Express Duet

by Jody Day

  I looked at our hands. I loved how Scott’s hands were so much bigger than mine, work-hardened, but gentle. It occurred to me that Darryl never seemed to want my touch.

  He tightened his hold and brushed the back of my fingers with a feather-light kiss. “Are you doing all right? Hope you’re not worrying too much about everything.”

  “I’m OK, I guess. I feel like a first class idiot for ever having trusted Darryl. What if I lose Pinewood Manor?” I didn’t want to think of what my lapse in judgment might cost me. I hated the way that part of my life was merging with this new experience on Exit 477. “Jim Ballard is on the case for me now. I’m waiting for him to call. It’s just so humiliating that I let this happen.”

  The moonlight falling onto Scott’s face made his eyes shine, and Darryl was the last person I wanted to discuss here where this man had kissed me. “I want to thank you again for standing up for me this morning. I hate to drag you into this mess.”

  “No problem, anytime. I’m praying for you.” He leaned his head against the rocker again. “Surely your lawyer can prove that your ex falsified that document. I wouldn’t worry about it.” Scott let go of my hand, but brushed his fingers along my arm. The cares of the day left me.

  “Thank You, Lord.” I breathed my thanks out loud.

  Scott smiled.

  The breeze played tag with the pine branches, making a sound like gentle ocean waves on the shore. Crickets sang in time to the creaking of the rockers. I began to feel a slight chill but wouldn’t have moved a muscle to save my life.

  Scott had fallen asleep. All the tension vanished from his face. This man should have this kind of peace all the time. I wanted to take care of him, to help him. I knew at that moment that I didn’t want to leave, ever. Scott seemed to care for me, but would he continue to? Even after he got to know me with all my insecurities and shortcomings?

  I pulled his hand to my lips and kissed it, hoping to wake him gently.

  He opened his eyes and looked toward me. He pulled my hand to his own lips and kissed it again. Maybe we could sit here like this after all, forever. Wasn’t the look in his eyes what I’d been looking for all my life? I shivered with happiness.

  “Oh, Bailey, you’re cold. How long did I doze?”

  We stood, and he pulled me into a hug.

  “There, get warmed up, now.” He kissed the top of my head then put his hand under my chin and lifted my face toward his. “Bailey, I care about you so much. You’re so beautiful and sweet. I can’t imagine you not being here, and it’s only been a few days. I know you’ve been through a rough time. Is it too soon? I mean, is there any chance that you care, too?” His took a breath and held it. His fingers under my chin trembled a bit.

  I answered him with a kiss.

  “Well now, OK.” His cute, sideways grin dimpled both his cheeks. He backed down the steps holding both my hands. The wind tousled his hair. I reached up and smoothed it back down then tousled it up again. We both laughed. He pulled his hands away and went to his truck.

  I leaned on the porch rail and waved as he backed down the driveway. The truck suddenly stopped and headed back up the driveway. Scott jumped out of his truck, bounded up the steps, and took me in his arms and kissed me.

  “Now, I’m locking you in. What a beautiful sight, you waving and watching me leave with that grin on your face. But I want to think of you safe inside this house.” He turned me around, put his hand on my back, and led me inside the door. He locked the doorknob on the inside, pecked me on the cheek, and pulled it closed. I peeked out the window to watch him leave.

  He hopped down the steps, stopped, turned back toward the house, and clutched his cap over his heart. I think he was praying.

  12

  When my cell alarm buzzed me the next morning, I snuggled deeper into the comforter. The aroma from the preset coffeepot drifted into my room. I had a list of things to do, but for a few minutes, I wanted to enjoy the luxury of feeling watched over and secure. Since it was Sunday, I didn’t expect to hear from Mr. Ballard.

  My cell buzzed with Scott’s number. I sat up in bed and my heartbeat quickened.

  “Bailey, how are you this morning?” The excitement in his voice put a smile on my face.

  “Pretty good. What’s up? You sound pumped.”

  “Well, Dad said something to me this morning, actually three things, and I’m inclined to follow through.”

