by JoAnn Durgin
“Yes, but it’s not like we can live at warp-speed every minute. Sometimes it’s in the quiet moments that I really feel the presence of God guiding and leading me. That’s every bit as important as living in the moment. If you’re always so busy going from here to there, you miss out on a lot of the blessings in the seemingly little things of life.”
“Ah, an optimist,” he said. “You’re very wise.”
“Aren’t you? An optimist, I mean?”
“I used to be. Then something happened to change the way I view. . .everything.” Raising his face to the sky, Mitch breathed out a sigh as they walked. “The evil within men can sometimes be unfathomable. It’s a lesson most often learned the hard way.”
Cassie waited until Mitch lowered his gaze to hers again. His expressive eyes held such a depth of pain that she ached for him. She could only guess he referred to the loss of his friend on 9/11, but she wouldn’t ask. Not now, not tonight. Mitch would tell her if and when he wanted.
“I’ll say one thing. Doris was right about the moon. It’s incredible.” He stopped walking and pointed to it. “I love how we can see the rays from the moon—moonbeams—like the rays from the sun.”
Following his gaze, Cassie nodded. “I never really thought about it that way. It’s beautiful.”
“Doesn’t it blow your mind how powerful God is to have made everything in the universe? I mean, think about it. He made the stars, sun and moon, mountains, oceans and valleys. I finally came to the understanding of how God is so much greater than the evil in men. He can’t stop the evil, but He’s always there to help pick up the pieces of our lives. We can overcome the feelings of inadequacy in not being able to stop the evil, but the key is allowing Him to work in us and not fight against Him.”
“Is that what you did, Mitch? Fight back?”
His eyes were bright and he nodded slowly. “Yes, at first. Because of what happened, I stepped away from my faith. The problem is, I’d lost my hope and trust in God’s sovereignty. I was filled with rage, and then anger, and then this overwhelming sense of grief. I lost sleep, fumbled through the motions on the job, stopped going to church and acted stupid in ways I’ll forever regret. I felt like I was a miniscule speck of nothing, and I didn’t think He cared.”
Cassie found it difficult to believe how open he’d been with her about something so deeply personal. “I’m sorry you had to go through that, Mitch. But the way I look at it? We might be miniscule in the eyes of other men and the world, but in God’s eyes, you have to know you stand tall.” Wanting to connect with him, she took his hand in hers. “I hope you’ve found your center again.”
He didn’t answer for a long moment. “I did, but I’m a work in progress.”
She smiled, tears in her eyes. “We all are. I guess we should head back to the house now. I’d still like to hear about the plan.” She nudged his shoulder. “If nothing else, I’d like to know if my suspicions were correct.”
“You asked for it. Careful.” Moving his arm around her waist, he steered her around a large pebble on the sidewalk.
She drew in a quick breath. “Thanks. Knowing me, I would have found that pebble and taken a tumble. Even without your armor, you’re quite the gallant knight.”
He released her. “My armor has a ton of chinks in it, I’m afraid, both inside and out.”
Why was it that everything Mitch said seemed weighted with subtext? Beneath the teasing, this man was a deep thinker. That could only be a good thing, in some respects. “You don’t need armor to be a hero, Mitch.”
“And you’re definitely misguided,” he said, the familiar smile teasing the corners of his mouth. “As far as the plan, I was thinking we could have some fun. Payback for Amy and the others who seem to be pushing us together.”
“That’s what I figured you were going to say.” Why then, did her spirits sink? “For the sake of clarity, how were you going to propose we execute this scheme? I’m sure the fact we’re on this walk—alone—is feeding into their speculation.”
“You’re right. It’s more a scheme than a plan. And you, pretty lady, do not seem like a schemer. See, stick around me and I’ll lead you down the road to ruin. Wait. That didn’t come out right.” He raked one hand through his hair and laughed. “In spite of the fact that I totally contradicted what I said earlier today, I trust you know what I meant, right? I’m afraid the circuit between my brain and my mouth must already be shut down for the night.”
