Not This Time

by Leah Atwood

  Booms echoed through the valley and with the light of each pyrotechnic phenomenon, a smoky haze hovered over the town.

  Fascinated by Amie’s awe, he watched her more than he did the show. Anticipation lurked on her face as she waited for each shot to explode and then wonder as she saw the fireworks transform into a piece of art.

  His Amie found joy in everything, never took for granted what became routine for many. How many firework displays had she watched in her life? At least nine, he knew for certain, yet she remained glued to this one like she was seeing them for the first time.

  Life with Amie would never be boring or monotonous. His heart swelled, and he tightened his arm around her. The finale began, filling the sky with every type of firework at once. A rainbow of colors spilled above them.

  Amie eyed him, a serene smile on her face. “Thank you for bringing me here. I’ve never missed seeing fireworks on the Fourth of July.”

  “Never?”

  “Never. I thought this year would be the first, but you made it happen.” Bending her head, she kissed him.

  He moved his hand to the nape of her neck and deepened the kiss, fully confident this was the woman with whom he’d spend the rest of his life. Breaking the kiss, he pulled away, in love and breathless.

  “I’d make anything happen for you, Amie. That’s what you do when you love someone.”

  A flash of admiration and affection, more beautiful than any firework display he’d just witnessed, flickered in her eyes. “That’s what this is, isn’t it? Love.”

  “Yes.” He lowered his forehead to rest against hers. “I love you.”

  Her contented sigh blew warm air against his cheek. She found his hand and wove their fingers. “I love you, too.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Elbow deep in bubbly, soapy water, Amie grabbed a breakfast plate and scrubbed off the remnants of scrambled eggs. The dishwasher broke yesterday, and Aunt Sally was in no hurry to fix the appliance or purchase a new one. She hadn’t decided yet if she even would.

  Amie didn’t mind hand washing the dishes, especially since there were only two people to clean up from, but she worried about when her aunt threw parties, which she’d discovered Aunt Sally often did in the winter to keep the community active and close-knit. Who would do all the dishes then? Despite the doctor ruling her fit as a fiddle, Amie still worried her aunt would overexert herself, and she wouldn’t be here come fall to take care of the housework for her.

  Or would she?

  Her relationship with Drew burgeoned, faster than she could have expected. She couldn’t explain why or how she’d fallen in love so quickly, especially when one considered she’d been left at the altar by Tim mere weeks before reuniting with Drew. The only conclusion she drew was that love had no timetable—or rather, God’s timing was perfect.

  Aunt Sally padded into the kitchen, still wearing slippers and a house robe. Her hair, however, was rolled in curlers. “I’m not going to church with you today.”

  Amie nearly dropped the plate in her hand. “Are you sick? Should I call the doctor?”

  “Nothing like that.” Aunt Sally waved away her concerns. “Morton Zumbrum invited me to his place of worship today, and I accepted.”

  Respite from instant worry, and elation over her aunt’s date, mixed to bring Amie to a euphoric state. “This is exciting. What are you going to wear?”

  “Amie Jo Reynolds, the good Lord doesn’t care a whit about what I wear to church.”

  “But Mr. Zumbrum certainly will notice.” Amie winked. “You should wear the lavender dress you’d planned to wear for my wedding.”

  “That’s much too fancy.” Aunt Sally shook her head, but Amie detected the shakiness in her voice.

  “What church does he attend?”

  “First Community.”

  “The lavender dress will be perfect there. Didn’t you tell me they are more formal than Jasper Lake Bible?” She tried remembering if she’d ever gone there as a child, but her only church memories came from going with Aunt Sally where she had attended for over fifty years.

  “Yes, they are.” Genteel creases appeared on Aunt Sally’s forehead. “I don’t want him to think I’m trying to impress him.”

  Suppressing a laugh, Amie smiled. I’d never have guessed that dating brings out insecurities no matter what age the person is. “But aren’t you?”

  Aunt Sally broke out in a wide grin. “Yes.”

  Unable to hold her laughter any longer, Amie chuckled until tears rolled down her cheeks. “Wear the dress. It’s a perfect color on you, and you’ll take Mr. Zumbrum’s breath away.”

