The Valentine Verse: A Contemporary Christian Romance

by JoAnn Durgin

  “Especially after Mr. Fielding passed away so young from a heart attack—only in his early 40s—and Charlotte invited me to come to Cherish to work for her, I felt this was to become my new home. I have traveled to many places in the world I might not have seen otherwise, and I have had a full and happy life.” She nudged Vara’s shoulder. “Even with the cold temperatures here. Being from Florida, I know you must feel the same.”

  Vara smiled through a few tears. “I do. Minneapolis has become my home, as well. My dad wanted me to return to Florida after the relationship with Daniel ended, but I’m glad I stayed. I know that God had His purpose. It’s becoming even clearer with each passing day.”

  The older woman gently brushed the back of her hand over Vara’s cheek. “You, young one, are a beautiful girl with so much living and loving to be done in your life. As I have said, please do not allow your bad experience with one man who hurt you to harden your heart. That would be the greatest tragedy. I’ve found that our circumstances in life—both the good and the bad—shape and define us. They also help us to learn and grow. If we trust our heart to the Lord, and allow Him to guide our steps, then we need to also believe that when He brings people into our lives, He is doing so for a reason.”

  A wistful expression covered Rosalinda’s face. “I’ve watched Thornton grow from a mischievous boy begging for attention into a rebellious teenager who defied authority. And now, would you look at him? I couldn’t be more proud. He’s become a man of integrity and strong principles. More than that, he’s a man who holds God close”—she moved her fist over her heart—“and that is something no one can value highly enough. The Lord knows he’s not perfect, but Thornton is a rare man indeed.”

  Vara’s smile emerged. “Was that speech for my benefit?”

  Rosalinda laughed quietly. “Just an observation, child. You are good for Thornton. I dare say you are a blessing for all of us.”

  “You’re very kind. Coming here to Cherish has been a blessing in my life although I’m sorry for the underlying reason.” Vara shifted on the bed. “I’m concerned about Charlotte. Her level of progress seems to have slowed in recent days. Do you know if something in particular is bothering her?”

  Rosalinda’s smile faded. “I’m afraid she’s expecting Thornton to leave us again soon.”

  “You’ve mentioned that before.” Try as she might, Vara couldn’t tamp down her feelings of disappointment.

  “I believe the stroke has forced her to face her mortality and to acknowledge she is not invincible,” Rosalinda said. “It’s my prayer that Thornton will be able to find projects where he can work from the house and not travel as much in the next few years. Then again, that would be stifling him, and I know Charlotte doesn’t want that. Nor do I. We both want him to enjoy the freedom to come and go as he pleases and according to his projects.

  “She thrives in his presence. But, she is clinging to him more now. In some ways, I feel that is understandable.”

  Vara nodded. “I agree. Even for the strongest of persons, a stroke is a frightening event.”

  “In the times when you’re not here, she demands his attention,” Rosalinda told her. “In some ways, I couldn’t blame Thornton if he needs to escape. We could all use that every now and then.”

  “Especially when it’s so cold,” Vara said. “Not being able to get out isn’t helping the situation. Rosalinda, why do you think Thornton was such a prankster as a boy? Do you know if his father was the same way when he was younger?”

  Emotion flickered in Rosalinda’s eyes, sadness perhaps, but it was gone as quickly as it appeared. “I can’t answer that, Miss Vara.” She blew out a sigh. “With his parents gone so much, I have to wonder if that prompted Thornton’s antics. Perhaps he acted out because he missed them and longed for their company. A boy needs his father, and with his grandfather gone from this Earth so young, he often had no solid father figure to guide him. Charlotte did the best she could, but a boy always needs his father.”

  Laura’s similar words about Thornton came to mind. “Quality of time is every bit as important as the quantity,” Vara said. “Perhaps I’ve said too much, and I have no knowledge of the relationship between them. Besides, it’s really none of my concern, and I shouldn’t be asking so many questions.”

