Where Two Hearts Meet Read online

  “This is delicious. Did you make it?”

  “It’s Tessa’s recipe, but I put it together this time.” She got up, intending to finish the dishes.

  “Where are you going?” He reached out and stopped her.

  She felt a tremor at his touch. “I thought I’d finish cleaning up while you eat.”

  She hoped scrubbing pots and pans would take her focus off Tyler. Because sitting across from him in this cozy little kitchen was making it very hard for her to keep her mind on the reason for her visit.

  They carried on an easy conversation as she finished the dishes, wiped the counters, and put the extra soup in the refrigerator. His gaze followed her as she moved around the room. Was he comparing the way she looked now to their college days? She groaned inwardly at that thought. She might have more style and confidence now, but she was also a little heavier.

  After Tyler finished his soup, he stood up and stretched. The muscles of his broad chest expanded and filled out his wrinkly T-shirt. He certainly didn’t carry any extra weight in the wrong places. She pulled her gaze away and searched for somewhere else to focus her attention. The photos on the refrigerator caught her eye, and she stepped closer.

  “That’s my niece, Emma. She’s four. She always begs me to give her airplane rides or read her a story.” Smiling, he pointed to the other photo. “And that’s her little brother, Thomas. He’s nine months and just learning how to pull himself up. He’s big for his age, and he’s got a killer grip. I bet he’ll play football some day.” He chuckled. “Sorry, don’t get me started talking about them.”

  Allison smiled, touched by his description. “They’re cute.”

  Tyler’s eyes glowed. “Yeah, I can’t get enough of that little Emma. She’s a real heartbreaker. Hope I have one just like her some day.”

  Allison stared at the photo. Had she heard him correctly? When they were dating, he’d said he never wanted children. It had been a nagging difference between them that had never been resolved. What had changed his mind? She told herself it didn’t matter and shifted her thoughts to her reason for coming.

  She turned to him. “I’m sorry about cutting our meeting short the other night. I totally forgot Peter was coming over.”

  His smile melted away. “Have you known him long?”

  “A little over a year.”

  Tyler nodded. “He owns that antique shop next to Sweet Something, right?”

  “It’s an interior design company, but he does carry a lot of antiques. His father started the business. He passed it on to Peter a few years ago.”

  “Old Princeton money.” Tyler crossed his arms and leaned back against the counter, looking grim.

  She smiled, hoping to lighten the moment. “Yes, and he likes everyone to know it.”

  Tyler’s expression remained serious. “Is he a believer?”

  Suddenly the room seemed too warm to Allie. “He attends Harvest Chapel with me.”

  Tyler studied her a moment, unspoken questions reflected in his eyes. “I haven’t seen you at Harvest except for Christmas Eve a year ago.”

  “Oh . . . well, I usually go to second service.” A little cloud of guilt settled over her as she spoke. That wasn’t completely true. Since she’d opened her teashop, she only attended church one or two times a month.

  “So, are you and Peter serious?”

  Allison’s stomach fluttered. “Well, we’re dating . . . and we—”

  Tyler held up his hand to stop her. “Sorry, that’s none of my business.”

  Now she felt awful. “No, it’s okay. I don’t mind your asking. If you were dating someone, I’d probably ask you the same question.” She chewed her lip a moment. “You’re not dating anyone, are you?”

  Tyler’s gaze held steady. “No, I’m not.”

  Relief washed over her, then embarrassment. “Well . . . I’m sure there’s someone very special out there for you.”

  Tyler nodded, a small smile lifting the corners of his mouth. “I’m praying for her.”

  Confusion swirled through her. What did he mean? Was he talking about her? But she’d just told him she was dating Peter. She didn’t want to give him the wrong idea about them, but if he knew how uncertain she felt about Peter, it might encourage him to pursue her again, and that would be—

  “I’m sorry I haven’t gotten back to you about the designs for your teashop. I still want to do that work for you.”

  “Oh, that would be great!” Relief washed over her. “I love that rose and teacup design.”

