Love So Divine: A Contemporary Christian Romance (Wondrous Love Series, Book 2)

by JoAnn Durgin

  Get over yourself, man. She was going to think he had a hang-up about money. Maybe he did. Or perhaps it bothered him more than he’d realized. No, that wasn’t true. He just hadn’t thought anything about it until a beautiful yet obviously privileged woman named Heather entered his life. Still, it wouldn’t be fair to fault her for growing up in a wealthy family any more than he could point fingers because his family had always resided on the lower end of the economic scale. He refused to go there. Some things never changed, and he was long over the blame game.

  Heather’s eyes widened. “I only meant Ava couldn’t expect the owner of the company to be manning a pedicab downtown near midnight. On a cold evening in February. She thought Sawyer was very cute in a muscular, handsome Italian, goofy kind of way.”

  Chase chuckled. “Maybe that’s what I’m doing wrong. I should act goofy around women. What does this have to do with Ava’s wedding dress?”

  “Don’t be so cynical, Chase. That’s not your style. Anyway, Sawyer cycled past an upscale bridal shop and generated a discussion about the dresses in the window. They both agreed one of the dresses was the perfect wedding gown. Then fast forward a few months to June, another memorable pedicab ride, and their glorious reunion after that little rough patch they weathered.”

  Chase lifted his glass. “That was a huge answer to prayer. Here’s to glorious reunions.”

  “Agreed.” They clinked their glasses once more. “Anyway, Sawyer called me not long after that night and asked me—begged, really—to help him find that special wedding dress they’d seen. By that time, the window display had been changed several times, complicating his plan.”

  “Of course.” Catching the amused expression on Heather’s face, he hastened to explain. “Not that I know about these things.” Chase held up one hand. “I’m completely—”

  “I know. There’s never been a doubt in my mind that you’re a ladies’ man. And not into fashion tips, if you catch my meaning.”

  He grunted. “Loud and clear. In case you have a mistaken impression of me, Heather, I’ve never been a player.” Even with Jacqui, he’d always been a one-woman guy. Chase swirled the liquid in his glass and took another drink.

  Heather eyed him over the rim of her glass. “Relax. I wasn’t insinuating any such thing. I only meant it’s obvious you like women or you wouldn’t be fixated on my lips right now.”

  Chase almost spit out his mouthful of sparkling cider. Turning his head, he wiped the corners of his mouth before quickly lifting his gaze to her hairline. “Wow. You are direct, aren’t you?”

  “Yes, to my detriment sometimes.”

  “I wouldn’t say fixated, exactly,” he mumbled. “Staring, maybe.” He was so busted.

  “You made me veer off topic again.” Giving him a mock evil eye, Heather arched her brows and moved two fingers in a V beneath her eyes. “Right here, Preacher Man.”

  He laughed and held up a hand. “Truce. Look, I know a woman can change her mind. Just because Ava made conversation with the goofy Italian pedicab driver at the end of a long day didn’t necessarily mean she wanted that dress.” Ava’s wedding dress no doubt cost Sawyer a pretty penny, but that wasn’t a consideration for his well-heeled friend. And in spite of what Heather said, she was used to pretty things, expensive things. Simple things and poor substitutes weren’t part of her world.

  “Exactly. Sawyer presented the dress to Ava and gave her the option.” Heather studied him for a long moment. “I suppose there’s always the risk that something won’t be a good fit, isn’t there?”

  As much as any woman he’d ever known, Heather had a way of saying things with underlying meaning. Perhaps she was waiting for her comment to sink into his subconscious. Maybe Drew and the other guys she’d dated were a little slow on the upkeep, but unless he was misreading her, Chase understood what she was suggesting. He didn’t like it. Not at all. He’d need to prove her wrong.

  They were a good fit. Whether or not he’d have the opportunity to show her how much was the question. On the other hand, maybe she’d said it to challenge him. She didn’t seem the type to play head games. Then again, trying to understand the many layers of a woman was something that confounded him as much as anything in his life. The bottom line remained—Heather was worth the challenge.

  The war within him continued to rage on.

