by Simmons, Pat
Candace’s roar of laughter was contagious. Royce chuckled until he joined in along with her.
“I think my daughter is too young to date, Fireman Kavanaugh.” She wrinkled her nose in a tease that was seductive.
Royce could be just as seductive as he lowered his voice. “I have no problem with you being our chaperone.” He winked.
She was beautiful when she blushed. “I need to give this some thought. I can’t just jump into the dating pool without any reservations. Your flattery is catching me off guard.”
He stifled another yawn. He was losing steam. “Miss Clark, you’re the finest crossing guard I’ve ever seen. I already told you I had to take advantage of each day and make my intentions known.”
“Even if it means sacrificing the sleep that it looks like you’re craving now?”
“What other way could I impress a lady?” His grin was weak. Royce was beat, but he pressed on. “Here’s my number… I’m a firefighter and I’ll use a ladder to climb into your heart if necessary.”
Resting his case, Royce could no longer resist closing his eyes for a brief moment.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
No, he didn’t. Any other man who dozed off in the middle of a discussion, Candace wouldn’t dare forget. Actually, she felt sorry for him. Clearly Royce was tired. If Candace was a teacher, she would give him an A+ for effort, not only for being there for his nephew, but also for admitting he wanted to see her.
Something within her wouldn’t let her desert him. As he drifted deeper into a peaceful slumber, she admired his raw handsomeness. Candace was content just to stay by his side and let his soft snores lull her. How he could sleep in the midst of childish screams, giggles and pleadings for more pony rides was amazing.
When Lindsay came barreling her way, Candace put a finger to her lips, so as not to wake Royce. Her daughter complied, bobbing her head. Although Lindsay appeared almost out of breath, the jubilance spread across her face and the odor that came with being around animals was evidence that she was having a good time.
For no other reason than love, Lindsay wrapped her arms around Candace’s neck. After two tight squeezes, she took off again. She smiled at her daughter’s antics. Candace had been truthful about Lindsay’s happiness meaning everything to her.
Leaning back in her chair, she studied Royce’s features again: a neatly trimmed mustache against smooth pecan brown skin, wide set eyes with curly lashes, full lips, a strong, masculine chin, and an unquestionably conditioned build. He also had the even breathing of a man who was fast asleep. What woman wouldn’t be giddy, receiving his attention?
To date or not to date wasn’t such a simple question. If it didn’t work, who would suffer the greatest heartache—she or Lindsay? But the deeper question was what if—God forbid—Royce got hurt, or worse, killed in the line of duty? Then what?
Men ought to always pray and not faint, the wind carried the words in Luke 18:1. She immediately looked at Royce who was fast asleep, then realized the source—Jesus.
As the words revolved in her mind, she thought back to the day of Tommy’s accident when she fainted. Was that a sign that she wasn’t prayed up? God help me.
It seemed what mattered most to Royce beyond the looks was a woman who knew how to reach the throne of God with prayers. Had she overcome her fears enough to believe God when she prayed that He would do whatever she asked in Jesus’ name? Royce left her with so many questions that were aside from dating.
It wasn’t fair for Royce to be resting while stirring up unrest in her spirit. She looked away from his sleeping form as she spied out Solae, who along with Royce’s brother, were laughing at one of the children’s antics.
She watched their interaction. They seemed to be so comfortable in each other’s presence as if they had known each other for years instead of hours, but Solae had that down to earth personality.
Royce and Hershel were both tall, handsome men, but they didn’t look much alike. She wondered what happened in Hershel’s marriage that it ended in divorce. Solae would definitely find out. Absentmindedly swinging her arm over the armrest, she brushed Royce’s hand.
With quickness, he encircled her hand, trapping it in a firm, but gentle hold. Nothing else moved: his eyes, head, or a snore. It was an almost sub-conscious reaction, as if he knew she was still there.
Royce’s unexpected touch felt natural, so much so that she didn’t bother to break free. Their hands remained connected throughout the opening of the gifts, cutting of the cake, and even Lindsay needing to go to the potty. Candace whispered her assurance to her daughter that she was a big girl and could go on her own. Soon the party was over and surprisingly, Candace was more disappointed than Lindsay when it was time to leave.
Glancing at Royce while disengaging their hands, Candace thought about his heartfelt request. Although she wasn’t looking nor felt ready to date, Royce’s spiritual request fascinated her. Getting to her feet, she whispered into his ear, “The party’s over. I enjoyed talking to you.”
Surprisingly, Royce stirred and struggled to open one eye, but was unsuccessful. “Good night, baby,” he murmured and rolled on his side.
Shocked, Candace’s heart fluttered at the unexpected uttered endearment. That subconscious slip of the lips reminded her of what it felt like to belong to someone, to be loved. It had, indeed, been so long.
When Solae and Hershel headed her way, Candace intercepted him from waking Royce.
His brother seemed to mull over her request. “Okay, but he’s not going to be happy that he didn’t see you off.”
“He gave me his number. I can call him.”
Hershel grunted. “Make sure you do; my brother can be very stubborn.” He didn’t hint of a forthcoming smile. “I’ll walk you lovely ladies to your car.”
