Thirty

It was like Kyle and I were destined to cross paths.

We bumped into each other at the grocery story, literally. I was carrying an armful of fruit, bread, and cheese when I slammed into what felt like a wall of muscle.

Somehow I managed not to drop my dinner but the poor wall wasn't as fortunate and his one of his potatoes landed on my foot. He did manage to hold on to his steak.

"Ow!"

"I'm sorry, I—"

We looked up at the same time and recognized each other.

My stomach flipped.

His eyes widened. Nostrils flared.

"Lucy." He said my name with such longing, my heart squeezed.

Before I could embarrass myself, I picked up his potato to give me something to do. I was nervous.

"I have your potato!" As soon as I said it, I winced at how ridiculous that would sound to him.

He didn't seem to notice my awkwardness. "Thanks. I-uh, how are you?"

"Good."  The word flew out.

Something flashed in his eyes. "Really?"

"No." I shifted my burden. "What about you?"

"I miss you."

My heart tripped. Those three little words wrapped around me like a warm, cozy blanket on a cold December morning.

Suddenly, a storm of confetti descended like spring rain and an announcer came on the intercom. "Congratulations, to the one-hundredth customer!"

Kyle and I stared at one another while the announcement went on.

"Everyone is taking home a complimentary cupcake with your purchase!"

Employees walked around with individual plastic containers of cupcakes, and I added them to my armful.

"Here, let me help," Kyle said, reaching for my falling groceries.

Shifting my burden quickly, before he got closer, I smiled. "Got it. Thanks. I should probably get going."

The moment had been stolen.

"I'll see you later, Lucy."

***

Later turned out to be Wednesday night Bible Study.

Entering the room, I stopped short when my gaze landed on Kyle sitting beside a pretty brunette. On the other side of her was Jase. "Did you know about this?" I whispered to Katie.

"Guilty."

Jase's smile slipped a notch when he saw me, but he still motioned us to join them. I'm sure this was more for Katie, but he couldn't exclude me without being rude.

"C'mon," she urged. "We are at church. Let's try to be nice to our friends."

The comment stung. I had no intention of being anything other than nice and with this in mind I gave Jase my brightest smile. "I think your boyfriend wants you to sit with him."

"He's not my boyfriend," she hissed as we walked to their table, stopping to greet several people who introduced themselves.

When Kyle glanced up and saw me, I tingled at the look of pleasure on his face. He pulled out the free chair beside him, but Jase quickly took it despite Kyle's frown.

As it turned out I sat several people down from him, and I was disappointed but Kyle wasn't the reason I'd come to Bible Study. I sat my Bible, notebook, and pen on the table as well as the book for the class.

I'd already read the introduction and the first two chapters. When the class started, I was engrossed in the discussion and before I knew it we were done.

We made small talk with some of the other attendees. The brunette sitting beside Kyle was Natalie, and it was obvious Jase doing a little matchmaking. I'd turned to speak to Sarah a moment, and when I joined Katie again I heard Jase asking her if she wanted to ride with them.

A moment of awkward silence fell, and I realized they had made plans to go out for coffee. I was a party crasher.

"Come with us, Lucy." Kyle's gaze locked with mine. "We can all fit in my truck."

Caught off guard and not wanting to crash their double date, I stammered. "I-uh, I don't know—"

"That sounds good," Katie said, cutting me off.  She and Kyle shared a look.

Natalie was as sweet and friendly as she was pretty and readily agreed. It seemed the only ones unhappy with the arrangements were Jase and I.

"I'm going to kill you," I whispered to Katie behind a huge smile.

She laughed. "Not at church. I have time. 'Sides you might thank me later."

"Katie, I'm a fifth wheel."

"Everything ok?" Kyle asked, but he knew it wasn't. He knew me too well.

I smiled politely, and Kyle's hand settled on the small of my back as he opened the passenger door to his truck.

"You ride shotgun, Natalie," Jase called with a charming grin, leading her to the front.

