“It was really thoughtful of you to go visit her at the hospital.” Frank was well-rounded and had a scruffy beard. His misty eyes took away from his rough exterior.
Although the two were cousins, he couldn’t see any family resemblance between the two. Jonathon was tall, slender, and clean shaven.
Marc shrugged. He didn’t go see her to get recognition. She inhaled a lot of smoke and he’d prayed for her. “I just wanted to follow up and make sure she was doing okay.” His voice caught in his throat. “I’m glad we were able to get there in time.”
Marc’s father instilled a sense of pride in both of his brothers and him, just as their grandfather had done for his father. Their job was one of servitude, one that made a difference—for people like Lily. As the guys often teased in jest, firefighters were the ones running into a building when everyone else was running out. He looked forward to the day when he would have sons to follow in his footsteps. They would be the fourth generation of Stevensons to become firefighters.
Chapter Three
Sitting across from Marc in the fast food restaurant, that was known more for its ice cream than anything else, made Kelly’s pulse race. She had given up casual dating several years ago, determined that it was what she needed to overcome her reckless past.
From the moment they met, Marc cut through her defenses with his charm. He looked even more handsome in street clothes than in his uniform. Running into him again tonight felt like a sign. She’d been praying and asking God to help her overcome her past and to bring the right person into her life. Could Marc be the one? Was he a committed Christian? Or a new Christian, since this was the first time she’d seen him at their church? She knew that the only way to find out what you wanted to know was by asking, but she needed to be careful in how she steered the conversation. If their conversation took a wrong turn, some things about her past might slip out and might scare him off. Maybe that was the real reason her heart beat quicker.
“Did you enjoy the service tonight?” Kelly smiled faintly before taking another bite of her ice cream with chocolate and cheesecake mix-ins.
“Yes.” Marc nodded. “It was different than my church, but definitely refreshing.”
“So, you normally go to another church?” When he nodded, Kelly continued, “What brought you to our church?”
“Right now I’m tempted to say God.” He smiled wide. “Because I got to see you again today.”
Kelly laughed. “I was thinking the same thing.”
Her cheeks warmed.
A moment of silence hung between them as they both stared at each other. Marc broke the silence. “I’m glad we met, especially since you turned out to be a well-grounded Christian.”
Well-grounded? She had been in church for the last six years. Kelly was still growing in her spiritual walk. But this wasn’t necessarily a topic she wanted to discuss with Marc. At least not on their first date. She wanted to get to know him better before she brought up her past. While God may have forgiven her, she was still working through forgiving herself and her family.
“Did you grow up in a church?” Kelly asked.
“Yeah.” Marc licked his ice cream cone. “Same church my whole life, which is why I needed to go somewhere else for a change. Pastor Thompson gave me a lot to think about.”
“Oh?”
“He talked about helping widows and orphans, and while I may be a firefighter, I don’t go out of my way when I’m not working to reach out and help either.”
“But you’ve spent your life helping others.” Kelly straightened in her seat. “That means a lot and you shouldn’t beat yourself up over it. God calls different people to do different things so that He can use us to help meet everyone’s needs.”
Marc chuckled. “So you get the widows and the orphans and I get the rest?”
Kelly giggled. “Well, I’ve got the orphans. Someone else will have to help the widows, but I know God’s got that covered, or He was speaking to someone in the service to encourage them to step forward and help.”
“I think I may put my name on the list to help out with handyman repairs for widows.”
“Does that mean you’ll be coming to our church again?” Kelly held her breath and eyed him intently.
He stared at her momentarily, taking a lick from his ice cream cone before a smile crept across his face. “So you wouldn’t object?”
“Why would I object?” She laughed, wadded up the napkin in her hand and playfully tossed it at him. “After all, having you attend the same church beats having to wait for you to show up on another 9-1-1 call.”
Marc’s hearty laughter made her smile. “So true, but maybe we could find another way to meet outside of church besides emergency calls. What do you like to do in your down time?”
Kelly finished the last bite of her ice cream and moved her empty container to the side of the table. She folded her hands in front of her, leaning her forearms against the table. “I like to hike, go to the zoo, or even the outdoor theater. What about you?”
“Outdoor theater?”
Kelly giggled. “I never would have taken you for the musical type.”
His eyes widened. He paused, his cone a few inches from his mouth. It took a moment before he lowered his hand to rest on the table. “Is that what you meant by outdoor theater? It’s some sort of musical?”
“Yes, The Muny is an outdoor musical theatre. It’s kind of far, though, so I don’t get to go very often.” By the expression on his face, the arched eyebrow and frown, he wasn’t likely to want to go with her whenever she went.
“So you said you liked to hike?”
She couldn’t help but chuckle at his diversionary tactics. “You’re too funny; and yes, I like to hike. Do you?”
“It’s as simple as walking,” Marc said. “I think I can handle that.”
“Um…” How did she tell him? Compromise is key to any good relationship, at least that’s what she’d heard from others. Her own parents were not the best example to learn from, and the reason she’d been taken away from them when she was a teen. “Walking is fine, too. I hope you don’t mind a few steep slopes, or we could go another trail I’ve gone on that has a lot joggers.”
