by JoAnn Durgin
“Right.” She put the scrubber on the side of the sink.
“Tell me something. What is it with Sam and Lexa and white Volvos?” Josh leaned back against the kitchen counter, watching her.
Winnie could have kissed him for changing the subject. Putting the rinsed pan on the towel on the counter to dry, she wiped her hands and draped the dish towel over the bar on the bottom of the double oven. “I’ll tell you one of their secrets.” Untying her apron strings, she crooked a finger and motioned for him to follow her out the side door. It was a lovely evening, not too cool, not too warm with a soft breeze.
“Where are you taking me?” He followed her out to the building at the end of the driveway. “Is this an extra garage?”
“You’ll see.” She stood aside, arms crossed, and nodded her head toward the long, horizontal window. “Take a peek.” The corners of her mouth upturned.
“Will I turn into a pillar of salt?” Josh laughed under his breath.
“Just look,” she said.
Leaning close, he peered through the window. Pulling back, his eyes were wide. “It’s dark in there, but is that what I think it is?”
It took Winnie a moment to catch her breath, overcome with unexpected emotion as she looked into eyes so like her daughter’s it brought tears to her own. She swallowed hard. “None other.”
“No need to get all emotional over it but the bomb? They kept the bomb,” Josh said, shaking his head when he saw Winnie’s nod. “Why in the world. . .?”
If only he knew the true reason for her display of emotion. “Think about it. It’s what Sam was driving when he picked up Lexa for the San Antonio work camp, and it’s where the sparks first started between them. Remember, they had a flat tire and encountered a spitting goat before they ever reached the camp. By that time, I think they were already half in love with each other.”
“You’re telling me they’ve kept that prehistoric station wagon all this time purely for sentimental reasons?” His voice held disbelief.
She nodded, planting one hand on the garage door and standing on tiptoe to peer inside. “You haven’t been around them since they’ve been married, but they’re pretty shameless on a regular basis.” She turned to face him, fully aware he watched her every move. “To be honest, I wouldn’t doubt their little munchkin was conceived in that car. It’s actually surprising his name isn’t Volvo.” Josh burst out with the deepest, heartiest laugh she’d ever heard from him. Giggling, she put a finger over her lips. Sam and Lexa probably heard them from their upstairs bedroom.
“It’s late, and I need to get home,” Winnie said, walking back into the kitchen to retrieve her purse. She tried not to make it sound as though someone would be waiting for her at home, and Josh didn’t look like it was a question in his mind. Then she remembered Dottie was keeping Chloe overnight. As he walked beside her, Winnie wondered why it felt like saying good-bye at the end of a date. This was a case of a TeamWork friend helping them out tonight. That’s all it was. Nothing more. Maybe she should back out of the dinner tomorrow night. She should thank him for his selfless service, shake his hand, get in her car and drive away into the sunset.
“Thank you for the most fun I’ve had in a long time,” he said.
She didn’t believe that statement for a moment. “You don’t get out much, do you?”
“As a matter of fact, I don’t. I haven’t felt very social in recent years.” He brushed aside a long strand of hair the wind had tousled in its airy dance, his fingers lingering for the briefest of seconds on the side of her face. His eyes held something she’d never glimpsed before. Wistfulness perhaps, and maybe something more but no way would she hazard a guess. “You’re a very special person, Winnie, and I’m blessed to know you.”
She leaned into his touch, closing her eyes for a few seconds. Snapping out of her trance, she opened the car door. “Right back at ya, Josh.” She climbed into Ladybug, backed out of the driveway and took off down the street without another glance.
~~**~~
Reclining on Rebekah’s sofa, Kevin stretched out and closed his eyes. He’d played his new song for her, wanting her to hear the tune before he put lyrics to it. His guitar was propped against the sofa, and he rested his head on a cushion cradled on her lap. How she loved his lush, dark hair as she finger-combed it. The look of contentment on his face told her how much he enjoyed it. She continued what she was doing, taking advantage of the opportunity to study his face. So handsome. Rugged was a good word to describe this man. The angles of his face were defined, his lips not too full or thin. Classic boy-next-door looks with a chiseled jaw, firm chest, and hard muscle from all his labor. Her gaze slid down to his boot-covered feet crossed on the arm of the sofa.
