by JoAnn Durgin
I love him, Lord. Now what?
17
Christmas Eve
Amanda deposited her paint roller in the drip pan by her feet. Standing back, she appraised the wall of the guest bedroom in her family home and nodded her approval. Combined with the new patchwork quilt and the hand-carved oak bed, desk, and armoire made by her great-grandfather, the bedroom was taking shape just in time for her parents’ arrival in a few days.
“Thanks for being willing to paint today, of all days,” she said, watching as Dante finished his section of the wall. “Don’t know about you, but this is the limit of my physical activity the rest of the day.”
He patted his stomach and grinned. “Si. We should save our energy for that Christmas meal Caroline’s cooking tomorrow. She’s been slaving away in the kitchen the last few nights baking pies and it smells great. Drives a man to distraction.” He gave her an irresistible smile.
They worked another hour, talking and laughing together. The quiet times were every bit as special—if not more—as the teasing, flirtatious moments. Now that she knew about his soccer career, she felt more comfortable in asking him questions, and he answered them freely. In many ways, they opened up even more to one another, and Amanda felt as though she’d known Dante her entire life. He fit in so well with the townspeople that she had to remind herself his presence was only temporary.
A few times as they worked, she caught him watching her with a look in his eyes she couldn’t define. Was it possible he was falling in love with her? Dare she dream of such a thing?
“There’s no place I’d rather be today than here with you,” Dante said. “Did you know Ben suffered a mild heart attack a few months ago? He was in the hardware store. Dylan was off-duty, recognized his symptoms, and raced him to the hospital.”
Amanda nodded. “Jake told me. I’m sure that’s a big reason Caroline watches Ben like a hawk.”
“I also found out that Ben wrote the letter that first brought me to Starlight.” Dante didn’t stop as he continued rolling the paint on the wall.
“Oh? What do you mean? I hadn’t heard about any letter.”
Dante put the paint roller in a pan and then dug into the pocket of his jeans. He pulled out a folded piece of lined paper and offered it to her.
After reading it, Amanda handed it back. “You carry this around with you?”
He turned aside, the corners of his mouth creasing. “Si. Call me sentimental, but it’s a reminder of meeting you, bella. Caroline recognized me when I first came to town, and I showed her the letter that night. She seemed to know Dylan and Hannah’s boys didn’t write it. Now I know why.” His eyes found hers and softened. “Ben came to me a few nights ago and admitted he wrote it.”
“Did he tell you why?”
“Because he knows soccer is Caroline’s passion, and because he loves her and wants to make her happy. Ben was filled with remorse and made his confession, and we agreed we’d keep it between us since the Sinclairs don’t even know about it. That note is a love letter from a husband to his wife. The way I look at it, if Ben hadn’t written it, something else would have brought me to Starlight. You know how I know that, Amanda?”
She searched his eyes. “How?”
“I see it every time I look in your eyes.” When Dante ran his hand through his hair, he smeared a thin line of sage green through those dark waves. “That was either the dumbest thing I’ve ever said or one of the most profound.” His lopsided grin made her heart jump.
“I think it’s quite possibly the most romantic thing I’ve ever heard,” she said.
Dante’s brow furrowed. “Not to change the subject, but what’s going to happen with Sandy and her kids now?”
Touched by his concern, Amanda shrugged. “They’re staying with Henrietta for now, at least until after the holidays. Sandy’s house was in really bad shape and full of bad memories, but it’s all she had since her husband ran off with a waitress from a neighboring town.”
“I’m sorry to hear it. That’s tough.” Dante shook his head. “I figured she was a single mom that day we delivered coats to the house.”
“As bad as it was to lose the house that way, Sandy told me she believes what happened is part of God’s plan in helping her and the kids start over. I think she’s right.”
Moving closer, Amanda tilted her head, surveying him. “Don’t you find the way God works things out is infinitely more interesting than anything we can conjure up by ourselves?” She planted a hand on his chest. Never was Dante more appealing than with paint in his hair, bare feet, well-worn jeans, and wearing a paint-splattered old T-shirt. “Kind of like how an international soccer star finds his way to our little town?”
