Engaged: Surrendering the Future (Surrendering Time Book 3)

by Julie Arduini

  “I look forward to it.”

  Wayne brushes a gentle kiss on my forehead and walks to the door. “To the pizza or me?”

  A giggle escapes. “Yes.”

  .***

  With Jenna’s borrowed key in hand, I unlock the center and start bringing in my supplies. The butterflies in my stomach seem to be on caffeine and I’m not sure if it’s wanting to do a great job for Jenna, to show Shirley, or because I know Wayne’s on his way to help. Fifteen minutes after I arrive, his SUV pulls in. The smell of pizza and his five o’clock shadow greet me.

  Wayne walks through the open door and places the box on Shirley’s makeshift desk. “What’s the plan, boss?”

  “How about we eat and I’ll show you the sketch of what I’m envisioning. If it works, the senior mannequins will be decorating the tree I brought.”

  With a total of six slices polished off in thirty minutes, I push my chair out and make the trek to the front windows. Artificial tree limbs and mannequin parts line the area.

  Wayne joins me and chuckles. “Looks like quite the fiction story.”

  I pick up an arm and wave it. “I know, right? Hopefully this work will have a happy ending.”

  With the sketch as our guide, we assemble in silence for a few minutes. Wayne stops after putting the top of the tree together and faces me. “What was New York City like?”

  Talk about random. “Chaotic. Disappointing.”

  “No, Trish. Give me specifics. What did you do there? Did you have friends? What was your apartment and commute like?”

  I drop the tulle and raise my eyebrows. “Where’s this coming from? Why do you want to know?”

  “I’m curious is all.”

  I blow out what’s probably hot air as I try to organize my thoughts. “It was nothing like I imagined. My apartment was smaller than the closet over there. At least it felt like it was. I saw rats. A lot. Both the kind with fur and the kind that works the corporate ladder with no care for others.”

  Wayne opens a box marked decorations. “It doesn’t sound fun.”

  I shrug. “I enjoyed some of the challenges creating events, but much of the time I was a ‘gopher’ girl. As in, ‘go’fer this, go’fer that.’”

  A “hmm” fills the air.

  “Wayne, really. Why do you want to know? I didn’t have a boyfriend there. Is that what you’re wondering about?”

  He hangs a small wooden nativity on a branch. “No, that isn’t it. Honestly? I wondered if there was a ring of truth to what those ladies said.”

  His words feel like a punch to the gut and there’s a shake to my voice. “I don’t understand.”

  “I want to make sure you have no desire to return. I’m afraid one day you will get an offer to go back, and you’ll take it.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  The oven door open, I’m greeted by the tantalizing aroma of mom’s homemade pumpkin pie. “It’s done.” I reach for the potholders and take the Thanksgiving dessert to the cooling rack.

  Mom turns from her turkey preparations. “Great. It’s almost time to put in this twenty-pound bird.”

  I glance at the clock and see it’s a good five hours before Wayne arrives for dinner. “We’ll have enough food for everyone, that’s for sure.”

  Mom chuckles. “If we have leftovers, I’ll make soup for tomorrow. Maybe your Wayne would like some.”

  My Wayne. That sounds like something one of the senior citizens would say.

  Funny thing is, when I open the door that afternoon, I’m tempted to shout a declaration to any passing traffic that he’s mine. Poinsettia in hand, he’s wearing a taupe sweater and khaki pants, looking like a Christmas ornament. His smile is wide and warm, as he leans over to give me a kiss on the cheek.

  “Happy Thanksgiving, Trish. I really appreciate your invitation.”

  “I know Noah’s with Carla and Will today. I didn’t want you to be alone.”

  He steals another kiss, this time, a quick one on the lips. “Not gonna lie, I like this plan a lot better than being home by myself.” He hoists up the Christmas plant. “This is for your mom.”

  I take the poinsettia and gesture toward the kitchen. “She’s in here.”

  My parents are acquainted with Wayne because of community events, but this is his first time visiting as my special guest. Dad’s carving the turkey when we saunter in. He turns and sees us, then puts the knife down. “Wayne, welcome. Glad you could join us.”

