A Side of Faith, Hope and Love: The Sandwich Romance Novella Collection

by Krista Phillips

  Beth frowned. “His heart? Is something wrong?”

  Maddie rubbed a hand over her belly. “Oh my goodness. I didn’t realize you didn’t know. Yeah, they found a hole in his heart. It’s complicated to explain, but his is quite big so they are afraid they’ll have to go in and close it. Evidently a lot of them are small enough that they just require monitoring and it closes on its own. It’s hard to tell for sure until he’s born, though, so they’ll run more tests once the big day comes. We found out back in November when Adam took over as my doctor.”

  Just the thought made her nauseous. She wasn’t around babies very often, and the thought of one so tiny having to have heart surgery—she shivered at the idea. “I had no idea. I’m so sorry.”

  Maddie smiled and gave her belly a pat. “I’ve had a few months to get used to the idea. It’s scary, but I’m finally accepting it a little. Trusting in Jesus because it’s all we really can do right now.”

  “I’ll definitely be praying for little Matthew.”

  “Thanks. They could arrive any day now. I wanted to have this little shindig today before they—” She stopped and winced.

  Beth’s pulse pounded. “Are you okay? Is it—?”

  The little prego woman shook her head. “No. I think one of them just kicked really hard or something. It’s weird. They’ve been doing it on and off all day. My belly will get all hard when they do it. It’s like it doesn’t like them kicking. Crazy kids.”

  Knowing zip about pregnancy herself, Beth just smiled and pretended like she understood the feeling. “Do you need to sit down?”

  “That’d be nice. I see Reuben and Garrett already abandoned us for the kitchen. Everyone else is already here I think, and the pizza came just before you did.”

  Following behind, they entered the massive kitchen/dining room already set up with two extra card tables.

  Familiar faces dotted the room, all engrossed in lively conversation.

  Tilly, her best friend, and her doctor husband, Adam.

  Rachel and Cameron, newly dating but getting more serious by the minute from the look of her tucked close to him.

  Allie, Reuben’s sister, and her husband, Stew.

  And of course, Reuben and Maddie, and Garrett who stood talking to them.

  It was a fun little group.

  If Maddie hadn’t been pregnant, chances were they’d all be outside playing football in the snow or some other crazy stunt.

  Tilly caught her eye and motioned her over. “Beth, you’ve been way too busy lately. I feel like it’s been weeks since we talked.”

  Beth rolled her eyes. “We were just at your house for dinner last Sunday, and we bowl together every Tuesday night. Five days doesn’t count as weeks.”

  “Bowling doesn’t count. Plus, you’ve been running off about two seconds after the last frame ends lately. What’s up with that?”

  It’s only been the last two weeks, but Tilly was right. Beth was deathly afraid of being questioned about Garrett so was using every avoidance tactic in the book. “The shop has just been crazy busy. Sierra misses work half the time. I need to figure out what to do about her. And with Valentine’s Day coming up, it’s just going to get worse before it gets better.”

  After Valentine’s Day, she’d be single again and would probably beg Tilly to play an extra ten frames with her. That is, if Tilly was still talking to her after she found out about the prank.

  A hand slipped around her waist, sending shivers up her back. “Talking about me, ladies?”

  She elbowed Garrett in the side, effectively creating an extra inch between them. She needed that inch to be able to breath semi-normal. “In your dreams. Are you so conceited that you think every time ladies chat that it must be about you?”

  “On the contrary, Tilly was wearing a wicked frown a minute ago. That’s what made me wonder. I tend to have that effect on ladies.”

  “True that.”

  Tilly rolled her eyes in a dramatic move. “Oh good grief. I suppose I have you to thank for my best friend’s odd silence of late?”

  Before Beth could defend herself, Garrett planted a kiss on her cheek. “Now, Tilly, I don’t kiss and tell. I’m going to get some pizza. You ladies want any?”

  Her friend’s eyebrows almost met her hairline. “Actually yes. Supreme. Three pieces. I’m eating for two, remember?”

