Where Two Hearts Meet (7 page)

Chapter Ten

Allison watched the older couple walk toward the front door of Sweet Something. The man slowed and took his wife’s hand as she stepped down into the gift shop. She stopped to admire the collection of teapots, and he waited patiently by her side, listening to her comments with an affectionate look in his eyes.

It was well past six, but Allison didn’t want to hurry her final customers out the door. They appeared to be at least seventy-five and obviously enjoying their time together.

As they walked by, Alison smiled and lifted her hand. “Come back and see us again,” she called.

“Oh, we will. Thank you.” The old gentleman held the door open for his wife. She passed through and took his arm. They exchanged contented smiles and headed down Nassau Street into the early evening twilight.

Allison’s smile faded. Would she and Tyler share a love like that, one that lasted through the years? Closing her eyes, a prayer rose from her heart.
Please
,
Lord, take care of him wherever he is and bring him back to me.

With a sigh, she turned off the outside lights, locked the front door, and flipped the sign to CLOSED. She glanced down at her KlSS THE COOK apron and brushed off a few crumbs. Several people had commented on it, joking with her about the phrase. She had pasted on a smile and asked Tessa to take her picture for Haley.

A loud knock startled her out of her reverie. She turned and looked toward the front door. The reflection of the interior lights made it impossible to see through the glass. “I’m sorry, we’re closed.” She glanced uneasily over her shoulder at the empty teashop.

“Allie, it’s me.”

Recognition flashed through her. She hurried over and unlocked the door.

Tyler stood in the doorway, wearing jeans and a soft blue shirt and carrying a large black portfolio. He looked at her with a somber, almost haggard expression.

She greeted him with a tremulous smile. “Hi.”

He walked in and shut the door.

She stepped forward and hugged him, but he remained stiff and unyielding in her arms.

Fear moved through her, tightening her stomach. She stepped back and looked up at him. “What’s wrong?”

A storm brewed in his brown eyes. “What’s going on, Allie?”

“What do you mean?”

“I’ve just been through one of the toughest times in my life. I needed you.” His voice sounded hushed and strained. “Where have you been?”

Shock waves jolted through her. “What do you mean, where have I been? You’re the one who disappeared without a word.”

“I called you Friday night before I left.”

“I waited here until after seven. The phone never rang. I went to Tessa and Matt’s for my birthday, but the whole time I was worried about you.”

A painful, confused look filled his face. “I’m sorry about your birthday. I called your house from the airport. I explained everything.”

“What were you doing at the airport?”

“Didn’t you listen to your answering machine?”

She lifted her hand in exasperation. “There was no message from you, only one that started with a long pause, and I knew—” Too late, realization flashed through her.

“That was me. I had a hard time getting started. I wanted to talk to you, not leave a message.”

Allie sank onto the wooden bench. “I thought it was a sales call. I deleted it.” She looked up and noticed the tired lines around his eyes. “Where did you go?”

“I had to fly to Florida. My dad had a heart attack.”

She pulled in a sharp breath, regret tightening her throat. “Oh, Tyler. Is he all right?”

“He had to have surgery, but it looks like he’s going to be okay.” He raked his hand through his hair and sat down on the bench next to her. “My stepmom’s sister, Barbara, came down yesterday. She can stay as long as they need her. So I decided it was time to come home.” He looked at her with a renewed tenderness. “I missed you, Allie.”

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t know. I called your cell phone and your apartment. I left you a message each time. I was so worried about you.”

“I dropped my phone in the rain on the way to the airport, and I spent almost all weekend at the hospital. I stopped by the office, but I haven’t been home yet.” He leaned back against the wall and closed his eyes. “Man, I can’t believe this. We both tried to get hold of each other.” He turned to her. “Did you think I’d taken off again?” His intense gaze focused on her, pain in his eyes.

She reached for his hand. “I was worried about you—and about us. I went over to your apartment on Saturday. When you didn’t answer the door, I let myself in. I felt like a snoop, but I had to be sure you weren’t lying on the floor with a broken leg or something like that.”

Tyler nodded. “Of course I wasn’t there.”

“No.” Allison smiled. “But I saw the photo of us on your laptop and the Bible open on your desk. I read the verses you underlined in 1 Corinthians 13. My name was written in the margin.” She smiled. “Do you remember when you wrote that?” He glanced away, looking embarrassed. “I don’t know. Awhile ago, I guess.”

“You dated it more than a year ago in February. That was before I even opened Sweet Something.”

His face reddened, and he rose from the bench. “It doesn’t matter.”

