Twenty-One

Kyle roped his arm around my waist and pulled me closer, creating tingling sensations throughout my body.

When he lowered his head and smiled, my belly flip-flopped. He was breathtakingly dressed like an outlaw in all black from his cowboy hat to his boots and looked like he'd just stepped from the Wild West. I was wearing a prim blouse with a long skirt and my hair was pulled in a bun. Glasses completed my schoolteacher costume.

"You're the prettiest teacher I've ever seen."

"Why I bet you sprout that flattery to all the girls," I drawled in a Southern accent.

I felt his deep chuckle in my chest.

"Only you Miss Donovan." He took off his hat and bowed. "Would you do me the honor of escorting you to the town party?"

"The townsfolk night gossip," I said coyly, lowering my voice. "You are a notorious outlaw. Are your intentions honorable?"

"I am an outlaw." Tilting his head to study me, his eyes darkened.

"In that case, I will have to accept another gentleman's offer." I decided to stir the waters. "Perhaps Jase will like to escort me?"

I'd just finished the question when he reached for me, and I squealed with laughter when he hauled me to his side.

His head dipped and I felt his breath against my ear. "I'll have to keep a firm hold on you, Miss Lucy."

I trembled. "I suppose that will be alright."

"You almost make me want to go to this party. I'll enjoy anything with you."

Lifting my chin, I looked at him quizzically. "I thought you wanted to go."

He shrugged.

Halloween was one of the holidays I questioned when I became a believer. When I asked Kyle about it, he seemed like he'd given it a lot of thought.

"We live in a fallen world. Even Christmas has become a secular holiday. It's not like we can avoid nonbelievers, and I don't think Jesus would want us to."

Lines of concentration etched between his brows. "If our friends and family weren't going, I wouldn't either. Not that I do everything they do, but I don't want to miss opportunities."

"Opportunities to share the gospel?" I thought about this, and it made sense.

"Yes."

"Jesus did say it was the sick who needed a physician."

Kyle's eyes warmed. "That's right. I mean I'm not going to launch into a sermon." His lips twitched with a smile. "It wouldn't be appropriate. Sometimes you have to meet people where they are."

I thought about that. "What do you mean?"

"In Mark's gospel after people realized Jesus could heal, the whole city came to his door, probably thousands of people. Jesus didn't preach, not then. He just healed them."

I didn't remember exactly the order of events in Mark's gospel. "I thought he said in Galilee, The time if fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel."

When I finished quoting Jesus, Kyle's face glowed with pleasure. "You're right. He did share the gospel, just not when a town of sick people came to his door needed help."

"Oh." I gasped. "I get it. He met them where they were."

"We're called to be the light, even at a Halloween party."

"Some people we meet will one day be believers."

"Hopefully. I tell as many people as I can about the gospel." He gripped the back of his neck. "I don't force it. If there's an opportunity, I take it. Sometimes people listen, sometimes not."

Envy swept over me. "I wish I was better at sharing. I can't convince my dad. He loved my mom so much and when she died...he was never the same."

"Is he a believer?"

"I don't know. My mom always talked to me about Jesus and took me to church. Dad would go when he could, but he worked a lot of Sundays." My gaze found Kyle's. "I hope so."

"Hey, don't be discouraged." He gently rubbed circles on my back. "I feel the same way about Izabelle. She's not ready, but I keep praying. One day."

"One day," I echoed, hoping with all my heart to see that day.

***

I had mixed feelings about the party.

My friendship with Ava was strained after she realized I was seeing Kyle. The last thing I wanted was drama.

I was ashamed to admit it, but I was still jealous of her relationship with Kyle. She'd shared a part of him I had not experienced and I wouldn't unless Kyle and I married.

Shoving aside jealousy, I asked God to keep my mind on things that would please him. Scanning the crowd of people decked out in costumes, I blinked, hardly able to believe my eyes.

"Dad's here! He's not usually into Halloween. Look at him now." He was dressed as an old west sheriff, talking with a group of people, Izabelle included.

Kyle fought a smile, and I knew the irony of his outlaw attire and Dad's sheriff's costume was not lost on him. His gaze narrowed when Izabelle touched my dad's arm and he leaned in to hear what she had to say.

"He and my sister seem friendly."

I nodded, realizing that he'd also noticed something between them. "You don't think..." I let the sentence trail off, curious as to what he would say.

