Heart of a Hero (New Beginnings Book 4)

by Margaret Daley

  “He went to his cottage. He didn’t want to be late for dinner.” Roman jiggled his car keys. “And I’d better not stay. I’m sure Cathy’s wondering what’s taken so long.”

  “Yeah, Mom. I’m hungry, too. We worked up quite an appetite today. I got to help Roman with Bolt. So did Joey.”

  “We’ll grab something on the way home.” Lisa remembered the plans she had made with David for next Saturday night. She glanced toward him and found his gaze on her, the glittering look in his eyes indicating he remembered, too.

  David swallowed some more of his drink, then stood. “I’ll walk you two to your car at the rec center.”

  Andy ran ahead of them as she and David left Hannah’s after their goodbyes. Halfway across the compound David stopped and looked up at the black sky with a few shining stars. As they stood there more lights popped into view in the darkness above them. With a shiver of cold, she stuffed her hands into her pockets.

  Finally, David swung his gaze to her. “I prayed today for the first time in a long while.”

  “You did?”

  “And He answered me. At the shelter it didn’t look good for the boxer. I was sure they would have to put him down. The place is crowded with animals abandoned or lost from their owners. The clerk manning the counter didn’t offer any hope because of what the dog had done. Then an attendant came from the back and told us about the machine shop owner who wanted a big dog to guard his place at night.” David settled his hands on her shoulder. “God answered my prayer.” His joy bubbled from him, spilling over into his expression and voice.

  “I’m so glad, David.”

  “I’ve seen so much bad as a police officer. People and animals abused and abandoned. When I saw the boxer up close after Peter tranquilized him in order to capture him, I just didn’t want this to end badly like so many other situations I’ve been in.” He moved so close their lengths touched. “I needed hope things can work out good. Getting to know you has given me that ray of hope I’ve needed. Thank you, Lisa, for that.”

  David brushed his mouth over hers, once, twice, then settled into a deep kiss that rocked her. His need mingled with hers, radiating through her as though a star had come down from the sky and flowed through her veins.

  Chapter Eleven

  “You call this a tree?” Lisa fluttered her hand toward the fake pine, no more than two feet tall, sitting on a round table in front of the window that overlooked the parking lot.

  “I like to ease into things,” David said with amusement tinging his voice as he shut the door to his apartment Saturday night.

  “How about if you ease any more your tree will disappear?”

  He splayed his fingers over his chest. “I’m wounded. I took care picking this one out at the store.”

  “How much time? Five seconds?” Lisa dropped her purse in the chair near her and removed her overcoat.

  “I got some ornaments and a string of lights while I was at the store, too.”

  “That’s good. Otherwise we wouldn’t have anything to decorate the tree with.”

  “I think I hear sarcasm in your voice.”

  “Bingo. You are astute.” Laughter bubbled from her. She couldn’t contain it any longer. “You really are hopeless when it comes to celebrating Christmas.”

  “I got tinsel, too.” David shook the small oblong box with a picture of silver tinsel on its front.

  “Where are the ornaments you got?” Lisa tossed her coat over her purse, making a slow turn as she surveyed David’s apartment. Sterile, very little to indicate the man who lived here. “You’ve been in Cimarron City for almost five months now?”

  “Yeah. Why?”

  “Not many personal touches.” She swept her arm to indicate the room she stood in the middle of. No pictures on the walls, books in the nearly empty shelves, magazines stacked near his lounge chair, photos adorning the tables scattered about or knickknacks that pointed out who the man was.

  “I’m not here that much.”

  “Then why bother with this—tree?”

  “Because I wanted to show you I was trying to get into the holiday spirit.”

  You did? His statement surprised her. “I don’t want you to do it for me. I want you to do it for yourself. And really the tree isn’t ‘getting into the spirit.’” She covered the short distance between them and laid her hand over his heart. Its beat hammered against her palm, making her vividly aware of David and that they were alone. “Your Christmas spirit comes from within.” She tapped her finger against his chest. “From here. It’s a state of mind, not decorations.”

  “And I’ve failed?”

  He gave her a little boy look that sparked her laughter. “Let’s just say you’re a work in progress, and I have my work cut out for me.”

  He dug into his jeans pocket and withdrew his keys. “Then let’s go to the store and buy a bigger tree. More ornaments. Another box of tinsel and more strings of lights.”

  She shook her head. “You aren’t getting the point. That won’t make you get into the mood.”

  “What will?”

  “Actually, you’ve been doing it—helping others.”

  “Then why did you agree to come help me decorate my tree?”

  “Think about that.”

  Both of his eyebrows rose. “Helping—me?”

  “Yes. Let’s take care of this tree, eat dinner, then I have something we can do that always puts me in the mood.”

  David moved closer, gathering her to him. “What?”

  “A surprise.”

  “What if I can’t wait?”

  “Tough, you’re gonna have to. That’s all I’m gonna say on the subject.” She pretended to be zipping her mouth.

  He snuggled her against him, bending forward until his lips touched her ear. “There’s nothing I can do to convince you to change your mind and at least give me a little hint what’s in store?”