  “Do you think so?”

  Amie sighed. “Aunt Sally, the man is obviously, madly, undeniably interested in you. You could wear a gunnysack and he’d find you beautiful.”

  A pink tint crept up Aunt Sally’s neck. She covered her cheeks with her hands. “Look at me, nearly eighty years old and blushing.”

  “Don’t think too much about it. Go and have fun.” She gave Aunt Sally a quick hug. “Are you going anywhere after church?”

  “He mentioned lunch at Tippy’s.”

  “You said yes, right?”

  Aunt Sally squirmed. “I told him I’d think about it.”

  Putting one hand on her hip, Amie shook a finger. “You better go.”

  “I don’t know.” Her lips straightened to a thin line. “I’m too old for this. I feel foolish chasing a man at my age.”

  “Of all people, Aunt Sally, I would expect you to understand that love is love at any age, and if God gives you a blessing, you’re not to turn it away.”

  An age-spotted hand cupped Amie’s cheek. “When did you get so wise, dear?”

  “I’ve only learned from the best.”

  “I’ll wear the lavender dress, and if Morty asks again, I’ll accept his invitation to lunch.” Aunt Sally lowered her hand.

  “Good.” Amie caught sight of the clock on the stove. “You better hurry. I better hurry. Drew will be here in fifteen minutes.”

  “Drew’s a good boy. I always wondered why the two of you broke things off instead of trying to make your relationship work.”

  “That’s water under the bridge now. We’re forging ahead without the past weighing us down.” Fourteen minutes. She removed the plug from the drain. The last few dishes would have to wait until she was home later that afternoon.

  “That’s very mature of you and him.” Aunt Sally’s gaze traveled to the clock as well. “Oh my, I have to finish getting ready. If Morty shows up, will you let him in and tell him I’ll be down shortly?”

  “Yes.” And if Drew shows up first, we’ll wait until Aunt Sally leaves. She needs an extra boost of confidence and support.

  She ran upstairs after Aunt Sally and went straight to her room. Jasper Lake Bible had a casual dress code, for which a pair of capris and a nice blouse would suffice. She chose the outfit she’d worn for the first dinner at Drew’s—the pink capris and white shirt. Accenting the top, she slipped a chest length necklace with rose gold accents over her head and slid four silver bangles in various widths over her wrist.

  The doorbell rang. Since she heard Aunt Sally still shuffling in her room, Amy jogged downstairs to greet the guest. Relieved to see Drew, she opened the door and let him in.

  He greeted her with a kiss. “Good morning, sunshine.”

  “Guess what?” The excited child in her took over, immune to not sharing gossip.

  “No idea. What?”

  “Aunt Sally’s going to church with Mr. Zumbrum today, and then out to lunch.”

  His eyes widened. “That’s huge. Aunt Sally has gone to Jasper Lake Bible forever. I don’t think she’s ever missed a Sunday.”

  “Crazy, isn’t it?” Clapping her hands, she continued. “She really likes him. I’m not sure I’d call it love yet, but I don’t believe it’s far off.”

  “That’s great. I’m happy for both of them.”

  “Can you do me a favor? When she comes down,
tell her the dress is lovely on her, or her hair looks nice. She’s paranoid to look out of place, and worried what people will say about a December romance.”

  “Who cares, and since when does Aunt Sally?” Drew scowled. “If anyone has something to say about it, I’ll take care of them. Love and romance don’t max out after a certain age.”

  “I told her something similar, and I think it helped.” Her gaze followed the sounds of Aunt Sally walking above. “However, she’s still nervous. It’s cute, actually, but I want her to enjoy her date without worrying."

  Drew brought her into an embrace. “Does that mean you’re free for lunch after church?”

  A slow smile formed. “Yes, it does.”

  “Where do you want to go?” He released her and stepped away.

  “I hear Tippy’s has a nice Sunday brunch.” She smiled coyly, going too far with her attempt at innocence.

  “That wouldn’t happen to be where Mr. Zumbrum is taking your aunt, is it?”

  Her shoulders rose. “Maybe.”

