The Come to Me Complete Collection: Contemporary Christian Romance

by Leah Atwood

  Slipping his phone into his pants pocket, Bryce walked back and sank into a chair. Clearly upset, his unsteady hands tapped against his legs.

  “What’s wrong?” Rob leaned forward.

  Bryce stared into space. After several moments, he answered, his gaze still transfixed on an unknown spot. “Gramps passed away this morning. He had a heart attack.”

  “I’m really sorry.” Rob clasped his hands in front of him, not sure what to do. Did he give his friend a hug, a pat on the shoulder?

  “I can’t…” Bryce trailed off, his eyes blinked. Standing up, he turned to face away.

  Rob went to him, stood beside him. “Gramps was a good man. I only had the privilege of meeting him a few times, but I enjoyed getting to know him. That final conversation with him changed my life.”

  Half of Bryce’s mouth turned up. “He was the best. He and Gram believed in me when no one else did. If not for him, I don’t know where I’d be today.” He swiped at his eyes.

  They remained in silence. Drawing on his own experience with grief, Rob knew this was one of those times that saying nothing was better than speaking. Filling the quiet with trite clichés would serve no purpose. When Bryce was ready to talk again, he would.

  Bryce looked at him through bloodshot eyes. “How am I going to tell Sophie and Gracie? Especially Gracie.” He coughed. “She thinks the sun rises and sets on Gramps.”

  “I don’t know.” He drew a long breath, wishing he had better words to offer.

  “When her mom passed, she wasn’t old enough to understand death completely. Now, she’s older…” Bryce bit his bottom lip. “I guess I need to start making calls.”

  Rob gathered his papers, which were spread out on a low table. “Should I head out or stick around?”

  “Do you mind staying?” Bryce swallowed again, and Rob read between the lines.

  People grieved differently. There were some who needed to be alone, and other who needed to be around friends and family. Bryce fell into the latter category.

  “Not at all.” He made a mental note to call and reschedule a maintenance appointment planned for the Jeep later in the afternoon. “What can I do?”

  Bryce rubbed his jaw. “Would you mind calling Madison and asking her to cancel all my obligations for the next week?”

  “I’m on it.” Madison was Caroline’s assistant and had been placed in charge while Caroline and Jay were on their honeymoon.

  “I guess I need to call Sophie at school first. Or should I go there and tell her?” He looked at Rob as though he were the expert. “And Gracie…”

  “Why don’t you go to them?” He glanced at the digital clock on the wall. “Isn’t the school day almost over?”

  “True, and even so, the principal will understand a personal visit of this nature though.” Bryce rubbed his eyes again. “Make yourself at home. I’ll be back soon.”

  “Don’t worry about time. Should I call Adam and Jay?”

  “I’ll call Adam. Don’t say anything to Jay or Caroline. I don’t want to detract from their honeymoon.” His voice quivered. He turned on a heel and rushed up the stairs.

  Sensing his friend needed a moment of privacy, Rob gave him a few minutes before he went upstairs. By then, Bryce had already left. Rob went to the kitchen, grabbed a drink, and then went outside on the deck to make phone calls. First, he called Madison, who offered a condolence and assured him she’d clear Bryce’s schedule. She also promised not to mention the news to Caroline.

  Work-related issues taken care of, he called the dealership and rescheduled his appointment for the end of next week. Since it was routine maintenance, the oil change and tire rotation could wait a few more days.

  Thoughts of Dani crossed his mind. His chest constricted thinking of what she must be feeling. He wanted to comfort her, but she had a boyfriend for that.

  You can still be a friend.

  Yes, he could. A text seemed inappropriate, too impersonal. He wasn’t sure how she’d welcome a call, but it was the best choice in this scenario. He dialed her number, his heart thumping as he listened to the ringtone. When her voicemail answered, he felt a small measure of relief. He could leave a message so she knew he was thinking of her during this time and be done with it.

  Dani’s line beeped after her recorded greeting. “Hi Dani, it’s Rob.” He tapped his fingers against the deck railing. “I just wanted to tell you I’m really sorry about Gramps.” He paused, then added, “You’ll be in my prayers.”

