Chapter 24
Ben paused on the wide church steps and sucked in a deep breath. The ivory sandstone structure, though modest felt imposing. He looked up at the stained-glass window above the door, knowing it cast interesting geometric prisms on the back of the heads of the gray-haired widows who always occupied the front pew.
Ben wiped his damp palms down his slacks. He hadn’t thought this through very well. He’d purposefully arrived late to avoid having to talk to anyone before the service, but now all eyes would be on him as he entered.
The strains of a familiar hymn crept through the door, and peace settled over him. He closed his eyes for a long moment.I can do this!This was where he needed to be. He recognized that now. He just wished it hadn’t taken him so long to realize it.
Opening the door, he strode in, hoping he appeared more confident than he felt. He kept his eyes straight ahead as every head turned and whispers filled the church. There were his parents in the fourth pew, like always. Thank goodness some things never changed. Beside his mom sat the curly-haired, blue-eyed blonds that always seemed to brighten his day.
He slid onto the bench beside Amy. Her wide-eyed stare, followed by a dazzling smile, was exactly the reaction he’d hoped for when he shaved his beard and cut his hair yesterday. He returned her smile and faced forward. The scent of sunshine and flowers reached him and his attraction for Amy skyrocketed.
He held out his hands to Kallie. Maybe if he held her, he’d be able to keep himself from lacing his fingers with Amy’s—like he’d wanted to do ever since she’d clasped his hand yesterday. Kallie shied away and scooted to his mom’s lap.
Shoot.He hadn’t stop to think that Kallie might not recognize him without the beard. Amy gave him an apologetic smile and clasped her hands in her lap.
He forced his gaze to the pulpit, instead of letting it linger on her long, slender fingers. Twisting his wedding band, he fought the urge to draw her hand into his.This will be the longest sermon of my life.
When he arrived at his parent’s house for dinner later that evening, Kallie ran away from him.
Amy picked her up and stepped close to Ben. So near he caught the scent of her perfume again.
“It’s Ben.” She took Kallie’s hand and stroked his cheek. “See.”
An electric shock heated Ben’s smooth skin under Amy’s fingers, sending warmth through his veins. His eyes jumped to hers.
She gasped and let go of Kallie’s hand.
Had she felt the same electricity he had? Ben tried to search her face, but she looked away.
Kallie’s hand rested on his cheek. “Daddy?”
Pulling his eyes away from Amy, Ben reached up to take Kallie. “Come here, Angel.”
Amy pushed Kallie into his arms and stepped away.
He tamped down the disappointment that filled him.
“It was nice to see you... at church... today.” Amy’s cheeks flushed as she stammered out the words.
He loved it when she got flustered. She was so cute. And he loved the way her cheeks colored when she blushed.
“You were right. I need to stop blaming God for everything.” He blew out a quick breath. “I sure had a hard time walking through those doors though, after such a long absence.”
She gave him an understanding smile. “Are you glad you went?”
“Of course, I got to sit by the prettiest woman in the congregation.”
Amy’s cheeks flushed again, and she mumbled something about needing to check on dinner before heading to the kitchen.
Idiot. You're going to scare her away.
She turned in the doorway and gave him a dazzling smile. “By the way, you look... nice.” Then she was gone, leaving him elated.
Following dinner, Ben found himself with Kallie and Amy in the family room while his parents did the dishes. Ever since Amy started cooking, they’d insisted on doing the dishes. He’d been banking on their predictability tonight. He needed Amy to himself for a little while. It had been all he could do to not stare at her all through dinner.
Amy sat on the floor and leaned back against the couch, her legs outstretched. Ben joined her, sitting close enough to touch her, but not so close to make her uncomfortable, he hoped. Kallie took turns climbing over his legs, then Amy’s.
After a few minutes, he bent his knees and turned his body to face Amy. He propped his elbow on the couch and leaned his head against his hand. He studied her. Something was wrong with Amy. Ever since Lance’s visit, there had been a tension in her. She looked like she was about to either break down or bolt.