  His smile returned. “Good. I’ll start working on it today.”

  “But you’re sick. You need to rest.”

  “It’s okay. I have my computer with my design programs here at home.”

  “If you’re sure it wouldn’t be too much trouble.” She glanced at her watch and took the empty basket from the counter. “I better go. I don’t want to leave Tessa shorthanded for too long.” She walked into the living room and picked up her jacket.

  Tyler followed and helped her slip it on. “Thanks for coming.”

  She turned back toward him, suddenly wishing she didn’t have to leave, or that she could do something else for him. “Would you like to borrow some DVDs? I could bring them by after work tonight.”

  “Thanks, I appreciate the offer, but I don’t have a DVD player or a TV.”

  She glanced around the living room. His apartment was nicely furnished with a leather couch and chairs, full bookshelves, a computer desk in the corner, and original art on the walls. Money didn’t seem to be a problem.

  He grinned. “I know, that sounds weird, doesn’t it?”

  “I have a small TV at home you could borrow.”

  “Thanks, but I don’t really want one.”

  She lifted her brows. “How come?”

  “I used to complain my life was too busy, so one of my friends challenged me to get rid of it for six months. It was hard at first.” He chuckled. “Guess I was addicted. But I like it now. And I have more time for important things like studying my Bible and reading.”

  “Oh.” Allie didn’t know what else to say.

  “I’ve started running and playing racquetball again,” he added. “And I’ve set aside a couple evenings a week to spend time with my mom and my brother Jeff and his family. My dad’s remarried and lives down in Florida now, so I try to keep in touch with him by phone.”

  She stared at him. How could that be true? During the last few months of their relationship, Tyler’s parents had finalized a messy divorce. Tyler blamed his father for his unfaithfulness, but he also scorned his mother for her vengeful response. Then he cut himself off from his family, and a few weeks later he’d left her, as well. She could understand the pain and disappointment he felt toward his parents, but why had he turned his back on her when she truly loved him and had tried to be there for him through the whole ordeal? Now he spoke to both his parents each week?

  “Thanks for coming by. I’ll call you when I have those designs ready.”

  “Okay.” She walked out the door, feeling more confused than she’d been before their visit.

  Chapter Five

  Tyler rolled over, opened one eye, and squinted at his bedside clock. Surprise jolted through him, bringing him fully awake. How could it be ten fifteen? He’d already missed first service, and he’d have to hustle to make second.

  Memories of his late-night design marathon resurfaced as he threw back the covers and climbed out of bed. That must be why he’d slept past his alarm—that and the fact he was still recovering from the worst case of the flu he’d had in years. But it didn’t matter. At least all the designs for Allie’s teashop were finished. He just needed to show them to her one more time, and then he’d send them off to the printer and sign company.

  Rubbing his hand down his face, he headed for the bathroom. Maybe he could catch her at church and invite her out to lunch, or better yet, they could come back here and cook lunch together. He smiled. Sleeping in and going to second
service might work out for the best after all.

  His smile faded as he recalled the uncomfortable look on Allie’s face when she’d tried to explain why he never saw her at church. They did attend different Sunday morning services, but why hadn’t he seen her on Sunday evenings or at the singles’ Bible study? What was going on with Allie spiritually?

  During college she’d always been so certain about her faith. She was the one who’d patiently explained the importance of making a personal commitment to the Lord. It had taken him almost a year before he’d finally surrendered his life. Allie had been with him that night. But after his parents’ divorce, he’d turned away from his faith and everyone associated with it. Thankfully, God hadn’t given up on him. He sighed and looked in the bathroom mirror. Fine lines creased his forehead and surrounded his eyes, lingering evidence of the wild life he’d left behind.

  But what about Allie?

  The thought that she might have drifted away from her faith weighed him down like someone had just placed a thirty-pound pack on his shoulders. It couldn’t be true. She’d never turn her back on God, would she?

