Marrying mr wright, p.16
Marrying Mr. Wright, page 16
part #3 of Mysterious Ways Series
“You need therapy?” Carrie teased.
Amber laughed. “Yeah, well, probably.”
“What does it say to you?”
“This”—she motioned with a hand to indicate their surroundings—“is where God wants me.”
“Are you sure?” Doubt flashed. “I mean, you’re marrying a man you don’t even know.”
She chuckled. “That’s probably the funniest thing of all. I already know him better than I knew the guys I’ve dated in the past. I’ve talked more with him than I ever did any of them, and it’s been about stuff that actually matters.”
“How? You two haven’t had more than a few minutes together all week.”
Amber grinned. “We’re both night-owls, so we’ve been meeting on the front porch each night after you and Heather are in bed.” She shrugged. “Well, except last night. I was too tired to make it that far.”
“You sneaks!”
They shared a chuckle, then humor softened.
Carrie sighed. “I’m glad you told me. Makes me feel less guilty for forcing you into this.”
“I think God actually had more to do with it than you.” Amber smiled. “He just used you to push me into a corner so I’d do what He wanted.”
Carrie’s smile slipped away. “Are you absolutely sure about this though? I mean, you’ve never spent much time outside of Chicago. This is a major life change.”
“It’s transition time.” Amber shrugged. “I’ve finished my degree. I have nowhere to live; we completed that last remodel before we came on vacation. I have no job yet, since I planned to find one after we got back. What better time to make a big move?”
“Good point.”
“So… is Heather still upset?”
Carrie nodded. “You completely blew her illusions about Spencer Eddington. I think she’s having a hard time adjusting to the new information.”
Guilt pressed in. “I shouldn’t have been so harsh though, especially that parting shot.” She grimaced.
“I’m not sure anything else would’ve gotten through.” Carrie climbed to her feet. “What do you say we get a bit more work done before dinner?”
Amber groaned. “Do we have to?”
Carrie leaned down to grab her hand and hauled her to her feet. “Yep. Unless you want these rooms unfinished when Heather and I leave. I think there’s still more grout to do, and I need to put another coat of poly on the back half of this floor.”
“Alright. Fine. Be that way.” She grinned and followed Carrie to the bedroom.
“Remember to stay to the right when you come and go through the living room for the next twenty-four hours.”
“Will do.”
Carrie retrieved the polyurethane, a brush, and a roller then returned to the living room.
Amber strapped on knee pads and went to work on half-done grout.
~ ~ ~
Heather hadn’t emerged from the front bedroom, and eventually the light coming through the open doorway had gone out. Amber and Carrie had left her alone. Heather was generally cheerful and outgoing, but when upset, she shut down tighter than a bank vault, and no amount of prodding would prompt her to open up again until she was good and ready.
After Carrie’s bedroom darkened, Amber slipped out the front door, dressed in her footie pajamas, with a blanket for extra protection from the chilly night air. She left the porch light off to avoid drawing bugs and sat on the swing, pushing it gently back and forth. A nearly full moon lit the landscape.
She hadn’t been out long when the crunch of footfalls on dirt alerted her to Ben’s approach.
He mounted the stairs then crossed the porch toward her. He’d abandoned his hat since she’d last seen him.
“Finish the corral?”
“Right after supper.” He sat on the other end of the swing and turned slightly to face her, one arm stretched along the back, the other elbow resting on the arm of the swing. “Did you girls get done what you needed to?”
“Sure did. I’ll finish mudding and texturing around the windows tomorrow. Floors are done. Carrie did a wonderful job. We also finished the tile and grout in the washroom. Heather or I will clean it tomorrow. We’ll be able to paint everything Monday.”
Ben shook his head. “You ladies are amazing. I can’t believe how much you’ve gotten done so quickly.”
“What can I say? We’re gifted.” She grinned.
He smiled. “I truly did miss you last night.”
