Jodie's Song (3 page)

Not even with someone as promising as the groundskeeper at Heart's Haven.

At her deepest core, Jodie longed for only two things. First and foremost, she wanted to serve her family by helping her father and thereby give her sister the means by which to move on in her life. Second, she wanted to continue to minister to others via her radio program. Anything else would be a miracle, because she had nothing left to offer after seeing to those two issues.

What exactly would God's overall plan bring to Jodie Cunningham? Right now, there were no clear answers, and no defined heart path to follow except her love for her family and her obligation to her job.

Why, suddenly, did that recognition seem ominous...and unsettling?

 

 

 

 

3

 

Admittedly, being a guy's guy and all, the errand Kevin presently executed struck him as somewhat…awkward. However, given present circumstances, there was no way he would deny Aunt Vivian a thing.

She was on her way to an unexpected visit to the doctor with Uncle Andy, so Kevin had been recruited to perform welcome wagon duties. He shifted a heavy, old-fashioned pie tin from right hand to left so he could ring the doorbell of Jodie Cunningham's place. A crocheted hot pad, created for Vivian by Heart's Haven resident and office receptionist Maria Lang, protected his fingertips from the still warm contents—a classic apple pie, made from scratch. Tiny ribbons of white steam lifted into the air and tempted his taste buds to dance.

Light footfalls from inside the apartment signaled Jodie's approach. Kevin cleared his throat and straightened, looking forward to seeing—

The door came open, and there she stood. An expectant smile lit her features as she wiped her hands on a dish towel. Kevin stared for a second or two, captured by sparkling brown eyes and an underlying vulnerability, a beauty, he sensed all over again when it came to this lovely new resident of the Haven. He moistened his lips and offered a smile. “I come bearing gifts from Aunt Viv.”

“Thank you, Kevin. It smells fantastic.” A moment of uncertainty came and went then she widened the door opening. “I'm still admiring the landscape job you finished out front. Please, come on in.”

“Thanks. I really can't stay, but I wanted to drop this off for my aunt.”

Concern crested Jodie's fair features. “Is everything OK with Viv?”

Long story
, Kevin thought, but he smiled through a cloud of uncertainty. “You're new to Heart's Haven, but you seem to catch on like everyone else and recognize what a treasure she is. Aunt Viv has a tradition of welcoming people to the complex with a fresh baked apple pie. She would have delivered it personally, but she asked me to help out when she was called away.”

“That's so sweet of her. Thanks for bringing it by. Are you sure you can't stay and share a slice?”

Kevin followed her to the kitchen. “I could swing it without too much trouble, but apple pie? At ten in the morning?”

“Hey, it's not just for dessert anymore.” She flashed him a mischievous grin that shot a lightning bolt of heat through his frame. “Make yourself comfortable. I'll brew a fresh pot of coffee.”

A trio of tall chrome stools lined a breakfast nook that divided the kitchen from the living room. While Jodie filled the carafe and snagged a pair of colorful stoneware mugs from a cabinet, Kevin looked around. Boxes were still tucked into corners, but all in all, she had made fast work of settling in. Jodie sliced and served; Kevin continued to scope the nearby end tables and a number of small built-in shelves that featured what seemed to be family photographs.

“So tell me about Vivian. Is everything OK?”

Jodie tucked into the chair next to his. Flipping a yellow linen napkin open she spread it across her lap. Kevin followed suit. In unison they dove into perfectly flaked crust and dewy, crisp apples that were sweet, tangy, and perfectly cooked.

“She's taking Andy to the doctor.”

“Oh, no.”

“It was kind of a sudden development that came up when he arrived at the main office. After his daily rounds, Andy always stops by the front office to check in with her about any special work projects that need to be done. He said he was having trouble breathing and a few minutes after that, he sank into a chair and couldn't seem to recover.” A cloud pushed through Kevin's mind. “I hate to say much about health issues, but I'm worried about him. Lately he's looked kind of pale, and I've noticed he's a lot more tired than usual.”

Jodie stopped eating. She cupped her chin in her hand, watching Kevin intently. “I'll keep him in my prayers. Viv, too. It's not easy watching someone you love go through physical struggles.”