“Is that your way of telling me you like to jog?” When she nodded, Marc laughed. “It wasn’t on your list of things you like to do in your down time.”
“I also didn’t list sleeping, showering, or eating, but they’re still things I do daily.”
Marc’s eyes widened. “Whoa, wait a minute. Are you trying to tell me you like to jog daily?”
Kelly nodded.
“And not because somebodies chasing you?”
She smiled. Marc definitely had muscles. You could tell by the way his broad shoulders tapered down to a narrow waist and his biceps looked solid beneath his white dress shirt sleeves. “Given your physique, it’s obvious you work out. So if you don’t run, what do you do?”
“We have a weight set at the firehouse.” Marc had a mischievous gleam in his eyes. “So when we aren’t getting called to children’s homes or fires, a couple of us lift weights.”
“If you hadn’t gotten called to the children’s home, we wouldn’t have met.” Although embarrassing at the moment, she was glad someone did call for help.
His expression sobered. He reached across the table and took her hands in his. “I’m glad we got the call.”
Her cheeks warmed. “So am I.”
Marc’s smile quirked upwards on one side. “I definitely want to see you again. Even if it means I have to hike the Himalayas to do it.”
She loved the banter they exchanged. He was fun to talk with, even if it was only about silly things. “Personally, I was hoping we wouldn’t have to leave the state, much less the country, to see each other again.”
“So there will be a next time?” His left eyebrow arched.
“Yes, silly. You can’t get rid of me that easy.”
Chapter Four
If Marc was winded from their hik
e, he kept it to himself as they followed one of the trails Kelly liked to go on. She was going to take him on a steeper one, but didn’t want to scare him off—like she had a couple of girls she had gotten to join her for jogging. After two miles, she was just getting warmed up and the other gals were ready to quit. When they realized she was holding back, a wedge began to form between them—perhaps they were a little insecure. Whatever it was, she didn’t want a repeat with Marc. While women could be catty, men didn’t like to be shown up. One thing she knew for certain, she wanted to see him again.
Kelly stopped and inhaled deeply, looking out over the river. She loved spring. New growth sprouted all around, from pale green leaves on trees to all the beautiful, vibrant flowers, even if the ones they’d passed before they got to the trails were planted by the grounds keeper. “It’s such a lovely view.”
“Yes, it is.” The deep throaty sound of his voice made her turn. He was staring at her. Their gazes locked.
Her breath caught. Instinctively she licked her lips and found herself looking at his, wondering if he would kiss her goodbye when he dropped her off today. Her lips parted to say something, but before she could react, his lips descended on hers with such warmth and tenderness, she melted into his arms. When the kiss ended, she snuggled closer to him, leaning her head against his shoulder.
“I totally understand why you became a firefighter.” Kelly chuckled at the thoughts flitting through her mind.
Marc crooked his neck to see her face. “Why’s that?”
She giggled nervously, feeling the heat rise to her cheeks. “Because if you’re going to start fires, you ought to at least be able to put them out.”
Deep laughter vibrated through his chest. “You are so lucky we are not closer to the water, and it isn’t summer, ‘cause I would definitely throw you in.”
She lifted her nose in the air, pretending to be taken aback.
“Great.” Marc kissed her temple. “Now I’m thinking about you in swim wear.”
“Swim wear?” It was her turn to look quizzically at him.
“Okay, a bikini.” He took a step back, letting his arms drop. Marc grabbed hold of one of her hands instead of letting her go completely. “Now I need to take a shower.”
“Well, if you weren’t so hot…” Kelly let her words trail as they began walking again along the trail. “I’m sorry.” Her cheeks warmed. Sometimes her flesh struggled and her past haunted her. “That was inappropriate.”
“It’s my fault as well.” He squeezed her hand. “It proves we’re only human which is why I try to remind myself of scripture to help keep me on track.”
“So do I.” She smiled. “In times like this, the first scripture that comes to mind is, ‘Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires’ but sometimes, that verse makes me doubt myself for even having such thoughts.”
Marc paused, which made her stop since they were holding hands. She turned to look at him. To her relief, his features were soft, not stern or judgmental.
“Jesus came to save the world, so that we could have forgiveness. He didn’t come to condemn you.” Marc caressed the side of her face with his free hand. “Even Jesus faced temptation.”
Kelly laughed. “Yeah, but I always thought what he tempted Jesus with was a joke.”
“How so?” Marc asked.
“The devil offered him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor.” Kelly shrugged. “I mean, come on. Those things already belong to God.” Her lips pursed as she thought about the other temptations listed in the Bible. “The other two I can see as being temptations, although I kind of thought of them as taunts—wanting Jesus to prove Himself.”
“Kind of like a dare.”
“Yeah.” She was happy Marc understood what she was saying.
Marc lowered his hand from her face, and began walking, still holding her right hand. “Reminds me of when my brothers and I were little. We were always daring the other one to do something they shouldn’t.” Marc sighed. “I think I’m going to have to call them later and apologize.”
