More Than Words: Acts of Kindness: Whispers of the HeartIt's Not About the DressThe Princess Shoes

by Brenda Jackson

But it didn’t.

  With her heart in her throat, she dragged herself out of the van and into the office.

  Terri looked up with her usual friendly smile. “Good morning!”

  “Good morning,” Chloe managed to reply, fidgeting as she did so. “Terri, I came by to say that I won’t be able to come in this week.”

  “That’s okay, but you didn’t have to stop by. You could’ve just called.”

  “Actually—”

  “Chloe.”

  She looked up and blanched to see Andy standing in the door leading to the warehouse. His face was less animated than usual, but friendly nonetheless. “Can I see you for a minute?”

  She fought the urge to turn and flee, but nodded and made her heavy feet move toward him.

  She stepped out into the din of the warehouse, which was already buzzing with activity, voices raised in camaraderie. After the door closed behind them, she tentatively met Andy’s gaze, her pulse clicking away. “Yes?”

  He tore off a sheet of paper from a small notepad he held. “I tracked down that shipment I picked up from the bridal shop on Queen. The dresses were all delivered Saturday to the Helping Hand shelter—it houses families after natural disasters. They’ve been busy lately with all the flooding north of here. If you hurry, you can probably be there when they open. Ask for Joanie. She’ll help you find what you’re looking for.”

  Deeply touched, Chloe took the paper with a shaking hand. “I don’t know how to thank you, Andy.”

  He gave her a rueful smile. “You can thank me by having a happy life.” Then he angled his head toward Terri in the office. “She doesn’t need to know about any of this.”

  Chloe nodded gratefully and watched him walk away for the last time.

  Swallowing a lump of emotion, she returned to the office and manufactured a smile. “I was saying that I won’t be able to come in this week because I’m getting married Saturday.”

  Terri smiled back. “Congratulations!” Then her forehead creased in a frown. “Why didn’t you say something?”

  Chloe shrugged. “There was just so much going on.”

  “That’s the way it always is around here,” she said with a laugh, reaching for the ringing phone. “I hope we’ll see you in future, though.”

  Chloe nodded, but she wasn’t sure she could face the people at Windfall again, knowing how she had used them.

  She walked back to her van, holding the piece of notepaper in her fist. She unfolded it when she got behind the steering wheel, reading the address written in Andy’s neat, masculine handwriting. What an amazing man to help her after what she’d done, and to maintain her privacy.

  And right or wrong, she had to admit that she was giddy at the thought of getting her magical dress back. She was sure it would help to set her heart right again and would dispel the indefinable pangs she felt when she thought about Andy.

  With traffic and a couple of missed turns, she arrived at the Helping Hand shelter about fifteen minutes after it had opened, and found it already busy. Most of the people looked sad and worried as they picked through racks, reminding Chloe once again how frivolous her quest was compared to true misfortune. She asked for Joanie, and the woman was nice enough to direct her to the small section where the formal wear hung. To her immense relief, amid the long gowns were several telltale bags from Melinda’s Bridal Shop, with clear plastic windows for a glimpse of the dress inside. Chloe’s heart lifted in her chest—then fell to her shoes when she saw her fairy-tale dress...

  On another woman.

  The young redhead stood in front of a mirror, beaming at her reflection. The magical gown fit her like a dream, sparkling and shimmering like a mirage. Chloe met her gaze in the mirror, swallowed her own bitter disappointment and smiled.

  “You look beautiful,” she declared.

  The young woman blushed and smiled in return. “Isn’t it the most magnificent dress you’ve ever seen?”

  Chloe nodded and stepped forward. “Let me help you with the zipper.”

  “It seems to be stuck.”

  “I’ve got it,” she said, working the zipper past the rough spot she’d created when she’d ripped off the dress in anger. “There.”

  “Thank you,” the woman said, her voice full of wonder.

  “Are you getting married?” Chloe asked.

