Where Two Hearts Meet Read online

  Tessa gasped. “Look, they put up the new sign!”

  Allison lifted her gaze to the beautifully carved wooden sign hanging over the front door of the teashop. Sunlight reflected off the words SWEET SOMETHING, making the gold paint glow.

  “Wow, it looks great!”

  Tessa grabbed her arm. “You didn’t tell me they were putting in window boxes and planters. Oh, I love it! Tyler’s a genius!”

  Allison lowered her gaze and stared at the three large, wooden flower boxes hanging below the front windows, each filled with bright yellow daffodils, pink tulips, little blue grape hyacinths, and dark green trailing ivy. Four round cement planters holding the same colorful flowers lined the walk leading to the front door, giving their shop a fresh, inviting look.

  Tessa gave Allison a hug. “Spring has arrived!”

  Laughing, Allison squeezed her sister back. “I have to call Tyler. I can’t believe he arranged for all of these flowers without even telling me.”

  “You didn’t know?” Tessa stepped back, concern filling her eyes. “Those had to cost a fortune. Are you sure he isn’t sending us a bill?”

  “His assistant said there was no charge for the menus and business cards when she dropped them off last Friday, but she didn’t say anything about the sign or planters.”

  Old fears sent a wave of uncertainty through Allison. What was going on with Tyler? She hadn’t seen or heard from him in over a week—not since she and Peter sat in front of him at church. She’d called his office last week to thank him for the menus and business cards, but his assistant said he was in a meeting. He’d never called back.

  “You better get in touch with him.” Her sister bent and sniffed the flowers. “I suppose we might be able to keep these if they’d let us pay over several months.”

  Allison nodded. “I hope so. They’re beautiful.” As she climbed the steps and unlocked the teashop’s front door, an idea formed in her mind. She turned to her sister. “Hold down the shop. I’ll be back in a little while.”

  “Hey, where are you going?”

  Allison smiled over her shoulder. “I’ll explain later.”

  * * * *

  Tyler stepped back from his desk and crossed his arms as he studied the enlarged newspaper ad he had created for the Grounds for Sculpture anniversary celebration. Hopefully, it would draw a large crowd and help provide the funding they needed to continue their unique work for another year.

  His intercom buzzed. “Tyler, there’s a delivery for you. I think you should come sign for it.”

  “Okay.” The smile in his assistant Jolene’s voice made him curious. He strode out of his office and into the reception area. Jolene stood in front of her desk with Mr. Sheldon’s secretary Linda.

  A deliveryman in neat khaki pants and green polo shirt stepped forward, holding a basket of plants and flowers. “Tyler Lawrence?”

  He nodded and glanced at the basket brimming with shiny ivy, little daffodils, and tiny pink tulips. A miniature teacup and saucer sat on a mound of soft, green moss. His heartbeat kicked up a notch. It had to be from Allie.

  “Please sign here.” The deliveryman held out a clipboard.

  Tyler quickly jotted his signature on the line and accepted the basket.

  Jolene leaned toward Linda. “He must have a secret admirer.”

  Tyler cleared his throat. “Very funny. It’s from a client.” The women laughed softly and exchanged knowing looks. He returned to his office and set the basket on the comer of his desk, then searched through the greenery and found a card tucked in next to the tulips. When he recognized Allie’s feminine handwriting, his heart clenched. It had been a long time since he’d seen her write his name. He quickly tore it open and read the note.

  Dear Tyler,

  Thanks for giving Sweet Something a beautiful new image. I love the menus, business cards, and sign. The planters are gorgeous. What a fun surprise! Tessa and I would love to keep them, but we're not sure about the price. Please let me know. Thanks so much for using your time, talents, and resources to bless my business and me.

  I'd like to make you dinner. Can you come over tonight at seven?

  Allie

  Tyler quickly scanned the message again. She wanted to make him dinner tonight? His hopes rose, but he quickly reined them in. She probably just wanted to thank him for the free work he’d done for Sweet Something. But as he grabbed the phone and dialed her number, he couldn’t keep his hopes from rising.

