“Sit. You look like you’re going to fall over.” Noah points to one of the stools at my island, so I gratefully slump down onto it. I hold my head in my hands, hoping to lessen the throbbing. He starts taking stuff out of the bags and setting it on the countertop.
“Margaret sent her homemade chicken noodle soup,” Noah says as he pulls out a large kettle from one of the bags. He sits it on the stove and turns on the burner. “It got a little cold on the way over because I stopped for these,” he says as he reveals a package of saltine crackers, a two-liter bottle of 7UP, and a bag of chocolate kisses. “In case you feel like something sweet,” he says with a wink.
My heart swoons at his thoughtfulness, although I think some of the items may be more appropriate for someone with a stomach bug, but I don’t say anything. Once the soup starts bubbling on the stovetop, the aroma fills the kitchen and I smell the delectable odor despite my stuffy nose.
“Here’s a Get Well card from Sofie. She came right home from school and made it for you.”
I turn the sweet handmade card over in my hands. She used lots of her favorite crayon colors—turquoise and yellow. There’s a bumblebee and flower drawn on the front. Tears spring to my eyes when I read the inside that she carefully wrote out in thick uneven crayon strokes to “M I S S ᗡ A L Y.” The backwards D makes me chuckle. “This is so sweet. Please tell her thank you,” I say as tears leak out of the corner of my eye. Noah nods and continues to prepare lunch, putting out some crackers on a plate and, at my direction, getting out bowls for the soup.
Once the soup is dished up, Noah carries the bowls to the table, and we sit across from each other. This is the first time we’ve been alone since the ultimatum from Principal Marshfield. How romantic. Wearing my wrinkled PJs, sipping soup, and nibbling on a few crackers. This is a far cry from the fancy dinner Noah had planned. Trying to sound upbeat, I tease, “Shouldn’t we be having chocolate milk?”
Noah howls with laughter. “Chocolate milk is the cure to everything, according to Sofie.” Once he’s gotten his mirth under control he says, “I heard you had a video conference with the kids. It was all Sofie could talk about on the drive home.”
I sniffle. “Yeah, but I wanted to be there so badly. I really made a mess of things for the last day of school and our first official date tonight.” My voice cracks and I blink back more tears. I pull the tissue out of my pocket and loudly blow my nose. The awkward noise from my nose and the comfy clothes I’m wearing are a far cry from the sexy siren image I was hoping to portray in my new dress tonight.
The wonderful guy sitting across from me doesn’t seem phased by any of my inelegant sounds or my frumpy appearance. He gives me one of his heart-melting smiles and passes me the plate of crackers. “We can go to that restaurant any time.”
“I’m sorry I ruined our date.” My voice wobbles with disappointment.
Noah reaches across the table and takes my hand, squeezing it in his much larger palm. “As long as I’m here with you, that’s what counts. And we don’t have to worry about Principal Marshfield finding out,” he says with a glint in his eye.
I return his smile. “Can we still go to that fancy restaurant sometime? I even bought a new dress for the occasion.” I sigh loudly and my voice rings with disappointment.
Noah raises an eyebrow. “I can’t wait to see you in that. As soon as you’re feeling better, we’ll reschedule.”
Nodding, my heart beats faster in anticipation of the future date. I finish the delicious soup, not realizing how hungry I was. “Please tell Margaret this was yummy.”
“If you give me a container, I’ll leave the rest with you.”
Noah finds a plastic container and puts away the leftovers in the fridge, then turns to leave.
“I appreciate you feeding me. I hope you don’t get sick.”
He laughs as if that isn’t even remotely possible.
“Today was still special because of you, Noah.”
“If you weren’t contagious, I’d give you a kiss,” he says with a gleam in his eye that causes my heart to do a flip.
Noah then walks out the door, leaving me speechless picturing that kiss. “I’ll look forward to that,” I say to the now-empty room.
After Noah’s gone, I pull out my countdown calendar, adding a red X to May 23. I put away the calendar, snickering at how sometimes our best laid plans go astray. God, thank you for bringing Noah and Sofie into my life. I truly am blessed.