  The redhead nodded shyly. “In just a couple of weeks. But my parents’ house was flooded and my dress was ruined, along with practically everything else we owned.” Her eyes glistened with tears. “This gown is so much more beautiful, though. I love my David so much, and I know this dress will be a blessing on our marriage.”

  Chloe swallowed hard and nodded. Then she reached into the dress bag. “Look, a veil—and shoes, too. Can you wear a size seven?”

  The woman nodded excitedly.

  Chloe opened the box and removed the first crystal-studded silk mule and handed it to the young woman.

  “Oh, my,” she breathed.

  “Yes, they’re gorgeous,” Chloe said, caressing the mate. Something rolled out of the shoe into her hand, and when she looked down, she gasped. Her engagement ring winked back at her.

  Luckily, the girl hadn’t noticed, so Chloe slipped the ring into her pocket, then handed over the other shoe. “You’re going to be a lovely bride.”

  “Thank you,” the young woman said, her face aglow. “I can’t wait to be married.”

  And it hit Chloe—she didn’t feel the same way about Ted as this woman did about the man she was going to marry.

  Reluctantly, and with no small amount of shame, she admitted to herself that she was more excited about the wedding than about being married to Ted. Her heart didn’t flutter when he walked into a room, not the way it did when Andy was around. Ted said he loved her, but he wasn’t affectionate toward her. He didn’t tease her and tell her she had a great smile, or make her feel as if he’d rather eat a hot dog with her than do anything else.

  “Are you okay?” the other woman asked with a little frown.

  Chloe nodded. “I will be. Good luck to you.”

  She returned to the van and sat looking at her engagement ring with a bittersweet pang. She was infinitely relieved to have found the ring. It would be easier to tell Ted she couldn’t marry him now that she could actually give it back.

  * * *

  TED LOOKED INCREDULOUS. “What?”

  “I can’t marry you,” Chloe repeated, then placed the engagement ring in his hand.

  “If this is some kind of payback for me breaking off the wedding earlier—”

  “It isn’t,” she said. “In fact, I want to thank you, because your hesitation was a symptom of something that we both should have paid attention to.”

  “But we’re good together,” he protested.

  “That’s the problem,” Chloe said. “Neither one of us should settle for ‘good.’ Personally, I want ‘great,’ and I think you do, too.”

  His face flushed in a way that told her he’d been having the same thoughts. From the recesses of her brain came a question about the timing of his apology—after Mindy Shale’s bridal shower. She’d noticed the chemistry between them, but Ted had denied any interest in his sister’s friend. Chloe closed her eyes briefly. Why did love have to be so complicated? If his sudden bout of cold feet was indeed an indication of his feelings for Mindy, she dearly hoped he made his move before the woman married someone else.

  “Can I change your mind?” he asked hopefully.

  Chloe shook her head. “I’m not blaming you, Ted. I’ve changed. I have a new perspective on life and what’s important to me.”

  “There’s no going back after this, Chloe.”

  “I know,” she said softly. “I’ll take care of undoing everything. I’ll make sure everyone knows it wasn’t your fault.”

  His smile was rueful, then he angled his head. “I don’t know what it is, but you do seem different.”

  She released a pent-up breath. “I feel different.... I feel good.” Exc
ept when she thought about Andy and the fact that she’d blown any chance she’d had with him.

  Andy had spoken the truth—her deception had wound up hurting her more than anyone else.

  CHAPTER

  EIGHT

  THE BLARE OF A horn jarred Andy from his musing—but did nothing to improve his sour mood. Why he should be so upset on the day that Chloe Parker married another man made no rational sense. The woman had told him from the beginning that she was engaged, had never encouraged his unexplainable attraction to her, had, in fact, avoided him at every turn.

  Plus, his initial instincts that something fishy was going on had proved to be true—in the worst possible way. The fact that she’d used Windfall for her own selfish purposes was unbelievable. The only rationalization that mitigated her deceit was that she must truly love the man.

