Anna squeezed his hands tight before relaxing back into her chair. “Of course, I forgive you, Matt. I was the one who confused the situation, and you weren’t even a Christian at the time. However, don’t get me wrong, I don’t like that woman in your past, but I believe you when you say the physical is in the past.
“What concerns me more is what’s going on now. Why is she still leaving intimate messages on your phone, and why are you sneaking off to see her?”
The waiter smiled in their direction as he moved toward them. He carried a tray above his head in one hand and a stand in another. With the skill of a professional, he flicked the stand open and placed the tray on top. Steaming hot Basil Chicken Carbonara appeared in front of Anna, and a large steak topped with crab slid in front of Matt.
They smiled and offered their thanks.
Matt pointed at her dish. “You eat while I’ll try and explain. Hope you don’t mind my talking through the occasional mouthful.” His easy smile was back.
“I eat, you talk. Sounds like a great deal to me.” She picked up her fork.
“What started out as an annoyance, where Tamara wouldn’t leave me alone, soon turned obsessive and ugly. She began stalking me. She showed up on my doorstep, at the hospital at all hours, in my office, and she even dared to crash our engagement party uninvited. Up until our engagement was official, I felt I could control the situation. But after that night she went into crazy mode. The problem exacerbated to the point I needed to involve the police. They told me they couldn’t do anything without a restraining order and so I jumped on that.
Anna’s breath caught in her throat. “Why didn’t you tell me, Matt?”
“I didn’t want to scare you, and the police advised the same. Apparently, she has never harmed anyone, just made their life miserable and used extortion for financial gain. The police wanted to get enough information to charge her. They asked me to set up that meeting you saw on my phone and gave me a device that looks like a pen to record our conversation. I swear that is the one and only time I initiated a visit. I’ll give you the name of the officer I worked with if you want more clarification.
“Of course, Tamara assumed that our meeting meant we would resume the relationship. Instead, when I served her with a restraining order, she did exactly what the police thought she would do. She threatened to kill you, threatened to steal our baby. She rambled on how Melody would be the child the two of us never had.”
Anna dropped her fork. “Matt, does she know where I live?” Her voice carried a tremor.
“No. I don’t think so, or I’m sure you would’ve seen her on your doorstep by now. I fired Maxine when I found out she gave out your cell number. Thankfully, I didn’t have your address anywhere on the records at work. Jasmine was the only one who had your cell number—in case of an emergency. Maxine snooped around until she found it and gave it to Tamara.”
“But what if she followed you to my place?”
“After the party when she began to get really strange and the police became involved, I paid careful attention to my rearview mirror and made sure no one followed me. I also hired a private detective to follow her and inform me of her every move.
“Anna, I honestly don’t think we have anything more to worry about. When I got up to leave Tamara that evening, it was like a switch flipped. Her ugly threats turned all business. That’s when I knew her threats were a ruse to incite fear. What she wanted more than anything was money. She demanded a lump sum in order to leave us alone. In a calculated confidence that could only come from practice, she named an outrageous amount as if making a reasonable business deal. The police view her actions as a premeditated ploy in which to exhort money. They have enough information now to charge her, and that’s been done. She will go to jail.”
A faraway look entered Matt’s eyes. “I’ve known Tamara for years, and I was one of the many men that used her. For that I’ll always be sorry.
“I always wondered where she got her money. She’d disappear for months but always come back. Now I understand. She is a predator. The police have a network of complaints from different cities, as she targeted wealthy, married men on the internet. The police said she set up profiles on various websites and drew them in, then demanded hush money.
“Then why you, Matt? You weren’t married.” Anna questioned.
“I’ve given that some thought,” he said, pausing to take a bite of his steak. “The way she turned possessive after she heard about you, I believe, in her mind, she thought that one day we’d be a couple. I was her ace in the hole. But in this last year when I refused to see her at all and ended social contact completely, she became desperate. She tried to create a wedge between you and me with her lies. Little does she know how close she came to succeeding.
