Seasons of the Heart

by Susette Williams

  He nodded and headed to his spot on the groom’s side, feeling slightly guilty for his judgmental attitude.

  As Nick watched the other two groomsmen and bridesmaids walk down the aisle, he realized both of the other couples were dating each other. He almost laughed at the thought that his friends might have been trying to set him up with Maggie, but he knew better. Wade knew his stance on dating, especially women who had their sights set on becoming a trophy wife. They’d often teased about women who’d gone to college to get their Mrs. degree, finding men with promising lucrative careers after graduation. He’d been one of those poor, unsuspecting blokes.

  Sighs from the spectators brought his attention back to the reason for their presence in church today. Katie looked beautiful in her short sleeved, white lace wedding gown. She may have been young and a bit naïve, but it was obvious the love and respect she and Wade shared. Nick was a bit envious. Especially since Katie’s friends had also found love, even in the midst of less than ideal circumstances. Maybe it wasn’t hopeless for him—not that he was looking.

  When Katie reached the altar, Wade beamed as he accepted her hand from her father. Visible red splotches laced Wade’s neck, showing he was nervous, even though Nick knew Wade was excited to get married.

  Nostalgia plagued Nick through the ceremony. Wade nudged him. Nick glanced up to see his friend wiggling his eyebrows at him and nodding his head toward Nick’s jacket. “I need the ring.”

  The sound of chuckles from the congregation caused his cheeks to warm. Nick smiled sheepishly at the groom. He slipped a few fingers into the inside pocket of his tuxedo and retrieved the wedding ring. “Here you go, my precious.”

  Wade chuckled as he picked up on the movie reference Nick made and took the rings from him.

  As the pastor announced that Wade could kiss the bride, his lips were already descending on his new wife’s lips.

  Nick caught Maggie looking at him. He held her gaze. They were the only two on the platform still single. Perhaps that revelation and the fact they’d just stood witness to a marriage ceremony made him long for his own happy ending. If Maggie didn’t change her perspective on marriage, she’d never experience true love either. Between the two of them, they were a pitiful pair. Maybe he could help her to change her ways so that she didn’t become a heart-breaker like Ashley. Whatever poor, unsuspecting soul that ended up marrying her could thank him later.

  After Katie and Wade walked down the aisle toward the foyer, Nick and Maggie, along with the other bridesmaids and groomsmen, followed them so that they could greet the guests.

  The line of well-wishers had been long. Members of the wedding party still had to pose for pictures before they headed to the reception. The photographer took pictures of each couple in the wedding party.

  “You clean up well.” Maggie gave him an appreciative glance. “You should try dressing up more often.”

  Nick smiled. “And whom am I supposed to dress up for?”

  “I wasn’t flirting with you.” Maggie rolled her eyes. “My stepfather always says you should dress for success.”

  “So if I wear jeans and comfortable shoes, that makes me less successful?” Nick’s eyebrow arched.

  Maggie shrugged and looked away, pasting a smile on for their next picture. She gave him a sideways glance. “It is a matter of perception and how you want people to see you.”

  “I need to photograph all of the bridesmaids together in one picture,” the photographer said. She pointed to where the other groomsmen stood and asked Nick to join them. “And then I will do pictures of the men. Thank you.”

  Nick would have liked to have asked Maggie how she saw him. He could only imagine her response. If only she knew the truth.

  After what felt like a gazillion pictures had been taken, the wedding party poured into the back of a white limo and headed to the reception hall. Nick could imagine the shocked expression on Maggie’s face if she were to find out the limo belonged to him. But he had no intention of letting her know. He didn’t want her turning on the fake charm because of his success. If he ever married again, it would be to a woman who accepted and loved him for himself.

  When they arrived at the reception hall, most of the guests were either seated or mingling with others. As the bride and groom came into the room, everyone stood and applauded. Nick and the rest of the wedding party took their assigned seats. The groomsmen all sat on the groom’s side, while the bridesmaids sat on the same side as the bride. Nick would have liked to continue his conversation with Maggie.

