A soft drifting of snow floated through the air when Summer left the hospital. Washington had its regular share of both rainfall and snowfall per season. With this area known for its constantly changing weather, she wasn’t the least bit moved.
“Let me get that for you,” Prof. Thompson offered as he took the hospital discharge papers and the small bag she had with her.
A smile creased the corner of her mouth as they entered the taxi she’d insisted on calling instead of letting him drive her home. When he’d come to see her the previous day, he’d mentioned driving a car and no longer a taxi. She’d asked him what kind of car it was, and he’d brushed it off saying all cars were simply automobiles made to serve us. Such humble disposition touched her heart and drew it even closer to him.
When he’d suggested driving her home upon her discharge and she’d declined, he’d said he’d catch a ride to the hospital and join her taxi to make sure she reached home if she didn’t mind. At her confusion, he’d told her he was worried for her safety. But a hint in his voice suggested there could be more. She didn’t press him. “What if the bad guys show up again? I wouldn’t want you to be alone,” he’d said, and she knew he meant it. “At least, until evening when I have to go see one of my students who’s going through a tough time and finding it hard to focus on his studies. I promised him free tutorials until the end of the semester.”
“That’s mighty kind of you,” she’d said. “You give him your time for free?”
He nodded as he approached the door to leave, dark circles clear beneath his eyes. Was he that worried about her? “It’s the least I can do to pay it forward. I’ve been through my share of hard times, and I know how tough things can be for anyone at any time.”
“I pray things look up for him soon. Thank you for being a good help in the time of my need too. I’m very grateful. God knows I couldn’t have weathered through this storm without your help, so I appreciate your sacrifice and your time.”
He’d given her hours and hours of his time, and they’d gotten to know each other better accidentally. She hoped he wouldn’t misunderstand her earlier brush-off of his request to drive her home as ingratitude. She was just shocked to realize she was falling for him and wanted to keep her heart in check, not wanting to repeat her last mistake of trusting a man she couldn’t afford to trust.
But having him accompany her home was relieving in a way. At least, he knew she liked his company and wasn’t trying to get rid of him. As they entered the taxi and it drove off, he adjusted her small bag of things he’d bought and brought to her at the hospital on her request as well as things her staff brought there.
Settling the bag between them, he smiled. “So, what kind of snack are you in the mood for? It’s raining and snowing, and I’m assuming that there’s no food in your house since you came from extended travel. Remember, you’d said you were coming from an overseas trip the first time I picked you up?”
She nodded. No wonder he was a professor with a memory like that. “Matter of fact, I did. And I’m impressed you remembered.”
A slight dip of his chin followed. “So, I was wondering whether you liked something in particular so we can pick it up along our way.”
She gulped and tore her gaze from his. This man’s care was working its way up the ladder of her heart.
Clearing her throat, which was now less sore, she returned his smile. “Sure. I’m thinking hot custard will do? Although I don’t know if there’s a place nearby.” She peered out the window, catching glimpses of heart-shaped signs welcoming the coming Valentine’s Day celebration. Valentine’s season was a special time for her, not only because lots of people got engaged, which meant more incoming business. She also had a special place in her heart for any celebrations around love. But, since her breakup happened right after Valentine’s Day, she lost interest. Maybe this time would be different? She glanced over at the man beside her and wondered whether he would be her next and last Valentine.
Lord, please show me a sign. I need to know if I should have hope or walk away. She cleared her throat again, then recalled Stella’s request. “Oh, besides the snacks, I also have to get a new cell phone.”
He pointed out the window. “I spot a phone carrier’s shop up ahead. Would you like to stop there?”
She leaned toward his side to get a closer look, and his aftershave wafted to her nostrils, leading her heart into a faster beat. Why did he have such an effect on her? That wasn’t exactly the sign from God she had in mind, but she wasn’t complaining. She straightened and redirected the taxi. “Yes, good call. At least, I’d be able to reach my family without needing to borrow your phone, not that you’ve been anything but gracious.” His smile to ease her instead led to butterflies in her belly. Uh-oh. Second sign she didn’t expect.
As the taxi drew to a stop and they got out, the driver agreed to wait for a few minutes in case the store didn’t have what she wanted. When they entered, she asked the customer service representative about their options for devices, and he showed her what they had. Browsing through quickly, she spotted an upgraded version of her previous phone and informed Van that she’d seen something she wanted. So, he dismissed the taxi driver whom she’d already paid in cash. Upon her request, he’d cashed a check her staff had brought to her in the hospital the previous day so she had some money on hand.
