Love So Divine: A Contemporary Christian Romance (Wondrous Love Series, Book 2)

by JoAnn Durgin

  The dark-haired little girl lowered her gaze from Heather’s. “I’m really sorry, Miss Heather. Katie and I—”

  “Sophia,” Allie said in a low, controlled tone. “Take responsibility for your own actions.”

  Sophia dragged in a deep breath. “I thought if you and Mr. Chase spent some time together, you might fall in love and get married like Uncle Sawyer and Miss Ava.” Her eyes were wide when they met Heather’s. “We shouldn’t have locked you in the basement closet and turned off the lights.” She launched into Heather’s arms. “I already apologized to Mr. Chase. I hope you weren’t scared in the dark. Please don’t be mad at me.”

  “Oh, honey, I’m not mad. But I do appreciate your apology.” Heather waited a moment and then gently pulled back from Sophia’s embrace, surprised the girl’s cheeks were damp. Crouching in front of her, she gently brushed her thumbs over the tears. “Let’s dry those tears. I’ll tell you a secret. It’s very important, but you have to promise to keep it only between us, okay?”

  Sophia brightened and nodded with enthusiasm. “Promise.”

  Leaning close, Heather whispered in her ear, “If I ever fall in love, you’ll be one of the first people I’ll tell.”

  “Really?” Sophia squealed.

  “Must be a pretty juicy secret.” Sawyer strolled into the kitchen with Eric Masterson—tall, red-haired, and all-around stand-up guy—one of Sawyer’s best friends and chief cyclist with Mancini Pedicabs.

  “Nothing is sacred around here.” Heather accepted Eric’s hand and he helped her to her feet.

  Sawyer’s expression grew suddenly serious and he aimed a pointed glance at his niece. Must be difficult considering he hadn’t stopped smiling all day. “Sophia, march yourself down to the basement closet, young lady. There are plastic forks spilled all over the floor because of your actions. You need to pick them up and throw them away.”

  “Yes, Uncle Sawyer.” Sophia disappeared down the stairs leading to the basement.

  Allie turned to Sawyer. “I’m impressed. You might make a very good father someday.”

  “One major life event at a time, please.” Ava entered the kitchen with Allie’s husband, Matt, as well as Allie and Sawyer’s dad. Julianna Lange, Ava’s other bridesmaid and a friend from church, followed close behind. They all carried empty dishes and platters. Heather couldn’t believe all the food the guys consumed the past two hours considering they’d been well-fed at the rehearsal dinner.

  Chase came into the kitchen next, his arms laden with empty snack bowls. “Thanks for the help, guys,” he directed to Sawyer and Eric. One of the bowls slipped from his grasp and Heather dashed forward to catch it.

  “Allie, can we help you clean up?” Heather set the bowl on the counter and smiled at the men so they wouldn’t feel excluded.

  “Thanks, but I have everything under control.” Heather didn’t doubt it since Sawyer’s older sister was the original Supermom of the Suburbs. “Sawyer, you need to take your beautiful bride home soon,” Allie instructed. “Then you should take yourself straight home and get your beauty rest for tomorrow.”

  “Will do, boss. Thanks for being a part of the big day, everyone. We’ll see you at the church tomorrow. Don’t be late.” With a salute, Sawyer reached for Ava’s hand and the couple departed the kitchen together.

  Allie beamed. “So, which one of you single people is next in the matrimonial line?”

  Eric coughed. “Thanks for a great evening, good people, but I’ll be on my way now.” He headed for the living room with a backward wave over his head.

  “Hold up, Eric. I’m right behind you.” Julianna followed him out the door.

  “I’ll walk you both out,” Chase called to them.

  “That’s my wife.” Matt brought an arm around Allie’s shoulders and kissed her cheek. “Guaranteed to clear a room in record time.”

  “I’m glad you see that as a positive.” Allie winked at Heather as Matt and Mr. Mancini followed the others out of the kitchen.

  Heather tried to tamp down a zing of disappointment as Chase departed. Why would she expect him to hang around? This wasn’t high school. He wasn’t going to offer to carry her books and walk her home in spite of the fact they’d shared a special moment in a closet. What a weird thought.

