by Paula Mowery
He jogged up. “Am I interrupting? I can wait.”
“No. Please join me.” She patted the concrete beside her.
“Don’t mind if I do.” He hopped onto the wall and slid in next to her.
His nearness ignited a tingling sensation in her chest and stomach. Their eyes met. She felt drawn to him like a magnetic force and diverted her eyes to the water. “Beautiful, isn’t it?” Her insides trembled. When she looked back, his eyes were still riveted on hers. Could he notice her tremors? His hand cupped her cheek, and she inadvertently breathed out her pent-up air.
“Kenzie,” he crooned.
She closed her eyes, willing her heart to calm. Warm lips brushed her cheek before claiming her mouth. She leaned into the kiss. He eased back. “Can I tell you something?”
“Of course.” Her voice squeaked out.
“I think...no, I know I’m falling for you.”
Kenzie’s breath caught in her throat. What had he said? She swallowed.
He ran his hand over his head. “I’m sorry. I needed to tell you. You must think I’m crazy.”
“No, I don’t think you’re crazy.”
His eyes bored into hers. “So...do you think we might...”
“Go steady?” She giggled.
He grinned. “Would you if I asked?”
“Yes. I would.” She gnawed her bottom lip.
He filled his cheeks with air and let it out slowly. “I wasn’t sure that you had feelings for me that way.”
She nodded. “I do.”
~*~
Kenzie stared out the bus window at the Haitian city. Her heart ached. Still many buildings were merely crumbled piles of stone, even though the earthquakes were a distant memory.
The bus wound up a mountain road and entered a compound of several buildings. The missionary driver called over his shoulder, “OK, I’ll let you all out here.”
The group jumped to their feet and disembarked. Kenzie fell into a line with Trevor on her heels. The group gathered around a short woman with dark, curly hair. She smiled. “Welcome to the Baptist Haiti Mission. I’m Andrea, and I’ll be giving you a brief tour. Then you can go to our café and order a good ol’ American burger and fries.” She winked. “We’re going to head this way first. Follow me.”
All of the buildings were constructed of blocks painted in light beige. Andrea paused in front of a large building on the right. “This is our hospital where we do all of our medical type missions. We’ll stroll through so I can point out some specific areas.”
After leaving the medical building, they crossed to another set of buildings. “This is our school. People sponsor these children so they can come to school and eat their meals.”
They passed through living quarters for resident and visiting missionaries. Andrea pointed out a gift shop with Haitian-made crafts and products. As promised, they ended up in a small café where everyone received a burger and fries. Kenzie savored her diet soda, which she had missed since leaving home.
Trevor sat across from her and waved his burger. “Not bad, right?”
She chuckled. Ketchup smudged the side of his lip and she reached across to swipe it with her napkin.
His eyes softened. “Thanks.”
With lunch finished, they scurried through the gift shop, picking trinkets for friends and family.
By the time the bus bumped back to their host camp, only about an hour remained until supper.
After supper, Kenzie and Trevor marched up the gravel incline to the pavilion and sat on a wooden bench next to a couple of other members of their team.
A co-ed group of ten native Haitians sauntered up the center aisle and fanned across the front. The men were dressed in dark slacks, white button-down shirts, and ties. The women matched with their dark skirts and white blouses. The group swayed and then erupted into a song. Multiple harmonies rang out.
Kenzie sat enraptured. Though the language barrier kept her from understanding the words, there was no doubt about the love of God in those singers’ hearts. Their faces glowed with smiles. After several selections, the group filed to a pew in the back.
The host missionary stood and addressed the crowd. “I can tell you enjoyed our group for tonight. I want to let you know that they traveled two hours on foot to be with us.”
Tears sprang to Kenzie’s eyes. These people had nothing according to the world’s standards. But, as for the Spirit, they were rich. She almost envied them. How ironic.