  Following dinner, the bride and groom started off the festivities with their first dance as husband and wife. For the next song, they asked for the other couples from the wedding party to join them on the dance floor. Nick took Maggie’s hand. “That’s us.”

  Maggie opened her mouth as if to say something, then closed it and followed him onto the dance floor.

  He took her into his arms, inhaling the flowery scent of her perfume. She was a desirable woman, if only she would lose the superficial façade. There obviously had to be some depth to Maggie. The way Katie had talked in the past, she implied that Maggie did well in school.

  Nick leaned close to Maggie’s ear so that she could hear him. “I understand you’re interested in modeling.”

  She turned her head slightly to look at him. “Yes.”

  “If you don’t mind my asking, why did you choose to come to school in Missouri instead of New York or California?” Logically, one of the other locations would have been better for a modeling career. Yet for some reason, Maggie chose the Midwest. “Did you get a scholarship to the school? Is that why you chose to come here?”

  “No.” Maggie shook her head. “My stepfather could have afforded to send me to any school I wanted. But I grew up here, until we moved away when I was younger.”

  “I didn’t know you were from here.” Nick was surprised to learn that revelation. “Do you still have family here?”

  Maggie shrugged. “I’m not sure. I remember visiting my grandparents, but that was a long time ago. There is not much I remember about the area or where we lived.”

  Nick nodded thoughtfully. There were a lot of things about Maggie that intrigued him. The fact that she chose to come to the Midwest instead of seeking a more prestigious school befuddled him. Did she really want to model? “I recall Wade mentioned that you had chosen a name to use for modeling. Something like,” he paused, trying not to smile, “Diamond? Why did you choose a name like that?”

  She looked contemplative. It was as if her mind was miles away. “The reason I thought of a diamond is because it starts out as a clump of coal and when it is under extreme pressure, it eventually forms into something beautiful.”

  Maybe all Maggie needed was to feel pressured to change? Perhaps if Nick showed her there were other things to be concerned with other than looks and money, she would eventually turn into a diamond in the rough.

  Chapter Two

  Monday afternoon, on his way back from a commerce meeting, Nick stopped by the firehouse to see Marc. It was a delightful spring day, sun shining, gentle breeze and the sweet fragrance of flowers filled the air. Which was why he’d chosen to drive the convertible with the top down. He wasn’t the only one taking advantage of the beautiful day. Some of the firemen were wiping down the fire truck. One of them recognized Marc and called over his shoulder, “Hey Stevenson, your buddy’s here.”

  Nick got out of the car and walked to meet Marc. They shook hands and exchanged greetings. “Thought I would come by and see how it’s going.”

  “It’s going well.” Marc chuckled. “Kelly has me volunteering now. While we would both like to eventually adopt a baby, Annie is pulling on our heartstrings. We have been talking about adopting her after we get married.”

  “Congratulations.” Nick smiled and gave his friend a pat on the back. “That’s wonderful news.”

  “It’s a little scary.” Marc ran a hand through his hair and sighed. “She’s around the same
age as one of my nieces, so they should get along. But I kind of thought our first child would be a baby.” Marc laughed. “You know, a practice model.”

  He couldn’t help but snicker. “At least this model can talk back, and I hear she is quite boisterous.”

  “You can say that again.” The gleam in Marc’s eyes reflected his happiness. “Life with Annie would never be boring, nor with Kelly. Speaking of which, when we were on the dance floor, I noticed you and Margaret together. Something you want to tell me?”

  His eyes widened and he shook his head, holding his hand up momentarily to signal Marc not to go any further in his line of thinking. “No. She’s cute, but I’ve already had my fill of gold diggers.”

  Marc frowned. “I know she may be a bit peculiar, but she doesn’t strike me as that type. After all, if she really wanted to be a trophy wife, do you think she would bother with going to college?”

  “A lot of women go to college to get their Mrs. degree.” Nick leaned against the side of his car and crossed his arms in front of him. “And I think most women who are interested in modeling hope to use their looks to snare a wealthy or prestigious husband.”

