Kayla’s eyes lit up at the mention of a plan. “Yeah, Val’s right! All you need’s a strategy. As long as you have a predetermined strategy, you’ll be fine.” Kayla was the most organized person I knew. Just the idea of a plan—or “strategy,” as she called it—turned everything around. She honestly believed that with the right organization, anything could work.
I hoped a smile would hide the doubt weighing heavily on my shoulders. “Thanks, y’all, that’s good advice. I’ll talk to him about it soon,” I said. Even though it won’t make much of a difference, my subconscious mocked. Despite my friends’ optimistic encouragement, deep down I knew all the logic and planning in the world couldn’t possibly suffice when it came to matters of the heart.
My chair scraped the hardwood floor as I stood. “I’ll be right back. Gonna grab some coffee.” I headed to the counter and placed my order. A few minutes later, I took my vanilla latte back to where the girls sat, but I remained standing.
“So, what do y’all wanna do?” I asked.
“We could go shoppin’,” Kayla suggested.
“Yeah!” Valerie agreed. “I need some new shorts for summer.”
“Sounds good,” I replied. “Should we stay around here or go to the mall?”
Because Davis was such a small town, we didn’t have our own mall. We had a couple of department stores and a few mom-and-pop shops, but no mall. A neighboring city, Bensonville, boasted the closest mall, so that’s where most citizens of Davis shopped when they craved more than what our town offered.
“Let’s go to the mall,” Val said in response to my question. “I think a day trip to Bensonville’ll be fun!”
Although it only took about half an hour to get there, people—especially teenagers—made a big deal out of visiting Bensonville. I figured all the excitement was the result of small-town life.
Kayla and Valerie stood and grabbed their trash, and then we headed for the door. They threw their trash away as I picked up my umbrella.
“We can take my car,” I suggested. “I’ve got a full tank of gas.” They agreed and we pushed open the coffee shop door, braced ourselves, and ran for my car.
Thirty minutes later, we pulled up to the mall and parked. It had stopped raining, but we carried our umbrellas anyway. Once we made it to the mall entrance, we sat down on a bench and each called our parents to let them know our whereabouts.
My mother was agitated when I informed her we were in Bensonville. “Cora, I didn’t want you leavin’ town today,” she lectured. “There’ve been some things happenin’ at that mall lately. I want you to come home. Now.”
I groaned internally. “But we just got here, Mama. And you didn’t say anything this mornin’ about not leavin’ town. Besides, we always come here.”
There was silence on the line, which meant she was either really mad or that she was contemplating my argument. Finally, she sighed in exasperation. “All right, Cora. Since I didn’t specifically forbid this, I won’t make you come home. But please, please be careful. And you girls stay together.”
Yes! “We will, Mama.”
“Okay, bye, sweetie. Love you.”
“Love you, too,” I replied before hitting the “end” button on my phone.
“Everything good?” Val asked when she saw my expression.
“Yeah, just Mama bein’ over-protective, as usual. She said she didn’t want me comin’ to this mall. But I talked her out of makin’ me go home.”
Kayla frowned. “That’s weird. My dad said the same thing…somethin’ about a high crime rate.”
I observed our surroundings. Everything about this place radiated “safe family town,” from the perfectly trimmed hedges to the newly renovated exterior of the mall. There was a carousel and fountain at the front entrance, both bordered by brightly colored flowers. Even with people sloshing through puddles and pushing their way to the doors, the site appeared peaceful.
“Ha,” Val remarked. “This place is probably safer than Davis. I’m sure they can afford to pay their cops pretty well here. They’ve got security at practically every corner.”
I glanced in the direction she pointed and noticed several security guards spaced evenly around different entrances. “Yeah,” I agreed. “I feel pretty safe.”
Chapter Fourteen
The muffled notes of country music woke me from a deep sleep Sunday morning. I groaned and flipped onto my stomach, burying my head under the pillow. The girls and I had stayed at the mall until it closed, shopping and chatting. We’d decided to see a movie afterward, so it was close to midnight when I finally made it home.
