The sound of a man’s voice caught Dan’s attention as he passed the backside of the pay phone. The voice belonged to Brian Givens, and when Jenni’s name was mentioned, Dan paused to listen.
“You know it won’t make any difference, Sonya,” Brian was crooning. “I’ll always love you, even if I have to marry Jennifer. It won’t change a thing.”
Dan began to seethe as he continued to listen. Brian was clearly playing games with Jennifer. Surprisingly, Dan wasn’t as angry at Givens for lying to Jenni about his feelings as he was worried about why he had lied. Why was he stringing Jenni along like that?
Dan remained hidden behind the wooden phone booth. Feeling only a momentary guild for eavesdropping, he was grateful for the position of the booth against tall wooden fencing.
“You know it’s necessary. Look, Sonya, I told you I’d be back by the first, but I have to convince Jenni to marry me. Otherwise she’ll never trust me enough,” Brian explained.
“Trust him enough for what?” Dan couldn’t help but wonder.
“Yeah, yeah, she bought it. She thinks I’m a dyed-in-the-wool, born-again lunatic, just like her and the rest of her crazy family.” Brian paused, obviously listening to the person on the other end.
“It’ll be a cinch,” Brian said in a smug manner. “She’s too stupid to figure out anything different. She’s still the same pie-in-the-sky, rose-colored-glasses Jennifer. She’ll believe whatever I tell her.”
Dan wanted to jump the wall and render Brian Givens completely unconscious, but he knew that wasn’t the answer. Given the fact that competition between him and Givens had already been intense, Dan doubted if he could make Jennifer understand his reasons for attacking Givens. Besides, he knew that God would provide another, better way to deal with Brian Givens.
“Are you kidding?” Brian was laughing softly. “You needn’t worry about that, my love. She had a fit when I kissed her tonight. She’s as much a prude as ever.” He paused again and laughed at whatever was being said. “Well, I suppose I did get carried away, but I kept thinking of how badly I wanted you, Sonya.” This apparently appeased the woman, and Dan could tell by Brian’s comments that he was about to conclude his conversation.
“You just keep at the old man. Dog his every step and if it becomes a problem, get someone else to help you. But make sure it’s someone you can trust. If Campbell finds out, he’ll ruin both of us.” Brian’s tone was serious now, and Dan couldn’t help but wonder what Brian and his accomplice planned for Jennifer’s father.
Brian was telling the woman that he loved her, and Dan quickly raced up the hill to the seclusion of his cabin. Entering the cabin, Dan switched on the light and went immediately to his notebook computer. He began to type down the entire exchange between Brian and his Sonya. If necessary, he’d rely on the transcript to tell Jennifer what had transpired.
Then a sickening feeling hit him. How could he tell her? It would have been difficult under normal circumstances, but with both men in obvious rivalry for Jenni’s affections, Dan wasn’t sure but what she’d think it was a ploy to discredit Brian.
Throughout the rest of the night, Dan tossed and turned in bed, ever aware that somewhere in the night, Brian Givens plotted to destroy Keith Campbell’s career and Jenni’s heart.
❧
The following morning Jenni rose early. After a quick shower, she braided her hair and dressed. Jeans and an oversized, blue fisherman’s sweater were her choice for the day.
With a renewed zest, Jenni sat down to begin working with the day’s computer entries. Just past eight o’clock, both Kelly and Pamela Walker put in an appearance.
“Aunt Pam!” Jenni exclaimed and got up to embrace the older woman.
“You look great,” Pamela said as she returned Jenni’s affectionate hug. “You too, Kelly.”
Kelly smiled. “Thanks, boss.”
“Jenni,” Pam began, “I know you’re planning to head home in a few days and I just wanted you to know that everything is set. I don’t have a permanent manager, mostly because I keep hoping you’ll stay on, but I did secure a temporary for the daytime. You’re going to be available for the evening, right, Kelly?”
“That’s right, Pam. I don’t have a problem with it at all,” Kelly assured both Pam and Jenni.
“Well, then,” Pam continued, “if there’s nothing else I can do for you, I’ll take the print outs and receipts, and be on my way. Dave probably wonders what’s taken me this long.”
