Waiting For Rachel: A Christian Romance (Those Karlsson Boys) (2 page)

“You still believe that Rachel is the one?”

“Definitely.” Damian set his plate on the counter and straddled a stool. “After breaking up with Nikki I prayed long and hard about any further relationships. I asked God to make it clear who His choice was for me. Last year when I stopped by the hospital to see Evelyn, I stood in the doorway watching as Rachel tended to her. Singing to her mom as she rubbed her hands. Talking with her as she stroked her hair. It was as if this small voice just said, ‘She’s the one.’ And the minute I accepted that, peace flooded my heart. She’s the one, Mom, no doubt about it.”

“I do approve of your choice, Son. I just wish things were going more smoothly for you. But if the Lord has shown you that Rachel is it, then you’re best off waiting and not settling for second best with some other woman.”

Damian knew his mom was right but wondered how long he’d have to wait. He thought about his joke earlier regarding Jacob and how long he’d waited for his Rachel and hoped that he really didn’t end up having to wait seven years for Rachel to say yes.

“Damian, I actually called to
talk to you about something,” Sharon said, interrupting his thoughts.

“Not gossip, I hope.” Damian struggled with his mom’s habit of passing on information loosely based on fact.

“No, darling, it’s not gossip,” his mother reassured him. “I’m trying to be better about that. This is about our family. I just got a call from Alexander. He’s not going to be able to make it home for Christmas.”

Damian quickly swallowed the bite of casserole he’d taken. “Again? What’s with that guy? Surely he could take a three-day break in his schedule to come spend Christmas with the family.”

“I know.” Damian could hear his mother’s disappointment loud and clear. “I wonder if you’d have a minute to phone and see if you can persuade him to make some time for us this year.”

“I’ll give it a try, but I make no promises. Alex has been doing his own thing for years now, and that includes, for whatever reason, not taking vacations to come see the family.”

“I know.” Sharon sighed. “I’m afraid he’s going to wear himself out. Just see what you can find out for me. He might talk more freely with a brother than a mother.”

“I’ll see what I can do. Where was he when you talked to him earlier?”

“In some hotel in Miami. He said he’d be back home early next week. He has his cell though so you could contact him before then if you wanted.”

“Okay, I’ll give him a shout.”

“Thanks, Son. You know I rely on you to keep your younger brothers in line.”

Damian grinned. She may say she relied on him, but they both knew that when it came to Alex and Jace, his younger siblings did their own thing most the time.

“I’ll let you eat, dear. Do let me know if anything comes up with Rachel. We’ll keep praying. Just remember she’s gone through a lot with losing Evelyn earlier this year. Her heart is fragile. Treat her with care.”

“I always do, Mom, but thanks for the reminder. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Damian hung up the phone then returned to his seat at the counter. The daily newspaper lay where he’d left it that morning. The top story’s headline captured his attention as it had when he’d first seen it. He didn’t doubt the impact that story had on him had made him more sensitive to Rachel’s mood.

He
picked up the paper and laid it flat beside his plate. The man whose picture was now featured on the front page had been only thirty-two years old. They were the same age, and that was the problem. Carter Graham had been a successful man whose life had been cut short by a freak snowmobile accident. The accompanying article told of how he’d devoted his time to his business and to the hobbies he enjoyed. And even to his parents and siblings. But there had been no mention of a wife or kids.

Life was too short, Damian mused as he stared at the picture. He’d been accepting Rachel’s negative responses to his request for a date partly because he was so involved with the church. And after having one relationship not work out, he wasn’t in that big a rush for another one. But six months had gone by since he had decided to ask Rachel out for the first time, and he was no closer in his relationship with her than he had been when they first met fifteen years earlier in high school. Friends
…still just friends.

He didn’t want his obituary to read the way Carter Graham’s had. It was time to step up his pursuit of Rachel, to subtly try to convince her their relationship had a chance, because he believed it did. If only he knew how to do it without sending her running in the opposite direction. It appeared he would have to do a little work for his Rachel, just as Jacob had.

Damian finished his meal, slapped the paper face down on the counter, and took his dishes to the sink to rinse them off. Hoping to relax for a bit, Damian went to the living room and his desk there, sat down and turned on his computer.

As he waited for it to boot, Damian looked at the picture sitting on his desk. It was the only one he had of Rachel, and even then, it was not just of her. All the members of their singles group were in it. Someone had taken the picture at the singles summer retreat a couple of years ago, back before Evelyn had gotten sick and Rachel had been forced to curtail her activities in the church to care for her.

