by Emma Miller
She opened it, shooting him a curious glance. The folded paper opened up to show a flyer for a small, brick building on the northeast side, not far from downtown, right off the main boulevard.
“I saw this little place. It’s in the right area, the right size. I talked to the Realtor today and made an offer. If you’ll let me help, I want to be part of your dream for the thrift shop you wanted to open for the no-cost baby supplies.” He pulled out another sheet.
“There are so many people in my area of work who want to help but don’t really know how. I spent most of yesterday on the phone. This is a list of people who work with the county and state who said they’d be willing to lend a hand and give advice as needed, pro bono.”
“How did you know—” Evie felt her throat close up around the words she yearned to speak. Her hand was still clutching the flyer, eyes filled with tears.
“Allison told us that day Grandma Lili came to cook dinner.” His face was creased with anxiety, his eyes pleading with her. “You’re not the kind of person to prey on the vulnerable. I was so wrong to accuse you. This thrift shop is the perfect example of all the ways you try to lift others up.”
He took a breath, as if steadying himself. “I’m begging you to forgive me, Evie. I’ll never be at peace until you do.” She wanted to agree, say how it felt to have him beside her. But that’s not what he was asking. He only wanted forgiveness, which she could never deny him. Her heart had made its own decision the moment he’d asked.
She smiled, her heart in her throat. “I do forgive you.”
He nodded and took a deep breath. “I need to tell you something else.”
Her brows went up, wondering what else there could be, besides the wonderful little shop and their newfound peace.
“I love you, Evie, for a hundred different reasons.”
He loved her. Her heart began to pound so hard she could barely hear him.
“You’re brave and smart and gentle and always root for the underdog. You’ve grown past a huge mistake. You showed me what real hope means.”
Snow drifted around them, but she didn’t feel the cold. He paused, eyes bright with deep emotion. “Do you think, Evie, that if we both kept our focus on our God-given purpose, that we could find happiness together? That would be the only way because, you and me, we’re bound to get into all sorts of trouble.”
His brown eyes were crinkled in laughter, and she felt a giggle rising up in her throat. What a time to be laughing, but she knew exactly what he meant. Loads and heaps of trouble were in their future. Two stubborn, intelligent people who thought they knew it all. What a recipe for disaster.
“Yes, Gavin.” In the end, she settled for showing him what she felt because getting words past the ache in her throat was too much. The flyer crumpled against his chest as she put all of the love and gratitude she felt into her kiss.
She never wanted to move, to let him go an inch away from her. She felt the world shrinking to the space of two people gloriously in love.
His hand was warm in hers, and she gripped it tightly, letting her heart feel hope for the first time in a long while. She was laughing in earnest now, not quite believing that they were getting yet another chance.
He was pulling her close, arms wrapped around her waist. Evie let herself fall into his kiss in a way she never had before, with complete trust and abandon. No fear, only hope.
“Evie? Didn’t my mom tell you guys to stop that?” A small voice sounded right near her elbow, and she looked down into the face of Gavin’s godson.
“Sean!” Allison’s horrified voice came from the doorway.
“I thought you were waiting to talk to Santa.” Gavin’s face was serious, but his voice was full of laughter. He pulled away from her, eyes bright with happiness.
“My mom had to go to the bathroom. She said to stand in line and not come out here.” He stated it as naturally as if he had actually obeyed his mother, not the other way around.
Allison’s face flushed deep pink. “Sorry you guys.” She grabbed Sean’s hand and started tugging him back to the party.
“You don’t have to leave.” Gavin looked up at Evie and she nodded. She felt herself glowing with pure happiness. “We’ve worked it out.”
Allison burst into tears and ran to hug them both, shoulders shaking with sobs, her green ribbon squashed against Gavin’s jacket.
“Whoa! Overreaction,” Gavin said, laughing.
“No...I’m just so happy. I couldn’t stand two of my favorite people not speaking.” She stood back, wiping her eyes with her sleeve.
Sean cocked his blond head. “Does this mean you’re going to be kissing more?”
“Come on, buddy. Let’s get back inside.” Allison grabbed Sean’s hand and walked him to the Mission doors. “You guys have exactly five minutes. You don’t want to miss the pageant.”
Evie felt her face go hot, and Gavin chuckled in her ear, his warm breath sending shivers down her spine.
“One thing, Evie...” His arms were strong around her and she leaned into him, inhaling the familiar scent of him. “Can you put some airbags in that old car? The worry is just about killing me.”
Laughter bubbled up from inside and she nodded. Some things wouldn’t change, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Her heart felt as if it was unfolding, second by second. She was so thankful, so amazingly grateful for second chances. And thirds. And fourths.
Evie looked up into his face, laying a hand on his cheek, feeling as if it all wasn’t quite real. His lips moved, whispering words she couldn’t quite catch over the sound of the party and the beat of her heart. But she knew what he’d said, felt it deep in her bones.
His words were just a reassurance, an echo of the faith he’d shown in her. She stretched up on tiptoe and pressed a kiss to his lips.