“True enough—although I've never lived through such a thing until now. I moved in here and started working around the place just a few months ago to help him out. I wanted to be there for him and for Vivian.”

She resumed their morning desert session, chewed slowly, and seemed to ponder. “I can relate. My dad is having similar issues, complicated by arrhythmia. His condition is what brought me back to Angel Falls.”

Two struggling souls converging
, Kevin thought, appreciating all over again the way God moved through time and circumstance to provide wellsprings of comfort. He swallowed his bite of pie, meeting her gaze squarely. “I'm sorry to hear it. Will he be OK?”

She smiled, but her lips wavered. “That's my hope.”

He nodded, continuing to watch her in a slow, steady way that allowed him to absorb her nuances for a moment or two. “My aunt tells me you start the morning drive slot at KWJD tomorrow. Congratulations. I love that station. I'll be listening.”

Jodie ran her fingertips against the lip of her mug. Pink color touched her cheeks. “I'd appreciate that.”

“Morning drive. You've snagged a prime spot. Nicely done.”

Jodie looked away, shifting in her chair. She fingered back a wave of hair while she fiddled with her fork. “God opened a doorway with perfect timing.”

Why did those words come off sounding somewhat evasive—and burdened in a way—as though she were trying to convince herself of the fact? This lady was far from one-dimensional, offering instead a number of intriguing layers. Kevin had a strong feeling each one would be more fascinating than the last.

“Where were you living before?”

“Dallas. I worked as a DJ at the Christian radio station there, earning my spurs by handling the graveyard shift. The morning slot here in Angel Falls is a lateral move, but it gives me closer contact to my family and a schedule that's much more appealing. Working in a big market is a definite thrill, even at the entry level, but Angel Falls is where I grew up. It's home.” She lifted her cup and sipped.

Kevin studied her, enrapt. “You're a native.”

She enjoyed more of the pie, delivering another shy glance and a smile. “Born and raised.”

He sensed much more to her arrival at Heart's Haven than she readily delivered, but he opted not to push. Instead, he resumed a companionable silence. The fresh-brewed coffee tasted delicious and Viv's pie was second to none.

“Actually I'm heading off soon to visit my dad before I report to the station.” Jodie shifted on the stool, crossing her legs. Kevin's gaze drifted to sandaled feet with nails tipped by a dark red dash of color. The visual left his throat a touch dry, so he sipped from his coffee. “He was hospitalized following a mild heart attack a few weeks ago. When that happened, I had some discussions with my sister that led me to realize I needed to come home and help him. The job opportunity came up at KWJD, and the way everything fell together, it felt like the professional change and relocation were meant to be.”

He appreciated the revelation and took in every word, his attention drifting to the brass framed pictures that dotted her living space. One in particular, taken at the edge of a lake, featured her family. “Your mom.” He nodded toward the nearest photo, in a place of honor on the nearest shelf. “Is she still alive?”

She tracked his gaze, shook her head. “She passed away about two years ago. Strange the way life works. Dad was older by nearly a decade. We never imagined Mom would pass away first, and so young.”

An ache of sadness built in his chest. So, Jodie Cunningham dealt with the fairly recent passing of her mother, her father's precarious health, and a whole new life path that seemed to feature minimal outside support. No wonder she seemed displaced and reserved.

But she was sweet, too. The straightforward, simple purity of her style pleased him. Dressed in a deep green polo, khaki shorts, and sandals, she exuded an appealing freshness. Kevin also liked her eye for detail, like the clean, modern lines of her furniture, the pops of bright color that came in the form of a few unframed canvases that were mounted on the walls and an assortment of cheery throw pillows. Like the lady herself, Jodie's home spoke of welcome and warmth.

An idea came to life and he decided to voice it without a second thought. “Do you like landscaping? Working in the dirt? Planting flowers?”

“Actually, I do.” She stood and began to clear their dishes. Wanting to help, Kevin followed her lead, carrying his own plate and mug to the kitchen sink. “The other day, I prepped the beds at my father's house. Digging and playing with plants for a while was wonderful.”

Kevin folded his arms across his chest and propped a hip against the counter. “You know, Heart's Haven is going to be hosting a wedding pretty soon. A splashy outdoor celebration for Kaci James and Ryne Calvert. They're two long-time residents and a fantastic couple.”

