He turned the light on as they stepped into a spacious kitchen complete with stove, refrigerator, and dishwasher. From there they toured a walk-in pantry, a large dining room, living room, three bedrooms, and a full bathroom. Upstairs were four more bedrooms and another full bathroom. Wallpaper needed to be replaced in a couple of rooms, but the floors were solid.
Kevin stood in the doorway of the last bedroom upstairs and leaned against the wide frame. “Well, what do you think?”
Sarah tried to keep her face expressionless but knew she probably failed. This house would be perfect for Marilee’s Home. Would Kevin show it to her and then jerk it away by saying he had another purpose in mind? Or asking more than they could afford to pay or rent?
“It’s a grand old home, Kevin. My guess is some rich man built this house a hundred years ago.”
“You’re probably right, but I want to know if you can use it for your home.”
“The other board members would have to see it, but I can’t imagine why they wouldn’t like this. It’s better than what we have.” She ran her hand along the dark carved wood door frame in a caressing motion. “Our problem would be the cost. We have a lot of overhead and not much income.”
Kevin grinned. “I’m sure we can work something out.”
He glanced into the hall. “I got this at a bargain, Sarah. I can afford to sell cheap, but I was thinking about making a donation instead. You can use your money from the banquet to redecorate and buy furniture.”
When he turned back and met her gaze, Sarah didn’t know what to do. Falling into his arms was not an option, although that was her first choice. She smiled at the eager yet hesitant look in his eyes and did exactly what she knew she shouldn’t.
“Oh Kevin.” She lifted her arms and took a step forward. “Thank you.”
He met her halfway and enfolded her within his embrace. She was at home in his arms. His head lowered. Hers raised. The kiss she wanted, but shouldn’t have, swept her into the past and the future at the same time. She’d never before experienced such intensity of love as she did at that moment.
Chapter 11
K evin woke early Sunday morning happier than he remembered being in a long time. When he threw the covers back and sat up, his hand hit his Bible. He’d gone to sleep reading from the Gospel of John and hadn’t placed it on the table as he usually did. He picked the book up, an idea forming in his mind. Why not go to church?
Valerie and her father had been trying to get him to attend with them for the last several weeks. In fact, John asked again Friday when he left the office. He’d put them off, but today he wanted to go. Only not to the Parkers’ church.
He glanced at the clock. Time for a shower and a quick breakfast before driving to Sarah’s. He grinned as he padded barefoot to the bathroom. She would be surprised to see him. And glad, he hoped.
Several minutes later, he left his apartment and drove to Sarah’s with his Bible on the seat beside him. She answered his knock almost immediately.
“Hey, you ready for church?”
She lifted her eyebrows. “I am, but what are you doing here?”
He grinned. “I felt like going to church today and hoped you wouldn’t mind if I tag along with you.”
“No, I don’t mind at all.” She still seemed bewildered, as if she thought he was joking. “Let me grab my Bible and purse.”
She disappeared inside for less than a minute and returned with her white Bible held close. “Okay, I’m ready.”
As the church came into view, Kevin asked, “Have you been reading your Bible?”
“I did last night.” Sarah gave him a sheepish smile. “I figured if you can, I can.”
Kevin nodded. “Trey suggested I start reading in John. I skip around some, but lately I’ve been staying in the Gospels, learning about Jesus’ life and His teachings.”
“He told me to read in John, too.” Sarah stared straight ahead. “I’ve always gone to church. I know the Bible, but I admit I haven’t studied it like I should. Especially lately.”
Kevin found a place to park on the lot next to the church. “The Gospel of John is about being born again. I memorized John 3:16 when I was a kid in Sunday school, but I never thought much about it until now.”
He didn’t know how to explain the conflicting emotions that churned in his heart when he thought about being born again. He didn’t know if he was ready to change his life so drastically in order to make such a commitment. He still had a lot of reading to do, and a lot of thinking.
