Crystal Stovall - A Groom Worth Waiting For

“Hello,” he called.

Though Amy shielded her eyes from the late afternoon sun, she wasn’t able to conceal her surprise, and perhaps even her disappointment.

“I thought you’d be at work.” She turned away briefly. “I didn’t mean that like it sounded. It’s good to see you,” she added with false brightness.

Though he couldn’t be certain, he sensed she felt the same mixed emotions he did. It was crazy that a woman he’d just met could capture his interest so quickly, and he couldn’t help but wonder if she were the one. No, he had to let those thoughts go. He didn’t believe in love at first sight. Love took time to grow and mature, and as lonely as he was and ready to settle down, he wasn’t going to do anything foolish. Still, what harm would it do to take the time to get to know this woman? To find out if something special could grow between them.

Matt swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple sticking in his throat as he looked into Amy’s bewildered eyes and instantly knew that if she left today he’d never see her again. Oddly, that made him feel sad. Yet, if that was God’s plan, then it was for the best.

“This is such a lovely farm,” she said.

As her gaze wandered, he realized she was stalling. That perhaps her mind wasn’t made up.

“Are there any questions I can answer for you?” he asked.

Amy pursed her lips as she gave the matter serious thought. “We didn’t discuss specific terms yesterday. I really need to know more before I can make a decision.”

“Then you’re interested?”

Amy nodded. “Your family has a sterling reputation. I’d be remiss not to consider working for your aunt.”

“You checked us out?” Knowing she was treating this offer seriously pleased him.

“I called the references, plus I stopped at the library to do some research on the Internet. Your family seems well established and respected. I understand they’ve played an important role in Lexington’s past.”

“That’s true,” Matt said with pride. And he hoped to do his part by preserving the family property, where it all began.

“If you stay in Lexington, you’re bound to run into us Wynn cousins. We’re a pretty active bunch.”

“And about this job?” Amy asked, as if she had dismissed any qualms she might have felt concerning the family.

“Basically, we’d like you to live with Aunt Lila and oversee the house and her needs. Your job would include everything from light housework and fixing meals to making sure she takes her medication on time and to help her with the exercise routine her doctor prescribed. Most importantly, you’ll need to make sure she doesn’t try to do too much too fast.”

Amy smiled. “And I have a feeling that’s harder than it sounds.”

Matt grinned, too. “Trust me, I’ve already tried and failed. She’s a stubborn woman with a heart of gold. And when she gets an idea in her head, there’s no stopping her.”

“Gee, I wonder who takes after her.”

Matt shook his head, enjoying the light banter.

“Does this mean you’ll take the job?” Looking directly at Amy, he held his breath as he waited for her answer.

Biting her lip, Amy still couldn’t make up her mind. For some reason she couldn’t explain, she wanted to say yes. But before she did, she wanted to make sure she was saying yes for the right reason. That she was doing what was best for her and not what was easy.

After having paced the motel room floor for most of the night without reaching a decision, she’d hoped once she reached the Wynn farm the answer would be obvious. And maybe it would have been if Matt hadn’t been here. Though she wanted to show her appreciation for the unselfish way he’d protected her during the robbery, she didn’t want to take the position out of obligation.

When Aunt Lila called, both Amy and Matt looked up. “Where are your manners, Matt? Show the lady to the house.” When neither moved, Aunt Lila waved them to come in.

“You heard my aunt,” Matt said.

“Yeah,” Amy said. As they walked toward the house, she found her answer. This home and this woman had a spirit that drew her. It was as if God had provided a safe haven where she could heal her broken heart.

She would help Aunt Lila get back on her feet, and in return, she’d use this opportunity to take stock of her life and make plans for the future. After all, this was only a temporary arrangement.

Aunt Lila clasped her hands and smiled. “I’m glad to hear my prayers haven’t gone to waste. I have a hunch this arrangement is going to work out for both of us.”

Amy reached out to shake the older woman’s hand and was immediately pulled into a loose embrace. Though surprised by Lila’s enthusiasm, she appreciated the warm welcome. Still, for someone who’d refused to hire help, insisting she could make it on her own, Lila had quickly changed her mind. But that was a family matter, and Amy decided right then and there not to get caught up in the Wynn family business. She’d been hired to assist Aunt Lila and nothing more.

“I hope you’re right,” Amy agreed. “Finding a job and a place to live in one day is better than winning a sweepstakes. And I’m going to do everything I can to make your recovery as comfortable and easy as possible.”

“Oh, I have no doubt this arrangement is going to work out.” Though Lila appeared tired, a strange sparkle lit her eyes as if she knew a special secret. “And now, if you don’t mind, I’m going to lie down.”

“What can I do to help? Perhaps I could bring you a cup of hot tea? Or maybe you’d like me to run some water for a bath?” Amy asked, feeling like there was no time better than the present to get started.

“Oh, no,” Aunt Lila insisted. “I’m going to rest, and then after dinner we’ll discuss how you can best help me.”

“At least let me prepare dinner,” Amy offered.

Lila nodded with approval, then turning toward Matt said, “In the meantime, I’d like you to help Amy move her things into the south guest room and then take her on a tour of the property.”

Being a fast learner, Amy already knew better than to argue with Lila. However, she didn’t intend to spend the rest of the afternoon with Matt, and she was certain he’d feel the same way.

Amy and Matt both nodded as if in agreement, then waited until Lila had left the room before honestly facing one another.

“What was that about?” Amy asked.

“I’m not sure what you mean.” Matt shrugged, as if to say he truly was clueless.

“That look in your aunt’s eye.”

“Oh, that,” Matt said, shaking his head. “There’s no telling what she’s dreaming up. Trust me, you’ll get used to seeing that sparkle. Aunt Lila’s always got a plan.”

“Like what kind of plan?”

“Let’s see. She’s always redesigning the gardens or remodeling the house. And if she’s not doing something to the house or barns, then she’s helping raise money for a favorite charity or she’s working on a church committee. Her specialty is weddings, and lucky for her, her nieces and nephews have kept her plenty busy recently.”

Amy noticed Matt’s wistful eyes, but because she wanted to avoid any talk of weddings she let the look pass without comment.

“I gather Aunt Lila’s a very active woman.”

Matt grinned. “That would be an understatement.”

“Sounds like I may be the one who has a hard time keeping up.” From the brief time she’d spent with Lila, she knew she was going to enjoy working for this woman. Lila possessed a zest for life that was contagious, and Amy already felt a sliver of the woman’s optimism taking root in her own heart.

“She’ll keep you busy,” Matt agreed. “But I really think you’ll be a great team. Otherwise I wouldn’t have suggested this arrangement in the first place.”