  Kelly pulled up next to Nick’s car. Both men turned to watch as she got out of her blue Ford Focus and approached them. She said hello to Nick as she passed him and went over to kiss Marc on the cheek. “Hey, sweetie, I thought I’d come join you for a late lunch.”

  “Sounds good to me.” Marc glanced at Nick at and then back to Kelly. “I know Margaret is your friend, but can I ask you an honest question about her?”

  Kelly nodded. “Sure.”

  Nick’s eyes widened. He gave a curt shake of his head, but Marc ignored his silent protest.

  “Do you think Kelly is the type of person who only wants to marry a man for his money?” Marc’s lips pursed. “I know you said something about her using the nickname of a jewel for her modeling career. That seems a little odd.”

  “Margaret may seem shallow,” Kelly said, “but she’s really very smart. I think she is just worried about her future, at least that is the impression I got from her.” Kelly tilted her head, and looked at him quizzically. “Why, are you interested in her? I could see about setting you up.”

  His eyes widened and he snorted. “No, thank you. I appreciate the thought, but I’m not looking to date anyone right now.”

  She flipped her brunette hair back over her shoulder, and smirked at Marc. “If the subject of Margaret came up, there must be a reason, especially if Nick claims he’s not interested.”

  Marc smiled at Nick. “She may have a point. You do seem to have more than a passing interest in Margaret.”

  “I’m just concerned about Maggie.” Nick should’ve let the conversation drop when Kelly showed up. Women had a way of twisting things around, and Maggie was her friend. “I think it would be good for her to work with the less fortunate.”

  “I think it would be good if everybody did.” Kelly smiled. “Our church is putting on a puppet show at the children’s home on Saturday. Why don’t you come, and I will invite Maggie.”

  He didn’t like the way she said Maggie’s name, or the way she grinned and gave a knowing glance. Women couldn’t seem to help themselves from playing matchmaker. His only consolation was, Maggie didn’t know he had money. Otherwise, he’d be running for the hills. But this was just the opportunity he needed to show Maggie that life wasn’t about money. Maybe then, she would appreciate what she had and reconsider the value she placed on relationships. “I’d be delighted to come.”

  “Good.” Kelly hugged him, catching him off guard. “I’ll make sure Maggie comes, too.”

  ♥ ♥ ♥

  All week, Nick had looked forward to helping out at the children’s home. He even ordered some decorated cookies from the local bakery to be delivered for the children.

  Nick was glad to see that Marc had also shown up to help. Except, the look Marc and Kelly exchanged was disconcerting, especially when they both turned to look at him. Obviously, they hadn’t given up on their matchmaking. He was sorry to disappoint them.

  A niggling feeling plagued him. He had been excited for this day, and not because of seeing Maggie for any other reason other than to help her grow as a person, he told himself. It was his duty, as a Christian, to help others and he was only trying to help her grow spiritually.

  The fact that Maggie looked beautiful in her blue and green tropical shirt and white Capris was beside the point. As the Bible said, ‘charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.’ He couldn’t allow her outer appearance to deceive him.

  One of the little girls went over to Maggie and took her hand. Maggie smiled down at her.

  Nick wished that he could hear what the two of them were talking about. Taking a deep breath, he approached them and smiled. “Good to see you today, Maggie.” He looked down at the adorable girl with curly red hair. “Who’s your friend?”

  “This is Mattie.”

  He smiled as he watched their arms swing back and forth, their hands still clasped together.

  “I’m five.” Mattie held up five fingers. “I’ll be six soon.”

  “Well, happy birthday, Mattie.” Nick pulled his wallet out of his back pocket and started to give Mattie some money for her birthday. He turned when someone touched his arm.

  “You don’t need to give them any money,” the woman said. “Your time and attention is more than enough.”

  Nick paused. “I wanted to give her something for her birthday.”

  The woman laughed. “Her birthday is in three months. Children this age often get confused. Especially if someone else has a birthday.”

  Maggie giggled. “It’s the thought that counts.”