  He hung up. Whew, that was over. He second-guessed his final sentence. Few people knew of his renewed faith, or that he even had faith. It was still too personal, too raw, as he tried to reconcile everything he’d battled since losing Carrie. Except, he wanted to pray for Dani, do something to ease the pain of Gramps’ death.

  Prayers didn’t come naturally to him. He was still rusty in the practice. He stood at the deck’s edge, clasping his hands and draping them over the ledge. “Dear Lord, I’m not real good at this, but I have friends hurting right now. Please give them peace during this time and not be too stubborn, like I was, to accept it.”

  The door behind him opened. He pivoted to see Fjolla, Bryce’s housekeeper.

  “Good afternoon, Mr. Rob.” A long-time employee, she knew all of Bryce’s close friends and wouldn’t think it odd to see him in Bryce’s house. “Is Mr. Bryce around?”

  “No, he had to make a trip to the school.”

  Fjolla tilted her head to the side. “Gracie’s not sick, is she?”

  “No. Gracie and Sophie are fine.” He deliberated a moment before deciding to tell her what happened. “Bryce’s grandfather passed away this morning. He thought it best to tell Sophie in person instead of calling.”

  “Yes.” Her eyes clouded over. “Were you here with my boy when he found out?”

  Rob had to smile. Fjolla was so much more than an employee. She cared for Bryce as though he were her child. “Yes.”

  “How did he take the news?” She walked closer to him.

  “As well as can be expected, I guess.” His shoulders rose then fell. “He left for the school not long after taking the call.”

  “He’s lucky to have a good wife and friends to support him during this time.” Fjolla took a deep breath and exhaled. She gripped his arm. “You included.” She released him and stepped back. “Time to get busy.”

  She bustled away, but her words left a warm spot in him. He respected the older woman a great deal, and her approval meant a lot to him.

  An hour later, Bryce returned with Sophie and Gracie. Sophie’s eyes were red-rimmed and her face blotchy. She greeted Rob with a weak smile. Gracie still had tears running down her cheeks.

  “Let’s go change out of your uniform and then you can have a snack.” Sophie sniffed. “If my nose is right, I smell some of Mrs. Fjolla’s chocolate cake.”

  “I don’t want cake. I want Gramps.” Gracie’s muffled words were heartbreaking.

  Stooping down, Bryce gave his daughter a hug. Sophie and Rob stepped back for a minute, letting father and daughter have their moment.

  Eventually, Sophie stepped forward and gently took her stepdaughter’s hand. “Come on, sweetheart.” They walked upstairs in silence.

  Bryce stood and ran both his hands through his hair, looking completely helpless. “I don’t know how to take away her pain.”

  “Just keep loving her.”

  “She’s had more loss than any six-year-old should ever experience.” Bryce’s attention traveled away then came back. “I have a big favor to ask.”

  “What’s that?” He shoved a hand into his rear pocket.

  “Can you come to Oden Bridge with me tomorrow?” Bryce bit his bottom lip.

  Rob hadn’t expected that request. Running into Dani would be inevitable—it would also be awkward. But of course he would go. His friendship with Bryce far trumped any trepidation about seeing Dani.

  Ostensibly mistaking his hesitation for denial, Bryce rushed to explain. “I know it�
�s short notice, but we talked to the principal before we left. A grandparent-in-law doesn’t meet the requirements for bereavement leave, but he excused Sophie from today’s meeting, and can give her off Thursday, Friday, and next Monday for the funeral.” He stopped to clear this throat. “Sophie and I talked on the way home and agreed it would be best for me to leave tomorrow and be with my family beforehand.”

  “That’s fine.” He suppressed a sigh.

  Bryce’s feature brightened just a tad. “Are you sure?”

  “Positive.” He pulled out his phone and glanced through his calendar. “There’s nothing I can’t reschedule. Are we flying or driving?”

  “Driving. Sophie and Gracie will fly down Thursday, and this way we won’t have to worry about a rental.” He rocked on his heels. “Besides, Sophie looked up flights on the way home and the soonest one would only get us there an hour earlier than if we leave at four.”

  “In the morning?” His eyebrows rose.