“I didn’t mean to make you feel bad,” Kelly said.
“I guess you’re right after all.” He bumped his shoulder against her playfully. “Sometimes scripture does make us feel convicted of our wrong doings, but it is that conviction that brings us to repentance.”
She nodded.
“I think our conversation has gotten heavy enough for a second date, don’t you?”
Kelly giggled nervously. “Just a little.”
“So can I admit something?”
She looked at him. It was hard to read his expression from the side angle, especially climbing down the slope of the dirt trail. “Sure.”
“I expected you to want to go somewhere like the zoo or something.”
“I like the zoo.” She dodged behind him for a second to avoid a rock on the trail, then moved back to the side of him. “But I normally only go on field trips with the kids or my nieces and nephews.”
“Why don’t we go now?” Marc suggested. “I don’t usually have anyone to go with me and it feels a bit awkward going alone.”
“You just want just want to drop everything and go to the zoo?”
He laughed. “Yeah. As a fireman, we have to be flexible because we never know when we may get a call and we have to drop whatever we’re doing.”
“I guess that will be a good thing for your wife when you get married,” Kelly said. “You’ll already be used to having to do things you weren’t planning on.”
His eyes widened when he glanced at her. “Please tell me you don’t mean shopping?”
The look on his face was priceless. “Another man horrified by shopping.” She smiled. “Perhaps we should go so you can conquer your fears.”
“Oh, no.” He waved his hand in front of him, like the motion to halt someone. “It’s enough that I’ll go to the zoo knowing they have a snake and reptile building, which I am not going near either.”
“So two things you don’t like to do is go shopping or go near snakes?”
“Exactly.”
“Then I guess I shouldn’t tell you I have a python at home?” Kelly said.
Marc stopped in his tracks and looked at her. “You what?”
“That’s obviously a deal breaker.” She chuckled. “Good thing I don’t have any pets.”
“None?”
“No.” Kelly shook her head. “Our apartment doesn’t allow them.” She thought for a second. “But they might allow an aquarium that I could put a snake in.”
“Or fish,” he quickly added.
She smiled. “Or fish.”
“I’m starting to rethink the trip to the zoo.”
“Wait a minute.” Dawning registered as a thought came to her. “You only suggested going to the zoo to get out of hiking.”
“And once you started making me think about snakes, I wanted to get out of hiking with nature even more, but now I’m afraid I might be jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire.”
“Well, you’ve certainly got yourself into boiling water by your admission.”
Chapter Five
“What do you want me to say? I was an idiot.” Marc sighed in frustration.
Being the supportive friend that he was, Nick chuckled. “You won’t get any argument out of me.”
“Thanks a lot.” Marc smiled.
They were seated across from each other in a booth, having coffee. While Nick’s toothy grin should have irritated Marc, he knew his friend was only teasing. Maybe he should have asked Wade and Katie for advice instead, but they were busy planning a wedding in the midst of their already busy schedules.
“You know I’m always glad to help.”
Marc blinked, trying to bring his thoughts back to the conversation he was having in person, not the one he’d just had in his head. It took a moment for Nick’s words to register. The teasing gleam had left Nick’s eyes.
“You’ve really got it bad f
or this girl.”
It was a statement, more than a question. Marc nodded. “I’m worried I may have messed things up.”
“Maybe you should hold back on some of the teasing with her and show her you’re sincere.” Nick took a sip of his coffee. “Then maybe she’ll be able to tell the difference.”
“That’s if I get the chance to get out of hot water.”
“You’re used to fighting fires,” Nick said. “Just think of this as a fire. How would you go about extinguishing it?”
“I don’t know.” Marc felt helpless. “Sending flowers seems so cliché.”
Nick shrugged. “Then do something different.”
“Taking her out for a nice romantic dinner isn’t likely to be something different, unless I took her out for something exotic to eat.”
“She likes to hike, right?”
Marc nodded. “Yeah, that’s what got me into this mess. I’m not against hiking, but she seems to have an endless bounty of energy.”
“Then maybe consider something a little less taxing, that you can do over and over again.” A smile crept upon Nick’s face. “And I’ve got just the idea. Geocaching.”
“Geo what?”
He chuckled. “Geocaching. People have hidden containers all over the place and you have to use a GPS to find them.”
“They forgot where they put them?” Marc frowned. “So now they want other people to help them?”
“Really?” Nick shook his head and sighed. “Think of it as a kind of scavenger hunt, but when you find the item, you just sign your name to the logbook showing you were there. You don’t take it with you. It is a fun way to have mini adventures. Maybe you could do one a week and it would give you a set date to look forward to seeing each other and it would be sort of a hike, but not necessarily as long. That would make her happy and your day off not such a workout.”
In theory, it sounded like a good idea. He even had a GPS app on his phone. Marc texted Kelly, “Are you up for an adventure?”
She responded, “Does it involve climbing trees? If so, bring a ladder.”
Seasons of the Heart Page 16