Jodie's eyes lit. “Outdoor vows? That's awesome! How can I help? What can I do?”

He savored the rush of her enthusiasm. On its tailwind he came to recognize why he had made the offer. An as yet indefinable piece of her personality called to him. He wanted to get to know her better. “My job is to manicure the bushes, rake and bag the refuse, purchase and plant flowers, that kind of thing. There's a gazebo that's set to be installed. We'll decorate that as well. That's the space where Kaci and Ryne will exchange their vows.”

“Count me in. Working with you would be fun.”

Rays of undisguised hope and expectation rode through her tone. The reaction seemed to stem straight from her heart and catch her by surprise, because right away she leaned away a bit, fussing over the task of rinsing cups rather than meeting his eyes.

“Oh, it's fun all right—until about two o'clock, when the sun turns merciless. And just to warn you, I tend toward slave driving.” He grinned and winked. “I was born to supervise and delegate.”

The playful quips helped stabilize her mood. Jodie returned a playful grin and sparkles danced in her eyes. “Oh, really?”

“Yep. Furthermore, I love willing laborers. According to Vivian, Kaci's color choices are lavender and something like butterscotch. I don't know. Purple is purple and yellow is yellow, right?”

Jodie laughed. “You're such a
guy
. There are many and varied shades of purple and yellow.”

“I guess. Maybe you can be the one I call on when it comes to flower colors and styles.”

“All kidding aside, I'd love to help, and outdoor work and exertion certainly would be—” She stopped abruptly. Clearing her throat, Jodie opened the dishwasher and turned her back, beginning to slowly, carefully load the remainder of their used tableware into the machine.

Confused, Kevin rested a gentle, stilling hand against her forearm; he didn't speak or move away until he harnessed her full attention. She struck him as wide-eyed—the clichéd deer caught in the headlights of an oncoming car. Jodie Cunningham was running, and hiding. But why?

“Outdoor work and exertion would be what, Jodie?” He hoped his quiet tone would reach forward and speak to the spots in her heart that he sensed were raw and sore—exposed to the elements of doubt. “Would you like to tell me?”

Silver and stoneware clattered just slightly as she closed the washer door. She delivered an entirely unconvincing smile and moved away from his touch. “Oh, it's nothing, really. Just…some time outside, working hard and bringing something beautiful to life…I think that's just what I need right now. Doesn't restoring the earth lend itself to restoring the soul?”

Kevin took a moment to ingest that comment and allow its double meaning to sink in. “That certainly has proven to be the case in my world. Are you in need of a mental boost?”

“Yes, I am.” Surprisingly strong, her reply came without hesitation. Her gaze shifted to his and sealed. But that was all she said. Her mouth closed and her lips firmed. Kevin respected the reaction and decided he had learned enough. For now.

“I'd love to hear more about you, Jodie. Did I happen to mention my other key attribute?” She shook her head. Her disquiet returned, which riddled Kevin with even more questions about this spirited lady. “I don't have a lock on wisdom and knowledge or anything, but I'm a born listener.” He angled toward the entrance of the kitchen and prepared to leave. “Don't be afraid to give me a try in that department if you ever feel the need, OK?”

Tentative and reserved, her answering nod prompted him to go still and focus within. Humming vibrations of affection grew steadily and left him eager to discover more about her. In response to that call, Kevin offered a heartfelt and emphatic prayer for Jodie Cunningham. He recognized at once the symptoms of a disquieted soul, and he yearned to be part of God's plan to set her tired spirit free.

 

 

 

 

4

 

“Jodie Cunningham, meet Kaci James, soon to be Calvert.” Jodie stepped forward at Kevin's introduction, extending her hand to a petite woman of fair features who radiated dynamic energy.

“Jodie, it's a pleasure. Thanks so much for helping to coordinate the flower scheme.” Eyes of dark brown took in the confines of Crestin's Market as she accepted Jodie's gesture then continued to scan the rainbow hued display of flowers. “Dealing with dresses for the bridesmaids was enough of a challenge. Truth to tell, I've decided to remain sane and turn over all of the wedding planning to Vivian. Today, I'm leaving horticulture to the experts. I'm just along for the ride.”