Mirrored Hearts: Sealed by Fire (Encounters of the Heart Book 2)

by Ann Marie Bryan

  “Hello,” she answered.

  “Ro, at last. Been calling you for the last two hours. Are you avoiding my calls?”

  “How can I help you, Chandler? I already explain-”

  “Ro, baby, what’s with that tone? I’m not feeling the love I know you have for me.”

  “I need to go. What do you want?”

  “No need to be rude. I wanted to know when I’ll be seeing you. I need some me time with you.”

  Rozene closed her eyes and let out a deep breath. He was annoying the crap out of her. “As I explained, my children will be here this weekend,” she said slowly as if that would make him understand.

  “I will be calling your phone until I get the visit you had promised me.”

  In a voice that sounded like she was going to the gallows, she said, “I’ll see you on Wednesday.”

  “Wednesday?” He questioned in an incredulous voice. “Aren’t the kids leaving on Monday? Why can’t I see you on Monday?”

  She knew he was guessing. “Because I am busy. It’s going to be Wednesday, so take it or leave it. And that’s the last time I’m meeting with you, Chandler.”

  “Wow. Is that how you’re going to treat me? And why are you calling it a meeting. Thought you loved hanging out with me.”

  “It’s a meeting. So see you on Wednesday.”

  “How about Tuesday? I’ll make it worth your while.”

  Rozene all but threw the phone against the wall. “I’ll meet with you at six sharp Wednesday evening.”

  “Yes, ma’am,” Chandler relented. “That’s if I don’t see you before.”

  Rozene gripped the phone. “No,” she said in a tight voice. “We will not be seeing each other before Wednesday.”

  He chuckled wickedly. “We’ll see.”

  “Bye,” Rozene said, disconnecting the call. Why! Why! Why, Jesus? Why didn’t I crucify my flesh?

  ******

  Almost two hours later, Rozene made her way downstairs to welcome her family home.

  Home.

  Without notice, bubbles of anticipation and joy surged through her heart. Just then, the doorbell chimed and a wide grin dominated her face. That could only be Madison. Anxious to get in yet refusing to use her key.

  Rozene swung the door open to squeals of delight as Madison poured herself into her arms and kissed her cheek.

  “Mom, I am soooo glad to see you. I missed you.” Madison hugged her mother tightly, murmuring words of endearment.

  Rozene looked at the spitting image of herself when she was finally able to pry Madison away from her. In a few seconds, Madison was back into her arms. Rozene patted her back. “My baby, so glad to have you home.” She rocked her for a moment, signaling to Mason to give her a minute.

  Mason would have none of it. His gorgeous dark brown eyes told her that. She smiled at him, marveling how he’d grown even more to look like his father.

  “Is there any room in the inn for me?” Mason hollered, dropping two carry-on cases on the floor. “Back away, Madison, my turn.”

  Larry entered and closed the door, contented to watch the drama unfold.

  Reluctantly, Madison relinquished her hold on her mother, but not before telling her, “You smell wonderful and your hair is fabulous.”

  Rozene was glad she had taken the time to create a soft updo with a loose bun to the back of her head.

  “Thank you, baby,” Rozene responded before Mason hugged her warmly.

  “Yeah, Mom, you look as radiant as ever.” Mason eyed her teasingly. “I see the accident didn’t do any damage. Dad is clearly doing something right.”

  Rozene blushed, touching the bandage at her temple. “Behave yourself, young man. I can still give you time out.”

  “No, Mom, please don’t,” Mason said, hugging her again.

  When he released her, Rozene eyed him, smiling. “Welcome home.”

  A flash of red caught her eyes and Rozene’s heart turned in her chest at the sight of the stunning red roses that Larry held in his hand. A strange cry came from her lips and she covered her face with her hands as tears threatened.

  The room was noticeable quiet as Larry held her while she buried her head in his chest. The children exchanged glances and Larry mouthed that she was all right.

  “Guess I won’t be buying you any more roses,” he teased, rubbing Rozene’s back.