  Wayne initiates their handshake. “My pleasure, Sir. Everything smells great.”

  Dad nods. “I wish I could take credit. The carving is my only job. I think we’re just about ready to eat. Your mom’s in the dining room.”

  I lead the way, plant still in hand, and sense a hand on my back. I glance to my side and see Wayne’s grin. My heart feels so full.

  Mom’s placing serving spoons in the dishes when we enter. Her eyes seem to sparkle as I hand her Wayne’s gift.

  “Hello, Mrs. Maxwell. I wasn’t sure what to bring, so I thought you might like this.”

  She sets the poinsettia down in the middle of the table. “What a sweet gesture. I’m so happy you’re here. I look forward to getting to know you better. I hope you’re hungry.”

  Wayne pulls out a chair for me. “I hope you don’t plan on leftovers.”

  Mom giggles, the kind of high-pitched outburst when she’s trying to get dad to say yes to one of her high-end purchases. “It’s all about the leftovers. Besides, with extra food, you can come again and bring Noah.”

  And there it is.

  My hands shake as I put my napkin on my lap, because I’m envisioning using the cloth as a muzzle. “Mom. How about we finish this meal first?”

  She exchanges glances with dad, who helps her with her chair. “Right. Of course. No rush. Unless Noah wants my pumpkin pie. Jay will finish that off by Saturday.”

  I narrow my gaze and focus on dad, who locks eyes with me and nods. “Say, why don’t I offer a prayer so we can start eating?”

  The conversation flows as smoothly as the gravy over my mashed potatoes. Wayne chats in between bites without any hint of being nervous. I can’t help but steal glances his way.

  Dad reaches for the bowl full of stuffing. “So what do you two have planned after pie?”

  I smile. “We didn’t talk about it, but I’d like to take some pictures for my portfolio. I finished three store windows in town and they are lit up for the holidays. I’d like to have them included for my meeting with the Adirondack Chamber of Commerce.”

  Wayne takes a sip of coffee. “I think that’s a great idea. Maybe walking around will help me digest all this great food. Plus, if I can help Trish’s meeting at all, I’m happy to do it.”

  Mom dabs her mouth with the linen napkin. “I’m so excited. This is a great opportunity for you, honey.”

  After we finished eating pie and washed dishes, Wayne and I drove to the Four Corners and parked in JB’s empty lot. He opened the door for me as I climbed out and adjusted the camera strap over my shoulder.

  Once ready, Wayne reaches for my hand and we walk toward the department store. “I have an idea. Instead of only taking pictures of the storefronts you’ve finished, maybe also capture the ones that don’t have anything. Match them to your sketches to show the potential versus the reality.”

  I lean toward his side and give a playful jab with my elbow. “You have great business sense for a paramedic.”

  He chuckles. “Just looking out for you. I want your meeting with the Adirondack Chamber to be a knock-out. Do you know where it’s going to be yet?”

  “They rotate so different members aren’t always traveling distances. I know it won’t be Speculator Falls. They had their last one there.”

  Wayne stops in front of the store and releases my hand. “Hopefully it won’t be too far. I want to know how it goes as soon as possible. I thought if it was close I could drive over.”

  Even as I work with the camera, I notice the sweet grin on his face. �
�You’re too nice. Honestly, traveling allows me time to pray and collect my thoughts. If it doesn’t go well, it gives me the opportunity to pull it together. I’m afraid if I knew you were around, I’d be even more nervous.”

  He steps back while I squat and click away at different angles.

  When I finish, I join him and point toward JB’s as our next destination. “I like how we can be honest with each other.”

  He nods as we cross the lot and pass his truck. “I’ll pray while you’re gone.”

  I stop and rise on my tip-toes to give him a kiss. “That means so much, Wayne. I know you will. That calms my fears a little.”

  “Then I will be constantly praying so you will have complete peace.”

  We take our time walking to the senior center, library, diner, donut shop and gas station. Flurries fall as we finish, enough that Wayne swipes his hand across the windshield to clear the snow. He opens my door, but doesn’t move.

  I raise my eyebrows, unsure of his motives. “What?”