“It matters to me. We weren’t even talking back then. Why’d you write that?”

“When I read those verses, I realized love isn’t just a great feeling, it’s a decision you make every day. When you love someone, you take action. You believe the best about them, and you put their needs ahead of your own.”

She smiled, warmed by his words. “So you decided to love me back then?”

His gaze met hers. “I never stopped loving you, Allie. I just decided it was time to do something about it.”

Her thoughts spun back to that time, the long hours she’d put into preparing to open Sweet Something, the money she and Tessa had scraped together to make it happen. A sudden thought struck, and she focused on Tyler. “Were you the one who sent me those anonymous checks?”

He glanced off toward the windows, frowning slightly.

She stood and faced him, certain she was right. “Tyler, please, tell me.”

“I didn’t want you to know.”

She reached for his hand. “Why not? That was the sweetest, most generous thing anyone’s ever done for me. How did you know I needed it?”

“My mom saw the article in the
Princeton Packet
about you opening your teashop. She cut it out and sent it to me. It arrived the same day I read those verses in 1 Corinthians. I started praying for you, asking the Lord what I should do. And it was one of those times when He put a very clear impression in my mind. He wanted me to send you the money.” He gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I wanted to help you, Allie, but I didn’t want you to think I was trying to buy my way back into your life.”

“So you sent them anonymously.” A sense of wonder filled her.

He nodded. “When I first moved back to Princeton, I used to drive by here and try and see you through the windows. I wanted to come in, but I wasn’t sure how you’d feel about that. I sent my assistant from work in a couple times. She told me the shop was beautiful, but business looked slow.”

Allison lifted her brows. “You sent a spy?”

He smiled. “Yes, but I had good motives.” He wrapped his arms around her. “I love you, Allie. I couldn’t stay away. I had to see you again.”

She slipped her arms around his waist and rested her head against his chest. “I’m so glad you came back. Thanks for believing in me and helping me.”

He held her for a few more seconds; then he looked down into her face. “So, are you ready for your birthday present?”

She laughed softly. “You brought me a present?”

He nodded. Then he picked up the portfolio, took her hand, and led her up into the tearoom. “Let’s sit in here.” He chose a cozy corner table with a soft light shining overhead. “Why don’t you have a seat right here?”

She smiled up at him. “What is it?”

“Close your eyes, and give me a minute.”

She shut her eyes, heard him move a chair, and felt him turn the table just a little.

“Okay. You can open your eyes.”

She did and gasped. Tyler had propped the open portfolio on a chair to display a large print of one of her paintings. The scene included a round, lace-covered tea table set with blue and white dishes and a large bouquet of pink, yellow, and white roses in a clear glass vase. “How did you . . . when did you?” She laughed. “I didn’t even know you took it out of the closet.”

The pleasure on his face erased all the earlier strain. “You like it? It’s only the artist’s proof. You need to okay it before they do the final run. And we have to make a decision about how many prints you want.”

“I love it!” She rose from her chair and stepped into his arms. “It’s the best birthday gift ever. Thank you.” She kissed his cheek and focused on the print once more, her heart overflowing with gratefulness and love.

“You better sit down for the next one.”

She turned to him in surprise. “You got me another present?” He nodded and looked at her with a serious yet tender look. “I planned to give this to you last Friday after your special birthday dinner.” He reached in his pocket and pulled out a small, navy blue velvet box.

Her breath caught in her throat, and she was glad he’d made her sit down because her legs suddenly felt shaky.

“We’ve been through a lot over the last eight years. Looking back, I can see how everything that’s happened has made me love and appreciate you more. Our faith is stronger now, and I believe with God’s help we can make it through whatever the future holds.” He knelt in front of her and took her hand. “I love you, Allie. Will you marry me?”

Joy flooded her heart, and happy tears filled her eyes. “Yes! Oh, yes!” She reached for him, and they stood and held each other close for several seconds.

Finally, he stepped back and opened the box, showing her the sparkling, heart-shaped diamond nestled in a vintage platinum setting.

She blinked to clear her vision. “Oh, it’s beautiful!”

“Not as beautiful as you.” With love shining in his eyes, he slipped the ring on her finger. Then he gave her a kiss, achingly sweet and full of promise.

When he leaned back, he sent her a gentle smile and glanced down at her apron. “Where did you get this?” Amusement twinkled in his eyes.

She told him the story, and they laughed about the effect it seemed to have on each of the women who’d worn it. “We have to add our names, too,” she said, untying the apron strings at the back.