Thankfully, no one seemed to realize Kyle had silently offered the spot to me. I stepped back, joining Jase and Katie. Katie whispered something under her breath and he frowned.

Climbing into the backseat with Katie and Jase, I clutched my Bible. I had a feeling I was going to need it.

***

"I like Natalie," I said once were home.

"Me too. Not too sure about Jase." Katie punched a pillow and searched for a movie. "What was he thinking?"

I shrugged. It was difficult to be upset with him when he was looking out for his best friend. "He meant well."

"Kyle wasn't digging the matchmaking, in case you didn't notice. "

I bit into a piece of toffee that vaguely resembled the state of Texas. "It was a little awkward when he made a point of listing all the things Kyle and Natalie had in common."

Katie snorted a laugh. "Right and that wasn't even the worst of it."

"It wasn't that bad," I said, noticing she'd paused the remote on The Chosen.

"You two make a cute couple!" Katie mimicked Jase. "He said it three times!"

"The third time really drove the point home." I kept my expression blank. If Katie hadn't been so indignant on my behalf she'd have seen the humor in the situation.

"Seriously, it was uncalled for." She held up her tiny fist, but I could tell she was trying not to smile. "I wanted to smack him."

We both dissolved into a fit of laughter.

"I'm sorry, Lucy. Jase needs to stay in his lane. I'll talk to him again."

"No worries." I shrugged like it wasn't a big deal, and I realized that it actually wasn't. I still loved Kyle, but I was learning patience and trust. "God's got it covered."

Over the next few weeks, I realized there was no avoiding Kyle. Not that I wanted to, but seeing him brought feelings I'd rather not have.

I did a lot of praying, Bible reading, and I thought about my mom a lot.

For the first time ever, I made it to a dress fitting before Aunt Karen and Lindsay.  They arrived late, and I knew immediately something was wrong.

Aunt Karen and Lindsay were at odds. Neither spoke to the other and the tension was palpable.

"You're bringing Kyle to the wedding?"

I turned my head to Lindsay, not certain if she was asking or telling me. I'd RSVP'd for two but was currently dateless, though I still held hope we'd work things out. "Probably not."

"Oh," she feigned disappointment. "That's too bad. Trouble in paradise?" Lindsay didn't wait for me to answer. "I didn't want to say anything, but I saw him the other day." She leaned in and lowered her voice. "He came on to me."

I stared at Lindsay.

"I can't imagine what he was thinking." She gave me a helpless, puppy dog look and played the victim.

I didn't think before I opened my mouth. "You gave him your number with the words CALL ME. Maybe he was thinking of that."

Lindsay gasped and turned a shade of purple. "How dare you!"

Before I could react, I took a deep breath. "I'm sorry." I turned and faced her. "You're beautiful, smart, and charming. Jesus loves you."

"Please," she spat with a roll of her eyes. "You trash me and then throw that at me? You are such a hypocrite."

Dozens of responses came to mind. I wasn't pointing out that what I'd said was true, and I didn't think she was ready to listen to anything about Jesus now. "I am sorry."

"Whatever. After the wedding, never speak to me again."

She stormed off, and I sensed we were done. I'd keep praying for Lindsay to come to know the Lord.

***

Lindsay's wedding day arrived sunny and bright.

After a morning run, I showered and dressed. Katie was noticeably absent but she sent a text saying she'd see me at the wedding. I wondered if she and Jase met before for early lunch.

My phone dinged with a message and a flicker of hope lit inside me. Kyle! With a hollow feeling in my belly, I tapped the screen. The message was from Dad. I frowned when I read it. He asked me to meet him at the wedding.

This was strange because only two days ago he'd insisted on picking me up and riding together. I wondered if it had to do with Izabelle. I suppose I'd find out soon enough.

I'd just finished arranging my hair into upswept loose curls when the doorbell rang. Please be Kyle. Agh! The dreaded hope was on the move again.

Pulling the door open, I came face to face with Jase. My face fell, and he noticed.

"Would it help if I said I'm sorry?"