“That’s the most fun I’ve had in a long time,” he said, opening his eyes, interrupting her thoughts. “Thanks for inviting me to the picnic. They’re a great group of people, and I can see why you like working with them.”
She loved the way he looked at her, knowing he saw her heart as well as what the rest of the world saw. “I do. Sometimes I wonder if I should apply at a Christian school, but it’s a good school, and I’m very happy there.” She released a sigh. “I like to think I’m making some kind of impact on the kids. In some ways, it’s more of a challenge since I have to be careful about what I can or can’t do or say since it’s a public school.” Rebekah yawned. “Did that even make sense?”
Kevin straightened up to sit beside her and put one arm around her shoulders. “They’re blessed to have you, and trust me, they know it. You bloom where you’re planted, sweetheart.”
Rebekah’s heart thrilled at his use of the endearment, as it always did. He didn’t use it often, but when he did—in moments of closeness like this—she knew his kiss was imminent.
Sure enough, he stroked his fingers down her cheek. “Interested in exploring that kiss now?”
“I might be persuaded,” she said, her voice quiet, moving closer. She felt a purr of excitement in her abdomen. Whenever Kevin got close like this, she got that little rumble, and it wasn’t hunger for food.
“Are you going to think about it all night, or are you going to kiss me?” He had the look. Kevin’s fingers gently tugged on her chin as he leaned close.
As she settled into the kiss, he wrapped his arms around her. How she loved kissing this man. His jaw felt slightly rough against her skin, but she didn’t mind. His mouth tasted salty, minty fresh and sweet all at the same time. Kevin pulled her closer, his hold on the middle of her back firm. Rebekah thought he might deepen the kiss, but he never did. That would be too intimate for him at this stage. By contrast, Adam had been much too forward too soon.
“We’re getting pretty good at this,” he said, his voice husky. He pulled away, reluctance written in every nuance of his face. “Too good. I’d best be getting out of here. The Lord wouldn’t be pleased with what I’m thinking right now. I must say good night and thank you for a perfect day.”
Rebekah watched through hazy eyes as Kevin rose to his full height. He was one of the most masculine men she’d ever known. Physically strong, but his greatest strength was in his quiet confidence, his reliance on the Lord. Kevin lived his faith.
“Choking incident aside, it was a perfect day. Call me soon?” She walked him to the front door, running a hand over her slightly mussed hair. Looking at him, she grinned. His hair was sticking up in certain sections and it made him look like a little boy fresh from the bath. Stepping closer, she smoothed it down with her fingers, being careful not to get more distracted. “There. That’s better.”
“I’ll call you tomorrow.” Kevin kissed her again, his lips lingering. “What are you doing to me, Rebekah?” A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth as he leaned his forehead on her shoulder and released a long sigh.
She smiled when he lifted his head. “I suspect the same thing you’re doing to me.” Pushing a lock of hair aside, she resisted the urge to kiss the half-inch scar on the right side, the result of a b
ike accident when he was eight. That scar only endeared him to her more. Remembering his guitar, she retrieved it.
With a murmured good-bye, Kevin departed. She watched as he climbed into his blue Dodge Ram, and waved as he started the engine and pulled away from the curb. Closing the door behind him, she slumped against it. She hated to see him go, but he was right. It would be dangerous for him to stay any longer. Boundaries needed to be kept, and it was important to both of them to honor the Lord in their physical relationship. She jumped as the phone rang, interrupting her thoughts. Still dazed from Kevin’s kisses, she didn’t pick it up, knowing the machine would.
“Hello, lovely.” Adam. “Wanted to make sure we’re still on for lunch Saturday at half past twelve. Talk to you soon, and I can’t wait. Love you.” She could listen to his cultured British accent all day. If nothing else, his message was a reminder she’d need to adjust the volume of the answering machine—and also move it out of earshot of the living room. Her bedroom would be the best choice. Relieved, she blew out a breath. That was way too close for comfort. What if Kevin heard that message? Think, Rebekah, think. She sank into the closest chair in the living room, grabbed a pillow and hugged it against her.