“It was good to see you, Aunt Pam. Will I see you again before I leave?” Jenni questioned.
“I doubt it, love. But tell your folks hello and congratulate your father for me. I’m already certain he’ll win hands down.”
“I will and thanks again,” Jenni smiled. “I really have enjoyed this job. You may get me more permanent than you want me.”
“That’s not possible,” Pamela Walker said as she headed out the door. “Just call if you need me. You have the number.”
After a shared breakfast and brief devotion, Kelly bundled up and headed out to supervise the cleaning staff, while Jenni turned her attention back to the computer. She noted that this would be a heavy day for both departures and new arrivals. Those days were always exhausting for everyone.
Jenni entered the remaining information in the computer, and after manipulating the software to get the answers she sought, Jenni wrote down on a piece of paper that cabins three, nine, ten, nineteen and twenty were still available.
Just then the phone rang, startling Jenni. “Hello, O’Reilly’s,” she said in her most business-like voice.
“Jenni?”
“Mom!” Jenni exclaimed in sheer joy. “What a surprise. How are you? How’s dad and the campaign?”
“Whoa, slow down. We’re both great and the campaign looks good. The polls, for what they’re worth, have Dad well in the lead. Landslide victory, is the word going around the State House.”
“I’m glad,” Jenni said in a relieved tone. Not being in Topeka, Jenni had very little information or feel for what the media and campaign opponents were doing to her father.
“Are you still coming on the first?” Anne Campbell questioned her daughter.
“Yes, and I’ll probably call before I leave here.” Jenni confirmed.
“Your gather isn’t very excited about you driving all that way alone.”
“I won’t be alone – remember god is my Co-pilot,” Jenni replied, trying to soothe her mother’s worried mind. “And who knows, maybe Brian will ride back with me.” Jenni hesitated, remembering the previous night’s events. “Then again,” she said, deciding she’d rather not be alone with Brian for the long ride to Topeka, “I doubt that very seriously.”
“Brian? Brian Givens?” Ann said in disbelief. “What is he doing there?”
“I figured he told you. After all, didn’t you tell him where I was?” Jenni asked, rather surprised.
“Not at all. I figured he was still working on the Jenson and Lee campaigns. I certainly didn’t know he’d come out there to bother you. Are you okay?” Jenni’s mother was clearly worried about Brian’s arrive in Estes Park.
“I’m doing fine, Mom. Really I am. Did you know that Brian has become a Christian?” Jenni questioned curiously.
“No, I hadn’t heard anything about that,” her mother replied. “When did this happen?”
“He told me it happened sometime this fall. He said he realized that the things I’d told him about God were true and that he knew he was lost.” Jenni paused, hesitating to say that Brian had renewed his interest in their relationship. Should she further worry her mother with that bit of news?
“So why did he come all the way out there to tell you that?” Ann Campbell asked suspiciously. “Wouldn’t a phone call have sufficed?”
“I suppose,” Jenni said with deliberate slowness, “it had more to do with the fact that he wanted to win me back, as he put it.”
“Oh, Jenni, you aren’t considering it, are you? Even if he has
accepted Christ, I –” Her mother fell silent, as though hesitant to finish her thought.
“I don’t think I could ever resume our relationship, Mom. Not after the way I was hurt. But I’ve gone out with him a few times.” That was an understatement, Jenni thought to herself. Morning, noon and night, Brian was plaguing her for one reason or another. “But, I don’t feel the same way I used to.”
“Please promise me you’ll be careful, Jenni. I really don’t trust him. I mean, I hope his confession is true and I pray that he has found a way to turn his life around, but, Jenni, please be careful. Remember that you’ll know them by their fruit.”
“I will, Mom. I better go now. I love you.”
She was just putting the receiver back in place when Brian came bounding into the office with a bright smile on his face.
“Good morning, beautiful. Sleep well?” he questioned with a glint in his eye.
“It was a rather short night,” Jenni said, returning his smile. “But yes, I did sleep well. In fact I feel as though I could walk over Trail Ridge Road and back. If it weren’t already snow packed, I’d probably try it too.”