Disappointment clouded my brain, and I almost asked him what he was talking about. "I've already forgiven you, but feel free to grovel if it makes you feel better."

He clasped his hands together but when he crouched I put my hand on his arm. "I was joking. You'll wrinkle your suit."

"You're clearly not happy to see me. Expecting someone else?"

"I thought you might be Kyle. I don't know why. He probably forgot about the wedding." I opened the door wider. "You want to come in?"

Jase sauntered past me, stopping in the middle of the living room, and shoving his hands into his pockets. He seemed nervous. "You look pretty."

"Thank you. You too." I smiled.

"Yeah, I know, I'm a pretty boy. Take as many shots at me as you want." He raised his arms and beckoned with his fingers. "C'mon, I can take it."

"Nope, I'm good," I said smiling.

"I feel awful about trying to set Kyle up and about yelling at you." He released a deep sigh of regret. "When you fainted, I was scared."

"Like I said you're forgiven."

"I think of you as a friend. I hope I haven't messed that up." He flashed me a smile that would have melted most female hearts.

"I've lost enough lately. I'm not turning down your offer of friendship."

Jase had a strange expression on his face. "You haven't lost Kyle." I wanted to ask him what he meant but he changed the subject. "Katie said you needed a date for your cousin's wedding."

This was a surprise. "She told you that?"

"I'll be your date." He held out his arms as if offering himself to me with a charming grin.

"You want to be my date?" I laughed softly. "I think you should go with Katie."

"She's already got a date."

Katie hadn't mentioned a date. Something was off.  "Where is Katie?"

"We probably need to leave soon since you're in the wedding party," he said easily, not answering my question about Katie.

Shaking my head at Jase, I wondered what was up with him. "I can't believe you want to go to a wedding. Don't guys usually try to get out of those?"

"Us sentimental, romantic guys live for weddings." He winked at me.

"I don't know how you said that with a straight face, but I guess if you want to go."

An hour later, I was in the bridal room at the country club watching Lindsay fuss over her hair. "She made the curls too tight," Lindsay complained.

"I think it looks chic."

Lindsay ignored me.  Aunt Karen shot me a silencing look, like a wouldn't know chic from chick.

Lindsay's maid of honor, Hadley, sympathized with Lindsay but assured her she looked stunning.  Lindsay was lovely in her sleek, mermaid gown, with a gorgeous back that plunged into a V-line to her derriere, but she wasn't wearing an expression of a joyful bride. She seemed agitated, and I wondered if she was having doubts about marrying Brandon.

The music began and I walked down the aisle, my heart nearly stopping when my gaze landed on Kyle sitting with Katie. When he turned his head and looked at me, a delicious shiver moved through me.

Lindsay decided to forgo the traditional wedding march for something more contemporary. When she floated down the aisle everyone turned and watched her glorious ascent except for Kyle, who didn't take his eyes off me.

The ceremony began, and the justice of the peace recited the wedding vows including the part where he asked if anyone objected to this union.

"I do! I object!" cried a voice, and it didn't come from the audience.

All eyes fastened on the maid of honor, and best friend to the bride, Hadley. I blinked in shock, thinking how this seemed like something that only happened on TV.

Brandon was already apologizing, but it was difficult to tell exactly who he was apologizing Lindsay or Hadley.

Lindsay was livid, her beautiful face beet red.

Aunt Karen paled, and Uncle Parker looked irritated, probably because of all the money he'd spent on the fairytale wedding that had suddenly turned into a daytime talk show drama.

"We've been sleeping together for months," Hadley confessed to Lindsay. "I've wanted to tell you, but it was never the right time."

"What?" Lindsay shrieked.

"I'm in love with someone else," Brandon declared, and to my dismay he stepped in front of me and took my hand. "Lucy, I love you," he announced, and he looked like he meant it.

I stared, speechless, at Brandon.

Hadley and Lindsay began shouting at one another.

The crowd erupted into a cacophony of whispers and pandemonium.

"Please, give me another chance to prove how much you mean to me," Brandon pleaded.

Opening my mouth, I tried to speak but nothing happened. Thankfully, another voice came to my rescue.

