by JoAnn Durgin
“While you’re having your meat raffle?”
Thornton chuckled. “You remember that comment?”
“I remember most of what you say.”
“Is that good or bad?” His breath tickled her ear, sending shivers skittering down her spine.
“Generally good. We’d better hurry up and finish getting our food if we hope to dance before the evening is over.”
“Glad to know you’re eager. No worries, my sweet. We’ve arrived at the desserts now, so we’re almost done. This is kransekake. It’s an almond-flavored, Danish/Norwegian dessert eaten traditionally on Christmas, New Year’s Eve, baptisms, weddings, and birthdays.”
Vara eyed the tall creation shaped like a Christmas tree with a skeptical expression. “I’m not touching it. It reminds me of Jenga. If I took some of this, the whole thing would come tumbling down. I lose that game every time, so it’s not gonna happen.”
She brightened when she saw the next item on the buffet table. “Yes! I see something that I can name. This, my friend, is potica.” Vara added the rolled cake with sweet walnut filling to both their plates. “Some of the nurses bring this in during the holidays. It’s really very good.”
Thornton picked up a couple of plastic-wrapped sweets in a basket. “Maple Nut Goodie?” He handed her one and tucked the other in the outside pocket of his tuxedo jacket. “And next, want some 1919?”
“You’re talking about the root beer, right?”
“None other.”
Vara smiled. “Sure. What could be better to wash down this strangely wonderful food?” She was aware 1919 Draft Root Beer was the state’s signature pop and created during the Prohibition. “I thought it was only on tap.”
“True, but The Cherish Diner brings it in special for this event.”
Fifteen minutes later, they sat across the table from Ron and Laura in the biography section of the atrium level. Vara had to admit, the food was delicious, and the tradition of serving Minnesota-based favorite foods was a fun one.
As they finished their dessert, Vara jumped in her seat when a woman began to sing at the bottom of the grand staircase. Myrna. She moved one hand over her heart. “I wish someone would announce when she’s going to do that. I’m thankful I didn’t have a mouthful of food.”
Beside her, Thornton chuckled.
“When Myrna begins to sing, that means they’re about to announce the Cherish King and Queen!” Laura said.
“If we’re all done here, why don’t we head downstairs?” Thornton rose to his feet and held out his hand to her. “They have a staff to clean up,” he told her when Vara started to collect their plates and dinnerware.
With Laura and Ron beside them, Vara and Thornton began to slowly make their way down the grand staircase as Myrna sang “Over the Rainbow.” Vara lifted the hem of her gown, and Thornton kept a steadying hand beneath her elbow. Her heels were higher than usual to compensate for the gown being longer, so she appreciated his presence.
When they reached the main floor, he moved his arm around her shoulders. “Have I told you how beautiful you are tonight?”
Warmth filled her cheeks. “Thank you. You make me feel beautiful. I’m honored to be with the most handsome man here tonight.” She slipped her hand in his as Thornton dropped a light kiss on her lips. In front of God, his family, and his friends in Cherish. Being acknowledged publicly did more for Vara’s heart than he could know.
He’d chosen her. He wanted to be with her.
Thornton loved her.
And Vara loved him. So much. The man who’d encouraged her to always pray. The man who’d advised her to find her self-worth and confidence apart from anyone else. Who’d taught her not to devalue who she was because of one failed relationship. The man who’d helped her see that her value was knee-deep and soul-deep in a man who’d died a King on a cross at Calvary.
Lyrics from the old hymn, “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms,” popped into her mind.
What a fellowship, what a joy divine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
What a blessedness, what a peace is mine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
Leaning, leaning,
Safe and secure from all alarms;
Leaning, leaning
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
Because she loved Jesus first, Vara was free to love a man, an earthly man who modeled a Christ-like faith to the citizens of the small town in which he was raised. He’d been a mischievous child, but Thornton’s behavior had been caused by unrest, not by a hardened soul. He’d shown love to the citizens in this town, and in return, the townspeople loved him dearly.