“I have just what we need.” Tyler reached in the zippered pocket on the side of the portfolio and pulled out a black permanent marker.

Allison slipped off the apron and spread it on the table. He handed her the pen, and she signed her name.

He added his signature with a flourish. “There’s one more thing we need to do.”

“What’s that?”

Chuckling, he drew a line through the word
COOK
and wrote
BRIDE.
“There, now it’s ready for you to wear.”

Laughing, they embraced again, but soon lost themselves in another delicious kiss.

“Are you hungry?” she asked when she’d caught her breath. He growled in her ear, making her laugh.

“I mean for dinner or dessert,” she said.

He loosened his embrace so he could look toward the glass bakery cabinet at the back of the tearoom. “Do you have any lemon lush?”

She smiled and nodded. “I just made some this afternoon.” “That sounds great. And tea for two.”

“Sounds good to me.” Then she kissed his cheek, tied on the apron, and headed for the kitchen.

SWEET SOMETHING’S LEMON LUSH

C
RUST:

1 cup flour

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped

Mix flour, butter, and walnuts together, and press into the bottom of a 9 x 9-inch square pan. Bake 20 minutes at 350° until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.

F
IRST
L
AYER:

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese (regular or light), softened

1 cup powdered sugar

Combine cream cheese and powdered sugar in a medium sized mixing bowl. Beat until smooth. Spread over cooled crust.

S
ECOND
L
AYER:

1 package instant lemon pudding mix

3 cups cold milk

Beat pudding mix and cold milk together with a wire whisk for two minutes and pour over first layer.

T
OP
L
AYER:

1 cup frozen whipped topping, thawed

Spread topping over pudding mixture and form soft peaks. Chill for 30 minutes. Serves 12.

Wherever Love Takes Us

By

Carrie Turansky

Dedication

To my husband, Scott, who shows me every day what it means to truly love and serve one another. Thanks for thirty-five wonderful years and for encouraging me to follow my dreams.

“Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16 NIV

Chapter One

“Mom! Watch out!”

Tessa Malone gasped and slammed on the brakes as an eighteen-wheeler slid in front of her van. The truck’s rear red lights flashed, and she pumped the brake pedal, praying that would hold the van back from a collision.

“What a jerk!” Brianna, Tessa’s sixteen-year-old daughter, scowled at the offending truck as it sprayed the van’s windshield. “He ought to check his mirrors before he changes lanes.”

The truck pulled ahead, widening the space between them. Tessa bit back a corrective comment. It would only increase the tension she and the children felt as they drove through the storm.

“This weather is crazy!” She strained to see past the foggy windshield and wiggled the useless temperature and defroster buttons. How many times had she told her husband, Matt, they needed to take the van in to have the defroster repaired? Why didn’t he ever listen to her and follow through on things like that? Didn’t he care about their safety? Did she have to do everything herself? She tried to put a lid on her resentment, but it bubbled like a pot on high.

Evan, her eleven-year-old son, tapped the back of her seat. “Mom, what time is Brie’s orthodontist appointment?”

“Four thirty.” Tessa glanced at the dashboard clock and blew out a frustrated huff. They were going to be at least fifteen minutes late.

Brie moaned. “Mom, you know Dr. Fisher hates it when we’re not on time. He’ll probably make me wait forever.”

“Well, there’s nothing I can do about that now.”

“But I told Ryan I’d be home by five fifteen so he could call.”

“Brie, please, I’m doing the best I can.” Tessa pulled in a deep breath, trying to calm her frazzled nerves. The wipers beat out a furious rhythm, but they couldn’t keep up with the torrent flooding the windshield.

This wasn’t the best time to be out driving, but she had no other choice. They could only afford one car, so Matt expected her to pick up the kids from school, stop by the dry cleaner, return the overdue library books, and then take Brie to the orthodontist—all before going home to prepare and serve dinner in time for her and Matt to make it to the parent-teacher conference at Evan’s school tonight.

She loved her family, truly she did, but working full-time and dealing with all their needs often left her feeling out of sorts and weary to the bone. But she couldn’t imagine giving up her job. She loved Sweet Something, the cozy tea and gift shop she and her younger sister, Allison, had opened three years ago in Princeton, New Jersey. The shop was more than a moneymaking endeavor; it gave her a place to shine and use her baking and artistic talents.

“Mom?” Evan called from the backseat.

“What?”

“I think I’ve got a problem.”

“What do you mean?”

“I forgot my science stuff at school.”

“Well, you’ll just have to call a friend and get the information from them.”

