Paisley's Pattern Read online

  Rob pounded down the stairs. He opened the window wider and slanted a board for a ramp, eliminating the need to lift the crates.

  She slid them up. He grabbed them from outside and dumped.

  In mere minutes, he swung down the stairs and announced the trash cans were full. “Step aside, my oversized dust bunny. I’ll put this window back in. We’ll wash up, and then I’ll buy you a coffee.”

  Paisley basked in the relaxed atmosphere of the cab pickup. Rob had never been so unencumbered. What had happened? If he’d behaved this way in California, they might be married by now. The clouds had somehow lifted from his countenance, and a new light erased strain. His eyes even held a glint of teasing.

  So what was holding her back from falling into the spell of his welcome offer of an unspoken togetherness? Doubt? Fear?

  *

  Rob made a quick stop at the grocery store for boxes.

  The intensity of their kiss had short-circuited his head. He was positive they’d both been taken by surprise. He parked at the curb in front of Edna Mae’s because a big farm truck was backed onto the drive of the Waverly house.

  Oren waved at them with a smile and Sara peeked through slats framing the truck bed.

  “Wait.” He stayed Paisley’s hand from opening the passenger door. “I owe you an apology going back to as long as we’ve known each other.”

  She gave him a questioning look.

  “I’ve always been jealous of people like you. Happy people.” He tapped her on the nose, ran his fingers through her hair, catching a whiff of her shampoo. She usually smelled like flowers. He smoothed the locks over her shoulder. “You seem to be too happy to be real, unless I’ve done something to make you sad. I’m a Christian but I’ve only felt happy during sporadic moments. For instance, how good we are together. That is, if you and I aren’t at odds.”

  She reached for his hand, laced their fingers.

  “I’ve often felt I live in a dungeon, except when I’m working. I’ve chosen to live that way. But something has changed inside me since I’ve been here. The way Oren and Nora and Sara have accepted and welcomed me is almost too much. Discovering I am Mark Waverly’s son has opened a whole world of uncharted freedom for me.” He gave her hand a squeeze and voiced a raspy chuckle. “I’m not used to saying so much, especially from the heart. Sara’s getting ready to jump off the tailgate of the truck. I imagine she’ll run our way, but I’m not done.”

  Rob released her hand. “They’ll have to wait. I dug into my Bible last night. Edna Mae has something to do with that. I was struck by the knowledge we are both believers. That means we are in Christ and He is in us. I ran across the phrase ‘one another’ in a few verses. It revealed to me that’s us. Believers, meaning you and me, are in one another. I love Jesus with all my heart. You are both part of me. I have mistreated you and that can’t go on. Here comes Sara.”

  The girl skidded to a stop, slapping her hands against Paisley’s door. “What’s taking you guys so long? Miss Edna Mae called Dad and said we have to help Paisley. So come on, Uncle Rob, we have work to do.”

  “I can’t tell if that’s good timing or bad.” Paisley shot him a smile. Then she turned and opened her door.

  Oren greeted Rob with a fist bump, but spoke to Paisley. “Nora and I are sorry you had to jump into downstairs. We really expected to get to that mess but things happened sooner than we were ready. You running across those pictures filled my mind with my brother. I hadn’t gone downstairs. There’s a whole bunch more piled up than I had guessed.”

  Time and progress commingled with two able-bodied men. They cleared one corner, wiped down shelves, and created a place for tagged items. Small, repairable furniture, including a black-walnut magazine rack with a broken leg and picture frames went out back for Rob’s attention. He dropped the goods and was on his way downstairs again.

  Paisley was talking to Sara. “There’s even a town in Nebraska called Waverly.”

  “How, in the midst of all that’s in this dirty basement, would you know that?” He shook his head. He opened a tub lid and discovered plumbing connectors and pipes in their original packaging. He hesitated before delving in.

  “I went and got a map from the visitors’ center.” Paisley swept hair that had escaped her ponytail out of her eye. She’d finally found a job dirty enough to pull back her hair. “See, if it’s worth naming a town, the Waverly name is valuable.”

  “Then how come I had to go all these years with a handle like Paisley?” He posed the question without anger.

