Wanda E. Brunstetter

by Twice Loved

  She pursed her lips. “Your point is well taken. I do have a tendency to worry.”

  He wiggled his eyebrows. “Still want me to carve that bird?”

  “Absolutely.” She turned toward the door leading to the hallway. “While you do, I think I’ll change into a comfortable pair of slacks.”

  “Good idea.” Dan winked at Bev, and she scurried out of the room.

  The rest of the afternoon went well, and Bev felt more relaxed wearing a pair of tan slacks and a cream-colored blouse than she had in the dress. After they’d stuffed themselves on turkey and all the trimmings, Bev, Dan, and Amy played a game of dominoes in the living room.

  Soon Amy fell asleep, and Dan carried the child to her room. When he returned a few minutes later, he took a seat on the sofa beside Bev. She handed him a cup of coffee and placed two pieces of apple pie on the coffee table in front of them. It was pleasant sitting here with him. Bev hadn’t felt this comfortable with a man since Fred was alive. Dan seemed so kind and compassionate, and he was a lot of fun. If she were looking for love and romance, it would be easy to fall for a man like him.

  She glanced at Dan out of the corner of her eye. Was he experiencing the same feelings toward her? Had he enjoyed the day as much as she had?

  As if he could read her thoughts, Dan reached over and took Bev’s hand. “Thanks for inviting me today. I had a nice time, and the meal was delicious.”

  “You’re welcome. I’m glad you came.”

  “I’d like to reciprocate,” he said. “Would you and Amy go out to dinner with me some night next week?”

  Bev moistened her lips, not sure how to respond. If she agreed to go to dinner, would that mean they were dating?

  Of course not, silly. He just wants to say thank you for today.

  Bev leaned over and handed Dan his plate of apple pie. “A meal out sounds nice, but you’re not obligated to—”

  “I know that, Bev.” He forked a piece of pie into his mouth. “Yum. Apple’s my favorite.”

  “Thanks. My grandmother gave me the recipe.”

  They sat in companionable silence as they drank their coffee and ate the pie. When Dan finished, he set the empty plate and cup on the coffee table and stood. “Guess I should be going.”

  “Amy will be disappointed when she wakes up and finds you are gone.”

  He reached for his coat, which he’d placed on the back of a chair when he first arrived. “Tell your daughter I’ll see her bright and early tomorrow. Since she has no school until Monday, you’ll be bringing her to work with you, right?”

  Bev nodded. “The day after Thanksgiving should be a busy time at the store.”

  “Which is why I plan to give you a hand, at least for part of the day.”

  “I appreciate that.” Bev walked Dan to the door, and when she opened it, he hesitated. She thought he might want to say something more, but he merely smiled and strolled into the hallway. “See you tomorrow, Bev.”

  Chapter 9

  Bev plugged in the lights on the small Christmas tree she and Amy had picked out this morning for Twice Loved, after Dan had given her some money to purchase it. Amy could decorate the tree with silver tinsel and shiny red glass balls, while Bev waited on customers.

  The decorations would look even better if the toy train were here, Bev thought as she scrutinized the window display. I wonder why Ellis hasn’t come by yet. He was supposed to have it ready last week. If he doesn’t show up soon, I may give him a call.

  “Isn’t the tree pretty?” Amy asked, pulling Bev’s thoughts aside.

  “Yes, it’s very nice. Now be sure to drape the strands of tinsel neatly over the branches,” Bev said as Amy dove into the box of decorations.

  “I will.”

  The bell on the front door jingled, and Bev turned her head to see who had entered the store.

  A young woman with platinum-blond hair piled high on her head swept through The door holding a cardboard box in her hands. She wore a black wool coat with a fur collar, and a blue, knee-length skirt peeked out from underneath. the woman stood there a few seconds, fluttering her long lashes, as she glanced around the room.

  “May I help you?” Bev asked.

  “I came to see Danny. Is he here?”

  Bev motioned toward the back room. “He’s in his studio, but I believe he plans to work in the toy store later today. May I give him a message?”

  The woman stared at Bev with a critical eye, and it made Bev feel uncomfortable. “Are you the person he hired to run Twice Loved?”