  Forty-five minutes later, Tyler walked into the second service at Harvest Chapel just as the first song began. He scanned the large sanctuary, searching for Allie, but he didn’t see her.

  Another wave of apprehension settled over him. Where was she? He purposefully shifted his thoughts to the words of the song. The music lifted his spirit, and he turned his concern for Allie into a prayer and released her back to the Lord’s care, firmly reminding himself that’s where she needed to stay.

  His motives needed to remain pure. Build a bridge, ask forgiveness, help her business succeed. That’s all. But as he remembered her visit to his apartment, her sweet, caring expression, and the way she’d prepared that hot soup for him, he couldn’t keep from hoping there might be more.

  The final notes of the song faded. Tyler glanced to the right. A couple moved into the row in front of him. Allie and Peter sat down in front of him, and his stomach clenched into a hard knot. Peter helped Allie slip off her coat; then he placed his arm around her shoulder.

  * * * *

  Allison shifted and tried to scoot a few more inches to the left, away from Peter. But he kept his arm around her and settled in a little closer. She sank a bit lower in the pew, wishing she could vanish.

  They didn’t usually sit this close to the front, but coming in late hadn’t left too many choices. She hadn’t realized Tyler was sitting behind them until greeting time when she’d stood and turned to face him. He’d said hello and reached to shake her hand. Her knees felt like noodles as she realized he must have seen every whisper and possessive movement Peter had made. She’d managed to mumble some sort of greeting before she sank back into her seat.

  Allison silently chided herself and corralled her runaway thoughts. She was here to worship the Lord. Lifting her gaze, she focused on Pastor Tom’s face.

  “God wants more than just a piece of our heart. He wants all of it. Nothing should take His place. That’s why Jesus says in Matthew 6:33, ‘Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you.’ ” Pastor Tom’s voice rang with passion and sent a shiver up her back.

  “If you’re struggling today, ask yourself this question: ‘Am I honoring God and giving Him first place in my life?’ If the answer is no, then I suggest you spend some time with Him, straighten out your priorities, and get your life back on track.

  “I know some of you may say, ‘Oh, Pastor, you don’t know all the trouble I’m facing in my life.’ You’re right. I don’t. But God does, and He is able to meet you right where you are and help you bring your life back in line with His Word and His purpose for you.” Pastor Tom scanned the sanctuary.

  Allison felt his gaze settle on her.

  “You may have some painful choices and decisions to make. Trust God. He has a plan, and He is able to carry you through, if you will humble yourself and give Him first place.”

  His words pierced Allison’s heart. She hadn’t put God first or trusted Him to work out the problems with her business. She hadn’t prayed more than five minutes about it. Instead, she’d worried and spent her time scheming, trying to use Tyler’s friendship and free promotional help to get what she thought she needed.

  Tears gathered in her eyes, and she bowed her head. Forgive me, Father. I’ve been so wrapped up in my problems that I haven't even asked what You want me to do. I’m asking now. Please lead me and show me Your plans for Sweet Something. And what should I do about Peter? Am I dating him because Tessa says I should, or because he's rich and he knows everyone who’s anyone in Princeton?

  Am I using him, too, hoping his money and position will somehow improve my business? Those thoughts turned her stomach. What had happened to her? How had she gotten so far off track?

  Peter leaned closer. “Everything all right?”

  Allison slowly lifted her head and nodded. He patted her shoulder in a caring way, but it only made her feel worse. She closed her eyes and blew out a slow, deep breath. It was time she had an honest talk with Peter.

  Two hours later, after an unbearably long lunch with Peter’s parents and sister, Allison felt even more certain about her decision. She led the way up her front steps and stopped to retrieve her keys from her purse. Peter held out his hand and offered to unlock the door for her. But she clutched the key tightly. “We need to talk.”

  “I can come in for a few minutes, but I have to be back at the shop by three to meet a client.”

  “What I have to say won’t take long.” She bit her lip, then looked up at him. “I’m sorry, Peter. I don’t want to lead you on. This just isn’t working.”

