He stopped, praying for God to give him the right words. He knew Zack had to be hurting. If Callie had been in the wreck, Kirk would be reeling, begging God to explain why He took the woman he loved. The thought of it tightened his stomach and bile rose in his throat. He cleared his throat. “That’s true, but sometimes we feel like it comes too soon.”
Callie glared at him. “It’s God’s will. Are you arguing against God’s will?”
He shook his head. “Not for a moment. But sometimes we don’t understand it, and what He allows to happen in this world hurts.”
“Don’t you believe He’s sovereign?”
“Yes.”
“So He allowed it?”
Kirk nodded.
Callie blew out a long breath. “I believe that, too. The Bible says it, so I believe it.” Her lips lifted in a slight grin. “How many times did we say that at church growing up?”
Kirk offered a weak smile. “A lot.”
“Greta said it, too.” Callie turned back toward Princess. She held the bridle as she rubbed Princess’s nose. “You know Greta and I were close when we were kids. Used to spend the night at each other’s houses.” She shrugged. “Then we went to middle school and ended up in different cliques. You know how that happens.”
He knew. He and several friends parted ways once the sports craze hit. Some of his elementary school friends found love in computers and video games. Kirk didn’t care about throwing balls around or playing with electronic gadgets. He enjoyed working on the farm.
“We all hung out some in high school, though. Remember the time that big group of us went sledding?”
Kirk smiled. A bunch of them had gotten together and headed to Mason’s huge hill. Only problem was at the bottom of that hill was a creek. After a few too many times sledding, he and Callie ended up hitting that creek, breaking through the ice and getting drenched from the waist down. Kirk laughed. “Took hours for you and me to dry off in front of Mason’s fireplace.”
Callie added, “And I don’t think his dad was very happy about sharing his clothes with you.”
Kirk laughed. “No, he wasn’t.”
Callie sobered and turned away from him. “God says He’ll be glorified in all things.”
“Even this death.”
Callie turned toward him. “I know. I’ve seen it a dozen times over. One of my patients would pass on, and God would use their death to bring children or siblings back together. And yet...”
“It’s still hard.”
“And we’re still never ready.”
Kirk looked at the pond. It was his favorite spot on the farm. One of peace and quiet, where he could kick off his boots, feel the firm earth beneath his feet while he held a fishing pole in his hands. He could bask in the song of the crickets and frogs and inhale the fresh scent of God’s nature. He found refreshment and renewal here.
It was Callie’s favorite, as well. First place she went to when sorrow called on the phone. He had to believe God could use this spot to heal her, as well.
“I’m glad I came back, Kirk. I missed your family. And you.”
He swallowed. Everything in him wanted to shout from the mountain peaks that he’d never stopped loving her. But his spirit still nudged him to wait.
“I’ll be able to go to Greta’s funeral. Say goodbye. I’m glad for that, as well.”
Kirk didn’t move. He begged God for the words to say. How much. How little.
She grinned. “Aren’t you going to say anything?”
“I’m glad you’re back.” The words slipped from his lips without hesitancy. He wanted to say more, but for now that was enough.
She nodded as she unhooked Princess from the tree. “I suppose we should go back and pass around a few hugs to the family. See if anyone needs anything.”
He helped her climb into the saddle then hopped onto Thunder’s back. He liked the way she’d said that, as if they were her family, too. Because they were, or they would be, as soon as she would have him.
Chapter 11
Many in the community still reeled from Greta’s death, and Callie prayed for Zack daily as he tried to adjust to life without her. As expected, good things had come from the tragedy. Two people in the church received Jesus into their hearts, and some of Greta’s extended family had reunited.
Callie slipped on her rhinestone-studded red flip-flops, then tied a matching fat red ribbon in her hair. She rarely wore lipstick, but she adored the community’s Independence Day celebration, so she painted her lips bright red. Gazing at her reflection, she knew she looked cheesy, but she didn’t care.
Their community needed uplifting, and the Fourth of July was the perfect day to experience it. She walked to the main house and opened the back door. Emma and Emmy squealed when they saw her. Emma pointed to her lips. “I want red, too!”
Callie pulled a clear, shiny lip gloss out of her purse. “How ’bout some shine for the two of you?”
Emmy nodded and puckered her lips while Callie applied the gloss.
Emma crossed her arms in front of her chest and harrumphed.
“Or none,” said Pamela.
Emma dropped her hands and puckered her lips. Callie slathered on the gloss then winked at Emma. “You look beautiful, darling.”
“What about me?” asked Emmy.
Callie tickled her belly. “Of course, you do, as well.”
Pamela motioned to the door. “Come on, girls. We have to go.”
Callie’s chest tightened for her friend. Since Greta’s death, Pamela’s countenance had changed. She seemed to enjoy taking care of herself, fixing her hair and makeup, and she was ready to start college classes in the fall, but a hardness seemed to have set up in Pamela’s heart.
Callie prayed for her. She knew bitterness all too well, and it always took more than a person wanted to give. Having upgraded to a walking cast, Tammie hobbled into the room with Mike a few steps behind her. “Ben has already left, so it will be just you and Kirk in the truck. Is that okay?”