Chapter Thirty-One
Noah
AFTER RAE RECOVERED FROM HER ILLNESS, I caught it. So much for my ironclad immune system. It’s been over two weeks, and we still haven’t gone on the “official first date” yet. We laugh about it because we’ve gone out a couple times, just not alone, and not to the fancy restaurant. It’s still on our list as soon as life slows down a little.
Since school let out, I’ve added five new clients and they’re keeping me remarkably busy. Nothing like word of mouth to expand your client base. My new clientele consists of Margaret’s friend who opened a bakery, Grace’s cousin who sells handmade jewelry online and at Twice Again, Logan’s best buddy who started a BBQ joint and root beer stand, the owner of the Cozy Inn B&B who knows Ellie, and Pastor Tim’s brother who opened an organic food market on Main Street.
Today Rae, Ellie, Sofie, and I are enjoying lunch together at the new root beer stand. Ellie agreed to bring Sofie with her, so I could finally get a few minutes of alone time with Rae. I pick Rae up at her house, bustling inside when she answers the door.
I close the door behind me with an air of finality and gaze at this woman who has captured my heart and soul. My heart rate ticks up at what I plan to do in just a moment.
“Don’t we have to leave?” she says with a puzzled expression. Even in a simple pair of shorts and a T-shirt, Rae’s beauty dazzles me.
“Not before I do this,” I say as I haul her into my arms, planting a firm kiss on her luscious lips which have been enticing me for months.
She sighs and eagerly returns the kiss. This first kiss is even more spectacular than I imagined. I’ve dreamt about kissing her since we met at the coffee shop to discuss the stained-glass window project. Always wondering if her lips are as soft as they look. . . They are.
Gently tugging her closer, I feel her body pressed against mine, it’s as if we’re made for each other. Since I’ve been longing to kiss her for almost six months, the kiss has a little more simmer than I originally planned. By the time we break apart, we’re both a little breathless. Wowza!
“Oh my, that was worth waiting for,” Rae says, as she waves a hand in front of her face, a blush highlighting her cheekbones.
“I couldn’t wait any longer,” I reply with a flirty grin.
Rae giggles. “Well, don’t wait too long for the next one.”
I laugh and pull her in for another quick kiss. Let’s just say we were a few minutes late to the root beer stand.
~*~
The next morning, a squeal rings throughout the house. Sofie, with Frankie at her heels, runs into the kitchen where I’m enjoying a quiet cup of coffee.
“Today’s my birthday!” she shouts.
I stand and pick her up, planting a sloppy kiss on her cheek. “Six years old,” I say as she squirms excitedly, then I return her to her feet so she can dance around the kitchen singing the birthday song. I shake my head in disbelief—my little girl is growing up.
“When is the party?” she asks impatiently while she pours out a usually-banned sugary cereal consisting of multi-colored marshmallow shapes into her bowl. I relented and let her have it for her birthday. When I see the colorful hearts, stars, clovers, and rainbows in the bowl I question the wisdom of that decision. Food isn’t supposed to be pastel blue, green, and pink.
The party timing question has been asked and answered at least twenty times this week. “Two o’clock this afternoon. It’s nine now, so that’s five hours away.”
Her eyes grow big. “Can everyone have chocolate m
ilk?”
Chuckling, I reply, “Yes, everyone can have some.” I bought two gallons yesterday, which with any luck will be plenty.
“Is Mommy coming?”
I nod. “Yes, she’ll be here.” Probably not on time, but I’m confident she won’t miss Sofie’s special day.
Sofie bobs her head and happily shovels in spoonfuls of cereal, then slurps up the remaining milk in her bowl that has turned a pinkish color. I’m going to quietly throw out the rest of that cereal.
Just one year ago, Sofie’s birthday party consisted of me and Ellie. Now we’re having a cookout in the backyard and so many guests I’ve lost track. My life has changed so much in a year. I’m enormously grateful.