“Sorry.” Amber grimaced. “I was so tired I could hardly see straight. I doubt I would’ve been good company, even if I’d stayed awake. Today was easier.”
“I thought you were used to this sort of thing.”
“We’ve never done a job this fast before.” She hugged the blanket tighter. “Usually, we work for a couple of hours after dinner in the evenings and a good chunk on Saturdays. I don’t think we’ve ever crunched on a remodel day after day like this. We’ve always had jobs or school or both to contend with.”
“I see.” Ben nodded. “Well, I just wanted you to know I missed our chat last night.”
“Getting used to having me around, huh?” She grinned.
“I guess so.” He chuckled softly.
“Well, I’m kinda getting used to being here.” Amber pulled her foot up to rest on the edge of the swing’s seat, wrapping her arms and the blanket around her upraised knee. “In fact, I hope this doesn’t scare you, but you’re the first man I’ve ever felt comfortable talking to.”
Ben snorted. “Why would that scare me?”
“We haven’t known each other very long.”
“So?”
“Aren’t things like that from women supposed to frighten men half to death?”
He chuckled. “Maybe some. Not me. Not now anyway, and most definitely not with you. I want to share everything with you.”
As exciting as it was to realize a man wanted to open his thoughts and heart to her, it came with a lot of responsibility. Not only in safeguarding such a precious gift, but also in knowing Ben deserved the same in return. Terrifying was inadequate to describe what rippled through her.
“Are you scared yet?” The teasing edge of his tone didn’t entirely mask worry.
“Yes.”
Ben laughed, the sound soft but still deep and rich.
A delicious shiver raced through her, and her heart kicked against her ribs.
“I’m glad I’m not the only one God’s having to nail to the floor.”
“You, too? I never would’ve guessed.”
“Oh, yeah. Big time.”
That’s reassuring. I’m not alone, and he understands. Tension eased from muscles that had been unable to relax fully since her run-in with Mrs. Hansen.
A long, soft sigh from Ben reached through the quiet night. “After everything I went through with Robin, I can’t guarantee I’ll always listen to God’s leading and not react badly sometimes.”
“I’m glad I’m not the only fallible human in this relationship,” Amber muttered more to herself than to him.
He chuckled. “Oh, rest assured. I’m very fallible.” The wooden swing creaked and groaned as he shifted his weight. “I want to follow God’s lead—always—but I’m not gonna make any promises. I know myself too well.”
“Me, too.”
Ben glanced at her. “I guess what you need to do is concentrate on what makes me different from the guys you’ve dated, and I’ll do the same where you and Robin are concerned. Deal?” He offered his hand to shake on it.
“Deal.” She put her hand in his. “You should know you’re already way ahead in the game.”
“Oh, really?” His hand tightened momentarily on hers then released her.
She lowered her hand to her lap, gripping the blanket to keep from reaching out to him again. “Really. You’ve already proven to be nothing like the other men in my life.”
“I hope that’s a one-hundred-percent good thing.”
“Absolutely.” Amber blurted a short laugh before she could stop herself. “You know more about me than all of them put together.”
“How’s that possible?” Ben tilted his head to one side as he studied her with an expression she couldn’t see clearly enough to identify. “Your father’s known you all your life, and you dated each of those guys at least a year, right?”
“My father’s been so occupied with his job over the years, it’s a wonder he can identify me on sight. He doesn’t know me. I doubt he could tell you anything about me personally, except I quit architecture school to pursue something as pointless as art. Oh, and I’m pretty good at picking the winners in horse races. That’s important in his circle.”
Amber sighed. “As for the guys I dated, all they ever wanted to talk about was their work and who they needed to impress. They know more about those people’s lives and preferences than they ever learned about me. If you asked them about me, you’d probably be surprised by the answers you’d get. None of them know what I like or dislike, much less what I care about. They think art is a passing fad or a temporary hobby I’ll eventually outgrow.” She pointed to him. “You’ve known me a week, and you already understand how important it is to me.”