  “We should miss the bulk of traffic that way.” Bryce looked at him with uncertainty. “We can push it back a few hours.”

  “Four’s fine.” He never slept much anyway. “Where are we staying?”

  “I haven’t figured that out yet. Typically, I’d stay with Gram, but don’t want to impose.” He looked up, deliberating. “There aren’t any hotels in Oden Bridge, but I’ll call Uncle Gil—maybe we can stay there. If nothing else, I’m sure Dani will let us crash there.”

  Rob coughed loudly. No way was that happening.

  Looking at him now, Bryce blanched. “Sorry, that was a horrible idea. I’ll figure it out by tomorrow. When Dad calls back with more information, I’ll ask where he’s staying.”

  “Okay.” He looked around, at what he wasn’t sure. “Do you want me to stick around any longer?”

  “I think I’m good. Did you call Madison?”

  He nodded. “Yes. She’s taking care of everything on the work end.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Fjolla’s here, and I told her what happened. She’s in the kitchen, my guess is cooking up meals to fill the freezer for a month.” Food was a good idea. He’d grab something on the way home.

  A close-lipped smile formed on Bryce’s face. “Undoubtedly. I’ll go talk to her.”

  Remembering his papers downstairs, Rob inched toward the basement door. “I’ll get my song sheets and see myself out.”

  “I’ll pick you up at four tomorrow.” Bryce lingered as if he wanted to say more. “Thanks again, for everything.”

  “Anytime.” Rob gave a tight nod and went downstairs.

  He grabbed his portfolio and left. On his way home, he stopped at a fast food joint, but drove away before ordering since that was probably what they’d eat while on the road tomorrow. He’d order delivery of something once he got home.

  The entry gate to his condo building was locked when he pulled up to it. He lowered his window, leaned out, and typed in the four-digit code. In slow motion, the iron arm rose, and Rob drove through when it reached its peak height. He drove a hundred feet and pulled into his parking spot.

  No one was outside, but that wasn’t unusual. The building was geared toward younger generations, those in their twenties and thirties. It mainly housed professionals, most of whom were in the entertainment industry. As far as he knew, none of the residents had children and only a few were married. When he’d bought his unit, it was a perfect fit for him. Now, it seemed desolate and lonely.

  He stopped by the mailboxes and unlocked his, pulling open the rectangular brass door. There were only three pieces of mail waiting for him, all junk. He tossed them into the trash. Someone had been wise to place the receptacle there as it seemed most of his mail was a never-ending train of solicitations from various establishments.

  Once inside his condo, he switched a light on and dug through the menu drawer. Barbecue, no. He set that menu aside. Pizza—he shook his head. The next menu was for Chinese food. Sure, he hadn’t had it in a few months. A lady with an elderly-sounding voice took his order when he called in and told him it would be there in half an hour.

  He turned on his stereo system and changed the stations until he found a song he liked. Music blaring, he went to his bedroom and into the walk-in closet to retrieve a suitcase. Hiding in the back corner of the closet was a black suit, worn for Carrie’s funeral. He hadn’t worn it since, and he doubted it would even fit. Back then, he’d weighed a good twenty pounds more than he did now. The gym had become a close friend in those early years after she’d died.

  On impulse, he took the suit from the closet, went to the kitchen, and shoved it into the trash. He’d held onto it long enough. Returning to the bedroom, he took two pairs of black dress pants off a hanger, a gray button down shirt, and a black dress shirt. That should take care of the viewing and funeral. Despite not knowing the exact time frame he’d be in Oden Bridge, it was a reasonable assumption that he’d be there for those events.

  His phone rang, and he answered after turning off the radio—delivery was calling, needing to be let into the complex. He went to the keypad by the front door and entered the code, remotely unlocking the gate. Minutes later he had his food and was sitting on the sofa eating Kung Pao chicken straight from the container while watching the evening news.

  A young reporter was interviewing a homeless man who was caught saving a woman from a would-be mugger, when his phone rang again. He was tempted to ignore it, wanting to eat in peace. Too much was going on though, and it could be something important. Setting down the cardboard box of food, he exchanged it for his phone. Dani was calling. A fist clenched around his heart.

