The Sweetest Spark (The Spark Brothers Book 3)

by Liwen Y. Ho

  “Something amazing, right?” The words rolled off his tongue with the familiar confidence he used to have.

  “Hm. Something all right.”

  His spirits lifted at the sound of her playful tone. This was just like old times, easy and comfortable. “So, how’ve you been? Your face is healing nicely.”

  She quickly sobered and shifted her gaze out the window. “I’ve … been okay.”

  “Yeah?” He waited, knowing not to push her to speak before she was ready.

  She suddenly turned to face him, honesty written all over her face. “Actually, not really.”

  “What’s going on?”

  “Just little things.” Her voice faltered as she continued in an uncertain tone. “Like being upset over my locket, which you found, so that part is better. But I’ve also been worried about my TV appearance tomorrow. The bruising on my face is almost gone, but the cut hasn’t fully healed.”

  Her confession was so unexpected but so wonderful to hear. Candy was letting down her guard with him again, fully and freely. He didn’t know what he’d done to deserve such a gift, but he thanked God for it. “And you’re worried about what people will say when they see you on TV.”

  “Yes, exactly.” She nodded. “I feel so petty for even worrying about it, but it’s hard not to when I know hundreds of thousands of people will be watching. I need good publicity if I want to eventually have my own show.” She sighed. “I’ve tried all the makeup techniques I know of, but nothing works to fully cover it up. I don’t know what else to do.”

  At the word makeup, Colin’s ears perked up. What were the odds that he’d meet a skilled makeup artist around the time when Candy needed some help covering up a wound? Sky high, if God had anything to do with it, which he knew He did.

  With a confident tone, he reassured her, “I have an idea. If you trust me, I think I can help you look your best for the TV gig.”

  Candy studied him with a curious expression. “I trust you,” she answered with a firm nod.

  Those three words were like music to his ears or, more precisely, made him feel like a kid in a candy store. Maybe what he’d said to Candy had done something because, other than the first time she cried in his arms, this was the most open she had ever been with him. Turned out there were three miracles that happened this evening. Maybe God would provide more.

  Chapter Twenty

  Candy

  Candy stepped back inside her parents’ home after saying goodbye to Colin, lighter than she’d felt in a long time. Her hand went to her necklace, feeling the smooth metal under her fingers. She smiled, knowing she had made a breakthrough tonight in telling Colin how she felt. Her walls had come down, and she had let him see her, insecurities and all. And Colin, being the sweet guy that he was, had listened without judgment. He’d even offered to meet up the next day, promising that he would have a solution for her. The offer gave her hope, but it was the idea of seeing Colin again that filled her with joy.

  She had to admit that once she’d decided to open her heart up to him, it was so easy to see his strengths. The things that had bugged her about him before didn’t seem like such a big deal. Sure, she’d like him to have a spotlessly clean car and a clearer sense of direction in life, but those issues seemed less important in light of the bigger picture. Other, more important questions crossed her mind. Was he someone she could rely on? A man she could trust and be vulnerable with? If the answers to both were yes—and they certainly were—she had already found the person she wanted to do life with. Now, it was only a matter of convincing him of this fact.

  From the foyer, she spotted her parents sitting on the couch together in the living room, watching an episode of the food talk show she would be featured on next week. Her mom rested her head on her dad’s shoulder as they snuggled under a red and white crocheted blanket. The sight made her happy. Her parents had been through some hard times, but they had learned to lean on each other through it all. She could see now how their vulnerability had made them much stronger as a couple.

  She recalled the times she had witnessed her parents on the same couch together on the anniversaries of Mandy’s passing, holding one another as they cried. They had offered for her to sit with them too, but she had always declined. There had been so many tears already, someone had to be the tough one. She’d thought she was supposed to take on that role. Little did she know how much she also needed to mourn. In closing the door to her heart, she’d shut out so much more from her life. Bits and pieces that were only starting to feel again. She hoped and prayed it wasn’t too late to start putting those pieces back together.

