Where Two Hearts Meet (5 page)

Chapter Five

Tyler rolled over, opened one eye, and squinted at his bedside clock. Surprise jolted through him, bringing him fully awake. How could it be ten fifteen? He’d already missed first service, and he’d have to hustle to make second.

Memories of his late-night design marathon resurfaced as he threw back the covers and climbed out of bed. That must be why he’d slept past his alarm—that and the fact he was still recovering from the worst case of the flu he’d had in years. But it didn’t matter. At least all the designs for Allie’s teashop were finished. He just needed to show them to her one more time, and then he’d send them off to the printer and sign company.

Rubbing his hand down his face, he headed for the bathroom. Maybe he could catch her at church and invite her out to lunch, or better yet, they could come back here and cook lunch together. He smiled. Sleeping in and going to second service might work out for the best after all.

His smile faded as he recalled the uncomfortable look on Allie’s face when she’d tried to explain why he never saw her at church. They did attend different Sunday morning services, but why hadn’t he seen her on Sunday evenings or at the singles’ Bible study? What was going on with Allie spiritually?

During college she’d always been so certain about her faith. She was the one who’d patiently explained the importance of making a personal commitment to the Lord. It had taken him almost a year before he’d finally surrendered his life. Allie had been with him that night. But after his parents’ divorce, he’d turned away from his faith and everyone associated with it. Thankfully, God hadn’t given up on him. He sighed and looked in the bathroom mirror. Fine lines creased his forehead and surrounded his eyes, lingering evidence of the wild life he’d left behind.

But what about Allie?

The thought that she might have drifted away from her faith weighed him down like someone had just placed a thirty-pound pack on his shoulders. It couldn’t be true. She’d never turn her back on God, would she?

Forty-five minutes later, Tyler walked into the second service at Harvest Chapel just as the first song began. He scanned the large sanctuary, searching for Allie, but he didn’t see her.

Another wave of apprehension settled over him. Where was she? He purposefully shifted his thoughts to the words of the song. The music lifted his spirit, and he turned his concern for Allie into a prayer and released her back to the Lord’s care, firmly reminding himself that’s where she needed to stay.

His motives needed to remain pure. Build a bridge, ask forgiveness, help her business succeed. That’s all. But as he remembered her visit to his apartment, her sweet, caring expression, and the way she’d prepared that hot soup for him, he couldn’t keep from hoping there might be more.

The final notes of the song faded. Tyler glanced to the right. A couple moved into the row in front of him. Allie and Peter sat down in front of him, and his stomach clenched into a hard knot. Peter helped Allie slip off her coat; then he placed his arm around her shoulder.

* * * *

Allison shifted and tried to scoot a few more inches to the left, away from Peter. But he kept his arm around her and settled in a little closer. She sank a bit lower in the pew, wishing she could vanish.

They didn’t usually sit this close to the front, but coming in late hadn’t left too many choices. She hadn’t realized Tyler was sitting behind them until greeting time when she’d stood and turned to face him. He’d said hello and reached to shake her hand. Her knees felt like noodles as she realized he must have seen every whisper and possessive movement Peter had made. She’d managed to mumble some sort of greeting before she sank back into her seat.

Allison silently chided herself and corralled her runaway thoughts. She was here to worship the Lord. Lifting her gaze, she focused on Pastor Tom’s face.

“God wants more than just a piece of our heart. He wants all of it. Nothing should take His place. That’s why Jesus says in Matthew 6:33, ‘Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you.’ ” Pastor Tom’s voice rang with passion and sent a shiver up her back.

“If you’re struggling today, ask yourself this question: ‘Am I honoring God and giving Him first place in my life?’ If the answer is no, then I suggest you spend some time with Him, straighten out your priorities, and get your life back on track.

“I know some of you may say, ‘Oh, Pastor, you don’t know all the trouble I’m facing in my life.’ You’re right. I don’t. But God does, and He is able to meet you right where you are and help you bring your life back in line with His Word and His purpose for you.” Pastor Tom scanned the sanctuary.

Allison felt his gaze settle on her.

“You may have some painful choices and decisions to make. Trust God. He has a plan, and He is able to carry you through, if you will humble yourself and give Him first place.”