Lindsay picked that moment to whine. “Mommy, I can’t walk.” Her flushed face and droopy eyes were the telltale signs that having fun was exhausting.
She was still lightweight, so Candace bent to scoop her up, but Hershel offered his assistance. With ease, he lifted Lindsay in his arms, carried her to Solae’s car and strapped her into her booster seat.
“Thanks for keeping me company today,” Hershel said softly to Solae as Candace eavesdropped.
“It was fun. I’m glad I stayed. Children are a blessing, even with their runny noses, temper tantrums and nonstop energy…they’re a blessing,” Solae responded as Hershel waited for her to get behind the wheel, then shut her door. Hershel waved and stepped back as Solae started the ignition and he watched them drive away.
Moments later, Solae said in a hushed tone, “I was definitely wrong.”
Double-checking that Lindsay was asleep, Candace asked, “What do you mean?”
“Royce Kavanaugh was definitely smitten and from the look of things, you weren’t consumed about Lindsay’s every movement for a change.”
Candace tried not to blush. “Royce? I thought you were referring to Hershel, and how would you know that Miss I’m Coming to Look for You in Five Minutes, only to be lured away by Captain Kavanaugh.”
Angling her body toward Solae, Candace folded her arms and waited for her friend to come clean about the immediate attraction between her and Hershel.
Gripping the steering wheel, Solae sighed with a blissful expression. She chanced a look at Candace before turning off the gravel road onto a main street. “That is one fine man. Humph!”
“I’ve never known you to date an ugly one, so…” Candace paused, hoping Solae would pick it up from there. She didn’t, so Candace prompted her. “What was it about him that made you give him the time of day?”
Shrugging, she exhaled. “Honestly, I don’t know. It’s like I could connect with bits and pieces of him, if that makes any sense.”
“Like?”
“Without saying a word, we recognized the attraction was there and we didn’t play games. It happened so unexpectedly. You and Lindsay hadn’t been gone a minute when he comes up to my car with an attitude s
aying, ‘You can’t park here.’ I turned around with my game face to let him know I wasn’t parking, but waiting to leave.”
Solae changed lanes, then continued, “When our eyes met, it seemed as if we both backed down. After a few minutes I felt I didn’t need to act coy and he didn’t seem interested in running a game on me. It was as if we enjoyed the moment, not knowing what was coming next.”
“Wow.” Kavanaugh brothers seemed to live in the moment as if every second counted.
“Okay, what about you and Royce? Don’t think I didn’t see you two holding hands and you barely left his side—no, correction—you didn’t leave his side. Hmm-mm.”
“How did you see all that when it appeared you were occupied yourself?”
“I know how to multi-task, minding my business and yours, too.” She snickered. “So are you going to see Royce again?”
“If I let him have his way, probably. He gave me his number.” She frowned. “Surprisingly, Royce wants beauty and a blessed woman who can pray through a crisis…I don’t know if I’m at that point in my life where I’ve conquered all my insecurities to be that one. And that’s only one of my concerns. The bad thing is I can really see myself falling for him and that scares me.”
“Maybe, you’re looking at the physical challenge of the relationship only, but Royce comes along with a spiritual challenge. Prayer changes things. Don’t run away from this one. He may be here to stay.”
They were both quiet, lost in their thoughts. Candace was reminded of the heartaches Solae had suffered in a few relationships where the man professed his love, but walked once she confided the devastating news. Those jerks never looked back. Candace swallowed the hurt she felt for her friend.
Clearing her throat, Solae straightened her shoulders. “And second?”
“I was hoping you had forgotten that one,” Candace mumbled, closed her eyes and rushed through her other concern. “One loss in a lifetime is one too many; God knows I can’t bear two. What if he gets…” she couldn’t say it.
“God knows everything that happens in our life is for a reason. I know you lost Daniel suddenly and the same thing can happen again with any man, not just firefighters. The fact is there are many firefighters who retire after a long successful career. My inability to bear children is my fate in this world, but to paraphrase Job 15:13, ‘Yet will I trust Him’. I have to believe His grace is enough for me, so what’s your excuse?”
Candace twisted her lips in defeat. “I guess I don’t have one.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
A few days had passed and Candace had yet to make that call, but Royce was never far from her mind. Not only did he seem genuine and a man committed to God, but Royce was intense and distractingly handsome. She smiled as she prepared lunches for her and Lindsay. Prior to the previous week, Candace hadn’t a concern about having a man in her life.
Whenever a fire truck whizzed by her since meeting Royce, she thought about what above all Royce desired; a praying woman was at the top of the list. Unbeknownst to him, he had been the force behind her and Solae increasing their prayer time in the mornings. So why hadn’t she called, even though Candace had memorized his number? “I just can’t rush this.”
“Who are you talking to Mommy?” Lindsay asked, walking up behind her.
Candace jumped, and seeing her daughter, forced herself back to the present. “Oh, thinking out loud I guess, baby...” She eyed her child’s feet. “Take off your shoes and put on your socks. Hurry up now, so we won’t be late.” Lindsay seemed to be dragging. Her enthusiasm to go to school had waned in favor of more sleep.
