Unfortunately, a last-minute charter flight took him away for the rest of the day, leaving him no time to share his good deed with Sophie. He woke Monday confident that he’d find the right moment. The clothes would start arriving today so Sophie would be at the charity closet all day. He and DJ would be putting the final touches on the checkout counter and securing all the hardware to the doors and cabinetry. There would be plenty of opportunities to talk to Sophie then.
According to the ladies, the sorting and hanging phase would take several days to complete. Zach was grateful he didn’t have to get involved with that part of the project. Construction he could handle. Displaying clothing was out of his wheelhouse.
His cell phone rang midafternoon as he was putting away his tools. Zane County Hospital appeared on the screen. Hope soared. As he read the text, a sense of relief washed through him. He took a moment to give DJ instructions, knowing his nephew had learned enough to handle the remaining tasks on his own. He found Sophie and the girls in the corner of the building where a small play area had been set up.
“Sophie. I have to leave for a while. I have an interview with the hospital about the pilot job with their air medivac team.”
Her smiled seemed to dim. It was no secret that if she had her way, he’d give up flying completely. That would never happen.
“I see. I hope it works out for you.”
“I know you worry about my flying, but this job offers me and the kids security.” He took a step toward her. “My job as a pilot is much safer than being a fireman or police officer. You can check the statistics. Pilots aren’t hotheaded daredevils who risk their lives doing stupid stunts. Pilots have to be levelheaded, calm, steady and cool in a crisis.”
Sophie chewed her lower lip. “I know you’d never do anything to put yourself in jeopardy but the sky is so big and...”
“The plane is so small?”
She grinned and nodded. “It’s scary.”
“Don’t worry. I love the kids. I intend to be more conscientious than ever. Promise.” That got him an amused eye roll. He walked off, turning back when she called his name softly.
“Zach, I hope it works out for you.”
He smiled. “Thanks. I’ll let you know.”
* * *
Sophie hung four more blouses on the rack, spacing the hangers equally for easy access. It was all coming together thanks to the volunteers who had worked so hard over the last few days. Not to mention Zach and his steady leadership. Her cell phone chimed and she pulled it from her pocket. She didn’t recognize the number. She answered it, and when she hung up, her heart was racing and she couldn’t help smiling.
Zach noticed and came toward her. “Good news?”
She nodded, unable to stop smiling. “I won the poster contest. They said it captured the essence of Blessing.”
A big grin spread across his face. “Congratulations. I’m not surprised, though.”
Before she could move, he’d wrapped his arms around her in a warm hug, stealing her breath. She closed her eyes, enjoying the embrace and wishing it would go on forever. Then he released her, an odd expression on his face. A strained tension pulsated between them, like a plucked violin string. She wanted to believe what she saw in his brown eyes, but deep down she knew he wanted her to leave.
Zach cleared his throat. “This is great news. Your poster will be displayed all over the state. We should celebrate. How about dinner out tonight?”
“Oh, no. They want to present me with the award at the town council meeting this evening.”
“Then we’ll all be there to applaud. You need your family around you.”
Did he really think of her as family? Sometimes she felt as if she’d finally found her place in the world, then he would quickly remind her that her position was temporary. She didn’t want to be a temporary aunt. She wanted to be a full-time part of the family. But how much longer would they be her family?
“You should tell the kids, they’ll be very proud. I’m proud of you.”
She had to smile. “Thank you. I can’t believe they picked my drawing.” She met his gaze. “I meant to ask you how the interview went. Did you get the job?”
Zach ran a hand along his jaw. “Yes and no.”
“What does that mean?”
“They offered me the job but I turned it down.”
“What! Why? I thought you said this was the perfect position.”
He shrugged. “It turned out to be a back-of-the-clock shift.” He noticed her confusion. “The night shift. That won’t work, I need a job with regular daytime hours.”
Her heart skipped a beat. She felt his disappointment, but she was also impressed that he’d turned down a job he clearly wanted and would keep him in the air out of consideration for the children. He really was a good guy.
* * *
She echoed that thought as she stood smiling at the town council members that evening after receiving her award. Her poster was displayed prominently on the dais and she’d been overcome with a swirling mix of elation and humility. The only thing that kept her standing upright was the sight of Zach and the children smiling at her as if she’d just been crowned queen.
She shook the mayor’s hand, then headed toward her family, grateful that the ceremony was concluded. Being in the spotlight was not something she enjoyed.
Linney and Katie hurried toward her with big smiles and hugs. DJ grinned and Zach beamed with pride. For the moment she allowed herself to believe that he cared more than just as a friend and relative.
“I think we need to celebrate. How about ice cream cones and a walk along the river park?”
Zach’s suggestion was met with shouts of joy and announcements of what flavors each child planned to order.