His words pierced Allison’s heart. She hadn’t put God first or trusted Him to work out the problems with her business. She hadn’t prayed more than five minutes about it. Instead, she’d worried and spent her time scheming, trying to use Tyler’s friendship and free promotional help to get what she thought she needed.

Tears gathered in her eyes, and she bowed her head.
Forgive me, Father. I’ve been so wrapped up in my problems that I haven't even asked what You want me to do. I’m asking now. Please lead me and show me Your plans for Sweet Something. And what should I do about Peter? Am I dating him because Tessa says I should, or because he's rich and he knows everyone who’s anyone in Princeton?

Am I using him, too, hoping his money and position will somehow improve my business?
Those thoughts turned her stomach. What had happened to her? How had she gotten so far off track?

Peter leaned closer. “Everything all right?”

Allison slowly lifted her head and nodded. He patted her shoulder in a caring way, but it only made her feel worse. She closed her eyes and blew out a slow, deep breath. It was time she had an honest talk with Peter.

Two hours later, after an unbearably long lunch with Peter’s parents and sister, Allison felt even more certain about her decision. She led the way up her front steps and stopped to retrieve her keys from her purse. Peter held out his hand and offered to unlock the door for her. But she clutched the key tightly. “We need to talk.”

“I can come in for a few minutes, but I have to be back at the shop by three to meet a client.”

“What I have to say won’t take long.” She bit her lip, then looked up at him. “I’m sorry, Peter. I don’t want to lead you on. This just isn’t working.”

He frowned slightly. “What do you mean?”

“I can’t date you anymore. It wouldn’t be fair. We’re worlds apart, and you deserve someone who appreciates you for all the fine things about you and your life . . . but I’m just not that person.”

“I don’t understand. How can you say we’re worlds apart? We’ve both lived in Princeton all our lives. We both own businesses. We like theater, jazz, art museums, spending time with our families. What’s the problem?”

“We do have a lot in common, but there’s one important area of my life that I’ve been neglecting—and that’s my faith.”

His frown deepened. “But I’ve been attending your church for over six months, sitting through those sermons, learning the songs, and meeting all kinds of people I might never associate with.” He wrinkled his nose slightly. “Doesn’t that count? Isn’t that enough to show you I’m interested in religion?”

Her heart twisted. “If I’ve given you the impression that an interest in religion is what’s important to me, then I’m very sorry. My faith is based on a personal relationship with Jesus and a commitment to love Him and give Him first place in my life. Pastor Tom reminded me of that this morning in his message.”

She waited expectantly, hoping it would click with Peter. But he looked more puzzled than ever. Regret weakened her resolve. She’d done more damage than she realized. No wonder he was confused.

She reached for his hand. “I owe you a big apology. I haven’t been a very good friend or example of what it means to live the Christian life. I’ve been self-centered about everything. I’m sorry, Peter. Will you forgive me?”

He looked down at their clasped hands. “I care a great deal about you, Allison. I thought we had a chance to build a future together. Maybe if we just took a break—”

“No, I care about you, too. And that’s why I’d like us to stay friends if possible, but no more dates.”

His gray eyes softened. He lifted his finger and traced the side of her face. “Are you sure?”

She swallowed and nodded. “Yes, I’m sorry.” She had no idea what the future held, but dating Peter wasn’t the right choice for her.

He pulled her closer and pressed his lips against hers. The only thing she felt was a powerful wave of sadness, but she stayed in his arms for several seconds. At least she owed him that much.

* * * *

Tyler pulled into a parking place across the street and one house down from Allie’s. Hopefully, he could catch her at home and show her these final designs. Reaching across to the passenger seat, he grabbed his computer case. As he turned and glanced toward Allie’s house, he noticed a black BMW parked in her driveway and two people standing on the porch. His stomach clenched as he recognized Allie and Peter. Leaning to the left for a better view, he saw Peter trace his finger down the side of Allie’s face. She looked intently at Peter, mouthing words Tyler didn’t even want to imagine.

His heart hammered. Should he get out of the car and interrupt their little tryst on the porch? He reached for the car-door handle, but froze as Peter took Allie in his arms and kissed her. This was no friendly I’ll-see-you-later kind of kiss, but one full of deep emotion.

