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"You had van at mall!"
This last sentence told him he had frustrated the life out of her. "I'm sorry, Sophie. I didn't mean to attack. I just never dreamed that you would walk everything down here."
Sophie shrugged. "It was hot. It would have been easier with the van, but it is over and I am fine."
"And you're all moved?"
"Yes."
"Well, I'm glad you're fine. But if you move from here, will you please talk to me?"
Sophie nodded. She knew her motives had been pure; she had not done it to spite him or to prove her worth. It was as she said: She had the time and took care of it. However, she would gladly take his help the next time, especially if the weather was scorching hot.
"I'm sorry about the way I left you at the house," Alec suddenly said, and Sophie didn't know how to reply to this change in subject. "I was thinking about what you said about joy, and not until after I left with Craig and Tory did I realize that I hadn't told you.
"In fact, I've been thinking about it all afternoon. I mean, Craig will mow the lawn, but only after he's made sure I know he doesn't want to. And the same goes for Tory. She hates to unload the dishwasher and complains the whole time. The jobs get done, but not with the right attitude. I've been just as bad about certain things.
"Sometimes I need time to think things through, and that's what I was doing when Tory interrupted us. I wasn't angry at you or ignoring you. I just needed some time."
"I am glad you were not angry. I was afraid I could not talk with you. I thought I was out of lines."
It was such a cute mistake that Alec couldn't correct her. He smiled and said, "I'll tell you if I feel that way, and I want you to do the same for me."
Sophie nodded.
"I wish I could stay for a while, but I have to pick up Craig at Rick's. Want to come and stay for supper?"
"I do, but I must work on this mess."
Alec stood. "Walk me to the door then."
He came forward, took her hand, and started toward the door. Sophie pulled her hand away, and Alec turned back. His eyes were full of questions, and Sophie's fingers knotted together in her embarrassment.
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"I do not want to hold hands until you are ready to hold hands."
Alec now turned fully to face her. "I don't know what that means."
Sophie swallowed. "You do not wish to hold my hand in front of Tory, and I felt like I am deceitful."
"I did drop your hand, didn't I?" Alec's voice spoke of his own amazement.
Sophie, who was still feeling the rejection, could only nod.
"I'm sorry, Sophie. I don't know why I did that. I'll have to think that one through as well."
Sophie's eyes dropped for a moment; she felt horrible. "You are going to think I am difficult to please."
"Look at me, Sophie." She obeyed, and for some odd reason there were tears in her eyes. "I won't think that. I still want to get to know you, and I hope you want to know me."
"I do want that."
"Then it's just a matter of time. Do you see?"
"Yes."
"I wish we could talk some more right now, but I've gotta run. You might not think it's any of my business, but why don't you get to sleep early tonight."
"I will."
"I'll probably see you sometime tomorrow."
"Yes. Good-bye, Alec."
"Until tomorrow." With that he slipped out, and Sophie watched through the window as he walked away. In some ways their relationship was odd. They knew each other, but then there was so much they didn't know. Sophie had washed his clothes and cleaned his house, just like a wife would, but there was nothing intimate in their relationship. Sophie wasn't even sure if Alec wanted there to be. He was an affectionate person, but did that mean he wanted a lasting relationship? Sophie knew that she did. She didn't know exactly what love felt like, but she was feeling something very strong for Alec Riley-something that made her want to be with him all the time.
An hour later, Sophie ate some toast and eggs and felt like she'd lied to Alec since she hadn't touched the mess in the living room. There was simply no help for it. Too tired to do anything, she went to bed long before sundown and slept straight through the night.
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Sophie checked her appearance for the second time and then reached for her purse. It was Friday night already, and she'd been invited to a barbecue at the Riley home. They said this was going to be her birthday dinner and time for cake, since Rita wanted to go shopping with her on Saturday, and they would be spending all day Sunday at the Dells.
Sophie had just rounded the corner of Gladys' house, when Alec pulled up in the van. She smiled at the sight of him and climbed into the air-conditioned comfort.
