On second thought. “Uh, how about if we sit at the table?”
She looked toward the cozy hearth. “The table? It’s warmer here.”
“Yeah, okay. Here’s fine.” He just wanted to get this over with. He waited until she sat down, then he settled on a chair a couple of feet away.
“You wanted to talk?”
“Uh, yeah. About us. I mean…” He blew out a breath and raked his fingers through his hair. This would be much easier if she wasn’t smiling. As though she were expecting him to say something wonderful. Because he wasn’t. At least, it wouldn’t be from her perspective.
“Yes?”
“What I mean to say is I…I…I’m sorry.”
She frowned now. “Sorry? For what?”
“I don’t think we’re going to work out, you and me.”
“What do you mean? What…did I do something wrong?” She swallowed.
“No, no. Not at all. You’re fine.” He stood up and began to pace the floor. “It’s me. I’m…I’m kind of interested in someone else.”
“Someone else?” Tears sprung to her eyes. Not what he wanted to see happen. “Really? You brought me all the way over here just to break up with me?”
“No. I didn’t have in mind to break up with you when we left college. I just…I met someone else. Well, I didn’t really meet her. She’s actually an old acquaintance and a friend of the family.”
“So, you’ve been sneaking out to meet other women while we’ve been here?” Her voice screeched.
“No. I just, I ran into her.” Literally.
Her arms latched firmly over her chest, her gaze accusing him of lying through his teeth. “When?”
“Tonight. At the ice skating rink. It was all quite by accident.”
“Well that makes me feel much better, Randy.” She rolled her eyes. “I should have listened to Misty. She was so right about you.”
He didn’t even know who Misty was. But it didn’t really matter. “Would you like me to take you back home tomorrow?”
“Yeah, fine, whatever.” She brushed away her tears.
“For what it’s worth, I am really sorry. I never intended for this to happen. Someday, when you meet the right person, you’ll thank me for this.” Yeah, he sounded like an insensitive jerk, even to his own ears. He blew out a breath. “We can still be friends, right?”
“Please, just stop talking now. I’ll pack my bags tonight.” She jumped from the couch and scurried down the hallway back to the guest room.
Okay, so “no” to the friend question.
Now, he’d just have to endure the three-hour drive up north to drop her off at her parents’ house. He wasn’t looking forward to it in the least, especially since tomorrow was a Sunday. But honestly, he couldn’t wait to get back home and attend church with his family. If he and Lisa left at the crack of dawn, maybe he could make it back in time for the evening service.
And he’d have plenty of time to pray on the three-hour trip back.
FOUR
Holly stared down at the hymnal as the congregation sang the second song of the evening service. She’d been disappointed that Randy hadn’t showed up for services today, but maybe it was better if she didn’t see him.
Perhaps his girlfriend hadn’t wanted to attend. Which meant they were likely at home. Alone. Doing who knew what. Her heart clenched at the thought.
But she shouldn’t judge. Judging had gotten her into trouble in the past. For all she knew, they could be attending a different church. There was nothing wrong with that.
On the other hand, if he’d come with his girlfriend, it would at least be a good reminder for Holly that he was off limits. Because, after all the daydreaming she’d been doing lately, she needed a reminder. She had no business dreaming about somebody else’s man.
Why was she even dreaming about him at all? He wasn’t the type of man she wanted for a husband. Not if he had a reputation that even her mom knew about.
She bit her fingernail. She knew why he’d been on her mind, though. In spite of herself, she genuinely liked Randy Stoltz. He was, for lack of a better word, charming. And she’d never been flattered with so much attention from a handsome young man. He made her feel wanted. Desired.
She shook her head at her thoughts. She should not want to feel desired.
Just as the song leader began the final stanza, Holly’s gaze swung to the church’s entrance. Randy slipped in as quietly as possible and slid into the pew next to his brother and his family. She pried her eyes off of him and glanced back at the door. Had his girlfriend not come with him?
She noticed him lean toward Wesley and whisper something in his ear. Wesley whispered something back and they both smiled. It was at that moment that Randy glanced her way, lifted a hand in greeting and sent her a smile that made her knees weak.
She grinned, but quickly ducked her head. Out of all the people in attendance, he’d sought her out. How would she ever be able to pay attention to the sermon tonight?
A sudden nudge from Mom caused her to jump. Mom frowned and nodded toward the pastor. Holly reached for her Bible beside her and opened it to the reference he’d mentioned. She’d attempt to keep her gaze riveted on the pulpit, but that would prove difficult. Especially since Randy had just caught her eye again, shooting a bold wink in her direction, causing her heart to flutter.
~
The moment the service ended, Randy made a beeline toward Holly. She was just as pretty as he remembered. Not that it had been a long time since he’d met her. Had that only been yesterday? It seemed like an eternity ago, gauging by how much he’d missed her—fantasized about her—since then.
But he was free now. No strings. Nothing holding him back. There was no reason they couldn’t go out. Tonight. Unless she had other plans. He prayed she didn’t.
“Holly.” He knew his grin was as wide as Purdue’s football field, but he couldn’t suppress his excitement.
She smiled shyly, then turned to the older couple beside her. “Mom, Dad, you remember Randy Stoltz, right?”