~*~
Kenzie stretched before hopping down from her bunk. Today was the last day in Haiti. After breakfast, a group of the women, including Kenzie, were going to get a lesson in washing clothes Haitian style.
A woman from the nearby community led them to the side of the missionaries’ house. A concrete walkway would serve as their base of operations. The Haitian woman wore a scarf wound on the top of her head. She distributed several round plastic tubs along the walkway. Each was filled with water. She dumped detergent into four tubs. In the first two soapy tubs, she immersed several pieces of clothing.
The woman gathered her skirt and squatted in front of the first tub and grasped a shirt in her hands. She glanced at the group and then back at her hands, which signaled she was demonstrating. The fabric was scrubbed between her knuckles, dunked, and scrubbed some more. She stood and carried the shirt to the third tub where she proceeded to scrub more. Finally, she dunked the garment in the fifth tub to rinse and then spread it out on a nearby bush.
Everyone jumped in, trying to duplicate the washerwoman’s technique. Kenzie quickly discovered it was not as easy as it appeared. By her second garment, her knuckles were raw.
But they all laughed together as the woman shook her head and giggled at their inexperience.
Lunch beckoned, so the group waved to the smiling washer-woman and hurried to the stuffy cafeteria.
Kenzie recounted her clothes-washing adventure. Trevor laughed.
~*~
Trevor stowed his and Kenzie’s bag in the overhead compartment on the plane as instructed and plopped into the seat.
Kenzie leaned her head on his shoulder. “Wow, you were right. I’ll never forget this. So worth it.”
“Yeah, and God gave you the strength, right?”
“Well, for almost everything. I don’t ever think I’ll make a good Haitian washer-woman.”
Trevor chuckled.
16
Kenzie struggled a bit, jumping right back to teaching her Pre-K class a day after returning from Haiti. But, she wouldn’t have missed the experience for anything. Those precious Haitian children’s faces would be embedded in her mind forever.
Of course, she wouldn’t soon forget the special time with Trevor and his declaration that he was falling for her. Over the last four and a half months since returning from their mission trip, they had built a relationship. They spent every spare moment together. They shared more bike rides as the weather started to turn warmer. Kenzie anticipated being out of school for the summer, so she wouldn’t have lesson plans and school responsibilities hanging over her.
Was she getting her Boaz? She winced and scolded herself for allowing such a thought. How she didn’t want to be disappointed by reading more into this relationship than he did. But he seemed sincere and trustworthy. Why was she struggling to let go and fully enjoy this man? I just can’t imagine a man like Trevor could choose me.
They planned to celebrate the start of the summer break on Saturday. Trevor had once again been sketchy about their plans. She slid into bed a bit early, but no distraction would allay her curiosity or her thoughts of Trevor.
Anticipation stole much of her sleep. Nana’s Bible perched on her nightstand, beckoning her to read the next passage. Sitting up cross-legged on her bed, she flipped to Jeremiah 29:11. She nodded, being familiar with the verse. Nana Nita’s words reiterated that God had a plan for her life and not to deny it but embrace it. Sliding back under the covers, she contemplated what all God’s plan for her future might be.
She laid in bed a bit longer the next morning. Though she wasn’t sure about their destination, she was to wear comfortable clothes and shoes for an outdoor excursion.
An early knock on the door propelled her off the couch. Trevor stood with his hands shoved in his jean pockets. “Hey. You ready?” His tone was unsteady, and his eyes darted from her to the ground.
“Yeah.” She grabbed her purse and keys.
At the car, Trevor held the door for her but was aloof. She hadn’t received the normal peck on the cheek. He slipped into the driver’s seat and buckled in without a word.
Kenzie’s chest tightened. Something wasn’t right. “Trever, are you OK?”
He glanced at her. “I’m fine.” His answer was abrupt.
“Are you sure? Something at work?”
He patted her leg and then snatched his hand back. “Everything’s fine.”