“I love you, Gavin.” The words came from that unfolding place inside and came out sounding like a breath of pure hope.
* * * * *
Keep reading for an excerpt from TAIL OF TWO HEARTS by Charlotte Carter.
Dear Reader,
The idea for Evie’s story came to me in early spring about two years ago. A close friend had just explained why she didn’t read any news articles about celebrities. She didn’t want to be part of the culture of gossip. Well, I sure wasn’t a gossip in person, but I did click those fun links to see what famous people were doing, good and bad. I’d never considered that I might be fueling our country’s thirst for tabloid articles. What an eye-opener!
Season of Hope starts years after Evie changes her life. She clings to God’s grace and His promises for a fresh start, but still carries guilt and feelings of never being good enough to balance out all the bad she’s done to other people.
Gavin is the kind of man who wants to protect the world, but he also carries hurts from his childhood. Later, when his sister is embroiled in a very public scandal, Gavin’s dislike for reporters grows even stronger. His fear of the unknown stands in the way of his growing faith.
Evie and Gavin are searching for forgiveness, in themselves and from others. Evie’s freedom from guilt can happen only when she decides to stop looking back on her past, and Gavin has to move forward from his fear to become the man God wants him to be.
I love all social media! But my friend inspired me that spring day to avoid wasting time on even the silliest “news” sites about famous people and instead invest my words in something better. Building up, shoring up and lifting up the people around me. To be less “social” and more “community of faith.”
I would love to hear about the special times in your life when someone’s words lifted you out of a dark place! You can reach me on Facebook at Virginia Carmichael, my blog, virginiacarmichael.blogspot.com
, or at the cyber recipe site Yankee-Belle Café. You can also write me a letter c/o Love Inspired Books, 233 Broadway, Suite 1001, New York, NY 10279.
Virginia Carmichael
Questions for Discussion
The book begins as Evie steps into the Downtown Denver Mission on her way to her first finance board meeting. Have you ever stepped up to take a community role, even though you felt less than prepared? How did it turn out?
Gavin has a lot on his plate, but he still makes the Mission a priority. Do you think God rewards our efforts when we keep our promises to other people?
When the city of Denver struggles under the threat of a pertussis epidemic, Gavin works almost around the clock. Is there a time in your life when you felt completely overwhelmed by your work? How did you find balance?
Allison’s little boy, Sean, is an innocent child born of a very bad choice. Gavin’s love and care of Sean shows us his generous heart. He also cares for Allison when their own parents have disowned her. Do you know people like Gavin, who love without boundaries or judgment?
Evie lives in fear that her past will catch up to her. When she faces Allison for the first time, it’s a turning point for both of them. Have you ever faced a fear that was ruining your peace of mind?
Evie asks Allison for forgiveness but Allison tells her that Evie probably saved her life. Looking back on your past, has anyone saved you from making a terrible mistake, but you didn’t know it then?
Gavin is desperate to slow the numbers of pertussis cases, but working with Evie makes him uneasy, especially since his own childhood was scarred by the careless and hurtful words of a reporter. Is there a childhood memory that still hurts the person you are today? Can forgiving the person who spoke those words give you a new direction?
Gossip is a fun, entertaining way to pass the time. At least, that’s what internet sites and magazines tell us. Do you think that Evie’s refusal to print any entertainment stories at all is right? Can we celebrate music and film without following a celebrity’s every move?
Jack warns Evie about “overcompensating.” Sometimes we feel we need to make up for actions in our past, even though we’ve already been forgiven. Is there an area where you need to let go of guilt? How would it feel?
Evie doesn’t want to hide her past, but her feelings for Gavin get in the way of being completely honest with him. It’s easier for her to talk with the person she hurt than with the man she loves. How is it harder for us to be honest with those we love than with strangers? Does perfect love truly cast out all fear, like the verse says?
Gavin accuses Evie of being behind the new stories about Allison. He speaks more out of his betrayal at not knowing her full past than out of believing she had a part in it. Evie’s lack of trust in him hurts him deeply. His angry words make her feel as if he didn’t know her at all. Is there a time when you reacted in anger, because you were hurt? Why is it so hard to tell someone when they have hurt us, but always easier to be angry?
When Gavin decides to find the perfect spot for Evie’s baby supply drop spot, he shows how much he believes in her dream of helping at-risk families. Why is his energy and effort so much better than mere words? Is there a time someone showed faith in your dreams by putting in their energy and expertise?
Evie’s afraid of making another mistake and it keeps her from living completely in God’s grace. Gavin is afraid of not being able to keep the city from disaster and it keeps him from living completely in “rejoicing hope.” When have your fears of failure kept you from God’s perfect plan for your life? If God will also be there to help us, why do you think it can be so hard to step out in faith and try new things?
When Gavin asks for forgiveness outside the Downtown Denver Mission, and Evie gives it with her whole heart, it’s a new beginning for two people learning to love each other. Falling in love is a wonderful, exciting process, but it can be scary, too. Love nudges Evie and Gavin to overcome their fears and embrace God’s plan for their life. Has love ever helped you move past fear and into a place you never dreamed you would be?