"This is a surprise."
"Well, it's hot and I didn't want the mosquitoes to carry you away."
"You are very chivalrous."
"Not at all," he said with a laugh. "Rita said we needed ice, and I felt sorry for you."
Sophie chuckled, and Alec smiled across at her before he pulled away from the curb. He had not touched her since the previous Sunday, but that was more from the fact that he hadn't had time to discuss it with her. He wasn't ashamed to have anyone see them touch, and truly hadn't known at the time why he'd dropped her hand. But now that he did, he believed they needed to discuss the matter to make sure they were thinking along the same lines.
The purchase of ice was uneventful, but Alec seemed in no hurry. He drove slowly and took his time putting the ice bags in the back while Sophie stayed in the van. They talked about the week and Alec's latest project-a 3500-square-foot home in Madison that was going to take some extra time. They pulled into the driveway and parked in the garage. Sophie never noticed when Alec did not retrieve the ice from the back. She was listening so intently to what he was saying that when they came in the kitchen door and 13 people shouted "Surprise!" Sophie almost fainted. Her mouth kept opening and closing, but no words would come out. Cries of "Happy Birthday" and "Were you surprised?" sounded everywhere as she was hugged and kissed all around.
"I cannot believe-" Sophie said to a smiling Janet Ring. David came right behind her, along with their three kids. Gladys was there, and so were Carl and Candy Nickelberry. She recognized Jim and Marlyce Parman from her Sunday school class. Along with Sophie, a grand total of 15 people were crowded into the kitchen. Sophie was so flabbergasted that she could only shake her head and start sentences that she never finished.
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"I never- How could you have- You must have called- And the cake, it is so-"
Sophie found herself in a chair in the kitchen, and a moment later Alec's face was close to hers.
"Are you all right?" he actually managed to whisper.
"Yes," she whispered back. "Only very surprise."
His smile was tender before he dropped a kiss on her cheek and moved away. Janet and David came next, and Sophie learned how Alec had called everyone the Sunday night after their date to set things up. Friday night had been chosen for the party so that the Rings could come for the weekend. Alec had originally asked Gladys for Saturday night, but that was before he had called Chicago. The shopping trip with Rita was a hoax from the start, but they would still go to the Dells right after early service and Sunday school. Sophie could only laugh at all their schemes. She knew from the smug looks on Rita's and Craig's faces that they had been behind most of the plans.
In the midst of all the noise, Sophie heard Alec shout something about the ice. He dashed for the van and, much to everyone's amusement, came back with two dripping bags. Rita materialized with an ice chest, and the drips were kept to a minimum. From there the evening was a wonderful blur. A lovely talk with Jim and Marlyce led to a great chat with David Ring and Carl Nickelberry. The gifts given to Sophie were wonderful and thoughtful. Stationery and pens, a devotional book by Chuck Swindoll (Sophie loved to hear him on the radio), a manicure set, a bouquet of flowers, in-line skates from the Riley chi
ldren, and a beautiful cotton throw for the back of her couch were included in her stash. She didn't get anything from Alec, but she hardly noticed with all the lovely gifts she had received.
The evening was perfect from one end to the other, and it was well after midnight when Alec drove her home and walked her to her door. They stood just inside to say good night. Sophie's eyes were shining with delight, and Alec had everything he could do not to sweep her into his arms.
"It was a wonderful time. Did I say thank you?"
"About five times." Alec's voice sounded amused. Sophie, a little embarrassed, turned to her small kitchen area and dug around for a vase for her flowers. When the bouquet was settled in the middle of the kitchen table, Sophie came back to where Alec stood.
"We are never going to want to wake up in the morning."
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"That's true," Alec agreed, "but we'll have such nice dreams."
Sophie smiled, and Alec took both her hands in his. "It's different this time," he suddenly began. "I had no children when Vanessa and I courted. This time I've given hours of thought as to how I would want someone to treat Rita, and I know that I need to proceed in the same way with you. There can't be any areas of thought that are off-limits for us. If you want to know something about me, then ask. I want to feel free to do the same."
