by Leah Atwood
Stop stalling and call Kira. Now. Leave a message if you have to so you don’t back out later.
He inhaled then exhaled, repeated the process several times until his breathing normalized. His fingers itched to take the easy way out and send her a text, but he’d never been a coward, wouldn’t start now.
The phone rang and rang as expected. Then a short click, followed by Kira’s voice—live, not a recording. “Hello.”
Thrown off, he stumbled over his words. “I didn’t think you’d answer, and I was going to leave a message.”
“I was first to go and finished five minutes ago. If you want, I’ll hang up so you can call back and I won’t answer.” Her teasing tone put him at ease.
“Not necessary. How was zip-lining?”
“Amazing. An experience I won’t soon forget. At one point, I forgot I had a harness on, and it felt like I was gliding through the air on my own.”
“I’m glad you had fun.” He absently flipped through the Gideon Bible on the nightstand. “Did you have any plans for tonight?”
“Nothing concrete. Why?”
“Lisa asked me to invite you to the rehearsal tonight and dinner afterward.”
Her voice dropped. “That’s so… personal. I couldn’t intrude.”
“You wouldn’t be. The invitation came straight from her.”
“I don’t know. I didn’t bring any dress clothes.”
Her hedging made him nervous. Did she not want to go because she didn’t want to spend time with him or did she truly consider herself an intrusion? “You don’t have to wear anything special for tonight, and you could find a dress in town for tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow?”
Groaning under his breath, he realized he’d jumped ahead of himself. “You’re invited to the wedding as well.”
“I… they don’t even know me.”
This wasn’t going as he’d envisioned. He’d have to pull out all the stops. “But they know me, and they know that I want to spend more time with you.”
“Oh.” She drew out the word with an awestruck tone. “In that case, I’d love to go.”
He released the breath he’d unknowingly held. “The rehearsal is at seven at Wilton’s Chapel, and we’ll leave here at six-thirty. Will that give you enough time?”
“Should. I’ll stop by town on my way back and look for a dress. How formal is tomorrow?”
“It’s a late afternoon wedding, so not black-tie or even semi-formal for guests. A nice dress should suffice.” As he gave the advice, he felt wholly inadequate and prayed she understood formalities better than he did. For all the weddings he’d attended, he’d always had his attire set by the bride and groom.
“I’m sure I’ll find something.” Excitement leaked into her voice, an improvement from her hesitation minutes ago. “What can I get them as a gift?”
“You don’t have to get them anything.”
“I’m from the south. We don’t show up empty-handed.”
Her insistence warmed his heart, reinforced her caring nature. “If you feel like you have to bring something, a practical gift is best. They’d enjoy a gift they could use rather than one to sit in a cabinet and only be used on rare occasions.”
“I have the perfect idea.” She cleared her throat. “If I’m going to be ready by six-thirty, I need to end this call and get busy. Meet you downstairs when it’s time?”
“I’ll be waiting.” He hung up, filled with contentment he hadn’t known in a long time.
Chapter Nine
Kira never imagined she’d end up at a wedding during her vacation. The irony didn’t escape her. She sat in the back row, unwilling to take a closer spot away from someone who knew the couple.
The ceremony was flawless from the simple but elegant decorations to the heartfelt vows. Jon and Lisa shared their first kiss as newlyweds then began their walk to the back of the chapel for the receiving line.
Matt tossed her a grin on his way out, bringing a happy flutter to her heart. The tuxedo he wore fit him perfectly and hugged his rugged build. She’d had trouble taking her eyes off him during the ceremony.
A wave of gloominess nearly knocked her from the seat when she thought about tomorrow. Her chest constricted, and her breathing became labored. This is ridiculous. She glanced at the person next to her, relieved to see their attention was on the center aisle, not her dramatic emotional meltdown.
Why God? Why would you tease the desires of my heart by allowing me to meet my perfect match only to have a relationship be impossible?
It didn’t seem fair.
All things are possible with Me, daughter. Don’t you know every good and perfect gift is from Me? I have a plan, but you must trust Me.
She removed a tissue from her purse and dabbed her eyes, thankful any bystander would assume they were tears of joy. Where had her faith gone? Who was she to question what God had put into action? For whatever reason He’d put Matt into her life, she had to trust He had a plan.
Her time came to leave the row. She stood up carefully, not used to the new pair of heels she’d bought yesterday to match the vintage green dress with small orange flowers she’d found at a boutique in town. She stepped out and waited in line, anxious for the brief contact she’d have with Matt.
Once everyone had passed through, all the guests formed a path and blew bubbles from silver containers as the newlyweds passed through and entered the limousine waiting for them. The moment swept her away in joy, and she momentarily forgot her worries. How could she not be happy for this couple? She might not know them other than a few brief encounters this week, but their love for each other radiated into everyone in their path.
A hand cupped her elbow. She turned and saw Matt smiling at her.
