Love So Amazing: A Contemporary Christian Romance (Wondrous Love Series Book 1)

by JoAnn Durgin

  “She was out here in the garage looking for you, man.”

  “Who?” His heart stopped. “Ava?”

  “Yeah. This time she was dressed in a white froufrou ballerina outfit with feathers and everything. Some kind of weird thing on her head that looks like one of those swim caps. With feathers.” Eric’s low chuckle did more for him than he could possibly know. Hope shot through him.

  Sawyer laughed. “Kind of like a swan?”

  “I guess you could say that. And those weird shoes with the square toes and ribbons wrapped around her ankle. Those things have to hurt, man. Anyway, I hope you’re not far away ’cause I told her to come back in ten minutes. She said she would.”

  Sawyer glanced at the clock on the dashboard. “I’ll make it. Thanks buddy. I appreciate the tip. Remind me to give you a raise retroactive for the year.”

  “Just doing my job, boss. See ya soon.”

  Flipping on the right turn signal, Sawyer moved the SUV into the far right lane. He’d take the next exit, do a U-turn, and then head straight back downtown. Hoping Indy’s finest didn’t catch him if the turn was illegal or if he traveled too fast.

  Slow down, Sawyer. Ava will wait. You’ve got the rest of your lives together.

  “Thank you, Lord,” he said as he exited from the highway and made a left turn, and then another. Headed back downtown. To Ava. To his future.

  Chapter 23

  ~~♥~~

  Not knowing what else to do, Ava darted into the nearest ladies room. Placing the flowers on the loveseat, she walked over to the mirror and carefully removed her elaborate headpiece. She retrieved her comb from her purse and grimaced as she tugged it through her hair. She kept at it until the stiffness from the spray was gone and her long strands were silky soft again. Considering her hair had been hidden beneath a headpiece for a few hours, thank goodness it didn’t look horrible. When she returned the comb to her handbag, Ava spied breath mints.

  “Time to be positive and hopeful.” She popped one of the mints in her mouth and then checked her reflection in the mirror. Pink cheeks, soft smile. The image staring back at her wasn’t a woman who was smitten. This was a woman in love. Deeply, passionately in love with a man named Sawyer Michael Mancini.

  “Here you are, child.”

  Lifting her head, Ava wiped away a tear and smiled at her mother. “Hi, Momma. I’m sorry I ran out of there like a…well, like a crazed swan.”

  Isla motioned to the loveseat. “Care to join me?”

  “Sure. Thanks for coming to my recital. How did you find me in here?” The hotel was large and with at least one ladies lounge on each floor. Her tiny mother settled on the loveseat and Ava sat beside her.

  “I followed the trail in the lobby.”

  “What trail?”

  Her mother lifted her hand. Clasped between her fingers were several long, white feathers. “You’re shedding.”

  Ava shook her head, laughing. “Must be molting season.”

  Her mother put one hand on her arm. “You’re such a talented lass. I sat there tonight wondering why I’ve stayed away so long. Too long, Ava. But that’s my regret to live with, and I’m going to do my best to correct it from here on out. Keiki, you’re such a grand teacher. You bring out the best in each of those little girls. You’ve always had a talent for bringing out the best in others, and I’m not only referring to you instructing little girls how to dance.”

  Ava smiled at her mother’s sentiment and the use of the endearment her father always called her. “Thank you. I can’t pretend to understand everything that’s kept you away, Momma, but I accept it. I love you. That’s what’s most important. We have each other and we need each other. I’m not going to let you stay away so long again. That’s my promise to you.” She reached for her mother’s hand, smaller and frailer than she remembered. “You’re here and that means the world to me.”

  “Well, I almost wasn’t. I never liked highway driving and that’s a big part of my problem.”

  “I don’t mean just here in the building or at the recital. I mean here, right now, in this ladies lounge, sitting beside me.”

  Isla met her gaze with tears in her eyes. “What have I done so right in this world to raise such a beautiful girl, inside and out? I sat in that recital tonight, watching you dance, thinking how I wish your father could see you now.” Her slender shoulders heaved with her sigh.

