by Leah Atwood
The quickest path outside led him to a steel garden of industrial dumpsters and machinery. At least the machines ran silently, and he’d be able to make his phone call without noise interference.
He thumbed to Steve’s number and tapped the phone icon. It took five long seconds for the line to connect.
Steve answered on the first ring. Anguish laced his voice. “How is she?”
“Doing great. You have a daughter.”
An audible whoosh of relief came over the phone. “Thank God.”
Trevor relayed the little information he knew so far, including about Dan. “The hospital staff has been great at telling us what’s happening and what to expect. I’ll call you as I know more.”
“Thanks. I should be there in less than two hours.”
“Just drive safely. We don’t need any more patients today.”
The joke fell flat and created an awkward silence.
“I should have been there,” Steven said after a ten-second pause. “If they hadn’t made it…”
“You were looking out for your family, and Annabelle knows that. All that matters now is you have a healthy baby girl, and Annabelle is fine.”
Steve murmured unintelligible words before hanging up.
On his way back to labor and delivery, Trevor stopped by the cafeteria. He bought a coffee for himself, and a raspberry lemonade for Lauren. Not wanting to waste more time, he chose to ride the elevator instead of taking the stairs.
Lauren flipped through a home magazine, glancing up when he entered the room. “They haven’t said anything else yet. Did you get hold of Steve?”
“Yeah. He’ll be here in about two hours.” He handed her the clear plastic cup. “I got this for you. It’s raspberry.”
“Thanks.” She drank a long sip. “This is good. Much better than I would expect from a hospital.”
“The food isn’t great from what I hear, but hopefully we won’t be here long enough to resort to it.”
***
At midnight, Trevor made the call to go home and catch a few hours of sleep. He’d already called in a personal day for tomorrow, with plans to return early to the hospital.
Dan had made it through surgery and was resting in ICU. The doctors had only allowed Trevor to visit him for two fifteen-minute intervals, but he’d been able to report to Annabelle that her brother was alive and would recover fully in time. He left out details about the bruised and battered face and a broken arm. All things considered, Dan was a very lucky man who’d had angels watching over him.
Steve had made it safely to the hospital and was upstairs bonding with his new daughter. Once he’d arrived, Trevor and Lauren had given the new family of three their privacy and gone downstairs to be near Dan.
With all three patients in stable condition, and Dan unable to receive visitors until morning, there was no reason for Trevor to stay longer. He glanced at Lauren, who’d drifted off in the chair beside him.
Even in her sleep, with her neck twisted and face contorted from being pressed against the chair, he’d never thought her more beautiful. She’d been a trouper today. After Annabelle had been moved to recovery, and then a new mother room, Lauren had stayed by her side, providing the comfort only another woman could.
Reaching over, he shook her gently.
Her eyes fluttered open. “Is something wrong?”
“No,” he whispered in a soft tone. “I’m leaving until the morning.”
“What time is it?” She blinked again, looking at her wrist as though expecting to see a watch.
“After midnight.”
She patted the chair beside her and found her purse. A giant yawn escaped. “I’m usually still awake at this time.”
“Let me drive you home.” He’d never forgive himself if she fell asleep at the wheel on her way back to the apartment. “I can swing by in the morning and bring you to your car.”
“I’ll be fine.” Another tonsil-baring yawn. “You have enough to worry about.”
“You are my worry.” Touching a finger to her chin, he allowed it to linger. “Two of my best friends were in a serious accident today because a driver wasn’t alert. I don’t want you driving. Please.”
Understanding flashed over her sleepy face. “Okay, you can take me home.”
He expected her to fall back asleep on the way, but she stayed awake, forcing conversation. Her questions were often accompanied with a yawn, and he suspected she was only trying to keep him alert and awake. No problem there. The day’s excitement had released adrenaline that kept him going. Once he got home, he’d put on an old documentary he’d had to watch in college that never failed to make him fall asleep.
Lauren quieted when he parked the car.
“I’ll walk you up.”
Her mouth opened, to protest he was certain, but for reasons unknown to him she didn’t. “Thank you.”
She slipped out of the car before he could open her door and gave him a lazy smile.
He held her hand as they walked up the flight of steps, then came to a stop outside her apartment. An Easter wreath hung on the door. A matching welcome mat lay on the floor.
The desire to kiss her was overwhelming, but he wanted her fully alert for their first real kiss, not half asleep. From the corner of his eye, he caught sight of the wreath again, reminding him that Easter was this Sunday. “Spend Easter with me.”
Her eyes brightened then dimmed. “I already told my parents I’d spend the day with them.”
“What time?”
“All day. I’ll meet them at their church then follow them home.” Uncertain hope flickered in her eyes. “You can come with me.”
Meeting a girlfriend’s family for the first time could twist a knot in the stomach of any man, but he looked forward to knowing Lauren’s. “I’ll be there.” He saw the exhaustion in her eyes and wouldn’t keep her longer. “We’ll settle the details tomorrow.”