  Which didn’t make Andy feel warm and fuzzy inside.

  He wheeled the truck into the Windfall parking lot, backing up to an available loading dock. He was glad to be volunteering today. Spending a few hours at Windfall always cured what ailed him, always made him realize that his problems were small, even luxurious, in the grand scheme of things.

  When he walked into the warehouse, he greeted a fellow volunteer, then went to get a cup of coffee at the refreshment station. He tried to ignore the nagging sensation behind his breastbone. There was no use lamenting a never-was relationship with a woman he hadn’t really known.

  So much for those good instincts of his when it came to sizing up people.

  You knew something wasn’t right, his mind whispered, but you overlooked it because you were falling for her.

  Oh, well, he thought as he took a swig of strong coffee, it wasn’t meant to be.

  He turned toward a group of people who were unloading a truck that had just arrived. His heart warmed to see volunteers pulling together, especially on a sunny Saturday when they could have been doing so many other things.

  Then his steps slowed and he zoned in on one volunteer in particular.

  Other things such as getting married.

  Chloe Parker was one of the people who’d formed a human conveyer belt, passing bundles and boxes from the truck to the floor of the warehouse. Her cheeks were pink from exertion and a few strands of dark hair had come loose from the prim yellow ribbon of her ponytail. He’d never seen a more beautiful sight, and his heart lifted even though he told himself he had no reason to get his hopes up.

  Andy joined the chain, hefting the heavier boxes. Chloe didn’t notice him until they were finished. She was wiping her forehead with a bandanna when she caught his gaze. She looked away, but when she looked back, he was encouraged, and made his way over to her.

  “Hi,” he ventured.

  “Hello.”

  Andy drew his hand over his mouth. “I thought today was the big day.”

  She nodded. “It was...supposed to be.”

  His heart took flight. “What happened?”

  Chloe shook her head. “We canceled the wedding.”

  Andy reached for her hand and pulled her away from the group. “Didn’t you find your dress?”

  “I found it,” she said, nodding. “But when I did, I realized that being married isn’t about the perfect dress.”

  He smiled and squeezed her hand. “It isn’t?”

  “No,” she said, squeezing back. “It’s about the perfect groom.”

  Oblivious and uncaring of their growing audience, Andy took her into his arms. “How can I feel this way about you when we hardly know each other?”

  “I don’t know,” she murmured, her eyes smiling. “But I feel the same way.”

  Happiness flooded his chest. “So...how do we go about getting to know each other?”

  She thought for a few seconds, then brightened. “How do you feel about Hawaii?”

  The planned honeymoon, he realized. “Hawaii sounds amazing.”

  Then Chloe’s expression sobered. “Thank you, Andy.”

  “For what?”

  “For reminding me what’s important, for teaching me about this wonderful organization and for showing by example.”

  He grinned. “Does that mean I’ll be seeing more of you here, too?”

  She looped her arms around his neck. “Absolutely. In fact, you’ll probably be heartily sick of me.”

  “Never,” he murmured, then lowered his mouth to hers for a searing kiss.

  Cheers and applause surrounded them. When they looked up, everyone was smiling and clapping with approval.

  “Life is good,” Chloe said in his ear.

  And he agreed.

  * * * * *

  Dear Reader,

  I can’t tell you how delighted I am to be part of this edition of the More Than Words collection. I’m touched by Harlequin’s efforts to recognize and reward organizations that make a difference in this world every single day by touching people’s lives.

  I have to confess, however, that when I was asked to participate by writing a novella inspired by the amazing work of Windfall Basics in Toronto, I was concerned that my humorous writing style might downplay the seriousness of their achievements. In short, I didn’t want to make light of the far-reaching work of the founders, Joan Clayton and Ina Andre, or the volunteers. But editor Marsha Zinberg put my fears to rest—she trusted me to put an amusing spin on a story that would highlight the smart, compassionate work of Windfall. I hope you agree! I had so much fun writing the story of Chloe Parker, imminent bride-to-be on the hunt for a misplaced fairy-tale wedding gown, as she discovers that “It’s Not About the Dress.”