  Beth refused to put a hand on the spot on her cheek that tingled from his kiss. Act normal, dummy. He’s just playing his part. “Uh, pepperoni. Thank you.”

  The moment Garrett stepped away, Tilly slid in closer. “Kiss and tell? You are in so much trouble for not telling me about this.”

  Think fast. “It—it just happened this afternoon. The kiss part.” Truth. At least there was that.

  Tilly grabbed her in a hug. “Oh, I’m so happy for you. Garrett is perfect for you, Beth.”

  Oh yeah. Just perfect.

  She looked over Tilly’s shoulder and caught Garrett’s eye as he piled pizza onto plates.

  His wink and smile were like pouring sour milk into her already queasy stomach.

  It was all fake.

  Garrett might be perfect for her, but she would never be perfect for him.

  And somehow, someway, she needed to come to grips with that before she made a complete fool out of herself.

  Twelve

  Beth added the last rose to the bride’s bouquet, tilted it just right and stood back. Perfect.

  Her only February wedding this year, thankfully, considering her help was scattered.

  She was going to have to hire another helper soon, that was all there was to it. It was just so hard to let go of control.

  Sierra was proving to be of little help. She’d promised she would keep up on her schedule better and had apologized profusely for not being honest about the skiing trip the other week.

  As usual, Beth had been a big wuss and let her keep her job.

  She’d been on time ever since, but shocker, here it was, another busy day with a wedding deadline, and Sierra was nowhere to be found.

  And Valentine’s Day was less than two weeks away.

  Picking up the bouquet, she headed toward the cooler where she was storing the rest of the flowers.

  She was halfway across the room when the back door slammed open. Her foot hesitated and caught on something, sending her falling to the ground and the bouquet flying through the air.

  Her body landed on the cement floor none too lightly, her hip taking the brunt of the fall. When the world stopped spinning, she pushed up to see Garrett standing above her, a sheepish look on his face, the bouquet in his hand. “Sorry about that. But if it’s any consolation, I caught the bouquet.”

  To laugh or cry? That was the question. “You do realize that means you’re going to be married next, right?”

  He reached a hand down to help her up. “That only counts if it’s the bride throwing it. And last I checked, you weren’t married yet, so I’m good.”

  “Lucky for you.”

  He wiggled his eyebrows. “Or not.”

  Refusing to take his playful bate, she grabbed the bouquet from him, made a quick inspection to make sure it was still perfect and put it safely in the cooler. “To what do I owe this middle-of-the-day visit?”

  “Babies.”

  She turned to him. “Babies? You have a pretend expectant wife on the side I don’t know about?”

  He pulled off his stocking cap and leaned back against the work table, his black boots crossed and his hair going all crazy. Goodnight, nurse! He looked way too sexy standing here in her shop. “Not me, goof. Reuben and Maddie. Today is D-day. Evidently Maddie was an imp yesterday and had been having contractions on and off all day but didn’t realize it. Adam wasn’t happy that we’d all been there, and she hadn’t said anything. They headed to the hospital in the middle of the night. Tilly said last she talked to Adam, the babies were doing great and expected to arrive in the next few hours if all goes well.”

  “That’s amazing!
I’m so excited for them.”

  “Tomorrow’s my day off at the restaurant. I thought maybe we could drive up and see them after you’re done with work?”

  It was a good hour or more drive to Chicago. Could her heart survive that? “Uh, I’m not sure. It’s been crazy busy here lately, and I have a wedding tomorrow.”

  He quirked an eyebrow at her. “Someone is getting married on a Tuesday?”

  Okay, so it was a small wedding, an older couple who wanted something private but pretty, and having it during the week gave them a good excuse not to invite a lot of people, the groom had explained. Still, they wanted a traditional bouquet and a few pieces to put on the table behind the pastor. And for Beth, it was a good excuse to beg out of a few hours of heart-torture. “Yes. Not everyone gets married on a Saturday. Plus, Tuesday is bowling night.”