A short while later, Sophie savored her black walnut ice cream as they strolled along the riverbank. It was a perfect evening for a walk; a soft breeze stirred the air, laced with the sweet scent of magnolia blossoms. The lights along the walkway reflected in the water. Twinkle lights entwined in the trees added a romantic glow. With a little imagination Sophie could pretend she was all alone with Zach.
The girls had wandered on ahead to the water’s edge and were feeding the ducks. DJ was skipping rocks across the water.
Zach finished his cone and motioned to the bench nestled in between large blue hydrangea bushes near the small waterfall. He took her hand and smiled into her eyes. “I want to tell you again how proud I am—uh, we all are about your winning the contest.”
“I’m still surprised. But so honored. I really feel like I’m part of Blessing now.” Her drawing had given her a deep connection to the town. At least she’d been accepted by the people of the community.
Zach squeezed her hand. “Of course you’re part of Blessing. Everyone admires you for what you’ve done. I think they talk about you more than they did Madeline. You’re practically a local celebrity over this closet ministry.”
Her cheeks warmed. “I don’t know about that. All I did was finish what my sister started.”
“Which is in itself amazing. There are a lot of amazing things about you.”
His fingers slowly stroked the back of her hand, making it hard to think clearly and even harder to speak. “I doubt that. I’m just ordinary.”
Zach shifted to face her. “You should take a closer look. The woman I see is strong, caring, brave, compassionate and loving.”
Was that what he really thought of her? If only it were true, then she’d have hope that her growing feelings for this man weren’t in vain. She wished she had the courage to ask him outright, to tell him she was falling in love with him, but she wasn’t strong enough to face his rejection.
She braved a look in his eyes and saw that soft light again. He leaned forward. She closed her eyes, only to open them again in confusion when his lips gently brushed her cheek.
His eyes mirrored the confusion jarring her senses. She shifted away, slipping her hand from his. “We should probably go.”
He rubbed his forehead. “Um, first I have a surprise for you. I found someone to manage the shop after you’re gone.”
“What?”
“Nancy Davis. She’s a single mom, and hasn’t quite accepted yet but I’m sure she will. So now you can breathe easy and not worry about that.”
If he’d physically slapped her in the face, he couldn’t have hurt her more. “You hired someone without talking to me first? How could you?”
“You were so worried about the future of the clothes closet so I thought I’d take that off your shoulders. I was just trying to help.”
Sophie shook her head. “I know what you were trying to do and it had nothing to do with helping. You’ve made your position clear many times over.”
“What?”
“We need to go home. Now.” She stood and walked away, fighting to hold back the tears and the pain. She had to face the truth. She was not welcome here. She’d have to make the most of the time left and wipe all thoughts of Zach Conrad from her mind.
* * *
Zach shoved the chocks under the plane’s wheels, then locked the door. One of his students had soloed today. That usually made him feel proud. He enjoyed teaching others to fly and knew the deep satisfaction he felt each time he soared in the clouds.
But today instead of heading to his car, he started across the tarmac toward Hank’s office in the small blue building that housed the Southland Charters office. He desperately needed advice, and since his friend had been married for nearly twenty years, he had a better grasp on how women worked.
Sophie’s flare of anger when he’d shared his news had blindsided him. He didn’t understand why she was so upset. He’d expected a big smile, a sigh of relief or maybe even a quick hug.
Hank was on the phone when Zach entered his office. He held up one finger, signaling for him to hold on. Zach helped himself to a seat and waited.
Hank grinned and shook his head. “I don’t have any charters for you right now, pal. Sorry.”
“I’m not looking for one. I’m looking for some advice.”
Hank leaned back in his chair. “Okay. About what?”
“Women.”
His friend’s loud laughter filled the room. “Then you don’t want me. I have no explanation for the fairer sex.”
“But you’ve been married for decades.”
“And I don’t know much more now than I did on my wedding day. Does this have something to do with the lovely Sophie?”
Zach sighed and shook his head. “I thought I was doing something nice for her, taking some of the worry over the clothes closet off her shoulders, but when I told her, she was furious. I don’t get it.”
“What exactly did you do?”
Zach explained, and Hank groaned, tossing him a look of disbelief. “Let me get this straight. You took it upon yourself to hire someone to take over the store Sophie has devoted all her time and energy to and you didn’t even get her input?”
“No. I thought it would be a nice surprise.”
“Haven’t you learned by now? Women don’t like surprises. Unless it’s flowers or jewelry. Messing with their projects or plans will get you sent to the doghouse.” He sighed heavily. “What did she say?”
Zach struggled to recall. “She said she knew what I was trying to do and that I’d made my position clear. Whatever that means. I don’t get it. She’ll be leaving soon so why does she care who takes over?”
“Are you sure she’s leaving?”
“Yeah. She said she’d taken a few weeks off to come down here so she’ll be heading home as soon as the store is done.”
“That’s not what I’m hearing. Paula and Sophie have been spending time together at the store and my wife tells me Sophie would love to stay in town, but she’s not sure she’d be welcome.”
