"You do not think I should take this," she said, her back still to him.
"Yes, I do."
Sophie turned to him.
"Sophie," he tried again, "it doesn't matter where you live. You can't walk after dark. When the days grow shorter, you cannot walk in the dark, even if you stay at Gladys'."
"How will I go home?"
"I'll take you."
Sophie shook her head. "That is so much trouble."
Alec captured her jaw in his large hand. "When are you going to understand that you're no trouble? When are you going to see that I enjoy being with you and seeing to your needs? I'd drive you across Madison every night, if I knew you would be safe.
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Please don't ask me to agree to something that might put you in jeopardy, because I won't do it."
Sophie sighed. "You think I have been stubborn."
"Not exactly. But you are used to taking care of yourself and very naive about the danger."
"I cannot remember naive."
"Innocent. Too trusting."
Sophie nodded, and then realized Alec still had her jaw. His long fingers gently stroked the lower part of her cheek until they heard Janet and David coming in. Alec turned and dropped an arm across Sophie's shoulders.
"What did you decide?" David wished to know.
"I am going to take it," Sophie told them.
"Oh, Sophie, I'm so glad," Janet exclaimed. "They really are the nicest folks. Mr. Kent told David that they would prorate the rest of this month or hold it for you until August 1, whichever you want."
Sophie had to turn to Alec about the wordprorate.As soon as she understood, she began doing sums in her head.
"I think we've lost her," David commented, but Sophie didn't hear. She asked Alec if he had any paper, and he fished some from his pocket. The three other adults stood quietly while she wrote for a time.
"Did we lose $100, Janet, or will Mrs. Kent give it back?"
"She said she would put it toward the $200 cleaning deposit that you have to pay with the first month's rent."
"Then I owe you $100." She went back to her paper. She was lost for another few minutes until Alec placed a blank check beside her. It had obviously been folded in his wallet, but it grabbed Sophie's attention. She looked up.
"Let's find out what Mr. Kent wants today, and I'll take care of it for you. You can settle up with me later."
"But I owe Janet." This seemed to be bothering her.
"I'll take care of that, too. We'll work out the details later."
"Oh." She sounded so pleased and relieved. "Thank you, Alec." She turned back to the Rings. "Thank you, Janet. I thought I would have to look for weeks."
"You're welcome, Sophie. I only wish we could be here to help you move."
"I do not have much-mostly clothes. I will be back sleeping on the floor again for a time." With those good-humored words,
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Sophie moved outside to talk to Mrs. Kent. The Rings looked to Alec for an explanation.
"It's a long story."
"It might be, but you're not really going to let her sleep on the floor, are you, Alec?" Janet couldn't help asking.
"No, but she has every reason to expect it. I'll have to tell you later."
Thirty minutes later the apartment was Sophie's. The Kents were very fair about the rent for the last half of July, so Alec encouraged Sophie to take the cottage now.
"We'll move you next week," he said. "Monday evening, Tuesday if we need it."
Sophie could only smile. Alec took her hand, and she held on very tight. Happiness and excitement surged through her until she felt giddy, and Alec's hand felt very stable and sure. They made their way back to Rileys' house then, the kids beginning to think they were lost. All ten of them spent the rest of the day at the Middleton pool. It was packed with people, but at least it was wet and cool.
Everyone was too worn out to grill that night, so they sent for pizza. They all stayed up way too late talking and eating, but still made it to the early service and Sunday school before taking off for the Dells the next day. It was one of the busiest weekends Sophie had ever had with this family, but it had been so full of fun and sharing time with Alec that Sophie decided it was worth every minute of lost sleep.
She readied for bed with a heart full of memories: the surprise party and wonderful cake; Alec holding her jaw so tenderly and writing the check so she would have a wonderful place to live; David asking how she wasreallydoing; Tory begging her to share an inner tube at the water park where they landed in the water with a huge splash; the water fight with Craig when he actually was the first to give up until he came back with his male cousins to nearly drown her. And Alec, soaking wet, his lashes spiked with water, his teeth so white as he laughed and smiled at her.
The end-of-the-day memories were also fresh: Janet hugging her as she said good-bye, tears in her eyes that she could not explain, but tears that Sophie understood nonetheless; Alec waiting until they were alone before he gave her his gift-a beautiful, musical jewel box that she would always treasure;
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and finally, Alec taking her home, both of them tired but < tent, and then getting that wonderful twinkle in his eye as thanked her for having a birthday that exhausted him.
Such memories. Sophie finally lay in bed thanking Godforeach one. She wasn't even half through when sleep rushedtoclaim her.
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TEN DAYS BEFORE SCHOOL BEGAN the Fraziers came for `a visit. It was preplanned and looked forward to by the children, but Alec was not certain what to expect even though he'd had some contact with his in-laws over the summer and felt like things were improving. They had told him at the end of June that they would be on a cruise during November; it was one of the things he prayed for whenever the Lord brought them to mind. He wasn't sure how it would go when they arrived and learned he was dating Sophie, and so he was relieved for all concerned when the Fraziers arrived and his housekeeper was out.
