Until I Met You

by Tari Faris

  “Of course.” Libby reached for her keys. See? Coworkers. And since they were coworkers, maybe he could help her out too. “There are some antiques in Grand Haven that I’d like to pick up, but my car won’t be big enough. Could you by chance go with me to get them? We could probably do it in an afternoon.”

  A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “Sure.”

  “Great.” Libby sorted through her keys twice before she stopped on the one for the heritage room. She took a step toward the door, but he stood in the path—not that he had a lot of options for where to stand. She stopped in front of him and pointed to the door behind him. “Uh, I need to go there.”

  “Oh, sorry.” He tried to step to the side, but there were piles of books everywhere.

  She angled her body and squeezed past him. “No problem.”

  “Thanks for taking time to do this.” His voice was much lower than it had been a minute before. The musky scent she remembered from the night they’d worked on the forms tickled her nose, and she found herself breathing a bit deeper.

  “It’s my job.” Libby’s voice wavered as she unlocked the door and darted through it. Why did she suddenly have to be so aware of him? It was all Olivia’s fault. Her and her dumb suggestions.

  Austin’s gaze paused on her. “Libby, I was wondering if—”

  Her phone pinged with a voicemail and she jumped. That was odd. She hadn’t even heard it ring. “The cell service isn’t great down here. Another reason the library needed to be moved.”

  A text popped up on the screen.

  Luke

  Hannah is having trouble. They’re considering an emergency C-section. Nate is leaving in ten minutes. Be at my house if you want to ride with him. I’ll call you when I know anything. Pray.

  Emergency C-section? Libby’s pulse sped up as she took in the time. That gave her seven minutes to get home or she’d miss the ride. She could drive herself, but she hated driving when she was stressed.

  She shoved her phone back in her bag and ran for the door. “I’ve got to go.”

  “Is everything okay?”

  She reached over, pulled an old journal of sorts from the shelf, and handed it to him. “Maybe this will have info on plants. I can get you back in later.” She grabbed his arm and pulled him through the door before slamming it. Her fingers shook, and she couldn’t even get the key in.

  “Here. Let me.” Austin took the keys and locked the door before handing them back. “What happened? Tell me how I can help.”

  “You can’t. I’m fine. I just need to go.” Libby took the stairs two at a time. This wasn’t an attractive image to leave him with. But she couldn’t think about that now. Luke needed her, and that was what moving here was all about.

  Austin jolted upright with the chime of his phone. Had he slept through his alarm? He squinted at the clock—5:15 a.m. He hadn’t slept through it. Who could that be at this hour?

  He reached for his phone and hit Answer. “This is—” He shifted the receiver away from his mouth and cleared his throat, then tried again. “This is Austin.”

  “Mr. Williams, this is Charlene at Reflections Care Home.”

  He sat straight up. “Is my father all right?”

  “He’s stable, but there was a situation—”

  “What kind of situation?” He stood and reached for a clean shirt.

  “Please stay calm. He’s in good hands. We deal with this type of thing all the time. He had an episode where he became confused and a little violent. But—”

  “Violent?” Austin slipped the shirt over his head and grabbed the jeans he’d discarded on the floor yesterday. He’d never seen his father violent a day in his life. He’d even left the spanking to Austin’s mom.

  “This is not uncommon. The confusion can cause unusual behavior.”

  “But you said he’s stable?” He wedged the phone between his ear and his shoulder as he yanked on his pants and grabbed a clean pair of socks.

  “Yes. The doctor on call prescribed a slight sedative, and he’s currently sleeping.”

  “Okay.” He dropped into a sitting position on the bed. Maybe he had time for a shower.

  “He also reviewed your father’s chart and, because of your father’s age, wants to try more aggressive medication.”

  He stood and started finding cleaner clothes. “What does that mean?”

  “The doctor would like to go over all this with you before he leaves. Would you be able to get here before seven a.m.?”