Kenzie nibbled her thumbnail. The longer they rode in silence, the more her stomach knotted. Had he changed his mind about her?
Trevor steered the car into a parking space at a campground and picnic area. If he remained as cold and quiet as the drive here, this date would be a flop. Was this his way of letting her down easy?
“OK. We’re here.” He jumped from his seat and peered back at her. “I need to check something. I’ll meet you over there at the picnic table.” He nodded in that direction and bolted through a small grove of trees.
Kenzie’s insides trembled. She eased out of the truck and trudged in the direction Trevor had gone. Lord, I really thought he was the one. Tears burned in her eyes and threatened to spill. As she rounded a large tree, the picnic table came into view, but it didn’t resemble a rugged outdoor spot.
Trevor stood beside the table adorned with a white cloth and a centerpiece of roses surrounded by several flickering candles.
Kenzie covered her gaping mouth with her hand.
Trevor motioned toward the table’s bench seat. “Shall we?”
She sat and he joined her. Immediately, two men set plates of steak and baked potato in front of them. She recognized them as two of Trevor’s fellow police officers and good friends.
Trevor blessed their food and after he said amen, beautiful guitar music commenced.
She glanced at the two officers, strumming a duet and then focused her gaze into Trevor’s eyes. She shook her head in amazement.
Trevor nodded his head in the dueling men’s direction. “Talented, right?”
“I’d say so.”
After eating, Trevor stood. “Now for dessert.”
The guitar tune switched to a familiar melody.
She struggled to identify the song. Suddenly it dawned on her. The song was often heard at weddings. Her favorite line was, “...wherever two or more of you are gathered in His name, there is love.”
Trevor plopped a large slice of cheesecake in front of her. What was that sticking out of the center? She gasped. A diamond ring.
“Kenzie Murrah.”
She turned to find Trevor on one knee beside her.
“I can’t imagine my life without you. I am definitely in love with you. Would you marry me?”
Tears trickled down her cheeks. “Yes. I will marry you. I love you too.”
He scooted back onto the bench beside her and pinched the ring between his fingers. “May I?”
She nodded.
He plucked it from the cheesecake and swiped it with his napkin. Taking her hand, he gently pushed the diamond onto her finger. He slid closer, still holding her hand, and pressed his lips to hers. As he sat back, he brushed at the tears on her cheeks and let his hand linger there, cupping her face.
“You scared me.”
His eyes widened.
“I thought you had changed your mind. You weren’t yourself.”
He smiled. “I wanted it to be perfect. Sorry to scare you.” Trevor stood and offered his hand. “Can I have this dance?”
She rose and let herself be engulfed in his embrace. Laying her head on his chest, they swayed in time to the music right there under the canopy of trees.
~*~
Trevor ended the call to his parents and immediately scrolled to Kenzie’s number and punched call.
“Hello, Trevor.” He loved the flirty tone when she said his name.
“Hello, back. I just got off the phone with my folks. What do you say about a long weekend trip?”
“This weekend?”
“You got something going already?”
“Well...no.”
“You sound reluctant. What’s wrong?”
“I don’t know. I’m nervous. What if they don’t like me?”
“Not gonna happen. They’re going to love you.”
“OK.”
~*~
Thursday morning, Trevor slid Kenzie’s suitcase into the back of the truck and joined her in the cab. He studied her face for a moment. She gnawed her bottom lip in that way he had grown accustomed to. He grabbed her hand. “I want this to be enjoyable. Don’t worry.”
Her eyes widened. “You’ve been reading Nana’s Bible. That was what the passage and message iterated, not to worry or fret.”
“Are you going to heed it is the question.”
She grinned.
He squeezed her hand. “Don’t be a worry-wort. I can’t wait for you to meet my folks, and they are eager to meet you.” He started the trek to the Knoxville Airport.
“I do want to meet them. They must be great if they had you.” She patted his shoulder. “It’s just…I wonder…”
“What is it?” He glanced at her.
