Lawfully Wedded Page 5

  “It’s tough sometimes, but I make it work.”

  The server showed up with their plates of food. Lindsay opted for a vegetarian omelet while Deanna’s plate contained a Chile Verde scramble.

  Both took a couple of bites of food before Deanna took a break. She gave a sly smile and probed, “I have a hard rule not to date anyone from work, but Aiden has always struck me as being a firecracker in the sack. So, tell me, does he live up to my imagination?”

  Lindsay’s cheeks turned red with embarrassment. “I wouldn’t know. We’re both Christians and we’re waiting until we get married.”

  Deanna’s eyebrow arched in surprise. “I didn’t know that. I’ve never heard Aiden talk about God.”

  “It’s newer for him. He was a Christian when he was young, but drifted away. He’s recommitted recently.”

  Deanna let out a throaty laugh. “That wouldn’t have anything to do with you, would it?”

  “He might have attended church the first time because of me, but he kept coming because he let God back into his life.” Lindsay took a sip of coffee to calm her nerves and sent up a silent prayer for God to give her the right words. “I want to invite you to come to church tomorrow with us.”

  Deanna crinkled her nose and shook her head. “Church isn’t really my scene. I don’t get the whole organized religion thing. Honestly, the few times I tried when I was young, the people seemed so judgmental. I never wanted to go back.”

  “If you ever change your mind, we go to the ten o’clock service at Clear Mountain Assembly. I think you would find our church isn’t like that.”

  “I appreciate the offer, but I’ll pass. Besides, I have a hot date tonight, so I will be out late,” she admitted with a wink.

  They continued to talk about Lindsay’s job, and what they liked to do in their free time. A man approached and stopped at their table. He looked directly at Deanna’s ample chest for several seconds before he asked, “Hi there, pretty lady. I was wondering if I could buy you a cup of coffee?”

  Deanna raised her cup up. “I’m good, thanks,” she stated dismissively.

  “Well, not right now, of course,” the man continued undeterred. “I meant later when you’re free.”

  This time, the smile vanished from Deanna’s face and a scowl replaced it. “I’m with a friend, and I’m really not interested.”

  “You don’t need to be such a shrew,” he barked at Deanna. “Geez, it was a compliment after all.”

  Lindsay was about to get involved when the man behind the counter noticed the confrontation. He put down his rag and made his way over. “Sir, you need to stop bothering the ladies. They're here to enjoy their meal, not be pestered.”

  “How dare you talk to me like that? I want to speak to the manager.”

  The man crossed his arms. “You’re speaking to him. I stand by what I said.”

  With a huff, the other man turned and sauntered off.

  “Ladies, I’m sorry about that. The meal is on the house.” He looked over at Deanna and grinned. “I’ll see you tonight.”

  Deanna gave him a friendly smile. “You sure will, Ron. Thanks for the intervention.”

  Once they were alone again, Lindsay inquired, “Does that sort of thing happen to you a lot?”

  Deanna shrugged. “It happened right after I hit puberty. Men think the way I look gives them the right to hit on me whenever and wherever they choose. It’s frustrating, but I’ve gotten used to it.”

  “But you shouldn’t have to,” Lindsay defended. “You should be able to eat a meal in peace and not be bothered by a sleaze ball like that.”

  “I’m just glad Ron was working today. It would have been a lot harder to deal with if he hadn’t.”

  Lindsay’s phone chimed, and she looked at it. “Oh, goodness. I lost track of the time. I need to get over to the flower shop to complete my selections for the wedding.”

  “You want company?” Deanna offered.

  “Sure. That would be nice.”

  Twelve

  Stacy Wingate, the elderly church secretary, was standing at the welcome kiosk inside Clear Mountain Assembly. She greeted them with a giant smile as Aiden and Lindsay entered.

  “Good morning. It’s so good to see you both. Are you helping with production in the next service, Aiden?”

  He nodded. “Sure am, while Lindsay is working in the nursery.”

  Aiden helped by running the lights and sound board for the church during the second service.