Anna pushed the last bit of Carbonara around on her dish unable to make eye contact. A wave of guilt surged. “I’m so sorry, I should’ve listened before I leapt to any conclusions.”
“Do you know what made me furious, Anna? The reason I walked out your door without insisting you hear the truth?”
She shook her head. “No, that actually bothered me. After all was said and done, I wished that you had fought for us and made me listen. But it was like you had nothing to say.”
“Oh, I had lots to say, but I was feeling too sorry for myself. You hurt my pride. And it took my mother’s pending arrival to finally get me on my knees and pray about our relationship. God hit me over the head with my pride.
“I realized I came unhinged because I couldn’t control the situation. I’ve been a man with few setbacks and live in a world where no one tells me what to do. I manage my own practice. I have employees, nurses, technicians, you name it, at my beck and call. I’m a specialist in my field and very good at what I do. I have money, position, and the intellectual advantage in most circumstances. There hasn’t been much to humble me until you came along. First you took your sweet time falling for me, and then you call off the wedding. I was flabbergasted. Proud. Angry.”
Anna’s eyes widened in shock. “But, Matt—”
He waved his hand. “It’s okay, I needed a good dose of reality to help me understand how to depend on God and not Matthew Carmichael. It was God that allowed the situation with Tamara to become uncontrollable. Then he permitted you to rise up and show me the door. These past few weeks of disobedience have been sheer hell, because I knew God wanted me to humble myself and tell you the truth. My pride at being rejected held me in its ugly grip. It felt like the old days when my mom would send me packing.”
“Oh, Matt, I’m—”
“No, this was all in God’s divine timing. Remember on Sunday, the sermon about the need to ask God for healing from past wounds? That was for me. God was turning up the heat and showing me just how much I needed him.
“I also didn’t like the fact God asked me if he was enough. I had to honestly look at my relationship with him and know, that even if you and I never got back together, I would still love God and live the Christian life. Though I begged him for a second chance with you, I had to first surrender my will. Those words in the Lord’s Prayer, ‘thy will be done’ had to become mine. That was a tough one for my stubborn heart.
“So, I came to your house today expecting nothing, totally surrendered to God, knowing I needed him more than life itself. But I had asked him to give me a small sign of hope if we had anything left. When you came to the car all covered in raindrops and sunshine wanting to talk, I knew I was putty in your hands.”
Matt reached over and placed one hand over hers. “All I asked from God was a small touch of encouragement, but in his extravagance, he split the heavens open and poured out sunshine, a rainbow, and smiles from you, my dear sweet Anna. How could my ugly pride live amongst such beauty?”
Anna could not contain her happiness. She giggled like a teenager with a secret. “Oh, Matt, I’ve been so miserable without you, but don
’t let that go to your head.”
They both laughed. He reached across the table and trailed his other hand down the side of her face. “Let’s get out of here, my love,” he whispered.
She nodded in agreement.
He cupped her chin in his hand and leaned forward to place a gentle kiss on her waiting lips before he pushed his steak aside and waved the waiter over.
“Two Tiramisus to go and the bill.” He winked at Anna. “Can’t ever leave without having Roberta’s famous dessert. We’ll pick up Melody and get her settled, then enjoy dessert at your place.” A smile as broad as a watermelon slice split across his face, and his dimple danced in delight.
Anna’s heart soared at the lightness in Matt’s voice. Hope filtered in like the steam from a hot cup of tea and curled its warmth around her soul. God had been working and His plan had been so much bigger than she could have ever imagined.
“Oh my, Matt, this is divine. Best Tiramisu I’ve ever had.” Anna scraped her plate to get the last morsel and licked her fork for good measure.
Matt rose from his barstool and held out his hand to Anna. She swiveled on hers and slipped effortlessly into his embrace. On the sofa, Anna snuggled up against Matt and dropped her head to his shoulder. His arm came instantly around her.