  Fickle woman. She couldn’t allow herself to get emotionally involved with Chase, so why did she feel as though she’d just been rejected? She shouldn’t—no, she couldn’t—entertain romantic thoughts about him. How sadly ironic that the first man she’d actually consider dating after a long drought in the romance department was a pastor. No matter how understanding, a morally upright man of God like Chase Landers wouldn’t be interested in her once he found out what her father did for a living. Even he wouldn’t be able to get past that one.

  In spite of Allie’s protests, Heather volunteered to stay and clean up the kitchen while Allie put Sophia to bed and then checked on her twin boys, Jason and Jacob. The identical twin toddlers had been the hit of the evening as they’d ambled down the aisle at the church rehearsal, quite possibly the cutest miniature ring bearers ever.

  While she washed up the remaining dishes, Heather’s thoughts strayed to Chase. She couldn’t stop them if she tried. Since she’d gotten to know him, he’d completely dispelled her ideas of a pastor. Fair or not, the majority of pastors she’d known had been fairly uptight, seemed out-of-touch with the “real” world, acted older than their age, wore boring clothing, and their Bible was practically an appendage. Not this guy, although she wouldn’t be in the least surprised if he carried a New Testament tucked in the back pocket of his jeans.

  Heather washed and dried the last bowl and set it on the counter. Hanging the towel over the oven door handle, she walked into the living room to retrieve her red wool jacket from the front closet.

  “We have to stop meeting like this.”

  Startled by Chase’s deep voice, she whirled around in surprise. “If that’s your standard pickup line, that might be part of the problem. We do seem to like closets, though, don’t we?” She shook her head and laughed. “I thought you were long gone.”

  “What, and not walk my closet buddy to her car? I might be called a lot of things, but I hope gentleman is one of them. I’ve been talking sports with Matt and Mr. Mancini and we caught the end of the Pacers game. They won, for the record.”

  She smiled. “Good. I’d love it if you’d walk me to my car, and I’d say that definitely qualifies you as a gentleman.”

  After grabbing his navy down jacket and shoving his arms through the sleeves, Chase stepped into the hallway leading back to the family room. “Hey, Allie? Heather and I are going to take off now.”

  Sawyer’s sister appeared seconds later wearing a weary but grateful smile. “Thank you both for your help with everything. You were such good sports to help plan the wedding shower and put up with all my crazy ideas. I couldn’t have done it without you. And listen, I’m sorry about that silly closet episode tonight. I hope you understand the girls have your best interests at heart. We all do.”

  “We understand. No harm done,” Heather assured her as she grabbed her purse.

  “No problem. It was enlightening.” Chase tugged on a navy knit cap and shot her a grin.

  “I’m sure I speak for Chase in saying it was our honor to help. Ava and Sawyer will do the same for us some day.” Realizing what she’d said, Heather’s cheeks flooded with warmth and she avoided glancing at Chase. “I mean—”

  Allie’s smile grew. “I know what you meant.”

  “Good night,” Heather murmured as Chase ushered her outside.

  “See you tomorrow afternoon, Allie.” He closed the front door behind them.

  “I’m not usually so inarticulate,” Heather said as Chase joined her on the front walkway. She pulled on her gloves and wrapped her arms over her middle.

  “Then we’re even since I’m not normally so clumsy in the closet.” Chase’s warm laughter rang out in the quiet of the night. “Hands d
own, that was one of the weirdest things I’ve ever said.”

  She lifted her face to the sky and inhaled deeply. The night was clear and the air crisp and invigorating. “Maybe there’s something to the theory of dark closet therapy, after all, and not being able to see the other person.” She glanced over at him. “I’d still like to hear about those qualifications, if you’re willing.”

  “Only for you. Special tonight for Heather Montague.” Chase slowed his steps as they approached their vehicles parked beside the curb. “First, she has to understand my faith in Christ is the most important thing in my life. I need someone beside me who shares that faith. She doesn’t necessarily have to help me with the ministry, but she needs to be willing to put up with my crazy hours. I might get a call at random times and need to take off and counsel someone. I have activities on the weekends, early in the morning, late at night. In my downtime, I like doing things in the outdoors—hiking, backpacking, or just walking or jogging around the park. That one’s not a deal breaker, but those things help me relax, and it’d be quality private time we could spend together.”

