“Later you pulled up beside my car in the ditch and told me you were going to pray for me.I can’t remember a time in my life I was angrier.”
He chuckled and his hand affectionately squeezed her shoulder.“I’m rather proud of that comment.”
Swallowing her pride, Lesley shook her head.“You should be.It helped me see what I was becoming.”At his frown she elaborated.“Until I met you I was quickly becoming a self-righteous prude.”
“And I changed that?”
Hands laced in front of her, Lesley smiled absently.“You helped me see that I was becoming so heavenly-minded that I wasn’t any earthly good.I’ve never thanked you for that.Knowing you and loving you has helped me more than I could ever explain in mere words.”
“But that’s what I’m trying to tell you.Your love and support have made these last months bearable.I couldn’t have done it without you.”
Inwardly Lesley groaned, realizing that in the most important of matters she had failed him.
Cole retrieved his suitcase, and with their hands linked they strode to the parking lot.
“You’d better tell me something about your parents,” hesuggested as she handed him the car keys.He unlocked her door, then walked around the front of the car and climbed into the driver’s seat.“It’s not every day a man meets his future in-laws.”
“You don’t need to worry.I think Mom and Dad are more nervous about meeting you.”Her parents had arrived that Wednesday and planned a small dinner party for Cole and Lesley Saturday night.To say that her parents were curious would be an understatement.
The freeway leading from Spokane to Coeur d’Alene was particularly beautiful in the spring, when lush green contrasted with a pale blue sky.They sat not speaking, Lesley close to his side.
“Did I tell you Lansky warned me that marriage is often a three-ring circus?”Cole broke the silence.
“How’s that?”Lesley looked over to him expectantly.
“First there’s the engagement ring, then the wedding ring, and finally the suffering.”
“Clever,” she muttered, feigning indignation.
Chuckling, Cole pulled off to the side of the road and reached for her.He kissed her ardently; the hunger in him for her love was so overpowering it almost frightened Lesley.
“Why is it every minute apart is agony, and then the first chance we’re together all we do is argue?”Cole asked her breathlessly, his forehead resting against hers.
“I don’t know why.We’re both dumb, I guess,” Lesley said and rubbed her face along the slightly rough surface of his jaw in a feline action.“I love you, Cole, and it’s hurting me just as much as you to be apart like this.Can’t we forget Jennings?”
“I wish we could.”He kissed the crown of her head and ran his fingers through the short dark curls.“No, I have to revise that.I wish I could, but I won’t rest until things are set right.”
Lesley released a long, slow breath, straightened and leaned her head against the back of the seat cushion.
“How’s the apartment?”Cole asked, changing the subject.
“Fine.”He’d kept his apartment in Coeur d’Alene and left Lesley his car, though she rarely drove it: there was little need, since she had her own vehicle.
As Coeur d’Alene Lake came into view, the faint stirrings of pride brought a sigh of contentment from Lesley.“Paul said to say hello, by the way.”
“Paul?”Cole looked at her blankly.
“The grocer from Resort Grocery.”
“Oh yes, Mr.Christian.”
“Mr.Christian?”Now it was Lesley’s turn to look confused.
“Yes.Paul used to place Bible verses in the bottom of my bags every week.I got quite a kick out of him.Nice old fellow.”
“He’s lived a hard life.When Paul was ready to retire and give his business to his son, they discovered Jeff had cancer.Paul mortgaged the business and spent the money on medical bills.Jeff died a year later.”
“That’s tough for any man.”