The song didn’t stop, and I realized it was coming from my cell phone. I sat up unsteadily, rubbed my eyes, and reached for the phone on my nightstand. Landon’s name flashed across the screen. My heart thudded quickly, a grin spreading across my face. I cleared my throat but still sounded groggy when I said hello.
“Hey, sleepy head,” Landon crooned in a way that sent a feeling of warmth all the way down to my toes.
I glanced at the antique clock hanging on my wall. Six o’clock? “It is way too early, Landon!” I complained.
“Figured you’d say that, so I planned somethin’ I think you’ll like…to make up for it.”
I smiled and hugged a pink and black striped pillow to my chest, sitting cross-legged on the bed. “Oh, really?” I asked, intrigued. “And just what’d you plan?”
“It’s a surprise. Can you be ready in thirty minutes?” He sounded as excited as a kid on Christmas morning. His enthusiasm was contagious.
“Thirty minutes? Landon, it’s six in the mornin’! What in the world are we gonna do this early?”
He laughed. “Just trust me.”
“Okay, but don’t be mad if I stink. I don’t think I can shower and get presentable with such short notice.”
I could hear the smile in his voice when he responded. “I won’t get too close,” he teased.
“I didn’t say that. I just said don’t get mad.”
“It’s a deal. I’ll be there to pick you up in half an hour. We’re on a tight schedule, so be ready.”
“Okay, bye!” Anticipation washed over me and sent chills down my arms as I jumped out of bed. I had absolutely no idea what he could possibly have in store for us, but I was glad just to spend the morning with him. The past week had been the happiest of my life. Things could only go up from here.
I couldn’t stop smiling as I washed my face, brushed my teeth, and threw on a pair of old jeans and a bright blue fitted tank top. I checked the clock on my phone, running a brush through my hair.
Five minutes.
I had just enough time to put on a little mascara, blush, and lip gloss. Once finished, I took a deep breath and appraised my appearance. Although it was an understated look, I felt pretty in a simple way. But then, I’d felt pretty every moment since prom. It was hard not to with Landon constantly complimenting me. My self-esteem had doubled in a matter of days.
Deana Carter’s voice shrilled out the lyrics to Strawberry Wine at the exact moment I was slipping on a pair of white sandals. My phone—that was Landon’s signal. I hit the ignore button and walked over to my window, pulling the ivory curtains aside to see his jeep in the driveway. My heart skipped a beat when I saw him hop out of the jeep and prop an arm on the open door. I couldn’t make out what he was wearing since the sun still wasn’t up, but he’d be handsome in anything. He was looking in my direction, so I waved to let him know I was on my way down.
Grabbing my purse, I paused for one last glance in the mirror, just to check. I cracked open my bedroom door and crept down the hallway to the stairs. I took the steps slowly to avoid any creaking that might wake my parents. Once downstairs, I rushed through the living room and unlocked the door as quietly as possible. Then I paused for a split second, deciding I should leave a note for Mama.
On a scrap piece of paper from a drawer in the dining room, I jotted,
With Landon. Should be back in time for church.
I then stuck the note under a magnet on the refrigerator and backtracked through the kitchen and dining room, to the living room, and finally made it outside.
Landon met me halfway. He threw his arms around my waist and spun me around. “I missed you yesterday,” he whispered in my ear after we stopped spinning.
Heat flushed my cheeks. “I missed you too.”
Landon took my hand and led me to the jeep, opening the door and helping me in. “You look beautiful.”
I nudged his arm. “Even though I haven’t had a shower?”
He shook his head and grinned. “I never would’ve known. And for the record…you smell awesome.” Then he winked at me and I melted.
“Thank you, Landon.” My pulse raced as he brushed his hand gently across my cheek. It raced even faster as he slowly leaned toward me, our faces inching closer with each passing second until our lips finally met. The kiss was soft and slow, sending warmth through my entire body.
