by JoAnn Durgin
“In Galatians 5:13, it says, ‘For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.’ I guess that’s what I’d like most to tell you all tonight. You can win the ballgame, you can score the prettiest girl in school, you can pump yourself up with awards and compliments telling you how great you are, you can drink or smoke something that you think will make you feel good.
“I’ve been there, and I’ll admit that for a while, it felt good to stand on the mountaintop. But that high only lasts a short time. I can stand here and tell you how it’s a mistake, I can try to beat it into your heads that it’s not the way to find success or happiness or love. But will you listen? No, you’re going to live your own lives and make your own mistakes.
“If nothing else, please remember this: God’s love is amazing. That word is bandied about so much these days to the point where it’s been cheapened. A friend once told me that the word she heard the most on one of those sleazy reality TV shows was that very word—amazing. For the most part, it was used to describe the physical beauty of a woman. I’m sure you know the show I’m talking about here. A handsome young guy meets a parade of beautiful women, one more gorgeous than the next. They gallivant around on a beautiful island, in a gorgeous mansion by the ocean, and the alcohol flows freely. The guy sleeps with most of the women and then makes the choice for his so-called ‘perfect’ mate.
“I’m here to tell you it doesn’t work that way in the real world. That life is a fantasy, and nothing more than a lie. Sure, you can do those things, but in the end, you’ll feel empty inside if you don’t trust the Lord to guide you. No one else—not your parents, not your pastor, with all due respect to my best friend over here”—he winked and nodded at Chase—“your girlfriend, or anyone else, is going to love you more than God does. But God’s given these people to you as a gift. Treasure them not for what they can give you, but what you can give to them. It’s my prayer for each one of you”—Sawyer paused to make eye contact with some of the kids—“that you’ll see how amazing God really is by allowing Him to work in your life.”
Afterwards, Sawyer was surrounded by kids asking him questions and wanting to speak with him. He ran out of business cards for Mancini’s Pedicabs and booked at least ten appointments for upcoming dances and even the prom.
A good looking black teen approached him as Sawyer guzzled a bottle of water a short time later. He nodded and twisted the cap back on the empty bottle. When Sawyer extended his hand, the kid formed a fist and tapped his knuckles. “You said some real stuff out there tonight, man. I’m Jamal.”
“Sawyer Mancini. Thanks. I did my best and just gave the message I felt led to share.”
“Yeah, you did good. A little preachin’ is good. We get that from Chase and it was good to hear it from a fresh angle, you know? That thing you said about how we should respect the girl we’re with ’cause she’s even more precious to God than she is to us? That touched me right here. Where I live, you know?” Jamal moved his hand over his heart and squeezed. “Keep on believin’ man. Sounds like that Ava chick is the girl for you. That’s a story like I ain’t never heard before. Sounds like a movie. I just wanted to say thanks for comin’ out tonight.”
Sawyer nodded. “I appreciate it. Keep God close, Jamal.”
Jamal was right. He had a mountain of love and he’d given it to Ava. Whether or not she still wanted that love remained to be seen.
Chapter 21
~~♥~~
The Next Saturday Night
Ava peeked out from behind the red velvet curtains on the small stage. Like a magnet, her eyes zeroed right in on Sawyer. He sat on the fifth row of chairs with his dad, Allie, and Matt. Allie bounced one of the twins—she still couldn’t tell them apart—on her lap while Matt held the other twin.
Her heart jumped when her gaze rested on Sawyer once more. He wore khakis, white button-down shirt, and a blue sport coat. His hair was a little longer again, especially on top, which only emphasized those great curls. He’d probably forgotten his bi-weekly barber appointment again. The circles under his eyes seemed more pronounced, and she hated that she was probably to blame.
“Miss Ava?”
Closing the curtains, Ava looked down into Sophia’s pretty face. “Did you and Uncle Sawyer break up?”
Her breath caught. “No, honey.” Goodness, Sawyer hadn’t said something to his niece to make her think such a thing, had he?