  Rozene pulled away from him, half smiling. “Sorry. Thanks so much, honey. Don’t know where that came from.” She took the flowers from him, then reached up and lightly kissed his lip.

  Larry was still mesmerized by the tiny peck on his lips, when Mason said, “Way to go, Dad. I want to be just like you one day. Mom has it bad for you. But whoa! You’re a goner too.”

  Larry grinned at him. “I would disagree but that would make me a liar.”

  “Are you two finished having fun at my expense?” Rozene eyed Larry and Mason as Madison hugged her waist.

  “All good, Mom.” Mason smiled at her, before shifting his gaze to Madison. “Madison, you’re not going to monopolize Mom all weekend, are you?”

  “Of course not, Mason.” Madison grinned at him.

  Larry and Rozene watched as a careful sigh of relief left Mason, even though he looked unconvinced.

  “You are your Daddy’s child,” Rozene told him, smiling. She circled his waist with her hand. “And you’re as handsome as ever.”

  “Thanks, Mom.” Mason smiled at her. “Must be my fresh haircut.” He slipped out of Rozene’s arms and posed like he was on the cover of a GQ magazine.

  Laughter erupted from everyone.

  “You are super fine, son,” Rozene said as Mason slipped a hand across her shoulder.

  Madison pursed her lips and eyed Mason. “Mom, don’t be making his ego any bigger. The girls at college are already doing that.”

  “Am I missing something, son? We need to catch up.”

  Mason smiled at her. “Not to worry, Mom. It’s all about my school work right now.”

  “Right?” Madison quipped, before squealing and running away as Mason attempted to pinch her arm.

  Larry and Rozene couldn’t help but chuckle at the lively banter between their children. “Okay, let’s get you all settled in,” Larry told them.

  Mason grabbed both their carry-on cases and eyed Madison. “You better be glad I love you.”

  Madison slapped him on the shoulder as he walked by her. “Of course, you do, big brother.”

  “That’s right. You better recognize,” Mason said as he climbed the staircase. “I was born before you. I’m your big brother.”

  “Yes, you are,” Madison chuckled behind him, “by all of ten minutes. You would think it was ten years.”

  “You better have respect for those ten-”

  “Okay, you two,” Rozene said from the foot of the staircase. “Hurry back for dinner. Ready in fifteen minutes.”

  “Yes, Mom.” Mason and Madison said in unison as they walked across the landing.

  Rozene smiled as she watched them. Nothing much had changed between them. They loved each other and had always been close.

  After dinner, Larry and Mason washed the dishes while Rozene and Madison prepared dessert and set it up in the family room.

  Soon, Madison curled up by her mother’s side on the huge plush yellow sofa, eating Peach Cobbler.

  “Sorry, Dad, you had Mom to yourself for a long time. I need some me time with her.”

  Larry knitted his brows. “And she has the nerves to say it.” He was stretched out on the matching sofa across from them. “You better be glad you’re my child.”

  Madison grinned at him. “Thanks, Dad. It’s just for this weekend. I’ll return her soon.”

  Before Larry could respond, Mason jumped in. “I hope you know I need some me time with Mom too. If you’re nice to me, I may even let you have some me time with Dad.”

  “Nice to you,” Madison said sarcastically.

  Mason leaned forward from the sofa nearby and rested his b
owl of Peach Cobbler on the coffee table. “See, you have no respect for your big brother.”

  Larry reduced the volume on the huge flat screen TV. “I can imagine how you two are on campus.”

  “Dad, you couldn’t imagine it, even in your wildest dream.” Madison spoke with great animation. “He’s a mess.”

  Rozene chuckled. “Is he up to the same thing? He has been chasing away boys from you since elementary school.”

  “You know I saw that completely different,” Mason chuckled. “I’m helping to narrow the choice for her by scaring off the unwanted, no backbone admirers. Big brothers do that you know. Dad, you’ll understand.”

  “Of course, I do.” Larry responded. “Madison, let my son do his job.”

  Madison rolled her eyes in desperation, sitting up on the sofa. “Mom, do you hear this madness. If it was up to Mason, I would be sitting in my dorm room every evening watching TV, and eating TV dinners.

