“Really? That’s great. So they’re back at the estate?”
“Yes. Mom is a bit of a mess though,” Ben said as he folded the top sheet of paper. “She’s very worried about something happening again.”
“I don’t blame her,” Amelia said. “It must have been scary for her to see her husband collapse.”
“After his heart attack, she insisted that they hire EMTs to work at the estate, so Jude hired three new security people who also had EMT training. Dad was, of course, happy with the additional security personnel, and Mom was happy to have medical personnel on the estate.”
“That’s good they were there.”
“It proved Mom’s point, so Dad won’t ever be able to let them go,” Ben said with a laugh. “So, are you up for an evening on the boat?”
She looked up at him, hesitation in her gaze that didn’t sit well with Ben.
“I’d like to finish the conversation we didn’t get to have because of what happened with my dad.”
“Okay.”
Relief flooded Ben. Whatever was going on, he was convinced that a conversation was all they needed to sort it out.
“How did the last week of the clinics go?” he asked, leaving the more serious conversation for when they were on the boat.
For the remainder of the time spent folding the bulletins, they talked about the clinics and other things that had happened over the past five days.
When they finally finished, Ben waited as she gathered up her things, and then they left the church together. As they’d done previously, he drove her car back to her building while Luca drove the SUV.
During the brief trip, they decided on the food they wanted, then Ben called in their order to the diner. He wanted to have another meal from The Steakhouse, but it wouldn’t be that evening.
He waited with Luca while Amelia went up to her apartment to change. On impulse, Ben pulled out his phone and sent a text to Julian and Cole.
Would appreciate some prayer. I’m taking Amelia out on my boat for dinner, and I’m just getting a vibe that she’s upset about something. I love her and want a relationship with her, but she’s been wary of committing because of her health issues. Please, just pray that God will guide me as I speak with her and that whatever happens, I will feel at peace about it.
Being there in Serenity with both men had strengthened his relationships with them, and he felt comfortable asking for their prayers. He was confident that they would pray for him, and he needed that right then.
When Amelia returned, she’d changed into a pair of shorts and a tank top under a gauzy white top. Her hair was pulled back in a high ponytail, and large sunglasses shielded her eyes.
“Ready?” he said as she reached them.
At her nod, Ben opened the rear passenger door for her, deciding to let Luca drive to the marina. Truth be told, he was feeling a little worn out by the events of the week, and he just wanted to relax.
Of course, the upcoming conversation probably wouldn’t be relaxing, but it needed to take place. He needed to know where they stood.
This conversation could also determine where he went now that the basketball clinics were over. If Amelia was really not interested in a relationship with him, he’d respect her wishes and leave Serenity, returning to his life in New York and traveling around. And he’d once again relegate trips to Serenity to just holidays and special occasions.
He might be convinced that they could have a good life together, even with her health limitations, but she’d hadn’t shown him that she agreed.
Please, God, if pursuing a relationship is Your will, give me the words to say and prepare Amelia’s heart to hear them.
Once they’d picked up the food, Luca drove them to the private marina where Ben’s boat was docked.
It wasn’t long before they were out in the middle of the lake. He and Amelia were at the table in the stern of the boat, sheltered from the setting sun, their food in front of them.
“How are you today?” Ben asked as he picked up his burger, hoping that she’d give him their agreed upon response to that question.
“Four. Four.”
“Really?” He smiled at her. “I think that’s the lowest you’ve been since we started doing the numbers. Are you really feeling better?”
Amelia nodded, stirring her drink with her straw. "The new medications seem to be helping a bit. I've been following the doctor's recommendations about pacing myself, too. I also met with a physiotherapist who taught me exercises that will help me keep my strength up without increasing my pain."
