by Delia Latham
Sitting quietly for a moment, she waited, but the Creator of the universe remained silent. What a silly goose she was! Why would God talk to her about these particular scriptures? It wasn’t as if she was any kind of spiritual warrior.
Placing both hands firmly on her Bible, she read on. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Before she reached the end, both arms jerked spasmodically. Bolts of power shot from fingertip to elbow, and tears rained down her cheeks. The Bible slid off her lap. She jumped to her feet and crossed to the makeshift studio, propelled by a steely-velvet pressure against her back.
The key rings for her neighbors lay spread across the table. A few inches above them, a smaller item caught her eye. Pia gasped, her eyes fixed on the tie tack, which glowed as if backlit against the polished wood of the tabletop. She reached for it, half expecting to be zapped with some kind of spiritual electricity. That didn’t happen, but as she picked it up she realized the metal that should have been cold radiated a subtle heat.
“What is it, Lord?” She wept, frustrated at her inability to understand. With the piece still in her hand, she hurried back to her chair and retrieved the Bible she’d dropped. Despite the tumble from her lap, it still lay open to the page she’d been reading.
She set the little trinket on top of the open Book and looked at it. A cross. A crown studded with three clear cubic zirconias. A sword. The three elements melded together to create an attractive design, with the word “WAR” spanning the bottom.
Just a tie tack. A nice one, but hardly applicable to what she was reading.
Zap!
Pia’s breath came in ragged bursts. The words on the page swam crazily before her eyes, but burst into her mind with amazing clarity.
“Who wears armor?” she whispered, and answered herself in the same breath. “A soldier…a warrior.” Tentatively, she touched one finger to the word on the tie tack. War. Her finger moved up to touch the sword. “The sword of the spirit,” she said, her voice a little stronger now. “A star-studded crown. And the cross. A soldier of the cross. A warrior for the kingdom of God.”
A minister.
“David.” As she choked out his name, she turned the tie tack in her hand. It caught the light from the small lamp at her side and, as if in corroboration of her epiphany, she was treated to a miniature light show as the three stones refracted the bright beam.
The illusion was gone in an instant, and Pia managed a sheepish grin. She returned to her workbench and packed the tie tack into a small gift bag.
Why David needed this particular piece she had no idea. But she wasn’t about to risk another electric prod by questioning God’s leading. She thought for a moment before dumping all six of the key rings into a small box. Since she hadn’t received any neon messages about which keys her neighbors needed, she’d have to handle this in her own way.
She took the little bottle of anointing oil and, once again, swept her finger over each of the keys and bowed her head. “God, I have no doubt about giving David the warrior tie tack. Whatever the reason, please open his heart to your leading even as he opens this gift. And, Father, please use these simple keys to encourage the hearts and minds of the men in this complex. I’m not sure who needs what, but You know, and I trust You to deliver the proper message to each of them.”
She lifted her head, her decision made. The six keys would be inserted into identical little gift bags. Pia would place one bag into each of the remaining three men’s mailboxes, and she would trust God to guide her placement of them, since not even she would know which key each man received.
Tired, but exulting in her unusual little interlude with God, she tumbled into bed. As she drifted off to sleep, the mesmerizing eyes of Heart’s Haven’s resident minister teased at her memory and found their way into her dreams.
5
David’s little cottage looked a lot more homey than he’d expected.
He slid the last of his unmatched tumblers into place in a kitchen cabinet then grabbed hold of the countertop and stretched his torso backward as far as possible. The past two days, he’d spent hour after hour arranging and rearranging furniture, unpacking an endless number of boxes, and scrubbing every nook and corner of the apartment—despite Uncle Andrew’s insistence that an entire cleaning team had gone over the place with fine-toothed combs. David’s muscles ached in places he hadn’t even realized he had muscles.
“Enough already.” He flattened the last empty box and tossed it out the back door onto the surprisingly large pile of cardboard he’d accumulated. He worked out three times a week, and ran five miles twice a week. Who would’ve thought a little housework would affect him in the slightest?
Groaning, he hobbled off towards the bathroom, eager to stand under a hot shower.
Halfway there, he stopped abruptly and shook his head. “That’s a pretty chauvinistic way of thinking.” He spoke aloud, as he often did when he found himself alone with his thoughts. “Housework isn’t as easy as most men think it is—and until today, I’m ashamed to admit that included me.”
Standing under the hot, stinging spray from the showerhead a few minutes later, he decided he owed an apology to all the women of the world.
And maybe he’d start with his pretty Italian neighbor.
****
“You mean…now?” Pia gaped at David, who grinned and nodded from just outside her door, on which he’d pounded with all the gusto of an excited child not thirty seconds ago. “I was just th-thinking about heading f-for bed,” she stammered, then gave herself a mental kick for doing so. She’d managed to avoid seeing her landlord’s nephew for the past couple of days, and thought she’d managed to get her unexpected attraction to the man firmly in hand.
Then he’d shown up on her doorstep, flashlight in hand. One glimpse of those mesmerizing eyes, and she knew she’d been fooling herself.
At least he didn’t seem to notice her inclination to stumble over her own words. Thank God for small favors.
