What God Brings Together

by Melissa Wardwell

  When he came and sat behind me that day in history class and we started to talk, I immediately felt a sense of completion. Like I had found that other piece of the puzzle. Does that make any sense to you?”

  She could tell he was rolling the idea around in his head. “So you are saying he was your soul-mate? Your better half.”

  “Not my better half, just my other half. Well, when he refused to see me while he was still in the hospital recovering, I thought I was dying. When he sent me the divorce papers, I went over the edge. I was lost. I lived in blackness until my friend came over to the house and made me see that I couldn’t stop living because I had three children who needed me. I had to keep going. If for no one else then I had to live for them. So, after a lot of prayer and counseling, I signed the papers and moved on.” She need a breath; this next part is what scared her. “I just moved back to town, Mike. I haven’t been home in a long time. The memories here are good and bad, they bring joy and heartache. I haven’t seen Ryan since the afternoon of the accident. I have no clue what he looks like without the bandages. He suffered massive burns and scarring on his face. He practically shattered his right leg. He can’t look the way he did when we first met. Right? I mean, scars like he must have would change a person completely, right?” She was looking for some kind of reassurance or confirmation.

  “It would make a person unrecognizable if they are as bad as you say. Do you know his reason for turning you away? I mean if you were as close as you say you were, then why would he let go of that? I know I wouldn’t.”

  “I don’t know. Here is what has me spooked, Mike. When I first met David, there was something about him that was familiar to me. I couldn’t put my finger on it. I felt as if I had known him. The same thing happened the day of Sarah’s appointment. I came home, and he was sitting in his truck, right here in the drive, with a cooler full of food for the kids and me. He said someone dropped it off at the church. So tonight, I had to say something to him. I had told you that I behaved badly toward him that night. When we were standing out in the alley, talking, I was watching him, studying him. He looked so sad and something came over me and I touched his face, and BAM! That old feeling hit me, like a lightning bolt. What I am getting at, and I am scared to admit, is... oh I don’t know if I want this or not Mike?”

  He squeezed her hand. He was still holding it. “Emma, you can’t move forward if you don’t acknowledge your past.”

  “But then it’s real and then I have to deal with it. I don’t want to. I just faced the accident scene last night. This is too soon. I don’’t know how I feel about what he did.”

  “EMMA! Quit over thinking it and just tell me what you think.”

  “I think David is...is...I think he might be Ryan!” Then the dam that held back her tears broke open and a flood poured from her eyes. Angry tears, happy tears, confused tears, healing tears.

  Mike reached over and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. He sat there and held her for a good twenty minutes. She took a deep breath and looked at Mike. He was being such a sport about this. He could have pushed her out the car door when they pulled in and left her sitting in the gravel. But he didn’t. He encouraged her. He held her hand through her ramble and helped her admit to what she feared.

  “I am so sorry for dumping my drama on you like that. Here you were hoping to be more than friends and I tell you about my feelings about another man. I am so inconsiderate. I...”

  “Stop right there. How do you know that a part of me isn’t holding out, hoping you will keep him on the curb and fall into my arms?” He gave her a raised eyebrow and a cockeyed grin. It made her laugh a little. “There, I guess my job is done for the night. Don’t worry. I will bill your insurance for this house call.”

  “Oh stop it.” She gave him a grin with a roll of the eyes and shook her head at his attempt to make her feel better. “Thank you Mike for letting me unload. It would have kept me up all night. It might still.”

  “As long as my new friend feels better. Do you, Emma?”

  “I do but I don’t. I’ll get to the bottom of this.” She looked at his watch and saw how late it was. “Oh wow! It is late, or early. I have church in five hours and a possible ghost from my past to face. Thank you again and maybe we can try this again another time.” She opened the car door to get out. She looked back in, “Thank you again. It certainly sealed the friendship for me.”

  With a wave of the hand, she shut the door on the car and climbed the porch steps. She had a long night and day ahead of her. God, I need a clear head and strong heart to face what is in front of me now. Help me see what you want me to see. If it is him, help me to deal with all these emotions.

  She didn’t bother to turn lights on in the house, she just felt her way up the stairs stumbled into her room, and fell into her bed. The last thing she saw in the moonlight were the roses David had given her.

  Chapter 16

  He had been looking for her since he arrived at church twenty minutes ago. She looked so...spooked when she left last night. He had an aching need to talk to her. He had to know if she was okay. Oh face it, you want to know if she knows. He knew keeping this secret was not good, but he just wasn’t ready yet. He wanted her to know on his terms.

  “God’s time is not our time” Pastor Cross’ words rang through his head. He knew in his heart that he was not really in control of this whole situation. He had tried things his way and had regretted it. He had not had a night of peace in the last eight years. He kicked himself every time he saw her walk down the street or drove by her house.

  The service had started and she still had not arrived. She was too punctual to be late. He tried his best to focus on the music and announcements, but it just was not happening.

  At that moment, the church door swung open and the cool November breeze came through the sanctuary doors. He could have sworn he had caught a slight scent in the air of her perfume. His mind apologized to God for the sudden racing of his heart but he couldn’t help it. She still felt like a part of him, even if they were apart. “What God has brought together, no man, not even I, can tear apart.” Is that what you are reminding me God?