“Here’s the plan, Anna Clarke. I want to be married by month’s end if you’re agreeable. I’m tired of this cat and mouse game we play.”
Anna’s heart fluttered. The thought that she would not have to say goodbye each evening and have the freedom to express her love without restriction, to know him body, mind, and soul thrilled her. “Yes,” she breathed. “I wholeheartedly agree.”
They melted into each other. Their brief touch sent shivers from tip to toe before Anna jumped to her feet.
“Okay, Matt. Scat!”
Her abruptness caused a grin as Matt rose and grabbed her tight. “What, Anna? You can’t stand the heat.” He laughed. “Now you know how I’ve felt for months.”
His breath fanned hot against her face and the tips of his fingers sent flames dancing up her spine. She shivered in delight barely able to breathe. Every detail came alive—the strength of his muscles in the column of his neck, the beating of his heart beneath her fingertips, the scent of woodsy aftershave. An avalanche of emotions shuddered up from the soles of her feet and a wash of heat.
Love radiated from his intense blue eyes. Anna felt drawn into his vortex. He gently grazed the back of his hand up the side of her cheek and pushed an errant curl from her brow. Both hands got lost in her luxurious waves.
All teasing faded as their lips collided in a passionate ragged pull of need and desire. A rush of taste and tremor exploded between them. Hands began to frantically pull at the barrier of clothing.
He literally groaned in agony, as he pulled apart. “Sorry, Anna. I thought I could tease in fun, but there’s no middle ground with us.”
Anna smoothed down her rumpled tee shirt and repeated her earlier words. “Matt. Like I said. Scat. Go. Vamoose!”
He laughed his way out the door. “Two weeks, Anna, you got two weeks to pull our wedding off.”
“But that’s not enough time to get invitations out.”
“Email, text, shout out the invites from the mountain top. I don’t care how you do it, or what it costs, but in two weeks I’m making you my bride.” With a wink, he shut the door behind him with a decided bang.
Faye Carmichael arrived with a happy Darren in tow. “Don’t know what you did with the old Faye,” he teased, “but I have my girl back—the happy one I married all those years ago.”
Matt smiled at Anna then struck up a conversation with his dad about the trip out.
Faye whispered to Anna. “Darren doesn’t know it yet, but he’s got a way better version than he’s ever had. Jesus is really changing me, and Darren is feeling loved by me for the first time in years.”
“Have you told him, Faye?”
“No, this is all too new, and I want to be sure I understand the basics before I start spouting off. I’ve been through New Age, Buddhism, Eastern Meditation, and numerous other strange quests in order to find peace, and I don’t want him thinking I’m on just another kick. Besides, none of those other attempts changed me from the inside out, but this truly is different. I felt it best to show him first, rather than tell him.”
Anna nodded in agreement. “That sounds like wisdom, Faye, I’m so glad you’re here. Can you stay the next two weeks and help me pull off this wedding?”
“Oh, Anna, I’d be delighted and honored to help you.”
The girls fell together. As they hugged and laughed, tears mingled in the mix. Anna took one look at Matt and Darren who stood with questioning looks. “Don’t ask.”
Faye laughed all the more. “Oh, Anna, I love you,” she said as she hugged her again.”
Anna slipped out to the back porch with an early morning coffee and her Bible in hand. She wanted to start her wedding day with her heavenly Father before the whirlwind of celebration began.
Dawn’s pearl-gray sky gave way to gathering light. The sun poked its head above the eastern ridge. Anna breathed in the wonder of a new day as the cloudless sky opened to depths of gentle blue. Warm lemony sunlight shimmered over the valley in a glow of dancing sunbeams that promised a glorious day.
Anna raised her heart in a prayer of thanks before her mind turned to her son Mark. He was the only one who refused to come to the wedding. His negative reply came swiftly via email with the excuse he was too busy at work and couldn’t in good faith support their union.
