When Snowflakes Never Cease (Crossroads Collection)

by Amanda Tru

  Hmmm. When had that become something she wanted to improve upon? Wasn’t that just a natural part of her personality?

  “…have you been dating?”

  “About a day, though I’ve wanted to ask her out for months.”

  Her head whipped up sharply at Kent’s voice.

  Wait, what? She’d missed some of the conversation in all that reflection.

  “Months, huh? Nice.” Gina grinned at Kent and flashed a wink at Ada when their eyes caught. “But what a way to spend a second date.”

  “Oh, I don’t know, babe,” Jaydon sidled up to his wife. “We spent our second date grocery shopping. Didn’t turn out too badly for us.” The big man accepted a heaping platter of turkey and a peck on the lips before delivering the food to the dining room.

  Gina beamed at her husband, clearly enamored. When her eyes flicked back to Ada and Kent, her cheeks were pink. “Technically, that was our first date.”

  “Second!” came Jaydon’s rebuttal from the other room. He returned, and she handed off another dish.

  “I’ll give him that one. Otherwise, that means he kissed me before our first date instead of on it. And what kind of example would that set for the church kids?” Gina laughed. Ada liked her sense of humor.

  The rest of the meal carried on in the same familiarity. Everyone shared stories and jokes, hearty laughter, and devotion to one another.

  As Kent drove her home that night, it was hard to keep from imagining her kids in the fray. They’d have fit in seamlessly. Even Kent seemed more relaxed than either of them could’ve anticipated last night.

  “So,” she felt like she started talking just to fill in the silence. “That went far better than I imagined it would.”

  He nodded, eyes fixed on the road, but remained silent.

  Could she bring up a potential elephant? “I’m kind of shocked you held Cady. Proud of you.”

  That earned her a smile she felt clear to her toes. Kent reached over and clasped her hand, running his thumb along the base of hers. Without taking his eyes off the road ahead, he said, “Surprised myself, too. Thanks, by the way.”

  “What did I do?”

  “I applied your advice. Reminded myself of Cady’s future and all the ways she differs from my son. Not just their appearance or ethnicities. I mean, Coden certainly never wore bows as big as his head.” Kent flashed her a quick smile before returning his gaze to the road. “But it hit me—he’d be between Javi and Hailee’s ages if he’d lived. Miraculously, I could separate that in my head and enjoy them. I’m blessed to be able to work with kids and teens like I do, even if it hurts to think Coden never had a chance to become a cellphone addict with ridiculous headphones.”

  His easy laugh joined hers, the sound like warm caramel topping. “It sure didn’t hurt that Cady flashed me a sweet toothless smile with that little chin dimple of hers.”

  “Yeah, I wonder if she got that from her daddy. Hey! Maybe that’s what he hides under the beard.”

  Kent shrugged one shoulder. “It’s possible.”

  Their fingers remained entwined across the console in comfortable silence the rest of the way to her house.

  Walking the path to her door at a lingering pace, their hands swung between them. With each step, they drifted together and apart, occasionally bumping shoulders. His every touch zinged across her nerves, building anticipation and tension. Would he ask to come inside? If she invited him, how would he interpret it?

  There were a lot of things they’d need to talk about if this was going to become a real relationship. A godly one. Ada asked herself for the fifty-seventh time if this was a good idea, and her heart replied loud and clear that it didn’t care.

  A gentle squeeze of her fingers jolted her back to reality. Kent used their joined hands to guide her around to face him at the door.

  His discerning eyes searched hers. For what, she couldn’t say. All she could do was feel. The pounding of her heart. Her reservations. His nearness. The compulsion to flee. The ache to feel his lips on hers.

  “So,” Kent rocked back on his heels. She’d never seen him look nervous before.

  “Yeah?”

  Ridiculous, the way they were both fidgeting like teenagers dating for the first time. As if they hadn’t kissed just hours before. Or made dinner and then baked together last night. Shared their heartaches, right there in her kitchen and living room.

  She took a small step backward. “You want to come in for a bit?”