  He sat in the back of the sanctuary as always, so he glanced back and saw her struggling again the fall wind close the heavy outside door. Just as he was about to go help her, an usher stepped up and together they closed the door. As she turned to enter the sanctuary, her eyes locked right on his. He could always tell what she was thinking by looking into her eyes. She let him know what was on her mind through her eyes, even when she wasn’t aware of it. Like right now, her eyes were saying, “I am confused.” Seeing that made his heart hurt. He had a suspicion of what she felt between them last night. He had the advantage though of knowing who she was. She was not so fortunate. The electricity that moved through him last night was the same as the night he took the food to her house. He didn’t want to think too inappropriately in church, but he knew what it was. It was that part of him that only she could bring to life because she was his first and only. He had never known any other touch but hers, and it set off all kinds of bells. He quickly turned to focus on what was going on at the front of the congregation. This line of thinking was going to get him in trouble. He saw her walk past him out of the corner of his eye. As she passed, his attention was back on her. Okay man, that’s enough. You’re in church! He scolded himself with a slight grin. He snapped his eyes away from where they had wandered and took a glimpse around the room to see if anyone caught him watching her walk away. It looked like he was in the clear, until he glanced up at Pastor Cross, sitting in a chair just behind the podium while someone gave announcements. They locked eyes and then Pastor grinned and shook his head. David knew he had been caught and it would be something they would talk about tomorrow. He felt like a kid who got his hand caught in the candy jar by a very angry mama. He could feel the heat of embarrassment creep up his neck and warm his ears and face. He knew he should be ashamed, but if he was honest, he really wasn’t.
She was his wife at one time.

  ***

  At the end of the sermon, Ann came and greeted Emma while her husband went to the classrooms to get the kids. They stood off to the side and chatted for a minute.

  “Well, you sure were late today. Everything okay?”

  Emma gave a heavy sigh, “Yeah, just a lot on my mind.”

  “Anything you want to talk about?”

  “Not today. I think I need to just pray about this one. I think God is showing me something and I am not sure I am ready to see it. So, just be praying for me. Lord knows I need all the prayers I can get right now.”

  Ann put her hands on Emma’s shoulders, dipped her head down with closed eyes, and began to pray. Emma followed her lead. She prayed that God would guide Emma’s footsteps and her heart. That He would reveal in His time all he wanted her to see. She said a few more words that Emma didn’t hear because she suddenly became very distracted by some one’s presence, and then she heard her friend say “Amen”. They both looked up at the same time and looked at each other, but as Emma looked at Ann to say “thank you”, she saw David over her friend’s shoulder and felt the blood drain from her face.

  “Emma?” she heard Ann call her and then turned her head to see what had her attention. When she turned back, she asked, “Does he bother you?”

  “What? No! Just something about him. I hate that I can’t figure it out.”

  “Maybe you are not supposed to figure it out and maybe you are supposed to just let God work. He can’t show you anything if you keep getting in His way. Just relax, and quit your analyzing.”

  “You know, you’re right. I am over thinking it. I am doing what I have always done and it isn’t always a good thing. Thank you Ann.” The two women embraced as they were rushed by children.

  “I will talk to you later. I guess it is time to take this crew home.” With a wave, Ann and her family were headed for the door.

  Just as she turned to her own crew of hungry children, she saw David walk toward them. She didn’t think she was ready to talk to him again, but it could not be avoided. She could hear the kids vying for her attention, but couldn’t make out what they were saying. She was so nervous that her ears were ringing. Finally, Sarah tugged on Emma’s arm.

  “What is it honey?”

  “Can we go now? I’m hungry.”

  “Yes.” She got the car keys out of her purse and handed them to Stephen, “Go ahead and get the car warmed up. You all head to the car. I’’ll be right there. I need to talk to one more person.”

  “Aww, Mom, you always say ‘really quick’ and it ends up being an hour.” Aaron was acting like a five-year-old, a sassy five-year-old.

  “GO! NOW!” She said in a stern but quiet voice. She could feel her eyes bulge in an attempt to stress her level of irritation.

  They all left with grumbling and complaining to be heard by all. She figured they did not sleep well by the way they were behaving.

  As soon as they were outside, she caught movement out of the corner of her eye. She knew it was him. Uncertain if it was nerves of the possibility or something else altogether, but her stomach started to flutter and a feeling of giddiness swelled inside her

  “Hi,” was all she could manage at the moment.

  He was first watching the kids walk out the door, but when she spoke, he looked down at her with a smile, “Hi. Are they always like that, or just today?” Was he poking fun at her? The thought made her smile back and the fluttering increase. Ryan could always get the butterflies going. What does it mean that David is doing the same? This isn’t the same as nervousness.

  “No, that is a normal thing, especially if they are tired.” She turned her whole body to look at him full on. Something she learned years ago to do when you want to give someone your full attention. “So, Mr. David, did you enjoy the sermon?”