He leaned in close enough to whisper so only she could hear. “Don’t tell Lisa, but you’re the most beautiful woman at the wedding.”
“Thank you.” She accepted the compliment gracefully and fought the urge to defer his sweet words. She reached up and tugged his bowtie. “You’re not so bad yourself.”
He rewarded her with a smile. “Thanks for coming today. I know it’s your last night in town, and I appreciate you spending it with me.”
“There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.” Why hide the truth about how she felt? This was new territory for her, but it came with freedom.
“Me either.” He slid his arm around her shoulder, and they left for his car.
They drove to the reception in quiet, but the unspoken words filled the car with palpable tension. Would they talk about it or wake up tomorrow like this week never happened? She didn’t think she could survive that.
But did it make sense that she’d waited thirty-five years for Mister Right, only to find him and fall head over heels in less than a week? Stranger things had happened.
The reception venue was a spectacular log cabin with floor to ceiling windows on all sides and a wide porch surrounding the structure and ivory luminaries lined the rails. An oversized deck sat off the back, a perfect setting for the dance floor.
Kira couldn’t imagine a more romantic setting.
This week had been a fairytale, and she was afraid she’d wake up tomorrow and find the carriage turned back into a pumpkin.
Part of the reception she spent alone while Matt performed his best man duties. She enjoyed watching him during those times, seeing him shine among his friends. He was clearly well liked and admired among his circle, and the closeness of them reminded her of her colleagues from S.O.M.E. Good, solid friends were hard to come by but, once found, couldn’t be separated by time or distance.
The dance floor on the deck opened, and after the customary dances, the guests were invited to join.
Matt stood and offered her his hand. “May I have this dance?”
She nodded, too choked up to speak.
They enjoyed a fun, quick-paced song before the music slowed. She recognized the ballad from a bygone era, but the song had never gone out of style.
&nbs
p; Pulling her closer to him, Matt’s gaze met hers. His warm breath caressed her skin. He rested his hands on the small of her back, and she draped her arms around his neck.
Words would only taint the perfect moment as they swayed to the music.
The song ended, and another played. They moved in effortless rhythm, soaking up every second they had left together.
Matt leaned over, his eyes never leaving hers. “Do you ever feel like every moment in your life, every path you’ve taken has led to a predetermined, unknown point?”
She nodded, knowing exactly what he meant. It’s how she felt about this exact moment. Every decision she’d made had brought her here, to Matt Cameron’s arms.
“Do you want to escape the crowd for a spell?”
“Yes.” Her answer came out weak, her energy given to the magic of romance.
He led her to the stairs leading off the deck and into the forest. They walked along a well-maintained path and stopped when they came to a bench, then sat.
Emotion lodged in her throat, and she swallowed, trying to regain normalcy, but normal as she’d known it had left the minute she’d backed into Matt.
He lifted her hand and traced the outline with a finger before weaving their hands together. “I don’t want tomorrow to come.”
“Me neither.” The confession should have left her vulnerable, but her heart trusted him with her secrets.
“Does this have to end?” He lifted their joined hands and pressed them against his heart.
“How would it continue?”
“I’m thirty-seven years old and have spent my life waiting for the right woman to come into my life.” He ran his free hand along her jaw with a feather-light touch. “I never imagined I’d meet her how I did, but I know you’re the woman God created for me.”
Tingles shot through her. This was a no holds barred conversation. “I feel the same way.”
“We don’t need to decide the how right now, but can we make this work some way?” His eyes implored her to agree.
“My current career allows me to work from anywhere.”
Smile lines appeared on his face. “I do have hills, and I’m not far from the mountains.”
“Didn’t you say your church was looking for a new missions coordinator?”
“I did. I can put in a good word for you.” He winked. “You met the pastor inside at the reception already. I mentioned a little about your work with S.O.M.E., and he’s very interested in speaking with you.”
Pleasant chills ran through her. The results of God’s intricate knitting of her life were coming into focus. “I’ll speak to him before we leave tonight.”
Matt slid closer to her, leaving not an inch between them. “I’ve heard those who wait for love often fall hard and fast, but I never believed it until I met you. I love you.”
Hearing those words from an honorable man who uttered them with only heartfelt emotion and no ulterior motives had been worth the years of wait, especially when she could return them with complete confidence. “I love you, too.”
He lifted her chin, bringing them closer yet. Their lips met, sealing their promise of love and a future. Fireworks exploded around them, and it took them each several seconds to realize they were real explosions, a part of the reception, and not only a result of their newfound love.
They looked at each other and laughed, then settled back on the bench to enjoy the show as twilight turned to dusk and one phase of her life transitioned to another. She had prayed this vacation would give her answers to her future with Table for One, but she’d never dreamed it would also give her love. She’d come to the mountains all by herself, but she’d leave with a piece of Matt’s heart engrained in hers.