  Most of us, me included, take so many things for granted. I can honestly say my life has been enriched after researching and writing about Windfall. My thanks to Joan and Ina and the volunteers at Windfall for creating a legacy of personal commitment. My thanks to Marsha Zinberg for inviting me to be a part of this charitable collaboration. And my thanks to you, the reader, for supporting our collective efforts to improve the lives of others...one volume of More Than Words at a time! Please remember this title when you purchase gifts for friends. And don’t forget to visit www.windfallbasics.com for ideas on how you can help! Together, we can make a difference.

  Much love and laughter,

  Stephanie Bond

  RONI LOMELI

  Shoes That Fit

  Looking at them, no one would guess that a little pair of girls’ pink plastic jelly shoes would hold a history so touching it would be enough to break even the staunchest heart. But this pair, now sitting in an office in Claremont, California, once belonged to a little boy who was too ashamed to wear them, too embarrassed by his family’s abject poverty to go to school.

  Instead, he was found hiding in the bushes wearing his sister’s inappropriate hand-me-down footwear.

  Today the shoes belong to Roni Lomeli, executive director of Shoes That Fit, a successful charitable organization that builds the self-esteem of children in need by providing them with new shoes for school. Roni holds on to the jelly shoes as a poignant reminder of all the children she comes across in her work—and how much more work needs to be done.

  But why shoes? Isn’t it more important to give struggling children and their families other means of support first? In fact, shoes are vitally important when it comes to giving children a leg up at school and at home.

  “When kids’ shoes are torn, worn and wet, they just can’t focus on their studies. They focus more on how uncomfortable they are or how often they’re being teased,” says Roni. “Shoes are a very important part of a child’s self-esteem.”

  Shoes That Fit has been helping children into new footwear and clothing so they can attend school in comfort and dignity since it began in 1992. The organization’s story started with another little boy at a school in Pomona, California, found crying on the playground and saying his feet hurt.

  When the school nurse examined him, she pulled off his shoes and discovered that his parents had curled his toes under and stuffed his little feet into shoes at
least three sizes too small. The nurse rubbed his feet, stuffed them back into the shoes and sent him on his way. When she was asked why she didn’t do more, she responded, “We have so many kids like this, I don’t know where to start.”

  Something had to be done.

  That “something” turned into Shoes That Fit. Today, despite operating without any government funding—all money comes from private and corporate donations—Shoes That Fit has gone from helping one school in one state to helping over one thousand seven hundred schools in forty-two states across the U.S. In 2012 alone, it gave out an astounding one hundred sixteen thousand items.

  Stepping up to the plate

  Roni has been with the charity since nearly the beginning. In 1993, when her oldest daughter started kindergarten, she responded to a note from the principal’s office asking for help to find kids’ footwear for children in a neighboring community. She wrote back and said she would do it.

  In the early years Roni, who was also working as an insurance executive, followed the charity’s program: she would help a nearby school identify children in need, the school would measure their feet, she would write down the measurements and post them on cards then she’d put them on a bulletin board at her daughter’s private school. Teachers and parents could take a card, go to a store and buy the corresponding pair of shoes, and Roni would drop them off.

  This traditional model still works today, with hundreds of volunteers from schools, churches, businesses and civic organizations across the country pitching in.

  Yet although she liked her work in insurance back then, she soon found herself more and more involved in Shoes That Fit.

  “I was probably there every day! I’ve seen all angles and I’ve done all angles,” she says of her eventual climb from volunteer to executive director in 2001 when the founder retired. Roni admits she was nervous making the leap to the nonprofit sector, since she had two girls preparing for college by that time, but her husband was behind her 100 percent.

  What hasn’t changed over the years is the compassionate spirit in which the shoes are given.