36

Easter Sunday morning, Hayley inspected her image in the full-length mirror. She’d decided to wear her favorite, a green silk dress, hoping it would boost her spirits and maybe impress the man she loved. The jade color matched her eyes, and the silk swirl around her knees felt luscious. She’d gained weight since the last time she’d worn it, and it felt good. She finally had curves again.

Trevor had called to make arrangements to drive her and Laureen to church, since Dave and Lydia always went early to pray together before the service. Trevor’s offer of a ride was no surprise, but his tone of voice puzzled her. He’d sounded stressed…or something. She couldn’t figure it out, and it worried her.

Hayley picked up her Bible and went upstairs to see if Laureen needed help. The older woman rarely complained, but she was anxious to get the cast off her arm. “Laureen?” Hayley knocked on the bedroom door. “Can I help you with anything?”

“Oh, yes, please.” Laureen opened the door, and her hand went to her chest. “You look absolutely stunning, my dear.”

Hayley’s cheeks warmed. “You do, too. That royal blue looks fantastic on you. You’re so beautiful.”

Laureen turned around, exposing her back. “Thank you, but I can’t zip it, and I really don’t want to show up at church like this. Do you mind?”

Hayley pulled the zipper up. “How much longer until your cast comes off?”

“I’m not sure. At least another couple of weeks. Old bones don’t heal as quickly, you know.” Laureen faced Hayley. “I don’t know what I would have done without you…” She leaned forward to kiss Hayley’s cheek. “I love you.”

The whisper shot straight to Hayley’s heart, and moisture sprang to her eyes, threatening her composure—and makeup. “I love you, too.”

The doorbell rang, and Laureen grinned. “I can’t wait to watch my son’s face when he sees you.”

Hayley followed Laureen down the stairs and wished she could feel as confident.

Laureen went to the door and motioned for Hayley to stand in the center of the entry hall. “Right there, under the light. Ready?”

Hayley swallowed a lump of insecurity and nodded.

Laureen swung the door wide, and Hayley forgot to breathe. Wow. She’d never seen Trevor in a suit before, and he cleaned up good. No, not just good. Fantastic. Wonderful. Delicious. Her face burned.

Laureen chuckled. “Close your mouth, son, and come in.”

Trevor shook his head and stepped inside. He looked from Hayley to Laureen and back again. “The two most beautiful women in the world.” He lifted his face as though in prayer. “How did I deserve this?”

Laureen swatted his arm. “You didn’t. We’re evidence of God’s grace.” She grinned and mussed his hair.

“Mo-m.”

Hayley smiled at his little-boy protest. Then Trevor came closer and took both her hands in his, and Hayley’s smile dissolved as her lips quivered with anticipation. Hurry up and kiss me.

Laureen backed away. “I forgot my purse. I’ll be right back.”

Hayley heard footsteps going upstairs, and then she didn’t hear anything but the pounding of her heart as Trevor lowered his head toward hers. He rested his forehead on hers, his minty breath caressing her face. “Happy Easter, beautiful lady. May I kiss you?”

She lifted her lips to his. “Yes, please, gorgeous man.”

Too soon, footsteps intruded, and Laureen cleared her throat. “Ready to go?”

Trevor pulled back, breathing hard. “Um, sure, Mom. Let me help you with your coat.”

Hayley pressed her fingers to her tingling lips, unable to speak. A tender thrill raced through her, as Trevor held Laureen’s coat for her, fastened the buttons, and then kissed her cheek.

The sweetness of his gesture filled Hayley with a deep yearning. Would she ever enjoy that kind of relationship with a son of her own?

Trevor held out Hayley’s dove gray coat. “My lady.”

She smiled as she slipped her arms into the silk-lined sleeves. “Thank you, my lord.”

Laureen fanned herself with her good hand and chuckled. “All right, you two, let’s get to church. This is a Sunday for celebration.”

Trevor sobered. “Yes, it is. For many reasons, and I have something to ask you.”

Hayley’s heart stuttered.

~*~

Trevor glanced over at Hayley as he stopped for a red light. She must have felt his gaze, because she turned and smiled.

“You OK with going out to the farm for a few minutes?”

Hayley looked down at her dress coat and heels. “Well, I’m not exactly dressed for a walk in the pasture, but you know I’ve missed the farm, even though we’ve only been gone a couple of days. And you’ve got me curious.”

He grinned but refused to say anything more. His plan just might work. The light turned green, and Trevor accelerated. So did his pulse.

As he travelled the familiar highway, he ticked off the list in his mind. So far, so good. After church—and Pastor Dave’s thought-provoking sermon on Jesus’s resurrection—they’d enjoyed the ham feast Lydia and Hayley had prepared. Tick. Then, while helping clear the table, he’d asked Lydia if they’d give his mother a ride home from the hospital. She’d winked and agreed. Tick.