Dante’s renewed grin found its way into her heart. How easy it was to lose herself in the brilliance of his eyes, the fullness of those lips, and the tenderness in his gaze.
“I also think you look very handsome in green.”
“Scusi?” He scrunched his face in a comical frown when she motioned to his head.
“I’m wondering how you’re going to get that green paint out of your hair.”
“No worries. Not the first time. I’ll figure it out.”
“Promise you won’t shave your head this time?” She laughed when Dante threatened her by putting his hand on the paint roller and raising his brows.
The rhythm of her heart picked up speed, her breathing grew more shallow as he stepped so close she could breathe him in. Masculinity never looked as good as the man standing before her. They’d more or less passed the point of no return with their stolen kisses here and there and longing glances across tables and rooms all over town.
“Again, you’ve given me much to think about, Amanda.”
Swallowing hard, she met his gaze. She smoothed a lock of hair from his forehead and ran her finger over the small, cute heart-shaped mole. “Why do I have the impression you’re not talking about removing paint from your hair?”
“Because,” he captured her face between his two large palms, “you’re a very intelligent woman. Incredibly…bella.” He touched his lips to hers oh-so-softly, teasing her. “Kind. Sexy.” Another brush. “Generoso.” A firmer sweep and a light kiss to the corner of her mouth.
“Absolutely magnifico in every imaginable way.” Dante reached into his back pocket, pulled out a puny sprig of mistletoe, and held it over his head. “It got crushed. Sorry. Tyler gave this to me the other day and suggested I kiss you under the mistletoe.”
“Smart boy, but come on, Dante.”
His eyes lit when she bunched his T-shirt with both fists, tugging him close and skimming her hands up to his shoulders. Such firm muscles, broad shoulders. She released her sigh as he wrapped his arms around her, drawing her closer.
He chuckled low in his throat. “Are you conjuring up something now?”
“Sure am,” she murmured, pulling his head closer to hers, “and we don’t need mistletoe.”
18
Amanda leaned against Dante. “This is a Starlight tradition, but the first time it’s been on Christmas night,” she whispered.
A group of youngsters sang “O Little Town of Bethlehem” to begin the live nativity pageant on the snow-covered front lawn of the church. Pastor Ted thanked everyone for coming before introducing the play written by Marge Kennedy.
A good crowd had gathered on this crisp but clear night. Every now and then a bitter breeze chilled her, but Dante’s warmth as he stood next to her took away the brunt of it. So did the gold heart necklace around her neck, the one he’d given her that morning. She’d overspent her budget on an expensive watch for him, one that showed different time zones. “This is Rome time,” she’d said, pointing to the bottom curve of the watch face. “And this is Starlight time. And this one is Florida time.”
An unexpected tear coursed its path down her cheek as she watched the precious children. As much as anything, children missing lines or wanting to be the star was part of the tradition of the pageant. When she star
ted to wipe away another tear, Dante reached for her. With a tender brush of his glove, he dried her tears, absorbing the moisture and capturing her hand in his. When she shivered, he slipped his arm around her shoulders.
Amanda spied Hannah and Dylan wearing proud smiles. Tyler and Andrew both had parts in the pageant. Wrapped in Dylan’s arms, one-year-old Sophie was so bundled up all she could see was her round, pink face. Jake’s arm was around Julia and they passed a thermos back and forth between them. Caroline and Ben sat in lawn chairs on the snow. Angie, Harry, Henrietta, Sandy, Marge, and Tom all stood nearby, clapping and smiling to encourage the kids.
“I’m so glad Caroline and Ben made it tonight.” Caroline returned her wave and winked, but Ben kept his focus trained on the performers.
“Si,” Dante said. “Me, too.”
Ten minutes later, Pastor Ted ended with a quick retelling of the Christmas story and an invitation to invite Jesus into their heart. Afterwards, he closed the program in prayer. As the group began to disburse, little Chase Morton tugged on the sleeve of Dante’s jacket. “I’ve seen you on TV.”