  “A few minutes ago you talked about how you enjoyed the honesty between us.”

  I nod. “Absolutely. This is the first relationship I’ve had where the transparency has been mutual.”

  Wayne takes my hands and squeezes them. “Same here. I need to tell you something.”

  My stomach tightens. “What’s wrong?”

  He clears his throat, and that only accelerates my anxiety.

  “Wayne.” I feel the moisture between our interlocked fingers. “You’re scaring me.”

  He shakes his head. “Sorry. It’s nothing bad. I don’t think so anyway. I wanted to say that spending Thanksgiving with you and your parents was great. Being around you all day, I look forward to it, I hate it when it ends.”

  I want to wipe my hands on my jeans so bad. “Me too. It’s been amazing.”

  “Phew. Trish, in the spirit of being open, you need to know, I’m falling in love with you. I think we have a future together. And I hope you feel the same.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Even though I’m tired from Black Friday shoppers at the store all day, Wayne and I agree to have dinner at Jack Frosty’s. Once seated, he taps his fingers against the worn table. We look like a nervous duo as I knock my foot against the booth in rhythm to his movement. Is he going to say something about how I bungled his love declaration? Wait for me? Say nothing?

  “Trish. I know we both worked all day, but your meeting with the Greater Adirondack Chamber of Commerce is in less than a week. You’re the one who asked me to help you organize your thoughts.”

  I nod, paying more attention to his long weekend beard stubble than the notebook in front of me. “Sorry. I have so much on my mind. I’m having trouble concentrating.” Because I keep hearing you say you are falling in love with me.

  He leans in so he’s closer to my side of the booth than his. “We’re going to be honest, remember? Are you struggling with what I confessed last night?”

  I reach for my water like a man just leaving the desert. “Okay, yes. But not in the way you think. I’m not freaking out at what you said. I’m upset at my response.”

  Wayne sits back and chuckles. “You mean that deer-in-the-headlights look and the, ‘Hey, thanks’?”

  I slide down in the booth with a groan. “It was as bad as I thought.”

  He takes a sip of water and then reaches for my hand. “It wasn’t a proposal. I don’t have any expectations that we will be calling Pastor Reynolds for a wedding anytime soon.”

  The air I let out in relief could fill a balloon. “I’m sorry. I felt like your declaration forced us to a new level I’m not ready for. I’ve rushed things before, and it didn’t end well.”

  Wayne massages my wrist with his thumb, sending chills up my back. “I’ve been there, too. I was putting it out there that my feelings for you are strong enough that I’m not interested in anyone else. I hope our future is a permanent one. But pressuring you is the last thing I want.”

  I push my bangs away from my eyes. “Good to know. Let me confess I feel the same. No one has been the steady encourager in my life like you have been. With you around, I think I can scale mountains.” I pick up the notebook. “But the reality is, I need to practice for that meeting. The sketches are ready, but I need to work on delivery.”

  He gives my hand a squeeze before letting go and looks at the blank page I have open. “Let’s get to it, then.”

  Two cups of coffee each later, we have a good outline of what I need to say to the chamber representatives.

  He smiles and points at the notes. “Time to practice.”

  I look around and notice the restaurant has emptied out. “I was ready to whine that I would distract others, but that’s not going to work as an excuse.”

  His grin remains friendly, but he’s not giving in. “I’m waiting.”

  “Okay. But I’ll do it sitting down. I promise I’ll practice in front of a mirror at home.”

  He pulls out his phone. “That’s fine. I’ll set the timer to see how long you speak.”

  “Good idea. Ready when you are.”

  Three minutes later I take a breath and wait for his feedback. He pushes his phone to the side. “Do you know how badly I want to kiss you right now? Trish, it was amazing. They will sign you up on the spot. I’m sure of it.”

  “Really? I said ‘um’ a couple times.”

  “Keep practicing. You know the material, you have to focus on the public speaking aspect. That comes with practice.” He stands and picks up the bill Brittany left on the edge of the table. “I have an early morning shift tomorrow, so I need to get to bed at a decent hour.”