He walked with Sarah to the church and followed her to her usual seat just as the service began. The songs were nice—especially the short choruses of praise at the beginning. He didn’t understand how, but all the voices lifted in praise set the mood for the rest of the service.
When the minister stood behind the pulpit and began speaking on the fifteenth chapter of John, Kevin listened carefully. “Verse one says, ‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.’ One important job of a husbandman, or gardener, is to prune fruit trees.”
To illustrate his message, the pastor told of helping his father prune the apple trees in his orchard. “Dead branches were the first to go. We cut them off and tossed them into a pile. Then Dad would take out the ones he had marked that hadn’t borne fruit. Finally, he removed branches that crossed and rubbed against the good, fruit-producing branches. Let’s talk of those troublemaking branches first. Do you know who I’m talking about?”
Kevin tried to recognize himself in each category of branches, and by the time all three unfruitful branches had been discussed and deemed unworthy, he decided it didn’t matter where he fit. All three piles of branches ended up in the same bonfire while only the fruitful branches remained on the tree. His heart pounded when the organ began playing softly and the pastor asked any who wanted prayer to come forward. When no one stepped out by the end of the song, the congregation stood for prayer. Kevin breathed easier, and his heartbeat returned to normal.
“Wow!” Kevin drove away from the church. “I didn’t get all that when I read that chapter last night.”
Sarah turned to look at him. “You mean that’s what you’ve been reading? Pastor Drake preached on the same scripture?”
“Yeah, quite a coincidence, huh?” Kevin shook his head. In his mind, he could still see the flames licking at the pile of unproductive branches. The pastor told a good story, one you could see in vivid detail.
“I guess so.” Sarah turned toward the side window. “Where are we going? This isn’t the way back to my house.”
Kevin shot a grin her way, glad to be back in a normal conversation. “I thought we’d make up for last night. Lou Mitchell’s should be open now.”
Sarah stared at him for a moment and then started laughing.
“What?” His eyes twinkled even as he frowned. “You wouldn’t be laughing at me, would you?”
“Of course.” Sarah’s laughter slowed to a chuckle. “You’re going to Lou Mitchell’s Restaurant because it’s a landmark of Route 66.”
“That isn’t true.” Kevin tried to look offended. “I’m going because I have a craving for Milk Duds. I’ve heard they give those away at the door.”
Sarah held up her pointer finger and waved it back and forth. “No, no, no. Milk Duds are only for the ladies, which you, sir, are not.”
He grinned. “I know you’ll share.”
She shrugged and looked out the side window before turning back with a sweet smile. “We’ll see.”
Love for Sarah filled every corner of Kevin’s heart. What he’d felt as a boy was nothing to what he felt for her now. If only he could be sure of her love, or even that she no longer hated him. Every time he thought she’d let her guard down, something stopped her from getting too close, almost as if an invisible wall still separated them. He thought giving her the house would tear down that wall, but he didn’t know yet. It was too soon to tell.
He parked, and they went inside the restaurant and found an empty booth
. When their sandwiches came, Kevin hesitated only a moment before he reached across the table to take Sarah’s hand. “Last night you asked me to pray before we ate. I think we should make this a habit.”
Her smile wavered, but her nod was certain, so Kevin bowed his head and spoke in a low voice. “God, we ask that You bless our food. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.”
When he looked up, Sarah’s smile was like a benediction to his prayer, but all she said was, “Thank you, Kevin.”
He nodded and took a bite of his sandwich. “Remember, you are sharing those Milk Duds.”
She patted her purse and lifted her eyebrows. “I’ll try to remember. Of course, you still have donut holes for dessert.”
He chuckled. “Yeah, right. What we haven’t already eaten.”
After they finished the sandwiches, she dug her Milk Duds out, and they polished them off while he drove to Sarah’s house and stopped in her driveway. They walked to the front porch holding hands. Sarah unlocked the door and turned to him. “Would you like to come in?”
“No, not now, but I want you ready tomorrow right after work. What time do you get home, or should I pick you up at the hospital?”
