by JoAnn Durgin
“I know that.” She hated that she’d made him feel so awkward. “I wouldn’t expect you to do anything else or go anywhere other than this church. This is your family. And you’re not just a youth pastor to most of these kids. You’re their mentor, a father or big brother figure to some, but you’re a great role model to all of them. You’re invested. And so are they.”
Chase returned his gaze to hers. “Thank you for saying that. I’ve also accepted the fact that I won’t be young forever. There will come a time when I’m too old and decrepit for youth ministry. I’ll walk with a cane, and I might need to take stock in adult diapers.”
“I’m sure you’ll be hot even when you’re old, cane and adult diapers or not.”
“Glad you think so.” His lips curved slightly, giving her hope with a hint of his humor. “You don’t see many 70 year olds leading youth groups.”
“Grandma M. could. If she were a Christian. All in God’s timing.”
“I’m sure you’re right. And amen to that.”
She’d almost made him laugh. She could tell by the way Chase twisted his lips. Next he’d probably stroke his beard. Not that he was a creature of habit, but they both had their quirks.
“The kids brought up the story of Romeo and Juliet the other day,” he told her. “They wanted to talk about the feud between Montague and Capulet. Specifically, they mentioned how the young lovers were from two different worlds and yet the same. Some of them are reading the play in school, and they thought God was trying to tell them something. About our story.”
“What did they think God was telling them?”
“About how class differences shouldn’t matter if two people love each other.”
“Oh.” She gulped. “And what did you say?”
“I agreed.” Chase moved one boot-covered foot in front of the other, bringing him closer to where she stood. “I also told them money and so-called class differences shouldn’t matter. A person’s worth isn’t determined by how much money he has in the bank or his professional success.” Chase curled his fist and rested it on his red thermal shirt, directly above his heart. “What matters most to God is what’s in here. If the heart is black with bitterness, it profits no one.”
“Good points, all of them.”
“Then I had them read Ecclesiastes 4:12, and we talked about how three are much better than two when God is the third strand in a strong love relationship.”
“Speaking of three, did you know that I was basically kidnapped from the theater a few nights ago?”
“Kidnapped? What happened?” Concern flashed in his eyes and his jaw tightened.
“Okay, it was by our long-time family driver, and he drove me to the house.”
“So, you were taken against your will by your trusted family driver to your own home. Sounds like a punishable crime to me.”
“But it—”
“Sounds more romantic. Yeah, I get it.” His lips twitched. “What does three have to do with anything? I love how your mind works, by the way. I’ll be hard pressed to keep up with you.”
“Your father was in the library with my parents.”
He stared at her for a long moment. “The plot thickens. I didn’t know our parents had met.”
“Neither did I. Imagine my surprise. I’ll let your father tell you what he told me, but he loves you. He wants to see us together. And my father sold the casinos for me, Chase. For me. I’ll explain more later, but my mom is a believer now, so that’s definitely a reason for rejoicing.”
“Amen! Soul on fire!” His gorgeous smile covered his face. How she’d missed him. She needed to be in his arms within the minute or she might very well explode.
“What are you thinking now?” Tilting his head to one side, Chase raised a brow.
“You want the truth?”
“Yes.” He crossed his arms. “Always.”
She took another step closer to him. He didn’t budge. “I’ve never met anyone like you before, Chase. Your faith is fearless, bold, without inhibitions. God’s word is powerful and strong, and your passion is clear as you share His word with others. You don’t care what anyone thinks and you pursue God with a soul on fire for the Lord. That’s one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever witnessed. The fact that you have such a sincere heart for people and care so deeply about where they’ll spend eternity, is…incredibly sexy.”
“Sexy?” His cheeks pinked and Chase laughed. Sure enough, he stroked his beard.
“All kinds of sexy. And yes, Lord”—Heather lifted her chin—“I used the word ‘sexy’ in a church.”