  “I,” He began, looking to his shoes, his car, and back to her. She saw the conflict in the slope of his brow and corners of his mouth. “Better not.”

  Hope sank. Tension increased. Her brain went on overdrive, asking too many questions.

  “Ada, look at me.”

  She hadn’t even realized she’d turned away. His eyes bore right into hers. Every nuance in his expression told the story of how he felt about her.

  Whoa. Heady, being able to read how deeply he cared. The fears subsided, and peace rippled through with the certainty that whatever he had to say would be worth hearing and deserved unwavering eye contact.

  “I want a relationship with you. And I hope that someday dating will lead to more. Is that—is that something…I mean.…”

  “Yes.”

  His left eyebrow lifted high, the corner of his mouth on the same side lifting with it. “Well, that easier than expected.”

  “Oh?” Her own brows waggled with her silly grin.

  A rush of excitement flittered through her. He’d been surprised by her ready answer. Surprising him often could prove to be quite fun.

  “Yeah,” Kent spoke softer, stepping closer. “But for now, I’m going to say goodnight. I’m glad you came with me today.”

  His lips brushed lightly across hers, and he stepped back with a light squeeze to her fingers.

  Ada let herself in and locked the door behind her. She was still leaning against it a minute later when she heard footsteps and the doorbell. A quick check through the peephole showed Kent, arms laden with her insulated bags. She flung the door wide.

  “Just couldn’t stay away, huh?”

  He grinned. She stepped aside and motioned him in.

  “Seems my subconscious found a way to prolong our goodbye despite my best intentions.” Setting the bags carefully on the counter, he paused for a millisecond. “Do you want help putting this stuff away?”

  “Nah, I’ve got it. Thank you.”

  “My pleasure.”

  Ada stepped closer, looking up into the expressive eyes that were as addicting as the vanilla ice cream she needed to put back in the freezer.

  Could she trust this?

  Yes. But first, trust Me.

  “I’ll see you Monday?” She should probably pace herself. Too much of a good thing and all.

  “When do the kids get home?” A flirtatious challenge if she ever heard one.

  “Sunday afternoon.”

  “Then how does tomorrow sound?”

  Eh, forget pacing herself. She’d been alone long enough, bitter and rigid. It was time to let go and trust God in all the areas of her life again.

  Starting with Kent.

  She answered with a long, delicious kiss before practically shoving him out the door.

  “Let’s give a round of applause to our kindergarteners!”

  Acting as Master of Ceremonies for this year’s Christmas performance was a new kind of joy and stress Kent hadn’t known before. Sort of like his relationship with Adaline the past two weeks.

  Thunderous hand claps and whistles filled the cafeteria-turned-auditorium as cherubic five-and-six-year-olds bounded off the stage like a herd of kittens and puppies. Their medley arrangement of Christmas hymns had been the perfect way to kick off tonight’s program.

  Kent surveyed the crowd, making a few corny Christmas jokes as the first graders took their places on stage. He was surprised to find Adaline seated directly behind her ex and his girlfriend. Jeff leaned back, his lips moving as hi
s head turned toward the mother of his children. Ada shifted forward and responded before reclining back into her seat.

  It was good to see them behaving pleasantly for the kids’ sake, even though the trio waited outside the auditorium for their turn to perform and couldn’t witness what Kent had.

  Ada had already come such a long way through her resentment toward her ex. Better than that, things in their own relationship seemed off to a good start. If only she would be willing to make things public.

  It felt like sneaking around every time they ate lunch together in her office. Every time they went on a date. He wanted to be able to stop by from time to time or call her on the phone at night like a normal relationship.

  He couldn’t understand her reticence. It’d only been a couple weeks, but the kids and Jeff had all seen them together in the parking lot the day before Thanksgiving. Didn’t they wonder how she spent her time without them?

  The first graders concluded their rousing chorus of Joy to the World in costumes representing nations around the globe. Kent put the mic back to his lips and encouraged audience appreciation.