  Her mom turned as Candy walked over, her face lighting up to see the necklace in her hand. “You found it! That’s wonderful! Your dad and I were praying you would.”

  “You guys had more faith than I did.” Candy sat on the worn recliner facing the couch, peace flooding her soul. “Thanks for praying.”

  “Of course.” Her dad moved to the side and patted the space between him and Mrs. Connelly. “We finished eating, but we left you some food on the table. Why don’t you bring it over? It’s been a long while since you snuggled with us on the couch.”

  “Dad, I’m not a kid anymore,” Candy protested, but she bit back the rest of her reply. It wouldn’t hurt to relive her childhood for a little bit. “Okay, I’ll be right back.”

  She returned with her plate and set it on the coffee table before plopping down on the couch. Like a little girl, she pulled her knees to her chest and hugged them. Being sandwiched between her parents like this didn’t feel so awkward. It felt surprisingly soothing and comfortable.

  Mr. Connelly pulled the blanket over Candy and gave her a quick kiss on her head. “To me, you’ll always be that cute little girl with her fists on her hips who announced one day that you were going to judge people’s cooking for a living. Starting with mine,” he added with a chuckle. “I’ll never forget the look on your face, how determined you were.”

  “You did it, too.” Her mom put an arm around her shoulder and leaned her head to touch hers. “We’re so proud of you, Candy. You had a plan in place, and you achieved it. That says a lot about how hardworking and determined you are. Not everyone achieves their dream.”

  It wasn’t the first time her parents had applauded her hard work, but it was the first time their words rang a little hollow. Was this all there was to her? She didn’t want to be known only for her achievements. She turned to both her parents as she pondered out loud, “I have other strengths besides my work ethic, don’t I?”

  Her mom’s eyes widened in surprise. “Of course. We only mention it so often because we know how important your career is to you. But of course, you have many other qualities. You’re a wonderful daughter, making time to see us every week. Even when you were in New York, you called us almost every day. You’re so generous with your time and finances.” Her voice softened. “You were a fiercely protective and loyal older sister. You took care of Mandy like a second mother, especially after she got sick. I never had to worry about missing her doctor’s appointments because I knew you had everything under control.” Frowning, she brushed a lock of hair from Candy’s cheek. “I depended on you so much during that time, more than I should have. I’m so sorry.”

  Candy immediately wanted to protest. “No, Mom—”

  “Sweetheart, it’s the truth,” her mom stated firmly. “I can admit it now. Your dad and I both see things more clearly in hindsight.” She exchanged a look with Mr. Connelly over Candy’s head. “You’ve been carrying around a burden that wasn’t yours to carry. And that burden dragged you down. You lost the joy you had as a child. When you were in New York, you were working so hard, you hardly had time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. We really thank God that He brought you back to the Bay Area last year. Ever since you came back, you’ve seemed happier.”

  “I agree,” her dad chimed in. “I think it’s safe to say we have Colin to thank for that.”

  “Colin?” Candy tur
ned to face her dad, amused by the smirk on his face. “Did he put you guys up to this?”

  “Not at all. I have my own vested interest in seeing the two of you together. I always thought he was the most suitable Spark for you.”

  “Really? Even though he’s four years younger than me?”

  “Age has nothing on love, sweetheart,” her father admonished. “Anyway, there will be a day when both of you are wrinkled and gray and no one will even guess that you’re older. If you’re talking about being young at heart though? I think Colin can help reverse time for you in that regard.”

  Candy had to laugh. Her dad understood her well, too well. Both her parents knew she needed more love and laughter in her life. “You’re right about that, Dad. He makes me smile more than anyone.”

  “Then why wasn’t there much smiling at the dinner table earlier? I don’t know why the two of you are at odds right now, but Colin deserves a second chance.”

  “Why do you assume I’m the one who’s not giving him a chance?”

  Mr. Connelly shot her a knowing look. “You don’t think I know my daughter?”