“But you’re still dressed, so you must not be quite ready to call it a night yet, right?” The little-boy grin on his face was her undoing, even without his added plea. “Come on, Pia. Please? You wouldn’t really send me out into the dark night all alone, would you?”
She caved. “OK, OK. Enough with the whining! Let me get my coat.”
A moment later she joined him on her front porch. “I can’t believe we’re going to walk the greenway at this time of night.” She grinned as he latched her gate behind them, and they fell into step together, headed for the walking path that ran alongside the Angelina. “Don’t you know there are snakes out here? And…” She stopped abruptly and clutched at his sleeve. “Snakes crawl at night.”
David laughed and took her elbow, guiding her around a rough patch of ground, illuminated by the beam of his flashlight. His deep, steady voice calmed her nerves. “It’s too cold out for snakes, my dear. Your slithering pals are all tucked away in their snaky little dens for the winter.”
“Are you sure?” Pia knew, on some level, that snakes hibernated during the cold months, but she always doubted her own ability to judge when the temperature dropped enough to eliminate any worry.
“Quite sure. We’re in no danger—at least, not from snakes.”
“That’s nice to know. I’ll rest a little easier then, until I start seeing signs of spring.” She slanted a glance his way. “So why are we walking in the middle of the night?”
“It isn’t the middle of the night,” he protested. “It’s not even ten o’clock yet.”
“Still. It’s a little past the hour most folks—normal folks—choose to take a walk, don’t you think?”
“OK, I confess. I’ve been unpacking for two very long days. I’m so
re and achy, and when a hot shower didn’t unkink everything, I thought maybe a brisk walk in the chilly air and a little good company might do it.”
Pia laughed. “I think there was a compliment hidden in there somewhere.” She shivered. “And you’re right about the chilly air. It’s downright c-c-cold out here.”
David dropped her elbow and slid his arm around her waist instead, pulling her closer to his side without missing a step. “I’m sorry. I really hadn’t thought about it being quite this frigid. We won’t walk far.”
“It’s all right.” Pia shoved her icy nose into the upturned collar of her coat. “I’m actually enjoying it. When we get back, I’ll make some cocoa to warm us up.”
“Really?” David increased his speed, pulling her along with him. “Then let’s hurry it up. I never could resist a cup of hot chocolate.”
“It’ll be ready in no time once we get back. Ease up a bit, tiger.” Breathless, Pia laughed. “Your legs are longer than mine, you know.”
“Oh, yeah. Sorry ‘bout that.” He slowed his pace and grinned, peering into her face in the murky darkness. His teeth gleamed in the moonlight, and she caught her breath, sharply reminding herself that, no matter how attractive or appealing she found this man, she could not allow herself to care.
He’s a minister. That alone says a relationship isn’t possible—not for the two of us.
With a sigh, she braced herself by stiffening her shoulders, even as her heart dropped with a thud to the tips of her toes.
“Why didn’t you ask for help?” Just keep things casual. She could do that.
“Help?” Confusion colored David’s tone. “With what?”
“Getting things done at your place.” Pia nudged him with one arm. “You said you were tired and achy from unpacking. It hasn’t been that long since I moved in, you know. I know how h-hard it is. My last few boxes would probably still be waiting if Zoe hadn’t taken pity on me.”
“Zoe. Let me think…that’s the tiny sprite across the courtyard from you, right? The one who looks like she time travelled here from the seventies?”
Pia laughed. “Yep, that’s Z-Zoe. She’s a sweetheart. Don’t let her s-style of dress or her laid back manner fool you.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” David stopped. “Ready to turn back? Your teeth are chattering.”
“Y-yes.” She giggled at her own stuttering speech. “I’m freezing.”
David swung around, gently guiding her into the turn, and they headed back the way they’d come. “In answer to your question…I know you work from home, Pia, and I refuse to be one of those annoying folks who seem to think that means you’re not working. I handled it all right. But I’ll tell you one thing—” He blew out a huff of breath that formed a little cloud in front of his face before dissipating into the night. “I will never again be guilty of thinking homemakers have an easy job.”
“How do you know what I do?” Pia shot him a startled glance.
“Our Miss Viv is quite fond of your jewelry. She’s been showing it off and singing your praises. I’m about ready to buy something myself, sight unseen.”
Pia laughed, but her cheeks burned. Certainly, Mrs. Mallory wasn’t trying to play matchmaker between her and the new minister! Unable to cope with the idea, she decided to stick with the subject at hand—David’s newfound appreciation of housewives. Remembering her busy mother’s stay-at-home duties, Pia appreciated the sincerity in her companion’s words.
“Women who devote themselves to caring for their families and keeping house have been underrated and underappreciated for far too long,” she said. “It’s a full-time job.”
“I’m inclined to agree.” He unlatched her gate, and they hurried into the house.
The warmth of her cozy living room wrapped around them like welcoming arms, but Pia kept her jacket on while she poured milk into a saucepan and turned on the burner beneath it. Only then did she remove the coat and unwind the scarf from around her neck.
“You OK?” David settled in at her little dining table and gave her a smile that made her knees weak. “Warming up a little?”
