by JoAnn Durgin
“There’s only one true Vara.”
“And there’s only one true Thornton.”
Lifting their cups, they toasted one another—carefully. They were quickly falling into a familiar routine. Did Vara still wonder who was behind the chalkboard quotes? He’d wait a while longer and see if she figured it out. If not, then he’d tell her.
“Speaking of children, do want them someday?” He took another sip of his coffee.
Her gaze snapped to his. “Goodness, Thornton. You sure get straight to the heart of the matter, don’t you? Good morning. Consider yourself kissed. Do you want kids?” Lowering her gaze, Vara inspected her cup as though it was the most important thing in her world.
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.”
“You didn’t scare me,” she said slowly. “It takes more than questions about my childbearing plans to offend me.”
He lifted his cup to her again. “Touché. Well-played.”
“I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised by your question considering all your love talk the first time I met you.” She did like to remind him of that.
“Perhaps it wasn’t my finest hour, but you were a worthy and irresistible adversary,” he said. “Since it led us to this moment, then I say all the better. I wouldn’t have changed a thing.”
Vara laughed. “I take pride in my job, but if a guy who makes functional prototypes and static scale models, has a fun sense of humor, loves Jesus, and kisses really well happens to be related to my patient, then so be it.”
Thornton chuckled. “You’re good for me. Take a breath.”
She smiled, inhaled deeply, and then released it. “However, if you kidnap and drag me to the local pastor or Justice of the Peace, I reserve the right to rethink that opinion. In case you’re wondering, I’m definitely not into a marriage of convenience. I want it all.” She frowned. “Not that you asked.”
His grin escaped. “Good to know.” He’d ask her to define all another time.
Leaning halfway across the table, Vara beckoned him closer. Man, she smelled fantastic. He hadn’t noticed the scent of perfume around her before. He couldn’t presume she’d worn it for him this morning, but for now, he’d bask in its benefits.
“Please don’t go making big plans, Thornton.”
“I think it’s a realistic question. Since I was an only child, I’d like at least two. I’m curious how you’d answer since you’re the middle child of five.”
“The 2.5 child, you mean? And it’s six.”
“Oh.” He did a mental tabulation.
“I’m number three. Still the middle child since there are three more after me.”
“You’re not a halfway kind of woman in any sense of the word,” he observed.
“Neither are you a halfway kind of man.” She shook her head. “Somehow, that doesn’t sound politically correct. To answer your question, I’d like two children, maybe three. Doesn’t matter whether or not they’re boys or girls. You?”
“One of each would be nice if the Lord blesses.”
“Thornton, can we switch gears here? I’d like to hear how you came to know the Lord. Cherish Community is where you attend services?”
She was right to change the subject. Kissing a woman and then asking how many kids she wants the very next time you see her wasn’t exactly the wisest strategy.
“That’s right.” After taking a drink of his coffee, Thornton began his story. “I was raised in that church, but I didn’t go every week. When I did go, it was usually with my dad because I wanted to be with him. He was smart, and I liked spending time with him. Sitting in a church pew was one way to do that, so I’ll admit my reasons for being there weren’t spiritually oriented.
“Dad spent long hours at his office, and he wasn’t always home for dinner. When he was home, he didn’t speak much and always seemed preoccupied with business. He was good to my mother, and he made a good living so she could stay home if she wanted. They weren’t open with their affections and emotions, but I knew I was loved. Then, after my mom died, I went to church mainly because I missed her, and it was my connection with her. But another part of me railed at God for taking her away.”
Compassion radiated from Vara. “I’m sorry.”
He shrugged. “No reason to be sorry, really. He was a good dad when he was around. That’s why I’m determined to be the kind of father who’ll always be around.” He cleared his throat. “I don’t intend to be a halfway kind of dad. In that regard, I want it all, too.”
“You’ll be a terrific dad someday,” she said. He hoped so, and he appreciated Vara’s belief in him.