“If you think that’s sexy, I could run a few more verses by you.”
“You can do that. Later.” She took a final step closer to him, bridging the remaining gap between them. “If you don’t put your arms around me and kiss me right now, I’m not sure I can be held accountable for my actions.”
“So, to be clear,” Chase said, “you’re back? We’re back?”
“That’s the plan,” she said.
“Hold that thought.” Digging his keys from his jeans pocket, Chase walked toward a door and quickly unlocked it. “Come with me.”
Heather laughed as Chase tugged on her hand and pulled her inside. He closed the door, blocking the light. Still, there was enough dim light to see his handsome face.
She moved her hands around his neck. “More dark closet therapy?”
“Later,” he whispered. “For now, I’m ready for countdown, commander.”
She smiled and traced the planes of his face with her fingers. “I’ve missed this handsome face the past two weeks.”
“I know one part of my face that’s missed you.” He chuckled. “Yeah, I’ve been hanging around Sawyer too much the past two weeks. The man gives good counsel.”
“So does Ava. They’re the greatest friends we could ever have.”
“Thanks for coming back to me, Heather. I’ve missed you. I’ll love you always.”
“Love you—” Her words were silenced when Chase claimed her lips.
~~♥~~
Chase heard the kids stomp up the stairs a few minutes later, calling out their names. Huddled together in the closet, his arms wrapped around Heather, her head on his chest, they laughed quietly as the teenagers speculated on where Preacher and Ballet Girl could have gone.
“You think they ran off together?” one of the girls said. “That’d be so romantic.”
“They’re so great together. I hope Miss Heather comes back to us.” That was Rachelle.
“I think they’re off sucking face somewhere.” That had to come from Trevon.
“Nasty, Trevon!” Chase laughed at Destiny’s comment. That one was the mother hen.
“I guess we’d better show our faces so they’ll know we’re still here on the premises,” Chase whispered, leaning his forehead on hers.
“Yes, and I’m sure they’ll be able to tell exactly what we’ve been doing. Let’s go.”
“They’ll be ecstatic.” He opened the door and, taking her by the hand, they stepped into the hallway.
Jamal spied them first. They’d apparently been going into the Sunday school rooms searching for them. A wide grin covered his face. “Got them, guys. Come out, come out, wherever you are!”
The others emerged from the various Sunday school rooms.
“Where were you guys?” Gabe said.
“In the, um, little supply closet.” Chase pointed to the door. Maybe he shouldn’t make that revelation public in case they ever needed that closet in the future.
“Well, if that don’t beat all.” Trevon laughed and slid his hands down to his hips. At least he was wearing his jeans pulled up higher on his hips these days. He might even be using the belt Chase bought for him. The most important thing was that he was reading the Bible Jamal gave him. “This situation right here puts a whole new spin on comin’ out of the closet.”
Destiny rolled her eyes but, surprisingly, didn’t chastise him again. Rachelle slapped his arm, though, m
aking Chase laugh.
Chase moved his arm around Heather and drew her to his side. “You’ll be happy to know that Miss Heather and I are back together.”
“I’m sorry if I worried you,” Heather said. “I hope you’ll forgive me.” Watching her, Chase admired her composure and how she humbled herself before these kids.
“You’re cool,” Trevon said. “Welcome back.”
The girls rushed around them then. Chase released Heather’s hand and backed away, giving her time with them.
“So, when’s the wedding?” Jamal said as he and Gabe came to stand beside him.
“One thing at a time.”
Heather caught his eye and winked.
Jamal was right. He needed to marry her. The Lord knew he wasn’t a patient man.
Chapter 31
~~♥~~
Late July
Heather pressed the buzzer outside the back door of the church.
“Cornerstone Community Church. This is Sissy. Have you talked to the Lord today?”
Heather stifled her grin. “Hi, Sissy. I’m here to see Chase.”
“Oh my, yes dear.” Heather heard some scuffling and muffled chatter.