Anna loved her son. His decision caused deep pain, but she chose to pray and trust that in time, their relationship would once again be restored. Anna’s instinct was to fuss, fret, and fix. God’s wisdom was to love unconditionally and not allow bitterness. Leave the rest to him.
Peace flooded over her as she once again prayed for her son and soaked up God’s joy.
When Anna reached the Lakeside Resort, she breathed easy. Carla had seen to every detail and shooed her off to the dressing room to get ready. Her nails and hair were already done. She fiddled with a sprig of fresh flowers pinned just above one ear. Her waves flowed long and free down her back, just as the doctor ordered. It was Matt’s one and only request for the day.
Anna slipped on her wedding dress with confidence. The ivory gown of flowing tulle ran asymmetrically to the floor showing off a peek of her legs in the front at knee length then cutting diagonally down to brush the floor in the back. She swished in front of the full-length mirror loving the fact the dress was glamorous but not overdone. She had chosen it for its classic A-line simplicity with a splash of elegance. The petal sleeves with three overlapping panels of lace resembled a tulip in bloom, and the sweetheart V in both the front and back permitted a touch of sexy.
She groaned as she slipped on the dreaded high heels but knew they were a must to finish the look.
Lana barged in with a hand-tied bouquet of spring blossoms and Faye close behind.
“Oh my, Anna, don’t you look absolutely stunning.” Faye gushed in delight.
Anna smiled and kicked up one heel. “Lana how do you wear these things all the time? They are sooo uncomfortable.”
Lana laughed. “A girl has to do what a girl has to do. But I’m glad you don’t look this good every day, Anna, or they’d really think me the ugly stepsister.”
Anna swatted at her sister and then gave her a hug. “Let’s go, Sis. Since birth you’ve been my shadow and I yours.” She looped their arms together. “Come, walk me down the aisle.”
Rows of chairs covered in satin and bows led the way toward a flower-encased archway where Jason stood proudly beside Matt. Melody in Matt’s arms entertained the crowd with her loud squeals and happy waves.
The path of rose petals scattered upon the grass and gorgeous lake background blurred in Anna’s view
. She had eyes for only one. He stood before her with a smile as wide as the sea and his dimple planted securely in place.
A ringing phone woke Anna and Matt from a deep sleep. Anna rolled out of Matt’s arms and fumbled to answer her cell.
“Anna, come quick.” Her twin sister’s pitch was a few octaves higher than normal. “Lorena’s in labor and wants you there. We’re on our way to the hospital. Things are going quickly.”
Anna jumped into gear and pulled on the set of clothes she had ready for this very moment.
Matt got up and kissed her lips. “Keep me updated. I’ll be there the moment the sitter gets here. I know I’m not supposed to be too excited just in case Lorena decides to keep the baby, but just the thought of being a dad for the second time thrills me.”
Anna grunted in return, annoyed that Matt woke up anytime, anywhere, and instantly functioned with a penchant for chatter. She on the other hand, woke up slow and steady, in need of quiet.
She pressed her finger to his lips. “Shhhhh.”
He laughed. “Oh, yeah, I forgot my princess doesn’t arrive until after an early morning run or a cup of coffee, whichever comes first.”
Anna dropped a kiss on his smiling mouth and scooted out the door, glad for the silence.
Lorena was already in the final stages of pushing by the time Anna arrived, and her healthy baby boy entered the world with a boisterous howl. She held her baby for a few minutes and then tearfully handed him to Anna.
“Right now, the greatest expression of love I can offer my son, Auntie, is to give him to you. I know I’m not ready for such a huge responsibility. But, oh, it’s hard.” Lana and Tom folded Lorena in a hug and wept with their daughter.
Anna gathered the beautiful infant snug in her arms and began to sway back and forth. “You’re so loved, little one. There’s so much love in this room, you have no idea how blessed you are.” A giant tear coursed down Anna’s face as she felt an instant affection and love bloom within her heart for the sleeping child.
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