After church, they went to Grams’ and enjoyed a chicken dinner together. Then they sat out on the wraparound front porch and talked over pie, iced tea, and coffee. Meg reveled in discovering such simple pleasures and felt lucky to find such peace here in Miracle.
All too soon, it was Monday again.
“Mornin’, Meg.” Vance wore an affable expression as he pushed Cammy’s wheelchair into the classroom.
“G’morning, Vance.” Meg smiled, hoping it didn’t appear as tentative as she felt. Despite what he might think, she hadn’t been intentionally avoiding him. But she had to admit that she wasn’t overeager to converse about what she’d seen in the school parking lot last week.
She looked at Cammy. “Good morning to you, too.”
Enthusiasm lit the child’s blue eyes. “Hi, Miss Jorgenson.”
Vance kissed his daughter good-bye. “Be good.” He patted Cammy’s shoulder, and Meg thought she looked both pretty and prim in her navy slacks and printed smock-top with its lacy collar. “Listen to your teacher.”
“I will, Daddy.”
He sent Meg a parting grin. “Have a good day.”
“Thanks. You, too.”
He walked out of the classroom without so much as a long look or one of his reticent grins, and he certainly didn’t dally as though hoping to find a few private moments in which the two of them could talk. Meg felt a mild sense of relief—mixed with sadness. It was rather disappointing that Vance backed off so quickly. But it just proved that Leah was wrong and that Meg’s assumption was correct: he still harbored feelings for Nicole Foster.
More children arrived for school, and Meg pushed aside her tumultuous thoughts. Acquiescence set in. After all, if things really happened for a reason, then maybe it was for the best.
Over the course of the next few weeks, Vance set out to prove two women wrong. Daunting, perhaps, but he was up to the task.
After discussing the matter with his trusted friend and confidant, Boz Poedell, as well as with Pastor Wilkerson, it wasn’t difficult to put the pieces together. Nicole blamed their breakup on Vance’s attraction to Meg. Meanwhile, Meg viewed him as some sort of dirty rotten scoundrel. Of course, both perceptions were way off target, so Vance aimed to set the record straight. He planned to do so by staying clear of both women, particularly Nicole. In the few months they’d dated, he’d never realized how desperate she was to, as Boz termed it, “tie the knot—as in, the noose around your neck.”
No wonder Cammy had felt so threatened. Vance marveled that he’d been so blind.
As for Meg, it was impossible to avoid her, since he saw her twice a day and on Sundays at church. Still, he did his best to be formal but cordial, friendly yet distant, and his actions, or lack thereof, seemed to lessen the pressure between them. In fact, it lessened everything between them, including dialogue.
Even so, Vance couldn’t help watching her from the sidelines.
She hung out with Leah Lawton, who’d always been known around town as “a good girl,” and Boz reported that the two women were at his house when his wife, Tara, hosted one of the weekly Bible studies. Tara had nice things to say about Meg, and Vance listened to every word. What’s more, he soon took note of the fact that Meg wasn’t dating—and it wasn’t due to lack of offers. Vance personally knew of at least two guys whom Meg had turned down. They’d come into the repair shop at different intervals and bemoaned their bad luck. Each time, Vance did his best to sympathize while secretly rejoicing.
And then there was Cammy. Her adoration for Meg hadn’t waned, and every day she came home with some tidbit—and it never involved that new gym teacher, either.
Finally, one Thursday night, Vance’s passive persuasion paid off. Things took a turn for the better.
It happened at Wal-Mart of all places. Meg was reading the tag on an article of clothing, and when she rounded the corner of one aisle, she nearly plowed him over with her shopping cart.
“Oh, Vance, I’m so sorry!”
“No harm done, but, um, I think there is a speed limit in here.”
Amusement sparked in her blue eyes, and she slowed to a halt. She seemed reluctant to speak to him.
So he began. “How’ve you been? I haven’t really talked to you in a while. I mean, other than discussing Cammy’s performance in school.”
“I’m fine. How’re you doing?”