Epilogue
One Year Later
To My Dear Readers,
One year ago, I shared with you my intent to leave the Table for One Blog and transfer it to a new owner. That process was completed in August when Jana took ownership, and she has done an outstanding job. Though I’m no longer single, I still enjoy reading her insightful articles and advice.
She graciously invited me to return as a guest today to share the changes in my life this past year. As I told you when I left, I met the man whom God intended me to marry most unexpectedly. Matt officially proposed to me one month to the day of when we met. For those who are curious, he proposed with a ring on top of a cupcake. After the fiasco of our first meeting, it seemed only appropriate, and we had a good laugh. If I can give you one final piece of advice on here, it’s this—don’t settle for anyone that you can’t laugh with, even in the bad times. That one simple act will carry you through many rough patches and hard times.
Matt and I married in July, and I moved to Maryland. I still write faithfully on my Moments in Missions blog, and I also began working as a Missions Coordinator at my church. Life is more fulfilling than I ever dreamed possible but allow me to clarify—it’s not because I fell in love and married, but because I followed God’s plan for my life and waited for His direction.
Finally, I am ecstatic to share that Matt and I received our final approval for fostering last month. Six days after the last paper was signed, we received our first placements, or as I call them, blessings. The two girls we currently have in our care have stretched us, enriched us, and blessed us in immeasurable ways. We will continue to love them as our own for however long we have with them and longer.
I remain grateful for your years of support and readership.
To God be the glory forever,
Kira.
Don’t miss out on the first Table for One Romance
Available HERE:
Table for One
Once happily single, Lauren Allred can’t summon any joy over her unattached status after her younger sister’s wedding—a problem when she runs a blog devoted to finding contentment and enjoyment in singlehood. In hopes of rejuvenating her spirit and attitude, she embarks on a new project for her blog.
On the night of breaking up with his long-term girlfriend, Trevor Stockton meets Lauren and is instantly intrigued by her, but jumping into another relationship is the last thing on his mind—no matter how much he enjoyed their time together.
When their paths cross again, will Table for One become a part of Lauren’s past
Dear Readers,
When I first wrote Table for One last year, I hadn’t planned to turn it into a series, but then I thought it would be fun to see each subsequent owner of the blog find romance. I relate to Kira because, like her, I’ve been waiting for an answer to prayer, albeit not for a husband (I have one of those I’m happily married to!)
Over the course of the last several years, lots of events have happened that made me question why. I don’t understand, and sometimes they seem downright unfair. It’s very easy to let bitterness or jealousy take root, but I finally decided to put it all in God’s hands.
That’s why Isaiah 55:8-9 is so meaningful to me. What doesn’t make sense to me, makes perfect sense to God. We can’t always see the overall picture here on earth, but He does. He’s carefully knitting our lives in such a way to fulfill His plans for us.
The next time your prayers don’t seem answered, or nothing goes your way, remember God is using those times. He might be growing you or preparing you for what’s to come. It might not be His time for it to happen yet, or He’s steering you to a different path. Whatever the reason, take comfort in knowing that He is in control and His ways are far superior than any plan we could create for our lives.
Until next time,
Leah
Connect with Leah:
Newsletter Sign Up
Facebook
Website
[email protected]
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
and your ways are not My ways.”
This is the Lord’s declaration.
“For as heaven is higher than earth,
so My ways are higher than your ways,
and My thoughts t
han your thoughts.”
- Isaiah 55:8-9
If you enjoyed All By Myself, you might also enjoy Born to Love, Jasper Lake One
Available Here
An Excerpt:
Stacks of papers piled high on Jessa Graff’s desk. The reports the secretary printed out for her yesterday remained unread. The end of summer’s tourist season kept her busy with a steady stream of visitors into the chamber of commerce, which doubled as a tourist information center.
Her position as the chamber’s director put her on the front line of Jasper Lake’s tourism industry, a role she loved. She’d grown up in a small house atop a hill with a clear view of the lake. The town held her heart, and she couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. Many of her childhood friends had moved away, searching for higher opportunities, but she was content here. As those friends, like Drew Sullivan, slowly moved back to town, she knew she’d made the right decision to stay.
The outside world had little to offer that she couldn’t find in Jasper Lake—family, friends, and a job she loved. When the chamber director position opened, she’d sent her resume on the first day. Her only qualifications for the job were an associate’s degree from the community college in Farthington and her love of Jasper Lake.
Two years had passed since she’d stepped into the position, and she thanked God every day for the blessing. Not only did she look forward to work every day, but the job came with a room at Addy’s Bed and Breakfast next door. The historical building served dual roles as a boarding house with three long-term guests—Jessa included—and a bed and breakfast for those passing through for a night, or week.
Jessa loved the arrangement and adored her landlord, Addy Bromel, great-granddaughter to the first Addy who opened the business. With the money saved on rent, Jessa hoped to purchase her own home in the next three years.