“No problem.”
Tammie kissed her forehead. “You look so cute, dear.”
Callie’s heart warmed. She felt so much a part of this family. More so than before she left. Nothing would make her run again.
Tammie pointed to the counter. “Mike, grab the cole slaw and corn on the cob. Callie, you and Kirk will have to take the pies and cookies.” She placed her finger on her mouth. “Pamela must have taken the chicken out to the car already.”
Mike grabbed his dishes. “We got them.” He motioned to the door. “We gotta go, or we’ll miss the blessing, which means we’ll be last in line for food.”
“Oh, hush.” Tammie swatted the air, but she hobbled to the door. “Kirk will be here in a sec. He had to go back to his house to pick up the soft drinks.”
“You go on ahead. We’ll meet you there.” Callie picked up the pie and tray of cookies and walked to Kirk’s truck. With the doors locked, she placed the dishes on the hood of the truck. She watched him walk out of the house with two twelve packs of soft drinks.
He looked adorable in his bright red polo shirt and blue jeans. He still wore his cowboy boots and his oversize belt buckle with two cows grazing in front of a barn and silo. The same one he’d worn in high school, and she couldn’t deny she loved the old thing. Seeing him, gorgeous as ever, sent her knees to knocking, and Callie didn’t know if she’d be able to keep her secret until the fireworks.
In too few strides, he covered the distance between them and placed the drinks in the truck bed on her side. He fished in his front jeans pocket for his keys and unlocked her door.
Callie shook her hands beside her legs and stomped her foot. “Oh, no, I can’t take it.”
He frowned. “Can’t take what?”
“I can’t wait un
til the fireworks.”
His lips drew up into a slow grin that almost had her pressing her own against them. “Well, Callie, it won’t be but a few hours. I know you like to watch them—”
“No. I mean I can’t wait to tell you.”
“Tell me what?”
“I love you, Kirk.”
He took a step back as confusion etched his brow. Okay, so that wasn’t exactly the reaction she’d expected, but the blame couldn’t fall on him, she’d spent her time trying to run away from him.
She clasped her hands in front of her waist. “You heard me. I love you.”
“Callie.” He grabbed her arms with both of his hands and stared into her eyes. “Did you say what I think you said?”
“For crying out loud, boy, how many times does a girl have to say it?” She wiggled free from his grip. “I love you. I wanted to wait until the fireworks, but I couldn’t stand it. I had it all planned in my mind, but you just looked so cute in your red shirt walking toward me, that I—”
She realized he’d leaned down and his lips were mere inches from hers. She placed her finger on his mouth. “Now that can wait. I already ruined it by telling you before we even ate dinner. I want our first kiss since I came back to be during the fireworks.”
He grinned. “But our first kiss won’t be at the fireworks.”
“The last one doesn’t count.”
“Counted to me.”
She rolled her eyes. “Okay, so it kinda counted to me, too. But I still want to wait until the fireworks.”
“Only if you say it again.”
“Say what?” She grinned, knowing exactly what he wanted.
“The three words I’ve waited over five years to hear again.”
“I love you.”
He touched the bottom of her ponytail and twirled her hair around his finger. “I love you, too, Cals.”
* * *
Kirk watched as Callie filled her plate with a spoonful of each of the Fourth of July smorgasbord of food. She’d promised him a kiss during the fireworks, and he planned to find the perfect place for her to make good on her word.
He spied the old oak tree that sat to the side of City Hall. They’d shared many a quick kiss there during their high school years. It was the perfect place to hide from parents or nagging friends. And it’s just the right spot for tonight.
Getting in the food line, he filled his plate and joined Callie and his parents in the lawn chairs they’d set up on the grassy area on the other side of City Hall. “Where is everyone?”
Tammie wiped her mouth with a napkin. “Haven’t seen Ben since we got here, but Pamela took the girls to ride a couple of those carnival contraptions.”
Kirk nodded, remembering the electric train, Ferris wheel and blow-up rides behind the stores on Main Street. In addition to the community potluck, people had put up vending carts of snow cones, kettle corn, cotton candy, fresh lemonade and more. Craft vendors, small business owners and various political candidates set up booths, as well.
His dad turned to him and said, “Son, Mom and I’ll need to take the truck before the fireworks so we can be sure to be back at the B and B before the guests’ return.”
“No problem.” His dad handed him the car keys, and Kirk gave him the truck’s. So much for a quiet drive back to the farm.
He wouldn’t begrudge taking Pamela and his nieces home. Callie had promised him a kiss, and she’d told him she loved him. He itched to reach over and take her hand in his, but she’d just chomped into a cob of corn. Butter dripped from her fingers, even a bit from her chin. He chuckled as he took a napkin and wiped it off her face.
She grinned, exposing pieces of corn between her teeth. “Fanks.”
He shook his head, and she wiped her mouth and hands then leaned close to him. “Still wanna kiss?”
“Yes.”