  “You know good and well Tilly won’t be there tomorrow night.”

  “But I still have work. I’m up to my ears in orders, and Sierra called off again today.”

  He drummed his fingers on the metal counter. “What are you doing about that?”

  “About what?”

  “Your delinquent employee. This is what, the second time she’s bailed on you in the last two weeks? Even Pastor Calvin seemed to think you should fire her. What gives?”

  Beth shrugged. “I’ve never fired anyone before. And I know she needs the money.”

  “If she needs the money, she should work.”

  True words right there. But she kept hoping the girl would quit so Beth wouldn’t have to be the bad guy.

  Just—after Valentine’s Day.

  “I’m afraid tomorrow is a no-go. I’m sorry.”

  He picked up a discarded flower and twirled it between his fingers. “I think you’re lying.”

  She furrowed her forehead. The man had some nerve. “Lying? About being behind on work? I’d be happy to show you my schedule for the week. And I’m not sure what business it is of yours.”

  “Don’t get me wrong. I know you’re busy. But I think the real reason you won’t come tomorrow is that you’re afraid.”

  “Afraid? Of what?”

  He tapped the rose to his chin. “Maybe afraid wasn’t the right word. Embarrassed. That’s more accurate.”

  She shook her head and turned to grab the next order sheet. This conversation was ridiculous and making her even more behind. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “Don’t I? You were like a little, scared butterfly all evening yesterday. I think you’re embarrassed because we kissed in Mom’s kitchen yesterday.”

  She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, willing her heart to slow down. Never in a million years did she think he would bring up that stupid kiss. Surely he would know she wouldn’t want to talk about it. Was he trying to tease her about it? Or was he wanting to make sure she didn’t think anything of it?

  That was probably it. He just wanted to make sure she wasn’t reading anything into it.

  “It—it wasn’t even a kiss, Garrett.”

  He reared back his head. “It wasn’t?”

  “More like—a peck. And we both know it didn’t mean anything. We were pretending. Just—let’s not go there again, okay? It was kind of weird.” If amazing and body-tingling equaled weird.

  He paused, his eyes studying her. Then he pushed off the counter and stood up straight, tugging at his coat. “Of course. I just—wanted to make sure you didn’t think it meant anything more than that.” His words were terse and abrupt, or maybe she’d just imagined that?

  “Well, if that was all this was about, I really do need to get back to work.”

  He glanced at his watch. “Yeah. I need to get to the restaurant too, especially with Reuben gone. In fact, I probably shouldn’t take a day off tomorrow either, now that I think about it. Tilly will want to be up there, and we shouldn’t all be out of town.”

  “Alright then. See you later?”

  He handed her back the rose he’d been holding. “Probably Sunday.”

  She nodded. “Sounds good.”

  He mock saluted and walked out the door.

  Beth grabbed the nearest chair and sank into it, clutching the rose in her hand.

  How in the world had she gotten herself in this deep? She’d been comfortable being single. Dating occasionally, living vicariously through the weddings and anniversaries of others as she prepared their flowers. Perfectly content with her single existence, with married life being a “maybe someday” kinda thing.

  But in the last few weeks, Garrett had waltzed back into her life and now—now it wasn’t enough.

  Actually, that as a lie. It started months ago when Adam had returned and reclaimed Tilly’s heart. She and Til had been single, best friends together, and now—

  There were other singles, but she officially felt like the odd man out.

  So no, she couldn’t blame Garrett for causing her discontent.

  But he was responsible for her crushed heart.

  Opening her palm, she winced at the sight of red trickling down her hand. Stupid roses. They were just like men. Nice from a distance but get too close, and they’ll prick your heart until it bleeds.

  Thirteen

  Garrett tugged off his jeans and pulled on a pair of flannel sleep pants. Grabbing his laptop, he settled on his bed and logged onto Facebook.

  Funny how he was so against social media for years, and now he could barely go a day without checking it. He’d been right all along. It was addictive.