  Was that laughter in his voice? Whatever was going on, I hoped to be a part of it.

  “What do you mean? What did he say?”

  “Church, church, church. That’s what he said. I’m thinking he’s right. It’s been too long.”

  “We are going to have church? At the diner?” I jumped off the bed and threw open the closet door. What do you wear to diner church?

  “Yes, but it will be quite impromptu. Come as you are, and we’ll start in about a half hour. I’ve called Liz and Tracy and Uncle Toppy. Can you make it?”

  “Sure, but I’m not coming in my pajamas. See you in a few.” I tossed my cell onto the bed and raked through the clothes in the closet. What would Scott think if he saw my bed head and my face with no makeup?

  Amazing. My inheritance still hung in the balance, and yet I bounced around the room with a light heart. “Joy unspeakable,” isn’t that what the scriptures say? Something about loving and believing in Him, even though we don’t see Him?

  My spirit connected with His Spirit. The distance I’d chosen from the Lord the past year melted away. The sense of forgiveness overwhelmed me. Who was that smiling woman beaming at me from the closet door mirror?

  My face radiated with a heart full of joy. Strength and peace shone on that face in the mirror. Was it really me? Is that what healing looked like? I closed my eyes and wrapped my arms around myself. Thank You, Father.

  When I opened my eyes again, a stronger, more confident Bailey looked back at me. Not confidence in myself, but faith in the One who loved me. I knew difficult days were ahead, but God had my back.

  I chose a pair of jeans and a light blue blouse, did the quickie version of my makeup, slipped on flip-flops, and ran a brush through my hair. I couldn’t wait to get there.

  Scott met me at the diner entrance. “You look like you’ve already had church.”

  I had.

  “We’re all here,” he said, “but not quite sure what to do. I called Pastor Weatherby, but he’s not anywhere near here. Dad can’t really lead a Bible study yet, but here we are, anyway.”

  We walked over to where two tables had been pulled together. Scott held out a chair for me next to Peeps, and then he sat on the other side of me. Toppy, Liz, and Tracy sat across from us.

  “Mom always played guitar and led some songs.” Scott glanced at Toppy.

  “I know, but don’t look at me. I’m no singer. I just make a joyful noise.” Everyone chuckled at Toppy’s comment.

  Peeps stood and rapped his cane on the floor. He had our attention. “Pray, pray, pray.”

  We all stood and joined hands. I closed my eyes.

  Scott took a deep breath. “Father,” he began, but stopped. He cleared his throat and tried again. “Father.” An emotional choke escaped his throat.

  Silence carried away the next few moments. I knew they missed her, that Shelley’s absence loomed large on this small group of her family and friends. That same Spirit that visited my heart in my room at the inn spoke to me again.

  “God is so good, God is so good,” I sang softly, breaking the silence. One by one they joined in. All eyes opened and the volume increased, filling the diner with praise.

  “Amen, amen, amen,” Peeps said.

  We all sat down. Scott still held onto my hand.

  “Thank you,” he whispered, and then turned to face the group.

  “I’m sorry, you guys, I’m not really prepared. But when Dad mentioned church last night, I knew it was time. Long past time, actually.”

  “That little worship time was worth coming, for sure.” To
ppy beamed at me. “The little lady can sing.” Everyone nodded in agreement.

  This brought a sting to my eyes. My cheeks warmed. I hadn’t lifted my voice in praise in a long time.

  “Could I say something?” Liz opened her Bible and looked toward Scott.

  “Of course. Just a sec.” Scott jumped up and retrieved several Bibles from the stack on the shelf behind the counter. He set them on the table, and the rest of us reached for one.

  “I’ve been thinking about how all of us seem to be experiencing disappointment in one way or another these days, really for quite a while.” Liz thumbed through the pages of her Bible. She stopped on a certain page and tapped it with her finger.

  “And the trouble seems to have a theme. Tracy and I are having trouble finding a home. Bailey is in danger of losing her home. These men have lost the one who made home worthwhile.” She reached up and patted Toppy on the back.

