She wiped the tears from her eyes and rested her head against the headboard. Peace like she’d never known filled her. She needed to tell someone. Her first thought shot to Ben, but she wasn’t ready to face him. She grabbed her cell phone and speed-dialed Laura.
“Hi, Meghan. I was just thinking about you. How are you doing?”
“Better actually.”
“I’m so relieved. I felt horrible about springing your mom’s death on you like that.”
“Yeah, that was a shock, but she’s been dead to me for a long time. Now I know she didn’t refuse to return because she didn’t love me. She never came home because she couldn’t.”
“Exactly. I told my mom everything, and she wanted me to tell you that your mom had planned to come back for you, but she never had the chance.”
Meghan’s throat burned. Things could have been so different, and though it still hurt that her mom had left, it hurt a lot less once she understood the reason. It didn’t make up for the years of feeling unlovable, of trying to overcompensate with others because of it, but today was a new beginning.
“Why didn’t your mom ever tell me any of this, Laura? I mean she could’ve as easily picked up the phone as you.”
“Mom knows how close we are. Plus, she felt guilty since your mom was her younger sister. I don’t know. It almost seemed like she blamed herself that your mom left. I don’t know how she would’ve stopped her, though. Everyone knows what a determined woman your mom was.”
“Even I remember that. When she got an idea in her head, there was no stopping her.” Meghan sighed. Talking about her mom made her sad.
“Why’d you call?”
“I have news.”
“Good news, I hope.”
Suddenly shy, Meghan rubbed her jaw. “Umm, well...I became a Christian today.”
Laura squealed. Meghan jerked the phone from her ear until the noise stopped.
“I’m so happy for you! We have to celebrate. Why don’t you come over for dinner tonight, and I’ll throw some steaks on the grill? I’ll bake a cake and we’ll have cake and ice cream to celebrate your new birthday.”
“Slow down. I don’t know what you’re talking about. I had my birthday a couple of weeks ago, and no one noticed.” Actually, she’d forgotten, too, until Laura had mentioned celebrating.
“Oh my goodness. You’re right. I completely spaced on your special day! Why didn’t you say something?”
“I was distracted by other things.”
“Well, this is perfect. We will celebrate your birth in Christ and your thirtieth birthday all at once. Come over when you get off work. I’ll take care of everything.”
“I’m at home. I took a sick day.”
“That’s reasonable considering everything. Bring Cassie along tonight, if you’d like.”
“I might. Thanks.”
“Okay. See you tonight.”
Meghan ended the call and grinned. She hoped her cousin kept things simple.
* * *
After the clinic closed, Ben sat at his desk debating what to do. Meghan hadn’t come to work, and he knew it was because of him.
Last night on the phone with Pete, Ben had managed to avoid answering any of his questions directly. But Ben had known after they’d hung up that things would be tense between them until he fixed things with Meghan.
A rap on his doorjamb made him look up. “Pete!” He stood.
“Meghan is having dinner at her cousin’s house tonight. Keira and I were invited. Laura made it sound like some kind of celebration.”
“Why are you telling me?”
“Thought you might be interested in joining us.”
“Come again?” Had the world turned on end? Why would Pete invite him anyplace he knew Meghan would be? Granted, he hadn’t told him the whole story, but the man was smart enough to figure it out.
“Come or don’t come. Up to you, but I think you might have fun.”
“Not with Meghan shooting daggers across the table at me. No thanks. I’ll pass.”
“You can’t avoid her forever.”
“I thought she called in sick today. What’s she doing socializing?”
Pete looked at him like he’d grown a second head. “You can’t seriously believe she was sick. She skipped work because of you. For which I hold you responsible. You should come tonight. I think it’d be a great opportunity for the two of you to talk surrounded by people who care about you.”
“Thanks, but I don’t think anyone there will be on my side.”
“I promise to remain impartial.”
Ben raised a brow. “You’re good friends with her family.” He shook his head. “No thanks.”
“Your loss. See you tomorrow.”
Ben considered Pete’s invite for about two seconds before following him. “What time’s this dinner?”
“It’s in thirty minutes. You know where they live?”
He nodded. “You sure it’s okay if I come?”
“Laura said to invite you.”
“Okay. Thanks.”
“You’ll be there?”
“Maybe.”
He’d felt that the Lord had been telling him to leave Meghan alone. Then again, that was yesterday. What should I do now, Lord?
* * *
Ben pulled up behind Pete’s car and parked in front of Mitch and Laura’s house. Pete and his little family waited beside their car. Ben got out of his truck and strode toward them.
“Glad you made it.” Pete clapped him on the back.
“Thanks.” He smiled at Pete’s family. “Hi, Keira. Cody.” He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I suppose we should head inside.”
Keira grinned and grasped her son’s hand. “That’s probably a good idea.”
Pete walked beside him to the door. “You nervous?”
“Should I be?”
Pete chuckled. “I would be if I were you. But, don’t worry. I’m sure everything will work out.”
“Easy for you to say.”
Mitch swung open the door. “Glad you came. We’re out back. Meghan’s already here.”
Ben kept pace beside Pete. The backyard had been transformed. Lights were strung along the awning above the patio. Streamers wrapped around the support beams, and a huge helium-filled balloon bouquet perched atop a rectangular wood table. A sheet cake decorated in a Hawaiian theme boasted Happy Birthday Meghan! in blue icing.