  Austin checked the time again. He was supposed to be at the site by 7:30. But Nate had agreed to be at the site too, so maybe it was time to start putting some faith in his brother. After all, Nate had been at every meeting without fail.

  “Mr. Williams?”

  Austin checked the time on his phone again. “I’ll be there in about forty minutes.”

  He ended the conversation and hit Nate’s number. Voicemail. Hopefully that meant he was already up and in the shower. He left a quick rundown of events as he made his way to the kitchen, started the coffee maker, and let Shiro out the back door.

  The journal Libby had given him yesterday still sat on his table. He’d never seen her so flustered. He’d have asked her out if her phone hadn’t interrupted them. He still hadn’t figured out if the interruption had been a blessing or not. He had no business confusing their relationship, no matter how much she’d consumed his thoughts the past two weeks.

  Ten minutes later he’d showered and returned to find a full pot of fresh coffee. He poured it into a travel mug and let the aroma awaken his senses. He took a scalding gulp and then checked his phone.

  Missed call from Nate. He must have called back when Austin was in the shower.

  He opened the door for Shiro and then dropped a scoop of food into her bowl. He knelt in front of her and scratched her ears. “I’ll try to stop by for lunch.”

  He snagged his keys from the table and ran to the door, then paused halfway down the steps. The brass hippo was back, but this time it sat right in front of Libby’s place—no, her brother’s place. He shook his head and pushed Play on the voicemail as he dashed to his truck.

  “Hey, Austin, this is Nate. It doesn’t look like I’ll be able to be there for the move. An emergency—”

  Austin dropped the phone from his ear and hit Delete. Of course not. When push came to shove, Austin was left taking care of everything. Now he had only an hour to get to the care home and back if he wanted to be at the move on time.

  As a pastor, he’d done this countless times, but it never got any easier. Nate slipped his coins in the coffee vending machine and jabbed at the buttons. The scent of the rich brew offered the promise of a good cup of coffee. It was a lie. This was his third cup, but he kept coming back. A glutton for punishment. He added more coins and watched another cup fill.

  He picked up his phone and eyed the screen before shoving it back in his pocket and grabbing the other cup. Still no calls from Austin. Nate was supposed to help with the move today, and with the message Austin had left about their dad, he needed to be in Heritage. But with Hannah in emergency surgery, leaving wasn’t an option either.

  He’d called Austin and left a voicemail, but he had little doubt his brother wouldn’t bother listening beyond “I can’t make it today.”

  Just when he thought a crack was opening.

  He wandered back into the waiting area of the third floor. Libby stood in front of a floor-to-ceiling window, looking out at the gray sky, her posture stiff as she hugged her body. Stepping up next to her, he offered one of the cups of coffee. “Any news?”

  She accepted the coffee and shook her head.

  Nate scanned the room. “Where’s the rest of your family?”

  “My brothers went to find food and my parents went to pray in the chapel.” Her voice hitched on the word “pray.”

  “You didn’t want to go with them?”

  She shrugged. “I thought someone should be here in case Luke comes out with some news.�
�

  “I can wait if you want to go.”

  She spun the cup in her hands, took a sip, and then returned to spinning it. “I’ll leave praying to them. God and I aren’t on speaking terms.” Her face flushed slightly, and when he didn’t say anything, she cast him a glance. “What? No sermons about how I need to believe or have faith, or if I don’t feel close to God then I’m the one who moved?”

  Nate let out a chuckle. “We do like our catchphrases in the church, don’t we?”

  “But you aren’t going to offer me one now?” She blew on the cup, then took another sip.

  Nate shrugged and leaned against the window. A few of the trees in the distance were just showing the start of autumn. “Seems like you’ve heard most of them. And if I gave you another, would it make a difference?”

  “No.”

  “Then I won’t.”

  She studied him. “You’re different from a lot of pastors I’ve met.”

  He rubbed the tattoo that peeked out his collar. “So I’ve heard.”

  She swallowed and shifted her gaze back out the window.

