Bring Me Flowers (Garden of Love 5) Read online

  Bring Me Flowers

  by Melanie Wilber

  Bring Me Flowers: A Novella Collection:

  Be Mine; Flowers For Miss Swan; The Matchmaker; Tulips For Katie

  © 2003 by Melanie L. Wilber

  Revised and Updated, 2012

  All Rights Reserved

  This is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents, and dialogues are products of the author’s imagination. Except for well-known historical and contemporary figures, any resemblance to actual events or persons is entirely coincidental.

  Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers.

  Also:

  Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

  DEDICATION

  For Cindy and Gregg

  Because of the LORD’S great love,

  we are not consumed,

  for his compassions never fail.

  They are new every morning;

  great is your faithfulness.

  Lamentations 3:22-23

  Be Mine

  I am my lover’s and my lover is mine.

  Song of Songs 6:3

  CHAPTER ONE

  Finishing up with her final patient of the day, Tracy Reynolds glanced at the clock and tried to keep her nerves in check. In about an hour she would be seeing Devin again. Devin Taylor: the only guy she had ever fallen in love with. She hadn’t seen him in more than four years, and yet she remembered everything about him as if she had said good-bye to him yesterday.

  After cleaning and putting away her dental instruments, she grabbed her purse, said good-night to Dr. Hanson, Angelina, and Charisse, and went out the back door. Slipping into the front seat of her car, she started the engine and pulled out of the parking space. Entering the alley and driving to the main street, she took a right into rush-hour traffic and headed for her apartment.

  “Watch out!” she hollered, screeching on the brakes and laying on the horn as someone pulled out right in front of her. Her nerves were already shot, she didn’t need idiotic drivers complicating her commute home. Driving with a more watchful eye all the way to her building, she felt like a nervous wreck, but it had nothing to do with the traffic.

  All day she had been keeping her thoughts about Devin and the impending evening tucked away in a corner of her mind where she always put things she didn’t quite believe yet. But the reality that she would be seeing Devin tonight could no longer be ignored. Her thoughts and emotions were a jumbled mess of overwhelming uncertainty and anxiety.

  What had she been thinking in praying for Devin to return to her life? What had she been thinking when she agreed to see him tonight? She should have given herself a few more days to prepare--a few more days to back out if she decided she didn’t want to visit the past. But Devin never did anything halfway. And other than his marriage proposal, she had never been able to say no to him about anything.

  Hurrying into the building and up the stairs to her apartment, she went inside and headed straight for the shower. She washed her hair in record time, used her favorite shower gel to work up a good lather all over her body that had gained a few pounds since Devin had seen her last, and shaved her legs before stepping out, drying off, and beginning the same ritual she performed every morning.

  Once she had on her make-up and her straight blonde hair was dried and brushed into place, she went to her closet and removed her favorite dress from its hanger. Devin had always said she looked great in blue. Slipping the light cotton fabric over her head, she buttoned up the front and tied the thin belt behind her waist.

  With five minutes to spare before Devin’s scheduled arrival time, which she knew he would keep down to the last second, she allowed herself to think about what this evening might hold. She’d been asking God to bring him back into her life and had told her Bible study group about him earlier in the week, but she never really expected him to call her. What were the odds of him working at the same elementary school now that Lily did?

  His unexpected call had made her feel flustered throughout the five-minute conversation. After he let her go, saying they could save their catching up for tonight, she had remained in a daze for the rest of the evening, and when she went to bed, she couldn’t sleep. The thought of seeing Devin again, spending an evening with him, talking, laughing, kissing...she could only hope it would go as well as she had dreamed about.

  But what if it didn’t? What if they had changed too much? What if he didn’t feel the same way about her as he once had? Or what if he did? It had been her decision to let him go. What if things went well but she ended up feeling the same way as she had back then--in love with him but scared of getting married?

  When he rang her apartment from downstairs, she opened the security door for him and waited anxiously for him to climb the stairs. Her heart began pounding. Unlatching the lock when she heard his footsteps ascending the second flight, she took a deep breath and opened the door. He came into view, looking even better than she remembered. And, just like old-times, he had brought her flowers.

  ***

  Devin stared at Tracy for several seconds before managing a pathetic greeting and handing her the mixed bouquet. Her beautiful blue-green eyes and shy smile had the same effect on him as the first time he had seen her at a church picnic almost five years ago. Hello, Tracy? Is that the best you can come up with?

  But it wasn’t her mere beauty that left him at a loss for words. The memory of her refusing his marriage proposal didn’t help his level of peace about this. It had taken him two years to get over her, but even now he wasn’t certain he ever had.

  He watched Tracy find a vase for the flowers, grab her purse and a sweater, and step into the hallway. He followed her. The smell of her sweet perfume drifted toward him. Once outside, he pointed out his car, feeling numb and mechanical the entire time. He couldn’t think of anything to say. He reached for the door handle on the passenger side, but Tracy stopped him with her words before he had a chance to open it.

