Abby flamed a most becoming bright red. Pastor Bob dropped his arm from her and Duncan watched her melt into the background as the preacher took over the hosting duties.
"No, sir, I'm new here...well, to this church. I come from Ocean View, but I've been away in the Army."
"Really. Well, we are glad to have you with us. Come on, let me introduce you around."
With that he plunged into the crowd. Duncan followed. He did manage to monitor Abby's progress as she made her way through the mass of people and through another set of double doors that led outside. Briefly, he made eye contact with a big blonde man who, he surmised, had also been watching Abby.
Chapter 5
The cool air of the last half of the day was refreshing after the stuffy heat of the parish hall. Abby took a deep breath as she hustled over to relieve Debbie.
"So, who's the hunk?" Debbie's eyebrows went up and down.
"I haven't heard that word since junior high school."
"OK, so who's the hunk?" Debbie, her best friend, was grinning now.
"I don't know. He's new to our church. His name is Duncan. I introduced him to the pastor, and that was that."
"I bet that was not just that. Did you see the way he looked at you?"
Abby had to admit that she had. She held her right hand in a fist to her chest; she imagined she could still feel the electric tingle his hand had given her and the warmth that had spread itself into desire. OK, Ab, remember: head not heart and certainly not anything else. Research.
Right.
She took a deep breath and placed her right hand on the cold steel pole of the swing to ground the charge she still felt. He's just another man. A dramatically handsome man. She couldn't argue with that or that her reaction to him had been strong—more than she had ever felt meeting any other man—but even still, he was just another man.
Right.
The parish hall had a small stage set up on one end of the room. The backdrop was a panel of windows overlooking a stand of trees dressed in gray, perfect for a winter snowfall. After a short welcome from Pastor Bob, the music began. Duncan was gratified to see Abby, who he had lost track of, up on the stage with a strange-looking instrument.
It was as shapely as the woman herself: an hourglass, long and slender. He had not ever reacted so strongly to a woman and certainly not since his vow of abstinence five years ago. Before that, he had been free to sow wild oats, and he had planted acres. But this time, it was different. He needed a wife, and you couldn’t choose a wife on savage impulse.
Abby kept her eyes down as she played. The sunlight shining through the windows flashed on her hair as she strummed rapidly. He liked the bluegrass flavor of the song. He couldn't take his eyes off Abby. When she did look up, she looked right at him and then abruptly looked away. Attributing that to her need for concentration, he continued to stand mesmerized for the two songs she played. As she was leaving the stage area, he maneuvered around the crowd to intercept her at the door.
"What is that?" He pointed to the instrument.
"It's a mountain dulcimer." She didn't smile at him this time; she was busy looking around him for something or someone.
Then her face lit up. "Excuse me," she said and quickly brushed by him leaving a tantalizing whiff of roses.
Duncan hurried to the door. He couldn't let her leave until he had her phone number or some other way to get in touch with her. Once outside, he saw her dulcimer in a small yellow car. Chloe was running around on the grass.
Their eyes met when she closed the trunk. She stuck out her hand for Chloe as she stepped up onto the curb.
The two of them approached him together.
"Hello." She looked directly into his eyes, challenging him, sizing him up. He could see honesty and intelligence shining out from her olive green eyes.
Then her eyes twinkled.
"Wanna swing?"
His heart lurched. She was teasing him.
She let go of Chloe, and the little girl ran to the playground.
"OK," was the only word he could muster from the shock numbing his brain. OK.
They walked toward the play area together. In the bright light of the sun, as he walked next to Abby, he noticed that while her clothes were immaculate, there was tiny fraying on the collar of her dress. He saw no signs of wear in Chloe's clothes, which were sharp and stylish. Chloe grabbed the first swing she came to and climbed aboard the little seat. Abby took her place behind her and began to slowly push the giggling child.
"The pastor told me you ran the Old Thyme Festival last summer."