He didn’t know it was her birthday. He was the last person that should be here. Maybe it wasn’t too late to slip out. He looked around and didn’t spot Meghan—good.
“What are you doing here?”
His heart rate kicked into overdrive—too late. He plastered on a smile and turned toward Meghan’s voice. “I was invited. Happy birthday.” A frown tugged at her full lips. Her hair hung in soft waves around her face, and she wore jeans and a purple blouse with frilly sleeves. “You look lovely.”
She crossed her arms. “Thanks. Look, about everything, maybe it would be best if we forget...well, you know. I can’t continue to miss work, and since you own the only veterinary clinic in town, we need to move on from what happened.”
He stuck out his hand. “Truce?”
She wrapped her fingers around his palm. “Agreed. No more funny stuff?” She released his hand and eyed him with caution.
He nodded. “I promise. From now on, I’ll be my normal boring self.” As he recalled, she’d accused him of being boring not too many months ago.
She chuckled. “Well, maybe we shouldn’t regress quite that far. I rather liked the Animal-Magnet side of you.” A twinkle lit her eyes. “I hope you’re hungry. Laura made enough food to feed a small country.” She motioned to the table where platters and serving bowls had been plac
ed since he’d arrived.
“No kidding. Are you expecting a small country?”
She laughed and tugged on his arm. “Come on. Let’s eat.”
Ben wondered at Meghan’s transformation. It was like she was a new person. She glowed from the inside out. “I didn’t realize it was your birthday today.”
“It’s not, but my cousin insisted on giving me a party. It’s a two-for-the-price-of-one kind of thing.”
“Two birthdays? Who else is celebrating?” They’d stopped walking, and she suddenly looked shy. Something was definitely different with Meghan. He’d never seen her like this. What was up?
* * *
Meghan’s cheeks grew warm. Ben looked at her expectantly. A tingle zipped through her. She loved this man more than she’d realized and couldn’t imagine him not being in her life. But, could they really go back to the camaraderie they’d had together online?
He cleared his throat.
Right, he was still waiting for an answer. “My actual birthday was a couple of weeks ago, but Laura said today is my spiritual birthday.”
He grinned “That’s awesome!” He pulled her into a hug. “I’m so happy for you, Meghan. I was afraid my actions might have turned you away from the Lord. You have no idea how relieved and happy I am.”
She tipped her head back and peered up at him. “I think maybe I do.” Ben had never held her like this and he didn’t seem in any hurry to let her go. She felt so right in his arms—like she belonged there. Yes, she had been incredibly hurt by his actions, but once she’d had time to think, she had realized the Animal-Magnet thing didn’t matter. In fact, because of their online relationship, she felt she knew him deeper than she would have otherwise. Ben was a man of integrity, even if he wasn’t perfect.
The warmth in his gaze sent shivers through her body. When he looked at her like that, all she wanted to do was kiss him.
“Are you cold?” He ran his hands up and down her bare arms.
“I’m good. Thanks.”
He gently brushed a strand of hair away from her face. “I love you, Meghan.”
She gasped, and her pulse raced like a runaway train. “I love you, too, but I never imagined you felt the same.” Had it only been a couple of months ago that she had set out to find the perfect woman for him? Who would’ve thought she would be that woman?
“How could I not? You make me crazy. You make me laugh. And you make me want to be a better person. What’s not to love?” His gaze focused on her mouth. She closed her eyes as his lips brushed hers.
She opened her eyes, saw love reflected in his and knew they’d never go back to the way things had been. She’d changed—they’d changed. From today forward, she knew this man would be a huge part of her life.
“It’s probably too soon to ask you this.” He lowered to one knee and reached for her hands. “But I know in my heart you’re the one for me, forever. I love you, Meghan. I want to be there for you in the good times and the bad. Will you marry me?”
Sudden tears blurred her vision. “Yes, Ben. I’ll happily marry you, just so long as you promise there’ll be no more secrets.”
He stood and pulled her into his arms again. “I promise,” he whispered, then lowered his mouth to hers once more. Meghan’s toes curled as he deepened the kiss.
Whistling and clapping broke their moment. Her eyes fluttered open and she glanced to her right. Everyone had gathered to laugh and cheer them on. Her cheeks burned, and she buried her head in Ben’s chest, which shook with laughter.
The group began singing the birthday song.
Ben spoke softly into her ear. “Everyone here wants to celebrate with you, Meghan. Let’s join them.”
“If you insist.” She knew her friends meant well, but all she wanted to do was stay in Ben’s arms—but there’d be time for that later. She moved to his side and grinned when he entwined his fingers with hers. The song ended and she blew out her birthday candles. “Thanks, but what about all the food?”
Laura waved a hand. “You know dessert always tastes better before the meal.”
Pete clapped Ben on the back then looked at Meghan. “I guess this means you’ll be at work tomorrow?”
She nodded. “I wouldn’t miss it.” She shot Ben a shy smile. They’d been such a mismatched couple, but God had molded them both, and now they were a perfect match. For the first time, she truly understood what real love was. Maybe it was because of Ben, or maybe it was her newfound faith in the Lord. Whatever the reason, she knew she was loved.
* * * * *
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ISBN-13: 9781460345214
A Match for Meghan
Copyright © 2015 by Kimberly R. Johnson
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A Match for Meghan (Heartsong Presents) Page 16