She laughed as she picked up the corn again. Kirk bit into a piece of fried chicken and watched the people walking by. He spied Zack, his arm in a cast, walking by his parents. His hair had grown almost to his shoulders, and he was in desperate need of a shave. His clothes were rumpled, and Kirk wasn’t sure he’d have recognized him if he weren’t with his mom and dad. Kirk put down his plate and turned to his family. “Be right back.”
He caught up with Zack and fell into step beside him. “How are you doing, man?”
“Horrible.”
“But he’s here,” his mom said.
Zack looked at Kirk as he pointed to his chest. “Yes. I’m here.”
There was no mistaking the sarcasm in his voice. His friend hurt, and Kirk couldn’t blame him. “I’m really
sorry.”
Zack looked forward, staring past the crowd, the food, the vendors. “Me, too.”
“I’m praying for you.”
“I need it.”
They turned on the side street leading to the rides and more vendors. Kirk didn’t follow, but whispered another prayer of comfort for his friend.
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Ben playing a ring toss game. His brother handed the man a couple of dollars, tossed the rings, lost and then handed him some money again. He walked to the booth. “Hey, Ben. Whatcha doin?”
Ben held the small ring between his pointer finger and thumb. He flicked it. The ring hit the top of a bottle then bounced onto the ground. Ben pointed to the cheap, overstuffed dog. “Gonna win that.”
Ben handed the man another bill. It was the third time Kirk had seen him give the guy money. “Who you winning it for?”
Ben shrugged. “One of the girls, I guess.”
Kirk grabbed his brother’s arm. “Why don’t you stop, man? Spend your money on something else.”
Ben scowled. He pointed to his jeans pocket. “It ain’t your money, so butt out.”
Kirk raised his hands in surrender. “Fine. If you want to throw away your paycheck...”
“Maybe I do.”
Disheartened, Kirk walked away from his brother. He knew Ben to be competitive, but he’d never before seen that look of pure determination. Sucking in a deep breath, he didn’t have a clue what had come over his brother, but whatever it was wouldn’t bother him today. Today was all celebration.
He started back toward Callie and his parents when someone grabbed his shirt. He turned and saw Emmy with Emma behind her. Pamela wore an exhausted expression. “I’m hungry. They want to play. If you go with them, they can have another half hour.”
His sister had seemed angry and bitter lately. His mom asked him to pray for her, and he had been, but today he could see the frustration in her expression. He didn’t know what was happening to his siblings.
Both girls clasped their hands and begged for him to allow them to play awhile longer. He couldn’t resist his nieces. After a quick glance back at Callie, he was happy to see she seemed deep in conversation with his mother. He grabbed the girls’ hands and headed back to the rides. “Thirty minutes. You got it?”
“Got it!” they yelled in unison.
Two hours later, Kirk dragged the girls to Pamela. They were hot and hungry, and he was exhausted from trying to keep up with both of them. Pamela took them to the picked-over tables, while Kirk plopped into the lawn chair beside Callie.
“Where’s Mom and Dad?”
“They left.” She pointed to the sky. “Almost dusk.”
He picked up the soft drink he’d gotten several hours ago and took a long drink. Grimacing at the taste of the watered-down, syrupy liquid, he placed the cup back on the street.
“How ’bout this?”
Callie handed him a cup of fresh-squeezed lemonade. He took a long swallow. “Much better.”
She chuckled. “Are you saying children wear you out?”
“Yes!”
She laughed again. “
Well, it’s a good thing I’m perfectly content to sit right here. What if I’d wanted to ride a few rides?”
Kirk lifted his hand. “Absolutely not.”
After one more drink, he put the cup on the ground and took Callie’s hand in his. She intertwined her fingers with his, and Kirk offered his thanks to God. Callie, his Cals, had come back to him within weeks of him surrendering his feelings for her to God. He couldn’t be more thankful or filled up with praise.
Feeling refreshed, he stood and pulled up Callie. “You wanna take a walk?”
“What about the fireworks?”
“We’ll still be able to see them.”
Callie narrowed her gaze at him as if unsure she should trust him. “I suppose.”
He held her hand in his. If it were up to him, he’d never let it go again. They walked past the crowd and toward the oak tree.
She smiled up at him. “I believe I know where we’re going, and we won’t have a very good view of the fireworks.”
“Good enough for me.”
“Me, too.”
They reached the tree, and Kirk drew her into a quick hug. “I didn’t know how long it would be until I would hear those words again.”
She pointed to the ground. “Let’s sit.”
He felt like a heel. He should have brought the chairs or a blanket or something. He sat beside her and took her hand in his again.
“I’m a little surprised myself.” She brushed back her bangs with her free hand. “I mean, I’d been praying and reading His Word, and I knew He wanted me to be free of the pain of the past. But when Greta died...” She shook her head and exhaled a deep breath. “I knew I didn’t want to spend however much life I have left without love.” She gazed at him. “Especially your love.”
Kirk’s heartbeat raced in his chest. His stomach churned as it did the first time he kissed her. He leaned forward. “Now?”
She nodded as she released his hand and placed both of her palms against his cheeks. Thrill shot through him when her lips touched his. He wrapped his arms around her and drew her closer. Her fingernails gently scratched his neck as she moved her hands into his hair.
A Heart Healed Page 9