Courted: Hyacinth Brides Box Set

by Bree Cariad

  Smiling, Liz walked forward and sat next to her, taking her hands. “Honey, I’ll admit I’m worried, but Barrett and I have agreed you may go to check out the college tomorrow and get the feel of it. But we don’t want you to register for any classes yet. Come home with the information and the three of us will discuss how many classes you may take tomorrow night.”

  Relieved that it wasn’t a no, DeLynn hugged her. “Thanks, Mom.” Looking up, she sent gratitude through her gaze to her new father and he winked at her before sitting down on the love seat. After she released her mother, Liz stood up and sat next to him. “Is it all right if I go call Chrissa so we can make plans to go to Longdale?” DeLynn asked as she stood up.

  “Of course.”

  DeLynn darted up the stairs with the phone, closing her door even as she dialed.

  “Please tell me the answer’s yes,” Chrissa said as she answered.

  “So far so good! I can’t register yet, but I can definitely go and check out the school.”

  “Great. Dad said he thought this was a good idea, especially after my newest of horrible suitor dinners.”

  “What happened?”

  “I’ll tell you tomorrow. Dis-as-ter. Pick you up at ten?”

  “I’ll be ready. Night, Chrissa.”

  Putting the phone on her nightstand, DeLynn prepared for bed. A little confidence bloomed in her chest. Courting might no longer be possible, but she had the feeling her future still had hope.

  Chapter 2

  “…So I told her there was no way I was going to be nice to Steven Lairden.” Chrissa huffed, passing the car in front of them in a rush. “No way. I don’t care that he has his own home and could support me in style. He has three kids already!” she growled.

  “And he’s almost forty,” DeLynn added, wrinkling her nose. Admittedly, she thought her friend was being too picky, over all. It seemed like every single man in Hyacinth and the surrounding areas had made a play for her and not one seemed to be good enough. DeLynn would have been happy to have a couple of them interested in her.

  “Dad thinks college would be good for me. Says I need a reality check.” Chrissa shrugged. “I think the quality of men has gone drastically downhill. Deeka lucked out just because Curtis was a friend of her dad’s.”

  “Maybe he’ll invite just the right friend over for me,” DeLynn said with a small blush.

  “No,” Chrissa whined. “Don’t find Mr. Right. Then I’ll have nobody to hang out with.” After a small pause, she said, “Sorry. I didn’t mean that. I’m just frustrated.”

  “Aren’t we all? All our fairy tales seem to be going up in smoke.”

  They chatted all the way to Longdale. Rain started spattering the windshield half way there and by the time they reached the college, it was light but steady. “Wow. I didn’t realize it was so big,” Chrissa murmured, pulling into guest parking. Both of them leaned forward and looked through the window. The campus had over twenty buildings.

  “I guess we should go in,” DeLynn said, trying to sound positive when in fact she was a whole lot nervous. Community college had brought to mind maybe one or two buildings. Not an entire college campus. Opening their doors and getting out, they sprinted through the rain to the administration building and walked in. It was surprisingly bright inside. Even with the cloudy skies, the skylights in the ceiling added a friendly air to the place.

  “This would be a great place to hang out when it’s sunny,” Chrissa remarked as they looked around.

  There were hallways to their right and left but in front of them was a large open commons area with chairs, soda machines, and tons of windows. Both girls also noticed the amount of students lounging around. Both male and female.

  “This was a great idea.” Chrissa let out an excited giggled, grasping her arm and tugging her to the left. “Let’s go find out more about Longdale Community College.”

  At the end of the hallway, the room opened up and there were several window areas with large placards above them. Registration. Financial Aid. Student Services.

  “Looks like we found the right spot.” To their left were a bunch of slots with information and Delynn and Chrissa pulled out class lists, information on the college, as well as a few flyers on activities and student groups on campus.

  “Good morning.” The pleasant female voice had them both whip around. DeLynn was worried that maybe they weren’t supposed to be there. The smile on the woman’s face helped her to relax. “Are you here for the campus tour?”