  Nate took a long gulp of coffee. Often people wanted to say more. They just needed time and space to do so.

  “Luke asked me to pray. My mom asked me to pray. Do you think this all happened because I didn’t?”

  Nate downed the last of his coffee, letting the bitterness roll over his tongue. He crushed the cup in his hand and pitched it toward the trash. “I know prayer works. But I also know God’s answer isn’t always what we want or expect.”

  “You think this would have happened whether I prayed or not?”

  “In the words of Aslan, we will never know what could have been, only what still can be. Or something like that.”

  “Prince Caspian.”

  “One of my favorites.” Nate shoved his hands in his pockets. “I probably shouldn’t misquote books around a librarian.”

  Libby laughed but kept her eyes fixed out the window. “It was close.”

  “I saw you reading The Hiding Place.”

  “Have you read it?” Her face lit up for the first time.

  “Years ago. Powerful story.”

  “That’s what I hear.” She pulled the book from her purse and ran her fingers over the cover. “I’m only a few chapters in, and although being the first woman to be a licensed watchmaker in Holland is impressive, she seems to live a pretty average life.”

  “You don’t know the story?”

  She held up her hand and slipped the book back into her purse. “No spoilers. I started reading it because my mother gave me a quote by her about fear, but so far in the story, she hasn’t had too much to be afraid of.”

  “You’ll have to tell me how you feel about that normal life after you finish the book.”

  “It’s a boy!” Luke burst into the room still wearing blue scrubs made of paper. He pulled the cap off his head. “Hannah is through surgery and stable, but she lost a lot of blood, so she’ll stay in recovery awhile. They had to do a full hys-hysterectomy, but she’s out of the woods and the baby is healthy.”

  A variety of emotions played across Luke’s face as he delivered the words. Joy. Relief. Grief.

  Luke had once told Nate that he longed for the big family he’d been deprived of as a kid. Funny how plans change in one second.

  Libby’s parents walked into the room, and everyone started talking at once.

  Luke waved his hand and cut in. “He’s just three pounds and two ounces.”

  His mother’s hand covered her face. “So tiny.”

  “You can’t go in to see him yet, but there is a window on the NICU, and they said they’d have him by the window for a few minutes.” He pointed down the hall.

  When everyone left to find the nursery, Luke gripped Nate’s shoulder. “Thanks for coming, man. And thanks for bringing Libby. You’re like a brother to me—it means a lot that you’re here.”

  Nate’s heart tripped at the word “brother.” Maybe God’s answer for a restored family wouldn’t be through Austin. The idea tore at him. But the fact that Luke, who a year ago had no family to speak of and then was blessed with three siblings all at once, would share that title with him settled into the ache of his soul.

  He swallowed back the rising emotion and offered Luke a quick hug. “No worries, man. Of course I’m here for you.”

  “I need you to watch out for Libby. She’s new in town and doesn’t know a lot of people. Just stop by every few days to make sure she’s fine.”

  “Of course.” That would be easy.

  “Luke, there you are. How’s Hannah?” Caroline said as she and Grant rushed into the waiting room.

  Luke offered each a hug. “She’s doing well, and so is our son.”

  “A boy.” Caroline’s hands flew to her face. “What’s his name?”

  “Joseph Chet.” Luke slipped the cap back on. “I’m going to check on Hannah.”

  “Hey, Nate, is Austin here too?” Grant glanced around the waiting room.

  “No.”

  “Right. I guess he doesn’t know Hannah and Luke.” Caroline brushed a strand of her long red hair behind her ear. “We know all of you so well, I have a hard time remembering that we aren’t all one big happy family. How is Austin?”

  “They’re supposed to be moving the schoolhouse today. And I was supposed to be there.” He offered her a pointed look. “How do you think he is?”

  She laid her hand on his arm. “He’ll understand.”

  Nate shook his head. “If he lets me explain. Listening isn’t always his strong suit.”