  “Well, go find seats before the service starts. Pastor Steve’s new series has attracted many new people.” She glanced past them, adding, “For instance, I see a new redheaded woman right behind you. She looks a little lost.”

  Lindsay and Aiden turned to see to whom Stacy was referring. It surprised Aiden to find Deanna. He hadn’t expected to find her at church. He leaned over and asked Lindsay, “Are you responsible for this?”

  She whispered back, “I invited her yesterday, but she was adamant she wasn’t coming. I’m just as shocked as you to see her here.”

  Deanna approached them with a hesitant smile on her face. “Hey there Lindsay, Aiden.”

  Stacy turned to them. “You know each other?” she inquired with surprise.

  “She works with me,” Aiden explained.

  “And we’re all friends,” Lindsay added.

  Deanna gave them a grateful look, and Lindsay introduced her to Stacy before they stepped aside to talk.

  “I thought you said you weren’t coming? What changed your mind?” Lindsay inquired.

  “I didn’t decide until the last minute,” Deanna admitted, just as Erica showed up and joined them.

  “Hi, Deanna. I’m so glad you came today,” Erica greeted in her usual chipper voice.

  “Thanks.” She nervously glanced down at her jeans and purple button-up blouse. “I hope I’m dressed all right.”

  “You’ll fit in fine,” Lindsay assured her. “Everyone at Clear Mountain Assembly is laid back. You’ve got nothing to worry about.”

  She seemed to relax. “I have to say, I like that. The churches I tried before were super stuffy. I don’t want to go to a church where I feel like I have to be runway ready all the time.”

  Erica laughed. “You don’t have to care about that here. Pastor Steve preaches in jeans and a sweater most Sundays.”

  “Why don’t we all go get seats before they fill up,” Aiden suggested.

  The group made their way down the center aisle and found a group of chairs six rows from the front of the mid-sized room.

  “You never told us what changed your mind about coming today,” Lindsay reminded.

  “Wow, you really don’t let things go, do you?” Deanna pointed out.

  “No, she really doesn’t,” Aiden agreed. “She’s got a steel trap mind, this one. Lindsay remembers everything.”

  “Then you’ve got your work cut out for you once you're married,” Deanna stated with a chuckle. “No room for error.”

  “He can make mistakes,” Lindsay clarified. “We’re all human. God forgives our mistakes; we owe it to each other to do the same.”

  “I never heard it explained like that. A god who forgives and doesn’t hold our mistakes against us sounds appealing. I’ve sure made enough. It’s why I’m here today. I had a horrible date last night. It was only my second date with Ron, but like so many guys, he had only one thing on his mind. He was really pushy about it, and when I wouldn’t give in and let him have his way, he called me a tease. He seemed like a decent guy, but I keep picking the wrong ones.”

  Erica nodded. “I know what you mean. I’ve tried everything from online dating, to speed dating, to blind dates, to set-ups. Nothing seems to work. I keep hoping my mister right is out there; but I haven't found him yet. Coming to church is my bright spot in the week. I love serving by mentoring the junior high kids, and I’ve made a lot of friends. Even without a boyfriend, I don’t feel like my life is lacking because of my church family.”

 
“I’d like to feel that way,” Deanna confessed. “I keep thinking the right guy will fill the void in my life, but it never works.”

  “That’s because the only thing that can fill the void is God,” Lindsay explained. “He wants you to accept him into your life, believe in Him, and confess you need Him. He leaves that void so you will seek Him out. With God, you won’t need anyone else. That way, when the right guy comes along, you’re both complete, allowing God to be the center of your relationship.”

  “It really makes all the difference,” Aiden admitted. “I had a serious relationship before Lindsay, and it didn’t work out. It was because we were both coming from a place of selfishness. When you have God in your life, you put Him first, your partner second, and yourself last. If you’re both doing that, it makes the most solid foundation.”

  Deanna was intently listening to everything they were saying. She looked like a pupil listening to a teacher who had all the answers to the test she kept failing.