  “Yes!” Chrissa said with excitement before DeLynn could even grasp that there was one.

  “Wonderful. Head down that hall to room one-thirty-nine. Karen will be able to answer any questions you may have.”

  “Thanks,” DeLynn called over her shoulder as Chrissa grasped her arm and darted in the direction of the room.

  “This was perfect timing,” Chrissa said as they reached the room and walked in. There were seven people already inside, all around their age. Four guys and three girls. They looked up as Chrissa and DeLynn walked in but didn’t say anything. They looked almost as nervous as DeLynn felt.

  Taking two seats that were next to one another, they waited. Thankfully it was only about five minutes before a woman in her early to mid-thirties walked in. She had short brown hair, brown eyes, and a soft smile. “Good morning. My name is Karen Wetherton. Welcome to Longdale Community College. I hope this small tour today will answer any questions you may have. One of them might be what kind of degree you can attain here. Well, we’re a satellite campus for Seattle University as well. So not only do we have community-based and general education courses, but you could actually achieve one of SU’s bachelor degrees if you chose to without leaving Longdale.”

  Karen handed out large packets to each one of them. “Why don’t you introduce yourselves so we can get to know one another and mention what brought you here today?”

  Well, that was awful. DeLynn hated speaking up in front of people she didn’t know.

  “I’m Brian Braynard,” one of the boys said. “I’m just here for my GE courses. Plan to transfer into aeronautical sciences after two years.”

  One by one, each of the others said their names and their majors. With each one, DeLynn felt like she shrunk. She didn’t have a major. That was something she hadn’t considered, not realizing she needed to know it right off the bat.

  “I’m Chrissa Caroll,” her friend said brightly. “And this is DeLynn Straynar. We’re both from Hyacinth and to be honest neither of us knows what we want to do.”

  “You’ll find that’s normal,” Karen said with a smile. “Even for the students that know their majors coming in, the average one changes three to four times just in the first year. There are so many possibilities you just don’t know exist until you get into college.” Her eyes glanced to DeLynn who dropped her eyes to the floor and was relieved when Karen went on. “So, we have four science majors, two English majors, one GED, and two undecideds. Wonderful. I’m glad to see you all brought rain coats. It’s a typical Washington fall day outside and I plan to show you the entire campus. Come on.”

  Karen was definitely knowledgeable about the campus and the student body. “There are approximately four thousand students on campus, one thousand are full time, the rest are part time. Basic and community courses are offered in person on campus. All upper-level courses are through video link with SU. Some of the community offerings, which are six-to-nine month certificate programs, include a chef program, a car detailing shop, a medical and dental assistant program, and a bartender program. They are our most popular. But we also have regular-length courses for associates and bachelor programs.”

  It was difficult to pay attention as there was so much to see. There was an excitement about being on a college campus and seeing so many people their age walking around.

  “Maybe I should inquire into the bartender program,” Chrissa snickered.

  “Are you trying to send your mother into the grave?” DeLynn questioned.<
br />
  “No, but I’d love to see her eyes if I suggested it.”

  Shaking her head, DeLynn’s eye was caught by a group of students to their left. Or, more to be exact, her eye was caught by a man in his mid-twenties who was standing with his foot on a bench, talking to the other students. Her heart beat sped up as she watched him. He wore the kind of outfit many of the guys walking by wore, but there was something different about it. Blue jeans with a tan button-down shirt with a light black jacket looked incredibly good on him. Shaggy black hair, naturally tan face, almond-shaped brown eyes, and a gorgeous mouth. Wow. They didn’t make guys like him in Hyacinth.

  “Who are they?” Chrissa asked, though whether it was because she noticed DeLynn’s preoccupation with them or for another reason, DeLynn was glad for the interruption.