His gaze met mine. "Could be," he said after a moment. "Would that be ok with you?"

Although he'd dated over the years, Dad had never brought women home. Occasionally, he introduced me to one but only because I'd seen them together.

I watched him with Izabelle. The way he dipped his head to listen to her and the sparkle in his eyes when looked at her made my chest tighten. He used to be like that with Mama.

"It would be ok. What about you?"

"Same. When she was sixteen she had a crush on him." I was about to ask about that, but Kyle cocked a brow at something across the room. "I think Katie wants to talk to you."

I followed his gaze. "No, she always waves her arms in the air like that," I laughed. "Be right back."

"I'll go say hello to Izabelle and your dad." He threw a smile over his shoulder. "Pray for me."

I watched Kyle walk into the crush of people, stopping to talk to several. He seemed to know almost everyone, and I realized it was because these people were like family.

Working my way through the crowd, I started when someone caught my arm. I'd started to pull away when I turned and saw Jase grinning down at me. He executed a charming bow. "Miss Donovan, would you honor me with a dance?"

"I don't know." I pretended to think about it, my eyes traveling over his edgy pirate getup. Several women were checking him out. "You're not planning to kidnap me, are you?"

Jase rubbed his jaw, appearing to consider the question. He seemed not to notice his effect on females. "Only if you want me to."

"Funny. Have you seen Katie? She motioned to me, but I lost her."

All humor vanished from his expression. "Last I saw she was with some dude dressed like a horror movie victim."

Since Katie was wearing an angel's costume, I figured they'd make an unusually striking couple and easy to spot, but as I glanced around the Fosters' stylish home, I didn't see her or the ghastly guy Jase described.

"Is that guy her boyfriend?" Jase asked casually, taking a sip of his drink. He seemed to be making an effort to act indifferent.

"Katie doesn't have a boyfriend."

That caught his attention. He straightened and his brows rose. "Hmm. She's kind of hard to read. I'm not sure if she's interested or not."

"Interested in what? You?" I studied Jase, probably like my dad studied Kyle.

"What's wrong with me?"

He seemed sincere like he truly cared if Katie liked him. "She may be interested, Jase, but not in being your one-night stand."

From his expression, I think I hurt his feelings. "Is that what she told you?"

"No, but that's probably why she's giving you hot and cold signals. You have a colorful reputation with women."

"I'm disappointed, Miss Lucy," he drawled dramatically folding his hands over his heart. The charmer was back. "You should know better than to believe everything you hear."

"I'm just saying that if you're only interested in Lucy for sex, she's not your girl."

"Is she super religious or something?"

"No." I prayed one day Jesus would be the reason. "She doesn't want to share a guy with a dozen other women."

"Ok, I get it. You could be right." Jase looked down, his expression troubled. It seemed like he wanted to talk more about Katie. I was surprised when he changed the subject.

"Listen, Lucy. Kyle is really into you," he told me with uncharacteristic seriousness. He used Kyle's first name, something he rarely did. "Don't let anyone mess it up."

I had no clue what he meant. Maybe Kyle had confided about my dad's reservations about us or it could have been Izabelle's.

His gaze caught on someone behind me, and I glanced back to see Ava, dressed as a flapper. She was stunning and wore a serene smile on her beautiful face that somehow made me uneasy.

"Jase, do you mind if I speak with Lucy for a moment?" Ava asked politely, her gaze crawling over him. "Nice costume."

He stiffened. I thought he might actually say he minded, but after a moment he shrugged. "Sure." Jase's gaze never left mine. "Remember what I said." Then he turned and walked away.

Ava's sharp gaze was intent. "Mind if we go outside?"

I didn't really want to take a walk with her, but I wasn't going to refuse either. I followed her to the deserted pool area, where we sat at a table beside the hot tub.

It was quiet.

I waited, but she didn't speak.

"Is something wrong, Ava?" I asked when it became obvious she wasn't going to say anything.

"You and Kyle are what's wrong," she stated calmly as if we were discussing the weather.

I flinched at the attack. "Excuse me?"

"He doesn't belong with you." She glanced down and studied her French manicured nails as if the conversation bored her. "I know you care for him, and I don't mean to hurt you, but he's mine. He always has been."

I hadn't been expecting such a direct approach from her, and I wasn't exactly sure how to respond. "I'm sorry. I really am."

"I don't want your apology." Her cool hand covered mine. "I've been in love with Kyle Huxley since I was five years old. I will always love him, and despite what's going on with the two of you, Kyle will always love me."