  Shaking his head, Drew laughed. “We’re not spying on their date.”

  “I wouldn’t call it spying, rather showing our support.”

  “Aunt Sally is a grown woman who can attend church and have lunch with a man without us checking on her.” The doorbell rang, and Drew quickly added, “Especially if she’s known that man longer than both of us have been alive.”

  “I know, I know.” She inched toward the door, knowing Drew was right, but she couldn’t shake the protective feeling toward her aunt.

  The lunch discussion fell to the wayside with Mr. Zumbrum’s arrival. He stood at the door, dressed in a three-piece suit completed by a blue argyle necktie.

  His hands wrung the stems of a bouquet he held. “I’m here to pick up Sally for church.”

  “She’s almost ready.” Amie used a low, soothing tone to put the elderly man at ease. “Come in, and she’ll be right down.”

  “Good morning, Mr. Zumbrum.” Drew stepped forward and shook the man’s hand.

  “Morning, Drew. Always good to see you.”

  “Likewise.”

  Mr. Zumbrum relaxed his grip on the flowers. “I heard a rumor that someone rented out the old Willis office.”

  Amie watched a wave of apprehension crash over Drew’s face, but it disappeared so fast she wondered if she’d imagined it.

  “It’s a prime location. I’m surprised it remained vacant as long as it did.” Drew spoke clear and steady, convincing Amie she’d misinterpreted his previous expression.

  “Perfect spot for a new law firm.” Mr. Zumbrum tilted his chin. “Rumor also has it, Jasper Lake residents won’t have to travel to Farthington for legal services anymore.”

  Pieces fell in place. Drew rented the place and hadn’t mentioned it to her? Why did his omission to tell her coil her stomach in knots? They’d avoided any conversation that took them beyond August, but she would have thought he’d discuss an event that big.

  Drew inclined his head ever so subtly her way while still addressing Mr. Zumbrum. “Rumors don’t always tell the entire truth.”

  Mr. Zumbrum mouthed an “O” and nodded.

  The entire exchange rose Amie’s hackles. She didn’t appreciate the discreet body language asking Mr. Zumbrum not to say more, and she didn’t like being kept in the dark. The slight bruised her ego and put her in an irritable mood, but for Aunt Sally’s sake, she didn’t let it show. She’d save it for later when she and Drew were alone.

  Unbeknownst to her, Aunt Sally chose the perfect moment to descend the steps. As Amie had suspected, the lavender dress accentuated her aunt in multiple ways and was a perfect complement for her complexion. Her hair was simply styled—if one didn’t know the curls were created—parted down the middle and brushed back and pinned at each side. The entire effect removed a decade from Aunt Sally’s appearance.

  She held tightly to the banister as she took each step. Her arms trembled, belying the calmness of her face. “I’m sorry to keep you waiting.”

  “Not a problem at all.” Mr. Zumbrum’s gaze never left her as he went to her and assisted her down the final steps. When she reached the bottom, he handed her the flowers. “These are for you.”

  “They are beautiful, thank you.” Lifting them to her nose, Aunt Sally inhaled their fragrant nectar. “I’ll put them in water, and then I’ll be ready to go.”

  Amie caught Drew’s gaze, and he jerked his head toward the door, indicating they should leave. She fought the urge to scrunch her nose and ignore him, but, again, she had to admit he was right. Aunt Sally was capable of being on her own and didn’t need her great niece hovering, infringing on her date.

  “We’re leaving, Aunt Sally. I’ll see you later this afternoon.” She kissed her cheek. “Have fun.”

  Drew also gave Aunt Sally a kiss. “You’re extra stunning this morning. Enjoy the service.”

  Another round of pink dotted Aunt Sally’s cheeks. The sweetness of the moment erased part of Amie’s irritation.

  She and Drew left the house, riding to church in his fancy car. The plush leather seat wrapped her body in complete comfort. She enjoyed the car’s pep and the way it handled on the road. Every time she drove her car after being in Drew’s, her sensible sedan felt boring and tame. That’s not a bad thing. Not every moment in life is meant to be an adrenaline rush.