  His voice had grown quieter. “And then you have the fact that I’ll never make much money. I might not be able to buy her the nicest jewelry, give her the home she wants, or take her to fancy restaurants very often, even though I’d love to be able to do all those things.”

  Wow. Chase had a layer of compassion and uncommon sensitivity. Who could have known beneath his serious veneer was such a romantic soul? Heather suppressed her sigh.

  “I’ve got a long list of fun, low-cost or free things to do around Indy,” he said. “All it takes is a little imagination.” He shrugged. “If that makes me cheap, so be it.”

  “No, it doesn’t make you cheap.” His statement irritated her for some unknown reason. “Do you know how rare creativity is? It’s so rare, I consider it a cherished character trait. Chase, listen to me. If she loves you, she won’t care if you make her a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and serve it to her on a paper plate. Here’s what you do: dim the lights, put on some soft music, burn a candle, and then spread a blanket on the floor. Trust me, she’ll think it’s the perfect date and that you’re the most romantic man in the world. Women don’t always need the grand gestures. I mean, sure, every now and then they’re great. But that’s not what makes our soul happy. We just need to feel valued, appreciated…and pretty, if you want the truth. Just promise me one thing.”

  “What’s that?” He sounded the slightest bit wary.

  She wondered how much Sawyer might have told Chase about her family. He’d seemed uncommonly sensitive about his lack of money. Money didn’t solve anything and sometimes created more problems. If anyone asked about her dad, Heather generally relied on the convenient excuse that they weren’t close and she rarely spent time with him.

  That wasn’t a lie.

  “Give her you. Give her your time and undivided attention as much as you can. I know it’s not always possible, but when it’s just the two of you, make your time together matter. In other words, invest yourself in her and in the relationship. Show her that spending time with her is top priority.”

  “Good to know,” he said. “Soul happy. I like the sound of that. Now, you shared with me, so here’s one for you in the I can’t believe I’m telling you this category. I have a word that describes how I plan to treat a woman if I ever find a woman willing to marry me.”

  When he hesitated, Heather nodded. “That must be one mighty important word. Do tell.”

  “The word is lavish. If I’m ever blessed with the opportunity to share another relationship someday, I’ll lavish my attention on that woman.”

  “Lavish.” Heather considered the word, the concept. “Great word. It’s thoughtful. Generous. Selfless.”

  Chase turned to face her on the sidewalk beside her red Jeep. “Here’s the thing.” He shoved his hands deep inside his jacket pockets. “Some women are intimidated or put off by the fact that I’m a pastor. It’s like they feel they can’t ever be themselves around me. Then you have the ones who believe a man of God is married to his faith and doesn’t have room in his life for a relationship. Nothing could be further from the truth, but it seems that distinction is harder to accept than I’d realized.”

  When he was quiet for another long moment, Heather wondered what he was thinking. He’d already said quite a mouthful, and he’d obviously mulled over these things before. At least Chase didn’t seem adverse to a relationship. In fact, it sounded like he welcomed one.

  Doesn’t matter. Don’t even go there.

  Chase waved his hand at the Jeep. “May I lean?”

  “Be my guest.”

  “Join me?”

  “Okay, but just this once.” Heather positioned herself beside Chase. “Please don’t breathe a word of this to another soul. Dancers should never lean or slouch. Bad posture is a cardinal sin.”

  “Far be it from me to encourage bad habits.” He nudged her shoulder with his. “I could almost see the wheels turning in your mind a minute ago. I’m thinking maybe I bore women to death based on the way you zoned out on me.”

  “No, you don’t. Don’t even think that for one second. You’re definitely not boring, Chase.” She exhaled. “Matter of fact, you’re one of the least boring people I’ve ever met.”

  Chase rubbed his hand over his beard. “I’ve been told I’m a decent listener.”

  “I imagine you are. I certainly got that impression earlier tonight.”

  “If it helps, close your eyes.”

  “What?” She glanced over at him quickly before averting her eyes. Why did Chase have to be so impossibly attractive?