Sarah’s eyes widened. “Maybe you should tell me what you have in mind.”
He put a hand on each of her shoulders and pulled her closer to him. “You, Sarah, are going with me tomorrow to shop for our son’s graduation gift.”
“Oh.”
Kevin quickly kissed her very kissable-looking lips and grinned at her surprise. “Now, what time and where do I pick you up?”
“Let’s not waste time. Be at the hospital’s front entrance at three thirty. Do you have any ideas? Places we should shop?”
He shrugged. “Start with the mall, I guess.”
“Okay. I’ll try to think of gift ideas, and you do the same.”
“Yes ma’am.” Kevin grinned. He tugged her closer and looked into her wide blue eyes. “May I kiss you?”
Her lashes lowered as if she were shy. “Why sir, I do believe this is the first time you’ve asked me that question.”
Kevin crooked his finger under her chin and lifted until she looked him in the eyes. Then with studied slowness, he lowered his head until his lips covered hers in the sweetest kiss he’d had in a long time.
His breath came quick but so did hers, and there was satisfaction in that. For long moments their gazes interlocked, until finally she broke away. “If you aren’t coming in…”
“No, I’d better get home. I’ll be at the hospital. Three thirty, right?”
“Right.” She stepped into the house, holding the edge of the door in front of her as she watched him.
He wanted another kiss, but he turned away and ran down the walk to his car before he took more than he should.
Monday afternoon Sarah left the hospital with the same question eating at her mind that had tormented her for the last twenty-four hours. What am I doing?
This was the third day in a row she would be spending time with Kevin. Her heart pounded in anticipation as if she were a teenager. He would break her heart just as he did before. Certain of that but finding no power to turn from him, she walked out the entrance and searched the area for the one man she longed to see.
She watched him hurry up the walk toward her and knew when he saw her by the smile that lit his face. She ran down the wide cement walk toward him.
“Sorry I’m late.” He took her hand, and they walked back the way he’d come. “I intended to go to your office.” He grinned. “Figured if the good doctor saw me, he’d back off.”
Sarah gave him a reproachful look. “Doctor Jenson is a good man and a good friend.”
Not to mention a problem she needed to do something about. His ring still sat on her coffee table. If only she could return it without hurting their friendship.
“Maybe so.” Kevin looked away. “Sorry I mentioned him. Let’s compare our ideas for Trey’s gift.”
“Fine. I hope your ideas are better than mine.” Sarah counted off her list. “I thought of jewelry, sporting goods because he likes that sort of thing. Maybe tickets to another game. Clothing. I don’t know.”
Kevin gave a short laugh. “So at the mall we go to a clothing store, jewelry store, and athletic department. That narrows it down some. Let’s see what we’ll find.”
An hour later they walked out of the mall empty-handed. Kevin held the car door for Sarah and then slid behind the wheel. “Nothing seems good enough for Trey.”
She agreed. “I know. Any suggestions?”
“Yeah, one, but it’ll cost you.”
“How much?” Sarah searched his face. “What are you thinking?”
“He said he wanted a car.”
She gasped. “Kevin, he was joking. His mom called him down on that, too. His parents would never let us buy him a car.”
Kevin pulled his cell phone from his pocket. “How do you know if you don’t ask?”
Sarah watched him push a couple of buttons and realized he had Trey’s number programmed into his phone. He winked at her. She closed her mouth and waited. He could find out on his own.
“Tom? This is Kevin.”
She heard the rumble of a male voice but couldn’t understand the words.
“No, that’s fine. Actually, you’re the one I need to talk to.” Kevin glanced at her. “Sarah and I are looking for a gift for Trey’s graduation. We’ve come up empty at the mall and wondered if you’d object to us looking in a car dealership.”
Again the rumbling and Kevin laughed. “I think we can afford it since we’re going together on a gift anyway.”
They talked for a few more minutes before Kevin told Tom good-bye and turned off his phone. He grinned at Sarah. “He says it has to be used.”