"Sorry, Brandon." Kyle's deep voice interrupted. "She's mine." I saw the question in his eyes that my heart was ready to answer. "If she'll have me."

Stepping around the groom, I walked into Kyle's open arms.

He pulled me close, and I wrapped my arms around his middle, loving how it felt to once again be held by him.

"Ava arranged a room at the hotel for me and Jase to meet with investors. Room 211. We're going into business together." He pulled back just enough to see my face.

Something shifted inside me. "I should never have doubted you."

"I don't want to live without you. There's never been anyone for me but you, and there never will be. I love you, Lucy."

"I love you too," I whispered. "I've prayed for us, and I've waited patiently. There were times I was sure God was pushing me toward you."

"He was, Lucy. I'm sure of it. I'll never let you go again." Kyle lowered his head and his mouth covered mine.

I vaguely heard cheering and realized with surprise that the crowd was applauding us.

My heart was already full, and that was before Kyle pulled me outside the sanctuary and took a knee. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box, flipping it open, and handing it to me. Inside was a glittering diamond ring.

"Marry me?" he asked, his gaze expectant.

"Yes!" I threw my arms around him.

The crowd watched us through the open doors of the sanctuary. They went wild. My face flushed. Kyle also seemed a bit surprised at our audience.

The Pastor cleared his throat.  "Do you two want to get married?"

Kyle's gaze met mine, and I saw the question in his eyes. His forehead dropped to mine. "I want to make you happy."

"You do."

"Someone might as well enjoy this wedding. I paid a small fortune for it," Uncle Jonathan said dryly.

I nodded. "Yes."

Izabelle and Katie both stood up with me.  Jase was Kyle's best man.  My dad walked me down the aisle. Surprisingly, most of Lindsay and Brandon's wedding guests stayed to see us get married.

When the justice of the peace asked for the second time that day if anyone objected laughter followed his question, but no one spoke up and Kyle and I were married.

Uncle Parker hugged me. "You look just like your mother," he whispered. "She would be proud of who you are. There's a dinner reception the two of you need to enjoy."

Kyle and I exchanged a look, and I knew that he'd go along with whatever I wanted. "I don't feel right about taking over Lindsay's reception, Uncle Parker. I appreciate the offer. Thank you."

"I'm not taking no for an answer.  If you don't stay and enjoy it, it'll go to waste. I'm sure Lindsay would have wanted you to stay," Uncle Parker finished, though I'm not sure how he said that with a straight face.

Lindsay had already stormed out of the country club, and she'd be furious when she found out.  Aunt Karen had left as well. I was just about to decline when another voice interrupted.

"Listen to him.  It'll give him the chance to do something nice for his sister's daughter."

I looked up at the elderly couple that had come to stand beside Uncle Parker.

"We've never met," the woman said, her hawkish eyes watching us, seeming to miss nothing. "I'm your grandmother."

"If you and your husband will stay, it will give us the chance to get to know our granddaughter, something we should have done years ago," the man, who was apparently my grandfather, replied.

"It'll also give us the chance to apologize to your father," she said, glancing at my dad.

He smiled at my grandparents, and I felt God making a way. I knew it took a lot for dad to forgive them given how they'd rejected my mother.  My dad was one of the strongest men I knew. He reminded me of Kyle.

"Come on everyone," Uncle Parker called. "We're having lobster and prime rib for dinner."

Kyle held my hand and smiled down at me. I couldn't have imagined a happier ending.

I loved Kyle so very much, but most importantly my mother's dream of me loving Jesus had been fulfilled.

My life was full of possibility, and all because I truly loved Him.

THE END

Thank you! I appreciate every read, vote, and comment. Writing in my spare time when I'm not working is a challenge. I wish I could respond to all comments. Every one positive or constructive inspires me, and I appreciate you.

Finding Him~Izabelle's story is next. I've also started on another Christian adventure story that demanded to be told.

We serve a mighty God! May the Lord Jesus Christ be with each of you on your journeys.