  “We all know that boy’s been hung up on you since he was a teenager,” Mrs. Connelly quipped. “It’s a wonder he didn’t give up, considering how often he jumps from job to job. You seem to be the one constant interest in his life.”

  Candy paused. Wasn’t that the truth? Colin hadn’t given up on her after all this time. Even though he acted like he didn’t want more than friendship, she knew he was only saying it. He was protecting himself from another rejection. And she was done pushing him away.

  “I’m going to give him another chance,” she announced to her parents, as much as to herself. “I’m ready for more.”

  Mrs. Connelly yelped in joy. “Thank you, Jesus! This is great news. All our praying paid off!”

  “Amen!” Mr. Connelly exclaimed.

  Laughter bubbled up inside Candy and escaped her lips. She turned to her mom and asked, “Just how long have you been praying for me and Colin?”

  “Hm,” she murmured thoughtfully. “About ten years.”

  “Ever since I left for the East Coast? What made you start praying then?”

  “Not long after you left, Colin paid us a visit on the anniversary of Mandy’s passing. He brought over a casserole his mom had made and sat with us for a while. He was so pleasant, listening to us and doing his best to make us smile. After that day, he made it a point to visit with us on every anniversary. It was always the same casserole and the same big smile that he brought with him. He made what was a difficult time that much brighter. We, your father and I, knew he could do the same for you, too, if you’d allow him to.”

  Candy blinked back the tears that had been gathering in her eyes as she listened to her mom share. Colin had done that for her parents? His heart was bigger than she realized. “I had no idea. You never mentioned him coming over.”

  “We didn’t want our opinion to cloud your judgment,” her dad stated. “Not that it would have. We both know how—” he hesitated “—firm you are in your opinions.”

  She smirked. “Stubborn, Dad. The word you’re looking for is stubborn. It’s okay to say it. I know my weaknesses.”

  Mr. Connelly chuckled. “It’s also a strength and a trait the Connelly women happen to excel in. That’s why your mom never gave up on praying for you.”

  “Thanks, Mom.” Candy gave her mom a tight embrace first then also her dad. “You, too, Dad. You guys are the best. I really thank God for both of you.”

  She thanked the Lord for Colin, too. And prayed that God would help her find a way to tell him just how she felt about him.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Colin

  Colin should’ve been happy. Candy had arrived a few minutes ago at his apartment, looking gorgeous and professional in a black wrap dress that was knotted on one side. A pair of diamond earrings, a gold choker, and black heels completed her outfit. Her chestnut brown hair fell in soft waves around her shoulders. Other than mascara and eye shadow, her face was makeup free.

  He had felt a spark of hope when she’d walked into the apartment and given the room and him an approving nod. Armed with a bag full of cosmetics, he faced her now as she sat on the couch. The couch which he’d cleaned up early that morning, along with the rest of the living room. He’d even shaved for the first time in a week and changed into a clean pair of jeans and a black long-sleeved polo. His smile fell away, however, as soon as Darren joined them.

  His brother had just emerged from the shower, his hair leaving water droplets running down his navy sweater. Darren leaned on the back of the couch as he placed a hand under Candy’s chin, tilting it up to examine her face. With narrowed eyes, he studied the cut above her mouth. “It’s healing pretty well, Candy, considering it’s only been a little over a week. The cut’s closed, so you’re fine putting makeup over it.” He tossed a wry smile Colin’s way. “Try not to rub or put pressure on the wound when you’re doing your magic though.”

  Colin couldn’t miss the uncertainty in Darren’s voice. He felt a little unsure himself, to be honest, since he only had an hour to work with before Candy left for her TV gig. He’d done his homework though and spent half an hour last night chatting with Billy Bob, who had sent him step-by-step instructions. Using a red permanent marker, he’d also drawn fake wounds on his arm then practiced the makeup techniques on himself. He’d done all he could to prepare. He really didn’t need his brother adding more doubt to the situation. With more sarcasm than he intended, Colin replied, “Thanks for your expert advice, but I’ve got everything under control.”