  “Devin, if you’d rather not do this, just say so.” Her smile had faded, and she clutched the strap of her purse nervously. “I know I hurt you, and if you want to leave the past in the past, I can accept that.”

  He stared at her, seriously considering her offer. Since losing Lily less than a month ago, he had been thinking about not dating anymore. He could handle being a bachelor for the rest of his life. He didn’t feel a strong need to get married--except to Tracy. He’d gotten a ring, proposed in the most romantic way he knew how, and didn’t have any reason to believe she wouldn’t say yes. Letting her go now would be much easier than going through that again.

  But he couldn’t turn her away. He had to try, or at least let her know he wanted to. “I called, remember? But if leaving the past in the past is what you want, then I can do that.”

  She dropped her eyes. His heart sank. She had responded in the same way to his marriage proposal.

  Please, Tracy? Give us one more chance? He kept his silent plea to himself. He had done this because he thought she wanted him to. But if she’d changed her mind--.

  “I’ve missed you, Devin,” she said, lifting her eyes. “Everything Lily told you about what I said is true. I was so young before, I didn’t know what I wanted. But now--I’m still not sure, to be honest, but I have missed you.”

  He smiled. He hadn’t allowed himself to fully believe Lily’s words, but hearing Tracy speak them herself, he had no choice but to do everything possible to convince her he f
elt the same way.

  “I’ve missed you too,” he said, stepping forward and giving her a gentle hug. She felt the same as he remembered. “Let’s start with dinner and see how it goes, okay?”

  He stepped away, not wanting to invade her space too much. She smiled at him. He could have kissed her right then but managed to restrain himself.

  “Okay,” she replied. “Dinner sounds nice.”

  ***

  Tracy took a deep breath and waited for Devin to join her inside the car. He had to wait for traffic to clear before he could safely open his door. She flipped down the visor on her side and used the mirror to check her hair and make-up. When Devin slipped into his seat, she put the mirror away. She glanced at him and smiled, feeling herself relax a little. She had always felt at ease with Devin and couldn’t imagine tonight being any different.

  “You look nice,” he said. “I’m sorry I didn’t say so upstairs, but I’m a little nervous.”

  “Nervous? You?”

  “Oh, and you aren’t nervous?”

  “Yes, but I’m not Mr. Cool Confidence.”

  He laughed and started the engine. “I’m not cool or confident; you should know that better than anyone.”

  “You should be,” she said.

  “Why?”

  “Because any woman would be thrilled to be on a date with you. You are the perfect guy, Devin Taylor.”

  He laughed. “Oh, yeah? How so?”

  “Well, if I remember correctly, you are a perfect gentleman--not easy to find these days, always honest and sincere--also rare, and if I’m not mistaken, you are even more handsome at twenty-eight than you were four years ago.”

  “But not quite what you were looking for?”

  “I was twenty-one, Devin. I had no clue what I wanted.”

  “And now?”

  She smiled. Devin had always been straightforward. She knew he deserved her honesty. “I think I have a better idea.”

  “That’s good to know,” he replied.

  “Where are you taking me?” she asked.

  He appeared thoughtful, as if he hadn’t quite decided yet.

  “How about Oaks Park?”

  “Oaks Park?” she laughed. “I don’t think I’m dressed for riding a roller-coaster tonight.”

  He reached over and took her hand. Holding her fingers gently and securely, he said something that made her smile.

  “A dress would be fine for the Ferris wheel.”

  They had shared their first kiss on the Ferris wheel at the Multnomah County Fair that was held at Oaks Park. He had taken her there on their third date, and they had saved the romantic ride for after the sun had gone down and all the Fair lights were twinkling in the darkness. It had been a very romantic and magical moment.

  By far it had been the best first kiss she had ever received.

  CHAPTER TWO

  Devin decided to change his plans. Instead of taking Tracy to the restaurant where they had gone many times during the few short months they dated, he had a better idea: Take her to where they had shared their first kiss.

  He knew he kept her guessing all the way there. When he pulled onto the street that unmistakably gave their destination away, he glanced over to see her reaction.

  She laughed. “I knew tonight would be an adventure.”

  “You don’t mind? That’s an awfully nice dress you have on. I wouldn’t want you to ruin it with a ketchup stain from your hot dog.”

  She laughed again. He loved her laugh--and her smile. He loved everything about her. Still.

  He parked the car and they got out, walking to the main entrance hand in hand. Strolling between the various amusement park rides that were being enjoyed by children, teens, and adults, they headed for the food vendor section and both decided a hot dog and curly fries sounded great.

  “I haven’t been here since the last time we came,” she said after they had settled themselves at a table. “Have you?”