  “You don’t like my name, huh?”

  “I’ve never said such a thing or even thought it.”

  “Paisley is a beauuuuuutiful name. I asked Mom what it means and she showed me pictures on the computer. It’s as old as Bible times.” Sara hugged Paisley’s waist. “I love your name.”

  “Thank you. I’m rather partial to it myself.”

  My mom thought it was worth keeping. Rob blew dust from inside the tub bottom. “Your name suits you just fine. You’re a lady. You deserve a fancy swirly-shaped name that makes others think of beauty and softness.”

  Paisley whirled and, over Sara’s head, gave him a doe-eyed look of promise. “That’s the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me.”

  They returned to their tasks with noisy vigor, shuffling through every container, tossing trash into sacks for Sara to tote, or filling boxes and crates. They stacked salable items in the general direction of the metal storage unit for Paisley to later tag.

  “I hope you realize our opinion of a name, our given names, doesn’t matter,” Paisley said. “God has chosen new names for us to have in heaven. What names we go by here on earth may fade without recall.”

  Sara announced, “I’m going outside to see if Dad needs help.”

  “Here’s a sack to carry up, please. You’ve been a big help today.” Rob sidled next to Paisley. “And how did you discover such a fact?”

  “I’ve been spending my own time in the Bible. It bothered me when you kept saying I moved before I had the chance to dedicate my life to a relationship. And you’re right about not giving you my all. I’ve believed, but somewhere along the line I’ve discovered I had never really committed myself to the Lord.”

  So how could you fully commit to me?

  The words floated in the air between them, bouncing around like disturbed dust.

  9

  Paisley was more than ready to call it a day.

  Nora stopped by the house at five thirty. “Just look at what you have accomplished. I’m impressed. And I have a fun ending for a hard work day for us all. How do hot dogs or nachos, hot chocolate, and popcorn sound for supper? It’s high school football night.”

  “That’ll be a novelty for me, football with a chill in the air,” Paisley rubbed her nose and nudged Rob. “But I’ll need a shower first. We all do, even Sara.”

  “I agree. Covered that for you, too, honey,” Nora told Oren. “I stopped at home and brought you a change of clothes and your shower soap. Towel as well, so you can clean up here. I lugged a coat in my car for Rob, too.”

  “What about me, Mom?”

  “I have your warm clothes, don’t worry. You won’t need to shampoo but I have your pink bubbly so you’ll smell sweet again.”

  “Oh, goody. Maybe Emerald will be at the game. Her big brother plays football,” Sara added. “Do I get money to pick out my own candy? And a lollypop?”

  “Yes.” Nora herded Sara into the bathroom to get ready.

  Paisley shut off lights in the basement and walked home. The gusting breeze cooled her overexerted body and revived her mind. She hurried into the house anticipating the night ahead and flipped on the radio. “There will be a good time at the area games tonight, folks. The local weather forecast includes a chilly north wind. Remember, cold from those aluminum bleacher seats can go right to the bone. By the end of the third quarter, you’ll need an extra layer or two, so don’t forget to wrap up.”

  Forgive me, Au
nt Rainbow, I’ll need to open a drawer or two for warm clothes.

  After a shower, she rummaged in the kitchen until she grabbed a protein packed trail mix.

  Rob appeared at the door.

  Paisley was glad she had rushed, but the tights under her jeans were hot. She held up a pair of gloves. “Do I really need these?”

  “You might be surprised out in open-air bleachers. Better to have them along than to get chilled.”

  She stuffed the gloves into a pocket and slipped into a heavy, hooded white sweatshirt. “Thanks,” she said, as she shrugged on the sleeve Rob held.

  Unfettered excitement filled the air as they got their tickets at the gate. A crowd dressed in colors that showed allegiance surrounded them. Norfolk fans wore maroon. The opposing team followers showed up in bright green and white.

  Above the noise and jubilation of the crowd, the sense of community almost made her break down. There was a comfortable sense of feeling at home where she belonged, in a town situated in the middle of the country, so far removed from her roaming California roots.

  God had brought her here. God had brought Rob here.

