What God Brings Together

by Melissa Wardwell

  “Okay then. I will be here to pick you up at 6:30? Sound good?”

  “Sounds great. And thank you, Mike.” She smiled at him and his heart broke a little more. He could already sense the loss his life would have not having her a part of it full time.

  They stood and shook hands. “I’ll let myself out. You just sit back down and enjoy that muffin and coffee.” Once she was seated back in the chair, he bent and kissed to top of her head and then walked out the door.

  Chapter 15

  He didn’t know why he did it, but he had. He had seen the bouquet of roses through the florist’s window and it made him think of Emma. Bold, bright, and beautiful. He hoped that she enjoyed them. He was going to keep it anonymous, but there was a part of him that wanted her to know. He had a war raging within him since he saw her at Tony’s. One side wanted to leave her and the kids be and let them keep moving on without him. They didn’t deserve to be tied down to the monster that he saw every time he looked in the mirror.

  Then there was the other side. The side that wanted her to see it was him. To see that he missed her. To see that he regretted what he did and felt like a fool for giving up something so wonderful, so beautiful.

  Two weeks ago, he stormed into Pastor Cross’s office, dropped himself in the chair in front of the desk. The pastor looked at him in surprise. It wasn’t their normal meeting day.

  “Can I help you?” the pastor asked.

  “I can’t keep it up, Pastor! I am frustrated and edgy. One minute I am pushing her and the kids away and the next I want to pull them into my arms and tell them the truth. I can’t keep up. I try to stay away, but I can’t. I drive by their house every day. They are in the church pew in front of me every Sunday. Emma has been coming to the bar I work at with her friends on Saturday nights for karaoke night. Pastor, hearing her sing again drives me mad. I need to have her in my life again but I don’t want to burden them with who I am now.” David took a breath and was about to keep going on his rant when the pastor stopped him.

  “David, the only one keeping you from doing what you know is right and keeping you and your family from being together again, is you. Only you can keep the ball rolling. God brought her and the kids back to town, to stay. Now it is your turn.”

  He knew the man was right, and he hated it. He hated that he had to humble himself and let her know. There were things that needed to be said. He didn’t know how he was going to do it.

  “Woo her David. It isn’t hard. Leave hints from time to time. That is, if you really want them back in your life,” Pastor Cross had added.

  So for a week, he moved the idea around in his head, and that was what prompted him to take the food to her house so she didn’t have to cook. He was sure she had spent the weekend getting Sarah settled and he knew she would appreciate the gesture. When he saw her pull in the driveway that day, he lost his nerve and told her someone had dropped it off at the church and he was willing to bring it to her. He was right, she did appreciate it. He didn’t expect to be asked to stay and share the meal with them. He definitely was not prepared for the tongue lashing he had gotten that he was sure she had no idea she was giving. Knowing that she would feel bad for lashing out at someone, she thought she had just met, would make her feel bad and embarrassed. She was so kindhearted. He knew the flowers and card would let her know that she shouldn’t feel bad. He wished he could have seen her reaction when she saw the roses. He knew they were her favorite, especially the lavender one. That was why he asked the florist to put a single one in the bouquet for her. That was his hint. The rest of the roses were in yellows, pinks, reds, and oranges. That single lavender flower was his little way of telling her he thought of her. He was hoping she got the message. He was hoping that the flowers would distract her a bit on her date tonight. He looked at the clock and saw it was 6:45. He knew they would be here in an hour or two, after their dinner portion of the date, too. Clearly the guy didn’t know that she was not a “dress up and go out to a nice restaurant” kind of woman. She was jeans and t-shirt, popcorn and a movie or a ride on a Harley through the country side kind of girl. Well at least she was at one time, with him.

  He was washing out the mugs, trying to pay attention to the customers at the bar, when a shaft of light came in from the opening door. It was a busy night. Of course this night of the week always was.

  His head was bent down, but he heard someone walk up to the bar, “What can I get for ya?” When there was no immediate answer, he looked up, he was staring her in the face. No smile this time. He couldn’t imagine what she needed to say that was important enough for her to seek him out on her date.

  When she looked over her shoulder, his eyes followed her glance. At a table in the corner sat who he assumed was the Doctor. She turned back to him with a sheepish smile.

  “Hi David.”

  “Good evening Emma. What can I get for you and your friend?”

  “Oh the waitress has already taken our order. I was wondering if you had a second? If not that’s okay. I just wanted to talk to you real quick.”

  “Are you sure he won’t mind?” he gestured with his head. “The only quiet place, on a night like tonight, is in the back alley.”

  “Sure, I already told him I had to talk to you, but I should let him know where I will be. Come on and I will introduce you.” He looked to his left and Eddie, the other bartender, was chatting it up with a pretty, half-dressed woman at the end of the bar.

  “Hey, lover boy, I’m taking a quick break. Watch the bar for me.” He yelled over the music. He got a kick out of making Eddie turn red. Anger or embarrassment, he really didn’t care why the punk turned red. David just enjoyed getting a rise out of the guy.

  “Lead the way.” He made a gesture toward the table.