“You won’t lead me down the road to ruin, Mitch. I’m perfectly capable of doing that all on my own. Let’s stick with what you said earlier about not steering me wrong. Sounds better.” When Cassie moved ahead of him, she heard his quiet laughter. Within seconds, he was beside her again.
“You’re not suggesting we still carry out the plan, are you?” Unless she was mistaken, Mitch’s tone made it sound as though he wouldn’t be adverse to it.
“Why don’t we see what happens?”
“Hey, I’m pretty charming when I’m operating at full throttle. Unlike tonight.”
“I’m sure you are.” They reached her blue Saab parked in Sam and Lexa’s driveway. “Well, this is me.” Clicking the button on the key fob, she reached for the car handle.
Mitch took hold of it, his warm hand over hers for the briefest of moments, and swung the door open. “I hear we’re having a picnic tomorrow at noon.”
“You heard right. Thanks for the reminder. I need to make Sam’s peach pie.” She heaved a sigh. “Just so you know, I never let anyone push me into something I don’t want.”
He tilted his head and stepped closer. “Somehow I don’t think you’re talking about baking a pie. I agree wholeheartedly. We’re both free-thinking, independent people.”
Cassie gave him a small smile, daring to lift her gaze to his. She couldn’t move even though everything in her prompted her to get into the car. The scent of his aftershave filled her senses. Oh, it was better than nice. “Capable of making our own decision about who to like. . .”
“Or care about.” His gaze, a soft, gentle caress, brushed over her. His face was only inches away. Overtaken by a momentary impulse, Cassie resisted the urge to rest her hand on his jaw and feel its warmth, that manly stubble.
“Nothing can happen between us,” she whispered. “No matter what the others want.” Shivers ran through her.
“Agreed.”
Why was he looking at her like that? His eyes were nothing short of mesmerizing, especially in the reflected light of the moonbeams he’d talked about a few minutes ago. “Besides, you’re going back to New York very soon.”
“You live here and don’t like what I do for a living. And maybe me.”
“I didn’t say that.” If anything, the exact opposite was true. Cassie lowered her gaze as her pulse hammered. “I don’t like being predictable, but you’re nothing like what I expected.”
“And you, Cassie, are everything I’ve hoped for but didn’t expect to find.”
She’d have to puzzle over that one later, if she could even remember it. Subtext was flying all over the place. She should wish him good night, pay him little attention and find excuses to avoid him the rest of the weekend. But no, somehow that would be impossible. Mitch was the kind of man who commanded attention. Whether she liked it or not, he’d captured her thoughts.
“I’d best go now,” she said, climbing into the car. “Good night.”
“Good night. I’ll see you in the morning.”
“I won’t look forward to it.”
“Neither will I.” With that, Mitch closed the door.
As she pulled away a minute later, Cassie peeked in the rearview mirror. Mitch hadn’t moved and watched from the driveway. Probably thinking how he couldn’t wait to not see her again.
Chapter 11
Saturday, February 14, 2004
A thunderstorm blew in the next morning with dangerously high winds and heavy rain. Waiting until there was a lull, Cassie ran from her car to the front porch but still mana
ged to get a little wet. Meeting her at the door, Winnie took the salad and freshly baked pie and ushered her inside.
The scent of roses filled the air. “Did someone open a floral shop in here?”
Winnie pointed to a huge pink bouquet on a side table. “Marc went a little overboard, but I’m sure Natalie’s not complaining. I’ll go grab a towel for your hair. Be right back.”
“Cassie!” Joe flew at her with open arms, wrapping himself around her.
“Hi, kiddo.” She planted a kiss on the top of his head and ruffled her hand through his dark hair. “Want to read a story with me a little later?”
“Uh huh.” Joe had the cutest smile ever that captured her heart every time.
“You’re certainly the Pied Piper around here.” Marc walked down the front stairs hand-in-hand with Gracie and Natalie followed close behind.
“I probably have more fun than they do. Hi, Gracie.” The darling little girl—almost three but going on thirty according to Natalie—strongly resembled her mother with dark hair and classic features. According to some in the TeamWork crew, Gracie had also inherited her father’s strong will. Hiding behind Marc, the child peeked out from behind him and stuck out her tongue at Cassie before running from the room.