She needed to see him as soon as possible after the performance. Working up the nerve to contact him, she’d sent an email instead of calling him earlier in the week, asking if he planned on attending Sophia’s performance. He’d replied with a short and to-the-point message telling her it was nice to hear from her and he wouldn’t miss a performance by the most beautiful purple butterfly in the world. No joking remarks, no endearments. But it was something.
Was he mad or was he being wary of her?
Ava searched her mind for what to tell Sophia. “Sometimes people have…problems…that come between them and they just have to figure out what to do to solve them.” That sounded reasonable. Sophia was a smart child, so she couldn’t tell her a half-truth or say anything misleading. Children deserved the truth. They accepted things at face value and kids sometimes handled adult situations better than the grownups. That’s one reason she loved teaching children. She learned as much, if not more, than they did.
Sophia threw her arms around Ava’s middle. “You’re the most beautiful ballerina I’ve ever seen, and I want you to marry Uncle Sawyer. Talk to him tonight, please? He’s been sad and grumpy, and I know you can make him feel better.”
Kneeling down to eye level with this sweet little girl who’d captured her heart, Ava kissed her cheek. “I promise. I love your Uncle Sawyer and”—she leaned closer and whispered—“you can be the flower girl in our wedding.”
“I know.”
Ava quirked a brow. “Oh?”
“Uncle Sawyer already asked me.”
Ava’s pulse sputtered. “When was that?”
“A long time ago. He told me that he loves you and wants to marry you tomorrow.”
“And, um, when was that?”
Sophia grinned. “This afternoon right before we came down here to the hotel.”
~~♥~~
Sawyer’s mind wandered as he watched routine after dance routine. His head was spinning like all the twirls on the stage. He’d nudged Dad’s arm at least six times. If he’d seen one dance, he’d seen ten. Not that he didn’t appreciate all the hard work that went into a recital like this. Ava and Heather deserved a medal for pulling it off so well. And keeping their sanity.
His gaze strayed to Isla, Ava’s mother, sitting in the row across from him. Catching his eye, she nodded. A lovely woman, she carried herself well and struck him as quiet and reserved. Before the performance, after being tipped off by Heather, Sawyer had made his way over to Isla and introduced himself. Hopefully endeared himself to her, as well. Kind of difficult when meeting the mother of the woman he loved. Hi, nice to meet you. I’m in love with your daughter. Since Ava wasn’t close with Isla, he had no idea if she was aware of his existence much less his role in her daughter’s life.
At least he still hoped he had a major role in Ava’s life. More than ever, before the night was over, Sawyer was determined to speak with her. She was his fiancée, after all, at least the last time he checked. He’d enlisted Sophia’s help to make sure the engagement ring was still on her finger. She’d parted the curtains at one point and given him a thumbs-up. That kid was great.
Another forty minutes later, his cell phone buzzed in his pocket. Pulling it out, Sawyer glanced at the message. Heather.
Ava’s up next. Come around to the right side of the stage and wait. He whispered to Allie that he’d be back. She gave him a wink and a smile. Matt gave him a thumbs-up and Dad wore the biggest smile Sawyer had seen in weeks. He was just glad he was awake. Being as quiet as
possible, he slipped out of the row and walked up the stairs on the far side of the stage. Heather met him there.
“Hey, handsome. Ava’s going to be so surprised.” Hurrying over to the side of the stage, she came back over to him a few seconds later and thrust the bouquet he’d bought earlier into his arms. “You did well with the flowers. They’re gorgeous and she’ll love them. Trust me.”
“I hope so. You sure about that?”
“I know it, Pedicab Man. You might want to lay off the flower deliveries for a few years, though. I think you’ve filled your quota. Not that she didn’t absolutely love them all. On second thought, maybe just a dozen yellow tulips on special occasions. Praying for you two. Later!” With a quick wave and a wink, Heather disappeared behind another curtain.