  She grabbed his hand when he came around the bar and dragged him to the corner table. He wouldn’t lie and say he didn’t enjoy having her hand in his again, even for a minute.

  The doctor looked him up and down and then stared him in the eye. Is he sizing me up? He began to walk a little straighter and puff his chest out a little more, leaning less on his cane. He need it to due to arthritis being bad tonight but he was not about to let the doctor know it. He slipped a lazy grin on his face as they approached. He saw the man’’s face change from uncertainty to a look of pity then to a look of terror. I know I’m scary, so be scared buddy!

  The good doctor stood and shook David’s hand. As they shook hands the doctor’s eyes grew wide as he noticed more of the scarring and clearly felt the burns on David’s hand.

  “Nice to meet you, I’m Mike.” he said.

  “David.”

  “Mike, we are going to step out back for a minute, you good for a bit? I promise I won’t be long.”

  Emma let go of his hand and placed it on Mike’s in an affectionate way. It made David’s muscles tighten which made the grip of the handshake get a little stronger. She was mine first, buddy. He was sure the man was getting the hint. The wince that quickly dashed across the man face told him he had.

  He finally let go of his hand. The doctor was rubbing his hands together like he was rubbing off the pain David just inflicted.

  “Um, yeah, sure. I’ll just hold down the table.”

  “Great! Thanks for understanding.” She turned to him now, “Okay let’s go.”

  He took her through the kitchen and out the back door. It was a little creepy, but it was quiet. He held the door open for her and as she walked by him, he caught the scent of her perfume. The kind he had bought for her every year for their anniversary. It took a lot of willpower to not take her in his arms right then but he didn’t because he didn’t want to scare her. He had to remember that he was just a stranger to her. Someone she had just met a few weeks ago. The look of her in the moonlight was enough for him to want to throw all his plans out the window and completely and totally give in. Okay God, I give in. Show me what to do. Tell me what to say and pave the way. If this is what you want, then make it happen.r />
  “So what’s on your mind, Emma?”

  “Well first, I want to say thank you. Thank you for bringing the food. It was a wonderful meal. Where did you learn to cook like that?”

  “Well, my mom taught me...wait, how did you know it was me?” Nice one Daniels! You walked right into that one.

  “I went and asked Pastor Cross. He said no one had said anything about a meal to him or brought one in. No one even knew yet that there was an accident. So you were my only other guess. My parents would have just come over. It wasn’t hard really.” She gave him a curious look, then asked, “How did you know?”

  “Well, um. One of the nurses?” He could feel his palms sweat. He hunched over a bit and put much of his wait on his cane. He was trying to look cool and relaxed. “I had to do repairs at her place.”

  “I don’t believe you, because there is this thing called HIPAA and she could lose her job. But right now, I am not worried about it. I still know it was you.”

  “You’re good. Like a detective. Observant, smart.” And beautiful as ever. He gave her a lazy smile.

  “Yeah, well, when you have two boys who don’t say much, you have to know how see between the lines and ask the right questions.

  I also want to apologize. I lashed out at you and you had nothing to do with my problems. You didn’t deserve it and I am sorry. I know you have forgiven me, thank you for the roses as well, but I feel like I should still ask.” She stopped, tilted her head to one side and studied his face. It was like she was asking a million questions without saying a word. He hated it when she would do that. Analyzing, that is what she called it one time. They stood in the alley for what felt like forever. The only sounds were the cars driving by and the faint sound of thumping from the bar. Or was it his heart pounding in his chest?

  While he was fixated on her eyes, he was to caught in her eyes to see her hand come to his face. He touch was soft and stirred longing for more with in him. Her ever studying gaze locked him in place and he watched as a flood of questions flashed over her face. What was it he was seeing in her eyes? Did she feel what he was feeling? Could she see in his eyes everything he wanted to say? He was so mesmerized by her, that he forgot about all that was going on around them. He forgot the years of being apart. His mouth went dry with his next thought.

  I wonder if her lips are still as sweet as they were before. Their faces where so close because of the way he was leaning on his cane but her voice broke the spell he was under.

  “David, you are a puzzle, but I find myself wanting to figure it out.” Her voice was just a whisper. Like a light, refreshing breeze on his face. He couldn’t take this. It was all or nothing. He had to tell her and be done with it.

  “Emma, there is something…”

  “Hey Dave! You coming back in or what? We are getting slammed in here.” I am going to ring that punk’s neck after work.

  “I have to go,” he whispered. “Can I come by tomorrow and we can talk then?” Her eyes were no longer soft and penetrating, but startled. He wasn’t sure what changed, but he was needed inside. He would have to find out later.

  “Yeah, sure. I’d like that.” Her words sounded strained and confused, like she...Oh forget it David, get to work.

  With an agitated sigh, he swung the back door open and held it for her, but she didn’t move. “I will go around front; I suddenly don’t feel well. I just need some air for a moment and I will be in. Thank you.” She walked to the corner of the building and disappeared.