A knife slit Tyler’s heart. What a fool he’d been. Sure, he could say his motives were pure and all he wanted to do was help Allie’s business grow, but underneath it all, he wanted her back.

Oh, Father, I haven't been honest about my feelings for Allie. But You've known what's been in my heart all along. I still love her. But she obviously doesn't feel the same way about me. Give me strength to deal with this, and help me let go of any claim I have on her. . . even if it’s only been in my heart.

Chapter Six

Allison shifted her purse strap on her shoulder as she rounded the corner of Nassau Street. The bright April morning sun winked at her through the bare branches of an oak tree. She smiled at Tessa. “Looks like a beautiful day.”

Her sister shaded her eyes and scanned the sidewalk ahead. “It’s still a little cool for this time of year.”

“It’ll warm up later. I bet we’ll be busy.” Allison’s voice lifted, optimism flowing through her. She could hardly believe the way her new commitment to put the Lord first had lightened her load—that and no longer feeling the pressure to try and make things work with Peter. What a relief. She hadn’t realized how her anxious thoughts and gloomy outlook had weighed her down. Well, she was through with all of that now.

Tessa gasped. “Look, they put up the new sign!”

Allison lifted her gaze to the beautifully carved wooden sign hanging over the front door of the teashop. Sunlight reflected off the words
SWEET SOMETHING
, making the gold paint glow.

“Wow, it looks great!”

Tessa grabbed her arm. “You didn’t tell me they were putting in window boxes and planters. Oh, I love it! Tyler’s a genius!”

Allison lowered her gaze and stared at the three large, wooden flower boxes hanging below the front windows, each filled with bright yellow daffodils, pink tulips, little blue grape hyacinths, and dark green trailing ivy. Four round cement planters holding the same colorful flowers lined the walk leading to the front door, giving their shop a fresh, inviting look.

Tessa gave Allison a hug. “Spring has arrived!”

Laughing, Allison squeezed her sister back. “I have to call Tyler. I can’t believe he arranged for all of these flowers without even telling me.”

“You didn’t know?” Tessa stepped back, concern filling her eyes. “Those had to cost a fortune. Are you sure he isn’t sending us a bill?”

“His assistant said there was no charge for the menus and business cards when she dropped them off last Friday, but she didn’t say anything about the sign or planters.”

Old fears sent a wave of uncertainty through Allison. What was going on with Tyler? She hadn’t seen or heard from him in over a week—not since she and Peter sat in front of him at church. She’d called his office last week to thank him for the menus and business cards, but his assistant said he was in a meeting. He’d never called back.

“You better get in touch with him.” Her sister bent and sniffed the flowers. “I suppose we might be able to keep these if they’d let us pay over several months.”

Allison nodded. “I hope so. They’re beautiful.” As she climbed the steps and unlocked the teashop’s front door, an idea formed in her mind. She turned to her sister. “Hold down the shop. I’ll be back in a little while.”

“Hey, where are you going?”

Allison smiled over her shoulder. “I’ll explain later.”

* * * *

Tyler stepped back from his desk and crossed his arms as he studied the enlarged newspaper ad he had created for the Grounds for Sculpture anniversary celebration. Hopefully, it would draw a large crowd and help provide the funding they needed to continue their unique work for another year.

His intercom buzzed. “Tyler, there’s a delivery for you. I think you should come sign for it.”

“Okay.” The smile in his assistant Jolene’s voice made him curious. He strode out of his office and into the reception area. Jolene stood in front of her desk with Mr. Sheldon’s secretary Linda.

A deliveryman in neat khaki pants and green polo shirt stepped forward, holding a basket of plants and flowers. “Tyler Lawrence?”

He nodded and glanced at the basket brimming with shiny ivy, little daffodils, and tiny pink tulips. A miniature teacup and saucer sat on a mound of soft, green moss. His heartbeat kicked up a notch. It had to be from Allie.

“Please sign here.” The deliveryman held out a clipboard.

Tyler quickly jotted his signature on the line and accepted the basket.

Jolene leaned toward Linda. “He must have a secret admirer.”

Tyler cleared his throat. “Very funny. It’s from a client.” The women laughed softly and exchanged knowing looks. He returned to his office and set the basket on the comer of his desk, then searched through the greenery and found a card tucked in next to the tulips. When he recognized Allie’s feminine handwriting, his heart clenched. It had been a long time since he’d seen her write his name. He quickly tore it open and read the note.