  He nodded and licked his salty fingertips. “We bring the kids here during the last week of school.”

  “Other than that?” she asked.

  “You mean, have I ever been on a date here with anyone besides you?”

  “Yes,” she smiled. “That’s what I meant.”

  “No. You’re the only one I give such special treatment. I don’t pay five dollars for a hot dog for just any girl.”

  “Or ride the Ferris wheel?”

  “Definitely not,” he said, taking a sip of his drink and watching her smile as she popped another curly fry into her mouth.

  “So, you dated Lily for awhile, huh?” she asked.

  “Yes.”

  “She’s really sweet. I hope this Peter guy comes to his senses.”

  “Yeah, me too. I’d like to have a talk with him myself. Let him know just what he’s missing out on with God and Lily both.”

  “I seem to remember getting you on the rebound last time too,” she said.

  “Yes, you did,” he replied, although he’d forgotten that. He had met Tracy two days after breaking up with another girl he had dated for about three months. He remembered how different being with Tracy had been from any other woman he had ever dated. She made him feel more alive somehow--then and now. He didn’t want this night to ever end.

  ***

  Tracy ate the last bite of her hot dog and wiped her mouth with her napkin. “Sorry, I’m still a slow eater.”

  “We’ve got all night,” he said, appearing as relaxed as he sounded. “Or do you need to get up early tomorrow?”

  “No. Tomorrow is my day off.”

  “How does Tracy Reynolds spend a day off?”

  “Mmmm, I like to sleep in,” she said, realizing how tired she felt after a long day of cleaning people’s teeth and worrying about tonight. “And then, I don’t know, whatever. Go shopping, watch T.V., go visit my sister.”

  “How’s your family?”

  “Good. Mom and Dad have been doing lots of traveling lately. Julie and Anna are still single. Kim has two kids now, so I try and get over there as much as I can. She and Brad are doing well.”

  “Is Brad still a firefighter?”

  “Yes.”

  “That’s what the guy does that Lily dumped me for. What do they got that I don’t have?”

  She knew he was joking, but she had a legitimate question to ask. “Are you over her? If Peter never comes back, I think you would still have a chance.”

  “I don’t think that’s what either of us want.”

  “Why not? Lily’s as good as they come, and I’m sure she knew what a catch she had in you.”

  “Yes, Lily is as good as they come, but I realized something the night she told me about Peter.”

  “What?”

  “She said that as much as she liked me and how dating me had been a dream come true for her--those are her words, not my ego talking--that Peter touched her heart in a way she couldn’t describe. With as much as she enjoyed our relationship, what she and Peter had, even during their short time together, was on a totally different level.” He paused and then added, “And I didn’t try to hang on to her because I knew exactly what she meant.”

  Tracy didn’t take her eyes from Devin’s. She knew what Lily meant too. No guy, not even the good ones, had ever come close to touching her heart like Devin.

  He hadn’t kissed her yet, but his steady gaze made her heart pound faster just the same. Especially right now. The cautious look she had seen on his face earlier had faded. He wanted this as much as she did. She wished they were on the Ferris wheel right now.

  ***

  Devin pried his eyes away from Tracy and rose from his chair. Taking their trash to the garbage can a few feet away, he returned to the table and held out his hand.

  “Care to go for a walk with me?”

  She smiled and took his hand, interlacing her fingers with his as they began walking toward the river. Neither of them spoke for several minutes. Knowing Tracy had never been at a loss for words around him, he supp
osed she was simply enjoying the moment as much as he was.

  He remained cautious about how much this night could affect their future together. Sparks had flown during the early days of their relationship the first time around. He had exercised incredible restraint in waiting until their third date to kiss her. He didn’t know if he could do that this time, especially if they ended up sitting at the top of the Ferris wheel later.

  But she seemed more vulnerable to him than when they had been together before. She had been carefree, full of spirit and life. But she had a guarded look in her eyes now. And he didn’t think that could be because of him. He had the sinking feeling someone had hurt her deeply since they had been together.

  “Do you feel like filling me in on the last four years, Tracy?”

  She took a moment to think before she spoke. “Well, I’ve been working for Dr. Hanson for two years. I like it better there than where I was at before. It’s a smaller practice, and I have more time with each patient, plus the people I work with are all really nice.”

  When she didn’t add any more personal details, he prompted her. “When did you get into Lily’s Bible study?”

  “Last September.”

  “Do you enjoy it?”

  “Yes. It’s been really good for me.” She paused and added, “I wasn’t in a good place emotionally or spiritually before that.”

  “Would I be prying to ask why?”

  “No,” she replied. “I hadn’t been going to church for a few months before that. I guess I didn’t feel like I should be there.”

  “Why not?”

  Her eyes filled with tears, but she said nothing. He knew this couldn’t be good and stopped walking. She did also but appeared reluctant to look at him.