by Lucie Ulrich
Sarah watched Kevin walk away from her, torn about whether or not to invite him to join them. Considering the stand she’d taken, it wasn’t wise, but with all the work he’d done for her, how could she not?
When he reached the front door with his ladder and tool bag, Sarah called his name. He stopped with one hand on the door knob. “Did I forget something?”
“No.” Sarah approached him, a tremor in her belly. “I did.”
“Oh?”
The tremor turned to a minor earthquake. “I forgot to ask you to join us for lunch. The least I can do after all your hard work is to feed you.”
“I didn’t work all that hard.” He opened the door. “Thanks just the same, but I think I’ll sit this one out. You two enjoy.” With a smile and a wave, he closed the door behind him and was gone.
Momentarily stunned, Sarah stood facing the door. “He said no.”
“What did you expect him to say?” Pippa grabbed her purse from the floor. “You asked him to back off. He’s simply honoring your wish.”
“I know, but since he was already here, I didn’t think he’d turn me down.”
“You can’t have it both ways, kiddo.”
“No cake and eating it too?” Sarah smiled through her disappointment.
“Nope. Whatever that stupid expression means. I mean, seriously, if I have cake, aren’t I supposed to eat it?” She laughed. “Come on, let’s get out of here and indulge in something fattening and bad for us.”
Sarah wasn’t one to eat her troubles away, but lunch with her best friend always made her feel better. “Sounds perfect. Then we’ll top it off with a big piece of cake.”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Sarah’s final Friday with her students was a half day filled with parties and parting gifts. When the students had all been picked up, Sarah’s coworkers took her to lunch and showered her with more gifts and plenty of well-wishes. She still had three days of post-planning and cleaning out her room, but for the most part, her days working at Calvary were done.
A bittersweet sensation accompanied her on the drive home. No matter what happened from here, she knew she’d never live in this town again. She unloaded the treasures her young students had blessed her with and climbed the stairs to her second story apartment, then returned for the gifts from her fellow teachers.
Her cell rang just as she shut the apartment door. Tossing her packages on the couch, Sarah dug her phone from her purse. It was only two o’clock. Maybe Logan was calling early to make up for missing last week. She glanced at the screen and groaned.
Thinking happy thoughts, Sarah connected. “Hello, Abigail.”
“I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to call, Sarah, but my schedule has been beyond full. I’ve barely had time to breathe.” She went on before Sarah could utter a sound. “I do feel it’s important we settle on a venue before you leave town.”
When Sarah was certain Abigail was done, she dared speak. “I appreciate your request, Abigail, but until we’re certain when Logan is coming back and we set a date, I don’t see the point.”
“So, let’s set the date.”
Sarah laughed to herself. Mommy wants to set the date. “I could be wrong, but I do believe it’s customary for the bride and groom to decide.”
“There’s no need for sarcasm. I’m simply trying to get this settled once and for all. We know the longest Logan will remain is eighteen months, so we set the date accordingly.”
“No.”
“What do you mean ‘no’?”
Sarah pulled off her shoes and sat on the couch. If she was to become part of this family, she was going to have to make it clear that certain boundaries were not to be crossed, while doing her best to get along with her mother-in-law. “What if Logan comes home after a year, or say the money runs out and he’s home in nine months? I’m not willing to wait all that time to marry him just because you’ve chosen the perfect venue.”
“Then what do you suggest?”
“It’s simple. We stick to your original idea and hold the reception in your backyard.”
Several long seconds passed in silence before Abigail spoke. “I suppose that could work.”
“Of course it will work.” Sarah didn’t want to appear overly solicitous, giving Abigail more control than necessary, but it truly was the best solution. “And without the pressure of having to book an expensive location, we’ll have the freedom to plan for whenever Logan comes home.”
“Fine, but I’ll need a minimum of four months to prepare and send out the announcement to the appropriate people, not to mention hiring the caterers.”
If all went well, Sarah would have a good feel for when Logan might return, so she was willing to agree to Abigail’s request. “Deal.”
“Now that I’ve given you what you want, I do hope you’ll reconsider the dress.”
Compromising on the venue was one thing, wearing a dress she would loathe was quite another. Stifling the words she wanted to say, Sarah spoke calmly but clearly. “No, Abigail, I won’t. I’ve agreed to all of your requests. Your backyard is lovely, and I’m more than happy to be married there, but we both know a small church wedding is what I would have chosen. Since I’m leaving the catering choices, flower arrangements, and most of the guest list to you, I expect you to leave the wedding dress decision to me.”
“But you’ll be breaking a long-standing family tradition.”
One that should have been broken years ago. “Yes, I will, and Logan and I are okay with that.”
Abigail huffed through the phone. “Fine. I suppose you’ll want to choose the cake as well?”
“Most definitely. Oh, and I’ll give you my color scheme once I make the final decision on the bridesmaids’ gowns.”
“What do you mean by color scheme? Montgomery bridesmaids always wear blue— darker shades for winter weddings and lighter for summer.”
“Oh, no, blue will never do. I’m thinking along the lines of purple, or burnt orange, maybe even a rainbow of colors.” She was pushing Abigail’s buttons and hated herself just a little, despite how good it felt. In truth, Sarah loathed different colored dresses in wedding parties. She’d already decided on green, though not the actual shade.