  His whispering, enticing and playful, tempted her. “Okay, I’ll tell you one thing. We’re going to the mall to see Santa.” Hopefully he would relent his particular brand of persuasion.

  Then he nipped at her lobe. “I’m too big to sit on Santa’s lap.”

  She wanted to laugh at the image that unfolded in her mind, but she was too busy melting at nibbles on her ear. If she hadn’t been clutching David, she would have wilted to the floor. “That won’t be required,” she murmured.

  Finally, he drew back, giving her some breathing room. “I guess the only thing we can do is get this tree taken care of, eat dinner and go to the mall. You’re a tough one, Lisa Morgan. I used my best technique on you.”

  She pulled away, sucking in a lungful of air. “And I thought I was special.” She spun around to put more distance between them, so she could think straight.

  But David spun her back toward him. He framed her face, forcing her to look deep into his eyes. “Oh, there’s no doubt in my mind. You are special to me, and that may be the problem.”

  She stiffened. “Problem? I think your persuasive technique just did a nosedive.”

  His hands fell away from her. “Have you ever thought about what a pair we make? Two wounded people trying to heal. I have to admit you’re farther along than me, but we have so much against us.”

  Yes, she realized that, but she couldn’t shake the feeling the Lord wanted her right where she was—with David. Perhaps only to help him, but what if He wanted more than that?

  * * *

  “We’re here,” David announced at the mall near the area where Santa was seeing the children.

  Lisa made her way toward the front of the line waiting to see Santa and said something David couldn’t hear to the assistant, dressed in a pine green elf suit with bright red trim. Then Lisa approached Santa who beamed at her and even winked. Next he pulled out an envelope and gave it to her. She smiled and waved goodbye, then ambled back to him.

  “I’ve got it. Let’s go.” She sent him a saucy smile.

  “Got what? Go where?”

 
“Why, shopping, of course!”

  “Shopping! You know the thing I avoid worse than Christmas is shopping.”

  “Well, I’m about to change your mind.” She flapped the envelope in the air as she headed toward a large department store, leaving him watching her disappear among the perfume counters.

  He hurried his pace to keep up with her, the cloy scents of various fragrances assailing his nostrils as he followed her trail through the maze of displays to the children’s department. Stopping in the middle of the young girls’ clothes, Lisa began checking out the dresses.

  He came up to her side. “What’s going on?”

  “What’s it look like? I’m shopping.”

  “Yeah, I see that. Why now?”

  She faced him, her lips twitching with humor, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

  “Okay, you’ve had your fun. Are you ready to go?”

  Her laughter escaped. “You don’t go with the flow much, do you?”

  “Order is important.”

  “Yes, I agree, but flexibility is so much more important. It keeps your blood pressure down.”

  “Mine isn’t up.” Although on second thought, if he checked it at the moment, it might have risen some. All these female clothes choked the very air he breathed.

  “You look trapped.”

  “Yeah, hence the comment about not liking to shop.”

  “Tonight, we’re not shopping for us or even our loved ones. We’re buying for some children who don’t have anything for Christmas. I have a list of five names. One I pay for, but the others are from the collection we took up at work.”

  That statement cut the wind out of his sails. He’d been about to protest and tell her he would meet her at his car. But her beautiful expression, full of excitement and happiness, appealed to him. He wanted that.

  “Santa gave you the names?”

  “Yes, he volunteers at a charity. He’s retired and goes to our church. He’s been doing Santa here at the mall for the past few years.” She gave him the envelope with the list of names and items requested.

  “There’s only toys on the list.”

  “I know. I always threw in some clothes, too. These children need those, too. They just don’t think about that. I usually bring Andy, but I asked him if I could bring you this year.”

  “And he gladly stepped aside.” David chuckled. “Smart guy. I doubt he likes to shop any more than me. How about just giving them money? Wouldn’t that be easier?”

  Her mouth twisted into a frown. “That’s not what this outing is about. It’s about giving our time and thought to what another might want or need. It’s about giving something of ourselves to another. That’s part of what Christmas is about. Christmas is Jesus’ birthday, and He gave Himself for our salvation.” She turned back to the rack of clothes. “I could use your help picking out some clothes for the boys. That’s usually Andy’s job. He insisted on that a couple of years ago when I put together an outfit that made him cringe.”

  “Where do I go?” David scanned what seemed like miles and miles of racks of clothes.

  “The boys’ section is at the other end.” Lisa pointed toward the area. She showed him the list again with the sizes next to the children’s names, took out a pen and wrote down some items of clothing next to the boys’ names. “This is what I need for them.” She tore the bottom part and gave it to him. “If I get through before you, I’ll come down there and help.”

  David trudged toward the other end. When he needed new clothes, he ran into a store and grabbed whatever he found first that fit and left as fast as he could. That was what he would do.

  But when he reached the boys’ department, a sea of clothes greeted him. He peered at the list clutched in his hand.

  A coat first. I can do this. He managed to find the racks of coats. Heavy or light? What color? What size? Ah, a six and an eight. I can do this.