  While the second and third grades joined forces in a reggae-inspired Hark the Herald Angels Sing, his eyes sought Ada, but she’d disappeared. Likely out in the lobby giving Karalee last-minute encouragement before her bit in a sketch-comedy segment with the other fourth- and fifth-graders.

  Lord, will she willingly invite me into their family life soon? The more time he spent with Ada, the more ready he was to step into the next level. Too soon? Perhaps. But he hadn’t exactly been a stranger. They’d been friendly for months. The kids knew him from school. Shouldn’t that count for something in gaining her trust?

  Patience, Kenton. Patience. Easy for God to say, He was perfect. Unfortunately, patience had never been a fruit of the Spirit Kent was particularly ripe with. What was that old joke? Don’t ask God for patience because He’ll surely give it to you through testing it? Truth right there.

  Adaline snuck back into her seat just as the choir finished their final calypso chorus to a hearty round of cheers. She flashed a chagrined smile that curved his own lips in response. Man, he loved that pretty smile.

  Time to focus on his emcee duties. Kent shook himself back to the task at hand and flashed a grin at the audience as he jogged across the empty stage. “Wasn’t that wonderful, mon?” Everyone laughed good-naturedly, despite his pathetic attempt at an island accent.

  “Next, we have several skits—excuse me, sketches—from the fourth- and fifth-grade students. Live from the stage, it’s Christmas Time!” Not a bad imitation of the guy from SNL, if he said so himself.

  Even with a few less-than-funny, wooden deliveries, their segment was a nice change. He added his own whoops to the fray and quickly introduced the middle school band, followed by the orchestra.

  After what felt like an eternity, the high school followed suit. Their talents were more practiced and less cringe-inducing, but he breathed in relief when the show concluded with the high school theater group re-enacting the Christmas story to a worshipful rendition of O Come O Come, Emmanuel by the school choir.

  One of the blessings of a faith-based school, yes, but he was happy it was over. A few more positive words, a prayer led by the chaplain, and he dismissed the crowd with an invitation to enjoy treats in the main lobby.

  He made a beeline for Adaline, anticipation humming through his limbs. Best to keep it low-key, he decided, though he wanted to greet her with a peck on the cheek. His lips missed the contact with her soft skin, but he’d show restraint until she was ready to acknowledge her feelings to everyone.

  Even if he wasn’t happy about it.

  “Hey, Mr. Clark! Did you like my act?” Nine-year-old Karalee beamed brightly.

  “Sure did. You delivered your lines with lots of expression.” Her smile was contagious.

  “Mrs. B said the same thing. She says I’m a ham. Not sure what that means, but I think it was a compliment.”

  Kent’s chuckle was joined with warm laughter from both of Karalee’s parents as well as Jane and Xander. The redheaded girlfriend was nowhere in sight.

  “It means you’re funny, Kare-Bear,” Jeff explained.

  Kent appreciated the fatherly affection written in the other man’s gaze. He may have been a lousy husband to Adaline, but he seemed to be a decent dad. That would explain why the kids were doing so well despite the pain of their parents’ divorce.

  His gaze jumped to Ada’s. She looked as uncertain as he felt. Dismayed that this wasn’t the right time, he extended his hand for a polite shake to maintain their cover as friendly coworkers.

  “Nice to see you, Ms. Danvers. I hope you enjoyed the performance.”

  She slipped her hand into his, and he thought he caught a flash of doubt in her expression for a brief moment. “Good to see you, too, Mr. Clark.”

  Nope, she wasn’t going to change her mind just yet. With a soft squeeze and a forced smile, he released her and told the rest of the family goodnight before walking away to greet other families.

  She was pathetic. A giant, clucking chicken. She might as well start her sentences with Well, I say, I say, uh like Foghorn Leghorn.

  Kent’s disappointment was evident. Why couldn’t she relent and admit to their relationship?

  Because then it would be out of your control.

  Maybe. That certainly sounded like her.

  Because then you’ll have to report it to the administration and deal with questions?

  Easily handled.