  Chase drained his glass of sparkling cider. Enough wedding dress chitchat. “I’m sure Ava was overwhelmed by Sawyer’s grand gesture. Correct me if I’m wrong, but what you’re really saying here is that the element of surprise and the fact that a guy makes the effort is what’s most important to a woman.”

  “Exactly. It was very romantic.”

  As she made more random observations and pointed out a few wedding guests, Chase half listened, laughing on occasion to prove he was listening. Heather knew a lot of important people in Indy. A number of the wedding guests—high society types dripping in jewels and drenched in old money—greeted her with kisses on both cheeks.

  His gaze settled on those tempting lips again. Did she kiss as passionately as she seemed to do everything else? If he had to guess, the answer to that one would be a resounding yes. Man, he had it bad. She was going to think he had some kind of obsession. It’d been more than two years ago since his last relationship, such as it was—coffee dates he could count on one hand, a couple of movies, and a few church activities. Maybe he should just ask out one of the girls at the church. A few had made it clear they’d be interested.

  Girls. Heather was right. He needed a woman, not a girl. She was spot-on in that assessment.

  The sound of silver clinking on crystal captured Chase’s attention. “We’re being summoned to dinner.” He offered his arm to Heather. “Shall we, Miss Montague?”

  “Delighted, Mr. Landers.” She looped her arm through his. Sure, he could play the part and be a perfect gentleman for the evening, smile, and act like it didn’t matter that he might not see her again after tonight except at events orchestrated by Ava and Sawyer. That’s not what he wanted—to see Heather infrequently at social events. He wanted more.

  As he pulled out her chair at the head table, Heather gave him another of her gorgeous smiles that almost made him stumble over his two clown feet. That smile hit him as surely as a blow to the gut.

  If he knew what was good for him, he’d stay far away from Heather after tonight.

  The expression easier said than done came to mind. A vast understatement.

  The Lord knew Chase Landers didn’t always do what was best.

  Chapter 5

  ~~♥~~

  “What are you going to do about it?”

  “It?” Chase took another bite of his filet mignon and avoided looking at Sawyer. His toast to the bride and groom had been made and now he could relax and enjoy the evening. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

  “Sure you don’t.” Sawyer laughed under his breath. “Do me a favor while we’re on our honeymoon. Call Heather and ask her out on a date. Just Chase and Heather, one-on-one. Do something fun and get to know her better.”

  “Why would I do that? And keep your voice down, man. She’s only two doors down at this table.”

  Sawyer leaned close and obediently quieted his tone. “From what I know, you haven’t looked at any other woman since you met her.”

  “Okay, answer me this,” Chase said between bites of asparagus, a vegetable he’d never eaten until the last few years. It was an acquired taste, the kind of food he’d have hated as a kid but liked now. “How would you know? You’re not my keeper 24/7. I date on occasion.”

  “Since you met Heather?”

  Chase finally met Sawyer’s gaze. “No.”

  “Now we’re getting somewhere.” Sawyer was having way too much fun with this. “Then there’s that lost puppy look on your face. Admit it, buddy. You can’t wait to ask her to dance tonight. Don’t give me any kind of I haven’t danced since high school excuse. Even youth pastors can slow dance at a weddi
ng, so don’t try that one on me, either. Time to take charge of your life, Chase.”

  “I’m doing fine on my own, thanks.” Chase put his fork on his plate. “Give me one good reason why Heather would want to go out with me. I’m not in her league.” Sawyer’s input should help him sort through his confusion.

  “That’s where you’re wrong.” Sawyer swirled the water in his glass and eyed him. “Where’d my confident friend go?”

  “It has nothing to do with confidence,” Chase mumbled. “Okay, look. You, of all people, deserve the truth. I’m so attracted to Heather I can hardly see straight, but we’re completely wrong for each other. My reservations about her have more to do with knowing when to set boundaries.” He turned his full attention on Sawyer. “And knowing when not to cross the line.”

  Sawyer took a quick drink. “You’re one of the strongest guys I know. As long as I’ve known you, you’ve never been one to let anyone or anything intimidate you. You’re downright fearless and put me to shame. You ask me, those kids you work with everyday are enough to strike fear in the heart.” He angled his head in Heather’s direction. “I’m talking about Ava’s blonde best friend who puts thoughts of happily ever after in your mind. Man up and admit it already.”