“Good.” Vance shifted, feeling a tad nervous that he might say or do something to send her running again.
She glanced around. “Is Cammy with you?”
“No. I got her ready for bed, and a neighbor came over to babysit. I needed to pick up some things.”
Meg tossed her garment into the cart’s basket. For a moment he thought she’d continue on her way, so he was glad when she furthered the conversation.
“Are you going to the homecoming game and bonfire next week? I hear it’s a big event for the high school alumni as well as for the students.”
“Wouldn’t miss it. I usually meet some buddies at the game.” Vance’s former in-laws were driving down from where they lived on the Kentucky-Ohio border for one of their short but frequent visits with Cammy. They’d already agreed to stay with her on Friday night.
“It sounds like fun. Kelly and Ryan have been telling me all about it.”
“It’s a good time.” Vance regarded her askance. “The bonfire is always after the game on Friday night, and it’s held at the Owens’ farm.”
“Same place as the Labor Day picnic.”
“Right.”
Vance saw the wistfulness waft across her features.
“Why don’t you come?”
She shrugged. “Maybe I will.”
“Is Kelly still excited about the dance next Saturday night?”
“Oh, yeah.” Meg’s eyes widened with emphasis, and a smile crept across her face. “Except she—” A faint blush pinked her cheeks. “I almost strangled her. Kelly called tonight—tonight—and announced that she had volunteered me to be a chaperone. Apparently they’re short staffed.”
Vance leaned on the end of Meg’s cart and grinned. “You’re saying you didn’t jump at the chance to babysit a gymnasium full of teens?”
She gave her head an affirmative bob. “That’s what I’m saying. But my relationship with Kelly is still sort of fragile. For the first time ever, she’s looking up to me as a real older sister. Her friends think I’m ‘cool,’ and, well, I just couldn’t let her down. I agreed to chaperone.” She released a heavy sigh. “So here I am, drowning my sorrows in Wal-Mart.”
The quip caused Vance to chuckle, but secretly, he was wondering who she’d go with.
Then again, maybe she didn’t need an escort. Plenty of kids went to the dance without dates, and the single chaperones probably did, too.
Seconds later, he recalled Cammy mentioning something about how Meg hadn’t attended homecoming in high school.
“If you need a date, let me know.” The words tumbled out of his mouth before he could fully consider the idea, and he felt like a giant fool.
But Meg didn’t seem to think so. “Are you serious?”
Was he? He cleared his throat. “Well, yeah, I mean—”
“It’s such short notice.”
“That’s okay.” He rolled his shoulders. “I’m available.”
She paused and tipped her head. “Yes, so I’ve noticed.” Her eyes went from sky blue to cobalt, and Vance picked up her meaning at once.
“I wasn’t sure.” Her tone was soft, her voice steady. “And I—well, I didn’t want to play games. Been there, done that.”
“I understand.” He felt almost weak with relief. “How did you—”
“Leah. She saw—everything.” Meg smirked. “And she finally convinced me that you were quite the innocent victim in that whole exchange.”
Vance chuckled softly and shook his head. “You have no idea.”
They were silent for a few moments until Meg finally spoke.
“I think I would like t
o take you up on your offer for next Saturday night. I think I’d feel less anxious about the whole homecoming thing.”
“Good.” He felt his smile grow wider. “Glad I can oblige.”
She wheeled her shopping cart around. “So, where are you headed next?”
Vance retrieved his list from the back pocket of his jeans. “I need laundry soap.”
“What a coincidence.” Sarcasm dripped from each word. “It just so happens I’m heading in that direction myself.”
Vance was tickled by her antics. “Imagine that.”
Meg pressed Leah’s number into the keypad of her cell phone while navigating her way out to the main road. Only a few cars were left in the wide parking lot. After checking out, she and Vance had talked outside until the lights went out and the store closed.
Meg listened while Leah’s phone rang. At last, her friend answered.
“What’s going on, Meg?” She sounded drowsy.
“Hope I didn’t wake you.”