  * * * *

  Tyler hustled up Allie’s front steps. He hesitated as he crossed the porch, recalling how Peter had stood in that very spot and kissed Allie. His anger flared for a moment, but he shook it off. Tonight he was the invited guest. Not Peter. Hopefully, that meant there was still a chance—at least a chance to ask forgiveness and straighten out the past.

  He knocked on Allie’s door, then jammed his hands in his jacket pockets and blew out a deep breath. Father, please help me keep my focus on You tonight. That’s not going to be easy. You know how I feel about Allie. Help me want what’s best for her even if things don’t work out the way I hope.

  The door opened. Allie smiled and pushed back the screen door. “Hi, come on in.”

  “Thanks.” She looked great in a red blouse and slim, black pants. Soft rose color flushed her cheeks, and her blue eyes sparkled. He realized he was staring, but she was beautiful. Not like a fashion model or TV star. Allie’s beauty came from her heart and showed in her smile and caring ways.

  As they walked into the living room, he noticed she had moved the two red wingback chairs closer to the fireplace and positioned a small round table between them. The table was set for dinner, complete with sparkling silverware and crystal water glasses. Three large white candles flickered on the mantel and a small fire crackled behind the hearth screen. Wow. She had gone to a lot of work to create a nice atmosphere.

  He pulled in a deep breath. “Something smells great.”

  “Do you mean the candles or the beef stroganoff?”

  He returned her smile. “Both.”

  Allie laughed softly. “Dinner’s all ready. I just need to bring it in.”

  He laid his coat over the end of the couch, then followed her into the kitchen and offered to help. She handed him a basket of rolls. Then she took two dinner plates filled with beef stroganoff, mashed potatoes, and green beans from the oven, and they headed back into the living room.

  As Tyler set the basket on the round table, he noticed a Bible lying on the footstool next to one of the chairs. Stepping back, he took in the scene, and smiled. “This looks just like your painting.” He motioned toward the chairs and table.

  She set down their dinner plates, her eyes glowing. “I wondered if you’d notice.”

  Tyler fingered the white linen tablecloth. “This is really special, Allie. Thanks.”

  “You’re welcome. It’s the least I could do.”

  “And thanks for the basket you sent to the office.”

  She glanced at him as she sat down. “I wanted you to know how much I appreciate everything you’ve done. I hope that was okay.”

  He took a seat. “Well, I’ve never received flowers from a woman before.”

  Her cheeks flamed. “I told them to make it mostly plants and not to put on a bow. I hope it didn’t embarrass you.”

  “No. It was really thoughtful. I put it on my desk, and every time I see it, I remember to pray for you and Sweet Something.”

  “Thanks.” She stared at him and slowly shook her head. “I don’t understand. What happened to you, Tyler? You’re so . . . different.”

  His stomach tensed. This was the opportunity he had been praying for. “I’m glad you see a difference in me. I want to leave the past behind and build a new life with the Lord at the center.”

  “I’m happy for you. I really am. But sometimes I still feel tied to the past.” She lifted her gaze to meet his. “I don’t understand what happened to us.”

  The hurt in her eyes hit him hard. This
was going to be more difficult than he’d imagined. He sent off an urgent prayer.

  Tell her the truth. Don't hold back.

  New strength filled him, and the words became clear. “For a long time, I didn’t understand it either. But over the last couple years, I’ve learned a lot, and I think I can explain it now.” He reached for her hand. “But there’s something more important than an explanation, and that’s an apology. Whatever my reasons were for leaving, I know I hurt you, and I’m truly sorry for that. Will you forgive me?”

  Tears glistened in her eyes. “Yes,” she whispered.

  He looked down at his plate, fighting the emotion tightening his throat. “I don’t want our dinner to get cold. Maybe we should eat first, and I can explain more later.”

  She shook her head. “I’ve been waiting six years to hear this.”