“Rainbow? You wouldn’t.”
The anxiety in Abigail’s voice made Sarah feel worse than before. It was unkind and unnecessary, no matter how demanding the woman was. “Sorry, that was a little joke. I promise you the color will be tasteful and elegant.”
A deep exhale reached Sarah’s ear. “Thank you for that at least. Well, I must go. I’m meeting Robert downtown for an awards banquet then we’re off for a three week tour of the Orient. I wish you well in your new environment.”
“Thank you, Abigail. Enjoy your vacation.”
Abigail disconnected leaving Sarah drained. She wondered if they’d ever be able to form any sort of mother-daughter bond. Before her thoughts took her too far, she got another call.
First the mother, now the son. Hopefully this conversation would be more pleasant. That is, if Sarah could get past last week’s missed call.
She connected. “Hi, sweetheart.”
“Hi, yourself. It’s so good to hear your voice.”
“Yours too.” Say something nice, something romantic. “How are you?” Sarah shook her head. Real romantic.
“I’m good, though I think I’ve dropped about ten pounds since coming here. Think you could send me something that might fatten me up? You know, like some of your delicious double chocolate chip cookies?”
The smile in his voice made her want to do whatever she could for him. “I’ll get on that first thing in the morning. Once post-planning is done, I’ll be finishing up the packing and probably won’t cook much the last week I’m here.”
“It’s going to be strange thinking of you in a different place. I won’t be able to picture it.”
She’d forgotten to take pictures during their work day. “Once I’m all moved in, I’ll send you some pictures.”
“It would be nicer if we were married, and you were moving in with me.”
“I’d like that too, babe. Hopefully I’ll be home next summer. Your teaching year will be up, and I’m going to start the application process in about six months. It may be a year before I get a permanent position, but with the experience this dig is giving me, who knows where we might end up?”
Sarah’s pulse quickened. She’d yet to tell him she’d signed on for two years. Holding off was the coward’s way, but if telling him meant he’d extend his stay, she wasn’t sure she could handle it. On the other hand, not telling him would make it appear she was keeping secrets.
“Sarah? Are you still there?”
“I’m here.” Just get it over with and tell him. “With everything being so uncertain, and my need to secure the job I really wanted, I signed a two-year contract.”
Long seconds passed before Logan spoke. “And you waited this long to tell me?” His tone wasn’t harsh, nor did it spark with enthusiasm.
“Like I said, everything was so up in the air. You still don’t know how long you’ll be gone, or when you’ll get a teaching post, so I figured we could live here while you finish up any schooling, or applications, or whatever else you’ll need to do. You’ll love it, Logan. The town is adorable, the beach is only a five-minute drive, and the apartment is beyond fantastic. I can’t think of a better place for us to begin our lives together.”
“And what happens if I’m awarded a job earlier rather than later? Am I supposed to put my life on hold?” There was no missing the harshness this time.
Tension tightened Sarah’s neck and shoulders. She had to take several deep breaths before answering. “If I remember correctly, you asked me to put my life on hold while you did something very important to you.”
“And you agreed to it,” he yelled.
“Because I love you and want you to be happy,” she yelled back. “I would hope you’d want the same for me.”
Silence engulfed them for the second time.
Logan’s laughter broke the tension. “I love you, too, babe, and I’m sorry it came to this. It’s not fair of me to expect you to make all the sacrifices, so if that means two years, then two years it is. We’ll figure it out somehow.”
It wasn’t exactly an endearing I’ll walk to the ends of the earth for you sentiment, but it was very much Logan, and a step in the right direction. Maybe now they could get back on track and eliminate the petty things that seemed to be plaguing them—like why he hadn’t called last week, which suddenly seemed better left unmentioned. “Of course we will, because we’re a team.” She had to clear her throat in order to keep her voice from cracking. “No matter how far apart we are.”
“Ah, sweetheart, I know things have been rough, and I take all of the blame.”
Guilt clawed at Sarah’s chest. How could she possibly be entertaining thoughts of Kevin when she had the love of an amazing guy named Logan? “It’s not all you, Logan. I guess the separation has made me a little grumpier than usual, not to mention impatient.” The familiar crackle that had interrupted so many of their conversations returned, accompanied by a voice in the distance. Sarah knew they didn’t have much time left. “Forgive me?”
“Always.”
Logan next words were muffled. It took a few seconds for Sarah to realize he was speaking to someone else. “Logan? Can you still hear me?”
“Barely. I gotta go. I’ll talk to you next week. Love you.”
“I love you too.” Disconnecting, Sarah knew he hadn’t heard her, still, she felt better than she had in a long time. She held her hand out in front of her. The diamond was beautiful, and she’d love it just like she loved Logan.
Things weren’t perfect, but they were finally coming together again, and Sarah breathed a sigh of contentment.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
In the three weeks since he’d last seen Sarah, Kevin had done his best to keep her out of his mind. He’d worked extra shifts, built a new bookcase for his neighbor, and even spent time with Mallory Marshall at a group picnic. She’d toned down her pushiness, and the day had been pleasant.