“That’s quite a gift, Kevin. Are you sure they won’t resent us doing this? Maybe think we’re trying to win Trey’s affection from them?” Sarah wondered how she would feel in a reversed situation.
Kevin started his car. “It’ll be fine. He didn’t seem to mind at all. He just didn’t want us spending more than we needed to. He says Trey’s driving a real clunker now. Tom didn’t say, but I know Trey would like a Mustang. Let’s see if we can find a good used one.”
They didn’t find anything at the first place, but the second dealership had a midnight blue Mustang that Sarah thought was perfect—only two years old, and the asking price was reasonable.
“Are you sure this is the one?” Kevin folded his arms and eyed the car.
She nodded. “Can we take it for a test drive?”
The little car drove as smooth as she expected. Kevin let her drive a short distance, and she fell for the car even more. “Do you think they’ll come down if we pay cash?”
Kevin grinned. “Exactly what I was thinking.”
In the showroom, Sarah sat back and let Kevin haggle with the salesman and then the owner of the dealership. She held her breath until the owner shook his head. “I’m sorry, but I can only drop the price by a couple of thousand.”
Her heart pounded as Kevin reluctantly agreed.
“All right. If you’ll get those tires replaced, you’ve got a deal.” He shook hands with both men and stood. “How soon will the papers be ready?”
“Is tomorrow afternoon soon enough?”
Kevin glanced at Sarah and she nodded. He turned back to the salesman. “That’ll be fine. How about six o’clock? Will that work for you, Sarah?”
She nodded again. “Yes, that’s fine.”
Kevin put a deposit down on the car; they shook hands with the salesmen again and left. Sarah almost skipped to Kevin’s car. “I’ll withdraw some money from savings tomorrow for you. We can put the Mustang in my garage until Trey’s graduation.”
“Sounds good.” Kevin grinned at her. “I can’t wait to see Trey’s face.”
“I know.” Sarah grabbed Kevin’s hand and squeezed it between both of hers. “He’s going to be so surprised.”
She couldn’t stop the
laughter that bubbled. When Kevin’s laughter joined hers, she felt more complete than she had in years.
Chapter 12
O n Tuesday evening, Kevin and Sarah drove to the car dealership to close the deal. When they walked out to the parking lot, he dangled two sets of keys in front of Sarah.
“I’m driving the Mustang to the graduation, so what’s your choice tonight?” He held his keys closer to her with his dimples flashing. “My car?”
“Are you kidding?” She grabbed the other set of keys. “If this is my only chance, I’m driving the Mustang.”
“Figures.” His pout didn’t sway her in the least. “Give a woman a choice, and she takes advantage of you.”
“Ha, who’s driving to Trey’s hometown?” Sarah skipped ahead to the dark blue car and opened the driver’s door. “That’s a two-hour drive.”
“Yeah.” Kevin held the door for her while she sank into the car. “And it’s this coming Saturday. We’ll have to caravan down, so what are you driving? Mine or yours?”
“Mine.” She didn’t hesitate. “I’m used to my car. Have you eaten?”
Kevin grinned. “No, are you offering?”
Sarah’s traitorous heart jumped at his nearness, the grin she loved so well, and the way he looked at her as if she were the only woman in the world. She tried to ignore the effect he had on her as she answered. “Sure, we’ll be at my house anyway. I’ve got a couple of sandwich spreads in the fridge and a bag of chips. Sound nutritious enough?”
He patted his midsection. “Sounds great. I’ll follow you.”
He closed the door, gave her a quick wave, and strode to his car.
Sarah drove across town and pulled into her driveway with a sigh of relief. She already loved the little car, and she knew Trey would, too. She wanted it perfect for him, with no scratches or dents.
She waited while Kevin opened the garage door using her key, and then she drove inside and stepped out of the car. “It drives great. I’m really excited about this, Kevin.”
He slipped his arm around her shoulders as they walked together around the car, looking and checking again for blemishes. At the back, Kevin nodded. “Yeah, we got a good deal, I think.”
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