  Bev nodded. “I’m Bev Winters. Are you a friend of Dan’s, or are you here looking for a used toy?”

  “My name’s Leona Howard. I’m Danny’s neighbor and a good friend.” She tapped her long red fingernails along the edge of the box. “I have no need for used toys, but I would like you to tell Danny I’m here and wish to speak with him.”

  Bev glanced at the back room again. “I believe he’s on the phone, and I would hate to interrupt him. So if you’d like to wait—”

  “Fine. I’ll get him myself.” Leona pushed past Bev, bumping her arm with the box.

  “I—I really don’t think—”

  “Just go back to whatever you were doing!” Leona called over her shoulder.

  Bev stood there dumbfounded as the brazen woman entered Dan’s studio without even knocking. Then with a shrug, she took a seat at the desk, knowing she needed to make price stickers for some newly donated stuffed animals and get them set out.

  Some time later, the door to Dan’s studio opened. Leona and Dan stepped into the hall.

  “Thanks for the pumpkin pie, Leona.”

  “Now don’t forget that rain check you promised me, Danny,” Leona said sweetly. “How about one night next week?”

  Bev put her head down and forced herself to focus on the project before her. It wasn’t her nature to eavesdrop, but it was hard to think about anything other than Dan and his lady friend. She glanced up once, and it was just in time to see Leona kiss Dan on the cheek. He grinned kind of selfconsciously, and his ears turned red.

  That’s what you get for thinking you might have a chance with Dan, Bev fumed. Was that what she believed? Could she and Dan have a relationship that went beyond boss to employee, or friend to friend? Probably not, if he was dating his flamboyant neighbor. Besides, after Fred died, Bev had decided that she didn’t need another man in her life. It would be easier on her emotions if she could learn to manage on her own. Of course, the absence of romantic love had left a huge void in her life.

  Dan walked Leona to the front door, glancing at Bev as he passed. She averted her gaze and tried to concentrate on the price stickers in front of her.

  “See you soon, Danny,” Leona said, reaching for the doorknob. The door swung open before she could turn the knob, and in walked Ellis Hampton with a large box.

  “I’ve brought the train,” he announced.

  Glad for the interruption, Bev pushed her chair away from the desk. “Oh good. I’m happy you came by today, Ellis.”

  “I’m sorry it took me so long to get the engine repaired, but I ran into a few problems,” he apologized.

  “That’s all right. Let’s get it set up under the tree in the display window.” Bev was almost at Ellis’s side when Leona took a step backward. The two women collided, and Leona collapsed on the floor.

  Chapter 10

  Are you all right?” Dan knelt next to Leona, who appeared to be more embarrassed than anything else.

  “I–I’m fine,” she stammered, “but I think the heel of my shoe is broken.” She pulled off her shoe and held it up for his inspection.

  “Yep. The heel’s almost off.” He helped Leona to her feet. “Maybe I can put some glue on it to help hold it together until you can get the shoe properly repaired.”

  She glared at Bev. “This is all your fault. If you hadn’t gotten in my way, I never would have fallen.”

  Bev’s cheeks were pink, and she looked visibly shaken. “I–I’m sorr
y, but I wasn’t expecting you to step backward.”

  Leona’s face contorted. “So now it’s my fault?”

  “I didn’t say that. I just meant—”

  Dan stepped between the two women. “It was only an accident, but if it will make you feel better, Leona, I’ll pay for the repair of your shoe.”

  “Thank you, Danny. I appreciate that.” She batted her eyelashes at him.

  “I’m glad you weren’t hurt, and I’m sorry we bumped into each other.” Bev reached her hand out to Leona, but the woman moved quickly away. She turned with a shrug and followed Ellis to the window display, where Amy was decorating the tree.

  Leona removed her other shoe and handed it to Dan. “It might be a good idea if you check this one over, too.”

  He led the way to his studio and, once they were inside, motioned to the chair beside his desk. “Have a seat, and I’ll see if I can find some glue.”

  Leona dropped into the chair with a groan. “That woman you hired is sure a pain.”

  Dan looked up from the desk drawer he was rummaging through. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “When I first came into the store, she wouldn’t even let me talk to you. Said something about you being on the phone. Then after I told her I was going to your studio anyway, she tried to stop me.” Leona frowned. “I think she’s jealous because I’m prettier than she is. That’s probably why she tripped me.”