“I can’t. I need my papers tonight. The project’s due tomorrow.”

Tessa gripped the steering wheel. “Honestly, Evan, what do you expect me to do now? Turn around and drive all the way back?” Cornerstone Christian Academy was twenty minutes from their house on a good day with no extra traffic, and this was definitely not a good day!

“But, Mom, I really need those papers.”

“I’ll have to get them tonight when I go back to your school.”

“Okay, but that means we’ll have to stay up really late.”

Tessa wearily massaged her forehead. Getting to bed before eleven wasn’t happening tonight.

* * *

Tessa heard the front door open. She glanced at the clock and then continued stirring the simmering spaghetti sauce.

“Dad!” Evan thundered through the living room. That set off Chaucer, their golden retriever. His excited barking added to the confusion.

“Hey, sport. How are you doing?”

From the sound of things, Tessa knew Matt was wrapping their son in a bear hug and squeezing him tight. For just a moment she wished that hug were for her. The sauce bubbled and splattered. She frowned and wiped the red spot off the stovetop.

“I’m okay,” Evan said. “Except I’m probably getting a D in science.”

“Why? You love science.”

“Mom won’t take me back to school to get my stuff, and my project’s due tomorrow.”

“I see. Well, maybe we can work something out. Come on, let’s see what’s cooking.” Matt’s briefcase thumped to the floor, and he walked into the kitchen. Lifting the lid of the largest pot, he sniffed and smiled at her. “Mmm, smells good.”

It was just plain pasta again. Tessa wiped her hands on a dishtowel, ignoring his comment.

He replaced the lid and studied her for a moment, his gray eyes soft and welcoming.

“Did anyone get the mail?” Brie trotted into the kitchen, her dark brown ponytail swinging.

“I didn’t have time.” Tessa turned away from Matt’s gaze and walked over to the refrigerator. Matt followed her and slipped his arms around her waist. She stiffened.

“What’s wrong?” He rubbed his rough chin against her cheek. “Have you had a tough day?”

How about a tough three years? Tessa pressed her lips tighter. She would not say it in front of the children.

When she didn’t soften or return his hug, he sighed, dropped his arms, and walked out of the kitchen.

Tessa shook off the wave of guilt. What did he expect? She had run around like a madwoman all afternoon taking care of everything their family needed, and now he was looking for a little romance in the kitchen. No thanks!

She had to get dinner on the table and then get them back out the door by six thirty. She jerked open the refrigerator and snatched the salad and Italian dressing from the top shelf.

“How long ’til dinner, Mom?” Evan picked up his basketball from the corner by the garage door.

“Five minutes. There’s no time for basketball right now.”

“Aw, Mom, please?”

“Evan, stop. Dad and I have to leave in a few minutes.” Tessa deposited the salad on the table with a thump. “How about helping?”

He mumbled something under his breath and shuffled across the kitchen. “How many people?”

“Just four. Justin has a late class at the college.”

Scowling, he rummaged around in the silverware drawer. Why did she always come out looking like the bad guy? Evan adored his dad and gladly followed any instruction he gave. But when she asked for a little help, he considered it torture.

Brie returned with a stack of mail and tossed it onto the counter. “Why don’t I ever get any mail?”

Tessa lifted her brows. “You have to send a letter to get one back.” She picked up the pile and sorted through the bills and junk mail.

A thick white envelope caught her attention. She lifted it from the pile and studied the return address. Why would a lawyer in Oregon be writing to Matt? A chill raced down her back. Was this another legal problem from Matt’s business failure?

She’d warned him not to take on Patrick Stokes as a partner, but he hadn’t listened. They’d ended up losing their home and been forced to move into this small condo. All the money from the sale of their house and their savings had been used to repay the disgruntled investors and prevent any lawsuits. What more did those people want?

Tessa’s hand trembled as she recalled the terrible storm that had blown into their lives three years ago, nearly shipwrecking their marriage.

Matt walked back into the kitchen. He slowed when their gazes connected. “What’s wrong?”

“I don’t know. Why don’t you tell me?” She tossed the envelope onto the counter.

A perplexed frown settled over his face. “What is it?”

“A very heavy letter from a lawyer in Oregon.” She bit out each syllable and sent them flying at her husband like poison-tipped arrows.

Matt ripped open the envelope and pulled out the thick sheets of stationery. His gaze darted over the words as Evan and Brie gathered around.

“What is it, Dad?” Evan asked. “Are you in trouble?”