“You did, but that’s okay.”
“I apologize for calling so late, but you’re not going to believe what just happened.”
“What?” Leah’s voice perked up.
“Remember how we were discussing destiny and Divine Intervention last night?”
“Yeah?”
“Well, it just happened. Divine Intervention—at Wal-Mart!”
Chapter Nineteen
“Daddy, I want to go, too.” Cammy jutted out her lower lip. Not fair. Not fair. Not fair!
“Punkin, the football game’ll run until at least nine o’clock and then the bonfire lasts till midnight. Too late a night for you. You’ve been up since the crack of dawn and gone to school all day.” He dipped his head and leaned forward. His spicy cologne tickled her nose. “Don’t forget you got to go out to eat at the Depot tonight with me and your grandparents. That was special.”
“Yeah, I guess.” Cammy rolled her wheelchair back and peeked at Grampa Charlie and Gramma Liz. Right now they were watching High School Musical on the Disney Channel because Cammy had said she liked that show.
But she liked being with Daddy and Miss Jorgenson more than watching even her most favorite TV shows.
She turned back to Daddy. “Take me with you.”
He hunkered down beside her so that his face was close to hers. “Punkin, it was your idea that I ask Miss Jorgenson out. But how are we supposed to talk and get to know each other better if I’ve got my little girl along with me all the time?” He smiled. “And, just like we planned, you can call me on my cell phone just before you go to bed. I’ll put Meg on and you can say good night to her, too. Okay?”
“Okay, but—” Cammy glanced over her shoulder at her grandparents. They had said they were happy to see Daddy going out and having some fun. Cammy was, too. She just didn’t like to be left out. “Daddy, I don’t want to stay home.”
“Listen, it was very nice of your gramma and grampa to agree to stay with you so I can go out with Miss Jorgenson tonight and tomorrow night. They drove a long way to see you, you know. They love you.”
“I know. I love them, too.”
“Good. Then you’ll enjoy your time with them tonight.”
“But, Daddy—”
“Now, don’t whine. You be sweet, Cammy Ann. Make me proud.”
Cammy felt her lower lip slipping out again. She didn’t want to be mad, because she did love Gramma and Grampa. They bought her an American Girl doll. She was the most beautiful doll ever, with dark wavy hair and blue eyes like her own. Cammy could hardly wait to show her friends.
But she still wanted to go to the football game and bonfire. “What if—”
“Discussion’s over, punkin.” He stood and placed his hands on his hips. His voice told her it was useless to keep begging.
Cammy sighed dramatically. “O-kay.”
Daddy tickled her and she giggled.
“That’s my girl.”
Peering up into his face, Cammy could see happiness in his eyes.
“You like Miss Jorgenson, don’t you?”
“Of course I do. Otherwise I wouldn’t be going out with her two times in a row.”
Daddy turned and walked toward his bedroom.
Cammy rolled her wheelchair down the hall behind him. She passed Mommy’s portrait on the wall and imagined her looking down from heaven and smiling. Mommy would like Miss Jorgenson. “Are you gonna kiss her?”
“Maybe.”
A giggle bubbled up inside of Cammy. She hoped Daddy did kiss Miss Jorgenson, not just maybe.
Cammy closed her eyes. Well, Jesus, our plan is going just fine. She paused. I just wish I could be there tonight to make sure Daddy and Miss Jorgenson fall in love. I just don’t know how they’ll manage it without me along.
Meg walked along a winding dirt trail beside Vance. The Lincoln County High School Patriots had won their homecoming game, so everyone supporting the home team left the football field in good spirits.
Meg had enjoyed watching the game, especially when Ryan would take to the field. She felt proud of her “little bro,” which she called him chiefly because the endearment irked him.
Vance’s friends had made the game all the more fun, particularly Boz and his wife, Tara. They shared “back in the day” stories, and Meg got a sense of just how much of a hellion Vance had been. He had instigated the county’s legendary “firecracker war,” in which about twenty guys split up into two teams and shot bottle rockets and homemade explosive devices at each other. It was a wonder no one was maimed or killed.