“Hi, Opal.”
“Yes, Heather. How are you dear?”
“Fine, thanks. Chase invited me to come, so I’m sure he’s expecting me.”
“Come on in, sweetie,” Sissy said, followed by the sound of the buzzer.
Opening that wooden door wasn’t as much of a chore today. Maybe the warm temperatures made it seem lighter for some reason. She’d built some muscle during her workouts with Chase lately. Nothing masculine, but she liked that they could share the same outdoor interests. They’d been all over town jogging, hiking, and playing coed softball together. They’d made some new couple friends, and they’d gone on bike rides with Ava and Sawyer on weekends.
The door to Chase’s office was closed. That was new. Approaching it, she heard the two older ladies talking together in the office down the hall.
“Opal, don’t you wish sometimes that you didn’t live in the big city?”
“I don’t know, Sis. Where would you suggest that would be any different?”
“I’m thinking a little town might be nice. Say in a place like…oh, I don’t know…Iowa. Quiet, small, where everyone knows your name. There’s no crime to speak of, and only a few cranks here and there. A diner that’s the town’s popular watering hole. Quirky, fun people who would do anything for each other. Quaint stores and a town square with a stone church in the middle of it. Doesn’t that sound perfect?”
“Yes, it does.” Opal’s sigh was audible. “But you and I both know those kinds of places don’t really exist. Only in books.”
“I suppose so,” Sissy said. “But a girl can dream.”
Smiling, Heather knocked on Chase’s door.
The door swung open from inside. The lights were dim. She sniffed. Was that a scented candle? Smelled like roses. Soft jazz played in the background.
Chase emerged from behind the door. “Welcome to Chez Landers,” he said with a bow. He wore his full suit and tie and looked especially handsome.
“Chez Landers?”
“Sounds better than Chez Chase.”
In front of his desk, he’d moved the two armchairs to the side of the room. A blanket covered the middle of the floor. She gasped and brought her hand over her mouth.
“Please have a seat on the blanket.” Taking her hand, Chase helped her settle in the middle of it. “For our first course, we have fresh fruit and sparkling cider. Would the lady like red or white?” He held up one bottle for her and then the other as though he were a wine steward.
She smiled. “Surprise me. Not that you haven’t already done that.”
He poured red sparkling cider into a champagne flute and handed it to her and then poured a glass for himself. Then he set a bowl of green and red grapes on the floor.
“Don’t tell me,” she said. “The main course is a peanut butter sandwich.”
Chase lowered to the blanket beside her. “With jelly on the side. I also have jam since I didn’t know your personal preference.”
“You think of everything.” She raised her glass and lightly touched it to his.
“Well, you see, a very special woman once told me that a woman doesn’t always need the grand gestures.”
“Sounds like a wise woman to me. This is the most romantic date I’ve ever been on.”
He chuckled, and his eyes sparkled. “You must have dated some real cheapskates.”
“Cheap in character, perhaps. You’re the richest man I’ve dated if strong character is the criteria.”
Leaning close, he kissed her. “Thank you. You make me feel like the wealthiest man in the world to have earned your love.”
They talked and laughed as they fed one another grapes and drank their cider. Then Chase presented her with the sandwich. She requested grape jam and he prepared her sandwich and then served it to her on a plain white paper plate. Every five minutes they stole kisses. He asked about her day, she asked about his.
For dessert, he’d prepared chocolate mousse. She was surprised when he presented it to her in a parfait glass with chocolate shavings on top and even a cherry.
“You’ve outdone yourself.” She turned the small glass in her hand, admiring his creation. “I had no idea you could do this.”
“I’m trying.” Then he went behind his desk and pulled out a dozen pink roses, her favorite. “I think this is one thing you didn’t suggest when you were telling me about a romantic date.”