  He waded through the racks until he found the one with the sizes he needed. As he stared at the different colors and types, Christmas music filtered into his thoughts from the sound system piped into the store. Suddenly he stopped and listened to the words about giving people faith and a place to be safe. He looked again at his list and realized these children he was shopping for might not have that. He’d certainly seen that in his job. Was the Lord the light, a beacon to a place where they could be safe? Lisa felt so, had experienced it in her life.

  As he inspected each garment for the two boys on his list, his spirits lightened. He decided to throw in a few more extra items a kid might like. Whistling to the different carols, he finished his task and went to pay for the clothes. This was his treat.

  * * *

  “You didn’t have to follow me home,” Lisa said when she got out of her white Chevy at her apartment.

  “Yes, I did.” David rounded the front of his Jeep. “You’ll need help carrying the presents upstairs. And how about wrapping all these gifts? That’ll be a big job.”

  “Andy is home from Gabe’s by now. He can help. Unless you’d like to.”

  “I started a job, and I want to finish it.”

  Lisa popped her trunk. “You aren’t tired from shopping?”

  “Yeah, but I’ll recover. Honestly, though, I don’t know how people can do that all day. It’s hard work.”

  “I’ll make some hot chocolate, and I have some chocolate chip cookies I made yesterday evening. That’s Andy’s favorite, but I’m sure he’ll share with you.” She piled his arms with packages. They had been able to buy more than she’d thought, mainly because David had contributed, doubling their amount. After she grabbed some bags, she shut her trunk. “So, tell me what you thought of shopping tonight once you got past the horror of being in the middle of a department store.”

  “Not bad. I’d help you next year.”

  Next year. Where would they be this time next year? Friends? More? The smile she’d seen on David’s face as they’d picked out the requested toys and even added a couple more to the short list gave her hope. He’d enjoyed himself.

  “I’ll come back and get the rest of the gifts.” David balanced his load and pushed the bell with his elbow.

  When Andy opened the door, he grinned. “Boy, there’s a lot to wrap.”

  “Yeah, but we have another helper.” Lisa entered her apartment.

  Andy took some of her packages and put them on the floor. “Are there any more in the car?”

  “Yes, if you help, we can do it in one trip.”

  While her son accompanied David downstairs, Lisa retrieved the wrapping paper, scissors, tape and bows from the closet. Then she went into the kitchen and made hot chocolate and pulled out the cookies. When she carried the goodies into the living room, she found Andy and David already wrapping presents.

  When David completed his first gift, he held it up. “I’m not very good at this.”

  Andy burst out laughing when he saw the box with part of its white surface showing, the crinkled paper taped with enough for three packages.

  David frowned. “Okay, this isn’t the best I’ve seen. I always have someone at the store wrap my gifts.”

  “I can see why,” Andy said, chuckling.

  That set the mood for the rest of the wrapping. Lisa showed David what to do step by step, but he was still all thumbs. Andy took his gifts and straightened them the best he could, but she wouldn’t stop David from participating. His smile and stories of how he would con his sister into doing his shopping and wrapping as a child were exactly what she’d wanted, especially because she didn’t have warm memories of her own to share. David needed to see how being around family and friends could change his feelings concerning the Christmas season.

  An hour later Andy put the last present on top of a stack, one of several that littered her living room. He yawned and stretched. “’Night, Mom, Coach.”

  Lisa rose and gathered up the empty mugs and plate of cookies. “Be right back.” After she placed the dishes in the sink, she turned to go back into the living r
oom.

  David stood in the entrance, his intense gaze fastened onto her. “Thank you, Lisa, for this evening.”

  “I should thank you. You had me over for dinner.”

  “I can’t remember having this much fun at Christmas in years. I get the point about going out yourself and buying the gifts for others less fortunate. I’ve always just given money at this time of year and never thought beyond that. This means more to me. It makes each gift we bought special.” He crossed the room and tugged her against him. “I won’t forget what you shared with me tonight.”

  She couldn’t reply. His words swelled her love for this man so much that her throat jammed with the emotions she was experiencing. All she could do was stared at the tenderness in his eyes.

  Cupping her face, he planted his mouth over hers. She surrendered to the love she felt for David, knowing after he left, she would have to deal with all the doubts that plagued her. Right now, she just wanted to be cherished and cherish in return.

  * * *

  “Coach, can I have a word with you?” Andy asked after delivering part of the scenery for the play/talent show at the refuge.

  “Yeah. What do you need?” David set the last section of the backdrop in place.

  “I have something else I need to bring in. Can you help me?”

  “Sure,” David said, although puzzled by what Andy had said. He’d been outside and hadn’t seen anything that needed two people. Only the small pieces were left.

  When David approached the trailer, all he saw was a small round table, easily carried by one. “Something going on?”

  Andy withdrew the last piece from the flatbed they’d used to bring some of the scenery over from the barn where they’d painted it. “I didn’t want Joey to overhear us talking.” He glanced toward the entrance, then continued, “A few days ago at school when we got out for break, I saw a couple of older teens talking with Joey. He wasn’t too happy. In fact, one took hold of his arm, and he jerked free and hurried to his bus. He was scared. Joey’s never scared.”

  “Do you know the teens?”