Love Will Find a Way (29 page)

George said, “We were wondering if we'd done something to displease you."

Emily pulled out a chair and sat down. “No!” What had Robert told them? “Why would you think that?"

George took Clara's hand in his. “You've been ignoring us. Mamma was concerned."

How could she have been so inconsiderate? These dear old people should be enjoying their grandson's wedding, not having to worry about her cowardly behavior. “I've been very busy. Forgive me, please."

Clara asked, “Could you stay and visit for a while?"

Emily settled back in her chair. “I'd love to."

Robert sat down in the chair next to Emily and smiled at his parents. “See? I told you. No problem."

Shame dispelled Emily's anger. She had behaved abominably, avoiding George and Clara. “I'm sorry I haven't been over before now."

Clara answered, “You're here now.” And then asked, “Did Aunt Beth find you before she went back to the nursing home?"

Emily relaxed a little. “Yes."

"Debra and Mike send their regrets.” Clara said, “They were called out of town. Mike's grandfather passed away last Thursday."

Emily carefully avoided looking in Robert's direction. “I know. Debra called me."

"Today is like an oasis of happiness in a desert of sickness and death.” Clara smiled. “Wasn't the bride beautiful? And her little sisters are adorable."

George was quick to pick up on Clara's cue. “The groom was handsome as an Adonis and the Reverend is no slouch himself. All in all, I'd say it was about as perfect as a wedding could be.” He pointed, “Look."

The newlyweds had appeared at the top of the stairs, dressed in travel clothes and beaming with happiness. All eyes shifted to look at them. Emily pushed her chair back. “Excuse me.” She made her escape and went to stand beside the door.

From nowhere Dennis appeared to stand beside her. “If you stay here much longer, you won't get to throw rice at the bride and groom.” Taking her arm he guided her through the crowd. “You wouldn't want to miss that."

Emily held onto Dennis's arm. “We're tossing bird seed. It's better for the environment."

Amid the tossing of birdseed and shouts from a host of well wishers, the bride and groom scrambled into Kevin's car and with a cheerful wave pulled away from the curb.

The car disappeared around a bend in the road. The crowd began to disperse and move off in all directions, leaving the area around the recreation hall littered with debris. Emily surveyed the scene with distaste. “Is someone coming to clean this place?"

Dennis pressed his hand to the small of his back. “The custodial service that takes care of the church will be here soon. Are you ready to go?"

"I want to have a word with my in-laws.” She caught her error before she could finish the sentence, “I mean my ex in-laws"

"They left when Kevin and Stacy did. You can call them from the parsonage if it's important.” Dennis took her arm. “Larry and the twins are waiting for us."

Emily had to ask. “Did Robert leave with his parents?"

They walked down the steps and turned toward the parsonage with Dennis still holding Emily's arm. “I believe so.” Without so much as a change of voice or a falter in his steps, Dennis asked, “Did you quarrel with Robert again?"

Emily grunted. “It's more like an extension of the same old fight."

"Did the two of you squabble like this when you were married?"

She thought that was none of his business. “Why do you ask?"

Dennis's shoulders rose and then fell, “Just curious."

"Strange as it sounds, we didn't.” Emily speculated, “Sometimes I think it would have been better if we had."

Dennis stared down at Emily. “That's a strange thing to say."

She smiled up at him. “Yes, it is, isn't it? When Robert and I were married we seldom disagreed. Looking back, I can see there were times when a little disagreement would have been healthy."

Dennis held the parsonage door open for her “Maybe we can talk about this at our next Singles’ session."

Emily went inside and laid her handbag on the table in the hall. “What good would that do now?"

Dennis closed the door. “Maybe it would keep you from making the same mistake the next time around."

Emily thought there might never be a next time. Before she had a chance to say so, she was interrupted by noises from the kitchen. Kim and Larry were arguing good-naturedly.

Dennis called, “We're home."

Three voices called greetings as Amy appeared in the doorway. “The housekeeper left sandwiches and coffee."

Dennis and Emily followed Amy into the kitchen.

"Just coffee for me,” Emily said as she sat at the table across from Kim and Larry.

Dennis eased down in the chair beside her. “I'll have one cup of coffee, black.” He removed his cleric's collar and tossed it on the sideboard.