  ***

  Emma’s head was spinning. She didn’t know if it was from the smells in the air of the alley or the contact she had with David. She knew in her heart what it was, but she didn’t want to let herself believe it. She didn’t want to believe that she was drawn to him. He mesmerized her and confused her all at one. There was something about the glimmer in his good eye that almost made her think...No! It can’t be. Could it God? He was the only other man she had felt that draw to, that earth shattering connection with. Because of his scars, he looked nothing like Ryan but the spark of electricity she just felt between them had her second guessing herself. She had an unusual desire to kiss the man, just to figure it out.

  She let out a long breath. She couldn’t get her mind to quit spinning. “Oh get it together girl!” she said to herself. She took another deep breath, shook her hands in hopes to shake out the electric burn she still felt. It had sent shivers down her spine. Awareness, that this wasn’t just some man but maybe someone more special.

  A couple more deep breaths and she turned for the door and went inside. As she passed the bar, she couldn’t keep her eyes from drifting in David’s direction. When she looked his way, she saw he was looking right back at her. Again, she was so fixed on him that she ran right into someone. That shook her right out of her daze. When she looked up at who she walked into, she noticed it was Mike. She could tell he was truly concerned for her. His hands were on her arms trying to stabilize her. She hoped that she would feel something like she felt with David, but nothing. Just a friend who was looking out for her.

  He looked from her to David and back again, “Everything okay, Emma? Did he say or do something to you? You are as white as a sheet.”

  She could see the concern in his eyes, but she could also see a hint of jealousy. She had come here with him, and spent most of the time in the alley with David. Innocent as it was, she couldn’t blame him. He was really going to be upset with her request because she couldn’t stay here anymore. She wanted to go home, put on her soft pajamas and curl up in a blanket. She did not want to think or feel right now.

  “I am alright, but I would like to go home now. I am sorry, but I really want to go, now.” Her mind raced for something to say. “I’’m not feeling well.” She hoped that would get his focus off David.

  “Alright, if you’re sure.” He escorted her out the door and she caught him cast a glare at David overhead as they walked past him, but she could feel David’’s gaze was squarely on her.

  The drive home was a quiet one. While she looked out the passenger side window, she could see Mike’s reflection in the glass. He kept glancing her way. She knew that she should feel bad about cutting her date short, but honestly, she didn’t. She had more important things going on in her head right now. To justify it, she told herself that she would be too distracted to be good company.

  She needed to say something. You could cut the tension with a knife.

  “I really am sorry, Mike. I would completely understand if you never want to see me again. I won’t even hold it against you if you want to refer Sarah’s case to another doctor.”

  He didn’t respond until he pulled into her driveway. He very abruptly put the car into park and turned off the car. She was waiting for a bad reaction when he turned in his seat and looked at her. She could see all the questions he had swirling in his eyes like a whirlpool.

  He reached over the center console and took her hand in his. “Are you sure you’re okay? You looked pretty spooked when you came into the bar. If he did something to you, if he laid a finger on you in a way that was unwanted, I will go back to that bar and take care of him...”

  Though his protectiveness was endearing, she had to stop him, “NO! No, he didn’t touch me, at all, in any way. Not a finger. Please stop those thoughts now. He did nothing wrong. It was just...” She didn’t want to say what was going through her mind right now. She was afraid to admit out loud what she felt in her heart. She was too confused.

  “Emma, it was just what? We have established that this is a friendship, so I am not mad about the way he looked at you, but at the fact you looked terrified. Talk to me, like I was one of your girlfriends. Close your eyes and picture your best friend if you have to.”

  Well that was a thought. She knew she would not be able to sort this out without vocalizing it even if it did scare her. What could it hurt? So she closed her eyes and she tried to picture her best friend. The one person she could tell anything to. The face that came to mind p
ierced her heart. He had been her best friend. There were no secrets between them. It was Ryan. That’s when she felt a finger touch her cheek to wipe away a tear she had no idea she had shed.

  Her eyes flew open in time to see Mike pull his hand away. He grabbed a handkerchief out of his pocket and handed it to her. “I promise, it is unused. I just have a need to always have one handy.” He gave her a partial smile, “Go ahead and take it. Please, dry your eyes, because I can’t stand seeing a woman cry. It makes me want to do things that are not very gentlemanly. I don’t want to do that. So hurry up.” She wiped her eyes with a giggle and looked back at him.

  “I can’t do what you suggest. My best friend was Ryan. We told each other everything. There were no secrets between us.”

  “Ryan? That is your ex, right?” Emma had never referred to him as her “ex”. It just didn’t seem to fit. She hated the sound of it. Like the relationship was finished.

  “Yes, he was my husband. We were married for six years when he had his accident and we were together for four years before then. We had had a powerful connection right away. I felt it the day he finally found his courage to talk to me. I could feel his presence just before he entered a room. My parents thought I was overly dramatic as a teen when I told them that. My friends thought it was all in my head but I knew. I just knew. It was like, oh how do I put this? Before, I felt good about myself and life and what not, but there was always something missing. I was a strong Christian in high school, and I had a good relationship with the Lord, but there was still a piece of the life puzzle that I hadn’t found it yet. I wasn’’t looking but I knew it was coming too.