Sophie nodded. She had given this great thought on her own and couldn't agree with him more. It wasn't going to work any other way.
"I also want to tell you that I want very much to hold your hand when the time is appropriate, no matter who we're with. Do you have any objections to that?"
Sophie laughed softly. "I was so sorry I had opened my mouth. I missed your hand touching mine."
Emotion surged through Alec. She was so transparent. Her eyes looked up at him with such trust and honesty.Ilove you, Sophie,his heart whispered, but he only reached with one hand and touched her nose.
"I like your nose," he told her.
The aforementioned object wrinkled, and Sophie's look became comical. "It is handy for holding up my sunglasses."
Alec laughed a little too hard.
"You are tired," Sophie told him. "Go home. I will see you tomorrow."
"All right. Jan tells me you'll be apartment hunting."
"Yes, and David said you will golf with him."
"Right. We're going to grill again tomorrow night, so save a little energy."
"I will."
Alec let go of her hand reluctantly, and Sophie sighed ever so gently. He was gone in the next second and, even though she really was tired, she stood for a time and savored the moment. Suddenly she was back in his kitchen on the Fourth of July. They could not rush this, but his arms had been so nice and his lips so gentle.
"Go to bed, Sophia," she said to herself. "The timing must be God's, not yours."
Sophie did believe this with all of her heart, but she was also glad Alec had gone. Had he been in the room just then, she would certainly have thrown her arms around him and hugged him with all her strength.
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"Oh, Sophie," Janet EXCLAIMED when they walked into yet another small apartment. "This is nice."
"Yes." Sophie looked around with surprise. The first three had been so depressing.
"Look at all the windows."
Sophie nodded. "How much is this one?"
Janet looked at the paper in her hand. "This can't be right."
"What?"
"Well, I think this is the cheapest one."
"No." Sophie could not believe it.
"Just a minute. Let me read."
Sophie held her breath, daring not to hope, and then felt ashamed.Didyou think God wantedyou to live in a rabbit hutch, Sophie? Of course He has something wonderful for you.
"It is, Sophie," Janet now said, and named a figure that made Sophie's heart leap. The women stared at each other in growing excitement, and then looked around a little more. The bedroom and bath were very small, but the great room, which had a nice kitchen and dining area, and even room for a sofa and chair, was quite spacious. On top of that, the walls all looked freshly painted.
"I think you should take it," Janet told her.
Sophie only said, "I wonder why no one else has?"
Some of Janet's joy abated. "I guess I wondered that, too, but I want you to have something nice so much that I didn't want to think about it."
Mrs. Kent, wife of the owner, chose that moment to knock and come in.
"Well, what do you think?"
"It's very nice," Janet spoke up. "Is the rent in the newspaper correct, Mrs. Kent?"
"Yes, it is."
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Janet shook her head. "It's a wonder no one has taken it."
Mrs. Kent's smile split her wrinkled face. "It just went in the paper this morning. You're the first to call and see it." The older woman decided not to tell them she had two other parties coming that afternoon.
"I am interested, Mrs. Kent," Sophie now spoke up. "But could you give us a few more minutes?"
"Certainly. I'll be at the house. Now you understand what my husband said about a car, right?"
"Yes," Sophie answered.
"Good. You're welcome to use the yard, the swing, or anything else, but the driveway and garage can only take one car, so you'll have to park on the street."
"All right."
Mrs. Kent exited on that note, and Sophie said to Janet, "We must pray right now, Janet. I want to do what is right, and I want to pray."
Janet didn't need to be asked twice. The women stood together, bowed their heads, and asked for wisdom and peace in the next few hours concerning this important decision; they then thanked God for His care and provision. When Sophie raised her head, she knew what she wanted.
"I want this apartment, but I want Alec to see it first."