Amy brought the coffee and sat on the other side of Emily. “Larry and Kim are having a disagreement."

Dennis chuckled. “I guessed as much."

Kim announced, “Larry thinks Kevin and Stacy should have included the word ‘obey’ in their wedding ceremony. I say that's old-fashioned and outmoded."

Dennis tasted his coffee before setting his cup on the table. “I think Larry is teasing you."

Kim turned to Larry and asked, “Are you?"

Larry smiled. “A little, I guess. I can't have you growing up to be a female chauvinist."

Kim struck him playfully on his arm. “You're a terrible tease."

Emily's observant stare moved from Larry to Kim and then to Dennis, who was smiling broadly. Here in the warmth of this cheery kitchen, how right the world seemed. She felt herself begin to unwind.

Amy asked, “Does anyone want more coffee?"

"No more for me.” Larry put his hand over his cup. “I'd like to take Kim and Amy to the movies, if that's all right with you, Dennis."

Before Dennis could answer, Kim and Amy began to beg in unison. “Please, Dad, please."

"Sure,” Dennis agreed, “but be home by ten."

Larry waved to his mother. “I'll be home early, Mom."

As the young people exited the room, Dennis called after his daughters, “Did you hang up your formals?"

Kim shouted over her shoulder, “Amy did."

Dennis leaned back in his chair and over the slam of the front door said, “Oh the problems and perils of parenthood."

"Don't knock it,” Emily answered. “When they're gone, you'll miss having them around.” The bleak reality of just how alone she was hit Emily with sudden impact.

"Are you feeling a little let down?” Dennis's hand reached to cover Emily's fingers.

"A little,” she admitted, grateful for the warmth of his touch.

"Me, too.” His fingers caressed the back of her hand. “It's only natural, I suppose.” Then out of the blue he asked, “Have you given any thought my proposal?"

After what seemed an interminable length of time, Emily asked, “How can you propose marriage to a woman you've never even kissed?"

Dennis raised one eyebrow. “Do you want me to kiss you?"

"You're not supposed to answer a question with a question. What if we got married and then found out we weren't sexually compatible?"

Dennis's laughter filled the room. “What are you proposing?"

Color fused Emily's cheeks as the implications of what she had said registered. “That didn't come out the way I meant it to.” Looking Dennis squarely in the eye, she said, “You're not in love with me."

"And you're not in love with me,” Dennis answered. “But that doesn't mean we can't have a good marriage."

"This is crazy. If you don't love me and you know I don't love you, how can you even think about marriage?"

Dennis stood and extended his hand in her direction. “Come into the living room where we can be more comfortable."

Ignoring his extended hand, Emily stood. “Lead the way."

Dennis turned and with his back to her, asked, “Don't you know by now that in marriage, friendship is much more enduring and endearing than sex?"

Emily followed Dennis into his living room and curled up in an overstuffed chair. “Explain, Reverend. I'm listening."

Chapter 15

Dennis slipped out of his coat and hung it on the back of a chair. “You want me to tell you why I think you and I could have a good marriage even though we're admittedly not ‘in love’ with each other?” He smiled ruefully. “Whatever ‘in love’ is.” Pacing across the room, he stopped to stare out the front window.

"Don't you believe in love?” Emily asked.

"Very much so.” He turned to face her. “I believe love is the most powerful force on earth. I believe God and love are synonymous in the sense that both are eternal. I also happen to think there are many kinds and degrees of love.” He came back across the room and dropped down on the couch. “Being in love is very unique and special. I've experienced that fiery, all consuming emotion. That's what I had with Ellen. That's the kind of love you felt for your ex-husband."

In some convoluted way what he was saying made sense. “It's over between Robert and me, but I'll always cherish the memory."

Dennis said candidly. “Just because I haven't asked that you have sex with me before marriage, doesn't mean I don't desire you. I do. I want to be your friend and your lover.” His smile was nothing short of seductive. “I'm a restrained man, but I'm also a very passionate one."

She believed that. No man could speak with the fire and fervor that this man did and not feel intense, deep-seated emotions.