Heather dipped her head and inhaled of the fragrant blooms. “I just thought it was the rose scented candle, but I’m sure this bouquet added to it. Oh Chase, they’re gorgeous, but you’ve already bought me flowers. You have to stop spending money…”
Her heart jumped. Sitting on top of the cherry, anchored by the stem, was a sparkling emerald cut diamond ring. Not too large, not too small, but she could tell at first glance it was of fine quality. Her eyes filled. “Oh, Chase. It’s beautiful.”
Chase lifted the ring from the stem of the cherry and slipped it on her finger. “This was my mother’s ring. If you’d like another one, we’ll go pick one out together. Heather Ellyn Montague, you are my soul mate. I love you with all my heart. I can’t imagine any other woman who could handle the challenge of being married to a pastor. A woman who can handle me. I hope you’ll agree to handle me for the rest of our lives.”
She laughed and happy tears spilled onto her cheeks.
“In other words, will you marry me? To make it official,” Chase added.
Heather nodded. “I love the ring. And yes, Chase. I will handle you, and I will marry you. I will always love you. Nothing would fill my heart with more joy than to be your wife.”
“Good answer.” Setting aside the chocolate mousse, he took her in his arms.
Later, they fed the delectable chocolate mousse to one another—two spoons, one parfait dish. Then he leaned against his desk and settled her in front of him, arms wrapped around her.
“Chase, I don’t want a big wedding. I’d prefer it to be simple with only immediate family.”
“That works for me. Keeps the wedding party small.”
“Except for Ava and Sawyer, of course.”
“Of course. They’re family,” he agreed. “I’m sure some of the kids will be disappointed.”
“We can have a reception here at the church when we return. How about that?”
“Sounds like a good plan. I’m sure they’d be good with that idea.” He kissed her neck and growled a little, burying his head on her shoulder.
Then he gave her a light neck massage, and Heather sighed. “That feels soooo good. Please promise to do this as often as possible.”
“I aim to please. Where would you like to get married?”
“Somewhere tropical sounds great to me. I’ve always thought September would be a good month to marry. How do you feel about Hawaii? Ava and Sawyer fe
ll in love with it when they were there. Ava was actually born there, and her parents moved to Indy when she was an infant.”
“Sounds perfect,” he said. “Are you sure, Beautiful? This is your opportunity for the big church wedding.”
She shook her head. “That might be my mom or dad’s dream, but not mine. I’d love to be married on the beach at sunset.”
“Sawyer says it rains almost every afternoon, so sunset should be a good time of the day.”
“You know what?” Heather twisted in his arms to face him. “I don’t even care if it rains. Nothing will diminish my joy.”
“You are my joy.” Chase kissed her again. “Heather?”
“Hmm?” She nuzzled his cheek, kissed his lips, and then pulled back with love-dazed eyes.
“Let’s make it early September.”
Chapter 32
~~♥~~
On a beautiful, breezy early September evening on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, the Garden Isle, Chase David Landers and Heather Ellyn Montague were married on a private beach at sunset. By a man named Elvis, a local Hawaiian pastor and long-time friend of Ava’s family.
Chase counted his blessings as he stood with Heather beneath the pink, rose-covered bridal arch. David stood tall and proud with Sawyer beside him. Like Chase, they wore light beige-colored suits with white dress shirts and pink satin neckties. The other men had a pale pink rose pinned to their lapels, his rose was white.
Ellyn and Ava stood up for Heather in pale pink dresses and bright smiles. They each held small bouquets of pink and white roses.
They’d decided to forego traditional formality and both men were Chase’s Best Man and both ladies were Heather’s Matron of Honor. Kept everyone happy. With a man named Elvis officiating, it wasn’t like they were exceedingly formal.
Tiffany and Palmer, their flower girl and ring bearer, sat on white folding chairs on one side of Kate and Jeremy. Grandma M. sat on the other. Heather was right—what a hoot that lady was. The lively fireball of energy had managed to make him blush more than once but she never failed to make him laugh.