  Covering Vara’s hand once more, the older woman gave it a brief squeeze. “You care about him, and that makes it your concern. Thornton’s parents meant well, and they did the best they could, as we all try to do. They were accustomed to traveling and being away from home. They took Thornton with them early on. Before the age of five, he had traveled to more countries than most people will ever see in a lifetime. Then he came of school age, and it was time for him to put down solid roots per Charlotte’s insistence.”

  “That was when Thornton began to stay here in the house more?”

  Rosalinda nodded. “Yes. He liked being here. However, his antics and rebellion continued and then grew worse before he finally settled down.”

  “I hope he wasn’t ever in any serious trouble with the law.”

  “Minor offenses. He was never the ringleader, but for a time, Thornton kept company with a group of privileged boys who believed they were entitled to tamper with things they did not own.”

  Vara frowned. “Stealing?”

  “Petty vandalism, that sort of thing. It helped that Mr. Fielding was an attorney held in high regard here in town.”

  “Thornton’s father was also an attorney?”

  Rosalinda nodded. “Thornton paid his recompense by participating in community service projects. He came to enjoy those projects, and it fostered a love and appreciation for helping others. Now he helps the Town Board plan and carry out their projects. That’s where he is today, in fact. He rolls up his sleeves and donates his time and efforts, depending on the need. If he’s in town, Thornton’s not one to sit idly on the sidelines and leave others to do the work.”

  “Do you know where those other boys are now?”

  “As far as I know, only one still lives here in town. He owns a realty office. The other boys are scattered about the country, but I don’t know that Thornton has stayed in touch. He’s made many wonderful friends, and I believe that’s another reason he enjoys his travels.”

  Rosalinda smiled. “First and foremost, and as I mentioned, my dear boy allows the Lord to guide his life. That’s my advice to you, as well, child. When you can give Him complete control, He will make your paths straight.”

  “You’re right,” Vara said. It’s the complete part that can be pretty difficult sometimes.”

  “Very true, but in my own life, it’s when I’ve taken my eyes away from Him, that is when I have faltered.”

  Vara kissed Rosalinda cheek. “Thank you for sharing your life with me today and reminding me of what’s most important. I’ll never forget it.”

  Releasing Vara’s hand, Rosalinda rose to her feet. “I’m sure Charlotte is wondering what we have been doing for so long. It is time for you to try on this lovely gown. You’re an inch shorter or thereabouts than Charlotte when she wore it, so the length may need a slight alteration. If you’d prefer, I could shorten the dress so that it will fall mid-calf instead of down to the floor.”

  “That might save the hemline from collecting dust, but I’d prefer to leave it longer and preserve the original design if at all possible. I can wear higher heels to compensate.” Vara laughed. “Hopefully, I wouldn’t fall flat on my face.”

  “You’re quite graceful from what I’ve seen, child.” Rosalinda slipped the dress from the hanger and pulled down the side zipper. “Charlotte’s primary concern is for Thornton to be happy. Seeing you in this dress should accomplish that very well. Shall we try it on now?”

  Vara lifted from the bed with a smile. “Yes, we shall.”

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Saturday Night

  Benito’s Restaurant, Minneapolis

  Thornton Fielding in a navy blue suit and red silk tie was a knee-weakenin
g sight to behold. He was waiting when Vara arrived at the restaurant, wearing a smile reserved only for her and holding three, long-stemmed red roses tied with a satin bow. As she walked toward him, Vara’s heart skipped more than a few beats.

  Taking her hand, he kissed her cheek. “Good evening, beautiful.” She was still wrapped in her wool coat, so he had yet to see her new pale green silk blouse. Thornton seemed to like it when she wore any shade of green, and she’d picked it up the day before at her favorite store near the hospital. She’d liked it even more since it came with a clearance tag.

  He’d had his dark hair trimmed and oh, that cologne! The musky scent filled her senses. Maybe she should find out the name, buy a bottle, and spritz it on her pillow. She’d be guaranteed sweet dreams.

  Distraction, thy name is Thornton Fielding.

  Sure, she might be getting ahead of herself, but if her family could see her now, they’d be jumping-up-and-down thrilled. Her sparkle was back! She’d need to send out the word—tomorrow.