  “What I caught of it.” He was now looking at her with such intensity it made her begin to feel a little warm. She noticed his Adam’s apple bounce a little. He feels it too! “I was a bit distracted today which made it hard to focus on what was being said. I meet with Pastor every Monday morning anyway, so I will hear it again.”

  “Oh okay.” Awkward pause, she didn’t know what else to say but she wanted to know more, to know if her suspicions were right. “So what are you doing for supper, Mr. David?”

  “Just call me David. No ‘Mr.’ is necessary. I’ll probably head home and have a sandwich, tend to my animals, watch some football.”

  “Oh well...How does barbecue chicken sound? I have plenty for one more person. You are welcome to join us.” Emma didn’t know what possessed her to ask him to dinner, but she figured it would give her a chance to get to know the man, and maybe even have a few questions answered.

  “I like barbecue chicken. It’s one of my favorites. Just let me run home and tend my animals and get some jeans on and I will be right over. I can’t stand being dressed up like this much longer.” His comment made her laugh and broke the tension.

  “Sure sounds good. Will an hour give you enough time?”

  “Plenty. See you soon.”

  They walked out the doors, almost together. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught Pastor slap David on the back, shake his hand, give him a knowing smile and a nod. She had a feeling they just had a conversation without words. It made her smile. Even if he isn’t Ryan, he still seems like a good man.

  Chapter 17

  He hoped this wasn’t a bad idea, but she had tempted him with his favorite meal. It had been a long time since he had barbecue chicken and even longer since it was hers. His decision was strictly made by his stomach, but the idea of having a Sunday dinner with them had its own appeal. He would get to know his kids, see what they are into and if he arrived early enough, he would get to watch her cook. It always amazed him when he watched her toss, stir and cut. It was like a maestro directing an orchestra. It was beautiful.

  He pulled into the drive and saw kids running around in the side yard. They were laughing and playing. Sarah was on a tire swing as her brothers pushed her from each side. She had hooked her good hand around the swing and it looked like the boys were being careful. It made him smile to see them like this, but it hurt too. It hit him that if he had stayed, their life would have been so much more than they had now. Oh the lessons he had learned over the last eight years. He kicked himself every morning for giving up his family. A part of him still thought they deserved better than what he had to offer, but he also knew there were certain things you could only learn from your dad.

  He parked his truck next to her red SUV. He smiled remembering that day he watched her drive by the church and had the feeling it was her. He was right. He got out of the truck and waved back at the kids as they hollered at him, “Hi!”.

  He had to smile at their energy considering how they were behaving after church. He figured she must have kicked them out of the house for a while. That thought made him smile because he then imagined what he would do if they were still married. He would be pestering her with kisses while she tried to get things ready, demanding her attention.

  He stopped at one the steps, looked at the door, then at the kids, then back to the door. He wondered if going inside would be a good idea. He would be alone with her and he had been having a bit of a hard time remembering they were not married when he saw her earlier. Even last night in the alley, he almost pulled her in his arms to kiss her like he had wanted to since he first seen her in the pizzeria.

  “Lord, here I am again. Keep me strong. Just because we were once married, doesn’t mean I can act like we still are. Help me respect her.” With that little prayer sent from his mouth to God’s ears, he approached the door and knocked.

  No answer. He knocked again. Then he heard music booming from the back of the house. It was a fun tune that had a funky beat. He imagined her in the kitchen dancing as she prepared the meal.

  She was a great dancer, but only he had ever seen her. He checked the door and saw it was not la
tched, so he went in. Sure enough, he was greeted with a loud hip hop tune from their younger days. He followed the sound to the kitchen where he couldn’t help but smile at what he saw. He guessed right, she was dancing. He crossed his arms, leaned against the door frame and just watched her. He knew any minute she would break out singing, which was always the next step. She must have been feeling nostalgic because it was a song that was played at their wedding reception. She had played it many times while cooking and broke out into dance when she thought no one was looking. He missed this. He decided then and there that he would do his best to win her back, but he would take it slow.

  ***

  The kids had pushed their limit on the ride home so she told them they were not allowed in the house while she cooked supper. When they got home, they changed into their play clothes and she pushed them outside. She needed to relax a bit before David arrived. She had found an old song from her high school years and proceeded to dance in the kitchen. She had cranked the volume and got lost in the song. She was starting to actually enjoy herself. She was about to break out into song when she felt someone watching her and turned.

  She squealed like a school girl at the sight of him leaning on the door frame of her kitchen. She hadn’t heard him knock. She felt the heat of embarrassment rise up her neck and cover her cheeks. He had a lazy smile on his face that made his eyes dance in a mischievous way.

  “Enjoy the show, David?”

  “Sure. Didn’t realize there was a show to go with dinner. Where can I buy tickets? I think it is worth seeing again.”

  They both started laughing as she went to turn off the song.

  “How much of that did you see?”

  “Oh enough. Enough to know you like to dance and do it often.”

  “Well, since you intruded on my cooking routine, you can make the salad. Tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers and sunflower seeds are there on the counter. Start chopping.” She was going to make him pay. “And if word gets around town what you saw, you are a dead man.”