The phone rang again, startling her, but she didn’t feel compelled to answer. She smiled when she heard Kevin’s voice but let the machine record his message, too. His voice was deeper than Adam’s, with that familiar Louisiana Cajun accent.
“Hi, Rebekah. Just wanted to say again that I had a lot of fun today, spending time with you and your friends from the school. Talk to you tomorrow, and,” he said with a quiet laugh, “you might want to stay away from kabobs unless I’m sitting beside you. I’m glad you’re okay.” Her heart warmed at the sound of his voice, but her smile sobered as she tuned out his words. Is Kevin in love with me even a little bit?
Adam told her he loved her all the time. Somehow, it came across more like a casual comment and not indicative of an I-love-you-and-want-to-spend-the-rest-of-my-life-with-you kind of commitment. Her brow furrowed. He’d dropped broad hints lately about wanting to make changes in his life. It was very confusing.
Climbing into bed a half-hour later, her cell phone rang. Had to be Josh. For whatever reason, both Adam and Kevin normally called her on the landline. She grabbed the phone and stifled a yawn. “Josh, do you have any idea what time it is? I hope you realize anyone else would get my voice mail.”
He laughed. “In that case, I do feel special. Thought I’d see how the school picnic went today. Any interesting developments?”
“Well,” she said, sitting up and leaning against the backboard, “did you know there’s a fine art to making kabobs?”
“Can’t say as I do. Then again, I’m trained in Louisiana law, not kabob preparation. To use your expression, cut to the chase.”
“We had a fun time, save for the small matter of me choking on a red pepper on one of said kabobs.”
“You what?” She caught his attention with that one. “You okay, honey?”
“Fine. Just embarrassed myself. It seems I always need a hero around to save me from myself. Tell Sam the TeamWork lifesaving training came in handy again today. Kevin took good care of me.”
“Well, I’m glad he was there with you. I doubt the—”
“Don’t say a word about Adam. Not now, Josh.” Her voice was firm, and he took the hint when he urged her to tell him more about the picnic. “I always have fun with Kevin. He’s great. Tell me about Winnie. Sorry I didn’t call, but I hope you felt my prayers.”
“That must have been the sharp pain I kept getting in my gut today. Either that or sympathy pangs for your kabob emergency.”
“Funny. So, did you share any special moments with her?”
“As a matter of fact, yes. It was a little awkward at first, but believe it or not, your brother donned an apron and helped out the ladies with a catering event tonight. Sam, too. I think our TeamWork friends are getting used to having me around again. They’re not running away kicking and screaming, either.”
Rebekah laughed. She thought of a couple of things she could do while they talked, but for once, she didn’t feel like doing anything other than listen. She was too tired, but it was a good tired. “Did you, now? I’d like to see you in an apron. Bribery has its advantages, you know. I hope Lexa or Winnie got pictures.”
“I’m taking her to dinner tomorrow night, Beck.”
That was a shocker. “Just so we’re clear, you’re taking Winnie on a date?”
“That’s certainly the way I look at it,” Josh said, “but I’m not sure she shares that viewpoint.”
“You know, the more you tell me about this—whatever it is between you and Winnie—the more I have to wonder what’s up. I had no idea you looked at her in a romantic way. I mean, she’s gorgeous, but. . .” For all she knew, Josh hadn’t looked at any woman that way in a long time, namely out of necessity and getting himself on the right track with the Lord. But now he seemed focused. If he was going to try dating again, Winnie would be a perfect candidate save for the fact she didn’t live in Louisiana. Knowing Josh, geography wouldn’t deter him.
“Let’s see how the dinner date goes. You need your beauty rest. Love ya, Beck.” Again, her brother had the last word.
“You too, Josh.”
