~ Chapter Nine ~

“Are you all right, Jimmy John?” Madison’s concern and thoughtful expression filled his heart. Everything she did, he was okay with. If she rejected him, somehow, he’d have to live with her decision.

Jimmy John swallowed. “Fine.” His high-pitched reply sent warmth up the back of his neck. My face is bound to be red. After his throat rumbled, he gestured toward the empty seat. He glanced past her. Abbi stood with another high school friend, chatting. His hopes of being alone with Madison were dashed, and his heart sank. Would he gather the courage ever again to ask Madison on a date? A heavy sigh released. “You doing all right?”

“Of course. I’m not sure about you, though. You okay?”

“Just praying about something.” He smiled, trying to hide his true feelings, like he always did in the past.

“Can I help?”

Jimmy John shook his head. “I’m good. Thanks.”

Madison laid her hand on top of his. “If you ever need me for anything, talk, okay? Even if it’s ranting or just wanting a friend to sit and be silent with you. Call me. Please.”

With the gentle touch of her hand on his, a signal zipped up his arm and straight to his heart as it skipped a beat—no two. Every time she touched his hand, it caused the same reaction. All thoughts scrambled in his head. Her gorgeous blue eyes met his while he stared. Something akin to recognition crossed her visage, and suddenly, he knew that she perceived what was in his heart, or did she?

The short private moment broke between them when Abbi flopped down next to Madison. “Hey, guys, what time are we leaving Saturday for the hike?”

Madison blinked, slid her hand off his, and settled it in her lap. “We have two Saturdays before we leave, but we can decide today. I’m guessing early. Right, Jimmy John?”

“It’s a two-hour drive, so we can meet at my place at 5 o’clock. Madison, we need to take your truck since it has a backseat. Last year, we squeezed into Blacky’s front seat, which proved to be a little too cramped. I’ll drive if you’d like.”

“I’m absolutely fine with that arrangement. How about you, Abbi?”

“Sure. Whatever gets us there. Have you checked the forecast in the canyon?”

“Yes, but I’ll wait to text you the info when we get closer to leaving. It ranges from 90 to 100 degrees in the daytime. Make sure your water packs are full and your emergency kits are in good shape. Have either of you put in a thermal blanket in case we get stuck overnight? The desert temps drop quickly even though it’s still summer in the canyon.”

Both nodded and tilted their heads. Madison whispered. “This isn’t our first hiking trip to the canyon.” She offered him a tentative smile.

“Right. But I can’t help myself. I hope for a trouble-free and pleasant hike. Do you blame me for not wanting anything to go wrong?”

In unison, the ladies replied. “No.” Giggles filled the table. They knew him well after all these years. He always shrugged off anyone suggesting he was a little too organized, including his two friends, and he’d never taken offense.

“Okay, ladies, I got a project I’m planning at Taylor’s place this Saturday with Marshall. Would you be interested in helping?”

Abbi leaned in. “You always have a plan of one kind or another. What is it?”

Jimmy John conveyed the entire project to his friends, and they agreed to be there dressed and ready to work the full day.

Madison pulled her truck into Taylor’s driveway, ready for a full day’s work on the garden. Her mom and dad had transferred the vegetable plants to her truck the night before. By the amount they loaded, she was sure they’d put in an entire garden.

She parked and glanced at the dash clock. Jimmy John, Marshall, and Abbi were already working. I’m on time. Why are they here so early? I guess they’re eager to finish sooner than late afternoon, for some reason, they haven’t shared.

The scorching days of summer were gone, offering a welcome relief as fall inched closer. Madison loved this time of year, not too hot, and the leaves showed off their brilliant colors as they released from the limbs and gently blanketed the ground.

Madison grabbed her bottled water and work gloves then strolled toward her friends. Every time she visited, Taylor had a new outlook on life, which lifted others’ spirits. In the three months since meeting her neighbor, Madison had watched Taylor take an about-face. The community and church really stepped up to help her through a devastating time.

Taylor stood aside as she leaned on her cane, watching Jimmy John and Marshall take turns tilling. The woman positively glowed whenever Marshall came around. Are they in love or just enjoying each other’s company? They both had endured a tough couple of years.

Madison silently prayed that their happiness overflowed and thanked God for Taylor’s new point of view on life. She waved to the group. “You guys got here early, huh?”

Jimmy John switched off the noisy machine and removed his gloves. “Sorry. I wanted to get a head start on plowing before we plant. Did your mom get more plants from the ladies at church?”

“She did.” Madison hitched a thumb. “In the bed of my truck.”

Marshall took off in long strides. “I got ‘em.”

Two hours into the tilling, Jimmy John switched off the machine. The group stood at the end of the freshly turned bed. The dark, rich soil was rock-free and beyond anything they’d hoped possible.

Madison withdrew her hanky and wiped her face. The day grew warmer, and they were about to section off the area for each vegetable. She was excited that Taylor would have enough vegetables to last a while. The woman’s thin face had rounded a bit along with her hips since the community and church stepped up to assist with groceries and utility bills. But how long would they continue helping? Madison hoped they’d do it as long as anyone, including Taylor, needed assistance.

Jimmy John and Marshall knelt next to the freshly turned garden with the rough-drawn plan laid neatly on the dirt and secured with a rock. “This looks good, Marshall. Although I’m not familiar with how plants should be placed, you did an excellent job. Let’s get the stakes and other supplies from my truck.”

Marshall stood. “I’ll go. Abbi, will you help me?”

“Absolutely.”

Madison’s mom pulled into the driveway and unloaded a container. She waved Madison over. “I brought lunch and bottled water for you and your friends.”

“Thanks Mom. We’re gathering the plants to make the rows. Did you want to help?”