Her father didn’t say anything, but scrutinized him from head to toe. It caused Randy to mentally squirm. What was the man thinking?
“Yes, it’s nice to see you in church again, Randy.” Her mother reached her hand forward and he shook it. “I’m Sue. And this is Bruce.”
“It’s been…how long since you’ve darkened the doors of this church?” Holly’s father offered a slight nod, but skepticism still radiated from his being.
“I…uh…I’ve been off at college the past few years. I start my final semester in January.” Hopefully that was nothing too worthy of judgment.
He was wrong. “Which Bible college have you been attending?”
He swallowed and glanced at Holly. He couldn’t tell if she was enjoying this whole interrogation or if she was worried for him. He was definitely worried for himself. “I…um…it’s not a Bible college. Purdue.”
“I see.” Her father frowned.
“What is your major, Randy?” Holly’s mother spoke now.
“Civil Engineering.” Should he have added “ma’am” to his reply? Randy looked to see her father’s reaction. He didn’t seem impressed. Most people would be. He wiped his clammy hands down his jeans.
“Oh, doesn’t that involve a lot of math? I hate math,” Holly said.
“We all have our strengths, honey,” her mother encouraged.
“What kind of a job will you pursue once you’ve completed your education?” At least her father seemed a little interested now.
He blew out a relieved breath. “I’m not quite sure just yet. There are a variety of jobs that I’ll be qualified for. I guess it depends on what’s available.”
“What would you like to do, Randy?” Holly’s mother interjected.
He smiled. “I’ve thought about possibly designing toys.”
“Toys?” Holly’s grin widened. Good. She liked the idea too.
“Yeah, you know, educational toys that help gro
w the mind and inspire children to explore.”
“Interesting,” Holly’s father said.
This conversation was taking way too long for his liking. “I…uh, Holly? May I speak to you for a few minutes?” He hoped it would be much longer.
She eyed her parents. Her father gave a slight nod. Was that a look of warning in his eye? What did it mean?
They moved to a quiet place in the sanctuary and dropped into an empty pew.
“Your parents are a little intimidating.” That had been the understatement of the year.
“They’re very overprotective.”
“Ya think?”
She smiled. “You wanted to say something?”
“Uh, yeah. Are you free tonight? Can we go hang out at Dairy Queen and talk?” And maybe snuggle in my car? No, that would not have been the right thing to say.
“What about your girlfriend?”
He shrugged. “We broke up. I told her I was interested in someone else. She’s back home with her parents now.”
“Wow, that was fast.”
“I’m a fast kind of guy.” Not the right thing to say judging by her expression. He was botching this up. Badly. “I mean, that didn’t come out right. Sorry.” He grimaced. “So…Dairy Queen?”
“Isn’t it a little cold for ice cream?”
“I was thinking coffee. Maybe a burger and fries.”
She frowned. “I don’t think my parents would approve.”
“Of Dairy Queen?”
“Of me going out with you.”
“Why not?”
“Our family…we’re a little more traditional. We don’t really date.”
“That’s okay. I don’t want to date your family. Just you.” He teased.
She shook her head, but smiled in spite of herself.
“Okay, so what do I need to do to gain their approval? Because I’m obviously into you.”
She ducked her head, probably trying to hide the beautiful crimson stain on her cheeks. He ached to caress them, maybe even kiss them.
Instead, he reached for her hand. But she pulled it away the moment he touched her.
He frowned. “No holding hands?”
She shook her head.
Disappointment ate at him. This was going to be a lot more difficult than he’d anticipated.
“You’ll need to talk to my dad.”
He frowned. “I just did.”
“No. He’ll want to interview you.”
“Interview me?” He hoped his voice didn’t just screech. Wesley hadn’t been kidding. He glanced over to where his brother stood with his family. Wesley gave him an “I told you so” smirk. Thanks, Wes.
“He interviews every boy who’s interested in me.” She shrugged.
Every boy? He briefly wondered how many had been turned down. Turned away into a depressing heap of boyfriend wannabes. Would he be the next casualty cast upon the pile? “But you’re…what…twenty-something? Can’t you make your own decisions?”
“I’m twenty-three. And I believe my parents have my best interests in mind. I trust their judgment.”
Why did he get the feeling the verdict would be a hearty “No!”? Maybe even with a boot to his backside. “So you’re on board with all this?”
“I value my parents’ opinion. But I make the final decision, since it’s my future.”
“Well that’s good to hear.” He looked up to see her parents making their way toward them. “Oh, no. They’re coming. How can I…where can I see you?” Did he sound as desperate as he felt?
“I’ll be here on Wednesday night for church. Our singles group meets here on Saturday at six. We’re going caroling this weekend.” Joy lit her eyes, then spread to her entire countenance. She was so beautiful he could hardly take his eyes off her. But he needed to.
A quick glance upward told him her parents had been detained by other congregants, praise the Lord. “I have to wait until Wednesday to see you?”
She tugged her bottom lip between her teeth, then leaned closer. “I’ll be shopping at Walmart in Madison tomorrow. Probably around ten,” she whispered.
His smile widened. Tomorrow couldn’t come soon enough.
