-aged people, but inside, our spirits are free as birds—just like in those days.”

  Brad snorted. His mom reached over the seat and swiped at his knee.

  Delphine sensed this was a conversation they’d had many times before. She envied their easy banter. They continued to argue good-naturedly for the duration of the drive. Mr. Larsen seemed content just to listen.

  They pulled into a parking lot. Delphine read the sign Faith Bible Church as they parked. The Larsens took the lead and Brad captured Delphine’s hand as they made their way inside
the large structure made from massive timbers and natural stone, flanked by stark palms and agave plants. Inside, people crowded the foyer to greet each other on their way into the sanctuary.

  There must be hundreds of people here! And the Larsens seem to know every one of them. Despite Brad’s assertion that the congregates here were stuffy, she saw people from many walks of life—affluent, humble, and everything in between.

  It wasn’t until the music began that they finally sat down in the pews. Delphine sat between Brad and his mom. As they stood and joined in singing the hymns, she couldn’t deny the overwhelming feeling of belonging that washed over her. It was a feeling she’d been denied through years of leading a rootless existence. Delphine didn’t want the service to end.

  Lord, please forgive my busyness, my giving in to the tyranny of the urgent. Help me to remember that my priority is You.

  A sense of shame followed the prayer. She never really changed—never tried hard enough. Was she just paying God what amounted to lip service? Delphine shoved the thought away, longing to get back the sense of peace she’d experienced moments before.

  Despite Brad’s insistence the service was sadly out of touch with modern times, he seemed to enjoy himself. Then again, she was beginning to learn Brad managed to enjoy just about everything he did. She wished she felt as free and relaxed as he did.

  During the sermon, he stretched his arm along the back of the pew and scooted closer to her. Delphine found his proximity made it difficult to focus on the message. While the words of the venerable white-haired pastor flowed over the congregation, she tried to absorb the sensation of peace and belonging. In case it didn’t last.

  She winced at the negative attitude that seemed to come so naturally. Lighten up, Delphine.