"You wouldn't be disappointed.” His smile turned rueful. “What I lack in experience, I will make up for with enthusiasm.” With deadly honesty, he asked, “Do you want to spend the rest of your life alone, Emily?"

That was a question she had never confronted head-on. She was forced to admit, “No. I don't."

"Do you hope for reconciliation with Robert?"

Again, Emily forced herself to meet and deal with a painful issue. “No. Robert has rejected me twice. I'd be a fool to give him a chance to hurt me a third time."

"Then will you consider my proposal? It would mean so much to me if you consented to become my wife."

He was offering her so much. She had no doubt he would be a faithful, devoted husband. As a fringe benefit, he would give her two children that she loved dearly. She wasn't sure how Larry would feel. Kevin wouldn't object; he might even be pleased. “Can you give me a few days?"

"How long is a few days?"

"I'll give you an answer within the week.” Emily couldn't believe her own ears. She didn't love this man. He didn't love her. “I must go.” What she needed now was some time to think.

"I'll walk you home.” Dennis reached for his coat.

"You don't have to do that.” Emily was on her feet and moving toward the door.

Dennis slipped his arms into his coat. “I want to."

Emily nodded her consent as she picked up her handbag.

They walked in silence until they reached Emily's front door. Searching around in her handbag, she felt for her keys. “Thank you.” She wasn't sure what she was thanking him for.

Dennis stepped a little closer. “May I kiss you goodnight?"

She couldn't think of any reason why he shouldn't. “I'd like that."

Dennis drew her into his arms. She could feel heat and strength emanating from his muscular body. She sensed also an iron control. His lips were sensuous and warm, his probing tongue pushed into the soft recesses of her mouth. Emily relaxed and waited for that familiar fire to begin to build inside her. Instead all she felt was fuzzy warmth at being held in strong, masculine arms. When he released her, she stepped back and placed her hand over her lips.

If Dennis sensed her disappointment, he showed no sign. His voice was deep and husky, “Oh, Emily."

She put her key in the lock. “Will you call me tomorrow?"

Dennis said, “Maybe you and Larry can have dinner with us tomorrow evening."

"Larry's going back to Austin tomorrow afternoon.” The lock clicked and Emily pushed the door open.

"Then you must come,” Dennis insisted. “I won't have you dining alone. You can walk over with the twins when they bring Boo home."

In some odd way, his concern touched her and having dinner with Dennis and the twins was preferable to sitting around the house with only Boo for company. “I'd love that. I'll see you then."

He seemed reluctant to go. “Emily?"

She paused, her hand resting on the doorknob. “Yes?"

"Nothing, I'll see you tomorrow.” He stepped from the porch and hurried down the walkway.

Emily went inside and closed the door. Was half a loaf better than none? What about half a love? Until now she had always told herself, all or nothing. Maybe that had been a foolish rush to judgment.

The sound of Boo scratching on the back door made Emily rush across the room. The poor dog must think he had been deserted. She opened the back door and was greeted by loud yelps and a wet tongue. She was leaning against the cabinet watching Boo devour the last of his food when Larry came through the kitchen door. Love softened Emily's smile. “Did you enjoy the movie?"

Larry shrugged. “It was okay if you like horror movies. I don't."

Emily protested, “I thought you loved horror movies."

"Not anymore.” Larry opened the refrigerator. “Would you like something to drink?"

Emily sat at the kitchen table. “I'll have a diet cola."

Larry took two soft drinks from the box and came to sit across from his mother. “I've grown up. Gory movies seem juvenile to me now. But Amy and Kim enjoy every creepy crawly moment.” He popped the top on both cans and passed one to Emily. “I like seeing them have such a good time.” He took a long drink from his cola and set it on the table where it made a wet circle. “You've changed, too, Mom, since you and Dad divorced."

There was a time when Emily would have felt uncomfortable with that observation. She didn't now. “Maybe I've grown up.” She took a sip of her drink. The cool liquid soothed her dry throat.

Larry said, “When I look around me, I think that maybe life is one long process of growing up and up and up."

Emily smiled at that very adult insight. “You've become very observant."

Larry turned his can around in his hand. “I observed something at Kevin's wedding today that I'd never noticed before. You're miserable around Dad and happy when you're with Dennis."