by JoAnn Durgin
It took a moment before she recovered her voice sufficiently to speak. “Seems to me you’ve already done more than your share of that. I will not let you shut me up tonight. Those days are long gone. I can’t believe you’re joking about it considering what you did.” She tried to ignore the hurt in his eyes. When will I learn to curb my tongue?
Others started coming into the kitchen laden with empty food trays and serving utensils. “I should go. I’m supposed to help. It’s an important responsibility, and I take it seriously.”
“Spoken like a fine schoolmarm. I’ll help you.”
She paused. “What do you mean?”
He slipped his arms free of the suit jacket and hung it on a hook. “Exactly what I said. I’m going to help out in the kitchen, and then I’m going to stay for the prayer meeting. We need to pray together.”
“I meant the schoolmarm comment.”
He leaned close, his warmth breath tickling her ear. “Beneath the prim and proper façade is the fun-loving, spontaneous Amy. She’s dying to get out more. I know because I got pretty fond of her, nutty though she is, on a little jaunt through Louisiana and Texas.” With a chuckle, he tapped her chin. “She’s also incredibly witty and gorgeous, and I find it very difficult to resist her.”
“I do—” No way would she admit how right he was since they both knew it to be true in terms of her social life. “As far as the prayer meeting, you’re right. Trust me, I’ll be doing some serious praying for your soul tonight.”
“Great. Thanks.” Rolling up his sleeves, Landon walked toward the men congregated by the sink. As she assisted the ladies in storing the leftovers, Amy twisted her mouth in an effort to hide her smile. He engaged the men with sports talk and listened to a few of them tell their war stories. Most of the regular members had heard the tales countless times, so they pounced on Landon like animals on fresh prey. He didn’t seem to mind, and she admired the way he interacted well with all of them while he helped put away dishes and dry the pans.
“Landon looks so familiar to me.” Lois handed Amy a foil-wrapped dish to load into the refrigerator.
“He’s the publisher of New York Scene.”
Beside her, Marian King shoved something into the freezer, grimacing with the effort. “We need to schedule a time to clean out this monstrosity. Something’s probably growing in here.” Closing the door, she turned to her. “Don’t let her fool you, Lois. Mr. Warnick’s also one of Manhattan’s most eligible bachelors. Read it in the Times.”
Don’t believe everything you read. Amy concentrated on making space in the refrigerator for the next dish.
“I read an editorial Landon wrote in the Post a few months ago responding to an article about adoption dangers and pitfalls,” Lois said, handing Marian a plastic bag with green beans to squeeze into the freezer. “My Kendra and her husband are considering adoption, and they said it was very helpful.”
“I hope it didn’t dissuade them from adopting,” Amy said as she put the final container into the refrigerator. That sounded pretty negative. She needed to tone it down.
“Oh, no,” Lois said. “The opposite. It’s actually helped them know the right questions to ask to help weed through all the different agencies. They were very grateful I sent the article to them. I’ll tell Landon myself when I get a chance. He might appreciate it since some people jumped down his throat, in a manner of speaking, after that piece was published.” She turned bright eyes on her. “He’s such a handsome man, Amy—tall, strong and such a gentleman. Why, those blue eyes positively sparkle when he looks at you, honey. Are you two dating?”
It wasn’t her imagination when it seemed every woman within range strained to hear her answer. “I, um . . .”
Someone slipped an arm around her shoulders. Closing her eyes for a brief second, she prayed for strength. She couldn’t push him away in front of these well-meaning ladies. No, that would be rude. “I’m trying to convince Amy I’m not such a bad guy,” Landon said. “Any help is appreciated, ladies.”
He must have thought she needed rescuing. Maybe he’s right.
The women all laughed—twittered was more like it—as though he’d said the wittiest thing they’d ever heard. Oh, please. Steeling herself not to roll her eyes, Amy grabbed another covered dish and hid her face in the refrigerator, hoping it would cool her flaming cheeks. When she pulled out and closed the door, she noticed Landon had resumed his dish duty on the opposite side of the kitchen and joined in another animated discussion of who-knows-what with the men.