"He loves you," I agreed. "But maybe the two of you aren't in love anymore."

A sound of sorrow tore from her lips, and she pressed her fist to her mouth. Tears shimmered in her eyes. It was disconcerting to see her composure crumble.

"You don't understand. We're forever. Someday Kyle will come back to me." Ava lifted her chin, daring me to deny it. "If he has to get you out of his system, then I'll wait for him," she announced in a tone that left no doubt she believed she'd end up with Kyle.

Sadness descended like a dark cloud.

"Or," Ava paused, her gaze pinning mine. "You can give us our chance to be happy."

Unease slid down my spine like icy fingers tracing my skin. "What do you want from me?"

"Tell him you need some space. Suggest the two of you see other people. Just for a little while. If he truly loves you, he'll come back to you. If he chooses me, would you really have wanted to keep him?"

My heart was pounding and it was difficult to breathe. Feeling her unsettling gaze fastened on me, I kept my eyes lowered not wanting the confrontation.

"You'll do the right thing, Lucy. I know you will." She sounded confident.

Lost in thought, I vaguely heard her chair push back. Ava got up and left me alone.

Dragging in a trembling breath, I struggled to process what she'd said and what I would do.

***

Kyle found me outside.

The joy on his face made my breath catch. "Hey, there you are. I've looked everywhere and I called you several times."

"I'm sorry. I left my phone at home."

A beam of moonlight must have caught my face because he suddenly froze. "Have you been crying?"

"Allergies." I forced a smile, telling myself it wasn't really a lie. I did have allergies. "I thought fresh air might help."

He studied me a long moment, his perceptive gaze seeing more than I wanted. "Are you feeling better now?"

"A little. Did you talk to Dad and Izabelle?" I asked, changing the subject.

His handsome face split into a genuine smile. "That's an interesting story," he said taking the seat Ava had left. "They looked like they were having a private conversation when I found them."

Curiosity had me sitting a bit straighter. "That is interesting."

"They broke apart real quick when I walked up. Izabelle's face was flushed, and I've never seen your dad uncomfortable."

"He hasn't a girlfriend since my mom died."

"Do you think he's ready to move on?" Two lines formed between his brows. "I know he'll always love your mother, but if he's not ready—" He stopped and raked a hand over his jaw.

"You don't want Izabelle to get hurt." I sucked in deep breath, thinking of him and Ava. "He and my mom were high school sweethearts. First loves are special. Most people never forget them."

"Yeah, that's what concerned me," he agreed, unaware my heart was breaking. "Hey, it's none of my business. I'll pray for both of them."

"It's alright to be concerned for your sister's feelings. First loves are touch to compete with."

His gaze narrowed like he understood I was no longer talking about Dad and Izabelle.

"If everyone had that view, no one would ever move on. We'd all be marrying our sixth-grade crushes," he teased.

I forced a smile, and he knew it.

"Lucy, what's this about?"

"I'm sorry. It's probably the allergies."

His gaze sharpened. "Jase said you talked to Ava."

"He was right."

"You went off to talk to Ava. You disappeared. I know you were crying. Tell me what's wrong."

I couldn't resist obeying his gentle command. "You were first loves. I know you still have feelings for her. You think it's over, but what if you're meant to be together?"

"We're not." He didn't hesitate. "That's why you're upset? You should tell me what you two talked about."

"You, Kyle. She still loves you."

"What?" His lips parted and his expression was complete shock.

"I'm not repeating it." It hurt too much.

"I'll talk to Ava. I don't why she told you that." He leaned in and took my hand. "Please, pray about this. Don't push me away."

I nodded. "Ok, I'm sorry. I'm just tired." It was the truth. I was exhausted. "Can't you just hold me?"

He stood, helped me up, and pulled me into his strong arms. Dropping kisses into my hair, stroking my back, and whispering comforting words in my ear, he sought to mend the hole in my heart.

Though I tried I couldn't forget what Ava had said. Was I Kyle's rebound girl?

Long after he'd gone home my mind chased answers. I tried to pray, but I wasn't sure if I was hearing my own heart's desires or God's. One thing was for sure, I did not want to be his second choice.

The next morning I woke up restless and uncertain. I tried reading the Bible, but my thoughts raced. I felt empty and afraid.

Kyle sent texts and I answered with short responses. He called but I didn't answer.