  Tracy rested her head on her mom’s shoulder.

  I put my arm around Peeps and gave him a squeeze.

  Scott looked down, but nodded.

  “While I was praying about all this, I remembered this Scripture.” Liz ran her finger down the page and then stopped. “‘One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in his temple.’ That’s in Psalm 27:4.”

  We all, except Peeps, turned to that passage. Scott let go of my hand as he turned the pages.

  I read it over to myself and slid the Bible over to show Peeps.

  “It got me to thinking about Shelley.” Liz continued. “You remember the way she always seemed so full of the Lord? Overflowing with His love? It’s like she was always in His presence, and so wherever she was, whatever she did, she was at home.” She folded her hands together on top of her Bible.

  Peeps tapped his fingers on the table and smiled. “Yes, yes, yes.”

  Scott looked up nodding, as though he remembered something. “Yeah, I guess that’s why she thought everything was beautiful. I suppose His presence casts a light on things we can’t see when we aren’t focusing on Him. Mom paid attention.” A grin turned up one side of his mouth.

  Liz closed her Bible. “I decided that His house is what I want to seek, His presence. I’ve put our situation in His hands. I’m just so grateful to have you all as friends. I want to so dwell in His presence that home is just wherever He is, where you all are.”

  “That is the important thing, isn’t it? I’m of a mind to agree with you.” Toppy crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair with a resolute nod.

  “Pray, pray, pray.”

  “You’re right, Dad. Let’s spend a few moments putting it all back in His hands. I’m going to take my cue from Mom and these scriptures.” Scott bowed his head, as did everyone else around the table.

  I looked at them a moment before closing my eyes. Such sweet people. They’d been through so much. They took on my drama as troubles of their own.

  Prayers of gratitude came easily to my mind. I prayed for each one and for wisdom and direction. I’d memorize that Scripture to remind myself of what home truly meant.

  Matthew 18 came to mind. Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. Small group, but His presence filled the room. I opened my eyes.

  Each one looked up when finished praying.

  Peeps leaned his shoulder next to mine, grabbed my hand, and whispered, “Sing, sing, sing.”

  Hands joined around the table. I thought about the doxology and began. “Praise God from whom all blessings flow…” Everyone joined in.

  After the amen, hugs all around, and spirited chatter, Toppy clapped his hands. “Who wants a sandwich?” He headed toward the kitchen amidst enthusiastic affirmation.

  Tracy walked around the counter and bent out of sight. She resurfaced with a cardboard sign that she placed on the shelf behind her.

  Bible study here on Sundays, 9 AM

  All are welcome.

  She bent to rummage again and produced two big coffee cans, one labeled “Lunch Donations” and the other marked “Children’s Home.” I hadn’t even brought my purse.

  Liz glanced at Scott after dusting the sign and cans with a napkin. “OK, Boss?”

  “Sure, why not? But if we can’t get Pastor Weatherby every week, who’s going to lead the Bible Study? Liz, you did a great job today, maybe you could—”

  “Whoa, sharing in front of my family is one thing, but in front of a diner full? No way. Besides, Scott, you can do it. You led it plenty of times when your mother was sick and your dad stayed with her.”

  “Maybe,” he said and then turned to me. “I wonder, Bailey, if you’d lead a little singing for us?”

  “Sure, Scott.”

  A slow smile pulled across his face. He pressed his palm to his heart. Had he forgotten I’d only agreed to stay through the fall? I wasn’t about to put a damper on this beautiful day by mentioning that.

  After lunch, Scott walked me back to the inn. We didn’t speak. The comfortable silence extended the peace and presence we’d experienced during the Bible study. We reached the door of the inn, and Scott held both my hands to his chest.

  “Thank you, Bailey,” he whispered, his eyes gazing so intently that a lump rose in my throat.

  “Thank me? What for?” How did I manage to whisper those words?

  “For coming here. Dad and I…it’s been hard. We’ve a long way to go, but you have helped.” He brushed my cheek with a soft kiss.