He finally pulled away. “We better get goin’,” he said in a husky voice. Then he closed my door and walked around to get in the driver’s seat. We rode in comfortable silence for a few minutes. He drove down some dirt roads that I wasn’t familiar with for a while. The scenery reminded me of finding Jeff and Lacy together, and I was amazed at how much had changed since that horrible day.
A few minutes later, Landon pulled over and turned to me. “Here, put this on,” he instructed, getting a scarf from the back seat.
I tilted my head in confusion. “You want me to wear a scarf? I did brush my hair, but if you think it looks that bad…”
Landon chuckled. “No, it’s a blindfold. Here, I’ll help you.”
I did as I was told, and he carefully tied the scarf around my eyes. Once Landon was sure the fabric securely blocked my vision, I leaned back against the seat. “So, are you gonna tell me why I’m wearin’ a blindfold?”
“Because all this is a surprise, and I don’t want you seein’ where we’re goin’. You might figure it out.”
“Oh, okay. Gotcha,” I said with a grin. I couldn’t hide my excitement any more than he could hide his. I loved surprises, and I had a feeling this was going to be a pretty good one.
Landon pulled back onto the road and began to drive once more. A short while later, we came to a stop. “Can I take this thing off now?” I asked impatiently.
“Nope, not yet,” he answered.
He opened his door, hopped out of the jeep, and came around to help me. The ground crunched under our feet as he led me through what I imagined to be a wooded area. The air smelled fresh, and the sound of crickets chirping reminded me that it was still early.
We finally stopped walking, and Landon untied my blindfold. “All right, are you ready?” he asked before letting the blindfold drop.
“I’m ready, I’m ready!” I exclaimed, bouncing from foot to foot. He pulled the blindfold off my face, and I gasped. It was the most beautiful view I’d ever seen—just like a painting. The woods opened up to reveal the spot we’d nicknamed Magnolia Lake as children. The lake—which was actually just a large pond—was partially shaded by a huge, beautiful Southern Magnolia tree in full bloom. The previous day’s storm had blown several blooms off the tree, decorating the water with floating white flowers.
Beginning where we stood, several miniature lanterns were placed carefully on the ground and formed a path leading onto the old wooden dock where we’d spent so much time playing together as kids. At the end of the dock, there was a picnic spread out on a blanket.
As the sun rose, it created a picturesque backdrop of pink hues in the sky against the water. I noticed two plates and goblets, along with a few other dishes, arranged on the blanket. “Wow, Landon,” I breathed, mesmerized. “This is amazing.”
“You really like it?” he asked.
“Of course I do! It’s beautiful!”
He ducked his head. “It’s nothin’ compared to you.”
I blushed and squeezed his hand. “So, what’s all that on the blanket?”
“Breakfast,” he replied with a grin. “Come on, are you hungry?”
I shrugged, smiling. “I could eat.”
“Good.” He pulled me after him down the lantern-lined pathway.
“This is crazy!” I laughed. “What’s in all these dishes?”
Landon sat down, uncovering one dish at a time. There were huge blueberry muffins, strawberries, peaches, brownies, bagels, and orange juice. I stared wide-eyed at the spread. “Did you make all this?” I asked incredulously.
“Yeah,” he said. “Well, Mom gave me the recipes and some instructions, since I’ve never baked before. But, yeah, I made all of it. I mean, really just the muffins and brownies.”
I kissed his cheek. “It’s wonderful, Landon. I can’t believe you went to so much trouble for me. You must’ve been up at three o’clock this mornin’.”
“You’re worth it, Cora,” he replied. “Besides, it was nothin’. Just thought it’d be cool to eat breakfast and watch the sun come up together. The view’s awesome from here.”
I sighed happily, taking in the scene. “I can’t believe you remembered this spot.”
“That month we weren’t talkin’ I came here all the time to think. I’d sit here, and listen to the birds, and just…think. I vowed to bring you here if we ever worked stuff out.”
“I sure am glad we did.”
“Me too,” he said. “Now let’s eat!”