  “Oh, Zach!” Karen called, waving, and the man DeLynn had been watching looked up and waved back, a warm smile crossing his face. Karen led everyone toward them and DeLynn tried not to stare too blatantly. “Zach, these are future students. I’m showing them around campus. Everyone, this is Zachary Styles. He graduated from LCC four years ago and after getting his Masters in Divinity from Seattle University, we were thrilled he accepted a position as our resident chaplain. He’s also working now on his doctorate.”

  “Because I’m a glutton for punishment,” he replied, a wonderful soft accent pouring from his lips. DeLynn had no idea where he was from, but she found herself captivated.

  “See you later, Zach!” several of the girls who had been talking to him called, waving as they walked away. He waved back and turned his attention to their group.

  “Welcome to LCC. I’m sure you’ll love it here. It certainly changed my life.” His soft brown eyes met DeLynn’s before moving on and she gulped, her breath speeding up. “While you’re here, I encourage you to visit the chapel and my offices if you ever have need of someone to talk to. That’s why I’m here.”

  “What church are you?” Brian grunted.

  “I serve all denominations. I’m versed in the sacrament of all major Christian religions as well as services for many non-Christian religions as well. On Sundays, I hold two interfaith services and one non-denomination service. Plus, I hold daily meditations, run a yoga group, and every Wednesday night, host a spirituality night. If a student believes I do not have what they need, I’m in contact with all the religious leaders in the area and can refer them if needed. I’m not here to gather a flock. Instead, I hope to foster a person’s own spiritual journey, whatever that may be.”

  “He’s amazing,” Karen said with a slightly breathy voice and as DeLynn looked over at her, she realized Karen had a crush on the man. Oh. For all she knew, maybe Zach and Karen were a couple.

  “And I know you’re on a tour, so I’ll leave you. But I encourage you to come to LCC. It’s a wonderful school. It changed me from someone wandering without purpose into a man who understood where he was going. I’m sure it can do the same for you.” He smiled at each one, briefly meeting DeLynn’s gaze before turning and walking away, his long legs gliding across the glass.

  “Where’s he from?” one of the other girls asked, watching him go.

  “His father’s from New Zealand. His mother’s Hawaiian, I believe. They moved here when he was a teenager.” Karen watched him until he disappeared behind a building and then seemed to remember where she was and what she was doing. “So, LCC…” She went on about each department and they toured each of the community college specialties, taste-testing a couple sweets in the pastry area of the cooking school on their way. By the time they returned to the administration building, DeLynn’s head was crammed full and she could hardly wait to start. Even if she had no idea what she actually wanted to study.

  “All right. Well, if you have any more questions, feel free to call. If you’re ready to sign up, head over to administration and they can get you started. If not, have a wonderful day and we hope to see you at LCC.”

  As the group dispersed, Chrissa grasped her arm and pulled her toward a set of stairs.

  “Where are we going?”

  “Checking out more of the school.”

  The stairs took them to the basement where Student Services was based. There was a mini-mart, vending machines everywhere, group names plastered above doors and DeLynn felt her excitement expand. Until they reached the end of the hallway and she realized where Chrissa was taking her.

  “Chrissa!” she gasped as her friend opened a door with a sign above it that read Chapel and dragged her inside. Obviously Chrissa had seen her preoccupation with the chaplain. Hopefully she wouldn’t embarrass DeLynn too much with it.

  Just inside the door was a small foyer area. In front of them was a set of doors opened to a small chapel. They peeked inside. There were six sets of pews facing away from them toward a small altar. It was simple and peaceful. Hearing voices to their right, DeLynn prepared to flee, but Chrissa’s hand on her arm tightened as Zach walked into view, an older woman at his side.

  “I think that’s a wonderful idea, Augusta. Please tell Peter I appreciate everything the two of you do.” He looked up and spotted them, his warm expression deepening as though seeing them had lit up his day.

  The woman at his side offered a small smile, nodded, and walked out through the door they had entered.

  “Welcome,” he said. “Checking out what the school has to offer?” DeLynn nodded, but Chrissa was a bit more vocal.

  “Yep. Everything looks great so far. We’re from Hyacinth and our friend Deeka’s going to the cooking school. We thought we’d check it out, too.”