  The trip to church from Aunt Sally’s only took five minutes, too short to bring up the subject of Drew secretly renting the old Willis place. They were already running late because they’d waited for Aunt Sally to come down, so sitting in the parking lot to continue the conversation wouldn’t be an option.

  Reluctantly, she waited until after the service. By that time, she’d let it stew until she’d managed to work herself into a temper. So much for hoping the extra time would calm me down. Flashbacks of Tim leaving, making a major life decision without consulting her, only fanned the flames of her injured pride.

  “All men are alike,” she muttered as she left the church to return to Drew’s car.

  Deep in conversation with Clint, Drew didn’t hear. Probably better that way.

  Dena, however, standing next to her husband, heard. “Trouble in paradise?”

  “Nothing that won’t work itself out.” She wanted to vent, and complain, but out of respect for Drew, she didn’t go into detail.

  Leaning forward, Dena whispered into her ear, “My brother can be a knucklehead, but he has good intentions.”

  “You have the knucklehead part right,” she muttered.

  Dena smiled. “You have it bad.”

  She didn’t deny it. Her love for Drew couldn’t be swayed by one disagreement—a disagreement of which he wasn’t even aware.

  Either Dena sensed that or was ready to leave because she tugged on Clint’s sleeve. “Time to go, sweetheart.”

  Clint grinned and slapped Drew’s arm. “We’ll talk more about it later.”

  “Give me a call tonight, and we’ll finalize the plans.”

  “Plans for what?” Amie hoped for a natural lead into the confrontation as they walked to the car.

  “Fishing trip on Wednesday before my parents get here.”

  “Oh.” That didn’t help any. “They’re coming on Friday, right?”

  “Yes, sometime around noon.” Drew opened her door.

  She got in without a word, and he circled to his side and slid in beside her.

  The engine purred shortly after he turned the key. “Do you have any preference for lunch?”

  “Wherever.”

  His forehead furrowed. “Is something wrong? You seem upset.”

  “You could have told me you rented the Willis place.”

  Drew’s head bobbed in slow motion. “You figured it out?”

  “It wasn’t hard after Mr. Zumbrum spilled the beans.” She crossed her arms, mad at him for keeping secrets and frustrated with herself for overreacting.

  “I had a plan to tell you.”

  “When? Apparen
tly I’m the last to know.” Insecurities and bitterness from her failed engagement with Tim resurrected. “I thought when you loved someone you shared important details with them, oh like, deciding for certain to stay in Jasper Lake and start a law firm.”

  “You knew I’ve been thinking about it, and I had a good reason why I hadn’t told you yet.” Drew’s strained facial muscles gave him an air of confusion, as though he didn’t understand the problem.

  Which, of course, made her more upset. “You should have told me, instead of letting me find out from someone else. At least Tim had the decency to tell me himself he was leaving.”

  Drew jerked. “There is nothing decent about what Tim did to you. How can you compare me to him? He left you at the altar. My reason for not telling you had everything to do with asking you to stay.”

  “What are you talking about?” She didn’t know what to make of his last statement.

  “Nothing.” His dejected sigh left her empty. “I’m not having this conversation when you’re mad at me.” He put the car in gear and steered out of the parking lot.

  “I’m not mad, but I’m hurt you kept such a big decision from me.”

  Staring at the road ahead, Drew clenched his jaw. He didn’t say anything until he parked in front of Aunt Sally’s house. “You put me on a level lower than your fiancé who left you the night before your wedding with a note. A note, Amie. He couldn’t even tell you in person. What does that say about your opinion of me?”

  “I said that out of anger, I didn’t really mean it, but I was upset.” Her stomach knotted with regret.

  “And that’s supposed to make it okay? I thought you had more faith in me.”

  “I’m sorry for saying that, but it doesn’t negate you leaving me out of a big decision. Or don't I matter because I might not be here past August?”

  Another long sigh escaped Drew. “I understand you’re upset. I get that you feel left out, and it brings back memories of Tim’s betrayal. But how can you question that you matter?”

  Hot tears burned her eyelids. “Because you left me out of these plans for the future. You can go out on your own and decide your career plans, but you can’t discuss our future.”