“I get that a lot,” Dante said, not missing a beat and crouching down to eye level with Chase. “I must have what they call an everyman face. What’s your name?” Amanda listened as Dante engaged the boy in conversation, asking Chase about his favorite subjects in school and what he wanted for Christmas. From what she’d seen, he enjoyed kids and the feeling was mutual. Hannah’s boys adored him and always told her what great new thing he’d said or done.
“I have a question.”
Amanda cringed. She knew that voice. Karl Hines. If Starlight had a troublemaker, this man would be it. Not that he was bad, as such, but he’d always been crotchety and suspicious of others. Through the years, he’d blamed his neighbors for any number of perceived insults or encroachments on his property lines and created some ill will. From what she’d heard, he’d grown bitter and reclusive since the death of his wife a few years ago.
Karl’s boots crunched on the snow as he stomped forward to stand in front of Dante. “Who are you, really? You blew into town from who-knows-where, and you’ve been poking your nose in everyone’s business.”
“Karl!” Caroline pushed forward and swatted Karl’s arm before planting her hands on her hips. “Your mama—God rest her soul—would be ashamed. As would Karen. You stop this right now, you big old bully. It’s Christmas Day! Of all the days of the year, this is a day for peace on earth. Goodwill to men. Dante Moretti is a guest in our home, and you owe him a big apology.”
Karl snorted. “I don’t owe this man a blessed thing.”
Ben limped over to stand beside his wife, hooking his arm through hers. “I’ll tell you something. The measure of a man is what’s in his heart and soul. Dante knows Jesus, but I have to say, I’m more than a little worried about your soul, Karl. Doesn’t it say in the Good Book that whoever does harm to the least of these does it to Me?” Ben moved closer, staring up at Karl, the latter’s stance and expression unyielding. “You insult Dante, you insult me and all the people in this town.”
“I’ve only tried to repay the kindnesses shown to me.” Dante’s words were quiet and carried across the night. He pushed his hands into the pockets of his jacket and walked away.
“Now see what you’ve done!” Henrietta followed Caroline’s example and punched Karl on his arm. “That man’s good through and through, and anyone with half a brain can see it.”
“Yeah? Then I guess I’m deficient.” Karl turned with another snarl and lumbered off. As Amanda took off across the churchyard after Dante, she spied Pastor Ted and Jake take off after Karl.
“Dante! Wait!” Running in her boots on snow wasn’t easy. She was out of practice, and he’d gotten a decent head start. Calling out to him as he climbed in his car, Amanda leaned forward, hands on her thighs, gasping and trying to catch her breath. Her heart sank when the engine turned over and the car moved down the street. Heading back home on foot, she prayed for Dante. He probably just needed some time alone.
An unsettling thought wound its way into her subconscious. What if Karl’s insensitive and thoughtless comments pushed him away from Starlight…tonight? Permanently? Changing direction, she hastened her pace, slipping and sliding, praying she wouldn’t fall and injure anything important as she headed toward Caroline and Ben’s house.
A dark, older model sedan pulled up beside her with Caroline behind the wheel, the window down. “Amanda, honey, get in.”
She blew out a breath of relief, never so happy to see a Picasso. After opening the car door, Amanda hopped onto the backseat. She’d barely scooted inside before Caroline sped the car down the street, tires squealing.
“Take it easy there, love bunny,” Ben said, patting his wife’s shoulder. “You’re not a cop in pursuit of a perp.”
Amanda bit her lower lip. Love bunny? Perp? When Caroline took a turn at a higher speed than advisable, she held on tight, sliding on the seat.
“You’ve been watching too many of those crime shows,” Caroline snapped. “I’m praying that sweet young man hasn’t been driven away from Starlight because of what Karl said tonight.”
“Karl doesn’t mean any harm,” Ben said. “He’s only blowing off excess steam. Everybody knows he’s got the social skills of a gorilla, especially since Karen died. The holidays are hitting him hard. I’ll take some of your coffee and Martha’s cookies over to him tomorrow and try to soften him up some.”