  “Come on Madison, you know I’m helping you out. I’m also helping out those long-suffering brothers who you ignore, yet they won’t leave you alone. I’m just looking out for you little sis.”

  Madison shook her head, her ponytail dangling from side to side. “Mom, tell him to stop. I can take care of myself.” She shot a plea for help in her father’s direction. “Dad?”

  Larry looked over at her and smiled, mystified by her energy. Then, it dawned on him. “Seems like there’s more to this than you’re confessing Madison.”

  Madison’s mouth opened into a perfect O, before she exclaimed, “Dad!” She blushed, burying her face in her mother’s side.

  “Oh! Looks serious too,” Rozene chuckled while Madison poked her side.

  “I’m going to let her tell you about that. But this, I’ll tell you. While I’m busy chasing away the guys who are latching on to her, she only has eyes for one. That’s when she’s not busy teaching her praise dance classes. Her girls are doing very well, by the way. Their performances have been outstanding.”

  “Great,” Rozene said. “So glad you’re able to continue your praise dance classes.” They had always encouraged their children to use their abilities to bless others. “How is preparation for Christmas production coming along?”

  A sigh of relief left Madison as she sat up. “It’s going really great. Loving the process. We’re going to have dance, drama, and hopefully, a bit of singing.”

  Even as she spoke, Madison felt like choking Mason for ‘spilling the beans’ like that. Thankfully, her parents were sensitive and knew not to go there with her in the open.

  Rozene smiled at her. “Sounds good.”

  “Great.” Larry echoed Rozene’s sentiments.

  “Thanks. It has been a blessing.”

  “It sure has,” Mason quipped, “in more than one way.”

  Her legs stretched out and crossed at the ankles, Madison eyed Mason. Just quit, please. “Yes, it has,” she agreed, ignoring his double meaning.

  Mason grimace. He had outed her, and realized how appalling that was, even though their parents deliberately did not take it on ... at least for the moment.

  “Mason’s soccer team is doing well too,” Madison remarked. “They have won several competitions. Not only that.” She eyed Mason. “He still finds time to ward off all the females that are flocking to him. He’s a genius.”

  Rozene grinned at her. “No kidding.”

  “But you know me, Mom,” Mason said, filled with self-importance, “I’m all focused on my school work and church.”

  Rozene looked at him. “Is that so?”

  “Yes, Mom! School work, soccer, group dates and church. That’s all I’m into right now.”

  Rozene smiled at him. He was so much like his father. All in or nothing. “Okay, son. I know how you do.”

  “I’m waiting for my special lady, Mom. When the time is right, God will allow our paths to cross. In the meantime, I’m all about the straight and narrow.”

  Another smile tilted the corners of Rozene’s mouth as she gazed at him while he spoke. He always had the potential for a powerful built, just like his father. It hadn’t escaped her that his shoulders had broadened slightly. Certainly not problematic for him. And, she expected him to be just as formidable as his father.

  “I taught you well,” Larry chimed in.

  “Yes, you did, Dad,” Mason said, stroking his chin with his index finger. “You sure did.”

  Larry smile at the replica of himself. God’s favor was on his family and he was happier because of it. He recalled how he and Rozene were happy, yet almost hopelessly unprepared when the twins were born since Rozene did not want to know the sexes of the babies. But God had been good. They made it through.

  Two hours later, Larry prayed and they all climbed the stairs and bid each other goodnight. Rozene almost jumped as the bedroom door closed with a thud behind Larry. They had not discussed their sleeping arrangements and she was contemplating saying something about that when he spoke.

  “You can have the bed.”

  Rozene turned to look at him and found him looking at her. Neither spoke but she was unsettled by his icy stare. She let out a slow breath before asking, “Where are you-?”

  I’ll sleep on the daybed.” He moved towards the lounge area in the room.

  “Thanks,” she said with a barely intelligible mumble. She headed to the bathroom which she knew would always be a safe haven.