~*~
Rae arrives an hour before the party to help set up. I greet her at the front door, pulling her in for a quick kiss, which the birthday girl promptly interrupts. Rae winks and rubs her fingers on my cheek, mouthing “hello to you too” before we pull apart.
“Rae, Rae! It’s my birthday!” As soon as the school year ended, Rae suggested that my daughter call her Rae rather than Miss Dailey and it stuck.
“A little bird told me that,” Rae says.
Sofie stops hopping and draws her brows together. “A bird talked to you?”
Rae ruffles her hair. “It’s an expression, silly girl.”
Unphased, Sofie dances off into the kitchen, probably to find more sweet stuff to eat.
“How much sugar have you fed her?” Rae says with a smirk.
“The birthday girl can eat whatever she wants on her birthday. That’s the rule.”
Rae laughs. “The birthday girl’s dad will regret that decision.”
We set up the long folding tables I borrowed from the church in the backyard, along with folding chairs. When I invited Pastor Tim and his family to the party, he insisted on loaning me the tables. In fact, the man himself delivered them in his pickup truck. He’s always ready to lend a hand.
“Did you finish the painting you were working on yesterday?”
Rae looks up at me from adjusting the legs on the table we’re setting up. “I did and it turned out great. Margaret is going to feature it in the artisan gallery at the store.”
My girlfriend has turned her artistic talent into a little side business since school let out. She’s sold several paintings at Twice Again’s new gallery. “I’m proud of you, sweetheart, you’re so talented.”
She blushes at my praise and my term of endearment. “My hobby is quickly turning into a business venture. I might need a certain accountant to help me,” she says with a wink.
I walk over to her, enclosing her in a big bear hug. “As long as you pay in kisses, I’m here to help.” Our lips meet for another kiss, and this time we’re not interrupted. I lose track of time and focus only on the beautiful woman in my arms.
A noise from the neighbor’s yard reminds us we’re not alone. Rae giggles and playfully elbows me in the ribs. “Behave yourself, Noah Sullivan. Our guests will be arriving soon.”
I love the way that she says “our.” Rae’s quickly fitting into our little family. She shares lunches and sometime dinners with Sofie and me, and we’ve begun our nightly chats again. It’s such a relief not to have the “no dating” rule hanging over our heads anymore. We can do something as simple as going to the root beer stand without fear of repercussion.
Once the yard is ready, we go back into the kitchen and start the food prep. We’re having the usual cookout fare of hamburgers and hotdogs. Ellie’s bringing potato salad and Margaret insisted on bringing the cake. Rae’s cutting up veggies and fruit for a healthy choice tray, and she’s going to make a tossed salad.
A knock at the front door is followed by Ellie letting herself in, trailed by Margaret. “Hello! Where’s the birthday girl?” Sofie runs into the front room and I hear her ‘oohing’ over the cake. When they all appear at the kitchen doorway, I see why Sofie exclaimed over the cake.
“Margaret, that’s beautiful. How did you get it to look so much like Frankie?” Rae says as we both walk over to closer examine the cake. It’s a perfect replica of Sofie’s beloved pet—who barely graduated from the obedience class.
“Oh shoo! I took a cake decorating class one time and learned how to make these,” Margaret says with pride in her voice.
“You should make these for parties and sell them. It’s very professional,” I add.
Margaret laughs. “I don’t need another side business; this is just for fun.”
Guests start arriving, so I hustle to get the grill going and the meat cooking. Rae directs the rest of the food prep and sets up the serving table with the condiments, chips, and salads. There’s also a cooler stuffed full of sodas and bottled water sitting on a bed of ice. The gallon jug of chocolate milk will come out at the last minute. Sofie won’t let us forget that.
When the first hamburgers and hotdogs are cooked, I call everyone over. “Thank you all for coming to help celebrate Sofie’s sixth birthday.” Guests clap and cheer while Sofie takes a bow. “Please serve yourself from the table and then come over and get a burger or dog, hot off the grill.”