  In the midst of Rob’s new family, she couldn’t imagine being anywhere else. If Rob looked at his surroundings with an open heart, nothing could prevent him from contributing to his own sense of peace in this place.

  Oren led the group close to the top of the bleachers near the announcer’s booth.

  Nora handed Rob a maroon plaid stadium blanket. “You two sit on this. We like to park our bods up here because some of the wind is blocked behind us by the booth.”

  Sara remained standing. “I want to eat now, Dad.”

  “Say please and we’ll see to it.”

  Rob stood. “I’ll help. What do you ladies want from concessions?”

  “I’ll have popcorn later, thanks,” Paisley said. “Only water for now.”

  “Nachos and water for me,” Nora added.

  Oren’s coat stretched tight across Rob’s thicker back and shoulders.

  Paisley kept her gaze on him, followed him out of sight.

  “Scenery’s got you tongue tied, I can tell,” Nora teased. “Oren said last night he’d never be able to repay you for coming here and bringing Rob home and our gratitude for going through Mark’s things.”

  Paisley only smiled and nodded. It had been fun. She bunched up the hood around her neck. The sight of the cheerleading squad with bare arms and legs gave her a shiver.

  “Gone to many games?” Nora asked.

  “A few in high school. I’ve always liked soccer better.” Paisley soaked in the sights and sounds.

  The crowd had just risen to their feet. The men jostled back to their seats. Rob handed her a bottle of water, set his at his feet, and they all placed hands over their hearts for “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

  Kick-off and noise ensued.

  Rob got into the game as much as Oren. The home team scored and even Paisley jumped up to give a yell. They went into halftime two touchdowns ahead.

  “Can we have hot chocolate now, please?” Sara hollered then clicked her teeth together in an exaggerated chatter. The men got up. Sara popped into Rob’s vacated spot and snuggled against Paisley. “I bet the football players are drinking cold energy drinks. Too cold for me.”

  “Tell me about your day,” Nora invited her daughter.

  “It was gross. But kind of an adventure.”

  The women listened as Sara gave a perked-up, detailed account of her discoveries in the basement, including a minute description of mouse skeletons. She wound down, and then gave Paisley a hug.

  “Thanks. You were a big help today.” Paisley hugged back

  “It was fun. I think Uncle Rob had fun. Brrr. It’s cold enough out here to snizzle.”

  Paisley pushed aside the edge of her hood to see Nora’s face. “Huh?”

  “Sara made up the word. I think she was three. It’s a combination of freezing drizzle and snow. Sometimes happens around here.”

  A strong longing suffused Paisley. She wanted a family. This was not a mundane life. This was belonging to others. And others belonging to her. “What do you think the temperature is now?”

  “Around fifty degrees, but with the wind it feels like it’s somewhere in the upper thirties. We have to readjust our inner thermostats late each fall as we transition into winter.”

  “I think I like it,” Rob announced, appearing with the scrumptious scent of steaming cocoa. He held out the cardboard carrier.

  And to Paisley, he looked more than sufficient to take part in her longings.

  “I’d say you’re acclimating.” Oren blew and slurped.

  They grew quiet, sipping their hot chocolate. The marching band finished their routine.

  Paisley decided as long as she could wrap up and cuddle next to Rob, she’d learn to like the game of football, even if she had to endure the cold.

  Rob settled his empty cup in the carrier and gave her a small smile. “Having a good time?”

  “I am, thanks. You?”

  Perhaps Rob contemplated the same conviction of belonging she had earlier. She swirled her drink to get the last mix of chocolate and noticed the cold again as soon as her hands were empty. She reached for her gloves.

  “Just wait until it’s around zero and the wind chill makes it twenty below,” Oren said to them.

  “Then it’ll indeed be cuddling weather,” Nora answered, bumping her shoulder against Oren’s side. He kissed her forehead.

  “You two look just right together,” Paisley said. “I’d love to spend the evening with Sara if you want to go out tomorrow night.”

  “I won’t turn that down,” Nora said without consulting her husband. “Why don’t you both come? Plan to eat at home with Sara.”