By the time Lindsay was dressed to meet Candace’s standards; they were already behind schedule, and rushing out the door. The traffic and the synchronized lights seemed to be on her side as she headed the short distance to Duncan Elementary School. With five minutes to spare, Candace parked in her regular slot, helped Lindsay out the back seat and grabbed her crossing guard gear.
Thanks to the numerous weekend parties, Lindsay had made many friends and Candace felt comfortable allowing Lindsay to walk across the small campus with her classmates. After successfully leading two troops of children across the intersection, the sun seemed to blink and go into hiding. Loud voices preceded another group of children walking in an unhurried pace toward her.
Candace had just stepped off the curb with her stop sign when she felt a drop. In her mad dash to get to school, she had left her umbrella at home. “Great.”
Once she was out of the intersection, Candace looked up in the sky as clouds rumbled. Yep, she was definitely going to get drenched. There went the hairstyle makeover Solae had given her the other day with the soft bouncy curls. Her coworkers had raved about her new look.
As the second and third drops trickled down her face, Candace braced herself for the downpour. By the time she got to the office, Candace would either look a mess or fashionable like Chaka Khan.
She still had students coming from two directions and she couldn’t abandon her post because of the weather. At least some had umbrellas or were wearing ponchos. Note to self, she thought, when removing the umbrella from the car, remember to return it or buy an extra.
Glancing over shoulder to make sure there were no stragglers, Candace blinked, then squinted. Royce? He was still wearing his uniform and heading her way. His swagger was even more welcome than the umbrella he was holding, which was big enough to hold a family of four.
Her heart pounded with excitement. It wasn’t a fire, but it appeared he had come to rescue her. Sucking in her breath, Candace could only watch as he kept walking until he invaded her space, towering over her with the umbrella.
“Sorry, I’m late,” he said.
She frowned. “For what?
“Not getting here before the storm.” It was as if his words cued the windows of heaven to release the downpour, but he protected her.
Leaning into him, under the guise of staying dry, Candace giggled as he pulled her closer. When the last school bell rang, she did another head check for any little ones. None in sight.
Escorting her back to the lot where she was parked, Royce practically lifted her off her feet to help her avoid a puddle. She reveled in his strength as she looked into his eyes, but what she saw there gave her pause.
His handsomeness couldn’t hide his exhaustion. It seemed that instead of going home for what she suspected was much-needed rest, he’d thought about her. It was the second time he had forgone sleep to see her. She felt cherished.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
His lopsided smile was another one of her rewards. “Sorry I didn’t call.”
Embarrassed, she looked away when she admitted, “I never gave you my number.”
He grunted. “Did you think that small technicality would stop me from seeing you again?”
She bowed her head, so he wouldn’t see her blush. She was glad it didn’t.
“Candace, don’t make me come here every morning whether in a fire truck or on foot to see you, because I will.”
The intensity of his stare made a believer out of her. “My days have been shortened. Another parent has been assigned to alternating days with me, so instead of every day, I’ll only have Tuesdays and Thursdays.”
“Duly noted. Now, back to us…I’d rather take you to someplace nice and dry where I’m holding your hand instead of an umbrella. I’ve already told you I have no problem taking Lindsay along on our dates if that will make you more comfortable.
She was too embarrassed to admit that it would.
His nostrils seemed to expand with excitement. “Since silence is golden, I’ll take that as a yes.”
Closing her eyes, Candace took a deep breath. She was going to go for it.
“If you keep your eyes closed a second longer, I’m kissing you.”
Candace’s lids fluttered open. Royce’s smirk clearly read, “Yeah, I said it.”
“You’re serious, aren’t you?” Suddenly, she realized that she liked being
chased. It was empowering.
“About the dates with Lindsay—yes, about kissing you—most definitely, but only with your permission. I was reared a gentlemen, and since I surrendered to God’s way, there’s no way I would displease Him or you.”
She was happy to see that there were still gentlemen in that day and time. “Can I pinch you? I want to make sure you’re real.” She squinted as Royce laughed and flexed his muscles for her to do the honors.
Although she was enjoying this moment with him, she had to get to work. Playfully pinching him, they both chuckled. “How about having our first date at Chuck E. Cheese’s?”
Royce lifted a brow. “I like pizza.”
“Then it’s a date.” He opened her door and she reached for a piece of paper and scribbled her number and address. “I won’t tell Lindsay about her first date in case you need to reschedule because of work.”
“Only a fire or Jesus coming back for His saints would stop me from being there.”
Starting the ignition in her car and social life, Candace gave him a smile. “Duly noted.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Candace’s sweet fragrance lingered as Royce watched her drive away. Wanting every memory of her to last, he inhaled deeply. One thing was for sure, their attraction was mutual and he was wearing her defenses down.
He briefly reflected on the eight verses in Revelation that mention the promises that follow overcoming. Indeed, Royce looked forward to whatever blessing He had in store for him and Candace.
“And to think I almost missed my blessing because of a hang-up about not dating another single mother.” He shook his head in disbelief at his stupidity as he climbed into his own vehicle and stretched his muscles.