"Yes, I did. Do you like old time music?"
"I don't really know. I haven't heard much of it. I have heard a little bluegrass. Like Rocky Top."
"Not the same thing. Similar. But definitely not the same thing." She smiled at him and pushed Chloe.
"Are you married?" The words fell out of his mouth before he could edit them.
"No. You?"
It sounded like the challenge he had seen in her eyes.
"I wouldn't be here with you if I were."
Her eyes shot up to meet his own. The challenge still not satisfied.
"I'm glad to hear that," she said.
"Why?"
"Because not everyone acts that way." She appeared to be struggling with telling him more.
"Like who?"
"My boss. Yesterday he invited me for a boat ride. Him, his friend Jack or somebody, and me. They'd bring the beer. They weren't bringing their wives."
Anger surged from deep in Duncan's soul. He could understand any man finding Abby attractive. But if he ever met this boss, he'd take him out.
"What did you do?"
"I quit."
Chloe got off the swing and ran to the slide.
"But you know what I've found?" she continued. "That God always supplies what I need when I need it. You know the Word says that He is the husband to the widow and a father to the fatherless."
He nodded his response. He was familiar with the passages and he wanted her to keep talking.
"Earlier this week, a friend of mine told me about a position that was opening up in her company. So after I got home yesterday, I called her and made an appointment to be interviewed."
"Where?" He was feeling chills at the recognizable hand of God.
"MacLeod Tours." He was getting used to mind-numbing shock just as he was getting used to the rightness he felt about this woman.
"I hear they are a good company to work for," she went on. "Who knows, maybe I'll even get to go to sea one day."
"Do you want to go to sea?"
"Well…" She looked away up to the treetops this time. "It sounds like an adventure. To be free. But they only charter boats up and down the river, so the chances are slim." She laughed.
Duncan wondered what made her feel trapped enough to want to be free.
"So what about you?" She changed the subject and her focus. They watched a new green pickup truck pull into the parking lot. "Are you out of the Army or just home on leave?"
"Home for good. My dad died recently, and I've inherited the family business."
"Oh, I am sorry." He believed her.
"Daddy!!!" Chloe's scream pierced his eardrums and she took off running.
"Excuse me." Abby left to follow. Chloe was picked up by the tall man and swung around. Abby stood back with her arms crossed. After the man had put Chloe on the ground, he spoke with Abby. Then she turned and waved a half-hearted good-bye to him. The man went to his truck. Abby strapped Chloe in the car and drove away following the man in the green truck.
How about that. Duncan walked out to his own car not wanting to go back into the throng of the well-meaning congregation. He had come looking for a little peace and quiet and what he got was a bundle of trouble in a beautiful brown-haired package. He wished he could do something to help her.
He admired her determination. She just lined up an interview and moved on. Duncan dug out his cell phone and dialed Angus. This wa
s to be the first test of his power, and he hoped he wouldn't get an argument.
Duncan took a deep breath to steel himself. He had known a moment like this was coming, but he had hoped that his first request would be a little more reasonable to the ear.
"Angus, Monday there is a young woman coming for an interview. Her name is Abby. I don't know her last name. But I want you to hire her. I want her to have full benefits...anything she needs... medical... you know—the works." He took a breath. "And Angus, be helpful."
"What do you mean 'be helpful'?"
"I mean helpful. Show her where stuff is, introduce her around. Make her feel welcome. Make her some coffee."
"Would you like me to call in the boys and build a special wing for her tomorrow? It's Sunday, but I'm sure—"
"Enough. I'm serious, Angus." He hung up the phone.
It was a nice evening. Duncan decided to drive around and have a look at the town he missed so much when he was gone. It looked the same to him except for the new strip mall on the south end of town. It housed a video store, an exotic lingerie shop, a sub shop, and a frozen yogurt store. Duncan remembered his mother telling him about the controversy the lingerie shop caused when it opened. People from the surrounding neighborhoods protested with picket signs. It was a pretty lively event for the folks of Ocean View. Didn't stop the shop from moving in though.