Dear Tyler,

Thanks for giving Sweet Something a beautiful new image. I love the menus, business cards, and sign. The planters are gorgeous. What a fun surprise! Tessa and I would love to keep them, but we're not sure about the price. Please let me know. Thanks so much for using your time, talents, and resources to bless my business and me.

I'd like to make you dinner. Can you come over tonight at seven?

Allie

Tyler quickly scanned the message again. She wanted to make him dinner tonight? His hopes rose, but he quickly reined them in. She probably just wanted to thank him for the free work he’d done for Sweet Something. But as he grabbed the phone and dialed her number, he couldn’t keep his hopes from rising.

* * * *

Tyler hustled up Allie’s front steps. He hesitated as he crossed the porch, recalling how Peter had stood in that very spot and kissed Allie. His anger flared for a moment, but he shook it off. Tonight he was the invited guest. Not Peter. Hopefully, that meant there was still a chance—at least a chance to ask forgiveness and straighten out the past.

He knocked on Allie’s door, then jammed his hands in his jacket pockets and blew out a deep breath.
Father, please help me keep my focus on You tonight. That’s not going to be easy. You know how I feel about Allie. Help me want what’s best for her even if things don’t work out the way I hope.

The door opened. Allie smiled and pushed back the screen door. “Hi, come on in.”

“Thanks.” She looked great in a red blouse and slim, black pants. Soft rose color flushed her cheeks, and her blue eyes sparkled. He realized he was staring, but she was beautiful. Not like a fashion model or TV star. Allie’s beauty came from her heart and showed in her smile and caring ways.

As they walked into the living room, he noticed she had moved the two red wingback chairs closer to the fireplace and positioned a small round table between them. The table was set for dinner, complete with sparkling silverware and crystal water glasses. Three large white candles flickered on the mantel and a small fire crackled behind the hearth screen. Wow. She had gone to a lot of work to create a nice atmosphere.

He pulled in a deep breath. “Something smells great.”

“Do you mean the candles or the beef stroganoff?”

He returned her smile. “Both.”

Allie laughed softly. “Dinner’s all ready. I just need to bring it in.”

He laid his coat over the end of the couch, then followed her into the kitchen and offered to help. She handed him a basket of rolls. Then she took two dinner plates filled with beef stroganoff, mashed potatoes, and green beans from the oven, and they headed back into the living room.

As Tyler set the basket on the round table, he noticed a Bible lying on the footstool next to one of the chairs. Stepping back, he took in the scene, and smiled. “This looks just like your painting.” He motioned toward the chairs and table.

She set down their dinner plates, her eyes glowing. “I wondered if you’d notice.”

Tyler fingered the white linen tablecloth. “This is really special, Allie. Thanks.”

“You’re welcome. It’s the least I could do.”

“And thanks for the basket you sent to the office.”

She glanced at him as she sat down. “I wanted you to know how much I appreciate everything you’ve done. I hope that was okay.”

He took a seat. “Well, I’ve never received flowers from a woman before.”

Her cheeks flamed. “I told them to make it mostly plants and not to put on a bow. I hope it didn’t embarrass you.”

“No. It was really thoughtful. I put it on my desk, and every time I see it, I remember to pray for you and Sweet Something.”

“Thanks.” She stared at him and slowly shook her head. “I don’t understand. What happened to you, Tyler? You’re so . . . different.”

His stomach tensed. This was the opportunity he had been praying for. “I’m glad you see a difference in me. I want to leave the past behind and build a new life with the Lord at the center.”

“I’m happy for you. I really am. But sometimes I still feel tied to the past.” She lifted her gaze to meet his. “I don’t understand what happened to us.”

The hurt in her eyes hit him hard. This was going to be more difficult than he’d imagined. He sent off an urgent prayer.

Tell her the truth. Don't hold back.

New strength filled him, and the words became clear. “For a long time, I didn’t understand it either. But over the last couple years, I’ve learned a lot, and I think I can explain it now.” He reached for her hand. “But there’s something more important than an explanation, and that’s an apology. Whatever my reasons were for leaving, I know I hurt you, and I’m truly sorry for that. Will you forgive me?”