  “In some ways, I like to think Poppy does see, Momma. We can’t see it now, but hopefully we’ll understand it more when we’re in heaven with him someday.”

  “Forgive me, daughter. I know I haven’t been the mother to you that you’ve wanted or needed. I didn’t know how. I didn’t feel capable.”

  “You’re forgiven, and we’ll have plenty of time to talk before you go back to Chicago.”

  “Honey, the man who came onstage tonight and gave you all those beautiful yellow tulips?” Isla nodded at the bouquet nestled on the floor beside the loveseat. “Is he the reason you left in such a hurry?”

  “Yes.” Another tear raced down Ava’s cheek. “Heather promised to take care of things tonight. I agreed for once and came downstairs because…” She sniffled and held the tissue over her nose.

  “Let’s dry these tears, child, and then you need to go.” Taking another tissue out of her purse, her mother gently dabbed it beneath Ava’s eyes. The action brought back a memory of Momma doing the same when she was a child. “Go find the man you love.”

  “His name is Sawyer Mancini, and he’s wonderful. I’m in love with him.”

  “Everyone in that recital tonight could see the love between you two,” Momma said. “It’s all anyone could talk about after the recital. Oh, my. Those beautiful words he said to you and how sweetly the man kissed your cheek? And the way you looked at him? It was like one of those romantic movies where the handsome man declares his love for the beautiful girl at the end before he lifts her up on a white horse and carries her off into the sunset.” She released a deep sigh, making Ava smile.

  “That’s only in the movies.” Reaching for her, Ava kissed her soft, unlined cheek. “I’ll settle for a pedicab and a man with helmet hair. I love you, and we’ll talk soon.”

  “That we will. I love you, too, honey.”

  “Oh, no! What time is it?” Her eyes wide, Ava jumped up from the loveseat.

  Her mother glanced at her watch. “Quarter past nine.”

  “I’m late.” Twenty minutes had passed. Not that she regretted for one minute spending quality time with her mother. They’d needed that time together. “Sorry, Momma, but I need to go. I only hope that Sawyer’s still waiting.”

  “I don’t think he’s going anywhere without you, honey.”

  Ava turned at the door. “I hope you’re right.”

  “Mums can be right about some things you know.”

  “Yes, I know. I’ll see you back at the apartment.” She hesitated. “Do you mind taking the tulips home and putting them in some water? You’ll find a vase under the kitchen sink.”

  “I’ll take good care of them for you.” She eyed the flowers. “You might need three vases. Now, go to your young man and we’ll talk tomorrow.” Isla kissed her fingers and waved.

  With her race pulsing and heart pounding in her chest, Ava began the walk through the lobby. The longest walk of her life. Would Sawyer be outside waiting for her? What if he wasn’t?

  If Sawyer’s not outside, then I guess I’ll have to go find him. Please, Lord, let him be there.

  Chapter 24

  ~~♥~~

  Sawyer stood at the back of his pedicab, partially hidden from the vantage point of anyone exiting through the sliding glass doors. Not that it was his intent to hide, but he selfishly wanted a glimpse of Ava’s face as she exited the hotel before she spied him. He glanced at his watch. The ten minutes had come and gone, but he’d wait all night, if needed. If Ava said she’d return, she would. Most likely, some of her students and their parents had waylaid her. Everyone could readily
see how the kids adored his Ballerina, and she always made a point to engage her students and make each one of them feel special. While he waited for Ava to make her appearance, he prayed under his breath that no customers would appear, needing a ride.

  Please, Lord, let this go well. I hope my deodorant is working. The evening was hot and humid, but that’s why dry cleaners existed. Although he had his biking clothes, he’d decided to remain in his suit. He only hoped he wasn’t offensive. What a goof. All he wanted was to hold his Ballerina in his arms again and give her the best, longest kiss of her life. At least his breath was fresh.

  Ava. His heart pounded at an unbelievable rate as she emerged from behind the sliding doors. His heart swelled at the sight of her. She held her head up, and her shoulders were straight. Her lips formed a thin line. Even though she’d never admit it, Ava was a tight, twisted bundle of nerves.