He’d gotten off-track, but telling Vara about his parents was important. “When I was 20, everything I’d heard in church all those years finally started to kick in. I went forward to the altar at the end of a Sunday morning worship service, and I stayed on my knees until a long time after the sanctuary emptied. There I was—Dad on one side and Pastor Paul on the other—as I poured out every sin I could remember. I figured if God kept a tally like I used to believe Santa Claus did of all my naughty and nice deeds, then I was in big trouble and needed to confess it all.”
“That’s sweet in its own way.” Vara rested one hand on his arm. “You took it seriously and wanted to make sure you got everything out of your system.”
He grinned. “Sometimes I wonder if I remembered everything. I’m sure Dad was shocked by some of my confessions, and I’m certain he and Pastor Paul exchanged a few interesting looks. It might have cleared up a few mysteries around town.”
“Hopefully your prayers aren’t as lengthy these days.” She squeezed his arm.
“That was the marathon prayer to end all prayers, but I’d never felt more whole than I did after asking Jesus to live in my heart. I experienced a freedom I’d never known before. With all my travels in the past five years, I’ve become the master of prayer in all sorts of venues—airport lounges, hotel suites, or even when I’m walking with my eyes wide open. I know God hears my prayers. It doesn’t matter where I am. I know I joke around a lot, but my faith is integral to the way I live.”
“I know.” Vara’s eyes misted. “That’s beautiful, Thornton.”
“Enough about me,” he said. “I’d much rather hear about you.”
“I was twelve and suffering the first pangs of unrequited puppy love,” she said. “Tony walked with me to the beach and sat me down. Then he told me that I would always be loved by a man named Jesus. He explained how God loves us so much that He sent Jesus—his Son—to die a horrible death on a cross for me, in my place, and for my sins. No one had ever put it in such simple terms for me before, and it made sense. I admired how Tony lived his life, and I wanted to have that same kind of spark that I could see in him. Everything fell into place, and I told Tony I wanted to know Jesus the way he did.”
“It was your time,” Thornton said quietly.
“And yes, God’s timing. Tony led me in prayer, and not only did I ask Jesus to live in my heart, but I…well, I also asked Jesus Christ to be my boyfriend.” She laughed a little. “Don’t worry. Tony set me straight on that, but it’s like what you said about Charlotte. You want her to know how Jesus loves her with a fierce passion and wants to be the lover of her soul.”
“Tony is your oldest brother, the linebacker?”
“None other. Tony was a leader in the church youth group at the time, but he’s continued to model the kind of energy and enthusiasm we should all have for God’s service. I think you’d like him.”
“I’m sure I would. First of all, I’d thank him for leading you to the Lord. And then I’d badger him about being a fan of any one of the Florida NFL teams.”
“I thought Minnesotans didn’t badger.”
“You’re learning.”
“Secondly, he likes the Broncos.”
Thornton groaned. “That’s even worse. Tell me more about this hospital event with the kids on Saturday.”
He’d caught her mid-sip. “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.�
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“Yeah? Try me.”
“We’re roller skating to raise funds for childhood cancer research. Don’t laugh, but it’s a disco-themed marathon. I’m not sure how long I’ll last, but I’ve been hitting the gym in the evenings and cycling on a stationary bike. When I first started training, I was so sore that I’d go home and soak in the tub with Epsom salts. It’s gotten easier now, so there’s hope I’ll last long enough to make good on all the pledges I’ve gathered.”
“Disco, huh?” Thornton waggled his brows. “Will you be wearing cute little satin hot pants?”
“You wish!” She shook her head. “Like that’s the most important thing.”
“Priorities, after all.”
Vara winked. “I’ll bet Charlotte has a pair of hot pants stored at the house.”
“I wouldn’t doubt it. Now there’s an image I’d rather forget.”
“I found this fab pair of striped bell bottoms, platform shoes, fake granny glasses, and love beads. I thought I’d curl my hair, and someone loaned me a Make Love, Not War headband.”
“Please get photos. I need to see Vara the Disco Queen. Are you sure you need the headband? Remember, it’s for the kids. You don’t want to give anyone the wrong impression.” He was only halfway teasing.