“Grace Davis Thompson, you stop that right now!” Natalie gave her an apologetic smile. “Sorry. We’re working on manners. It’s all Marc’s fault. He spoils her rotten.”
“Get some good photos yesterday, did you, Marc?” Cassie said as Winnie came back down the stairs and handed her a white bath towel.
“You know it.” Marc smiled. “Gaining leverage on King Sam never hurts. If you’ll excuse me, ladies, I’d better go see what trouble Gracie’s getting into now. She’s been terrorizing Joe and Chloe’s been running interference.”
After telling the other ladies she’d help them with the lunch preparations shortly, Cassie darted into the half-bath to dry her hair as best she could. Afterwards, she headed to the laundry area off the kitchen, towel in hand. Pushing the swinging door, she stopped short when she spied Amy and Landon. Arms around one another, they were engaged in a tight lip lock. No one else was around, surprisingly enough.
Unable to move, Cassie stood transfixed, rooted to the spot. Wanting to give them privacy and not have them find her gawking, she backed through the swinging door and bumped into something firm and strong. Someone. Startled, she gasped and whirled around.
Mitch anchored his hands on her arms before releasing her a few seconds later. “Whoa. Steady. They’re still in there going at it, aren’t they?” In nice jeans and a heather green polo that enhanced the color of his eyes, he looked absolutely incredible. His hair was also damp, and she liked how it curled on the ends. She needed to stay strong. That task was already proving more difficult than she’d ever imagined. He’s leaving in a few days.
“Cassie?” When he crossed his arms over his chest, it enhanced muscles she hadn’t noticed yesterday. “Everything okay? What’s behind door number one?”
She snapped to attention. “If you’re talking about your sister and her husband, yes, they’re in there enjoying one another’s company. I’m not about to interrupt.”
“That’s very admirable of you and it’s definitely a job for a big brother.” Mitch barged into the kitchen. “Okay, you two. Time to break up your shameless display of public affection.”
“Go away,” Landon mumbled. Amy waved a dismissive hand and they increased their efforts.
Cassie ducked around them and into the laundry area. Coming back out a minute later, she averted her gaze and whispered to Mitch. “Are they like this often?” She gestured for him to follow her and led the way out of the kitchen.
“All the time,” he said as they stood outside the door. “The stories I could tell. I’m just glad they’re married. It’s a beautiful thing to behold, though, isn’t it? They have absolutely no shame, stuck to each other like that.”
“After seeing them in action, I can see why they’re nicknamed the Kissing Bandits. Technically, they’re still newlyweds, so maybe we should go a little easy on them.”
“I know.” Mitch glanced at his watch. “Would you look at that? It’s not even noon yet and they’re already engaging in their wanton behavior.” His gaze lingered on her.
“What?” she asked, bringing a hand to her cheek. “Do I have something on my face?”
“Not at all. I was admiring your hair. I really like it that way.”
Cassie fingered one of her long curls. “Like what? Damp?”
“Natural and down around your shoulders. The color’s so rich. It’s gorgeous and reminds me of a Raphael painting. Almost ethereal. Feminine.”
She released the curl. “Thanks.” His sophistication was showing whether Mitch wanted it to or not, and she seriously doubted any of the single guys from church would know anything about Raphael much less compare her to the subject of one of his paintings. “It gets a little unmanageable sometimes. Aren’t the women in Raphael’s paintings severe looking with pointy noses and forbidding expressions? I doubt they’d win any awards for beauty. Or congeniality.”
He grinned. “Ah, but you missed my point. In their day, they were considered beautiful. Suffice it to say it’s a compliment. You’re anything but severe and forbidding. Be glad I didn’t say you have a Rubenesque quality.”
“Fat?” She tried not to laugh but didn’t succeed.
“Pleasingly plump. Which you are definitely not. Like I said, you’re just right.” Mitch cleared his throat and had the grace to flush. “Forget I said anything. Moving on. I heard the rain on the roof last night not long after I came back in the house. I hope you made it home safely before the deluge began.”