“Good night.” She unlocked her door and pushed it open. Rosie Lou burst out, and Lauren let out a tired groan. “I have to take the dog out. Poor thing has been here alone all afternoon.”
Trevor petted Rosie Lou. “Sit down and rest. I’ll take her out for you.”
“She’s my dog.”
“It’s late, and you never know what lurks in the dark.” He cupped her shoulder. “I don’t mind.”
She reached into the closet and retrieved the leash. “Don’t forget she’s afraid of other dogs.”
“I doubt there will be any others out there at this hour, but I’ll keep an eye out.”
“Thanks,” she mumbled after another yawn.
He hooked the leash to Rosie Lou’s collar and let her lead the way. It wasn’t long before Rosie Lou wanted to go back inside, so they returned to the apartment.
“We’re back,” he called out as he replaced the leash in the closet.
Lauren didn’t answer. Did he leave without saying bye? A second later he heard a snore. Following the sound, he spotted Lauren asleep on her sofa.
The image pulled on his heartstrings. Rather than waking her, he took the lavender knitted afghan from the recliner and covered Lauren with it. He dusted a kiss on her forehead. “Good night.”
She didn’t stir.
Locking the door behind him, he left her apartment with a full heart.
Chapter Ten
Pecan pie, with its crusted pecan top and gooey inside, rated as Lauren’s top dessert. There was always room for a slice, especially when it was homemade by her mother. Even if her stomach was full from Easter dinner with all the trimmings.
Her mom held a piece in front of Trevor. “Would you like a slice?”
“Yes, ma’am. Lauren informed me you make the best pecan pie in all of Louisiana.” He accepted the plate and grinned at her mom, who then blushed.
Lauren didn’t know how he accomplished it, but Trevor had won over her parents with ease. Mom fawned over him, more so than the few other boyfriends Lauren had brought home over the years. While in the kitchen
earlier helping her mom finish dinner, Mom had gushed over him, declaring him a perfect gentleman. She’d also noted the Prince Harry similarities and was convinced he had to be related.
Dad was more low-key about his acceptance, but when he showed Trevor his Civil War rifle collection, she knew he was in. Although she didn’t know what their conversation consisted of while in Dad’s office, Trevor walked out with a peaceful expression on his face, which was a good sign. Dad must not have grilled him as he’d done with other boyfriends.
After Lauren and Trevor had their dessert in front of them, Mom asked Izzy and her husband, Mark. Izzy declined, but Mark happily took a piece and dug into it.
Once everybody had been served, Mom reclaimed her seat with a small slice of pie in front of her. “When you girls were little, this is when we would start the Easter egg hunt. Your daddy would hurry up and eat his dessert, then pretend he had to go to the restroom but was really outside hiding eggs.”
“What your mom didn’t know was that I’d take another piece of pie outside with me.” Dad chuckled and winked at Mom.
“You weren’t so slick, Mister.” Mom arched her brows. “Of course, I knew. Where else would the missing slice have gone?”
Dad frowned and feigned embarrassment. “Izzy or Lauren could have snuck it.”
“And risked missing out on the egg hunt?” Mom smiled and wiped at the corner of Dad’s mouth. “Besides, you always had crumbs on your mouth like now.”
Lauren laughed along with the others, but a warm spot developed in her heart. Watching her parents reminded her why she’d waited to get married until she found someone she could grow old with. After forty years of marriage, her parents were still in love and enjoyed each other’s company. Lauren wouldn’t settle for less than what they shared.
Beside her, Trevor chewed on a bite of pie. He was the man she’d waited for, whom she could spend her life with and still delight in the simple pleasures, like watching him enjoy his dessert, forty years from now.
“Maybe within a few years, we can start the egg hunts with a new generation of children.” Mom looked directly at her.
Heat spread like a wildfire on a windy day over her entire body. How awkward? Why not address her newlywed sister, who had dreamed of nothing else but marriage and babies since she was a little girl?
A gleam entered her Dad’s eyes.
Don’t say anything embarrassing. Don’t say anything embarrassing.
Dad trained his gaze on Trevor. “What are your intentions toward my daughter?”
And her humiliation was complete. Good grief, she was thirty-six years old. She loved and respected her father, but she didn’t need him asking her boyfriend what his intentions were. She dared a glance at Trevor, who appeared to take it in stride.
“I’d be happy to give you an answer, sir, if you’ll allow me ten minutes with your daughter first.”
Her eyes widened. What was going on? She looked at her dad, whose eyes sparkled, and he gave a slow nod.
Mom practically preened. “The gazebo out back makes a perfect spot for conversation.”
Lauren tucked her chin down, too embarrassed to meet anyone’s gaze. The pleasant Easter dinner had spun out of control with the force of a Louisiana hurricane.
Scooting his chair back, Trevor extended a hand. “Can we talk outside?”
The endearing look he cast upon her eased her nerves. Maybe her dad’s questioning wasn’t such a bad thing after all. Aware of five sets of eyes on her, she smiled shyly at Trevor. “As you wish.”