A short time later, during the pastor’s short devotional, they sat, heads bowed, side-by-side in a pew. Midway through the prayer time, Landon began to pray.
“Heavenly Father,” he said, “help us to trust You in all things. Help us to know that You are the One in control, the only One who knows the true motivation of our hearts. Help us to love one another unconditionally, especially when we don’t understand one another or why things happen the way they do. Help us to give up control and give our worries, concerns and apprehensions to You. Thank You for loving us beyond anything we could ever comprehend. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
His prayer ended, they listened to the continuing prayers. Amy inched her hand toward his, giving it a nudge. He didn’t disappoint. Tears stung her eyes. I will be strong. She startled, but didn’t protest when he moved his arm along the back of the pew. Her pride had taken leave long ago and taken her common sense along for the ride. Sliding closer to him, she was filled with a sudden, unexpected happiness. Seemed she could be mad as spit at the man, but still crave his friendship and comfort.
After the prayer meeting, she made polite conversation with other members. From the corner of her eye, she saw Landon talking with one of the older couples. Why couldn’t the man take his quiet leave? Part of her wished he’d go, but the other part wanted to fall into his arms. She was tired and wasn’t sure she was up to another confrontation. Not tonight. Most of the congregants had already departed by the time she dropped onto a quiet bench in the outer vestibule. Kicking off her heels, Amy blew out a sigh. Pastor Thomas gave her a nod and told her to take her time and he’d lock up later.
After saying good night to the couple, Landon stopped in front of the bench. “Thanks for allowing me to sit with you in the prayer meeting.”
“I’ll do you one better.” She patted the spot beside her. “Sit.” With a small smile, he complied. “That was a very heartfelt prayer you prayed tonight,” she said, massaging her forehead. “I hope you meant it.”
“I did. Headache?”
“You could say that.” Her shoulders slumped and her lips started to tremble.
“Amy, I hope my being here tonight hasn’t made you mad or caused you more pain.” His words were quiet.
“It’s not that.” Blinking hard, she willed the tears to keep at bay. Do not cry.
He nudged her shoulder. “Everyone I talked to tonight couldn’t stop raving about you. I heard everything from how you saved the kids’ Christmas program last year to how you stayed with Velma’s grandkids for three nights straight so she and her daughter could be at the hospital when Velma’s husband had emergency surgery. There was a whole lot more, but one thing was perfectly clear.”
“All in the spirit of helping when and where I can. You’d do the same.” That comment slipped out unaware, but it was the truth.
“I wanted you to know your efforts are appreciated.” His gaze slid to where her hands rested on her lap. “How are things on the Amelia forgiveness barometer these days?”
Sitting up straighter, she cleared her throat. “The, um, atmospheric pressure is easing a bit, but it needs more time.”
“I’ve missed my road trip partner.” Gentle fingers tipped her chin. “And my dance buddy. The woman I’ve come to adore.”
Her eyes were watery when she looked up at him. “I miss Cooper.”
“He’s right here.” Landon’s eyes were bright and they’d never looked bluer.
He hurts as much�
��if not more—than I do. She didn’t protest when he drew her into his chest and wrapped her in his arms. Burrowing into him, Amy didn’t stop her tears. Releasing the pent-up emotion that had been building throughout the evening—ever since she’d last seen him, really—she cried. He leaned his head against hers and captured her hand, holding it tight. “I’m always here for you, Amy.” The words were whispered against her temple and he smoothed her hair away from her forehead.
“I’m sorry for making a mess of your jacket,” she said, wiping her cheeks with the back of one hand. “Nice suit, by the way. It suits you. Sorry. Really bad pun.”
He smiled. “That’s what dry cleaners are for, along with removing green bean and mashed potato stains.” With obvious reluctance, he released her. “Are there any tissues around here?”
