Donuts and Detours

by Baganz, Susan M. ;

  “To Craig McElroy, she has left you your father’s guns.”

  “No money or the car?”

  “Money later. For now, just the guns,” the attorney responded.

  “To Gina McElroy Wendt, she has left the photographs. They are in a bin on the table behind me.”

  “No money?”

  “You’ll need to wait. Right now, I’m going through physical possessions. Financial distribution follows.”

  He finished going through the list and started to get to the financial accounts. “The details of your individual financial inheritances are in an envelope for each of you. She opened up separate investment accounts with the individual as beneficiary. With the death certificate, you can claim ownership. The actual account information and most recent balances are detailed in your envelopes.”

  The sound of paper ripped as everyone opened the envelopes.

  Craig exclaimed, “That’s it? What about her? She was only a tenant.”

  “Ms. Hanson has been gracious in taking care of Adele all these years and assisting her in whatever way needed. Her inheritance is none of your concern.” The attorney rose. “The property is in her name now and any of you who step foot on it without her express permission are considered trespassers.”

  “But that was our family home,” Gina whined.

  “And when did you last visit your family home?” the attorney asked with eyebrows raised.

  Silence met this question. Roberto turned to Bethany. “I was instructed to give you this after the funeral. If you have any further questions or need for legal advice, please feel free to call me.”

  “Thank you, Roberto.” Bethany took the envelope and sighed at seeing Adele’s impeccable penmanship on it. She rose and turned to Ty. “Shall we go?”

  He nodded and stood, pulling back her chair for her. He kept his hand on her lower back as he steered them through the grumbling family members.

  When they reached the hallway, she whispered, “Gina is Mile’s grandmother.”

  He nodded and continued to steer her through the mingling crowds to her car. “Think you can get home? Will you be safe there? Those people resent you.”

  “But I did nothing to warrant that. I didn’t ask to be put in her will or to get an inheritance from her.”

  “I know. I’m happy for you. Get home, lock the doors, and enjoy your letter.”

  “We still need to talk.”

  “Agreed, but we don’t have to do it now.” Titus closed the door and stepped aside to watch her leave, hands in his pockets.

  She couldn’t believe she’d been foolish enough to throw a relationship with him away. She only hoped it wasn’t too late to change things.

  She arrived home and parked. She walked up the back steps to the house. Her home now. No longer a place she rented. She owned it. She’d taken care of the transfer papers yesterday and switching her renter’s insurance to homeowner’s insurance as well as insuring Adele’s old car under her name and transferring the title. She walked inside and locked the door behind her.

  She walked into the living room and surveyed the old worn furniture. She’d probably start getting rid of things and buying new. Maybe repaint and redecorate room by room. The kitchen would be the hardest as that was where Adele spent most of her time. Bethany wanted a bigger kitchen. That would mean some remodeling, but since it was off the back porch and the property was large, it was doable.

  Clothes to sort through, and memories to store. Ideas flooded her mind.

  The phone rang.

  “Hello?”

  “Bethany Joelle, I’m sorry I couldn’t make it, how was the funeral?” Kristi’s voice was full of concern.

  “Hi, Mom. It was fine as funerals go. I survived the meeting with the family too.”

  “You’re a homeowner now. What does Titus think about that?”

  “I kind of hurt him a few days ago. He came and stood by my side tonight, but I’m realizing I made a huge mistake with him and hope I can make it better.”

  “Give him time. He adores you. I wanted to talk to you about the adoption. I’m sending you the paperwork.”

  “Great. I’ll go over it with my attorney.”

  “I hope we can make this work.”

  “Me, too.”

  “Love you, Bethany.”

  “Love you too, Mom.”

  Bethany opened the refrigerator. Nothing appealed to her so she grabbed an apple and ate it, drank some water, and headed up to bed. It’d been a long day. She climbed under the covers, grateful that the cooler fall weather made keeping her window open a pleasure. She grabbed the letter and turned on the bedside lamp.

  What would Adele write to her?

  Dear Bethany Joelle,

  It might seem strange that you are reading this after I’ve already gone to be with the Lord in heaven. I’m sure my funeral was interesting as you finally met my children and grandchildren. You know they haven’t visited me in the entire time you’ve been here. You have been more family to me than any of them the past few years. To them, pursuing their careers and making and spending money was more important than time spent with an old woman.

  But you never treated me that way. You treated me as a friend. And I never had to ask you to do all you did. You just did them. Raking leaves, mowing the lawn, shoveling snow, fixing my car or changing the oil. Rototilling the garden and cleaning it up in the fall, picking apples off the ground, playing cards with me on lonely afternoons when you’d rather be taking a nap because you were so tired.

  So now you have a chance, dear, to do and be anything you want. Make a difference in the world or stay here safe and sound and bake your delicious bread. Open up your own repair shop. Whatever your heart desires and the Lord approves of.

  And don’t turn away from love. My greatest joy was my husband and his laughter and friendship over the years. And yes, the kisses. Enjoy every one and never rush them. Savor the man who captures your heart. I pray you find someone who will help you heal from the hurts of your past. And maybe you’ll help heal him too.