Vara’s gaze moved about the room. She didn’t know many of these people, and she’d lost count of the citizens of Cherish who’d introduced themselves tonight, telling her anecdotes and personal recollections of Thornton’s younger years or stories of Charlotte and her husband. It seemed most everyone in town had a story about the Fielding family. Many stories, actually. How wonderful to belong to a town so deeply ingrained in the fabric of its people.
She suspected she’d begun to fall in love with Thornton in Andrea’s Coffee Shop that first day she’d met him in mid-January. Only a month ago, and yet in some ways, it seemed a lifetime ago. A month filled with warmth, laughter, and memories. Love in the making.
During their Valentine’s Day dinner at The Cherish Diner, Thornton explained that when he would leave to go on an assignment, he wasn’t leaving her behind. He wouldn’t be leaving them.
“Vara, you asked me if I had another home,” he’d said. “I told you my home was here in Cherish. That was true, but the meaning of home has become even richer and deeper since I’ve gotten to know you.
“Home isn’t just a place. Home isn’t just walls and doors and windows. It’s a place where your family lives, the people you love and who love you back unconditionally. That’s home.” He’d moved his hand over his heart. “In here. And I’ve found home with you, Vara. Even when I’m not here physically, it doesn’t mean I’m not with you.”
Love also has nothing whatsoever to do with the length of time you know someone. Vara understood that now. She’d known Daniel for several years. Instead of their love growing stronger, they’d drifted apart. Daniel was hardworking and disciplined, and so was Thornton. Two men similar in certain ways yet polar opposites in others. Daniel was relentless in his pursuit of perfection, his quest to conquer the unattainable in both his professional and personal life.
Thornton had found the true joy in life and contentment in his identity and self-worth as a child of God. The deep, satisfying, soul-deep joy that comes from a personal relationship with the Lord. A life worth living, and a life lived well. Something she prayed Daniel would experience one day. Some people never found that contentment, and that was a tragedy.
Vara’s gaze moved to Charlotte and Rosalinda standing nearby, regal in their simple, elegant gowns. Oh, how beautiful they were. They’d traveled into the city one Saturday to meet with her, and together they’d visited a specialty bridal shop. Perhaps miraculously, they’d been able to find gowns for each of the ladies that required no alterations.
How wonderful it was to see Charlotte out of the wheelchair! Her physical therapists had been pleased with her progress, and the results were in full view this evening. Charlotte wore a rich cherry gown which beautifully offset her pale skin and soft, white curls. Rosalinda’s dress was a deep rose color, and a lovely complement for her rich brown skin.
“Thornton,” Vara whispered as Myrna continued to sing. “The gown I’m wearing tonight is Charlotte’s.”
Turning toward her, surprise registered in his brown eyes. “Charlotte’s?”
She nodded. “Yes, it’s one of her vintage gowns from her modeling days in New York. The morning you met with the Town Board and I was at the house, Rosalinda took me up to the bedroom where the gowns are kept in storage. Apparently she and Charlotte had discussed which one they thought I shoul
d wear, and this is the one they chose.”
Thornton’s gaze swept over her again in deep appreciation. “That makes it even more special.” He squeezed her hand. “I’m glad you were willing to wear it. No wonder Nana had a special sparkle in her eye when she saw you arrive tonight.”
Charlotte hadn’t been the only one with a sparkle in her eyes. Vara smiled as she recalled her arrival in the Rolls-Royce. As he’d requested, she’d called Thornton when she was a few minutes away from the library. The traffic approaching the square was heavy, and it’d taken a few minutes for James to guide the car to the curb.
Thornton waited for her on the sidewalk, wearing a smile only for her. In his hand, he held three red roses. Calling to James that he’d take care of her, he’d helped Vara from the car. Lights twinkled in the winter-bare trees and bushes, and spotlights trained on the library illuminated the Baroque architecture in a dramatic and awe-inspiring way.