  He frowned slightly. “What do you mean?”

  “I can’t date you anymore. It wouldn’t be fair. We’re worlds apart, and you deserve someone who appreciates you for all the fine things about you and your life . . . but I’m just not that person.”

  “I don’t understand. How can you say we’re worlds apart? We’ve both lived in Princeton all our lives. We both own businesses. We like theater, jazz, art museums, spending time with our families. What’s the problem?”

  “We do have a lot in common, but there’s one important area of my life that I’ve been neglecting—and that’s my faith.”

  His frown deepened. “But I’ve been attending your church for over six months, sitting through those sermons, learning the songs, and meeting all kinds of people I might never associate with.” He wrinkled his nose slightly. “Doesn’t that count? Isn’t that enough to show you I’m interested in religion?”

  Her heart twisted. “If I’ve given you the impression that an interest in religion is what’s important to me, then I’m very sorry. My faith is based on a personal relationship with Jesus and a commitment to love Him and give Him first place in my life. Pastor Tom reminded me of that this morning in his message.”

  She waited expectantly, hoping it would click with Peter. But he looked more puzzled than ever. Regret weakened her resolve. She’d done more damage than she realized. No wonder he was confused.

  She reached for his hand. “I owe you a big apology. I haven’t been a very good friend or example of what it means to live the Christian life. I’ve been self-centered about everything. I’m sorry, Peter. Will you forgive me?”

  He looked down at their clasped hands. “I care a great deal about you, Allison. I thought we had a chance to build a future together. Maybe if we just took a break—”

  “No, I care about you, too. And that’s why I’d like us to stay friends if possible, but no more dates.”

  His gray eyes softened. He lifted his finger and traced the side of her face. “Are you sure?”

  She swallowed and nodded. “Yes, I’m sorry.” She had no idea what the future held, but dating Peter wasn’t the right choice for her.

  He pulled her closer and pressed his lips against hers. The only thing she felt was a powerful wave of sadness, but she stayed in h
is arms for several seconds. At least she owed him that much.

  * * * *

  Tyler pulled into a parking place across the street and one house down from Allie’s. Hopefully, he could catch her at home and show her these final designs. Reaching across to the passenger seat, he grabbed his computer case. As he turned and glanced toward Allie’s house, he noticed a black BMW parked in her driveway and two people standing on the porch. His stomach clenched as he recognized Allie and Peter. Leaning to the left for a better view, he saw Peter trace his finger down the side of Allie’s face. She looked intently at Peter, mouthing words Tyler didn’t even want to imagine.

  His heart hammered. Should he get out of the car and interrupt their little tryst on the porch? He reached for the car-door handle, but froze as Peter took Allie in his arms and kissed her. This was no friendly I’ll-see-you-later kind of kiss, but one full of deep emotion.

  A knife slit Tyler’s heart. What a fool he’d been. Sure, he could say his motives were pure and all he wanted to do was help Allie’s business grow, but underneath it all, he wanted her back.

  Oh, Father, I haven't been honest about my feelings for Allie. But You've known what's been in my heart all along. I still love her. But she obviously doesn't feel the same way about me. Give me strength to deal with this, and help me let go of any claim I have on her. . . even if it’s only been in my heart.

  Chapter Six

  Allison shifted her purse strap on her shoulder as she rounded the corner of Nassau Street. The bright April morning sun winked at her through the bare branches of an oak tree. She smiled at Tessa. “Looks like a beautiful day.”

  Her sister shaded her eyes and scanned the sidewalk ahead. “It’s still a little cool for this time of year.”

  “It’ll warm up later. I bet we’ll be busy.” Allison’s voice lifted, optimism flowing through her. She could hardly believe the way her new commitment to put the Lord first had lightened her load—that and no longer feeling the pressure to try and make things work with Peter. What a relief. She hadn’t realized how her anxious thoughts and gloomy outlook had weighed her down. Well, she was through with all of that now.