Not far from there was the turnoff to the Gordon's old house. He found himself on the familiar street without making a conscious effort. A warm glow lit the plate glass window of the old bungalow. It had been his second home in childhood. He didn't linger long on the street; he knew he was no longer welcome.
As he continued to drive up and down the familiar streets, his thoughts returned to Abby. She had been so changeful—smiling at him and avoiding him, and then teasing him. His reaction to her teasing him about the swing was unsettling. His heart was going to be gone quickly if he wasn't careful.
Chapter 6
“How dare he show up here," Abby muttered to herself as she drove away. He never could take no for an answer. She'd gone with him to avoid a scene in front of Duncan.
She couldn't believe that she had just done that: gone off with a strange man, flirted with him, nearly told him all her dreams. What had she been thinking?
That was just it: she hadn't been thinking. She was drawn to him. She had never felt like that toward any man, not even Brad. Hadn't she just talked about that this morning with her mom? Butterflies returned when she thought of Duncan standing there in the sunlight. His sandy red hair glowed in the sun. His body was lean and squarely built with wide, full shoulders. He had worn a dark blue suit, with a curious yellow plaid handkerchief tucked in the pocket that complimented his coloring.
Abby turned the car into the fast-food restaurant and parked a couple of spaces away from Brad's brand new truck. She hadn't seen it last night, and the sight of it now irritated her. What else does he have? A new house, new sexy neighbors?
Oh, God forgive me. Her prayer did nothing for the irritation of seeing him festering under her skin. She couldn't shake the idea that he was up to something. Brad was all smiles as he approached Chloe, who put her arms up to be carried. Abby followed the two of them into the red-topped building and up to the counter to order the kid's meal and two meals for him. They found a seat in the indoor play yard. Abby couldn't eat. Brad proceeded to wolf down his food like a troll. Chloe ate a couple of fries and went off to play in the ball pit.
"Well, have you made up your mind?"
She could barely make out the words around the wad of hamburger circling one side of his mouth.
"Yes."
His eyebrows shot up, and a grin began to spread across his face.
"No," she said quickly, "I have decided no. But you can see Chloe if you want ... according to our divorce agreement."
His face turned red. She watched the lump of meat slide down his throat like a snake digesting a mouse.
"Why?" His voice was quiet.
"I think we are better off. I don't want to change things. Except that I think it would be good for Chloe to see you sometimes." She folded her hands together in front of her on the table hoping to hide their shaking.
He stuffed a handful of fries into his mouth and chewed just enough to make room for a long swig of soda before crunching up the remains of his food into a paper ball. Then he swiveled around on the chair to face the playground and kept his back to Abby.
Abby looked at her watch and timed fifteen more minutes for Chloe to play. Then they would leave. During that time, Brad didn't look at her once.
Images of Duncan distracted her like a magic spell. The warmth and cheerfulness in his manner drew her to him. He was dangerously handsome. She could still see him standing there as she waved good-bye. He looked like a warrior, strong and still. She warmed to the possibilities. He seemed genuine. He had said that he would not have been with her if he was committed elsewhere, and for some inexplicable reason she felt that she could trust him.
Brad stood up and called her back to reality. She couldn't tell a dove from a snake.
Chapter 7
Abby loved church on Sundays. The church bells were bonging, the air was crisp and invigorating. The day was full of promise. Chloe was cute in her blue and white sailor dress with black patent leathers. Abby was wearing her grandfather's diamond chip tie clasp under the collar of her blouse. She had just gotten it back from the jeweler who had made it into a pin. It was the most valuable thing she owned.
Mrs. Young smiled at Chloe and patted her head; Abby looked around at the crowd. Maybe she would see Duncan.
Chloe couldn't wait to get to her three-year-old class to play with Rachel. Abby dropped her off and hurried to find a seat in the sanctuary.