When he returned, she was purchasing the phone. While they programmed it to her previous number, she turned to him. “What kind of snack do you like now that you know mine?”
He chuckled as his shoulders relaxed, and he slid both hands into his pocket. He observed her beneath a measured gaze. “Well, isn’t she curious?”
A small laugh escaped her throat before she could catch it, and it felt good to laugh. “Yes, you could say I got curious. So?”
“A cup of hot cocoa is my favorite when it rains, which happens here often. I’d considered moving to the East Coast next semester for more sunshine, but we’ll see.”
“Oh.” Wow. She hadn’t expected her heart to sink at the news. She suddenly wanted time to get to know him better. Considering she hadn’t responded to a man this way in a while, she’d prayed last night for the wisdom on how to proceed, and she’d seen this as a God-thing. But maybe it was not? Now she wasn’t so sure, if he was moving…
He took her hand and caught her gaze. “You look like you don’t like the news? Would you rather have me stay?” A small smile creased the corners of his lips. “You can say so if that’s what you want. Even though we haven’t known each other long, circumstances have drawn us closer, and my own heart, even much closer than I’d expected.” His voice deepened, and his gaze dropped to her lips.
Her sharp inhale at the admirable look in his eyes must’ve drawn his gaze back to her eyes. “Yes. I was hoping you’d stay.” Why was she telling him how she felt? She’d sworn not to tell a guy how she felt again, but this man had worn down her defenses with his kindness and honesty.
She looked away, but he caught the tilt of her chin and set her eyes on his again, pulling her slightly closer, and by now, surely her fast-beating heart must be leading to an accelerated pulse underneath his fingertips.
“Summer.” He whispered it so softly, and she wasn’t sure if it was the way he said her name or the huskiness of his tone that sent butterflies into her belly again. She didn’t move when he closed the gap between them. “I feel exactly the same way. But I won’t take a step outside of God’s will for you and for me. Tell me why I see hesitance in you.”
His whisper felt like a gentle breeze in her ear, and she gulped and gripped his arm to brace her weak knees. “I—um.” She drew in breath to steady herself, intent on not looking away, nor hiding how she felt. “Like I’d said, I loved someone deeply once. He said he loved me too. Up until the day he left me. Or I left him after finding out he’d used me as a halfway house for his drug trafficking runs. He lied so much I chose not to trust men again, but instead, if I was unlucky with men, to help other women find true love and settle into blissful marriages. That’s why I’m a wedding planner.”
“I see.” He released her, and something—something she couldn’t put a finger on—blocked his gaze. Then, as quickly as it came, it was gone. “I can assure you of one thing.” He held her gaze while a warm smile lingered on his lips as well as the smoldering look that was threatening her resolve not to show how much his nearness affected her. “You would never have to wonder about me. If I say I love you, it’s for real and for good. My love is unshaken.”
She let his arm go after another steadying breath, needing the distance. “An unshaken love, huh?” She smoothed her hair and tucked a stray strand behind her ear.
“Yes.” His firm nod and another step away gave her enough room to regain her balance. “My unshaken love.”
A customer service rep with wide eyes interrupted their conversation. “Sorry to intrude, ma’am, but your phone is ready.” She held it out with pink cheeks, which said she’d caught some part of their conversation. “It’s synced with all of your information up until the last backup so you should be good to go.” She held out a bag. “Here’s the kit for the phone along with the manufacturer’s leaflet and an earpiece with the charger.” The girl clasped her hands. “Is there anything else I can help you with?”
Summer stepped forward. “No, that would be it.” She paid through her online payment account, and as soon as they were done, she was about to call another taxi when he settled a hand on her arm.
“Please, Summer Heart. Let me drive you home. I hate to see someone burning through cash unnecessarily. I won’t intrude on your privacy. Plus, we could stop to get you that custard without worrying about the taxi needing to wait if there’s a line.”
After a slight pause, she obliged. “Sure.”
He stepped to the side and made a quick call, then nodded to her. “A driver will bring it in about fifteen minutes.”
Wait, did she hear him correctly? Did he just say “a driver”?
***