They talked quietly together as they finished their coffee. When Vara rose to her feet, he helped her into her coat. “I’ll walk out with you.”
“That’d be lovely. Thanks.” Vara gave him that lovely, shy smile as they both went through the motions of bundling up for the outside elements. Putting his hand on the small of her back, he guided her through the coffee shop, ignoring the looks from other patrons. Let them look all they wanted. Thornton Fielding was done worrying what others thought. He’d fallen hard for this woman, and he didn’t care who knew. He was proud to be seen with her.
“Well, now. Aren’t you two the perfect candidates for this year’s Cherish King and Queen?”
Vara turned her big green eyes on Andrea. “Like at a prom?”
“Crowns, capes, maybe even scepters,” he told her. In truth, he’d forgotten about that aspect of the Valentine Dance. “Tradition has usually dictated that the royal honors go to one of the older couples in attendance. It’s not necessarily even a couple, but a man and a woman who’ve somehow made a difference in Cherish, and for any reason, during the past year.”
“Last year the honor was mine and Arnold’s, so it’s definitely not a beauty or a popularity contest. Thornton hasn’t attended in a few years.” Andrea winked at Vara. “You’ll be doing the ladies in town a favor by getting this handsome man in a tuxedo.”
“I’m usually out-of-town, you flatterer.”
“You’re our favorite eye candy.”
He laughed. “Glad to oblige. It’s nice to be appreciated in your own time.” Not that he needed ego strokes, but the compliment was gratifying.
“It sounds like a fun tradition.” Vara hooked her arm with his. “I’m glad you’re in town this year, and I’m honored to be going with you.”
If he weren’t in the middle of the coffee shop, he’d kiss Vara for that statement. He’d remember her smile and those words as he listened to some of the Town Board members. They had a tendency to grow long-winded and drone on about mundane issues.
“I can’t wait to see the photos,” Andrea said. “Arnold and I are covering for Sue and Jon at The Cherish Diner. They’ve missed a few years, so we figured it’s their time.” She shrugged. “Who knows? It might even be their year to win the title.”
“And that’s what’s called ministry-in-action. That’s a very nice gesture. We’ll see you soon, Andrea.” Thornton planted a quick kiss on her forehead. He’d never kissed and hugged the ladies so much as this trip home. For some reason, it seemed natural. Based on their smiles, they seemed to like it.
He pulled the collar of his gray wool overcoat higher and then opened the front door for Vara as they stepped outside. An inspiration hit him at the same time as the cold morning air. “Are you still having trouble with the heater in your car?”
“Unfortunately, yes. Why?”
“Hand over the keys, please.”
She gave him a curious look. “Why? If you need a ride to your meeting, all you have to do is ask.”
He chuckled. “If you’re agreeable, I thought I’d swing by my mechanic’s place with your Hyundai. He can service it while you’re working with Charlotte. When it’s done, the guys can drive it over to the house.”
“But how will you—?”
“Shh. Let me do this.” Thornton put one gloved finger over her lips followed by a quick kiss. “I want to keep you warm.”
“I don’t think that’ll be a problem.”
He held out his hand and wiggled his fingers. “Keys?”
She dug them out of her coat pocket and dropped them on his palm.
“Wait. I’ve got a better idea.” He guided her back inside. “Hang on. I’ll be right back.” Calling for Ron, Thornton met him on the far side of the counter. As expected, Ron readily agreed to his plan.
“All taken care of,” he said after returning to Vara’s side. “Ron’s going to drive your SUV over to the mechanic’s shop. It’s only a couple of blocks away, and I can vouch for Ron’s driving. If you’re not okay with that, speak now.”
“That’s fine,” Vara assured him. “Thank you for forcing me to be proactive, but I insist on paying for the repair work.”
“However you want to handle it. Just know I’m more than happy to help. Whatever you need.” He figured that was the best way to handle it in case Vara was currently strapped for cash. He wanted to protect her without the gesture being perceived as pushy. “You need a good heater. I hate to think of you shivering all the way from Minneapolis to Cherish and back.”