  She darted a glance in either direction. Eric was on a run with customers at the moment and his was the sole pedicab parked by the curb. Her gaze settled on Goose, and a tremulous smile touched her lips.

  Moving forward, Sawyer thrust his hands in the pockets of his slacks. “Need a ride, Ballerina?”

  Taking one slow step and then another, Ava stopped in front of him. “Depends.”

  “On what?”

  “On whether or not you’ll want a client who’s acted unbelievably stupid the last few weeks.”

  “No,” he said, shaking his head. “Not stupid. Confused, maybe. My niece Sophia might call it being a poopyhead.”

  “Sophia would be right. And I seem to have my own helmet hair tonight.” When she gestured to her hair, Ava’s sheepish grin seared straight to Sawyer’s heart. “Those ballet headpieces can be pesky and wreak havoc with my hair. I did the best I could.”

  “You’ve never looked more beautiful.”

  Ava lifted her gaze to his, and he melted in the warmth and love shining in their depths. “I’ve never wanted to look more beautiful. For you, Sawyer.”

  He inched closer, his hands still in his pockets. “Are you looking for a ride home?”

  “It’s only six blocks. Maybe I can walk tonight, especially if I have an escort.”

  “I don’t know. A lot can happen in six blocks in a pedicab.”

  “True,” she said as though considering her options. “I fell in love with the last pedicab driver I met here on this very spot.”

  “Oh yeah? Care to tell me about him?”

  “He’s incredibly handsome, even with his hair flattened on the sides of his head. Kind and compassionate. Not afraid to tell me things about himself that most men would take a lifetime to say. He’s also loyal, protective, and loves his family fiercely.”

  “Sounds like he’s perfect. No one’s perfect, Ballerina.”

  “He’s not,” she said with a small smile. “But he’s the best man I’ve ever met. He loves the Lord and shows that love to many people in so many different ways. He made me feel valued and special for my own unique qualities, and not because of the person he wanted me to be to suit his own needs.” With tears in her eyes, Ava dipped her head, lifting it a moment later. “He made me see that my past is just that…in the past. What came before made me stronger just as it did for him. God’s had His hand in my relationships all along. He guided me to the person I needed, a man named Sawyer Mancini, in order to discover the person I was meant to be—and the couple we were meant to be…to glorify Him.”

  Sawyer absorbed her words, drinking her in, loving her more than he’d ever thought possible. Taking her left hand in his, Sawyer lifted it and kissed each finger in turn. “I see you have a beautiful diamond on your ring finger. This must mean the pedicab driver has captured your heart. Tell me, Ballerina. Do you plan on spending the rest of your life with this man?”

  With one finger, she motioned him closer. Planting both hands on his chest, she lifted on her toe shoes so that she was almost level with his face. Then she cradled his chin between her gentle hands and kissed him. “Yes,” she whispered. “If he’ll have me.”

  “Always. Let’s go somewhere more private to discuss it.”

  Her gaze held his, never wavering. “I thought you’d never ask.”

  Sawyer scooped her into his strong arms and held her against his firm chest. With the utmost care, he lifted Ava and settled her on the bench seat. Ava’s giggle filled his soul. How he loved it. Sliding onto the bicycle seat, he steered the pedicab over to a quiet corner, waving to a few of the valets when they eyed him curiously.

  As soon as he pulled the pedicab to a stop, Sawyer eased down from the seat and stepped into the passenger compartment with her. With a few quick motions, he lowered the canopy around them on all sides and pulled her into his arms.

  Ava glanced up at the canopy. “Is this new?”

  “Yes,” he said. “I thought it might come in handy when I take my wife on a pedicab ride. In case she decides to get a little amorous. I wouldn’t want to subject her to ridicule because of her tendency toward public displays of affection.”

  Lowering his lips to hers, Sawyer kissed his fiancée the way he’d wanted in the past few weeks. Long, lonely weeks. “I’ve missed you so much, Ava.” He leaned his forehead on hers.