  His eyes widened when she mentioned Hyacinth and DeLynn half expected some strange remark about their town but instead, his smile deepened. “I was just about to have lunch. Would you two join me? There’s plenty of pizza to go around.”

  “Yum,” Chrissa said with her irrepressible grin. Chuckling, he waved them toward another door off the foyer. It led into a small office with a desk, a bookshelf, and three chairs. On the desk was a large pizza box. He opened up one of the drawers and pulled out a few paper plates.

  “So what did you think of the tour?” he asked as each of them grabbed a piece. DeLynn wasn’t sure if she could eat, afraid she might choke on it and look really stupid.

  “I wanna go here,” Chrissa admitted through a mouthful of pizza. “Have to get my parents to agree, though.”

  “It’s smart to get approval,” he said, not acting as though that was strange in the least. “And I apologize. Karen introduced you so quickly, I was unable to catch your names.”

  “I’m Chrissa Carroll.”

  To DeLynn’s embarrassment, her friend left her introduction up to her. “I’m DeLynn Straynar.”

  Startled, he put his pizza down. “Are you related to Gavin Straynar?”

  “Um, I don’t think so. Dad died about nine years ago but as far as I know we don’t have any relatives in the area.”

  “Ah. Gavin was a fellow student in my master’s program. Good guy.”

  Nodding, DeLynn nibbled on her pizza, wincing when Chrissa kicked her. Obviously her friend had done this for her and expected her to make use of her time. “So did you always want to be a religious leader?”

  Chuckling, he shook his head. “Not in the slightest. Neither of my parents is spiritually minded. I love the two of them, but they are completely secular. I grew up that way and it wasn’t until I met Dr. Stren, my predecessor here, that I felt a desire for something else. I had attended LCC for a quarter and was still unsure of where I was headed when I came to the chapel. I had never been down this far and thought I’d take a look and leave.” Pausing, he took another bite, his eyes lost in some memory. “I was looking into the chapel when he came out of this very office. He invited me in for a chat and that evolved to daily chats. By the end of the year I knew where I wanted to be. He helped me study and prepare for my master’s program and when he retired, he put my name forth as a replacement. I hope I can help others find their path the way he
helped me find mine.”

  “I have no idea what I want to do,” DeLynn admitted. “I’ve been going back and forth between getting a job or going to school.”

  “It’s a difficult decision,” he agreed. “And only one you can make for yourself. But college has a lot to offer, DeLynn.” The way his mouth curved around her name sent goose pimples up her flesh. “So much to learn. Your mind will be opened in so many ways. I’m sure as well,” he added slowly as if testing the words out in his head before he let them come out his mouth, “that being from Hyacinth has even more stipulations. Are you both in your courting year?”

  Startled that he knew of it, DeLynn stared at him in surprise. His eyes softened even further. “I have made sure to meet and get to know every religious leader within an hour of Longdale, to assure them I will help their members follow their path if they come to LCC. I know of Hyacinth and its traditional views.”

  “I still am,” Chrissa admitted. “DeLynn’s nineteen.”

  “Well, just so you are aware, things are different in Longdale. People date and considering how attractive you both are, I’m sure you’ll both be asked out often. The attention you’ll be paid by the college boys will probably be your biggest hurdle towards feeling comfortable here.”

  Heat flooded into her cheeks at his words. Did he truly think she was attractive? DeLynn finished her pizza and placed her plate on his desk. “We should probably be getting home,” she reminded Chrissa. “Mom didn’t expect us to be gone for too long.”

  Zach stood as they did, offering each of them a business card. “If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call. And if your parents are unsure, have them call. I’ll try to put them at ease.” As he walked them out, he added, “I hope to see you both here. Good day, Chrissa, DeLynn.”

  She followed Chrissa upstairs and out to her friend’s car, not saying a word. As soon as they were inside with the engine running, Chrissa grinned and in a sing-song voice called out, “Lynnie’s got a crush!”