“I do. Can you grab the stool from my car’s trunk? Your dad found it in the barn. The seat was a little worn. He did some carpentry to shorten the legs and made a base. Thought Taylor could use the stool while weeding or harvesting.”

“She’ll love the gift. Dad is so thoughtful and handy.” Madison laughed.

The group gathered on the front porch and shared the meal while Jimmy John chatted about the upcoming hike at Palo Duro Canyon.

Madison’s mom tapped on a plastic water bottle. “We need to bring you one of our picnic tables for your back patio, Taylor. You could enjoy the outside more often.”

Marshall chimed in. “I have a patio set I’m not using. How about I load the table and chairs and bring them over tomorrow after church?” He took a gulp from his water bottle. “Um, Taylor, would you consider joining me for services in the morning?” A wide smile filled Taylor’s beautiful face. “Yes. I need a ride, though.” She glanced at Madison’s mom and then back at Marshall.

“We’ll be delighted for you to ride with us. We go to the adult class at ten before the service. Will you join us?”

“I haven’t been in a Sunday School class since I was a kid. But I believe Marshall wants me to ride with him.” Taylor winked in his direction.

“Yes.” A crimson glow radiated off his face.

After every plant was in the dark, rich soil, the group stood at one end of a row, admiring what they accomplished with a bit of sweat and muscle to make a great garden.

A smile filled Taylor’s face. “Guys—” An unmistakable crackle in her tear-riddled voice began. “Jimmy John, will you please do the honors and ask God to bless this garden?”

He removed his ball cap. “Everyone take a hand.” Jimmy John clasped Madison’s.

Madison stole a glance at Marshall and Taylor. Yep, something is definitely going on there. I’m glad for both of them. God has a way of having two people meet and fall in love. He has a design for all of us. When will my turn be? Do I want to be in love? Yes.

A tug from Jimmy John’s hand brought her attention back. “Lord, You put Adam and Eve in the garden, gave them every plant, blessed it, and said what they did was good. We ask the same for Taylor’s garden as You lay Your mighty Hand on it, so the plants will grow abundantly and give a bountiful harvest on each planting, season after season. Thank You, Lord, for bringing Taylor into our lives. She has a heart for You, and it gives us joy to help one of Your children. We love her. In Jesus’ name. Amen.” A succession of amens followed.

Madison’s heart lightened at what she’d witnessed between Marshall and Taylor—a new budding romance. Despite her busyness, she wished she too, had a special man in her life. She never dated but hadn’t missed the tradition of finding a boyfriend when she became a teenager. She’d always been striving to get into college and become an architect. Had she been too straightforward with her nonexistent love life by not dating? Actually, she never gave it a second thought. Would she even grasp the fundamentals of dating...if asked?

With one last shove, the tiller loaded into the bed of Jimmy John’s truck. “Thanks for your help, Madi. Couldn’t have got the thing in without you.”

“Wait!” Abbi ran toward them, toting a garden hoe over her head. “You left this behind.”

“Yeah, Dad would never let me use them again if I don’t get them all back in the shed. You guys wanna meet me at Toodie’s for a burger?” If possible, he’d have some alone time with Madison. Not today, but he’d take what he could get.

Madison glanced at Abbi, then at their clothes. Finally, she turned and looked at him. “No. We need a shower.” She pinched her nose. “We stink too much after working so hard.” She swiped the back of her hand across her forehead melodramatically.

“Never knew you took drama classes in high school.” He laughed, and the ladies joined in his amusement. “I’m stinky too. So what do you say?” Jimmy John laid the hoe in the bed of his truck.

Madison’s dad strolled across the pasture from their house and joined his daughter and friends. “Hey guys, I’ve got some burgers and dogs on the grill. You want to help us devour them?” He rubbed his hands together and patted his tummy.

Abbi chimed in. “I do, but only if I can come stinky and we eat outside.” She laughed.

“Of course. How about you two?” Mr. Vanguard slung his arm across Madison’s shoulder and smiled.

She gestured to Jimmy John. “Come on, let’s eat.”

He returned her bright smile. “Absolutely. Wouldn’t turn down the best burger in the county. I’ll be over after I take Marshall home.” He glanced toward the front porch, where his friend and Taylor chatted quietly. If only I could get the chance to be that intimate with Madi.

Mr. Vanguard drew him from his muse. “Marshall and Taylor are welcome to join us. We always have plenty. That’s if they don’t have their own plans.” His eyebrow hiked. “Looks like they might.”

“I’ll ask. Don’t go anywhere. I’ll be right back.” Jimmy John took long strides toward the house and stopped short of the porch. “If you two don’t have other plans, Madison’s dad is grilling burgers and hot dogs. Interested in joining us?”

Taylor’s smiling eyes remained on Marshall. Finally, she nodded. Their love is so beautiful and noticeable, but not mine. Will Madi’s smile be that broad for me one day? Will her eyes shine only for me? My love hurts. But I’m the one causing the pain.

“When you guys get ready to go, I’ll be in my truck.” Jimmy John turned on his heels.

“We’ll be there in a minute. Can Taylor and I come as we are?”

Jimmy John did an about-face. “Absolutely. No problem.” He waved toward Blacky. “Taylor, if you prefer to ride with Madison, I’ll tell her to wait.”

“I’ll ride with you and Marshall. Tell her to go ahead.”

Jimmy John nodded and strode to his truck. He took a glance back. Marshall gently took Taylor’s hand and assisted her to her feet. “Wow.” He whispered under his breath. Jimmy John had never imagined this tough man could be so tender with a woman. He’d always seen the rough side of Marshall while working in the garden center and here at Taylor’s.