“The way you light up when you talk about it, how could I not know?”
She shrugged. “Maybe it’s my fault as much as theirs. If I’d been more… direct, they’d have taken me seriously.”
“Did you ever pretend art didn’t matter?”
“No.” She frowned.
“Did you ever tell them it wasn’t important?”
“No.”
“Then how were you dishonest?”
“I let it go when they poo-pooed it. I’m sure my silence spoke volumes.”
“I see your point.” He nodded. “Like the Liars Club. They’ve spun tales longer than I’ve been alive, I think. Most of us have ignored them over the years, rather than confronting their ungodly behavior. Even though we disagreed with their actions, we’ve condoned it by our silence. Some people have even left town to escape rumors they’ve started.”
Amber wasn’t sure how to respond, so she said nothing.
“I really am sorry about what happened today. I should’ve given you a heads-up about Mrs. Hansen, instead of you finding out the hard way about the lies she’s telling.” Ben shook his head. “I was foolish to think my talking to her had put a stop to it. I should’ve known better.”
“It’s okay.” She shrugged. “You warned me about the people in this town. I don’t think I would’ve believed what they’re truly capable of without seeing it for myself. Now I know. I won’t underestimate them from here on out.” She tugged the blanket tighter against a sudden chill. “How ugly did it get when you went back this afternoon?”
“Not as bad as you might think. I didn’t yell or anything.”
She smiled. “It wasn’t you acting ugly I was worried about.”
“I got Mr. Hansen involved as soon as I walked in the door. Mrs. Hansen confirmed her accusations in front of him, so he knows what she said about you. She was completely unrepentant, even defended herself, claiming to be concerned about me.” He shook his head. “I told Mr. Hansen this incident left me with no choice but to take the ranch’s business elsewhere.”
Amber stared at him. “How? There aren’t any other stores in town with the supplies you need, are there?”
“No. It’ll mean going into Jackson or Pinedale for supplies.”
An hour from Mystery, either way. “That’s a long way to go for groceries and nails.”
Ben shrugged. “Hansen’s only opened about ten years ago. Before then, we all drove into Jackson or Pinedale anyway. It requires better planning, that’s all.”
“I’m sorry.”
His hand touched her shoulder. “You have nothing to apologize for. I should’ve taken a stand years ago. Mrs. Hansen can’t go on like this unchecked, and I won’t support her behavior by spending money in their store. I hate to do that to Mr. Hansen and their son, Cal, but it can’t be helped.”
“Why hasn’t Mr. Hansen done something about his wife’s behavior before now?”
“I don’t know. Maybe he doesn’t know what to do. Maybe he tried, and she hasn’t listened.” He gently squeezed her shoulder. “Regardless, none of this is your fault. Alright?”
She nodded. “So… is there anyone in Mystery you know I can trust, or do I just assume everyone’s a rumormonger for now?”
“The Walker family is safe. Trevor, Travis, and Eleanor. I believe Ashley is as well, especially since she’s already had a run-in with the Liars Club. Trevor confronted them.” Ben shook his head. “I wish I’d been there to see it. Travis, I would’ve expected that from, but Trevor? No. He’s not easily riled, but apparently he gave them both barrels. I can’t vouch for all the Walkers’ men, but I’m certain of Mike and Charlie. They’re the two oldest. Neither of them carries tales. Pastor Avery’s trustworthy, too. The man could keep a secret from God Himself, I suspect.” Ben chuckled.
Amber giggled.
He pointed to the bunkhouse. “Will likes to use what he hears in town to push my buttons sometimes, but you can trust him. Ted, too. I haven’t seen or heard anything to make me suspicious of Matt or Gary either, so my guys seem safe. Macy, of course. She’s had a couple of collisions with the busybodies, so she has little tolerance for those ladies. Hm….” He frowned in thought.
“Is that all?” That’s an awfully small number of people who can be trusted. I wonder how many people there actually are in Mystery.