  “Okay.” He took a deep breath and blew it out slowly. “When I found out my dad was having an affair, I didn’t know how to handle it. I couldn’t get past the anger to the hurt underneath, so I kept it inside and pushed you and everyone else away.

  “While my mom and dad were going through the divorce, I was fighting my own battle, telling myself I never wanted to be like my dad, but I was afraid that’s exactly what would happen. All kinds of doubts ran through my mind. Could I be faithful to one woman for the rest of my life? Or would I crash and burn in the relationship department like my dad? Did I have what it takes to be a good husband and father? Or would I end up hurting the people I loved the most?

  “Then seeing the way my mom tried to destroy my dad totally blew me away. They betrayed each other, and I never wanted to be in a relationship where that much pain was possible.

  “So I could only see two choices for us—stay together, get married, and eventually end up divorced like my parents, or break up and avoid that possibility. I know that sounds crazy now, but that’s what was going through my head.”

  She nodded slowly, questions still lingering in her eyes.

  “I took a job in New York and made a whole series of bad choices that led me farther away from everyone I loved. Then about three years ago, I met a guy at work who really lives out his faith. We became friends, and I started attending a Bible study he was leading. He challenged me to recommit my life to the Lord, and go back and ask forgiveness of anyone that I’d hurt. That was tough, especially going to my friends in New York who aren’t believers. Most of them didn’t understand where I was coming from. But having a clear conscience was worth it to me.”

  “So that’s why you came back and wanted to help me—so you could have a clear conscience?”

  He swallowed, struggling to find the words. “Yes . . . and no. I owe you so much, Allie. If you hadn’t told me about the Lord and loved me into His family, I don’t know what would’ve happened to me. Even when I took off and was doing stupid things, I couldn’t run away from God. I was part of His family, and He wouldn’t let me go.”

  Her eyes glistened with unshed tears. “I’m glad. I prayed for you.”

  “Thanks, Allie.” He took her hand again. “I have to be honest. There’s another reason I came back.” Looking into her eyes, he felt like he stood on a high cliff about to jump off into a choppy ocean. “I never forgot you, Allie. No matter where I went or what I was doing. You were always with me. I came back to ask your forgiveness, but I also wanted to see if there was a chance for us to be together again.”

  Her stunned expression made his heart take a dive.

  “Oh, Tyler,” she whispered.

  Feeling like a fool, he dropped her hand. “Hey, it’s okay. I should’ve known you’d be dating someone else by now, not sitting around waiting for me to get my life together.”

  Her blue eyes widened. “But I’m not dating anyone else.”

  “What about Peter?”

  She shook her head. “We’re just friends.”

  “Come on, Allie, I saw you kissing him right out there on your front porch.”

  Hurt clouded her eyes.

  Immediately he regretted his tone. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t spying on you. I stopped by to show you the final designs for the sign and promo pieces.”

  Her face was flaming now. “That was just a good-bye kiss.”

  “Well, if that’s good-bye, I’d like to see hello.”

  “No, I mean I’d just told him good-bye for good.”

  Tyler stared at her, hoping he’d heard her correctly. “You’re not dating him any more?”

  “No, it wasn’t working out. We had a lot in common, but he’s not serious about growing in his faith, and that’s important to me.”

  “So you and Peter aren’t together?”

  She shook her head and sent him a soft, sweet smile. “No, we’re not. I knew it wouldn’t be right for me to keep dating Peter, especially when I still had feelings for you.”

  He leaned back and blew out a deep breath. “Wow, I don’t know what to say. I mean I’ve been praying and hoping you’d forgive me, but I didn’t think there was much hope that we . . .”

  She raised her finger and pressed it gently against his lips to quiet him. “I’ve been praying, too. And I always wished things would’ve worked out differently for us, maybe now we have a chance to see if they will.”

  His heart soared. He lifted her hand and kissed her fingers. “You won’t be sorry, Allie. I’ve really changed. I’m a different man.”