"Happy Birthday" were Peg's first words to Tory, whose eleventh birthday had been on August 2. The older woman then handed her a large box.
"Thank you, Grandma!" Tory's eyes were wide, and the family gathered around her in the living room to watch the unveiling.
"You've been shopping, Grandma," Rita commented during the commotion. "I like that top."
"Thank you, dear." She seemed very pleased, and Jim spoke wryly to Alec.
"No one ever warns you about that."
"What's that?" Alec asked with a smile; his in-laws were in a great mood.
"The travel agent gives you all the totals for the flights as well as the cruise, but no one ever tells you that your wife is going to shop you into bankruptcy preparing for it."
"Oh, Jim," Peg chided, but they were both smiling. In fact, they both looked wonderful.
"Where's Sophie?" Jim asked now.
"She wanted to give us some time with you, so she went home early."
"Well, call her sometime, will you Alec?" This came from Peg. "We want to take all of you to Fitzgerald's tomorrow night."
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"All right." Alec smiled at her, but didn't know how he managed to sound normal.
"Oh, Grandma!" Tory exclaimed again as she brought forth a blue-and-white striped beanbag chair.
"They're becoming popular again, Tory," Peg explained. "And I got it to match your room.
"I love it, Grandma. Thanks." The little girl rose to kiss both her grandparents before flopping into the middle of her new chair. The rest took seats around the living room as well, and Alec and the kids questioned the Fraziers about their upcoming trip. The older couple was very excited and eager to talk. By the time they finished describing their itinerary, Alec was ready to take a cruise of his own. His mind wandered with that thought through the meal and also into the evening, until he finally had a chance to be alone in his bedroom and call the woman of his dreams.
"Hello."
"Hi" was all Alec ever said when Sophie picked up
the phone, and as usual her heart thudded. She absolutely loved the sound of his deep voice on the telephone line.
"How are you?" she asked, sounding a little breathless.
"I'm doing fine. How about yourself?"
"I am fine, too. Did Fraziers arrive safe?"
"Yes. They are very excited about their trip, and I haven't seen them looking this good in years."
"I am glad, Alec."
"They want to take us to dinner."
"Oh." Sophie did not catch his meaning. "That will be nice for you."
"I mean all of us. Peg told me to ask you for tomorrow night."
There was a moment of silence.
"Are you teasing me, Alec?"
"No. I was pretty surprised myself, but she seemed genuine enough."
"Oh, Alec, she does not have to do this." Sophie's voice was pained, but not for herself. "I do not want to see her hurting. I will be all right if the rest of you want to go."
"I understand what you're trying to do, Sophie, but I don't think Peg will take it that way. I guess she's really trying. If you turn away this olive branch, I think it will really put her off."
"Put like that," Sophie told him, "I will be glad to go. Is it
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"Fitzgerald's. I've eaten there many times wearing jeans, but I think Jim and Peg will be a little more dressy."
"All right. Shall I walk over?"
"No, I'll come for you. We haven't discussed the time yet, but it will probably be around six."
"Okay."
"What are you going to do with the rest of your day tomorrow?"
"I'm going to help Mrs. Kent with her garden."
"How is her ankle coming?"
"I think better, but she will not slow down. I know that Mr. Kent worries."
"The kids and I prayed last night for all of you."
"Thank you, Alec. I told Mr. Parman that I never had a chance to use what I learned in Life-style Evangelism, and now I have two people on my doorjamb."
Alec chuckled, but it was a silent laugh. He'd been wandering around the room with the cordless phone, but now he flopped on the bed, closed his eyes, and just pictured her in his mind. She would be barefoot since she always kicked her shoes off the moment she arrived home, and she would have her reading glasses on. He had only caught her in them a few times, but they were adorable on her huge, dark eyes.
"You have become very quiet."
"Yes, I have. I was thinking about you."
"Good thoughts, or am I in trouble?"
"Terrible trouble," his voice now teased in order to hide his emotions. Sophie sighed on the other end, and for a time they didn't say anything.
"I miss you," Sophie suddenly said with wonder, "whenever our routine is not the same. I am glad that Fraziers are here, but I miss just being with you and the children."
"I know what you mean, but I'm in worse shape because I'm growing very selfish in my old age. I want to be with you, but I'm often tempted to tell the kids to find something else to do."
Sophie smiled. "Are we friends, Alec?" she asked suddenly.
"Yes."
"Will we ever be more than friends?"
"I think we will, but I'd rather discuss it when we're together."
"I can't," Sophie admitted. "I would not have had courage if you could see my face."
Alec was quiet for just a few heartbeats. "So what is it that you really want to know?"
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"I am not sure."
Again they were quiet-Alec desperately wishing he could be with her, and Sophie, face burning even though she was alone, wishing she'd never asked.
"I have been unfair, Alec. We have not dated many weeks, and now I put a spot on you. I am sorry."
"No, Sophie, no. I'm not quiet because I'm upset or feeling put on the spot. I'm just trying to find the words. You're not a passing fling for me, Sophie. In fact, I feel very strongly about you. For that reason, sometimes I have to tell myself to go slow."