Sawyer heard the familiar beginning measures of a composition from Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet, Swan Lake. Ava appeared on the stage. When Heather had called him to suggest that he bring yellow tulips to the recital and present them to her at the conclusion of the program, she’d mentioned that Ava always danced a solo dance at the very end of the recital. “The instructor is always presented with flowers,” she told him. “I can’t think of a better person to give her those flowers than her handsome fiancé.”
“Do you think so? I don’t want to make her mad. She did say she’d call when she was ready to see me again.”
“Sawyer, she misses you more than she’ll admit. I think if she sees you, she’ll realize just how much.”
“Has she worked through the whole Cole-Darcy thing, do you know?”
“She loves you, Sawyer. That much is clear,” Heather said. “I know she’s been praying a lot and going to the church every time the doors are open. She told me she has closure now about Cole and Darcy. But it was something her mother said that really got through to her.”
Heather didn’t elaborate on that point, and he was hoping maybe Ava would enlighten him.
Transfixed, Sawyer watched as Ava moved through her dance. He knew enough about the ballet to know it was a sad story. Her smooth movements appeared effortless. She’d explained to him once that she could wear her toe shoes for one or two dances at a time, but no more. Watching her now, he was impressed by her level of professionalism. Why should he be surprised? He didn’t know ballet, but anyone could readily acknowledge Ava’s innate talent. Watching her, Sawyer grieved the loss of her career even while he knew the Lord had something better in mind for her in opening the dance studio. She’d found her niche, her passion, and how many people could ever say the same thing?
Stepping slightly behind the curtain to shield him from her view, Sawyer stood mesmerized by Ava’s intense focus. He doubted seeing him would disturb her concentration if she did raise her head and glimpse him off to one side. For the next few minutes, Sawyer lost himself in the pure beauty of the dance. The pure beauty of his Ballerina.
As Ava ended the dance amidst thunderous applause and a standing ovation, Sawyer walked onto the stage. In his arms he carried three dozen yellow tulips. She was in her final position on the floor, portraying Odette who—if his memory served correctly—commits suicide at the end of Swan Lake. What a joyful thought. She did look tragically beautiful in that position that must be quite uncomfortable.
When Ava raised her head, Sawyer offered his hand to her. Looking up at him, surprise shining in her eyes, she allowed him to pull her to her feet. He waited until the applause died down before speaking, elevating his voice so all in the small ballroom could hear.
“Miss Ava, your students have a special dance they’ve rehearsed to perform today as a tribute to you, to show you how much they love you and value all that you and Miss Heather are teaching them—grace, elegance, poise, and how to be a bright light in a dark world. As they gather backstage, I present these tulips—yellow tulips—to you with my undying affection and love. You danced into my heart right here outside this hotel in February after another dance recital. Ava, you’ll always be my beautiful Ballerina, and I need you beside me as I pedal through the rest of my life.”
Sawyer transferred the bouquet to her. Ava appeared stunned, and she blinked hard a few times before her lips curved into the most beautiful smile he’d ever seen. She wore more makeup than usual, but that was for her role. Even beneath the makeup, he saw the faint blush of color in her cheeks. Glimpsed the love she held for him in her adoring gaze.
Leaning close, he kissed her cheek. “I’ve grown accustomed to your face,” he whispered. “Please come back to me, Ballerina. I’m waiting.”
She started to whisper something but the music cued and Heather pranced onto the stage with a long line of little ballerinas trailing behind her in a burst of lively, glorious colors. Ava darted off to one side of the stage and he stepped back on the opposite side. He stayed long enough to watch most of the performance and wink at Sophia as the most beautiful purple butterfly in the world flittered and fluttered around the stage.
And then he turned and quietly departed.
Chapter 22
~~♥~~
Skirting past a group of people clustered around the sliding glass doors, Ava hurried outside to the parking garage. In her white tutu, headpiece and toe shoes, she was aware she drew their interested stares, but she didn’t care. And yes, an armful of gorgeous tulips. Yellow tulips. Would Sawyer be outside? He wasn’t on duty since he’d been in the audience at the recital. But a little niggling voice inside her whispered that he might be outside talking to his employees.