  A few moments later, the church musicians took to the stage and played one of Aiden’s favorite contemporary worship songs. The melodic music filled the sanctuary causing the congregation to raise their hands and sing in unison.

  After the worship finished, everyone took their seats as Pastor Steve moved to the stage, dressed in a pair of jeans and a sweater. He smiled out at the congregation.

  “Good morning, Clear Mountain Assembly. I’m so glad all of you made it here today. I know we got snow last night, so I appreciate you making the trek out, anyway. Today, God wants me to talk about acceptance. You might think I’m good at accepting others, I can just tune out for the next thirty minutes, but I want to urge you to listen. I'm not talking about just acceptance of others, but acceptance of yourself. Sometimes, we focus so much on others, we neglect ourselves. If you accept others easily, I commend you. But how are you doing with yourself? Do you look in the mirror and think there’s something wrong with you? Do you beat yourself up and condemn yourself for the mistakes you’ve made? If you have, God wants you to know, there’s nothing He won’t forgive. If you believe and accept Jesus as your Savior, He doesn’t see your past or future bad choices, He only sees the blood of His only Son. What that means is that you can find freedom to accept yourself as you are because God does. He loves you. He wants you. Just as you are. If He sees you that way, then you can do the same.”

  Aiden was pleased to hear Pastor Steve’s message. It not only confirmed everything they had just told Deanna, it also helped him with everything going on in his own life. He didn’t have to fear making a mistake while raising Alex. God loved Aiden just the way he was, as He did Alex and Lindsay. If they trusted in God as a family, He would give them everything they needed.

  Thirteen

  The toddler girl sat across from Lindsay in the small cubicle inside the Child Protective Service office in Boulder. Her blond head hung low, allowing her hair to fall into her face.

  “I’m sorry about this, Mandy. Don’t feel bad. It’s not your fault. The Stanbridges just weren’t cut out to be foster parents.”

  Mandy looked up and shook her head. “I’m too sad.”

  “Did they tell you that?” Lindsay asked, trying to mask her rage at the Stanbridges.

  She nodded. “I cry a lot.”

  Lindsay had to force her smile to stay on her face and keep the anger out of her voice. “You miss your mom. It makes sense you’re sad and you cry.”

  “Do I get to go home now? Where’s Mommy?”

  Lindsay sucked in her breath and held it. She had explained the situation, on more than one occasion, to Mandy, but she had to remind herself that she was still so young. She didn’t understand why she couldn’t be with her mother.

  Mandy’s mother picked her boyfriend over being a parent after CPS took Mandy away for neglect. The woman had given up all parental rights, leaving Mandy to be put in the foster care system.

  “Mandy, that’s not an option; but I have a great family lined up for you. I will take you over to your new house in a few minutes, but I want to make sure you’re ready.”

  The little girl’s bottom lip came out in a pout. “No, I don’t want another family. I want my mommy!” She kicked her feet against the chair and pounded her hands on the desk in front of her.

  A sharp pang of sympathy stabbed Lindsay’s heart. This outburst was the real reason the Stanbridges had returned Mandy to Protective Services. They said they weren’t equipped to handle her outbursts of anger and tears. Lindsay hoped Mandy could adjust better to the new home and the next family would be more understanding. She worried Mandy might get returned a second time. She didn’t want that to happen. Not only because she worried about finding Mandy another home when so few were available, but also because she wanted to see Mandy thrive in a new home. She had a soft spot for the little girl.

  As she picked up her purse and took Mandy by the hand, she sent up a silent prayer asking God to intervene in the situation.

  Lindsay couldn’t wait to see Aiden. They were attending their last foster care class and planned to go out to a late dinner afterward to celebrate.

  Due to her work schedule running long, she had to meet Aiden at the class. As she walked inside, she saw him across the room. His larger-than-life grin helped take away the harshness of the day.

  “How are you doing?” Aiden inquired. “Did it get better since your last text?”

  Lindsay pursed her lips, then shook her head. “Mandy didn’t want me to leave her at the new house. She begged me to take her with me. It broke my heart to leave her there.”