  “Thank you. You look very dashing tonight yourself.” Vara eyed the red roses. “Is there a special significance to the number of the flowers?”

  “They represent you, me, and—”

  “Charlotte?”

  “Not quite.” With a grin, he rubbed a hand over his jaw. “I was thinking more along the lines of the One who introduced us.”

  Vara sighed. “Your faith inspires me.” This was definitely the best start ever to a first date. Faith, dinner, roses, and a wonderful man. She couldn’t imagine anything better.

  “We already have a table,” he told her after checking in her coat. With one hand on her back, Thornton escorted her into the dining room. “How’s my marathon girl? Did it go well?”

  “Well, you can congratulate me. I finished! That’s the biggest and best news of the day.”

  “Congratulations, and not that I doubted it for a moment.” He helped Vara with her chair and then took his seat across the elegantly set table.

  “I totally wiped out once, fell down twice, and only took someone else down for a one-half turn with a twist.” She laughed. “All in all, not a bad day.” She breathed in a deep sigh of satisfaction. Soft music played in the background and the soft candle and floral centerpiece on the table added to the romantic ambience.

  He chuckled. “The one-half turn with a twist sounds like figure skating.”

  “Another skater wiped out directly in my path, so I grabbed the poor guy next to me to try and keep my balance. He lurched for the wall, fell to his knees, and then did a little twisty-turn maneuver while still holding onto the wall. I just pray his back isn’t feeling the effects of that twist.”

  Thornton winced. “I hope not, either. You are truly talented, Vara Poppalotamus.”

  She laughed. “I think you’re running out of names. Didn’t you use that one before?”

  “Couldn’t prove it by me, but I don’t think so.”

  “I was also able to make it here to Benito’s on my own speed tonight. No limping required.”

  The server delivered her glass of water. Lifting his glass, Thornton toasted her. “Congratulations again. I am very proud of you.”

  “Thank you.” Vara took a longer than usual drink of water. “I guess I’m replenishing. Of course, I feel fine now, but I have the feeling I’ll be sore tomorrow.”

  “No matter how conditioned you are, you expended a lot of energy during an extended period,” Thornton observed. “I’m sure it happens to athletes who do this all the time, too. But it’s a great feeling, especially knowing you earned a boatload of money for childhood cancer research.”

  Hold on a second. Ding ding ding. It’d been a hectic day, but how could she have missed something so obvious? In her mind, Vara could hear Sofia advising her to connect the dots.

  Zooming around on roller skates half the day might have had something to do with it. Those silly love beads had whacked her in the face one time too many until—afraid of bruising—she’d finally yanked them off in frustration. The cheap necklace had broken, and the beads had scattered all over the floor, creating a tripping hazard. It hadn’t been her finest hour, and not the first time her impatience had gotten her in trouble, but thankfully other skaters helped her to quickly retrieve the beads.

  “Something wrong?” Thornton dropped a lime in his water glass and took another drink. He didn’t seem especially concerned.

  “Thornton, how did you remember the marathon was for the childhood research fund?”

  “How do I remember a lot of things? If I’m invested, I listen.” He started to fiddle with his fork, tapping it up and down on the linen tablecloth. “Why do you ask?” Up. Down. Up. Down.

  “I think you know.”

  He lifted his brows. “What do you mean?” Good thing the man wasn’t an actor. His feigned indifference was actually rather amusing. Tap tap tap.

  “Something interesting happened shortly after I arrived at the roller rink. One of the organizers ran over to me, excited to tell me how she’d taken a phone call from an anonymous donor who’d pledged a large amount for every lap that I completed.”

  “Vara, I—” Tap tap tap.

  “In fact, it was one of the largest pledges in the history of Mercy Grace fundraising events.”

  “Vara, please—”

  Tired of the fork tapping, she reached for his hand, stilling his fingers. “With the addendum that no matter how many laps I completed, the pledge would still be paid in full. The organizer who took the call said the man had a very nice voice and sounded smart and sophisticated.” The woman had actually used the word sexy, but there was no sense in sharing that detail with Thornton.