“I’ll get them.” Padding in her stocking feet into the nearby ladies room, Amy grabbed the box. Back at the bench, she said, “Let me try and clean up your jacket.” Plucking a tissue from the box, she dabbed it on the front of his jacket.
Putting his hand over hers again, he stilled her action. “Leave it. That’s only making it worse.”
“You don’t get it,” she said with another sniffle, “it’s keeping my hands busy.”
His warm smile thawed her evaporating resolve. “I’ll keep them warm and protect them, if you’ll allow me.”
Slipping her hands from his grasp, she turned aside. “Like I said, I need to keep them busy, not warm. And I need time. This has all happened so fast.”
He pulled her back around to face him. “I’m a very imperfect Christian, Amy, but I’m also saved by a perfect God. It doesn’t mean I get a blank check for my bad behavior, but I’ve asked His forgiveness and now I’m asking for yours.”
“I’m not looking for perfection, Landon.” Dabbing the tissue beneath her eyes, she gave him a small smile as the conversations with Winnie and her mother floated through her mind. “I’ve missed you, too. More than I wanted.”
Relief spread through his handsome features. “I’ve missed you my whole life. Now that I’ve found you, I don’t want to lose you.”
She shook her head and gave him a small smile. “I’m going to call you Cooper when you say things like that. Broad, sweeping, chivalrous statements.”
“You love it.”
“Didn’t say I didn’t. Landon, I have a question for you.”
“Anything.”
“Are you ashamed or embarrassed by your dad?”
He lowered his gaze before lifting it to hers again. “I used to be, and that was before he was incarcerated.”
“What changed?”
“Meeting you and coming face-to-face with my shortcomings. I’m more like him than I realized. Someone I never thought I’d be, driven by ambition to get what I want.”
“How long has your dad been in prison?”
“Almost four years. His sentence was longer, but he paid back some of the money he embezzled from his company. It took a long time to get through the court system and for him to be sentenced with all the red tape and bureaucracy, but he’s been in a self-imposed prison for a lot longer. He gets out in February, but I’m not sure where he’s going or what he’ll do then.”
“Have you forgiven him?”
He hesitated before nodding. “In my heart, yes, but I wasn’t able to do it until after that last visit when you were in Austin. He seemed remorseful and was more honest than he’s ever been. I guess I’m waiting for him to come around and ask the question.” He looked away and rose to his feet. “It’s hard to say until it actually happens.”
Standing in front of him and putting one hand on the side of his jaw, Amy cupped it with her hand. Her eyes searched his.
“I’m asking you now, Amy. Will you forgive me? That’s all I’m asking. I can’t hope for any more than that.” She caught the choke in his voice, the deep emotion behind it.
“Yes, Landon. I forgive you.”
“Thank you.” When he opened his arms again, she moved into them without hesitation.
They stood a long time, not speaking, holding one another. Finally, she eased out of his embrace. “I need to get home.” Leading him to the coat rack, she pulled his black wool coat from the hook and handed it to him. She’d know it anywhere.
“Thank you.” Taking it from her, his fingers brushed hers and then he helped her into her own coat. After slipping on her shoes and grabbing her purse, she walked outside with him into the brisk night air, inhaling deeply.
“My Range Rover’s parked around the corner. Will you allow me to take you to supper since you didn’t eat earlier or drive you home?”
She lowered her gaze. “Thank you, but I’m not hungry and I’d rather walk.”
His eyes widened. “Please don’t tell me you walk alone on a regular basis.”
“Okay, I won’t.”
He shifted and looked away before returning his gaze to hers. “Does Mitch know about this?”
“No, but I carry mace and walk at a brisk pace.”
“If you insist on walking, I’m going with you.”
“Oh, I don’t know,” she said, glancing at his leather dress shoes. “Are you sure those shoes are appropriate for a long walk?”
He grinned. “If you won’t allow me to take you, then I’m going to hail a taxi for you. No way are you walking home by yourself.” Crossing the sidewalk to the curb, he looked both ways, but the street was quiet and deserted. “I’m afraid my record may not hold up tonight since there’s not a cab in sight.”