  Chase sat back in his chair. “Where’d the real Sawyer Mancini go? I never would have expected it. You’ve turned into a certified romantic.”

  “Yeah, well, it takes one to know one. You helped me write those vows, after all.” Sawyer’s grin emerged. “Someday I’ll be standing up for you when you say your wedding vows.”

  “I refuse to say the word smitten.” Chase grinned. “Not enough money in the world.”

  “Hold that thought.” Sawyer put his arm around his wife. “Ava, I need your help.”

  Ava had been talking with Allie and twisted in her chair when Sawyer kissed her cheek. A part of Chase softened when he glimpsed the joy in her eyes. For his part, Sawyer had never acted more content or seemed happier. This was what love did to a person. Not a bad place to be, actually. A place he’d like to visit if not outright inhabit one of these years. After what happened with Jacqui, he’d closed off that part of his heart. Not forever but for a long time. Maybe it was time to jump back into the game. Stop allowing his past to define him and override his future.

  “What’s that?” Ava glanced from Sawyer to Chase.

  “Chase seems to think he’s not in Heather’s league,” Sawyer explained. “Whatever that means, although he claims it has nothing to do with confidence.”

  Ava’s eyes grew wide. “What’s this really about, Chase?”

  Chase drummed his fingers on the fancy white tablecloth. “I’m pointing out the obvious. Heather is beautiful, she’s intelligent, cultured, well-traveled, from a rich family.”

  Ava lowered her glass to the table. “That’s your head talking. For once, let your heart speak. Heather’s also one of the most honest, down-to-earth, genuine people I’ve ever known.” She gave him a small smile. “More importantly, I have it on good authority that she likes you.”

  Chase’s pulse quickened. “Why do I hear a but in there somewhere?”

  Ava started to speak and then stopped.

  “Speak, Mrs. Mancini,” Sawyer said. “We’re both waiting to hear what’s coming next.” He added to the enticement by planting a light kiss on his wife’s lips.

  Chase nodded and braced himself. “Lay it on me, Ava. I can take it.”

  “Heather thinks you’re very attractive, and that you have a great sense of humor when you allow it to surface. She admires your obvious dedication to the kids in your youth group, but sometimes you’re also a little…”

  Both Chase and Sawyer leaned forward, waiting.

  “Intense.”

  “That’s what she said?” Intense? Chase fingered his beard. Huh. He wondered if Ava and Heather had discussed him since the events of last night.

  “Well, that’s true. I’ve always been intense and more serious than not. Since I was in kindergarten. Maybe even earlier than that. Like in the womb, or at least the crib. As far as the kids I work with, the Lord’s put me there to help them. I’m just following the call.”

  Chase focused on Ava. “At the risk of sounding like some lovesick teenage kid, intense or not, do you think I have a chance with Heather? Honest opinion.” He couldn’t believe he’d even asked that one.

  When Ava nodded, relief shot through him. “I’d say you do. I can tell she’s impressed by you, and my best friend doesn’t impress easily.”

  “Why is that?”

  “Disappointment from past relationships.” Ava’s brown eyes met his. “I’m not necessarily talking about romantic relationships.”

  Chase swallowed the last of his iced tea. “That’s an intriguing statement.”

  Sawyer grinned. “You impress me, brother, and you know I don’t impress easily. I say you make that intensity factor the best thing Heather’s ever seen. Work it, brother. Show her what a good thing it can be. Own it.”

  Chase chuckled and then lowered his voice. “Yes, coach. How do you propose I do that?”

  “Well, anything’s possible,” Sawyer said. “A year ago tonight, I stood on the auction block at that charity bachelor event. Heather placed the winning bid, as a matter of fact.”

  “Go on.” Chase heard about the auction but had no idea of a connection to Heather.

  “She talked with me after the auction.” Sawyer laced his fingers with Ava’s. “Turns out, it was Heather’s mother, Ellyn, who’d put up the money and asked her to place the bid.”