“Where did she get that idea?”
“Oh, maybe because of something you said.” Hank stared at him pointedly.
“What? No. I’ve tried to make her feel welcome. The kids like having her here.”
“What about you?”
“She’s good with the kids. Better than I am. She fits in well with the family.” Too well sometimes. She had a better relationship than he did with the kids.
“Have you told her that?”
Zach shrugged. “Yes. But I don’t want to pressure her. I make sure she knows that we’ll be okay when she goes home.”
“Uh-oh. Have you been telling her it’s okay to leave?”
“Not in those exact words, but I guess I’ve mentioned her leaving a few times.”
“Have you mentioned you’d like her to stay?”
“No. That’s not my decision.”
Hank rested his elbows on the desktop. “Her decision, but you’re taking steps to make sure she has no place here by hiring someone else to run the ministry she built, and you don’t understand why she was upset? Did it ever occur to you that she might be waiting for some signal from you that she’d be welcome here?”
Zach mulled that over. It didn’t make sense. “If she wants to stay, why doesn’t she just say so?”
Hank lowered his head and shook it in frustration. “Do you want her to stay? Or do you want her gone so you can be in charge of the kids and not have to share them?”
Zach wasn’t sure how to answer that. Part of him wanted her to stay. A big part. On the other hand, he couldn’t deny his life would be easier if she weren’t here. But it would also be missing a big piece of the family.
“I thought so,” Hank said at last.
His comment pulled Zach from his thoughts. “What?”
“The fact that you had to think about your answer confirms my suspicions. This is all about your fear of commitment.”
Zach stood. “That’s ridiculous. I’m fully committed to my kids.”
“But not to a woman. That terrifies you, doesn’t it?”
He brushed off the observation. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Prove it. Go tell Sophie that you’d like her to stay here in Blessing. Tell her you have feelings for her—because it’s obvious to anyone with eyes that you do—and see what she says.”
Zach pointed a finger at his friend. “You are no help at all.”
He walked out of the office. Talking to Hank had been a waste of time. He didn’t understand his situation at all.
* * *
Sophie smiled as another clothes closet volunteer waved hello as she entered the store the next day. She welcomed the distraction of the hustle and bustle of the store. She’d spent the night battling her emotions. Her anger still churned over Zach’s ill-advised solution to helping her, and her deep hurt facing the fact that he really did want her out of their lives. Why else would he hire a stranger to manage the store?
The closet looked amazing. Not only was the main floor filled with clothing, but the storeroom in the back was filling up, as well. She couldn’t believe how generous the people of Blessing were. They’d gone above and beyond. And it was all because of Madeline’s original idea.
There was still one crucial decision to make and Sophie needed the children’s input. They needed to choose a name for the store. She’d called the children together and given them each a pencil and paper and instructed them to make of list of possible names. They’d discarded most of them before narrowing it down to three. Maddie’s Closet. Blessing Community Closet. Hope Closet. The children would take a vote tonight and make the final decision.
Moving to the front of the building, Sophie smiled at the sight of one of her watercolor posters in the window. She still found it surprising that her simple design had been chosen to represent the upcoming town bicentennial. Seeing her poster displayed in her sister’s store ma
de it truly a joint effort. Her sister’s dream was becoming a reality.
If only she could be here to see the good it would do and the people it would bless. But Sophie wouldn’t be around to see the results. She’d had her heart set on being part of the future of the closet, but she couldn’t stay where she wasn’t wanted.
Buck came across the room and waved at her, a huge smile on his face.
Sophie grinned. He’d become a good friend through the remodeling process. “You look happy. Did you finally ask Felicia to marry you?” Buck had sought Sophie’s advice on his romantic dilemma. He’d been dragging his feet on proposing to his girlfriend for fear she’d turn him down.
“Nope, but I’m working on it. There’s a delivery for you. You’ll have to come outside to see it.”
“What is it? I don’t remember ordering anything.”
Buck’s eyes twinkled. “You didn’t. But you’re going to like it. A lot.”
Sophie followed the carpenter to the back of the building where the exit to the bus platform stood. A large panel van was parked with its back doors wide open. Buck climbed into the van and held out his hand. “You’re not going to believe this.”
She stepped up into the van and stopped cold. Her hand covered her mouth. “Oh my.” A large vintage bus sign with the canine logo leaned against one side. On the other was a set of art deco doors, their angled handles slicing up through the middle of the semicircle glass windows. The epitome of 1920s design.
Sophie ran her hand along the handles. “Where did you find these? They’ll be perfect on the front of the store.”
Buck chuckled, slipping his hands into his pockets. “These are the original doors. Amos Fisher called me. His dad took the sign when the bus station closed. The doors were removed during a restoration, and he purchased them cheap hoping to find a use for them.”
The Orphans' Blessing Page 13