“Go for it.” She knew her eyes held the challenge as much as her smile.
“Tell you what,” he said, “if I can manage to hail a cab . . . here on this deserted street corner . . . in ten seconds or less, you agree to meet me for dinner on Valentine’s Day. We can use that certificate you earned for us tonight. What do you say?”
Amy glanced up and down the street. “Seeing as how it’s completely desolate on this street right now, I feel safe in saying you’re not going to win.”
“Just wait, my pretty. Oh, ye of little faith.” Shaking his head, Landon stuck two fingers in his mouth and whistled. Amy clamped both hands over her ears. He did it again, and then a third time.
“You have five more seconds.” She was really enjoying this. Although he didn’t bat an eyelash, from the lights of the street lamps, she saw the muscles in his jaws work overtime. Her eyes widened a second later when a cab turned the corner and sped toward them. Wouldn’t you know it. Her jaw dropped as the taxi made a smooth stop beside Landon. “You can take your fingers out of your mouth now. Your job is done.”
With a wide grin, he opened the car door and bowed. “Your taxi awaits.”
She leaned close as she passed by him. “Meet me at Kyle’s at six o’clock on Valentine’s Day. You owe me a dinner there, anyway.”
“I hear they’re booked way in advance for special occasions,” he said. “It might be awfully hard to get in.”
“I’m sure you’ll think of something.”
Chapter 44
Sunday, December 29, 2002
Working on a new article, she heard her cell phone ring. Grimacing at the interruption, Amy crossed from the kitchen into the living room and retrieved the phone from her purse. Not recognizing the area code or phone number, she frowned as she walked back to her chair at the kitchen table. Normally, she wouldn’t answer. She looked at the phone display again. Something registered in her brain. Texas.
“This is Amy.”
“Amy?” The voice was female. Young.
“Yes? Tam, is that you?”
“Um, yeah. Look, I need some help and I didn’t know who else to call. You were so nice to me and, um—”
“I’ll be happy to help you if I can,” Amy said. Leaning an elbow on the table, she rubbed her forehead while her mind spun in a hundred directions. Bad timing being only a few days before the New Year, but if it was important enough for Tam to call, the least she could do was listen. Tam probably had a fight
with Andy, some other guy or her mom. She’d listen, give the best counsel she could and then get back to work. When she’d offered to help, she meant more as a sounding board.
You told her you’d help if she needed it. Hear her out. “Why don’t you start by telling me what’s going on.” Leaning back in her chair, Amy closed her eyes, prepared to listen.
“Could you maybe come back down here?”
Amy’s breath hitched. Nothing this girl can say is going to get me to go running back down to Texas.
“I think I’m pregnant and I’m not sure what to do.”
Except that.
“Have you taken a pregnancy test?” Amy asked.
“Yeah. A week ago and again this morning. Both positive.” Tam’s voice broke.
Amy drummed her fingers on the table, and she started to say something before stopping herself. Now wasn’t the time for I told you so. Tam sounded beside herself as it was. Inhaling a deep breath, she forced the question. “What are you thinking, Tam?”
“I’m thinking I should probably get an abortion. I can’t keep my life straight, so why be saddled with a kid? My mom already signed a consent form since I’m underage. Says she can’t raise no more kids and railed on me for being stupid enough to get pregnant even though she did the same thing when she was my age.”
Amy clamped one hand over her mouth, stifling the sound of her gasp. Swallowing hard, she fought to control her breathing. Putting one hand over her stomach, she struggled out of the chair. With her eyes blurred by tears, she walked across the kitchen and leaned against the wall. Curling herself against it, she removed her hand from her mouth. She took a few quick breaths to try and control her voice. “Tam, please don’t do anything rash. You need to think this through first. From what you’re telling me, you’re not sure of this decision, and that’s why you called me.” Try as she might, her voice trembled.
Tam didn’t speak for several agonizing seconds. “I’m not asking you to tell me what to do.”