  “It’s me that’s been helped. I’ve found healing here, found the Lord again. I’ve found…” I leaned my head against his chest.

  He encircled me with his arms.

  “I’ve found you, Scott.”

  ~*~

  Mr. Ballard called me first thing Monday morning.

  “Any news?” I asked.

  “Mr. Graham agreed to fax me a copy of the document shortly. Can you be here at three o’clock? Darryl will arrive at three thirty.”

  “Yes, I’ll be there. What do you think? Do we have a case?”

  “I won’t know until I see it. If it’s notarized, it may be your word against his. At any rate, why…” He trailed off, his usual transition, but his voice sounded skeptical to me.

  “I’ll do the best I can for you, Bailey. He sounds like a nasty character. Just be prepared to tell your side of the story. Prayed up wouldn’t hurt either. See you this afternoon.”

  I jumped out of bed and hit the shower. I would file away the flushed, giddy happiness of the day before and focus on dealing with Darryl. Maybe we could clear this up this afternoon, and I could get on with my life. Please, God. I called Mom and then Scott to let them know about the meeting.

  Coffee in hand, I sat at Shelley’s desk with a list of past customers and placed calls to each of them. They were delighted to hear the bed-and-breakfast was open for the fall season. Marshall’s annual fall Fire Ant Festival was a draw, and I booked four weekends between September and December. That lifted my spirits and gave me a little courage, but I needed more than I had.

  Prayed up, Mr. Ballard had suggested. A good idea, and the prayer garden was just the place.

  I spent an hour there, praying for strength and direction. And surely I am with you always…Those words spoken by Jesus to the disciples comforted me.

  God wasn’t like my father. He’d never left me…would never leave me. All those years I’d wasted on a man who didn’t want me. I should have realized his leaving had nothing to do with my shortcomings and everything to do with his.

  I looked back over the years of trying to be good enough. Smiling, cheerful, ever-friendly Bailey. Excelling in school. Everyone’s pal. But overeating and a little too much people-pleasing did nothing to mask the pain and self-doubt.

  Scott’s sweet face came into my mind. He made me feel accepted, validated, and cared for. Had I looked to Darryl for the s
ame thing? Certainly, Scott’s influence wouldn’t be destructive and crippling.

  I tried to hear what God was saying to me. My grace is sufficient for you. The words rang through my mind.

  I dropped to my knees. My heavenly Father was reaching out to me again, trying to show me that I needed only His love to make me whole. No man could fill the void. I’d accepted Christ as a youngster, but I’d never grown up in the knowledge of who I was as His child.

  Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. My heavenly Father made that verse in Psalms very personal to me. To have my desires filled apart from Him would be to realize only half of a dream, less than all He wanted for me.

  I repented again for having let my heart grow cold toward the Lord, and for the bad decisions concerning Darryl. I wouldn’t do the same thing with Scott. I wanted to grow up in Christ, let Him be my all in all, and then, if God would allow it, hope to have a relationship with Scott.

  I let the Father chip away at my self-doubt and fear. An excitement filled my heart. Yes, the wounds were deep, but who might I become now that freedom presented itself? I wanted God to build Bailey Brown the way He’d planned. It seemed crazy, but I thanked Him for the mess I found myself in, because it ultimately brought me to this peace.

  I walked back to the house with a confidence I’d rarely experienced in my lifetime. I looked forward to getting the meeting out of the way this afternoon so that I could make plans for the guests I’d booked for Shelley’s Heart. Who knew what would happen at that meeting? But I felt peace.

  One step at a time, with the Lord’s help.

  I dressed for the meeting in my navy blue business suit and heels, looking much the way I had when I’d walked into the Washout Express with an attitude that offended Peeps. Now he was my friend. I hoped to see him at West House when I stopped for lunch.

  As I neared the diner, I could see their heads bowed in prayer around a corner table. All of them, Tracy and Liz, Scott, Peeps, and Toppy. They looked up when I opened the door. Tracy came toward me and grabbed me by the hand.