Her heart had danced with an almost childlike delight as Thornton had taken her by the hand and together they’d entered the library. Outside of her relationship with God and the men in her family, never had Vara felt so protected nor so loved.
Finished with her song, Myrna dipped in a bow. “Oh…” She teetered a bit on her heels. Rushing forward, Thornton steadied her.
“How about a round of applause for Cherish’s resident songstress and librarian extraordinaire,” he said. Once they recovered from their fear that Myrna might topple, everyone applauded with enthusiasm.
When he returned to her side, Vara hooked her arm through Thornton’s. “You are a hero, Mr. Fielding.”
“Only doing what anyone else would have done.” She caught the shadow of his smile.
“But not everyone does,” she whispered. “Because you’re not just anyone. I’m having such a wonderful time tonight.”
Smiling, Thornton covered her hand with his. “So am I. The very best time.”
James waited in the Rolls-Royce as Vara and Thornton ended the evening in a small alcove to one side of the library’s spacious main lobby. The string quartet and small brass band had long ago packed up their instruments and departed, and only a few persons remained in the library, mainly those hired to do the cleaning.
Vara danced slowly with Thornton, dancing to a private love song heard only in their hearts. She rested her head on his chest, smiling. “Who could have known that Charlotte would be named the Cherish Queen for her ‘remarkable courage in overcoming the adversity of her stroke’?”
Then she heard the familiar, wonderful rumble of his chuckle. “Or Sherman named the Cherish King for his ‘exemplary service to the Cherish Town Board?’”
“Excellent choices,” she murmured. “I hope someone got lots of photos. I’ll never forget the look on Charlotte’s face, especially, when her name was announced.”
“I’m sure they did,” he said. “The image of Nana dancing with Sherman will remain in my mind. I can’t explain it, but something about it seemed so…fitting, somehow.”
“I know.” Vara looked up at him. “I had the same feeling. Who knows what might happen in the next year? After all, look what’s happened between us in the span of only one month.”
“It seems a lot longer, doesn’t it?” Thornton lightly smoothed one hand over her hair, trailing his fingers down its length. “I’m glad you wore your hair down tonight. I love seeing you with it in a ponytail, or when you pull it back in a fancy updo thing, but this is the way I love it best.”
“I know,” she said. “That’s why I wore it this way. I aim to please you. Thank you for wearing your hair down tonight, too.”
With quiet laughter, he pulled away with obvious reluctance. “Let’s make sure you’re all bundled up in your coat so I can walk you out to meet the car.”
“Thornton, thank you for the wonderful surprise of the Rolls and even a driver named James.” Vara gave him a sweet kiss, in part to express her appreciation. “I’ll never forget it.”
“There’s a reason I sent a car for you tonight instead of coming for you myself.”
Her eyes searched Thornton’s for a long moment. “I’m not sure what you mean.”
“The way I feel about you, I don’t want the temptation of being the one to take you home.”
Her heart swelled with emotion, and Vara caressed the side of his face. “Thank you for your honesty.”
“Not to sound corny, especially considering where we are at the moment, but I cherish you.” Thornton began to fasten the buttons on her coat. Something about the gesture—one of the lovely ways in which he showed her how much he cared for her—wrapped itself around her soul.
When he finished, Vara took his hand, and together they walked outside, slowly making their way down the front steps.
Inhaling deeply of the fresh, crisp night air, she smiled when she spied James opening the door for her. “This has truly been one of the best evenings of my life,” she told him. “Thank you for making it happen.”
Thornton bowed, Prince Charming to her Cinderella. But there was no glass slipper to shatter tonight. Only a beautiful evening and the loveliest of memories. Maybe such things as fairy tales did exist, after all.
At least for tonight, and with great hope for tomorrow, Vara knew she was loved immeasurably more.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Early March
Monday Morning
“Come in from the cold, Miss Vara. No need for you to ring the bell.”