  After taking a deep breath, he muted the TV and answered the phone. “Hello.”

  “Hi. Rob?” Hearing her voice brought a part of his heart alive.

  “Yes.”

  “It’s Dani.” She sounded so uncertain, full of sorrow.

  “I know. Caller ID and all.” He tried to make a joke, not to devalue her grief, but to make her smile.

  She chuckled, soft and nervous. If speech were musical instruments, hers would be a violin, going up and down, sometimes quick, sometimes drawn out. Her emotions were played so clearly in her tone, brought to life like a violin’s bow to the strings. “Of course.”

  “How are you?” Leaning over, he propped his elbows on his knees.

  “Okay, I guess. Not really, but I will be.” A stifled sound came through the line.

  “I’m really sorry about Gramps. I was with Bryce when the call came.” As though the explanation of his presence would help. He shook his head, reminding himself not to offer useless information.

  He heard her suck in a breath before replying. “I got your message. That was really sweet of you.”

  “Is there anything I can do?”

  “No, not that I can think of.” In the background, a cat meowed. There was some shuffling, and he pictured her feeding Pip.

  “Bryce asked me to come to Oden Bridge with him tomorrow.” A question had lingered in the back of mind since Bryce had asked. “Is that okay with you?”

  “Absolutely. Why wouldn’t it be?” Was it him, or did her voice seem suddenly breathless?

  He attempted a joke again. “Just wanted to make sure past grievances are forgiven.”

  A sad laugh came from Dani. “I’d like to think we’ve moved beyond that.”

  “Good.”

  “Can I ask a question?” Hesitation filled her words.

  “Go ahead.”

  “In your message, you said you’d pray for me.” She cleared her throat. “Did you mean that?”

  “Yes.” He already had and would continue to do so.

  “Thank you. That means more to me than anything I’ve heard today, especially coming from you.”

  His breath was knocked from him. He sat up, leaned back against the cushion. “You know, in a roundabout way, Gramps is responsible for those prayers.”

  “Really?” She sounded more like herself, the not-grieving Dani. “How so?
”

  “His advice and wisdom helped bring me back from a dark spot.” An inner force nudged him to say more. “Maybe one day I can tell you the whole story.”

  “I’d like that,” she whispered.

  The conversation was coming to an end. As much as he wanted to extend it, anything more would be forcing something when it wasn’t time. “If you need anything…” He trailed off, leaving the invitation open.

  “Thank you for calling.” Sadness filled her voice again. “And thanks for being a friend.”

  “Anytime.” He disconnected the call, wishing for everything that he could go back several months and change the course of events.

  In his redo, he would have realized his feelings for her much sooner, and then put aside his fears before it was too late.

  Chapter 12

  “I’m sorry I can’t make it. There’s no way to reschedule my appointments.” Jeff’s eyes cast downward, expressing genuine remorse.

  Dani sighed. “I understand.”

  But she didn’t. She shouldn’t hold it against him that he’d be missing Gramps’ viewing and funeral. Yet if he really cared, wouldn’t he have found a way? Wasn’t that what a boyfriend, or whatever he was, did? Be there for his girlfriend? On the other hand, he had left work early yesterday to spend the evening with her, supporting her. He wasn’t completely heartless.

  Grief had her confused, unsure what she really felt. Holding a grudge against Jeff wasn’t fair to him, especially since they weren’t in a serious relationship.

  “I need to get back to work now. Are you going to be okay?” He laid a hand on her upper arm.

  “No.” She stepped back from him, breaking his contact. If one more person asked if she was okay, she would scream loud enough for the whole world to hear.

  Jeff’s sharp intake of air produced an audible whoosh. “I’m really sorry, Dani. My hands are tied.”

  She blinked rapidly, willing the tears to disappear. “Just go, please. I’m not thinking clearly right now and need to be alone.”

  “I’ll call you later.” He took her into an embrace, but his arms were too rigid to offer any comfort. Either he was mad, or uncomfortable. Considering the way she was acting, she wouldn’t blame him if he was both, but she couldn’t seem to stop it and didn’t try to hug him in return. Releasing her, he backed away and left her house.