  Chapter Seven

  Tyler glanced out the passenger window at the spacious, green lawn of the Princeton Battlefield Park and turned to Allie. “Why are we stopping here?”

  She turned off the car. “Close your eyes. I want to show you something.”

  “How can I see it if my eyes are closed?”

  “Very funny. Come on, I want it to be a surprise.” She sent him an impish smile that got his heart pumping.

  “Okay.” He scrunched his eyes closed, sorry to lose sight of her. “I wouldn’t do this for anyone else, you know.”

  She laughed softly. “Good.”

  He heard her car door open, and then a few seconds later, his opened.

  “Keep your eyes shut,” she said, a smile in her voice. Grinning, he climbed out of the car. “I hope I won’t regret this.”

  “You can trust me.” She took his hand and led him across the soft lawn.

  The early afternoon sun warmed his back, and the scent of freshly mowed grass filled the air. A light breeze carried the fragrance of some kind of flower he couldn’t identify. “If I’d known we were going on a hike, I would’ve worn my boots and packed a snack.”

  Laughing, she squeezed his hand. “Don’t worry. We’re almost there.” They walked another thirty seconds or so, and she pulled him to a stop. “Okay. You can open your eyes now.” Tyler obeyed, then blinked at a sea of yellow daffodils stretching across the grass in all directions. The bright, golden flowers bobbed in the breeze like dancers on stage, their slim, silvery leaves flickering beside them. Tall evergreens at the edge of the park swayed in the breeze, providing a peaceful, deep green background. “Wow, this is amazing.” He glanced over at Allie as she took in the scene.

  Her expression grew pensive. “The Princeton Garden Club planted seven thousand bulbs in memory of those who died on September 11. The flowers come back every spring.” She turned to him. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”

  “Very special.” He lifted her hand and kissed it. “Thanks for showing me.”

  “I knew you’d like it.” Her smile warmed his heart.

  He slipped his arm around her shoulder, and contentment washed over him. It had been an amazing three weeks. He and Allie had seen each other almost every day and checked in by phone on days when other commitments kept them apart. Even in that short time they’d made some wonderful memories together—walks across Princeton University campus, an organ concert at the University Chapel, quiet dinners at her apartment, a visit to the Princeton University Art Museum, and discovering their favorite flavors at a unique little ice cream shop in Palmer Squar
e called the Bent Spoon.

  These were some of the same types of things they’d enjoyed six years ago, but everything seemed different now that there was a genuine spiritual dimension to their relationship. They often prayed together to end the evening and enjoyed attending church together.

  Tyler lifted his gaze to the field of daffodils again. Allie didn’t know it yet, but he was working on some surprises of his own. In two weeks they’d celebrate her birthday, and he couldn’t wait to see her reaction when he showed her the limited- edition prints he’d had made from one of her paintings. He felt certain it would launch her artistic career, especially since he’d already contacted art dealers in Princeton and New York who were interested in carrying Allie’s prints.

  “Thank you, Tyler,” she said softly.

  He looked into her eyes and read the message of love reflected there. Gratefulness washed over him. “Why are you thanking me? You’re the one who brought me here.”

  She smiled at him sweetly. “Because sharing it with you is what makes it special.”

  He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her cheek. “You’re the one who makes every day special.”

  Chapter Eight

  Rain drummed on the front windows of Sweet Something.

  Allison glanced at her watch, concern tightening her stomach. Six forty-seven. Where could Tyler be? He’d said he would meet her at the shop after work, then take her home to change before they went out to dinner to celebrate her birthday. She straightened the little packages of specialty teas and adjusted the row of teapots on the next shelf. She shouldn’t worry. Tyler probably had a perfectly reasonable explanation for being late.

  Then why hadn’t he called?

  Tessa stepped down into the gift shop. “Hey, I didn’t know you were still here. I thought Tyler was picking you up at six.”

  “I’m sure he’ll be here any minute. You can go. I’ll lock up.”

  “Allie, it’s almost seven. Are you sure he’s coming? I don’t want to leave you here without a ride.”