The crowd forms a line; happy conversations echo around me. I glance across our guests. Frank and June along with June’s granddaughter . . . Riley who works at Twice Again, as well as her baby daughter . . . Cassie and her latest boyfriend. . . Pastor Tim, his wife, and two kids, his booming voice reverberating all around the yard . . . A couple of Sofie’s kindergarten classmates, including Angela of crayon infamy. They’re now best friends.
Kids squeal as they play on the playset I just installed in the backyard. It can be moved with us when we’re done renting this house. Adults laugh and discuss the food. Being surrounded by all these friends makes my heart sing.
Vicki arrives fashionably late, as usual. Sofie runs to her side. “Mommy!! Mommy!” Vicki bends down and I’m reminded at how much mother and daughter look alike. They have a conversation and Sofie nods her head a couple times.
Vicki asked me if we could split the cost of a new bike for Sofie, so we did that. The bright pink bike is hiding in the garage until after the party so we can give it to her in private. Since Sofie has so many toys, we asked that the guests not bring any presents but give a donation to a local charity instead. Sofie picked out the area women’s shelter when I explained how kids who don’t have dads sometimes have to go there without even their favorite toy. Sofie and I are going to visit there next week with any donations we receive in her birthday cards.
After everyone has gone through the line once, Pastor Tim comes over where I’m grilling the final round of hamburgers. “Noah, looks like you’ve settled into your new place very well.”
I laugh. “It looks a lot better than it did on moving day, that’s for sure.” Turning serious, I add, “When I got fired, I thought my career was over. My life was in ruins. My faith was tested.” He nods as I sweep my hand across the crowd. “Thankfully God put all these people in my path and I’m happier than I’ve ever been.” Thank you, God, for these unexpected blessings.
The pastor smiles. “Sometimes God gives you a gentle push to put you on the right path.”
I chuckle. “Well, getting fired wasn’t exactly gentle. But it was a blessing in disguise, as they say.”
Pastor Tim takes a sip from the can of soda in his hand. “Has your faith been restored?”
My brows draw together as I carefully ponder his words. “Yes. Restored and strengthened.” Just like the FaithBridge stained-glass window.
“I suspect a certain kindergarten teacher had some influence,” he says as he nods his head towards Rae. He winks, then walks away.
Glancing over at Rae, it hits me like a ton of bricks that she’s the love of my life. Now what am I going to do about it?
Chapter Thirty-Two
Raelynn
AFTER TWO MONTHS OF DATING, we’re finally going on our first “official date” tonight. Cassie teases me about what a slowpoke Noah’s been at getting this re
scheduled. I don’t mind because just spending time with Noah and Sofie is better than five hundred fancy dates.
Noah arrives a few minutes early. I unlock the front door but remain hidden behind the closed door. “Come in but don’t peek. I’m not quite ready yet.” I run back off to the bedroom as I hear the door open and close.
“I’m not peeking,” he yells.
Shaking my head at his teasing, I look in the mirror, swipe on some lip gloss, and grab my clutch purse. No oversized, chunky purse will do tonight. Checking to make sure I have everything; I emerge from the bedroom, saunter back to the living room, and strike a sexy pose.
Noah’s sitting on the sofa looking down at his phone and doesn’t even look up. So much for my grand entrance. I clear my throat and he finally looks up. His eyes widen and he stands. “You look stunning, Rae. That color brings out your eyes.” He slowly walks towards me and grasps my hands. “Definitely worth the wait.”
A warmth spreads up my neck and across my cheeks as I blush at his comment and his enthralled look. We gaze into each other’s eyes for I don’t know how long. He leans in and gives me a gentle kiss, the softness of his lips inviting me to return it with a soft sigh. I lose track of time, but finally come out of my haze when my stomach reminds me that I’m hungry.
Hoping Noah didn’t hear the inelegant noise, I say, “You clean up nicely, Noah Sullivan.” He looks so handsome in his suit, and he’s wearing a blue tie that almost matches my dress. I suspect he had help from either Cassie or Ellie picking that out.
“Shall we go?” he says and whisks me off to his luxury SUV. I’m secretly glad that he didn’t have to give up this vehicle when he had the financial crisis last year.
A Time for Faith Page 17