  Libby breezed into the room, face aglow. “That baby has stolen my heart.” She scanned the group and paused on Grant. “You’re the one who helped Austin move in.”

  Grant nodded. “That’s me.”

  Caroline held out her hand. “I’m Caroline, Nate’s cousin and longtime friend of Hannah, and this is my husband, Grant.”

  “It’s nice to meet you.” Libby shook her hand.

  Nate checked his phone again. “Have you heard from Austin about the move today?”

  Libby’s face went slightly pink. “I haven’t seen him since yesterday in the library.”

  “Oh, was he helping you move all those books?” Caroline asked.

  “No, he just stopped to see the heritage room. And to ask me . . . I don’t know, we got interrupted.” Libby’s eyes darted from person to person. “Not interrupted like that. I just meant he was about to ask me something—you know what, never mind. So, you’re Nate’s cousin.”

  Grant peered over Libby’s head, behind him, then back at Nate. “Where did you get the coffee?”

  “Around the corner.” He motioned to the left.

  Libby sighed as if thankful the focus was off her, but he could tell by Caroline’s expression that her wheels were still turning.

  Austin and Libby? Nate didn’t see it. She was too nice for him. Caroline was way off on this one. Then again, she thought he should be with Olivia.

  “Do you need to get back, Nate?” Libby looked at her watch.

  He checked the time on his phone. “Unfortunately, I do.”

  Libby picked up her purse. “It was nice meeting you, Caroline.”

  “Nice to meet you. And I didn’t mean to embarrass you. We just think Nate and Austin are the best and want to see them happy.”

  “I’m happy.” His voice came out flat.

  “Nate here refuses to date anyone.”

  “I went on a date.” The one date with Olivia. But that was before his life had shifted. Now they were barely talking, not that he’d seen her much the past couple weeks. Probably out on her research dates. Why had she agreed to do that stupid assignment anyway?

  Nate’s hand clamped down on his keys, the metal biting into his palm.

  He glanced back at everyone. They were all staring at him. Even Grant, who had returned with a steaming cup of coffee. He’d missed something. Shoot.

  “Libby, your stuff.” Her dad, Len, hurried i
nto the room, his gray hair in disarray, testifying to his long, sleepless night.

  All attention shifted to Len, and Nate let out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding.

  “We were already on the road to your house when we got the call to come here. Your stuff is in our car. Your mom wants to stay here for a few days.”

  “We brought the church van; we can put it all in there.” Nate spun the keys on his finger. “And I can help her unload it.”

  “Great. That would be a huge help.” Len patted his pocket, then paused. “Ann has the keys. And she is still cooing over that baby. Let me run and grab them from her.”

  “We’ll follow you back to get a glimpse of Joseph,” Caroline said as she and Grant followed Len out.

  Libby picked up her purse. “Olivia will be there to help us unpack.”

  “Olivia?” Nate choked on the word and then cleared his throat.

  “She’s my new roommate.” Libby watched his reaction. No doubt the girls had talked. Awesome.

  He forced a smile.

  “She and I are going speed dating together tomorrow.”

  Speed dating? All the ways this could go wrong flipped through Nate’s mind. She could meet a stalker, a psychopath, or even a Green Bay Packers fan. “Where is this speed dating happening?”

  “I’m not sure. Olivia has all that information. But I can text you the details. If you want me to, that is. Who knows, maybe there’s room for one more.”

  “I’d appreciate that.” He hated the idea of speed dating, but he needed to talk to Olivia. And from what he understood of speed dating, he’d get a few minutes with her, even if it cost him an evening and his dignity.

  seven

  Other than the minor roof damage, the move had gone smoother than expected—even without Nate. And a new roof for a building that size was a small price to pay, considering all that could have gone wrong. Now Austin wanted to just put his feet up and watch football. But if he was going to continue getting cheap rent, he needed to keep up with his end of the bargain with the mayor. He placed his hand on his back and stretched against the pain. Besides, keeping busy would help him keep a certain blonde out of his head.