There was that glitch, a moment of panic, when they’d reached the ICU and found someone else in Franklin’s bed. His mother had clutched his arm so hard, he’d probably have a bruise. But his dad had been moved into a regular room—another reason to rejoice. He’d never forget his mom’s expression when they got to his dad’s new room and found him sitting up, talking to his new roommate about Easter. And his dad’s joyful smile when he spotted his wife.

Trevor glanced at Hayley again. Lord willing, someday he’d have a marriage like theirs with the beauty sitting beside him.

After visiting with his father, Trevor had asked Hayley if she’d like to take a walk with him. He drove them to the Meewasin Trail, the paved walkway meandering beside the South Saskatchewan River as it flowed through the city. Tick.

Blue skies and warm, spring sunshine collaborated with his plans, and they’d walked hand in hand for nearly an hour, discussing fostering, farming, and other dreams. Where the trail led through a cluster of trees, he’d pulled Hayley into his embrace and tasted his favorite dessert—her lips. Until a jogger whooped as he ran by. Way to wreck a moment. Oh well, Trevor was anxious to get to the farm, anyway.

He slowed his Jeep as they neared the turnoff to the grid road. Would Max’s efforts turn out the way he hoped? Had their walk given him enough time?

~*~

Hayley didn’t know what to think. Trevor had been acting rather strange all day. She’d wondered if he’d planned to propose when he invited her to go for a walk, but it didn’t happen. Now they were almost to the farm. Had Max gone somewhere else for Easter, so Trevor had to do the chores? They were both still wearing their Easter finery, but they could change into work clothes, if needed. She sighed quietly and hoped Trevor hadn’t heard.

They drove into the farm yard, and he pulled close to the house. When he turned off the vehicle and removed his keys from the ignition, he dropped them. His ears turned red, and he mumbled something under his breath as he retrieved them. “Sorry. Here we are.” Trevor got out and hurried around to her side to help her out. “My lady.”

Hayley smiled. She could get used to such gallantry.

Trevor slid his arm around her waist and led her, not to the front door, but toward the barn. What?

As they reached the back corner of the house, a glow caught Hayley’s attention. A few more steps, and she gasped. The gazebo was covered with hundreds of tiny white lights, and red cushions decorated its bench.

“Trevor?” Her voice quivered.

He smiled crookedly as he led her into the gleaming shelter. He gestured to the bench.

Hayley sat, her heart pounding. Could he hear it? She looked up at the man she loved.

He stood tall, his eyes hooded, his jaw firm, and a frisson of apprehension shivered through her.

Trevor sank to one knee, and her heart sang. He fumbled a bit as he pulled a small, heart-shaped box out of his jacket pocket.

Hayley couldn’t hide her smile.

He cleared his throat, swallowed hard, and opened the box. Her breath caught. Inside lay the most gorgeous ring she’d ever seen, an emerald surrounded by sparkling diamonds.

“Hayley Blankenship, I love you. I know God, in His amazing mercy, brought you into my life, and I want to keep you here. For the rest of our lives. If you’re willing. I want to live with you, have babies with you, maybe adopt some kids together, and grow old with you.” He took a deep breath. “Will you marry me?”

She bounced on the cushion. “Yes! To all of it. Of course I’ll marry you. Today. Tomorrow. Whenever. I love you.” She pulled on his extended arm. “Now come up here and kiss me. Please.”

Trevor sat beside her, slid the ring onto her finger, and wrapped his arms around her. Finally, his lips claimed hers, and their hearts pounded in sync. He tasted so good. His arms felt so strong, so right. Then rational thought surrendered to wonder-filled, loving passion.

Sometime later, Hayley wasn’t sure how long, they pulled apart, breathing hard. She caressed Trevor’s forehead, down his face to his whiskery jawline. “I-I think we’d better set a date—the sooner, the better.”

Trevor leaned into her touch. “I hoped you’d feel that way. But I thought weddings took a long time to organize.”

Hayley snuggled deeper into his embrace. “I don’t want a fancy wedding. You, me, Pastor Dave and Lydia, your parents….” A sigh escaped. “I guess we should invite my parents too.”

Trevor’s lips brushed her forehead as he whispered. “I already talked to your father. It was awkward at first, but he gave us his blessing. I promised to give them at least a week’s notice.”

Hayley’s mouth fell open. “You’re kidding. My dad? Blessing us? Wait a minute. Just how awkward was it?”

“God’s got this, remember?”

He must. Gratitude and joy filled her until she thought she’d burst. “I love you, Trevor Hiebert. How soon can we get married?”