  “Not that Heather needs to buy a date,” Ava added.

  “I’m sure she doesn’t.” Chase wondered why she’d bid on Sawyer.

  “Heather assured me the auction bid would be donated to Peyton Manning’s Children’s Hospital,” Sawyer said. “All I needed to do in return was ‘keep my girl Ava happy.’ Then she advised me to take care of her best friend’s heart.”

  Chase broke into a wide grin. “You sure made good on that one. And then some.”

  “Heather’s words came across”—Sawyer paused as if searching for the right words—“as a thinly veiled threat. In a very nice, tactful way. My point being that she’s tough in the best way. She’s loyal and fiercely protective of those she loves.”

  “Good qualities in anyone,” Chase said.

  Ava smiled. “Not long after the auction, Sawyer told me that he wanted to introduce his best friend to my best friend.”

  Chase watched as Heather left the head table to talk with a couple across the room. All that loyalty came wrapped in one gorgeous package. Chase had glimpsed that same toughness in Heather. He’d also picked up on the hidden sadness, the vulnerability.

  The beginning notes of a song came from the musicians. Sawyer’s brows lifted. “Need I say more? Pop in a breath mint and go ask the lovely Heather to dance. Loosen up those dance moves and show her what you’ve got. That’s how you get it done.”

  Retrieving a small tin of mints from her bag, Ava offered it to him.

  “Are you saying my breath is offensive?” Chase blew a breath on his open palm and then sniffed.

  Sawyer laughed. “Relax. All I’m saying is it never hurts to be prepared for when you’re up close and personal with Heather.”

  “I’ll show her it’s true that pastors really shouldn’t dance. Considering what Heather does for a living, this could be humiliating. Say a prayer.” Thanking Ava, Chase took three mints since they were miniscule and popped them into his mouth.

  Ava smiled and winked. “Forget about the whole pastor thing. Just be Chase.”

  “I’ll try my best.” Those tiny mints packed a punch. Was his tongue numb?

  “Remember, you’re a man first and a pastor second.” Sawyer rose to his feet.

  Chase laughed. “I think that’s the most profound thing you’ve ever said, Mancini. I prefer to think of it as being a man of God. All one and the same. I can’t have one without the other or differentiate them.”
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  “That’s why you have the seminary degree,” Sawyer said. “Just don’t neglect your heart.”

  “Thanks for the advice.”

  The band leader stepped behind the floor microphone. “As we begin our time of dancing tonight, please join me in welcoming Mr. and Mrs. Sawyer Mancini to the dance floor.”

  “We’re supposed to dance first and then it’s your turn,” Sawyer said to Chase over the clapping and cheers from their wedding guests.

  Chase grinned. “I accept that challenge. Show me how it’s done, and I’ll follow your cue.”

  “Will do. Have fun.” Sawyer slapped him on the back before slipping his arm around Ava’s waist. They strolled across the room toward the dance floor as the band began to play “Moon River,” a song Chase knew held special meaning for the bride and groom.

  Chase remained in his chair, content to watch his friends as Ava moved easily into Sawyer’s arms. Those two fit in so many ways. They looked great together, their bodies in sync, attuned to the other’s movements. No doubt they’d lead a blessed life. Have a whole bunch of gorgeous, dark-haired kids. Rambunctious, athletic boys like their dad and girls with dainty features and feminine ways like their mother. When the inevitable storms came into their lives, they’d handle them with grace and a godly perspective.

  In an absent rhythm, Chase rapped his knuckles on the tablecloth. He smiled as he noted the overflowing vase of brilliant yellow tulips—Ava’s favorite flower—sitting in the middle of their head table. Glancing around the room, he locked gazes with a brunette on the opposite side of the room. He crossed his arms, sat back in his chair, and lowered his gaze, hoping that would give her nonverbal signals that he wasn’t interested. She might be young and attractive, but he only had eyes for the blonde Maid of Honor.

  A few moments later, after checking his phone for messages, Chase moved his attention back across the room to Heather. He schooled his features into an expression of cool interest. Not that she was paying him any attention as she chatted with other wedding guests.