“Shivering on down the highway.” She tossed him a grin. “That sounds like a song. I should be fine as long as your mechanic’s rates aren’t astronomical.”
“He’s fair and does a great job. Next order of business. Let’s get you in my Jeep, and I’ll run you over to the house.” He tucked her inside and then slid behind the wheel seconds later.
Vara glanced around the leather interior with obvious appreciation. “I’ve always loved Jeeps, although I’ve never driven one. Is it new?” She drew in a deep breath. “It smells new.” She checked the air freshener.
“I hate those new car smell fresheners. I bought the Jeep a couple of years ago. Regrettably, it sits in the garage a majority of the time.”
“Do you ever drive to your assignments?”
“I’ve been known to hit the open road, but I generally fly and then rent a car since most of the projects are a good distance away.” He started the engine and made sure Vara was buckled in before putting it in gear. “You look like you belong in my Jeep.”
She gave him an impish smile. “Then maybe you’ll let me drive it sometime.”
“Don’t push your luck.” Positioning his sunglasses, he chuckled and pulled the Jeep away from the curb.
“Thornton, I won’t wear the headband for the skating marathon. I’ll make a bandana out of a scarf or something. I’ll figure it out.”
Reaching for her hand, he rested their joined hands on the console. “This still doesn’t mean you can drive my Jeep anytime soon.”
“We’ll negotiate.” She settled back on the seat.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Later That Morning
As she worked with Charlotte, Vara could tell Rosalinda had something on her mind. She’d checked on them frequently and now sat quietly in the living room as they finished.
“Charlotte, we’ll keep working on this same group of words and phrases next time.” After talking with Thornton about how well she’d been doing, her patient’s progress this morning had been minimal at best.
Vara began to pack the supplies into her bag. “How are you today, Rosalinda?”
“I’m well, Miss Vara. Charlotte and I were indeed pleased to hear that you’v
e agreed to go to the Valentine Dance with Thornton.”
She smiled. “That’s right. Thornton has a way of being very persuasive.”
When Charlotte snorted, they both looked her way. At least it was a reaction.
“Do you have a gown to wear to the dance?”
“I have a couple of formal evening gowns, but they’re not colors I’d normally wear for a Valentine-themed event.”
Vara zipped her bag and lowered it to the floor. Not that she wanted to spend the money, but she might be able to find something at one of her favorite consignment shops.
“Charlotte has a number of gowns upstairs,” Rosalinda told her. “They’re considered vintage now, of course, but they’re quite spectacular. We’ve kept them in storage for years. I have one in mind that I think would look spectacular on you. Would you like to see it?”
“Oh, I would! That sounds like fun.” Vara directed a smile at Charlotte. “It’s very kind of you, Charlotte. Thank you.”
With a slight smile, Charlotte waved her hand in the direction of the stairs. “You…are…welcome. Go on…now.”
After climbing the winding grand staircase, Rosalinda led her through the upstairs. The door to Charlotte’s room was closed, but Vara’s steps slowed as she walked past Thornton’s bedroom.
The room was tidy except for a few loose clothing items strewn over an armchair. A bachelor’s haven, it featured dark wood furniture, a plaid comforter on the king-sized bed, a stuffed bookcase, and shelves with trophies. Framed certificates and degrees adorned the wall along with abstracts of—what else?—flying machines. The colors of the bedroom were predominantly bright blue and yellow, no doubt in homage to the University of Michigan. Sure enough, a U-M Wolverines banner and pennant held places of honor on the far wall. As she moved on, Vara caught sight of a book on the desk. The cover looked like Passion and Purity.
Rosalinda cleared her throat and beckoned from the end of the hall.
“Sorry.” Vara gave her a sheepish smile. “I was admiring his room.”
“I think in some ways, Thornton still believes Charlotte is disappointed that he chose to attend Michigan. But nothing could be further from the truth. Michigan is called ‘the Harvard of the West’ for its high standards.”