“What if I’m not good enough for you in their eyes?”
“Kenzie, please. They are more likely to wonder how in the world I got a great girl like you.” How could he convince her? How could he build up her confidence, which seemed to be lacking?
Trevor dropped Kenzie at the airport terminal entrance with their luggage and parked the truck in the lot. They waited only fifteen minutes before the flight was called. He stowed their carry-ons above their heads and settled into the seat beside of her.
He glimpsed Kenzie’s hands in her lap. Her fists gripped so tightly her knuckles turned white.
He laid his hand atop her fists. “You OK?”
She blew out a breath. “Yeah, I think so.”
He turned her face toward him, touching her chin with his fingertips. “Please relax and enjoy this little getaway.”
Her expression softened. She ran her hand gently down his cheek and smiled. Her touch started his heart beat into a gallop. He kissed her on the lips.
They talked a while about his family and Colorado. Kenzie’s head slumped onto his shoulder and her breathing evened out. He let her nap until the pilot announced they were nearing their destination.
As they disembarked the plane and walked through the gate, Trevor grabbed Kenzie’s hand and squeezed. She took a deep breath and let it out.
His mother’s face came into view and their eyes met for a split second. She smiled. He shifted his gaze to Kenzie when they reached his parents. “Mom, Dad, this is Kenzie.”
In his mother’s way, she bypassed Kenzie’s outstretched hand and embraced her. His father followed suit.
“It’s nice to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Wallen.” Kenzie’s voice held a slight tremble.
His mother waved her hand. “Posh, please call us Christine and Robert.
Pink tinged Kenzie’s cheeks. “OK.”
“We brought carry-ons, so we don’t need to fight for luggage at the baggage claims.” Trevor kept his grip on Kenzie’s hand.
In the car, his mother swiveled around, addressing he and Kenzie in the back seat. “I hope it was all right to make supper plans at Demetri’s. Your brother and sister are coming.”
Kenzie stiffened and sat up straighter.
He patted their clasped hands. “That sounds good, Mom.” When his mother flipped back around, he mouthed, “I love you. Don’t worry.”
She squeezed his hand four t
imes, which meant I love you too.
~*~
Kenzie’s nerves quieted after more introductions were made and they settled into eating and casual conversation at the restaurant.
“Trevor Wallen. I didn’t realize you were in town.” Kenzie turned toward the voice. A stout man, not as tall as Trevor, stood near Mr. Wallen. He was dressed in a police uniform and sported short, dark hair and piercing green eyes.
Trevor rose and the two shook hands. “Only here for a long weekend.” He patted her on the shoulder. “I wanted to bring Kenzie to meet the folks.” He glanced at Kenzie. “This is Kent. We used to work together. This is Kenzie Murrah. My fiancée.”
Kent’s eyes widened. He tipped his head. “Nice to meet you.” He slapped Trevor’s back and grinned. “Now I understand why you turned down my job offer.”
Kenzie’s insides tightened. What job offer? She fidgeted through the rest of the meal, hardly able to eat.
“Mom, Dad, I think I’ll take Kenzie for a little tour. Show her my old stomping grounds.”
They bid everyone farewell and climbed into the SUV. As Trevor steered the car onto the main road, he reached for her hand and squeezed. “See, they didn’t bite. They loved you. I knew they would.”
“I suppose.”
“You don’t have to suppose. I know.”
She nodded.
“You’re quiet.”
Kenzie shrugged. “Not much to say.”
He pulled into the parking lot of what looked like a school and swiveled toward her. “What’s wrong?”
She shrugged again.
“Kenzie.” His eyes narrowed.
She needed to know or it would eat at her. “What job offer was Kent talking about?”
“He called last summer and offered me a job back here.”
“You never told me about it.”
“No reason to. I knew I was supposed to stay in Tennessee. Because of you.” He squeezed her hand again.
“Was it a promotion? A good offer?”