Ava stopped beside the curb, waiting for a few seconds for her eyes to adjust to the dim lighting. Spying a man in skintight biker gear, she stood her ground but leaned slightly to the right to see if it might be Sawyer. At that moment, the man turned. Not Sawyer. She blew out a deep sigh.
She turned aside and wiped her fingers beneath her eyes. Turning to go back inside, she paused when she heard her name being called from behind her. The man in the biker gear—tall, muscular and red-haired, rushed to her side. Based on the description Sawyer had given her, this must be Eric.
“Are you looking for Sawyer?”
She gave him a small smile. “Yes. You must be Eric?”
He offered his hand with a wide grin. “That’s me. Nice to meet you, Ava Ballerina.” At least he didn’t pump her hand up and down with too much enthusiasm considering the strength in those arms.
“I know Sawyer’s not working tonight because he was inside the hotel at his niece’s recital. But I thought…”—she inhaled a quick breath—“I hoped he might be around.”
“Well, that could probably be arranged.” Eric shifted from one foot to the other. Although she didn’t know him, she could tell when someone was trying their best to keep a secret. She worked with children, after all. He ran a hand through his thick red hair. Did all guys do that? Seemed pedicab drivers who suffered from helmet hair on a regular basis did. Ava hid her smile.
“Tell you what. If you don’t mind, go back inside the hotel. Then wait like ten minutes and then come back out here again. You never know what might happen, right?”
“Right,” Ava murmured. “It was really nice to meet you, Eric. Sawyer’s told me a lot of good things about you.”
“Thanks. Same here about you. He’s a good guy, you know. The best. Sawyer hired me when no one else would. I’m a recovering alcoholic,” he said, crossing his arms and keeping his voice low. “That’s actually kind of a misnomer because I’ll always be recovering. He’s got this pastor friend, Chase, and they came to one of our AA meetings. Sawyer and I got to talking afterwards. He told me he was starting up the pedicab business. Promised that if I stayed clean for six months, he’d hire me. I did, and I owe the guy a debt of gratitude.”
Ava’s eyes filled as she nodded and averted her gaze, blinking hard and trying to maintain her composure.
“I didn’t mean to make you cry.”
She glanced up at Eric and shook her head. “These are happy tears. I’m fine. Thank you for telling me.”
“He keeps
his promises, and I can tell he really loves you. Don’t mind saying I’ve been jealous of what he’s found with you, Ava. But he’s been…I don’t know, sad…since the two of you broke up or whatever. I hope you’ll give him another chance.” When Eric’s shoulders fell, Ava’s heart lurched to see in his expression how much he cared about Sawyer’s well-being.
“I keep my promises, too, Eric. We didn’t break up.” Reaching for his hand, she took it in hers. “I’ll take good care of Sawyer’s heart, and I keep my promises, too.”
A wide grin spread across his face as she released his hand. “I, uh, hope to see you around, Ava. Real soon. I’d hug you right now, but I’m kind of sweaty.”
Ava laughed. “You know what, Eric? I’ll see you in ten minutes.”
Still grinning, Eric saluted her. “You do that, pretty lady.”
Walking back inside the hotel, Ava raised her chin high. A number of hotel guests and staff cast curious glances her way. Why wouldn’t a woman walk around the lobby of the downtown Hyatt Regency dressed like a white swan, feathers and all? A feather dropped on the spotless, shiny floor but she left it in her haste to escape from prying eyes. At the moment, she needed some privacy to regroup. And pray.
~~♥~~
“Sawyer, you gotta get back down here to the hotel.” Eric’s voice didn’t sound panicked, exactly, but he detected either agitation or excitement.
Sawyer turned down the radio volume and frowned. “Is there a problem, Eric?”
“Not exactly.”
“Then what’s the problem? I’m already on the highway, headed home.”
“You got your biking gear with you?”
“Yeah, always, but what’s that got to do with anything?”