Chapter 10
Wednesday, Late Morning
The student aide tossed Kevin a shy glance as she led the way through several shiny hallways of the elementary school. Hearing the sound of Rebekah’s voice, he smiled as he rounded the corner of her classroom. He whispered his thanks and took a seat on one of the small folding chairs at the back, nodding to Hannah where she stood near the window. Leaning forward, elbows on his thighs, chin on one hand, he took a quick survey of the students. Based on how quiet they were, Rebekah had complete command. He knew she preferred teaching the younger grades, getting the kids “while they’re still young and impressionable.” Before they started thinking they knew more than God, their parents or teachers.
A slow smile crossed Rebekah’s face when she spied him. On any other woman, the light blue blouse and khaki skirt with a sweater tied around her shoulders would look plain and like a school marm. But on Rebekah, the outfit looked nothing short of spectacular. Those long, tanned legs that seemed to go on forever were bare and she wore flat sandals. Her naturally blonde hair was down—the way he liked it best—curling on the ends, falling past her shoulders and halfway down her back.
Not as subtle as he should be, Kevin tuned out her words as he leaned back in the chair and enjoyed the view. He’d been half in love with her since they first met on a TeamWork mission a number of years ago. Other TeamWork guys tried to catch her attention—lots of guys had tried—but she’d always been focused on school and the missions.
This girl wasn’t one to sit home alone on Saturday nights. He kept watching, praying and biding his time. It lit a fire under him at the Montana mission when he’d almost lost her. He’d owe Marc Thompson the rest of his days for hauling her from that frozen creek, thankful the Lord put Marc in the wilderness when Rebekah needed him most. Still, every time Kevin heard Marc referred to as her hero, he couldn’t help the slightest twinge of jealousy. He wasn’t proud of it, but at least he’d been the one Sam called to help once Marc got Rebekah back to the main house at the ranch.
He’d never forget the fear in her eyes, the way she shivered as he carried her to the waiting SUV, wrapped in blankets. The way she clung to him, too frozen to cry or speak. Then as now, he wanted to hold her forever. Protect her. Love her. In all his days, he’d never forget her sweet looks of appreciation as he fed her in the small Montana hospital when she couldn’t move her fingers. The way she snuggled on the sofa and closed her eyes as he played his guitar and sang to her, or listened to him read. The way she clasped his hand as best she could and prayed with him. The way her eyes smiled with what he hoped was deep affection. Her love of the Lord and desire to share her talents with children endeared her to him.
Whenever he looked in those mesmerizing eyes and ended up on the receiving end of her breathtaking smile, he was lost.
Kevin snapped to attention when Hannah clapped her hands and called the students to form two lines at the door. His eyes met Rebekah’s as she corralled the stragglers before walking to the back. Rising to his feet, he smoothed his hands down the front of his jeans, hoping he wasn’t spreading sawdust on the spotless floor.
“Hi, handsome. This is a pleasant surprise. I didn’t know you were coming to see me.”
“Hi, yourself. I ended up hauling a load of lumber to a house nearby, so I took the chance you might be available to go to lunch.” He gave her a hopeful smile and waved bye to Hannah as she departed the classroom with the kids.
“As it turns out, I’m not assigned to lunch duty and you’d be saving me from a very sorry-looking tuna sandwich.”
“Great. Grab your purse and let’s head out. Your chariot awaits.” He crooked an arm.
“Give me a minute to convince the principal the class is covered. Wait here,” she said, “and I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
Walking around the classroom, Kevin paused near the front, studying the bulletin boards. It pleased him she’d used a couple of his ideas on careers. Turning, he focused on Rebekah’s desk, organized and free of clutter. The entire classroom looked surprisingly tidy. Her calendar was open, and a date with a notation circled in bright red caught his eye. Curiosity reeled him in like a hungry fish to the bait. Trip to London Bridge with A.M.
He blinked and looked at it again, taking another step closer. The British guy—her former boyfriend—his name was Adam something or other. The sudden squeezing of Kevin’s heart reminded him Adam’s last name started with the letter M. Mosier? Mason? Martin. The guy who’d asked her to marry him and the man he blamed—irrational though it was—for Rebekah’s fall into the creek. She’d been thinking about Adam’s marriage proposal and lost her footing. Kevin shuddered at the reminder and shook his head to clear his thoughts.