  Mostly he used it to stalk—or check up on—Beth. Something was up with her. Their conversation last week at the flower shop had been—strange. He hadn’t meant to bring up the kiss, but she seemed almost angry about it once he did.

  And then they’d gone all week without talking, and at church on Sunday, she’d barely looked at him.

  Noticing her name listed as available to chat, he clicked on it.

  G: Hey, you home yet?

  A few seconds later, she replied.

  B: Uh, it’s 10:30 at night.

  G: You said you were busy… so I wasn’t sure.

  B: Dude. If I’m ever so busy that I’m at the shop this late, you have my permission to haul me over your shoulder and take me home.

  Garrett squirmed. She had no idea the mental images that put in his mind. Ignoring the innuendo he was quite sure she had no idea she made, he replied.

  G: Will do.

  B: Uh, I just realized how that sounded. You know what I mean, fake boyfriend.

  G: I know. :-) So things calmed down then?

  B: Oh no. It’s Valentine’s Day week. “Calm down” is a distant dream! Sierra has been working, though, so thank goodness for that! I really need to think about hiring another part-timer as soon as I can breathe long enough to train someone else.

  G: Sounds like a good idea. U get to Maddie’s house to see the twins yet?

  B: OHMYGOODNESS! Yes! THEY R SO CUTE!!! I just want to squeeze their cheeks!

  G: Agreed. And Matthew seems to be doing well. They said the hole in his heart wasn’t nearly as big as they thought it was, so they’re hopeful he won’t need surgery.

  B: I know! Praise God, isn’t that awesome?

  G: Definitely. Hey, switching gears, you ready for Saturday?

  B: Do you mean flower-wise or booting-your-butt-to-the-curb-wise?

  G: HAHA. I mean flower-wise but both I guess.

  B: Honestly, I’m in V-day mode from now until Friday’s over. I’ll be getting up bright and early Saturday to do the flowers for the brunch. Won’t take me long, though. Going simple.

  G: And booting-me-wise?

  B: Guess I figure it can’t be too hard to pick a fight with you, right?

  G: You ARE really good at yelling.

  B: Shut up. I never yell at you.

  G: See? You just got all sassy on me. This’ll be a breeze.

  B: I’ll kinda miss you when you’re gone.

  There was no kinda about it. How could he go back
to a pre-Beth existence? He still had once last chance—Valentine’s Day. He just had to figure out how to go about it. It had haunted his every waking moment, but still no ideas, no good ideas anyway, had surfaced.

  The only one that came to mind was swallowing his pride and just blurting out his feelings and hoping for the best.

  But then he risked ruining their friendship forever. That wasn’t an option. Ever.

  For now, he just needed to keep it light until he figured out his next move.

  G: That sounds like a country song.

  B: Ya done gone did me wrooooonnnngggggggg……

  G: Now THAT’S what you gotta say to me when we break up.

  B: Consider it done.

  G: We still on for lunch Friday?

  Please say yes. Please say yes.

  B: Yes, but it really will need to be quick. I seriously can only spare maybe thirty minutes.

  G: You just stop by the Emporium, and I’ll have lunch waiting for you.

  B: NOT CHICKEN.

  G: What? You don’t like my chicken?

  B: I’m not sure I will ever be able to eat chicken again. OHHHH! That’s an idea! I can break up with you by telling them you poisoned my food again! DONE!

  G: Uh, let’s not. I’d like to still have a job when we’re done with this charade.

  B: Party-pooper.

  G: That’s what I love about you, Beth. You’re so eloquent with your words.

  B: Aim to please, love-bug.

  G: Now that IS a country song.

  B: Okay, now you’re just getting silly. I’m going to bed.

  G: Night pumpkin.

  B: Night chicken-ruiner.

  Garrett closed the top of his laptop and laid it on the nightstand. Turning off the lamp, he sunk back in bed and closed his eyes.

  He only had four days to make this amazing woman who was everything he wanted and needed, who gave as well as she got, who made him completely go crazy just thinking about her, realize that he was her other half.

  Fourteen