  “How are the new parents?”

  “They’re fine. They’ve fostered several children with similar backgrounds, so they should be able to handle her situation. I wish I could make everything better for her, but I can’t.”

  Aiden wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “Your empathy makes you such a great social worker.”

  Disheartened, she stated, “It’s also what makes this job so hard.”

  “Let’s pray before the class begins.” He took both of her hands in his own as they closed their eyes. “Dear Lord, we come to You and ask for You to help with the little girl Lindsay is working with right now. I don’t know all the details, but I know it’s difficult. Yet, nothing is too enormous for You to make a way. We ask, Lord, that you make a way for this little girl’s heart to be mended and for Lindsay to have peace that You will keep the child in Your hands. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.”

  Lindsay’s eyes met Aiden’s, and she was grateful to see his love reflected. “Thank you, Aiden. I needed that.”

  “Anytime. You know I’m always here for you. More importantly, God is always here for you.”

  The organizer of the final class made his way to the front of the room and spoke. They finished going over what to expect when you receive your first child. They explained the process of transitioning into the home, school requirements, and what to expect from the social worker. By the end of the class, everyone in the room seemed ready including Lindsay and Aiden.

  “I can’t believe we’re certified to be foster parents,” Aiden stated with excitement. “I can’t wait to tell Alex.”

  Lindsay smiled. “Me too. Being here with you and getting this done has helped turn an awful day into an awesome one.”

  “I’m glad to hear it. I hate it when you’re not happy.”

  “You ready to go eat? I’m starving,” Lindsay confessed. “I ended up skipping lunch with everything going on at work.”

  He nodded. “Sounds good, but let’s swing by the group home first to see Alex.”

  Fourteen

  Domenico’s Italian Restaurant was closed to the public for Lindsay and Aiden’s rehearsal dinner. The restaurant owner smiled as they walked through the front door.

  “Good evening, you two. Just wanted to let you know, everything is set up just the way you requested.”

  “Thanks,” Aiden stated as he took off his leather jacket. “We appreciate you letting us have ou
r rehearsal dinner here.”

  “Anytime. You both are like family,” Mr. De Luca stated.

  Aiden helped Lindsay with her coat and scarf, revealing her pink lace dress underneath.

  Pastor Steve and his wife, Daphne, were talking to Erica in a corner of the room. They also invited the Stocktons who were keeping an eye on Alex and Cooper at one table.

  Zach came up to them with an antsy look in his eyes. “How long do you think the dinner will go?” he probed, glancing at his cell phone.

  “Why, Zach, got somewhere to be?” Erica asked sarcastically as she walked up to the group. “Let me guess, got another date lined up for later tonight.”

  “Why are you asking? You care?” Zach inquired with eyebrows raised.

  “No,” Erica answered defensively. “I know how you operate. You would think for one night, you could stop thinking about yourself when it’s the eve of your best friend’s wedding. Then again, that would mean you were a halfway decent guy, and you’ve already proven that false on more than one occasion.”

  “Okay, you guys, we don’t need to get into this again,” Lindsay objected. “Let’s focus on the wedding.”

  “Hello, little brother,” a booming voice echoed through the restaurant.

  Aiden and Lindsay turned to face Shane O’Connell, Aiden’s older brother. Next to him was Brittany, his wife, a brunette with a generous smile, and their six-year-old twins, Carrie and Toby.

  “You made it,” Aiden said with grateful surprise.

  “I told you we would be here,” Shane stated as he put his arm around his brother’s shoulder. “Sorry we didn’t make the rehearsal, but the airline delayed the flight due to snow in Chicago.”

  “It doesn’t matter. I’m just glad you made it,” Aiden stated.

  Alex ran up to them with Cooper by his side. “Who are the kids?” he inquired with curiosity.

  Aiden got down on his knees to be at the level of the children. “This is my nephew, Toby, and my niece, Carrie, which makes them your soon-to-be cousins. Toby, Carrie, this is Alex.”