  Darren nodded and backed away. “I’m sure you do. I gotta run. Best wishes with your TV appearance, Candy.”

  “Thanks, Darren. For all your help at the beach that day, too.” Candy flashed him a gracious smile. Her eyes lingered on Darren as he made his way out the door for another shift at the fire station. When the front door closed, she turned to face Colin. “You okay?”

  “Yeah, of course. Why wouldn’t I be?”

  Candy eyed him curiously. “Because you almost bit Darren’s head off. He was just trying to help. What’s going on with you? You don’t seem like your usual self.”

  He scoffed, looking away and mumbling to the ground, “You probably think that’s a good thing.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean? I like it when you’re positive and enthusiastic. Seeing you grumpy and mopey isn’t a good thing at all.” She paused. “Are you going to tell me what’s bugging you?”

  He shrugged. He really wasn’t in the mood to explain himself or to be mocked for his feelings. It irked him to no end to hear Candy thank Darren again for helping her the day she fell. He couldn’t let the memory of that day go. How Candy had left his arms and chosen Darren’s instead. And now, to make matters worse, she had allowed Darren to do something as personal as touch her face. A heavy sigh escaped his lips. Did she prefer his younger brother over him? “Let’s just get started.”

  “Sure. Are your supplies in there?” she asked, pointing to the paper bag in his hands.

  Colin nodded and started emptying the contents. A bottle of clear toner water. One tube of concealer that resembled a beige-colored marker. Two brushes—a flat one for blending and a fluffy round one for applying powder. Several tubes of foundation. He’d bought three different shades since he wasn’t sure which one would match Candy’s skin tone the best. And one round container of translucent finishing powder. He’d found all the products that Billy Bob had recommended from the cosmetics section of Target last night.

  He handed her the bottle of toner. “This is for moisturizing. Go ahead and put it on.”

  “Okay, done. What’s next?”

  “The concealer.” Leaning forward, he uncapped the small tube. His stomach dropped as he got a whiff of Candy’s sweet perfume. He swallowed hard, doing his best to not let her closeness get to him. He was done getting his hopes up; he needed to remain logical and impartial. He spoke
his next words for himself as much as for Candy. “Let’s get down to business. Hold still, please.”

  Candy did as she was told while he dabbed the concealer brush along the red ridge of her cut. Her breathing was even and slow as she watched him work. Out of the corner of her mouth, she murmured, “I tried using a concealer, but it didn’t work.”

  “Well, did yours have a green tint to it? The green is supposed to combat the redness.”

  She quirked a brow. “Is that so? How do you know so much about makeup anyway?”

  Colin sighed. “I can’t do this if you keep talking.”

  “Sorry.” She promptly shut her mouth.

  He set to work on blending in the concealer with the flat foundation brush, taking care to apply the lightest amount of pressure possible. “I stopped by Evan’s set yesterday and met the show’s makeup artist. He was kind enough to give me some pointers.”

  Candy’s eyes lit up in understanding. “Just yesterday? That’s amazing. That had to be God.”

  “Yeah, it was perfect timing.” He paused and leaned back to take a look at the progress. “Not bad.”

  “Shouldn’t you use more concealer?”

  He cocked his head to one side and gave her a look of admonishment. “Do you not trust me?”

  “I do. My lips are zipped, I promise.”

  “Thank you.” Colin held back a smile to see Candy press her lips together. She looked so uncomfortable—yet adorable—trying to hold her tongue. “It seems counterintuitive, but you actually want to focus on blending around the area, not on top of it. That’ll help the concealer blend into your skin better.”

  Her brows rose in response, but she kept her word and stayed quiet.

  Next, using the fluffy brush, Colin applied some powder to the area, lightly tapping it into place. “And this powder helps the concealer last longer.”

  “Hm.”