  Home. Was the idea of this place as a potential home also growing on Rob? Dare she hope he’d ask her to be part of his life as much as she entertained the concept of planting roots in Nebraska?

  Lord, show me what Your plan is for me, and work on Rob’s heart. Please remind me to call and say no to the nursery job in California, where I’d be in my element with luscious flowers. Show me if I’m meant to stay here and take the chance my luscious Rob may move on without me.

  *

  Rob had never been a babysitter in his life, but he had laughed a lot spending time with his niece. And it felt good.

  “People tell jokes around here all the time,” Sara said, placing the word “jokes” on the word game board. “Especially the redneck ones that I don’t get most of the time.”

  “What’s your definition of redneck, sweetie?” Paisley asked. “Do you know any jokes, Rob?”

  “Not me,” Rob answered. “You must remember I’ve never been much into comedy. But I like the way they all laugh at themselves.”

  “I don’t really know what it means, but guys laugh.” Sara puffed out her rosy cheeks. “Dad says people need comic relief at the end of a stressful day. Here’s one. You know you’re a redneck during a drought if you hear rain on the roof and think it’s a hamster in a cage.”

  The adults laughed appropriately. Paisley mouthed, “I didn’t really get it.”

  Rob gave a minute head jerk.

  Sara added, “My dad heard that at the bank and told me and my mom.”

  Rob covered a smile and took his turn placing a word on the board. The evening had been more comfortable and enjoyable than he could have imagined.

  At last, Paisley announced they needed to clean up their snacks and get Sara settled for the night.

  She protested and delayed, talking around her mouthful of toothpaste. Then she insisted each adult read a chapter from the current book she was reading.

  “Lights out,” Paisley said a half hour later and rolled off the white iron bed to stand at the foot.

  “Uncle Rob, tuck me in, please.”

  He smoothed the covers up to Sara’s chin, and she immediately pulled her arms out from under. “I can’t say my prayer if I can’t move.�
�

  They all laughed as he stepped back next to Paisley.

  Sara giggled the first words. “Dear God, thank You for bringing my new Uncle Rob to Nebraska. And thank You that Paisley is cleaning out Grandpa’s house. I want them to stay with us forever and ever. I love You, Jesus. Amen.” She popped her eyes open and slammed them shut. “Oh, and bring them to church tomorrow.”

  Humbled by his niece’s words, Rob eased her door shut, double checking the night light. He reached for Paisley’s hand and led her down the hall.

  “Sara wore me out. Kids have a ton of energy, don’t they?” Paisley commented.

  “I’m tired, too. We’ve all worked hard for two days, tackling that basement. You still want to find a movie to watch, or shall we just sit?”

  “Doing nothing sounds like a plan. I want to let my mind go. Playing all those games zapped my brain cells. Sara was pretty pleased she beat us most of the time, wasn’t she?”

  Rob chuckled. “I’d say she’s ready for the adult game. How about finding us something to drink and I’ll close the windows. It’s getting cool out there.”

  “Sounds like a plan,” Paisley repeated and went on to the kitchen.

  Rob attended to the slider, two open windows, and checked for unlocked doors. He returned to the great room.

  Paisley rummaged in the kitchen beyond the dividing island. Her long layered skirt floated around her as she moved. She met his gaze and gave him a secret smile. Women were complex creatures.

  “You’re oblivious,” he said.

  She gracefully slid coasters and placed tall glasses on the table in front of the couch. “Oblivious to what?”

  He grazed a finger down her hairline, tucking her hair behind one ear. “You are lovely. Others see it. It’s one of the things that first drew me to you, because you are unaware of how you glow from within. You are interested in others and put them first.”

  Her eyelids drifted shut.

  He used his left hand to trace her hairline. “You don’t give guys flirty looks, and you aren’t prideful. The way you came to Rainbow’s aid, and how you’ve worked so hard on the Waverly house, your actions are admirable.” He threaded his fingers into the hair and lifted the heavy mass off her shoulders. He smoothed the ends at her collarbones, inhaling her light floral scent before releasing the gold. Cupping her face in both hands, he moved in to sip the nectar of her sweet lips.