“Why all this enthusiasm?” Brian questioned, leaning down with his elbows on the office counter.
“Oh, I don’t know,” Jenni said avoiding his eyes. How could she tell him that Dan’s confession had given her heart wings to soar on? “I guess it’s because I just heard from my mother.” It wasn’t the whole truth, but it certainly wasn’t a lie.
“Oh?” Brian seemed intently interested. “How are things going back home?”
“Great, just great. Mom says they expect Daddy to win by a landslide. I never doubted it for a minute though.” Jenni’s pride in her father was evident.
Brian hid a frown and pretended to cough. “Well, then, since you’re already in good spirits, how about my capping off the morning with something even better?”
“It’s only nine-thirty, no need to cap anything off yet,” Jenni teased. “Besides what could be better than hearing good news from home?”
“How about this?” Brian said, opening a small jewelry box to reveal a diamond ring.
“Oh,” Jenni said.
“Oh? Is that all you have to say?” he teased.
“I don’t know what to say, Brian.”
“Say yes,” Brian prodded. “Just say yes.”
But Jenni was already miles away. She couldn’t help but think of the last time she’d said yes to Brian’s proposal of marriage. Nor could she put the blue-eyed Daniel James from her mind.
“Wha-what?” she stammered, realizing that Brian was speaking to her.
Brian placed the ring box on the counter and came around to pull Jenni in his arms. “I said, marry me. Today, tonight, tomorrow! I don’t care, just say you will.”
He lowered his lips to kiss Jenni tenderly, with none of the urgent passion that had nearly destroyed her opinion of him the night before. Jenni’s mind reeled as she tried to sort through the feelings and emotions of the moment. Marry Brian?
“I guess I’m the one who picked the wrong time to interrupt this time,” Dan said as he stood not two feet behind Brian.
Jenni pushed away from Brian and met Dan’s pain-filled eyes. She’d not heard the bells on the front door, nor Dan’s footsteps as he’d entered. Brian seemed to be enjoying the moment very much and said nothing.
“I – I –” Jenni stammered to find words to take the sting out of what Dan had observed.
“No need to explain,” Dan said with a fleeting smile. “I just came to invite you to the writers’ conference. It’ll keep.” Dan moved toward the door.
“No, wait!” Jenni cried out, realizing she sounded desperate. “Don’t leave yet.” “Yes, James,” Brian added with a superior satisfaction to his voice. “Help us celebrate.”
“Celebrate?” Dan questioned Brian’s words but his eyes never left Jennifer.
“Yes, celebrate. I’ve just asked Jenni to become my wife!”
SIXTEEN
Jenni hated the look on Dan’s face. His eyes looked first to her and then to Brian, and in their depths was an expression of betrayal.
“He asked,” Jenni said quickly, “but I haven’t answered.” Her eyes pleaded with Dan to understand. She turned then to Brian and reprimanded him, “You assume too much, Brian. I’m not ready to agree to marry you.”
“Well, this ring certainly ought to help you make up your mind.” Brian flashed the ring under Dan’s nose.
“The ring is lovely, Brian, but that will have little to do with my decision. Now, if both of you will excuse me, I have work to do,” Jenni said and took a seat behind the desk counter.
Leaning over the counter, Dan whispered, “Whatever you decide, give yourself plenty of time to make the right choice.”
Jenni smiled. The look on Dan’s face betrayed his feelings for her. “I will,” she promised. With a nod of his head toward Brian, Dan left the cabin.
“What was all that about?” Brian questioned.
“I told you I have work to do, Brian. Now I want you to go.” Jenni pointed to the door.
“But I asked you to marry me!”
“I know,” Jenni replied.
“And?” Brian was trying his best to control his temper.
“And what?” Jenni questioned as she looked up from the computer. “I can’t give you an answer just like that.” Jenni snapped her fingers.
“But, Jenni,” Brian began, “this shouldn’t be all that hard. We were engaged for two years. We’ve only been apart for a few months. How hard of a decision could it be? Either you love me or you don’t”
“Brian, I need time to think.”