“Mr. Hansen. He doesn’t share things even with his wife, and he disapproves of her lies. He was furious about what she’d done to you.”
Amber winced. “Hopefully their son doesn’t get caught in the middle of an argument. I don’t think Mrs. Hansen will back down easily.”
“Mr. Hansen won’t let that happen. At least, I hope that’s the case.” Ben shook his head. “Anyway, if you have to deal with anyone else, assume the worst until you talk to me. I hate to advise that, but I’ve seen too much ugliness to suggest otherwise.”
She nodded.
Ben sighed and wiped a hand over his face. “I don’t want to call it quits, but I need to.”
“Me, too.” Regret, sharp and clear, wove through her.
“You gals plan to work tomorrow?”
“Is it Sunday yet?”
“No.”
“’Nuff said. As far as Carrie’s concerned, Sunday’s the only day of rest.”
Ben chuckled and stood up.
Amber got to her feet and shuffled to the front door. “I wonder if she’d notice if I disappeared tomorrow?”
“Where would you go?”
“A ride into the mountains sounds like a safe escape, assuming I don’t run into a grizzly or something equally hungry.”
“Say the word, and we can be gone before sun-up.”
He sounds serious! She studied him. The shadow cast by the almost-full moon obscured his expression. Why didn’t I turn the porch light on so I can see his face clearly? “You’d do that?”
“You bet, and I know all the best hideouts.”
She groaned. “I wish I could do it, but I’d have to be up before five to beat Carrie, and I hate mornings.”
Ben laughed softly and reached around her to pull open the screen door. “Well, let me know if you change your mind.”
Amber nodded, barely able to breathe as his warmth touched her face and neck.
Silence lengthened as Ben stared at her.
She waited. Will he kiss me goodnight? Is it too soon?
Yes, part of her yelled, but another part yearned to know the feel of his lips on hers.
After an eternity that lasted no more than a few seconds, he stepped back. “Goodnight.”
“Goodnight, Ben.” She forced herself to turn and enter the house. When she pushed the door closed, she leaned against it, torn between disappointment and relief.
The screen door closed with a faint tap, and footsteps crossed the porch. The quiet of night descended.
Chapter 13
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Seated in the second pew from the front, Amber tried to relax. Ben sat on her right, Carrie on her left, and Macy at her back. That buffer might as well have not been there. Multiple gazes burned holes into the back of her head. At least, that was how it felt. She hadn’t looked.
I can imagine what they’re thinking. They probably believe every word Mrs. Hansen has said.
An elderly woman on the front pew on the opposite side of the church glared at her, a frown creasing her wrinkled forehead. Readily recognizable hostility.
Amber shifted in her seat, fighting the urge to get up and leave.
“Sit still,” Mother’s chastisement reverberated deep. “Proper ladies don’t fidget. They act cool and calm in all situations.”
Easy for Mother to say. Nothing ruffles her. Well, except bad caviar. She’d lost it once when a shipment had arrived minutes before guests for one of her elaborate dinner parties.
Amber bit back a smile and sat rigid and straight in the pew. Don’t let these people see me nervous. They’re in the wrong, not me. I have nothing to feel guilty about. Ben knows it’s all lies. Nothing they say will change his opinion of me.
After the sermon, the pastor stepped from behind the pulpit to sit on the pew in front of them.
The song leader moved toward the pulpit.
An elbow tapped lightly into her left side. Carrie leaned closer and whispered, “Have you made any plans for the wedding and reception?”
Oh, no. I totally forgot. She grimaced. How could I have forgotten something that important? “I spaced it.”
“Any idea what you want?
“Something simple.” If I really had my way, we’d elope. I’m not sure how open Ben would be to that, though.
Carrie nodded. “How about if I take care of it?”
“Really?” Amber pulled her eyebrows out of the rafters. Where in the world did that offer come from? Carrie had never cared for mushy stuff like weddings. Not that I’m much better about such public displays. She suppressed a shudder.