  Before I pack up my notebook and pencil, I glance at the cash register area and smile as I watch Wayne dig for his wallet in the back of his jeans. Everything about him and the Thanksgiving holiday has been perfect. I’m lost in thought when my text notification sounds. As Wayne returns to the booth, I flip my phone on and see the message is from a 212 area code.

  Wayne clears his throat. “I’m all set if you are.”

  I bite my lip as I stare at the screen. “Yeah, just a second.”

  Trish-Aiden Parker. Head’s up, we signed a huge deal and will be hiring again. Interested?

  The gasp I give startles me as much as Wayne. “Everything okay?”

  I throw the phone into my purse as if it were on fire. “Yes. Just a surprising text.”

  Wayne helps me put on my coat. “Not bad news, I hope.”

  Although Aiden was the one co-worker who didn’t treat me with disdain, no one helped me pack my cubicle when I learned I was no longer employed. He texted me a couple times to check in, but by the time I moved back to Speculator Falls, I didn’t mourn any lost friendships in the city.

  I glance at my purse, and then to Wayne. “One of those generic texts that means nothing at all.”

  Once we leave Jack Frosty’s, we amble toward Wayne’s truck, parked on the street. Two figures stumble toward us, laughing loud enough that Wayne puts a protective arm around my waist.

  “Peterson? That you?”

  By now they stagger close enough I recognize them. I don’t enjoy visiting with Brad and Jill when they are sober, much less inebriated, but Wayne pauses on the sidewalk in front of his vehicle. “Hey, guys. Are you feeling okay?”

  Jill leans into Brad, but he’s not a sturdy support. The two wobble to stay upright, and that only makes her giggle louder. “It’s Wayne! And Tish.”

  I focus on the sidewalk. “It’s Trish.”

  She glances at Brad and tries to whisper, but it’s not a quiet remark. “Who cares?”

  Wayne bites his lip for a moment, then exhales. “You two aren’t driving, are you?”

  Brad rolls his eyes. “Look who’s the Boy Scout these days. You were more fun when you first moved here.”

  Jill nods.

  Wayne clicks his car remote and the truck lights flash. “Can I drive you somewhere, or are you walking?”

  The two look at ea
ch other and fall into a new set of giggles. Jill then moves away from Brad and steps right up to Wayne. My jaw tightens, and I move back a step, but Wayne’s hand remains on me.

  Jill’s breath reeks of fruity alcohol. “You know, Wayne, wasn’t long ago we left the bar like this. Remember?”

  I hold my breath, bracing for impact.

  Wayne focuses on Brad. “Do you need a ride? It’s all I’m interested in.”

  Jill isn’t deterred. “Well, I remember. Wanna know why?”

  I can’t help but glance in her direction. She’s staring at me, her mean smile spotlighted by the street lamp next to us.

  “Because Wayne gave me the best night of my life.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  The late autumn winds are no match for the chill from my heart. Wayne’s jaw drops and he fumbles with his keys. “Jill, you’re drunk and making up stories. Just get in the car. You too, Brad.”

  Brad stumbles toward me, close enough to nudge my side. “I think they have history.” His index finger fails to point at anyone, but instead motions in a clumsy circle.

  I roll my eyes and open the back passenger door. “Don’t forget to put on your seatbelt.”

  Once Wayne and I buckle-up in the front, he turns to me. “There’s nothing between me and Jill.”

  His voice is soft, but serious.

  I force a whisper. “Yes, but was there?”

  He sighs, and I don’t like it. “One night I was in the condition they are. Somehow the group disappeared and we were left. I kissed her. It meant nothing.”

  A high-pitch giggle floats from the back. “Liar.”

  I focus on my breathing. It would be easy to believe Jill, but something in Wayne’s tone tells me he’s speaking the truth. “I wish we could drop them off at the end of my road and make them find their way back to town.”

  Wayne chuckles and turns on the ignition. “I know. We’re doing the right thing.”

  More laughter erupts with noises that sound like kissing. Wayne and I turn around at the same time and see the two in a sloppy embrace. “Let’s get these two somewhere safe, fast. I don’t want to say goodnight to you with them right behind us.” He winks.