  Dan blew out a ragged breath. “I’m sure she wasn’t trying to trip you, Leona. Bev’s a nice lady.”

  “How would you know that? She’s only been working for you a short time.”

  He squeezed a layer of glue onto the broken heel and gave no reply.

  “Are you dating the woman? Is that why you’ve been giving me the brush-off lately?”

  He squinted. “What? No!”

  She smiled. “That’s good news, because I wouldn’t like it if you were interested in some other woman. I think we—”

  Dan handed her the shoe. “Here. I believe this will hold until you get home.”

  “Thanks.”

  He leaned forward with both elbows on his desk. “Leona, I think I need to clarify a few things.”

  She blinked and gave him another charming smile. “What things?”

  He cleared his throat, searching for words that wouldn’t sound hurtful. “I’m not completely over my wife’s death yet, so there’s no chance of me becoming romantically interested in anyone right now.”

  Leona opened her mouth, but he held up his hand. “Please, hear me out.”

  She clamped her lips tightly together and sat there with her arms folded.

  Dan reached inside another drawer and retrieved his Bible.When he placed it on the desk, she frowned. “What’s that for?”

  “I’m a Christian, Leona. I believe God sent His Son to die for my sins.”

  She shook her head. “Oh no, Danny. You’re too nice to have ever sinned.”

  “That’s not true. Romans 3:23 says, ‘For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.’”

  “Are you saying that includes me? Do you think I’m a sinner, Danny?”

  “We all are,” he answered. “Everyone needs to find forgiveness for his or her sins, and the only way is through Jesus Christ.”

  “I’ll have you know I did a lot of volunteer work during the war, in addition to my nursing duties,” she said with a huff. “I’ve always tried to be a good person, so I don’t need anyone telling me I’m a sinner.”

  “I’m sorry you feel that way.”

  Leona wrinkled her nose. “And I don’t see what any of this has to do with you and me developing a relationship.” She relaxed her face and reached over to touch his arm. “I can make you forget about the pain of losing your wife if you’ll give me half a chance.”

  “The Bible teaches that those who believe in Jesus should not be unequally yoked with unbelievers, Leona. So even if I were ready to begin a relationship, it would have to be with a woman who believes in Christ as I do.”

  Her face flamed. “You mean because I don’t go to church and rub elbows with a bunch of hypocrites, I’m not good enough for you?”

  “That’s not what I’m saying.”

  “What, then?”

  Lord, help me, Dan prayed. His fingers traced the cover of the Bible. “As a Christian, I know it wouldn’t be right to date someone who doesn’t share my beliefs.”

  “What about that woman you spent Thanksgiving with?”

  “What about her?”

  “Does she go to church and believe in the same religious things as you?”

  Dan closed his eyes as a mental picture of Bev flashed into his mind. She was a Christian, and as near as he could tell, she lived like one. Ever since he’d first met Bev, he’d been attracted to her sweet, caring disposition. She reminded him of Darcy in so many ways. He rubbed the bridge of his nose. If that’s so, then why can’t I—

  Leona shook his arm, and Dan’s eyes popped open. “Are you ignoring me?”

  “No, but I…”

  She pursed her lips. “I want to know one thing before I go.”

  “What’s that?”

  “If you have no interest in me, then why have you been leading me on?”

  Dan cringed. Had he led Leona on? He’d thought he was being kind and neighborly when he’d agreed to have dinner with her a few times. He was only trying to set a Christian example.

  “If I led you on, I’m sorry,” he said.

  Leona stood and pushed her chair aside with such force it nearly toppled to the floor. She grabbed her shoes and tromped across the room, but before she reached the door, she whirled around. “Just so you know—you’re not the only fish in the Atlantic Ocean. When you turned me down for Thanksgiving dinner, I invited an old army buddy of my husband’s over, and he was more than willing to share the meal with me.”

  Dan was about to comment when she added, “I’ll send you the bill for the shoe repairs!” The door clicked shut, and Leona was gone.