  Most of all keep seeking and following the Lord. I know we’ve attended different churches with different styles of worship, but we love the same Jesus. He’ll never leave you or abandon you and when He died, He came back for you. I may not always understand His ways but I understand His character and it is good. You can trust Him.

  It has been a pleasure having you living in my house. Now it is yours. Fill these rooms with love and laughter. Enjoy. Replace the stove. Bake lots of bread.

  Resting in His loving arms,

  Adele

  A home filled with love and laughter. She could only envision that with one man. She fell asleep wondering what it would have been like to kiss Titus without his beard.

  ~*~

  Friday afternoon, Bethany dressed to work in the garage. She’d been gone for too long and looked forward to something she enjoyed. She walked in and was greeted by the guys, many whom had shown up for the funeral.

  “Thanks guys for the scooter and for coming yesterday. Adele donated a significant sum of money to this ministry and I’m not sure if we can use it or not, but I’d like to donate her car. It’s in good running condition although a little old.”

  The guys all clapped.

  Titus called them to order. “Thanks, B.J. Maybe we can get that in here tomorrow to do a once-over. Not that you haven’t maintained it well…”

  “I understand and appreciate an extra set of eyes going over it.”

  “Great, let’s pray.”

  Bethany stood with the men as they formed a circle and shot out praises and prayer requests. One even thanked God for bringing B.J. back to work. It wasn’t Ty’s voice.

  Ty closed the prayer, and everyone took off for their respective jobs.

  B.J. wandered over to the board, selected a task to do, and went to work. The time was short, she still had her morning job. She washed her hands, checked off her work and stopped by the office.

  Titus was
going over some invoices. He motioned her in.

  “I’m heading out.”

  “Working tomorrow?” He didn’t look up from his papers.

  “Yeah, but we still need to talk.”

  “I’m sure we will.” He stared up at her and the tenderness she used to see in his eyes wasn’t there. His mouth was set in a firm line.

  “I’m sorry, Ty. I never meant to hurt you. I want to make this right between us.”

  “What does right look like to you?”

  “Us. Together. Holding hands. Talking about life and faith and cars…”

  “That’s it?”

  “Well, I did wonder what it would be like to kiss you clean-shaven.”

  He hadn’t shaved today.

  “Guess that ship passed you by.”

  “Maybe so, but the other one—us being together?”

  “I don’t know.” He leaned back in his chair. “What if we start getting close and you bail on me again?”

  “I can’t make promises.”

  “Neither can I. Will and I will stop by tomorrow to get the car. Is two in the afternoon OK?”

  “Yeah. That should work.” Defeated she ducked her head and left.

  She arrived home to a dark and empty house.

  “Bake lots of bread and fill these rooms with love and laughter.” Those were Adele’s instructions. But how would she get through to Titus? “Lord, help me with this. Help him understand I love him.”

  Have you told him that?

  Wait. What? Had she?

  No.

  How would she go about doing that?

  21

  Life without love is like a tree without blossoms or fruit.

  Khalil Gibran

  The car was washed and ready when Ty and Will showed up.

  Bethany emerged from the house with the signed title and keys. “Here you go. I know she’s old but she served Adele well.”

  “Thanks, B.J.” Will grabbed the title and tossed the keys to Titus. “We’ll get her back to the shop and check her out. Hopefully, she can be put to use soon by someone who really needs her.”

  “Great. Thanks for coming for her.” Bethany nodded and walked back to the house.

  Titus turned it on and the engine settled into a steady purr. He backed out of the driveway. The suspension was good, and the tires seemed sound. He drove the short distance to the shop. The vehicle also had air-conditioning. Why wouldn’t Bethany keep this car and get rid of her old one? The one with no air? This was in far better shape. He shook his head as he got out at the garage.

  The men descended on the car and gave it a once over.

  “It’s clean. Everything is in great working order, Ty,” Sam said.

  The guys nodded their heads.

  “Great. Park it off to the side and lock it. I’ll give Dan a call to let him know we have another vehicle if there’s a need. Seems like most single moms want a mini-van, but this would be a reliable vehicle for someone.”The ministry had benefited from Adele’s financial gift, and now the car.

  Titus went to make the call.

  Bethany Joelle had apologized, and he’d been downright rude to her. He missed her. Cooper did too. Just what was he to do about it? “Oh, yeah, you’re the guy, Ty. Perhaps you should, I don’t know, call her?” Now he was talking to himself. If it had been someone else, he’d be ready to deck them. He picked up the phone. “Hi, Bethany. The car passed inspection. You did a beautiful job keeping it maintained.”

  “Thanks, Titus. I appreciate you calling to let me know.”

  “I was wondering if I could come over a little later. I can bring take out.”

  “I’d like that.”

  “Any preference?”

  “Surprise me.”

  “OK, around six?”

  “Sounds good. I’ll see you then.”

  Titus hung up and grinned. He had a date and her apology, he also had a chance to win her heart. Even if she didn’t think it was up for grabs.

  He closed up shop, took Cooper for a jog, showered, and went to get some Chinese take-out.