Chapter One
Vivian Duncan stepped out of Happy Endings Bookstore onto the sidewalk in the small Kansas town of Bygones. Watching leaves and bits of paper racing down the street blown by a brisk breeze, she inhaled the crisp November air. Only a few weeks until Thanksgiving, one of her favorite times of the year.
Her mother made the best turkey and stuffing, and her older siblings who had moved away from home always made it a point to come back for the holiday.
A gaggle of laughing and shouting schoolchildren barreled past her en route to Fluff & Stuff, the pet store that had opened on Main Street in July. Vivian was on her way there as well, just two doors down the street. The colorful awnings above each of the new stores fluttered in the breeze.
She hoped the owner of Fluff & Stuff, Chase Rollins, would help her put together a special event at the bookstore to promote books about dogs.
Who better to ask for help on the topic than Chase?
As she opened the door, she faced the big green-cheeked parrot near the cash register who squawked his greeting, “What’s up? What’s up?” He proudly bobbed his head and did a little dance on his perch.
“Hello, Pepper.” Vivian smiled at Chase’s recently acquired bird that was looking for a new home.
“Good birdie! Good birdie!” he vocalized.
“I’m sure you are.” She looked around for Chase. Hearing the high-pitched voices of the youngsters she’d seen running into the shop, she headed toward the back where puppies were kept in a pen.
She eased past two boys who were running Chase’s dog, Boyo, through his trick repertoire: rollover, shake, play dead. The ridiculous-looking bassetoodle—a combination of a basset hound and poodle—performed brilliantly for the boys, and they all vied for a chance to show off their skills with the dog.
“It’s my turn! It’s my turn!” one boy insisted.
“You don’t even know what to do,” an older youngster complained.
“I do so!”
From a shelf high above the action, Fluff, a long-haired cat with enough hair for two, looked down on the action with disdain. Vivian gave Fluff a scratch between her ears.
“You’re too smart to do their bidding, aren’t you?” she whispered to the cat.
Fluff responded with a faint purr.
Chase really did love his animals. For that matter, so did Vivian.
She walked past displays of dog and cat beds, stacks of canned and dried animal food, and toys for all manner of pets and finally found him supervising the youngsters around the puppy pen. He made sure they didn’t manhandle the puppies too badly but did socialize them to make for better pets.
His warm brown eyes lit up when he spotted Vivian, and he produced a delighted smile. “Hey, Viv. How’s Roger doing?”
“He’s doing fine—healthy and active.” She chuckled at the reference to the hamster she’d purchased from Chase and had named in honor of Roger Bannister, the first man to break the four-minute mile. “He’s so busy running on his wheel and playing with his toys. If I want to get any peace and quiet, I have to put him in the extra bedroom.”
“They can be pretty active.”
Still smiling, he stepped toward Vivian. When she’d first met him, she’d thought he was an attractive man. She still did. At six foot two with a muscular body, he towered over her five foot four, even when she was wearing heels. His short dark hair had a natural wave that sculpted his head. His nose was straight, his lips nicely full. If it weren’t for a slight scar on his chin, he might be too handsome. But the scar gave him an air of mystery.
“What can I do for you?” he asked.
“I, uh...” Snapping back from her train of thought, she started over. “Allison and I at Happy Endings have realized b
ooks about dogs are particularly popular. We’d like to put on a special event and thought you could give us some guidance about where to get a dog or two for show-and-tell. I know the puppies you have are from the local shelter.”
“That’s right. The puppies and kittens from Happy Havens Animal Shelter attract customers and sometimes get adopted, so it’s a win-win situation.”
“Either way, it’s a nice thing you’re doing.” In the short time she’d known Chase, she’d discovered he had a generous heart, particularly when it came to animals.
Chase kept one eye on the boys and the puppies as he spoke. “I like the idea of my customers rescuing a dog and giving it a good home.”
“I do, too.” Admiration for his principles filled her chest. “I wonder if it would be best to show off the puppies for our event or find some older dogs.”
“I’d say older dogs. For one thing, they’re much harder to place in a new home, and the shelter is overflowing with them right now. Plus, most of them have at least some training. Trying to explain something when you’ve got a handful of puppies would be like a juggler trying to give a speech.”
She chuckled at the image. “Using older dogs sounds like it would be for the best. If you have the time, we’d like you to be part of the event, talk about breeds, training, care and feeding. That sort of thing. We thought that would bring attention to both businesses.”
“Sure. I’d be happy to come talk about dogs.” He noticed someone at the cash register, and they both walked in that direction.
“I’m a big supporter of the local shelter,” he said. “Since Randall Manufacturing closed down the factory and laid off their employees, the turnover forced a lot of people to surrender their pets. Some of those folks are moving away, and their new places don’t allow animals. Or they’re broke and can’t afford to feed their animals.”