"Is this true, Alec? You force yourself to be slow?" Sophie had had no idea.
"Yes. You told me you did not want to rush this, and I think that's wise, but it's not always easy."
Sophie couldn't say anything for a time. She really did believe it was wise to move with caution, but in doing so she hadn't had any idea how he felt.
"I think I've lost you," Alec said softly across the line.
"No, but I am thinking now, too. In going slow we do not know what we are doing. I cannot have rushing with kissing and such, but I need to know my standing. Why are we dating? Is there a future here? Do we want that, or are we only having fun for a time? Am I make sense?"
"Perfectly, and I'm sorry I didn't realize before."
Sophie heard a lot of rustling around, and then Alec came back on the line.
"I'm holding a book in my hand-a book on marriage. I saw it advertised in a magazine, and hoping that someday we could read them together, I actually bought two of them at the Bread Shop in Madison. Have I scared you off, Sophie?'"
"No." Sophie's voice was breathless with excitement.
"Here, let me read the back cover to you."
"All right."
He cleared his throat. '"Couples engaged, considering marriage, or husbands and wives who have been married for years, will all enjoy and benefit from this book. Sharing from personal experience, the authors honestly tell their own story in a humorous way that touches deeply. Biblical truths are at the core with practical tips and solid suggestions for gaining a greater knowledge of the man or woman in your life,' and etcetera. I thought it sounded good. What do you think?"
"I think so, too."
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"Why don't I get one of these to you tomorrow, then we'll both read the first chapter and discuss it? In fact, the book has a discussion guide in the back. Does it sound like a plan?"
"Yes." Sophie's heart felt so light that she wanted to dance around. She would have made a joke to that effect, but Alec began to speak to someone in the room. Sophie thought it might have been Tory's voice.
"I'm back."
"Is there a problem?"
"No, but Tory wants me to put her to bed, so I'd better go."
"All right."
"I'll see you tomorrow," Alec said quietly.
"Yes, and you'll remember the book?"
He told her he would, and they hung up just a minute later. Alec had prayed for patience and at times it had been a real trial, but this was encouraging. This made things worth the wait. He shook his head at his own lack of comprehension.
Leave it to a man to think that when a woman wants to go slow, she's talking about everything. Here she's been ready to get serious about me, or at least to give the two of us a chance, and I've missed it because she's not ready for me to kiss her again.
"Da-ad," Tory called in a singsong voice from down thehall.
Alec tossed the cordless phone back in its base and moved toward the door, his thoughts awry.Ican hardly wait to know Sophie well enough to tell her what a mess I've been.
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SOPHIEADJUSTED THE CLOTH NAPKIN in her lap and tried to still her nervous movements. The Fraziers had been genuinely kind, and Sophie could see that Peg was really trying, but for some reason she kept referring to Vanessa. Her voice was not malicious, but Sophie didn't know how to reply.
She thought back on the way the evening had started, and the only thing on which she could put her finger was the way Alec had placed his hand on her back when they walked into the restaurant. Outside of that, there hadn't been anything overt. Maybe Peg Riley already suspected and was keeping a careful watch. If this were true, then the stories about Vanessa must have been something of a warning. In some ways, Sophie couldn't blame the woman. It must be hard to have it seem as though Alec could choose someone to take her daughter's place.
For this reason Sophie was careful not to look at Alec too much or even share very often in the conversation. It was nice of the Fraziers to include her, but she was with the Ril
ey family all of the time, and the grandparents only had this weekend. Things improved toward the end of the evening when Jim shared about the cruise they would be taking, but the meal had been rather stressful. By the time they left the restaurant, Sophie's head ached.
Alec had driven, so everyone piled into the van. Sophie had sat in the rear with Rita and Tory on the way to the restaurant, and the seating arrangement was the same on the way home. To Sophie's surprise, however, Alec drove to his own house first and then casually announced to everyone that he would be taking Sophie home and returning in a little while. Sophie was afraid to look at Peg Frazier, but smiled a little when Rita winked at her as the teen left the van.
"Why don't you come up here?" Alec suggested when everyone had stepped out of the van and moved toward the house.
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Sophie moved up front with a minimum of fuss and buckled herself into the seat.
"Are you all right?" Alec asked as he pulled away.
"Yes. I just have a little headache."
"Was it all the talk about Vanessa?"
"Not really. I have never minded hearing about your wife, but I want Mrs. Frazier to be comfortable with me. I do not like to see her in pain, and I do not want anyone to see me as a threat."
Ican believe that,Alec thought to himself.You're one of the most selfless people I've ever known, and I wish right now I could tell you everything I'm feeling in my heart.
"Did I seem threatening to you, Alec?"
"No," he answered at once. "You were a great listener. I think they might be noticing that we're seeing each other. Even though it will be hard, Peg is going to have to deal with it."
"Will it be rather difficult when you return tonight?"
They were walking up the Kents' driveway now, and Alec reached for Sophie's hand. Drawing it through his arm, he continued toward her small home.
"I don't think so. I'm sure you can tell that Peg is trying very hard, and I think she'll continue to do so. They don't leave until Monday morning, and for the first time I'm not dying to see them