Tears glistened in her eyes. “Yes,” she whispered.

He looked down at his plate, fighting the emotion tightening his throat. “I don’t want our dinner to get cold. Maybe we should eat first, and I can explain more later.”

She shook her head. “I’ve been waiting six years to hear this.”

“Okay.” He took a deep breath and blew it out slowly. “When I found out my dad was having an affair, I didn’t know how to handle it. I couldn’t get past the anger to the hurt underneath, so I kept it inside and pushed you and everyone else away.

“While my mom and dad were going through the divorce, I was fighting my own battle, telling myself I never wanted to be like my dad, but I was afraid that’s exactly what would happen. All kinds of doubts ran through my mind. Could I be faithful to one woman for the rest of my life? Or would I crash and burn in the relationship department like my dad? Did I have what it takes to be a good husband and father? Or would I end up hurting the people I loved the most?

“Then seeing the way my mom tried to destroy my dad totally blew me away. They betrayed each other, and I never wanted to be in a relationship where that much pain was possible.

“So I could only see two choices for us—stay together, get married, and eventually end up divorced like my parents, or break up and avoid that possibility. I know that sounds crazy now, but that’s what was going through my head.”

She nodded slowly, questions still lingering in her eyes.

“I took a job in New York and made a whole series of bad choices that led me farther away from everyone I loved. Then about three years ago, I met a guy at work who really lives out his faith. We became friends, and I started attending a Bible study he was leading. He challenged me to recommit my life to the Lord, and go back and ask forgiveness of anyone that I’d hurt. That was tough, especially going to my friends in New York who aren’t believers. Most of them didn’t understand where I was coming from. But having a clear conscience was worth it to me.”

“So that’s why you came back and wanted to help me—so you could have a clear conscience?”

He swallowed, struggling to find the words. “Yes . . . and no. I owe you so much, Allie. If you hadn’t told me about the Lord and loved me into His family, I don’t know what would’ve happened to me. Even when I took off and was doing stupid things, I couldn’t run away from God. I was part of His family, and He wouldn’t let me go.”

Her eyes glistened with unshed tears. “I’m glad. I prayed for you.”

“Thanks, Allie.” He took her hand again. “I have to be honest. There’s another reason I came back.” Looking into her eyes, he felt like he stood on a high cliff about to jump off into a choppy ocean. “I never forgot you, Allie. No matter where I went or what I was doing. You were always with me. I came back to ask your forgiveness, but I also wanted to see if there was a chance for us to be together again.”

Her stunned expression made his heart take a dive.

“Oh, Tyler,” she whispered.

Feeling like a fool, he dropped her hand. “Hey, it’s okay. I should’ve known you’d be dating someone else by now, not sitting around waiting for me to get my life together.”

Her blue eyes widened. “But I’m not dating anyone else.”

“What about Peter?”

She shook her head. “We’re just friends.”

“Come on, Allie, I saw you kissing him right out there on your front porch.”

Hurt clouded her eyes.

Immediately he regretted his tone. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t spying on you. I stopped by to show you the final designs for the sign and promo pieces.”

Her face was flaming now. “That was just a good-bye kiss.”

“Well, if that’s good-bye, I’d like to see hello.”

“No, I mean I’d just told him good-bye for good.”

Tyler stared at her, hoping he’d heard her correctly. “You’re not dating him any more?”

“No, it wasn’t working out. We had a lot in common, but he’s not serious about growing in his faith, and that’s important to me.”

“So you and Peter aren’t together?”

She shook her head and sent him a soft, sweet smile. “No, we’re not. I knew it wouldn’t be right for me to keep dating Peter, especially when I still had feelings for you.”

He leaned back and blew out a deep breath. “Wow, I don’t know what to say. I mean I’ve been praying and hoping you’d forgive me, but I didn’t think there was much hope that we . . .”

She raised her finger and pressed it gently against his lips to quiet him. “I’ve been praying, too. And I always wished things would’ve worked out differently for us, maybe now we have a chance to see if they will.”

His heart soared. He lifted her hand and kissed her fingers. “You won’t be sorry, Allie. I’ve really changed. I’m a different man.”