  ~*~

  He drove with Cooper barking out the window, eager to see Bethany Joelle. He let the dog out first and snatched the food.

  There was a crispness to the air. Part of the garden was dug up. A basket of apples sat on the bottom step.

  Cooper ran wildly around searching for Bethany.

  Ty took the back steps two at a time. “Bethany?” he called out, setting the food on the table on the porch.

  Plates and silverware were set out along with glasses of iced tea.

  The screen door opened, and she emerged rubbing her hair with a towel. She wore a t-shirt and sweatpants, and her feet were bare. She turned and tossed the towel inside, her hair all wavy and tangled. “Sorry. I was working up the garden for winter and lost track of time. Have you been here long?”

  “I just arrived.” He drank her in, the sun-kissed cheeks, the glow in her eyes. He’d missed her so much. He swept back a wet lock of hair.

  She stared up at him. “You shaved.”

  “I thought maybe I’d satisfy that curiosity for you.” He touched his lips to hers and savored the sweet taste of apple.

  Her hand came up to cup his face and slid up into his hair. She gave a low moan.

  He released her.

  She stumbled back a step. “Wow. Does that mean you forgive me?”

  “Yeah, I guess it does.”

  She sat down. “What’d you bring?”

  “That’s it? You wanted to know how it felt to be kissed by me without a beard. I get no verdict on that?” He grinned as he pulled out the containers of food. He dumped the fortune cookies in the middle of the table, set the paper bag aside, and opened the boxes e.

  “It was sweet and wonderful…it doesn’t matter to me whether you have a beard or not. I enjoy kissing you either way. Although the beard can tickle me at times which can be, um, fun.”

  “You were about to say something else.”

  “True, but I promised not to tempt you so I’m trying to be good.”

  “You think a word could tempt me?”

  “Perhaps. I’ll err on the side of caution.”

  “Aw, come on. Now I’m curious. What word?”

  She bit her lower lip making him want to kiss her all over again.

  “Stimulating.”

  He leaned back in his chair as her face grew pink. He couldn’t hide a grin. “Good to know.”

  They dug into their meal.

  He broke open the fortune cookie. “What’s yours say?” he asked.

  “I hadn’t gotten that far.” She opened it and gave part of the cookie to Cooper. “Hmmm. It says, ‘Fear is a voluntary prison.’”

  “Wow. Mine says, ‘Someone you love will save you at great cost.’”

  “That sounds foreboding.”

  “They’re just silly. Nothing to take seriously.”

  “There is some truth in mine, don’tcha think? I mean, fear really is something I’ve let imprison me. You were right that I need to trust God for the future. The fact is, I’ve come to realize…I love you.”

  Titus held his breath and waited, but she said nothing more. “You do?”

  “Yes. Adele saw it too. And Skye. I’ve been too busy walking in a prison of fear to see through the bars to someone wonderful. It’s my choice to open that door and step into that with you.”

  “And you’re making that choice?”

  “Yes. I am. I don’t need you in my life, but I want you in my life. You make living on this earth better. You make me smile. And your kisses, well, I really enjoy those, perhaps too much.”

  Titus laughed. “I’ve gotten that impression. I love you too, and couldn’t stay angry at you for long. I’ve never felt as if I was worthy enough to have a woman love me, and when you said you’d never marry—me—it seemed like confirmation. I’m not worthy but God showed me none of us are. Your love makes me worthy. God’s love enables me to see beyond my past to a bet
ter future. I don’t know what that will look like. I don’t know what a good relationship takes.”

  “Neither do I, but we know those who can help us learn. Dan and Skye, for instance. I think we have enough to help us muddle through.” Bethany Joelle grinned.

  “I don’t really want to muddle through.”

  “Me neither.”

  “Is marriage a possibility in the future?” Titus asked.

  “I’m open to it if you are. I’m used to being alone, but I don’t like it.” Bethany started to close up the containers. “I don’t know what the future holds, but I’d like it very much if you were a part of it.”

  “Come here.” He grabbed her hand and pulled her over to his lap. He hugged her close and blew into her neck making her giggle. “See, even without a beard I can tickle you.”

  “I think I need to test this out again before you grow it out.”

  “I thought I passed the test either way.”

  “You do, but it never hurts to double check my results, does it?”

  “Only double?”

  “Maybe triple.”

  “Kiss me already, will you?” Titus chuckled.

  Bethany obeyed.

  When he came up for air he held her close.

  She snuggled into him. She raised her head after a few minutes and tapped his nose with her finger. “I’m glad you came over tonight.”

  “Me, too. Will you be at church tomorrow?”

  “Yes. I’m meeting Kristi for lunch and you’re welcome to join us if you want.”

  “I’d like that.” He rubbed her back. “Why did you give the good car to the garage and keep your old one?”

  “Easy. It’s a nice reliable car so it will serve someone well. I plan to purchase a different vehicle for myself. I haven’t decided what yet.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes, really. Being in the country I was considering a sports utility vehicle instead of a sedan.”

  “Will it be green?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “Do you want any help when it’s time to look?”

  “We’ll see. I know cars well enough to know what’s good. Part of me wants to do it on my own.”