“Thanks, Rosalinda.” Stepping into the front foyer, Vara glanced around in surprise as she glimpsed some of the town ladies sitting in the living room. “Did I miss something? We’re still scheduled for our final home therapy session today, right?”
“Yes, but we decided to do something a little different. I didn’t think you’d mind. Here, let me take your coat, child.”
Vara began the process of unbuttoning her wool coat. She spied Charlotte in a conversation with two of the other ladies, and that made her smile.
“Is Thornton here?”
“Miss me, did you?” As though on cue, the man emerged from the kitchen, balancing a serving tray on one hand.
“Careful there, speedy.” After shrugging out of her coat, Vara handed it to Rosalinda.
His tray wobbled. Thornton slowed and then stopped altogether in order to steady it. Vara couldn’t stop her smile as she took in his appearance—black dress slacks, white button-down shirt, black vest, and even a red bow tie.
“You sure clean up well on a Monday morning,” she told him with a smile. “What’s the occasion? Are you playing server for the day? Or the butler?” When his eyes widened and the tray tilted slightly off-balance again, she rushed forward to steady it for him.
“Thanks,” he said. “Once again, you’ve saved me from certain disaster.”
“I need to be helpful in some capacity. Are you having a tea party?”
Rosalinda beamed. “We are, actually, and this is all Thornton’s idea. He planned the event and made all the arrangements. Even ordered food from The Cherish Diner so I wouldn’t need to cook.”
He laughed. “It was the only way you’d let me into the kitchen.”
“So far, he’s not burned, spilled, or broken anything,” Rosalinda reported. “I do believe there is hope yet for you, child.”
“She has such confidence in me.” Planting a kiss on Rosalinda’s cheek, Thornton excused himself and headed for the living room with the tray. “Who wants cookies?”
After hanging up Vara’s coat, Rosalinda hooked her arm through hers. “Since it’s still so cold, we haven’t been able to get Charlotte out into the community as much as we’d like.”
“So Thornton’s bringing the community to her,” Vara said. “What a wonderful idea, and a thoughtful one.”
Rosalinda stopped with her on the threshold of the living room. “They’re playing games, cards, working puzzles, and having a grand time. I’ve heard more than a few say this is the most fun they’ve had in a while, being cooped up as th
ey are in their houses at this time of year.”
“How did they get here?” Vara noted the median age of the ladies must be around 65. She watched in amusement as Thornton moved around the room, putting napkins with cookies on tables and talking with the ladies. He could schmooze with the best of them.
“Thornton rounded up some of the men to pick up the ladies, and they personally escorted them to the front door.” Rosalinda smiled. “I’m sure I don’t need to tell you how tickled they are. They’re made to feel special, and Thornton has been so good to personally greet each one and speak with her. He has a gift, Miss Vara.”
Vara breathed out her sigh. “Yes, he does. I think everyone here in Cherish is going to be just fine.”
She’d stopped by Laura’s new boutique on her way to the house this morning. The grand opening was scheduled for the coming weekend, and Vara planned on returning to Cherish to help her celebrate. She’d volunteered to greet customers and serve coffee and sweets from Andrea’s. By her side, Ron would beam proudly and fuss over his fiancée. He’d presented Laura with a gorgeous diamond ring and proposed the week after the Valentine Dance. They planned to marry in the Cherish library on her birthday in early June.
Andrea had Vara’s death by chocolate waiting on the counter that morning as soon as she’d entered the coffee shop. Vara’s gaze had automatically gone to the chalkboard where the quotes had been written. Perhaps fittingly, they’d left John 3:16 on the board and below it, The Valentine Verse. According to Andrea, they would leave it there until the following January when the quotes would begin anew. Either someone would step up to the challenge or Thornton could assume the task once more, depending on where he was in the world.
“I think the ladies are all set for now.” Thornton came up behind her, interrupting Vara’s musing. “You seem sentimental today. Everything okay?”
When she looked at him, tears shining in her eyes, Thornton took her hand and led her into the study. “What’s up?”