Caroline darted a glance at Ben. “And to think people called you the biggest Scrooge in Starlight.”
Ben smirked. “I reckon I was until you almost killed me with your coffee. Showed me how bitterness can rot the soul. Among other things.”
Amanda couldn’t help but smile at their lively banter. She imagined Dante enjoyed staying in their home for the entertainment value alone. As soon as Caroline pulled into their driveway, Amanda flung open the door, her apprehensions slightly alleviated when she spied Dante’s car parked in front of the house. While she assisted Ben from the car, Amanda prayed Dante wouldn’t fly out the front door, suitcase in hand.
He can’t leave town tonight, Lord. Not like this.
19
Following Caroline up the front walkway, Amanda tucked her arm through Ben’s to provide him added support. “Thanks,” he said. He allowed her to help him climb the few short steps to the landing. He leaned close and lowered his voice. “I know you like Dante as much as we do.”
“We’re talking about two different kinds of like.” Caroline opened the front door and flipped the light switch on the wall. “Dante!” She headed toward the back of the house. Stepping over the threshold, Amanda breathed in the lingering aroma of cinnamon and spices.
“Sometimes a man needs a little privacy,” Ben muttered, echoing Amanda’s thoughts as he removed his heavy overcoat.
Amanda heard a commotion outside and turned back around, opening the door wider. Jake and Pastor Ted made their way over the front lawn with Karl between them.
“What in Sam Hill’s going on out there?” Ben limped to stand beside her, shrugging back into his coat.
“I’m not sure, but I see Jake and Pastor Ted with Karl,” Amanda said. “You stay in here where it’s warm, and I’ll go check it out.”
Ben flipped another switch, illuminating the yard in a swath of light. “Nothing doing. I’m coming with you.” His tone left no room for argument, so she offered him her arm again.
“Sorry about walking on your yard, Ben,” Jake said, his boots crunching on the packed snow.
Ben snorted. “Doesn’t matter much now, does it, Jake? If you feel real bad, you can pay your penance later on if spring ever decides to show up.” He turned his attention to the man beside Jake. “Speaking of penance, you got something to say, Karl? Ten to one, you’re not here to pay me a compliment on my landscaping.”
The burly man shifted from one foot to the other, his expression difficult to read. “Yeah, I might,” Karl said. “Where’s t
he Italian guy?”
“His name is Dante Moretti.” Amanda could barely contain her frustration. “His grandparents were first generation Italians, but he’s as American as you and me.”
“That might be so, Amanda, but he’s gone and stuck his nose in something that ain’t none of his business.”
Pastor Ted cleared his throat. “Karl, you know that’s not true. Dante did it out of a generous spirit. He saw a need and filled it. Why don’t we go inside where it’s warm and talk this out?”
“Man, you people are snowed,” Karl said, and it came out like a low growl. “Next thing I know, everyone will be calling the guy Jesus because of the good deeds he’s done around town. Some are even calling them miracles. Come to think of it, he kind of looks likes Jesus, now, don’t he?”
“What on earth does that have to do with anything?” Caroline stepped out on the landing, and Amanda moved aside to make room. “Don’t you be saying things like that.”
Ben put a hand on her arm. “No use in getting your blood pressure out of whack, Caroline. It’s not worth it.”
Caroline paused in the doorway and nodded.
“What exactly is it you think Dante’s done?” Ben asked.
“He’s got everybody in Starlight all riled up, wondering who he is, where he came from, what he’s doing here, how long he’s staying.”
“It’s obvious what Dante’s about,” Jake said. “I suppose Dante’s offended you by helping repair toys, distributing hams and food baskets, doing home repair work, serving in the food pantry, or working at the soup kitchen? Or maybe it’s because he volunteered his services at the tree farm? That’s just the tip of the iceberg, buddy.”
Amanda swallowed, proud of her brother for defending Dante. She was still in shock and trying to absorb everything that was being said.
“Save it, Captain,” Karl growled, raising a hand. “I ain’t saying he hasn’t helped people around town. I’m talking about the house next door. Like I said before, he stuck his nose where it don’t belong.”