“I’m fine.” Pia slid her coat onto a hanger and hung it in the coat closet. She stood there longer than necessary, eyes closed, seeking strength to resist the call of her heart. Finally, she stiffened her spine and hurried back to the kitchen, carefully avoiding David’s puzzled gaze.
Within moments, his easy company made her forget again. Midnight had come and gone before she walked him to the door, scolding herself for wishing he’d kiss her good night. Just a peck on the cheek…something that indicated he felt at least a spark of the same attraction she felt.
But David just said goodnight and thanked her for walking with him. Then he tossed her one of his killer smiles and walked out.
Pia closed the door and shuffled her way back to the kitchen. She stacked their cups in the sink, wiped down the countertops, and let her gaze bounce around the room. From her worktable, the lapel pin Zoe had made her promise to keep cast mocking little glimmers of light—an unwelcome reminder that it was good David hadn’t kissed her.
She snapped the light off and hurried to the bedroom, where she donned warm pajamas and dropped to her knees beside the bed. She’d best get some help, because she couldn’t allow herself to care about David Myers. He was a preacher. A man of God.
One who needed a wife worthy of that Crown of Purity pin.
She rose a few moments later, climbed into bed, and used the sheet to dry her wet cheeks.
6
From his open doorway, David watched Zoe cross the courtyard and join Zack Manning outside the recreation hall. Zack opened the door, and the couple disappeared inside.
Hmmm. One couldn’t help but wonder if those two weren’t getting into the Valentine spirit…not with that silly sign hanging over every gate in the complex.
“David?”
He blinked and flashed a smile at Pia, who stood beside her car. How could a woman look that gorgeous all the time? Whether lounging in a baggy sweatshirt and sweatpants or decked out in her finest career wear, Pia looked amazing.
Today she sported a burgundy suit and matching heels. Her silky hair was piled atop her head in a messy do she’d probably spent twenty minutes arranging.
“Hey.” He raised his voice and walked to his gate. “Headed off to sell some shiny baubles?”
Laughing, she tossed her purse through the open window of the vehicle and took a few steps in his direction. “Not this time. I’m off to check out a possible studio location.”
“Well, you look like a million bucks. If the owner is a man, he’ll pay you to take the place, just so he can see you again.”
She rolled her eyes, but a lovely blush colored her cheeks. “You are a sweet talker, Pastor Myers.”
David blanched, but held onto his smile with rigid determination. Why was it that every time he tried to pay this girl a compliment, she tossed his vocation in his face?
“I call ‘em like I see ‘em,” he deadpanned.
“Hey…” Pia hesitated, and pinched her full bottom lip between tiny white teeth. “Are you busy? You wouldn’t want to ride along, would you?”
David glanced down at the slacks and button-up shirt he’d worn to a board meeting at the church earlier in the day. “I’m not sure I’m dressed for it.” He hiked a brow and pointed his chin in her direction. “From the looks of you, it’s pretty fancy digs.”
“Oh, please.” Pia waved off his comment and joined him at the gate. “You look fine. I’m only dressed up because I had a meeting with an investor earlier and haven’t had time to change.”
“And yet you came all the way back here between meetings?”
“No, silly. My meeting was in Mr. Hart’s ‘meetin’ room.’“
He grinned. “No kidding?”
“No kidding. And you know, I think the place made an impression. I now have a serious investor for Jewels for the Kingdom.”
David didn’t think it was his uncle�
�s meetin’ room that made the impression. “That’s great, Pia.” He hesitated then shrugged. “Let me lock my door. I’ll meet you at the car. I want to hear all about it.”
By the time they parked in front of the building—once a residential home, now a suite of offices in which the entire upper floor had been opened up to form a single-room studio—David was more impressed than ever with his neighbor.
Only a blind man could fail to see her beauty, even at first glance. He’d seen a piece or two of her jewelry designs, so he was also aware of her talent—Pia Peretti was more than just a pretty face. And now she had impressed him with her business savvy and professionalism.
Was there anything this woman couldn’t do?
****
“I can’t do this!” Pia gripped David’s arms with both hands and tried to breathe through the panic threatening to completely overwhelm her.
The owner had walked the two of them through the place, which was everything she’d hoped for in a studio. Plush carpet covered the floors in every room except the upper one, where bright fluorescent lighting gleamed onto highly polished wood.
The location left nothing to be desired. A suite of offices on the ground floor provided an office for her and one for an assistant, should she ever decide she needed one. The original kitchen remained, having been updated and modernized to provide a break room, complete with stove, refrigerator, and a couple of small, professional-grade dining tables. Off the kitchen was a small restroom, and behind that an equally small laundry area, which meant her polishing cloths and any dish towels or cleaning rags she used at work could be laundered right here on the premises. Half of the lower floor consisted of a large, open room similar to the one above. One step inside, and she was caught up in mentally arranging her jewelry for display.
The place might have been created specifically for her purposes.
And yet, here she stood, fingernails digging gouges in David’s arms while her heart stuttered and the room faded in and out of her vision. Sheer terror threatened to make her faint dead away.