She'd just plopped down when a man blocked the window and cast a shadow across her.
"May I sit here?" She looked up into Duncan's smiling face, and her heart skipped a beat.
"Of course." She scooted farther into the pew, bumping elbows with Mrs. Petersen to make room for his large frame. Every pew was packed in the tiny church. That's why he chose to sit next to her, she told herself. His warm smile and twinkling eyes told her otherwise.
"I thought you'd be up there." Duncan pointed toward the front of the sanctuary where the worship team was gathering.
"I will be for Easter. With Chloe I can't always make practice, so I do it when I can."
After the service, Lars, her Sunday school leader, stopped in front of their pew. His smile showed every one of his pearl white teeth.
"Are you coming to the Singles brunch today?"
"Yep. I'm gonna drop Chloe off at Mom's first." She hoped it wasn't obvious that she didn't want to ride with him to the restaurant.
Abby turned to Duncan. "This is Lars. He is one of our Sunday school leaders. We are going to Sammy's for their breakfast bar. Would you care to join us?"
"Sure." Duncan smiled even broader than he did before.
"OK. Well, I'll see you there then." Lars moved on through the crowd.
Duncan got out of his car as Abby pulled into the parking lot of Sammy's. He was still grinning at her deft maneuver to get out of riding with Lars. He doubted that Lars was fooled, but she obviously thought she was letting him down easy. He liked that she was so careful about the man's feelings.
"You didn't have to wait for me."
"Well, other than Lars, I wouldn't know who to link up with, and I'm not sure he's here yet."
"Oh, well, come with me then."
Abby turned from him and led the way into the eatery without looking at him again. Of course he wasn't waiting for you, Abby cursed herself as she led Duncan into Sammy's. She spotted Lars at a long table with four members of their class. Mrs. Young and Mrs. Bennett, the oldest members, were in conversation with Lars. Mrs. Petersen, a good-looking woman in her early fifties, was chatting with Tammy, the youngest member, about something. Tammy stared at Duncan as he approached.
"Everyone,
this is Duncan," Lars said. Abby, absorbed in observing Tammy, had not noticed Lars stand up.
After they introduced themselves, Patty, their waitress, appeared to take their order.
Everyone stood up and moved toward the breakfast bar.
Abby's stomach twisted. She was thankful she was not already married to this man. Her nerves couldn't take it. What if he hurt her? Perhaps she should add "ugly" to her list of requirements.
"Shall we go up to the bar?" Duncan asked.
Abby stood. Duncan's hand in the small of her back gently set her in the right direction. She stepped a little forward to remove the pleasant sensation.
Everyone was waiting for them to return so they could bless the food together. Tammy sat across from Duncan.
"So, Duncan, how long have you been here?" Tammy's straight brown hair was nearly black and glittered in the sun from the window behind them. She took a bite while she listened to Duncan's answer.
"About a month. My father passed away."
"Ohh." Sincerity dripped from the clear blue eyes. "Did he know the Lord?"
"Yes, he did."
"You must really miss him. Were you close?"
"Yes, we were, and yes, I do miss him very much."
Abby was beginning to chafe under the realization that by the time breakfast was over Tammy would know more about him than she did. How could he resist someone so obviously interested in him? Why do you care anyway? she asked herself. Remember head not heart.
"How's your mother, Abby?" Lars smiled at her from the end of the table.
"She's OK. She made that taco salad everyone raved about yesterday."
"I had some of that. It was good."
"I remember the first time I had taco salad," said Mrs. Young to Lars. "Marybelle McCorkindale brought it to a luncheon..."
Abby finished lunch caught between two conversations, saying nothing. By the end of the meal she determined that Tammy would marry Duncan, and Lars would never again get stuck between two old ladies at breakfast.
"Patty?" Abby caught her as she whizzed past them. "Could you bring my check, please?" Patty stopped, reached into her apron and handed Abby the ticket.