  Not to mention, Jane and Xander had already told her plenty of times it was okay if she wanted to date somebody, so long as the guy was cool.

  Mr. Clark was definitely cool. The audience response tonight clearly proved that, even when he delivered some seriously cheesy dad-jokes between acts.

  So why couldn’t she cop to her feelings?

  Because if things don’t work out, it’ll be awkward.

  Meh. Weak.

  Or maybe, the real reason is that you’re afraid. Wondering what he sees in you that Jeff didn’t. And if he discovers whatever fatal flaw it was that made Jeff look elsewhere and leave, Kent will too.

  Ada’s heart squeezed. All of her worst fears dripped out and puddled into her stomach.

  Too bad she’d never really understood what it was about her that Jeff hadn’t wanted anymore. She was certain that the baby hadn’t been the only thing that had died between them. There had to be something she’d done wrong. Something she’d lacked. Something he found in the arms of the woman—or women—between her and Bridget.

  “Are you all right, Adaline?” The concern in Jeff’s tone was a reminder that things hadn’t always been cold between them. He used to read her well. And listen.

  She gave a weak smile and answered with a nod.

  “Mom? Can I go say hi to Taylor?”

  “Sure, sweetie.”

  Karalee bounced toward her best friend. Jane and Xander made their excuses as well, leaving her alone with Jeff.

  “Where’s Bridget?”

  “She stepped outside to take a call. Work.”

  Adaline rolled the night’s flimsy paper program. Jeff shifted his weight from right to left and stuffed both hands in the pockets of his slacks.

  “Trouble with the counselor?”

  She turned toward him, frowning. “I’m sorry?”

  Jeff cocked his head in the familiar way that meant she wasn’t getting away with any half-truths or omissions. She almost smiled, remembering how he’d give her that look after taking in the number of shopping bags she’d come home with. “What’s the damage this time, Adaline?”

  “I’m not blind, Ad. I saw how he looked at you when I picked up the kids at Thanksgiving. Figured if you weren’t dating yet, you would be soon. But if you’re not ready to tell the kids, I get that.”

  She didn’t know how to react.

  Bitter Ada would have huffed and fought a jab. But she was working on being better, wasn’t she? Ada graze
d the bump in the center of her upper lip through her teeth, thinking. “It’s still new. And you’re right. I’m not quite ready to make it public yet, though I’m not sure why. He’s wonderful.”

  “Not that what I think matters,” he had that right, “but if you care about him as much as he clearly cares for you, then don’t hold back. You’re an incredible woman, Ads, and you deserve to be happy. I—”

  Ada peeked at Jeff out the corner of her eye. What freakish parallel universe had she landed in? Cocky, indifferent, self-important Jeff was being—What was the word?—nice?

  His gaze was fixed on their two teenagers, laughing and goofing off with their friends on the other side of the lobby, his jaw set. She’d really love to hear him finish his thought before they could be interrupted.

  “Don’t get me wrong, I love our kids and don’t regret our marriage. But,” he took a breath. “Bridget is good for me. You deserve someone good for you, too. If this guy is it, then let him in. He needs to know where he stands.”

  “Is that where I went wrong? You didn’t know where you stood?” Stupid, Adaline. Stupid. This was not the time or place for such a conversation. Even if it was long overdue. She was so tired of the bitterness poisoning her heart and soul.

  Jeff turned fully toward her, the weight of intention heavy in his eyes. Those eyes didn’t have the same fluttery effect they used to, but they held her captive just the same. “It wasn’t about you, Ada. It was me. Selfishly, I needed more than you could give, but that didn’t mean you fell short. I was in a bad place and failed you all. But I’m doing better now. I hope you will, too.”

  Ada’s jaw nearly clattered to the floor.

  “Wow. Bridget really must be good for you.” Ada wished she could dislike the younger beauty, but she did seem like a nice person. If she had a hand—or even just a finger—in this new leaf Jeff had turned, then she couldn’t be all bad.

  “She is. Doesn’t hold back, either. I mean, I never thought I’d feel comfortable standing next to you, saying this stuff.”