Now, as his flight taxied to the terminal, the only thing he wanted to think about was time with his sister, brother-in-law, and the kids at the ranch.
After collecting his bag, Kevin walked through the automatic doors and stood on the curb. His sister honked and he hurried over to her truck. He tossed his bag in the back while Amy jumped out and gave him a quick hug.
“Get in,” she said. “I’ve had that security guard eyeing me for the last three minutes. If you hadn’t walked out when you did, he’d have made me leave.”
Kevin rushed around front and climbed into the passenger seat. Other than a few smile lines around her eyes and some obvious added muscle mass, his sister looked as good as the day she’d graduated from college. He squeezed her bicep. “Ranch work looks good on you.”
“Thanks. It’s a definite perk to the job.”
He tugged at a strand of her black hair. “Is the gray a perk as well?”
She punched his arm. “I’ll have you know there isn’t a single gray hair on my head, and as long as color comes in a bottle, there never will be.”
He laughed then choked back the lump in his throat. “I can’t tell you how good it is to see you again.”
Amy pulled forward and onto the main airport road. “Two years is a long time, little brother. You need to get out here more often.”
“I could say the same.”
“Pshh! I wish. Brian and I haven’t had a day off in nearly three years. We’re just now getting to the point we’ll be able to bring in a few more house parents.” She twisted her head in his direction and grinned. “But one thing I can promise you. We’ll be at your wedding, if and when you ever decide to get serious about somebody.”
Thoughts of Sarah’s sweet smile and wavy hair filled his head, followed by the surprised look on her face when he’d refused to have lunch with her. The woman had him twisted into a dozen different knots, and he wondered if he wasn’t doing the same to her.
“What’s that goofy grin all about?”
“Nothing.”
“Liar.” Amy exited the airport property and headed northeast. She turned to him wide-eyed. “You’ve met someone. What’s she like? I want to hear everything.”
He should have known he wouldn’t be able to keep it from her for long. “It’s complicated.”
“Oh, boy.” She pulled off at the first exit.
“Did the ranch move since I was here last?”
“Ha, ha. There’s a diner down the road, and I’m not willing to wait until things calm down tonight before getting the scoop.”
“Yeah, but won’t Brian mind you being gone longer than expected?”
“I’ll text him. He’ll understand.”
The excitement in Amy’s voice would soon become serious, and his big sister would quickly morph into her mother mode. He didn’t mind, seeing it was the reason he came. He longed for advice from someone who knew him and wasn’t afraid to tell him exactly what he needed to hear.
In fewer than five minutes they were seated at a booth, two mugs of steaming coffee sitting in front of them. Kevin stirred in a small amount of cream, and waited for Amy to take the lead.
He didn’t wait long.
She took one sip, set the mug down and stared across the table. “What’s her name?”
“Sarah Alexander.”
“And?”
Kevin held the mug between his hands and brought it to his mouth. “And what?” He drank, keeping his eyes on his sister. He knew better than to play this game, but it did give him a bit of pleasure to make her wait. After her inevitable eye roll, Kevin set his mug down. “She’s everything I’ve been waiting for.”
The eye roll switched to a smirk. “Can you be a little more specific?”
“Okay, no more games. Sarah is sweet and considerate. She doesn’t take herself
too seriously, and she’s all about family and loyalty. She’s a beautiful, freckle-faced, green-eyed redhead, and I’m crazy about her.”
“Hmmm, didn’t you have trouble with a redhead once and swear never to date another?”
Laughing, Kevin poured a bit more cream into his coffee. “That was in the seventh grade, and I wouldn’t exactly call one junior high dance ‘dating.’”
“So, how did you meet this green-eyed beauty?”
“She’s best friends with Pippa. They lived in the same neighborhood while growing up, and through circumstances they’ll be neighbors again. In fact, Sarah is moving into her new apartment this weekend.” He picked up his mug and took a sip.
“She’s moving this weekend?”
“Uh-huh.”
Amy drew her brows together. “You’re crazy about her. She’s moving to town, and you’re here?” Amy leaned against the back of the bench and crossed her arms over chest. “What aren’t you telling me?”
Looking at her over the top of his mug, Kevin could see his mother. There was no point postponing the inevitable. He lowered the mug. “She’s engaged.”
“What are you thinking, Kevin?” Amy leaned across the table without a shred of anger or judgment in her voice, a testament to her line of work. “It isn’t like you to go after another man’s woman.”
“I didn’t go after her. I wasn’t even looking. She just suddenly came into my life.”
Amy shook her head and gulped her coffee. “Talk to me.”
He recalled in detail the events that brought him to this point. When he was through, he’d consumed a second cup of coffee. “I can’t help the way I feel about her, Amy, and knowing she likes me makes it that much harder to think of her as completely unavailable. It’s why I chose this weekend to come. There’s no way we can avoid one another, but I’m determined to play it her way.”
“And you’re keeping this in prayer, right?”
“Only every minute of every day.”
Amy nodded in her typical no-nonsense fashion. “Good. You were right to come. Though I doubt one week apart will do much to rid you of your feelings for Sarah.”