“But you still need to talk to my dad,” she reminded him.
“Your father. Right,” he said, as the subject of their conversation strolled up to them.
“Ready to go, Holly?” Her father cleared his throat.
Randy stood up. “I’d like to have a word with you, sir.”
Her father eyed him and Holly, then moved a few steps away from where Holly now stood with her mother. “Say on.”
“Um, I’d like to do the interview. To date Holly.”
“You mean you’re interested in courting Holly.”
“Uh, yeah. Although, I honestly don’t know what all that entails.”
“No, I guess you wouldn’t.” Her father expelled a not-too-encouraging sigh. “We can meet before church on Wednesday, if that suits you.”
“Before church, okay. What time?”
“Five o’clock.”
“Okay.” Randy held out his hand to shake her father’s. “I’ll be here then.”
Her father offered a curt nod, then promptly left the building with his family.
Alrighty then.
FIVE
As soon as the coast was clear, Randy practically ran toward his brother. He grabbed Wesley’s biceps, slightly shook him, and pleaded with him. “Wesley. You have to help me!”
Wesley chuckled.
“I’m serious. I’m about to go into the lion’s den.”
“Whoa, calm down, little brother.”
He closed his eyes, attempting to keep what smidgen of patience he still had left. “Help. Me.” He grounded out the words.
Wesley seemed to be having a hard time holding in a grin. “Okay, what do you want to know?”
“Everything.”
“You don’t ask for much, do you?” Wesley chuckled.
How could he be so carefree at a time like this? He wanted to shake some sense into his brother. Didn’t he realize his little brother’s future posterity was on the line? That he might not get a second chance at this?
“It’ll cost you.” Wesley’s grin widened.
“Cost me?” Randy shook his head. “You’re cold, brother.”
Wesley shrugged. “They say to strike while the iron is hot.”
“Okay, okay. What do you want?”
Wesley stroked his chin as though he hadn’t a care—and had all the time—in the world. “How about free babysitting?”
“Babysitting?”
“At the rate you’re going, you’ll be needing it. Sooner rather than later.”
“You’re right. Okay, babysitting. When?”
“Wow, you just agreed with me.”
“I think she’s the one. I’m almost positive.” He felt like shouting. Or making angels in the snow. Or—
“Okay, Saturday night.”
“Nope. Can’t do Saturday.” Randy shook his head.
“Why not?”
“Singles group.”
Wesley coughed, and amusement danced in his eyes. “You’re going to the singles group?”
“Yeah, sure.” He shrugged.
“Here? At church?”
“Is that so hard to believe?”
“Wow, Holly’s already got you wrapped around her little pinky finger. And tied with a nice pink bow, by the look of it. This is going to be fun to watch.” Wesley laughed.
“Just quit already.”
“Okay, Friday then.”
“I can do Friday. How long?”
“Hmm…let’s see. If we go watch a movie—if anything decent is playing, then we go out to eat, and then maybe go bowling, and of course the drive into the city and back—”
“The city? You’re going all the way to Cincinnati?”
“Well, I might want to take Shannon ballroom dancing or something.”
“You’re kidding. Please tell me you’re joking.”<
br />
“No joke, little brother. It’s something Shannon’s wanted to do for a long time. You should be taking notes, by the way.”
Randy shook his head. “Okay, you have me all night. Whatever. Can we get on with this conversation already?”
“Okay. The first thing you’re going to need to learn is patience. Watching Jaycee should help with that.” Wesley chuckled.
“Why do I believe you?”
Instead of answering, his brother laughed. Again. What on earth was he getting himself into? “You’ve changed a diaper before, right?”
“A diaper? I have to change diapers?!” Randy covered his eyes. This was turning into a nightmare.
Wesley shrugged. “Don’t worry, Shannon can show you before we leave.”
“But…she’s a girl!” Was he sweating? Because it was beginning to get really hot in there.
“Yeah, that’s kind of why I married her.”
“No, I mean the baby.”
“She won’t bite…actually, I can’t really promise that.”
“Wesley,” he growled out the word.
“You know what? This conversation is going to take a while. Why don’t you come over tonight? We’ll make some coffee.”
“I prefer cocoa.”
“Hmm…we might be out.”
“Okay, coffee then.”
“Come over around nine. The kids should be in bed by then.”
“Nine. I can do that.”
“On second thought, it might be better if you come around eight thirty. That way you can get some diaper training in.”
If Randy had been holding something in his hands, he’d be hurling it at his brother right about now. “I’ll come at nine,” he said through gritted teeth.
~
Holly stared out at the passing Christmas light displays from the backseat window of her parents’ vehicle. She smiled to herself. She’d get to see Randy tomorrow. That was, if he showed up. But something told her that he would get to Walmart at ten o’clock in the morning if he had to walk barefoot through the snow. Okay, so maybe that was a little extreme. But he did seem eager.
After all, he’d broken up with his girlfriend. And he’d taken her all the way back home. All within twenty-four hours of meeting Holly. She’d never had someone show so much interest in her. It felt really nice, flattering. Like she was something special.
Unlikely Sweethearts (An Amish Christmas Story) Page 3