  Dan leaned forward and continued to rub the pulsating spot on his forehead. I never should have had dinner with her. When he glanced at the picture of Darcy, he thought of Bev again, and feelings of confusion swirled around in his brain like a frightening hurricane.

  “Come look at what I found, Mommy!” Amy called to Bev.

  Several minutes ago, the child had become bored with decorating the tree and had wandered over to a box of stuffed toys that had recently been donated to Twice Loved.

  “I’m busy, honey. Can it wait awhile?” Bev asked over her shoulder. She and Ellis were still trying to get the train set up.

  “That’s okay. I can manage on my own if you need to see what your daughter wants,” Ellis said with a grin. “I’ve got six grandkids, and I know how it is when one of ’em gets excited about something.”

  Bev smiled gratefully. “Thanks. I’ll be back soon.” She stepped across the room and knelt on the floor beside Amy. “Let’s see what you’ve found.”

  Amy lifted a bedraggled-looking teddy bear from the box and gave it a hug. “He reminds me of Uncle Dan.”

  Bev tipped her head and studied the bear. One eye was missing, both paws were torn, the blue ribbon around its neck was faded, and some of the fur on the bear’s stomach was gone. He didn’t look anything like Dan, who was always nicely dressed, with his hair combed just right.

  “What is there about the bear that makes you think of Dan?” Bev asked her daughter.

  “He needs someone to fix him, Mommy,” Amy said in a serious tone. “I think he’s lonely and has no one to love.” She pointed to the bear. “Can we take him home so he won’t be sad?”

  Bev’s eyes stung with unshed tears. She didn’t know why she felt like crying. Was it the touching scene with Amy and the bear, or did she feel sorry for herself because, like the tattered bear, she too was lonely and needed love? Was it possible that Dan felt that way?

  “I’ll tell you what,” Bev said, giving Amy’s arm a gentle squ
eeze. “If you promise to help me finish decorating the tree in the window, I’ll see about buying that bear for you.”

  “Can he go home with us today?”

  “Yes. After I patch him up.”

  “Okay, but I would love the bear just the way he is.”

  Bev smiled. “That’s how Jesus sees us, and the best part is that He loves us the way we are.” She held out her hand. “Should we go back to the window and finish the tree now?”

  Amy nodded and grabbed the bear by one torn paw. “Until we’re ready to go home, I’m gonna put him in the window with the dolls and stuffed toys. That way he can see all the people who walk by the store.”

  As Bev started across the room, the door to Dan’s photography studio opened. Leona marched through the toy store with a pained expression.

  Bev was tempted to say something, but the woman’s angry glare made her decide to keep quiet.

  A few seconds after Leona stormed out of the store, Dan emerged from his studio, wearing his coat, hat, and a pair of gloves. He looked upset, too. Was he mad at Bev for bumping into his girlfriend? Did he think she had done it on purpose?

  “I’m sorry, but something’s come up and I won’t be able to help you today after all.” He nodded at Bev.

  “I’m sure I can manage.”

  He was almost to the door when he halted. “Uh—can we take a rain check on that dinner I promised you and Amy?”

  She swallowed around the lump in her throat. “Sure. It’s probably best if we don’t go out anyway.”

  Dan merely shrugged and opened the door.

  He’s probably going after Leona. Bev reached into the cardboard box and removed the train’s caboose. She was on the verge of tears. What had happened between yesterday’s pleasant Thanksgiving dinner and today? It must be Leona Howard.

  At that moment, Bev made a decision. From this point on, there would be no more romps in the snow or friendly dinners. Her relationship with her boss must be kept strictly business.

  Chapter 11

  Holding tightly to Amy’s hand, Bev trudged up the stairs to her apartment. Today was Thursday, and her workweek was nearly finished. The last two weeks had been the hardest she had experienced since Dan hired her to run Twice Loved. Not only had there been more customers than usual, but despite her best intentions, she continued to struggle with her feelings for Dan. He seemed sweet and attentive where Amy was concerned, even allowing her to visit his photography studio a couple of times. He’d also taken the child Christmas shopping one afternoon, which gave Bev the freedom to wait on customers without any distractions. Around Bev, however, Dan was distant and appeared to be preoccupied. He’d been friendly and attentive until the day after Thanksgiving, and Bev didn’t know what had happened to change things.