“No, I’m sure it’s not . . .” Matt sank onto the stool. “I don’t believe it.”

Tessa gripped the counter, bracing herself for the terrible news.

Matt burst out laughing. “This is incredible! Unbelievable!”

“Dad! What does it say?” Brie leaned over his shoulder.

“It’s the answer to our prayers. I knew the Lord would come through. I just didn’t expect Him to work things out like this.” He scanned the page, then looked up at Tessa. “Remember my uncle Don in Oregon?”

“The one who died last January?”

“Yes. I hadn’t seen him since our family moved out here when I was a teenager.”

“What about him?” Tessa wanted to grab Matt and shake him. Why couldn’t he hurry up and explain?

Matt smiled and waved the letter in the air. “It seems I’m in line to inherit my uncle’s property on Lost Lake.”

Tessa stared at him in stunned surprise.

“Where’s that?” Brie asked.

“In the Cascade Mountains in Oregon.”

“Wow, that sounds cool,” Evan added. “A house on a lake!”

“Not just a house,” Matt continued. “It’s twelve acres of virgin forest with a large lodge and seven guest cabins.”

Brie settled on the stool next to her dad. “So it’s like a camping place or . . . a motel?”

“Well, I haven’t been back there in years, but I’d say it’s sort of a mountain resort. Uncle Don lived in the lodge and rented out the cabins to vacationers. It’s a great place for fishing and hiking in the summer, and in the winter there’s skiing nearby.”

“But why would he leave it to you?” Tessa asked.

Matt glanced at the letter again. “He originally left it to his son, Charles, but he passed away before his dad, and the will was never changed. I’m the next closest relative.”

Excitement tingled through Tessa. “That property must be worth a lot of money. How many acres did you say?”

“Twelve. And it’s beautiful. Tall fir trees, cedar, vine maple . . .” Matt sprang from the stool. “Where’s the atlas? Let’s take a look at the map of Oregon.”

“I’ll get it.” Evan ran from the kitchen.

Tessa clasped her hands. “This is wonderful! I’m sure it will be enough.”

Matt turned to her, confusion in his eyes. “Enough?”

“Yes! We can buy a house and another car. And we can pay for Justin’s college expenses and Brie’s orthodontic bills.” The thought of lifting the burden of debt off their shoulders made Tessa feel almost dizzy with joy.

Matt frowned. “What are you talking about?”

“Selling it, of course!”

Matt pulled back. “Tessa, you don’t understand. This is like a miracle. I’ve been praying for a way to get out of this dead-end job and change careers.”

“What?” Heat flooded her face, and her mind spun. “Matt, how could you possibly manage a resort in Oregon when we live here in New Jersey?”

“We’d have to move there.” Matt rubbed his hands together, the excitement of a new challenge glowing on his face. “If we lived in the lodge and rented out the cabins, all the money we’d make would be free and clear.” He stepped closer and took both of her hands in his. “Just think of it, this is our chance to start over, fresh.”

She pulled her hands away. “Start over?” Panic nearly choked off her voice.

“Yes, it would be a great opportunity for all of us.”

“How can you even think of moving? Our family is here. Our life is here.” Tessa shook her head. “No! We’ve got to sell the property and use that money to get back on our feet financially.”

Matt pulled in a deep breath and pressed his lips together. “Tessa, we can’t throw away a great opportunity like this.”

Fury built inside Tessa like a volcano about to erupt. “How could you even consider dragging us all the way across the country for another one of your harebrained business schemes?” Once she opened the vent on her anger, she couldn’t stop the flow. “You’ve been praying! Well, I’ve been praying, too. We’re barely scraping by on less than half the money we made before. And now you have the perfect opportunity to pay off all our debts and start rebuilding our lives, and you want to toss it all away on some silly childhood memory!”

“Tessa, come on.” Matt’s voice remained controlled, but she could see the color rising in his face and a muscle twitching in his jaw. “Look, I know this is a surprise, but I think—”

“Surprise! Oh no. What surprises me is that you care so little about what I want or what’s best for this family!”

Anger and hurt flashed across Matt’s face. He spun away and strode out of the kitchen. Her bitter words had hit their mark. Brie and Evan stared at her in frightened silence.

Guilt poured over her like hot wax dripping from a candle. It burned and coated her heart like a heavy weight. She tightened her fists and turned toward the stove.

Why should she feel guilty? Everything she said was true. This proved he didn’t love her or the children. All he cared about was running after some foolish dream. Well, she wouldn’t stand by and let it happen again. She had put up with more than enough from Matt Malone!