We ate in silence for a few minutes, enjoying the sounds of nature waking up. He moved to sit behind me as the sun started to rise, wrapping his arms around my stomach. I leaned my head back on his chest and nestled in closer to him.
The sky was a beautiful shade of pink while the sun rose to reveal all its glory. I watched in awe as sunlight reflected off the ripples of Magnolia Lake. It was in moments like these that I could truly feel the beauty and majesty of God. Even though I’d been to church nearly every Sunday of my life, my faith often got pushed out of mind through the everyday routine and struggles of life. Especially during the drama with Jeff. I hated to admit it, but after finding out about Jeff and Lacy, I’d questioned why God had let it happen if He really did care, if He really did exist.
But to witness a sunrise as beautiful as this made me wonder how anyone could not believe in God.
“You ready to go?” Landon’s voice interrupted my serene thoughts an hour later.
I closed my eyes. “Sure. I could stay out here all day, though.”
“Me too,” he said. “But we should get back. I’m supposed to help my parents with some yard work this morning before church. Then we can spend the rest of the day together.”
I smiled up at him, amazed at what a wonderful son he was. Wonderful son, wonderful boyfriend, wonderful person. I sent up a silent prayer, thanking God for giving me this time with such a special guy. I knew it was too soon—and I was too young—to think about marriage, but I could easily see myself married to Landon. Together forever.
“In that case, take me home now, mister!” I teased.
He stood and pulled me up so that we were face to face. We embraced and he pressed his mouth to mine again, this time with a little more passion. Then we made our way back home. Landon dropped me off with a smile and a hug, promising to come over after church.
Mama was waiting for me when I walked into our house, expecting a full report of my whereabouts. When I told her what my amazing boyfriend had done, she was speechless.
“Isn’t that the most romantic thing you’ve ever heard?” I asked, still in my dream-like state.
Mama blinked. “It sure is. I can’t believe a high school boy could come up with somethin’ so…grown-up.”
“I’m a lucky girl. I’m gonna go get ready now.” I kissed her cheek and floated toward the stairs, bounced up them, and skipped into my bedroom. Nothing could steal my joy.
Chapter Fifteen
“What’s that?” Val asked Monday morning as I pulled a note out of my locker.
“Don’t know.” I ripped open the square, white envelope and tugged a piece of stationary out of it.
You’re the most beautiful girl I’ve ever met. Be mine. - Your Secret Admirer.
The words were typed, I assumed for the purpose of remaining anonymous.
“Oooo, a secret admirer!” Val exclaimed, reading over my shoulder. “Wonder who it is?”
I smiled and hugged my schoolbooks to my chest. “It must be from Landon. He’s so sweet. Yesterday mornin’ he surprised me with breakfast by Magnolia Lake…at sunrise.” I continued the story, not leaving out a single detail.
She listened wide-eyed until I finished describing the beautiful sunrise and delicious food. “Wow,” she said. “He’s a closet romantic! Who knew?”
I laughed. “Yeah. He was always sweet when we were together before, and every once in a while, he’d bring me flowers or somethin’, but this was so beyond anything any guy has ever done for me!”
She grinned, but then her face turned serious. “Hmmm…”
“What?”
She glanced from me to the note I held, then back to me. “Well…not to burst your bubble or anything, but why would Landon send you a secret admirer note? Why wouldn’t he just sign his name to it? He knows that you know he loves you. So why the secret part?”
I shook my head, shrugging. “I don’t know. Maybe he thinks it’s more romantic this way. Maybe he’s just bein’ creative.”
She raised her eyebrows. “Maybe.”
I stuffed the note back into its envelope and slipped it in my purse. Shutting my locker door, I turned back to Val. “It’s gotta be Landon. Who else would send me a love note?” Then we walked together to class.
Each day for the next two weeks, a new secret admirer note found its way to my locker. I never mentioned them to Landon because I didn’t want to spoil his fun. If he had some surprise these notes were leading to, I didn’t want to ruin it.
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