“I did. Barely. I guess our picnic today will be indoors.” She gestured to the kitchen with a grin. “That is, if we can get Landon and Amy out of the kitchen long enough to get everything ready. Tell you what. I’ll give the Kissing Bandits five minutes. If they’re not out of the kitchen by then, I’m kicking them out.”
Mitch laughed quietly. “Decisive. My kind of woman.”
~~**~~
Marta scooted close to Cassie as they waited in line for the food a short time later. “So, you and Mitch seem to be hitting it off well.”
Cassie shrugged. “He’s nice and fun, but please don’t mail the wedding invites yet.”
Marta laughed as they worked their way around the assortment of salads, sandwiches and chips lined up on the kitchen counters and then moved to the island in the middle for their drinks. Cassie acknowledged Sam’s salute as he sliced a piece of her peach pie. The man did love his peaches.
“Come on, Cass,” Marta whispered as Cassie poured lemonade for both of them. “The two of you didn’t know anyone else was in the room earlier. I could have run circles around you singing some silly song at the top of my lungs and you wouldn’t have noticed.”
“I’d like to see that. Maybe you should try it sometime and we’ll find out.” Clamping an apple between her jaws, Cassie headed into the family room. As they ate, she read a story to Chloe, Joe and Gracie. Across the room, Mitch sat with Kevin and Josh. Cassie sensed his gaze on her a few times. She was every bit as guilty, stealing glimpses every other minute.
“Do you like Mr. Mitch?”
Because it was Chloe asking the question, she couldn’t play it off and give her a non-answer. This child held her heart, as did Joe. Like they all did. And how obvious must she be for a little girl to pick up on her fascination with Amy’s brother?
“Yes, Chloe, I do.”
Chloe tilted her head. “Like my mommy and daddy like each other?”
“Different kind of like, sweetie.”
“Maybe he’s your prince.”
Goodness, even the smallest TeamWork members were playing matchmaker now? Still, she didn’t have the heart to tell Chloe that not every woman wanted a prince to make her happy. Or needed a man to rescue her. Why squelch a little girl’s dreams?
Finding Mitch’s atte
ntion settled squarely on her again, she wasn’t quite sure what she believed anymore.
“We’ll see, sweetie.”
~~**~~
“I’m afraid I killed this poor guy.” Cassie released a mock sigh and leaned back in her chair, shaking her head. “He didn’t stand a chance.” After playing Operation with Mitch the last forty minutes, she’d heard the annoying buzzer one too many times. “You’re a lot better at this game than me. You have a very steady hand.”
“Thanks. I’m afraid you’re right, though. He’s a goner for sure.” Something in Mitch’s tone sounded odd, but he gave her a smile as he closed the game box. “What’s next on the agenda?”
“I think I’ll go check on the kids who aren’t napping and make sure they aren’t getting in trouble.”
“Mind if I come along?”
“If you dare.” She felt the eyes of the others following them as they departed. They were scattered in the various rooms playing Monopoly, Battleship and Scrabble. “They won’t ever give up, will they?”
“Would you really expect them to?” Mitch said. “Everything we do together feeds into their fanciful imaginations.”
“I tried to join two of the other games but got flimsy excuses why I couldn’t. They’re horrible liars.”
“And again, the plan doesn’t sound like such a bad idea.”
She heard the amusement in Mitch’s voice as he trailed behind her into the family room at the back of the house. Finding it empty, Cassie moved her hands to her hips. “Well, this is interesting. I know they’re not all napping upstairs. Wonder where they could be?”
“I think I might know.” The rain had finally stopped. Mitch pointed out the window. “I see a yellow playhouse in the backyard. I don’t remember seeing it out there yesterday.”
Cassie smiled. “Kevin brought it over earlier this morning for Leah and Hannah. Today’s their actual birthday and Sam and Lexa commissioned it from Kevin. Awesome, isn’t it?”
Mitch smiled. “The TeamWork crew is definitely enterprising. Seems like anything they touch turns to gold.”