He gripped her hand, and they left out of the French double doors of the dining room. Walked across the patio and down an azalea-lined path that led to the white gazebo.
“I’m sorry your dad embarrassed you.” Trevor sat beside where she’d claimed a seat. “And I’m sorry if I made it worse by asking to speak with you first.”
“It’s okay. I knew it was only a matter of time before Dad said something.” She shrugged. “It’s who he is.”
“Still.” He shifted his position so that he sat at an angle.
Did she ask him what his intentions were? Or did she wait? “My parents like you.”
“I like them, too. They’re great people, but they raised you, so that’s not a surprise.”
“I’m fortunate to have great parents, even if they lack subtlety.” She laughed to cover her embarrassment.
He brushed his knuckles against her cheek, distracting her from any other thoughts. “You’re beautiful, inside and out.”
“You are too. Well, not beautiful. I don’t mean you’re ugly. Handsome.”
Her fumbling response was silenced by a finger on her lips. “I know what you mean.”
“Good.” She stifled a nervous laugh.
“I wanted to talk to you before answering your dad because I thought it only fair that you’re the first person to hear me say I love you.”
Three skipped heartbeats later, his words processed in her mind. “Say it again.”
Gathering her hands in his, he knelt to one knee. “I love you, Lauren. We’ve only known each other a short time, but you’ve shown me what true love is, and you’ve filled the spot in my heart reserved for that one person I’m meant to spend my life with.”
“Is…is that a proposal?”
“Yes. I don’t have a ring, but I’ll get you one. I’m sorry it’s not a grand romantic gesture, but if you will say yes, I promise to spend my life loving and cherishing you.”
“I love you, too. Yes, I’ll marry you.” She dropped to her knees to be at level with him. “I don’t need grand gestures and a fairytale romance. I only need you to love me.”
“I will. Every day for the rest of our lives.”
His head lowered until their lips met in a kiss that filled her with bliss and contentment. Trevor was worth every minute of the thirty-six-year wait.
When they finally ended the kiss, Trevor wrapped an arm around her. “Should we share the good news with your family?”
She grinned and pointed to the glass doors where her mom, dad, Izzy, and Mark stared at them. “I think they already know.”
Epilogue
Seven Months Later
Dear Faithful Readers,
When I began this blog, I wanted to help other single adults find ways to be content in their status. Through devotions, recipes, real-life anecdotes, tips, and other ideas my mind crafted, I pray that you’ve found helpful hints along the way.
I’ve enjoyed running this blog and have been incredibly blessed by the friendships and connections made through it. However, I must now step aside. As of last week, I am no longer single.
Remember that series I ran last spring on unique ways to meet someone when I joined a man for dinner, but he didn’t give me his number? Turns out, God meant for us to be together, and we were married the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
For those of you still searching or don’t want to see the blog disappear, never fear. I’ve handed over the reins to a trusted friend who will continue bringing you the content you’ve come to love.
I’ll leave you with this encouragement from Psalms. “Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you your heart’s desires.” Trust in Him for His timing is perfect.
Words can’t express how much I appreciate your support over the years, but from the bottom of my heart, thank you, and God bless.
Lauren
She hit publish on her final post as a tear fell to the keyboard. Table For One had been a part of her life for so long that giving it up was emotional.
Rosie Lou must have sensed her sadness. She came over and laid her head and floppy ears on Lauren’s lap. After petting the dog for a few minutes, Lauren left the office and let Rosie Lou out to run in the backyard.
A few minutes later, she started barking, and Lauren heard the front door open.
All traces of tears disappeared when she heard Trevor call her name. She’d given up her blog but received something of immeasurable value in its place.
&nbs
p; Note from the Author
Dear Readers,
My dad has a phrase he always tells me. “You’re very patient unless you have to wait.” This has been true my entire life, and I admit, even as an adult, patience is not a virtue I can readily claim. Many times (too many, if I’m being honest) I have to make myself step back and remember that God alone is in control, not me. When I try to rush, or avert him, it turns into a disaster. Every. Single. Time.
No matter your situation, whether waiting to find a husband or wife, meet financial goals, start a family, or any other events you face—from the small to the life-altering—God’s timing is perfect. Free any fears you have and trust in Him. It is worth it!
Until next time,
Leah
P.S. For a recipe from Lauren’s blog, go to www.tableforone.us.
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Other Available Titles
Contemporary Romances
Come to Me Series
Come to Me Alive
Come to Me Free
Come to Me Again
Come to Me Joyful (Bonus Novella)
Modern Conveniences Series
Love In a Fix
Calling Love
Lost in Love
Waiting on Love (Bonus Novella)
Always Faithful Series
That Was Then
This Is Now (Spring 2017)
When It’s Forever (Summer 2017)
Love at the Lake
Not This Time
Historical Romances
Brides of Weatherton Novellas
After the Rain
Fire and Ice
Winds of Change
Whiter than Snow
Dancing on Dew