“Think about what?” Brian ranted with his arms raised. “What’s the problem here, Jenni? It’s him, isn’t it?” The look on Jenni’s face left Brian little doubt that he was right.
“Dan has become very important to me,” Jenni remarked. “Now, if you don’t mind –”
“Do you love him?” Brian interrupted.
“What?” Jenni was taken aback by the question. “I don’t believe that’s any of your business. My feelings and thoughts are personal in this matter.” Then, getting up from the desk, she turned to leave. “If I can’t work here, I’ll go where I can.”
Jenni went to the laundry room and started folding towels and sheets. Brian’s sudden announcement had shocked her, while Dan’s pain-filled expression had broken her heart. She finished with the laundry, and after giving the room a good cleaning, she made her way outside. Without giving it a second thought, she found herself headed up the hill toward Dan’s cabin.
A light dusting of snow had covered the porch, but Jenni knew it would be gone as soon as the sun was high enough in the sky. Even in summer, they sometimes got snow in the wee hours of the morning.
Jenni knocked lightly on the door and waited. For a moment she wondered if Dan had gone hiking. He was pretty upset and she couldn’t really blame him. Brian had sounded as if he and she were well on their way to the church.
Dan opened the door and smiled. “I hoped you’d come up. I even prayed about it.”
“Kind of a selfish prayer, wasn’t it?” Jenni grinned, entering the cabin.
“I was just thinking about the ‘desires of my heart’ and things along those lines. Can I get you something? Coffee? Diet pop? Me?” He gave her a wink of his eye, and his tone left Jenni breathless. He went to the refrigerator to look for something else to offer, while Jenni studied him, unable to turn away.
Dan suddenly realized that Jenni was observing him, and with a cocky tilt of his head, he teased, “Lose something?”
Jenni blushed as she realized how blatant her study had been, and tried desperately to change the subject, “I want – want you. . .” she stammered.
“You what?” Dan grinned, thoroughly enjoying her discomfort. “I mean, I came up here to let you know, I. . .” Jenni fell silent. Her eyes locked with Dan’s incredibly blue ones, and all she could think about was how much she real
ly did love this man. How could she even consider marrying Brian? And yet somehow she felt she was obligated to consider his proposal. Or was she? Did she owe Brian anything?
Dan crossed the distance between them but stopped short of taking Jenni into his arms. He was making this most difficult, Jenni decided. Throwing pride to the wind, she threw her arms around his neck and pulled his head down to hers.
Jenni was also the one to instigate the kiss, a sweet kiss of deep, heart-felt longing. Without giving much thought to the consequences, Jenni blurted, “I think I’m in love with you.”
She half-expected Dan to tell her the same, and when he didn’t she dropped her arms and turned to leave.
“Where do you think you’re going?” Dan asked, pulling her back into his arms.
“I can’t think clearly,” Jenni answered. She was hurt by his lack of response to her declaration.
“You can’t just waltz into a man’s house, throw yourself at him, tell him you think you love him – and then walk out. You have a little bit of explaining to do, Miss Campbell.” The glint in his eyes told Jenni that he was teasing, but her heart still held an awful dread that her calculations of Dan’s feelings for her might be wrong.
“I shouldn’t have said that,” Jenni whispered, while Dan led her to a small couch.
“Why? Didn’t you mean it?” Dan’s voice was serious.
“It’s not that,” Jenni said with her head bowed. She could feel tears forming in her eyes. She truly didn’t want to break down in front of this man.
“Look at me,” Dan commanded.
Jenni shook her head, so afraid that if she saw rejection in his eyes or heard him say something to cast off her feelings, she’d burst into tears on the spot.
Dan gently cupped Jenni’s chin and lifted her face. She closed her eyes tightly, trying to blink back the tears. “Look at me,” he whispered gently.
She opened her eyes, revealing the tears that now dripped from her black lashes. Dan’s face held a puzzled look for a moment.
“I have to go,” Jenni said in a barely audible voice.
“No, you don’t, you’re the boss here. Remember?” Dan replied as he brushed away a single teardrop that slid down her cheek. “Now, what’s all this about?”
If Given a Choice Page 12