  “I’m sure you know a lot of men who fit that description. Not that I’m thrilled about that, but I’m thankful you’re here with me tonight.” He rubbed a hand over his beard and wouldn’t look her in the eye, a sure sign of guilt. In his case, adorable guilt if such a thing existed.

  “Yes, I know many people through my work at the hospital, but the clincher? She said the man made her swoon. Why, you might ask?”

  He traced small circles on the tablecloth with one finger. “I can’t begin to imagine.”

  “He quoted Oscar Wilde. She said it wasn’t like he was reading it. The words just rolled off his tongue. Effortlessly.”

  “Is that right?” Thornton’s lips twitched, but he continued to avoid her eyes.

  Vara rose from her chair and moved around the table. Resting her hand on a Thor-worthy, Italian suit-covered shoulder—trying not to breathe in too deeply of his sigh-inducing cologne—she leaned close to whisper in his ear. “I only know of one man who can do that. Thank you for contributing to the cause.”

  In an unexpected move, Thornton turned his head and captured her lips in a quick, memorable kiss. “It was my honor.”

  Vara smoothed one hand over her skirt as she returned to her chair. “As usual, your timing is impeccable, Mr. Fielding.”

  “I try.” Shaking his head, Thornton chuckled. “Are you sure you’re not up for a good, old-fashioned marriage of convenience? I hear it works out extremely well for some couples. I think we—as in you and me—could be one of those couples.”

  Grabbing her napkin, Vara threatened to toss it at him. This was a fine dining establishment, and she needed to contain herself if they were to ever be welcomed here again.

  Their server arrived with an individual loaf of hot bread and olive oil for dipping. After Thornton asked the blessing, Vara found it difficult to concentrate as they nibbled on the bread and waited for their dinner salads.

  She needed to tell him about Daniel. No time like the present.

  “Thornton, it’s time to tell you about Daniel.” She’d be glad to get the story out in the open, and then they’d never have to discuss the man ever again.

  “I don’t want to push you, Vara. Just tell me this—are you over him?”

  “You’re not pushing me at all, but I want you to know what happened.” Here goes. “Six mo
nths ago, I might not have said I was over him, but now I can definitely say that I am. It’s not even a matter of being over him since I’ve never thought about wanting him back. That’s not the issue.”

  Thornton broke off another piece of bread, his brow creased. “What’s changed in the last six months?”

  “I met you, for one thing.”

  As expected, her response prompted his small smile. “Good answer, but I’m sure there’s more to it than that.”

  “I was finally able to forgive Daniel. That’s what changed. Truthfully, it was sitting in the parking lot of the Cherish library on the morning of the book sale.” She’d said the words quietly, but he’d heard.

  “Really? That recently?”

  “That recently,” she confirmed. “I’d talked to my sister, Sofia. Then Joanna called. I’d been listening to Christian radio, and—in the way only God can work—I kept getting the nudge to forgive Daniel. Then Joanna told me to forgive him. And then a song about forgiveness played. All things considered, I figured God was giving me a pretty big sign that it was way past time to forgive the man.”

  Thornton smiled. “I’m glad to hear it. Do you feel…lighter?”

  “Much lighter.” She found his phrasing interesting, but it was true. “The burden of an unforgiving heart is much heavier than surrendering it to the Lord. My shoulders aren’t wide or strong enough. He’s more capable of handling the pain than I am. I’m also learning that when bad things happen, in order to heal, we need to look beyond ourselves. He’s the God of living water, and He can cleanse us from the inside out. And that’s what I needed—a renewal of my spirit.”

  “Wise words,” Thornton said. “In other words, we need to die to ourselves.”

  “Exactly.” She swallowed, pondering her words. “Not being able to forgive Daniel was like having a thick veil over my life. I’d allowed the bitterness to take control and blacken my heart. I finally decided it was time to put a stop to it all. I prayed and asked the Lord to drain away all the anger and gunk inside me because I couldn’t live with it anymore.”