  “Pretend we’re back in the closet. Imagine that total darkness surrounds you. When you’re ready, tell me what’s on your mind.”

  She frowned. “I’m not sure we can take the cold out here long enough for me to spill all my lurid secrets.”

  “Lurid? Now you’ve definitely got my attention. Not that you didn’t before.” His tone teased but his expression sobered. “Try it.” He turned to face her, still leaning against the side of her Jeep. “Close your eyes.”

  “All right. If you insist.” She closed her eyes with the assurance she could trust Chase with her innermost thoughts. “I’m wondering how a person can willingly give up the life he’s spent years to build,” she finally said. “Almost as though he’s trading it in for a life that’s completely new. Why? Is it that he’s tired of the old, boring, and familiar? Or is it that he craves something new, different, more exciting?”

  Squeezing her eyes tighter, Heather fought the urge to shed a tear. She’d shed enough tears over Jeremy Montague. “Perhaps the saddest thing of all is that he doesn’t seem to care about those he left behind in his wake to clean up the debris from the storm. Or the ashes of his discarded relationships.”

  Chase whistled under his breath. “That’s some heavy thinking you’re doing.”

  “Sorry you asked?”

  “Not at all. It’s obviously something that weighs heavily on your mind.”

  “Don’t worry. I don’t really expect any answers. There are none, at least none that are easy.” Opening her eyes, Heather pushed away from the Jeep. “I’m not even sure why I was thinking about that right now.”

  “I’m sorry someone’s hurt you, Heather.”

  She blew out a breath, determined to move on and not dwell on the sad thoughts. “We all get hurt, right? It’s part of life. Some blessed woman will be thrilled to accept the job of Mrs. Chase Landers one day. I have the feeling it won’t be long.”

  “We’ll see.” He turned his head, but Heather could tell he was pleased. “For starters, I’ll settle for a girlfriend who’ll stick around longer than a couple of weeks.”

  “There’s not a doubt in my mind you’re going to find someone completely stellar.” That much was true. “I know some attractive, single ballerinas. Want me to arrange a meeting?”

  What are you saying?

  “No,
thanks.”

  Good answer. “Don’t tell me you’re anti-ballerina?”

  Was she testing him now? She needed to get over herself.

  “Not at all. Don’t forget my best friend is marrying a ballerina tomorrow.”

  “Former ballerina.” Why did she do that?

  “Semantics.” He gave her a cockeyed grin. “I understand the dedication, the stamina, and the pure athleticism it takes to be a dancer. Meaning I have all the admiration in the world for you.”

  “Aside from the fact that we have horrible feet and some weird quirks, we’re generally a pretty decent sort.”

  “Accept the compliment and stop protesting,” Chase said. “Sophia and Katie both adore Miss Heather.” He paused until she looked up at him, all 6’ 3” of him. “They’re not the only ones.”

  She ducked her head, slightly embarrassed. “Thanks.”

  Chase walked toward her and leaned close, tickling her senses with his masculine scent and nearness. “Notice I didn’t say anything was wrong with ballerinas. That was your assumption.”

  Heather didn’t dare turn her head. His warm lips so close to her ear wreaked havoc with her pulse as it was. Chase had a way of challenging a girl and working his way into her affections in quick order. Problem was, she liked it more than she should.

  “It’s getting later and colder by the minute,” he said. “Before you go, I want to thank you.”

  She quirked a brow. “I’m sure you’re welcome. For what?”

  “For helping me see that I shouldn’t give up hope of finding someone to share my life.” Crossing his arms, he gave her a smile that warmed her down to her toes. “How’s that for a grand, sweeping revelation? Until recently, I’d pretty much given up on the idea. Just don’t tell Sawyer I said that or I’ll never live it down.”

  “No worries. Your secret’s safe with me.” Heather dug her keys from her purse.

  “I’ve made you uncomfortable.”

  “No, no,” she said, her protest a little too quick, perhaps a bit too forced. “I’m sure it’s difficult for a guy to make an admission like that.”

  He looked into the distance. “Yeah, well, maybe that’s one reason I scare girls away. I can be direct and blunt sometimes. Hazard of my profession, I guess.”