“Nice night.” Vance’s arm brushed against Meg’s shoulder as they ambled along the moonlit pathway.
Glancing up at the starry sky, she had to agree. “Perfect weather for a bonfire. Is it held here every year?”
“Uh-huh. For the last two decades the Owenses have hosted a bonfire after the homecoming game. I think it was their way of keeping an eye on their oldest son, Troy.”
“Another reformed hellion-friend of yours.” Meg nodded. She’d met Troy and his wife and kids.
“Right.” Vance chuckled. “As you saw, he’s driving the team of horses for the hayride.”
“I saw. Looks fun. The hayride, that is.”
Vance halted. “You want to take one?”
“No, this is nice. With a little privacy, we might actually have a real conversation.”
The walked a few paces in silence.
“This week went by so fast.” His tone held an apologetic note. “I’d hoped to stop by and see you, but I never got the chance. There was a lot to do before Liz and Charlie arrived.”
“And Liz and Charlie are…?”
“I’m sorry. I should have been more clear—they’re Cammy’s grandparents. Angie’s folks.”
“Ah…” Meg wondered again about his deceased wife. What had she been like? Had Vance fully healed from the sorrow of losing her?
Somewhere off in the distance, a horse whinnied.
“What did Cammy’s grandparents say about you going out with me twice this weekend?”
“They asked a few questions about you, and of course Cammy gave them an earful. They’re satisfied that you’re a nice person. You’ve certainly made an impression on their granddaughter, at any rate.”
Meg smiled, pleased.
“Honestly, they’re happy for me—happy to hear I’m getting out more. And, of course, they jumped at the chance to babysit and have Cammy to themselves.”
Vance was silent for a moment before he nudged Meg with his elbow. “Follow me.”
Leaving the trail, he took her hand.
“Where are we going?”
“A small detour.”
“Oh?”
He laughed at her skepticism. “I know a quiet place where you’ll still be able to see the bonfire.”
They stepped through a patch of long, hay-like grass. “There aren’t any snakes in here, are there?”
“Might be. You’d better stay real close to me.”
She clasped
his hand tighter and quickened her pace. But a heartbeat later, she realized she’d just fallen for the oldest line in the trickster’s textbook.
“Very funny.”
Vance chuckled.
In spite of herself, she grinned. She enjoyed seeing this lighthearted side of Vance, and she credited his jovial friends for loosening him up during the football game.
They reached the clearing, and, just as Vance said, the view overlooked the bonfire.
He sat down and leaned against the trunk of a massive oak tree.
“Are you sure there aren’t any snakes hiding around here? I’ve been spooked ever since Tom’s septic-tank story.”
He tugged on her hand. “Any snakes are probably more afraid of you than you are of them, so relax.”
She eased herself into a sitting position beside him and took in her surroundings: a perfect view of the bonfire below, the moon overhead, and a gentle breeze tousling the treetops. Talk about romantic!
“Something tells me you’ve been on this hilltop numerous times before,” she teased.
“Yeah, but not in about ten years.”
He set his arm around her shoulders, and Meg couldn’t help snuggling against him. As nice as it felt, something weighed on her mind.
“Will you tell me about Angie?”
The sudden jerk of Vance’s body told her that the question surprised him. “What do you want to know about her?”
“I don’t know. Whatever you feel comfortable sharing.”
Vance seemed to be thinking it over.
“Grams told me you two met in college.”
“That’s right.”
“Love at first sight?”
“Definitely. Hit me like lightning.”
“That’s sweet.” Meg smiled. “How long were you two together before getting married?”
“Not long. Angie was a decisive, take-charge sort of woman. Looking at her, you’d never know it. On the outside, she appeared very delicate and unassuming.”
“Like Cammy.”
“Yep.” Vance laughed. “And I think Angie and her mother had our wedding planned out before I even got around to proposing.”
“Did that bother you?”
Love Finds You in Miracle, Kentucky Page 18