  “No more than I’ve missed you. Thank you for being patient and giving me time to figure everything out. And all the flowers. Those gorgeous, colorful flowers”—she gave him a small smile—“except no yellow tulips.”

  “I was operating under the save the best for last theory.”

  “It worked very well.” This time, she initiated a kiss, smiling against his lips when he deepened their connection.

  “That was…amazing,” she said, reluctantly easing out of his arms.

  He chuckled. “Yeah, it was.”

  “Is there something funny about that?”

  “Just thinking about something I told the guys in Chase’s youth group. Another story for another day. I’m glad your mother was here for you tonight. That’s an answer to prayer for you.”

  “Yes, it is.” She glanced at him with surprise. “Did you meet her?”

  “Briefly. Heather introduced us. I’m thrilled she’s here, and I look forward to getting to know her better. This visit or the next, but very soon.”

  “I called and invited her to come for the recital. I can’t wait for you two to get to know one another, and I’m hoping the three of us can spend some quality time together.” Ava’s eyes, so trusting, met his. “When we talked on the phone, Momma made a comment about how she always ran away when faced with conflict. And then she said she knows I’m different and face my problems.”

  When he noticed her twisting her hands together in her lap, Sawyer covered her hands with his.

  “I ran away from you and pushed you away. That was wrong, and I’m sorry. Forgive me?”

  He caressed her cheek. “Nothing to forgive.”

  “Momma was right. Normally I face my issues head-on. After Cole’s death, I didn’t want to investigate the truth. When you told me the story, I didn’t want to believe it. Let’s face it, how could it be true? It sounded unbelievable and like a far-fetched story that Cole and Darcy knew each other much less…” Ava heaved a sigh and Sawyer nestled her closer.

  “I guess I had to go through the grieving process again,” she said finally. “This time it was so much easier. I hate that Cole died doing something so selfless for me, but I can’t dwell on the sadness. He wouldn’t want that for me. He’d want me to appreciate the gift of his love, and to keep moving forward. I’d known it before, but this time, armed with the truth, it’s been a time of healing, and I can truly move forward, in my heart as well as my mind.”

  When Ava lowered her gaze, Sawyer glimpsed her small smile. He’d prepared himself for tears, but this time, there were none. “Thank you for going to Darcy’s parents to find the truth.”

  “I needed to do it for myself, too,” he said, tightening his hold on Ava’s hand. “I’d never had a question in my mind about what happened. Aft
er reading that note from Darcy, and learning about Cole from you, I wanted to know more. Going to see the Ballantynes helped put everything in perspective and gave me the final closure I needed to truly say good-bye to Darcy.”

  “I know.” Ava squeezed his hand. “I realized you didn’t have to say a word to me, either. But you’re the most honest, upstanding man I’ve ever known. If you didn’t tell me the truth of what you’d learned, that wouldn’t be honest, and that wouldn’t be you. The man I love.” Angling her head, she touched her lips to his. His beautiful Ava. So sweet, so pure of heart and spirit.

  “I’m a better person for having known and loved Cole,” she said. “But he’s my past, and you, precious man, are my future. Our relationship will be stronger because of knowing the truth.” Shifting on the bench seat, Ava turned toward him, and their knees touched. “You remember that first night here in the pedicab when you were telling me about Allie and how she worked for the hospital in part as a tribute to the son she’d lost?”

  When he nodded, she continued. “I’ve been thinking about how I could honor Cole’s memory. Lately I’ve realized that the dance studio itself is the best way to do that. I’m taking his gift and giving dreams and hope to so many young people. If it’s okay with you, Sawyer, I’d like to have a plaque made and hang it in the studio. Over and over in the last couple of weeks, the same verses of scripture kept coming to my mind. I’d like to have those verses engraved on the plaque, too.”

  “What’s that, my love?”

  “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. We love, because He first loved us.’”

  “Amen,” Sawyer whispered. Ava’s smile settled in his soul.

  “I love you, Pedicab Man.”

  “And I’ll love you forever, Ballerina. Thank you for coming back to me.”

  Ava smiled against his lips. “The only place I ever want to be.”

  THE END

  ~~♥~~