  Larry was grateful she did not attempt further conversation with him. He was glad to see the children but he was beat. Even though he’d tried his best to appear normal, it had taken more out of him than he was prepared to give. He needed to take a shower and regroup for tomorrow. He stretched out on the daybed, commanding his mind to stay in the bedroom instead of the bathroom.

  Eventually, Rozene climbed under the bedcovers, making a point of appearing oblivious of Larry’s presence, but in truth, she was aware of all of his movements. She couldn’t help it. He was so near and yet so far. She saw him walk to the bathroom and heard him take a shower. Twenty minutes later, he reappeared with a comforter in hand.

  She gazed at his athletic frame as he threw the comforter on the daybed before climbing under it. I’ve loved him forever, she thought. Gravity was pulling her body down into a deep sleep, but she turned on her side and drew the covers close to her neck, determined to observe him as long as she could. Nevertheless, before long, a wave of exhaustion carried her away and she drifted off to sleep.

  CHAPTER 22

  Rozene entered the kitchen, just in time to hear Larry’s good-natured chuckles and Madison’s snickering as she high-fived her father who was sitting on a stool near the island. “Thanks for being a witness, Dad.” She held up a coin. “Some things will never change.”

  “And some things will,” Mason added, looking not too happy with his hands covered in soap at the sink. They had just tossed a coin to determine who would wash the dishes. He’d lost as usual. “Don’t think I’ll be washing dishes all weekend. Just this time.”

  Madison grinned mischievously. “No need to toss the coin again. You always lose, so prepare to do dishes all weekend.”

  Mason gave her a threatening look. “You would like that, huh?”

  “Well, good morning,” Rozene greeted them. “Thanks for waking me up.”

  “Oh, Mom!” Madison shrieked with delight. “Glad you’re up. Dad said not to wake you, you’re tired. The good part is we get to spend most of the day together while Mason and Dad go off by themselves, and we’ll meet up for early dinner. What you think?”

  “I’m still at - you didn’t wake me up for breakfast.”

  A murmur of, “Ohhh,” came from everyone, and Madison and Mason moved to group hug her.

  “Come on, Dad,” Madison encouraged.

  A look of horror crossed Rozene’s face but Larry had no choice but to participate. Soon, the children wiggled out of the embrace and he found himself cuddling Rozene. His heart tripped as Mason spoke, “Dad, kiss Mom and make up. It’s your fault. Y
ou’re the one who told us not to wake her.”

  Larry felt Rozene go still in his arms.

  His hand cupping her chin, he lifted her face to look at him. It was time to show her what she’d been missing. Without thinking, he kissed her ... slowly and deeply. She clutched his shirt, lifting her chin higher as he took her over the edge, and explored her mouth in a dance she would always remember. When he lifted his head, she was panting. He brought his lips within an inch of hers again, and her lips instantly parted. It was then that Larry remembered the children. You could hear a pin drop. Note to self, Larry thought. Not the kind of kiss you do before the children. He needed to divert attention away from his little mindboggling performance. That was one lesson that didn’t go as intended. The blaze between them almost derailed him, if he was going to be honest.

  “I’m going to get your breakfast,” he told Rozene, acting as if nothing happened.

  She nodded, avoiding his eyes and then held on to the island to steady herself as he released her.

  He looked at the children who were busy sending silent coded messages to each other. “Get back to work,” he told them jokingly.

  “Yes, sir,” Madison hollered, holding back laughter.

  “Daaaad! You go, Dad!” Mason exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear.

  “Attempt at humor noted, son.” Larry wagged a finger at him.

  “But Dad, no one is laughing,” Mason responded cheekily.

  Larry rolled his eyes, telling him, “Give it a few minutes to settle in. They’ll get it.”

  That silenced Mason, who gave Madison the “evil” eye. She was snickering loudly.

  Larry moved towards the microwave and warmed the sausages they had left for Rozene. As he poured boiling water on the cocoa in her favorite cup, he wondered what on earth had possessed him to kiss her like that.

  Rozene sat quietly at the island, calming her frayed nerves.

  Soon, Larry set her breakfast before her.