"Okay," Janet agreed, thinking fast. "Why don't I see if she'll take $100 to hold it, and we'll go find the guys."
Sophie nodded and Janet sailed out the door. They had another apartment on the list, but Sophie didn't think they would need to see it. She looked around a little more. There was a stain on the carpet by the front door, but everything smelled so fresh and clean. The inside of the refrigerator was spotless, and all the kitchen cupboards had been wiped clean. Sophie smiled and bit her lip. It was such a darling little place and not part of an apartment building. It was more like a little cottage that sat behind the Kents' home. To get to it, they had walked down the narrow driveway and taken a path at the side of the garage. It would be quite a bit to shovel when the snow fell, but she could easily imagine how cozy and snug she would be inside.
"It's all set," Janet said as she came back. "She likes you, so she was more than happy to take the money and wait for your decision."
Sophie's smile was huge.
"Come on, let's track down the guys."
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Twenty minutes later they were at the golf course. Sophie stayed outside to see if she could get a glimpse of them, and Janet headed into the clubhouse. She was moving swiftly through the dining area when a gentle voice said, "Where's the fire?"
Janet turned with a ready smile for David, and for a moment he pulled her into his arms.
"What's up?" he said in her ear, and Janet stepped back.
"We found a place for Sophie, but she wants Alec to see it."
Husband and wife exchanged a smile. They had talked the night before when they should have been asleep, since Janet ended up in tears over the tender way Alec had looked at Sophie all evening at the party. She now wanted to cry again. David rescued her.
"I'll get Al and meet you by the door."
Sophie had given up on the course by then and was waiting by the door as well. Ten minutes later they were paired off in the vans and headed to the Kents' cottage.
"It is clean," Sophie told Alec as he drove. The excitement showing on her face also governed her movements. "Not big, but so nice. The refrigerator is clean, too, and so are cupboards. It smells good."
"The other places didn't?"
Sophie bit her lip. "They were not as nice." She sounded almost apologetic.
"And the price is good?"
"Yes. I do not think I will need raise. I cannot park in driveway or garage, but I do not have a car, so it does not matter to me. Mr. and Mrs. Kent have a nice lawn and garden, too. She said no pets, but I do not want a dog or cat."
"How far is it from us?"
"Less than two miles, I think Janet said."
Alec glanced at her.
"It is not far," Sophie told him. "I can walk."
"Not after dark" was all Alec said, and Sophie fell silent. They had had this discussion before. After being in Chicago she was a little too trusting, and this concerned Alec greatly.
"You go right here."
Alec did as he was told, and a few minutes later they pulled up in front of the house. Mrs. Kent, who was standing in the yard, came right over and gave Sophie the key. She met Alec and, smiling in a friendly way, told them to take their time.
Sophie could see that Alec was impressed. He looked things
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over carefully and even tracked down Mr. Kent to ask the average cost of heating and cooling. He asked if the phone jack worked, and inquired about the electrical appliances and gas heat. He must have been satisfied when he returned since he teased Sophie.
"Well, you can't entertain a hundred people, but it's sure cozy."
"Then you think I should?" She looked hopeful.
"I think so. We might need to have an argument first, though."
Sophie's chin went in the air. "About walking."
"Yes. It's not a far walk, but unless it was across the street, you won't be walking to and from my house in the dark."
"This is Middleton, not Chicago," Sophie objected.
"It's still not safe." Alec was so reasonable and sure of himself that Sophie felt flustered. She really thought he was being overprotective.
It was at that moment that both Alec and Sophie realized they were entertaining the Rings. They were watching and listening shamelessly and grinned at the arguing couple when they were found out.
"Don't mind us," Janet said cheerfully.
"No, indeed," agreed David. "You sound like an old married couple."
Alec's look swung to Sophie, who went red to the hairline and turned away. The Rings stepped back outside, and Alec went to where Sophie was standing, looking down at the kitchen sink. The U-shaped counter made it like a hallway, and he conveniently blocked off her only exit with his large frame.