  Feeling a little flustered, Nick put his wallet back in his pocket.

  “I have to go find Annie,” Mattie announced. She let go of Maggie’s hand and skipped away.

  “It’s amazing what these kids have had to live with.” He admired people like Kelly, who dedicated their time to helping others. “It makes you appreciate how much you have.”

  “They don’t have it that bad.” Maggie shrugged. “Try living out of a car for a couple months, then being put in foster care.”

  “Can everybody please take your seats?” The children’s pastor motioned with his hands for everyone to sit down. “The puppet show is about to begin.”

  Nick would have liked to ask Maggie what she meant, but he had been in stunned silence momentarily before the announcement. Surely, she wasn’t talking about herself?

  Chapter Three

  “Do you mind if we stop by Forrest’s work before we go to the self-defense class?” Sasha looked nervously between Maggie and Kelly, clutching the insulated thermal bag in her hand. Considering she’d already made her fiancé a sack lunch, it was kind of funny. She obviously expected the answer to be yes. “He forgot to take something to eat.”

  Maggie laughed. Thankfully, they were already leaving early, but that was supposed to be so they could stop and enjoy a cup of coffee before their first lesson. “Maybe while we’re taking a self-defense class, he can take a class on how to fend for himself.”

  Kelly chuckled. “Don’t you know, that’s what marriage is for—so he’ll never have to fend for himself again.”

  “You’ve apparently been listening to Katie.” Maggie rolled her eyes and smiled. “Maybe you should reconsider and marry a wealthy man like my mother did. He dotes on her, and they have plenty of servants to tend to their every need.”

  “I don’t mind taking care of Forrest.” Sasha’s chin jutted up a fraction. “He’s a good man and I’m lucky to have him.”

  Putting an arm around Sasha’s shoulder, Maggie leaned her head against her. “I know you are, Sweetie.” Maggie sighed. “They’re just few and far between. A woman needs to know she has a man that will always be there and look out for her.”

  Sasha’s expression softened and her shoulders relaxed. “You’ll find
a man like that one day.”

  “I think she already has, but is too blind to see it?” Kelly’s singsong reply irked Maggie.

  “If you’re implying a certain friend of your boyfriend’s, then no way.” Her stomach tightened. “He’s like a beach bum without the beach. Seriously, has the guy ever worked a day in his life?”

  “He works.” Kelly’s eyes narrowed, but Maggie could tell she had her doubts as well. “I just don’t know where.”

  “Aha. See.” Even if she wanted to hide the smirk, she couldn’t. Maggie didn’t want to be right about Nick. He always seemed to have too much free time on his hands. If he was in college, she’d understand why he wasn’t working.

  It was hard to deny she felt attracted to Nick. His charming smile and handsome looks were hard for any woman to ignore, but the last thing she needed was to end up with a deadbeat like her biological father. That was one mistake her mother had made that she was determined not to repeat in her own life. “Don’t even bother getting any ideas like Katie had of fixing me up with a friend, or a boyfriend’s friend.”

  Before they were even dating, it didn’t take a genius to see that Katie had feelings for her boss. Not with the way she talked about him all the time, and how he would help her study after work. Maggie’s suspicions proved to be right. It turned out Wade had been crazy about Katie for a long time. Maggie had really only agreed to go out with him to see who the guy Katie kept talking about was, and she had silently hoped that he had a friend he could have introduced her to as well. Maggie remembered that night well, and not because she was out with Wade. She thought she had seen Nick seated behind her in the restaurant, so she kept trying to use her compact mirror to see. The man’s back was toward her, so the most she ever glimpsed was a brief view of the side of his head when he turned to address his waiter. It didn’t matter, she told herself.

  Katie’s wedding hadn’t provided her with any opportunities to meet eligible bachelors—at least any with secure incomes. Sadly, Nick was the most interesting person she talked to at the reception. Maybe Maggie was doomed to remain single. She sighed. “We better get going if you want a chance to play kissy-face when we drop off your boyfriend’s lunch.”