In the picture Rachel had been laughing at something someone had said, and in Damian’s eyes she had never looked more beautiful. He picked up the frame and focused on her, blocking out the other members of the group.

With her average height and appearance she didn’t stand out from the other women in the group. The thick brown hair she wore
loose around her shoulders held just a glint of red to keep it from being plain. Her brown eyes had to be her best feature. They were usually warm and friendly, except when they looked at him, because then they took on guarded and wary expression.

Although she was physically attractive with a womanly figure that her modest clothing only enhanced, it was her other qualities that really grabbed Damian’s heart. The patience and gentleness she showed when
she had worked with the young kids in the toddler program at church. The success of her bookstore showed she wasn’t afraid of a little hard work. And even though she’d had to drop a lot of her involvement in the church when her mother had gotten sick, she’d always made it to at least one service on Sunday. It always lifted his heart to see her there.

Damian sighed.
How much longer, Lord? I feel as if I’ve waited a lifetime already. You’ve given me peace that she’s the one for me; now give me patience to wait for as long as it takes.

A crescendo of music told Damian his computer had finished booting. He quickly clicked on the icon to bring up his email.

“Why do people keep forwarding these things to me?” Damian muttered as he deleted an “inspiring” email that had been sent to him by five different members of the church so far. Thankfully, there was nothing that needed his immediate attention.

Damian leaned back in the chair, staring at the monitor but not really seeing it. Concern weighed down on him. First Rachel, now Alex. It seemed the list of people demanding his attention and his prayers just grew and grew. And the responsibility put on him by others was crushing at times. But as the oldest son and as a pastor, even an assistant pastor, it was his lot in life. Most the time he
enjoyed it, but there were times Damian wished his life were a little more his own.

Sensing a dangerous shift in his mood, Damian lurched forward in his chair and grabbed his
cell phone and searched through his contacts. He didn’t phone Alex often enough to know his number by heart, and perhaps that needed to change. The call went right to Alex’s answering machine so Damien had to settle for leaving a message. Hopefully his brother would call him back within in the next day or two so he could give his mom some news…good news.

Damian set his phone down and got up to turn on the lights on the Christmas tree.  He stood with his hands in his pockets watching the tree for a few minutes.  He
had a lot on his plate over the weeks leading up to Christmas, but he wasn’t going to let that stop him from taking on a very special assignment. It was time to press forward with Rachel. Nothing overt or overwhelming, but something designed to help them get to know each other better. Maybe then Rachel would grant him his request for a date.

And more than ever Damian planned to pray that Rachel would feel the same peace about their relationship that God had given him.

Chapter Two

Rachel eased down on the brake pedal and turned into the parking lot, praying the car wouldn’t slide. Steady snowfall throughout the night had created slick streets and dangerous driving conditions. As she neared the section of the strip mall where the store was located, Rachel spotted a figure leaning against the wall.

“Hey, Mari, you’re early today,” Rachel called as she climbed out of the car, looping her purse strap over her shoulder.

“I got an earlier bus. Wasn’t sure what the roads were going to be like.” Mariam Hewitt’s gloved hands clutched a paper bag and a tray holding two Styrofoam cups. Her thick jacket bulked up her slender figure, and a thick wool hat covered her dark auburn hair.

Walking up to her, Rachel noticed that although the cold air had added a tinge of pink to Mari’s pale skin,
her large hazel eyes still dominated her thin face. Two months ago when Mari had come to the bookstore looking for a job Rachel hadn’t really needed another clerk, but something about the nineteen-year old’s waiflike appearance had tugged at her heart. When Mari told her she’d just moved to Minnesota and needed a job, Rachel hadn’t been able to turn her away.

It had turned out to be a great decision. The young woman worked hard, and she always had a ready smile. Often Mari greeted regular customers by name as they walked in the door and would let them know if a book by their favorite author had arrived. The customers’ love for Mari made her a definite asset.

Quickly unlocking the door, Rachel stepped into the store to hold it open for Mari, whose hands were full. The young woman went straight to the counter and set the bag and tray down. She followed Rachel into the office, took off of her coat, and exchanged her boots for more comfortable shoes.

“Here, I brought some breakfast.” Mari motioned to the tray and paper bag on the counter.

“You didn’t need to do that,” Rachel said, even as she reached for one of the cups. She opened its lid and inhaled the intoxicating scent of coffee.

“I know how much you need your morning java fix,” Mari said, a single dimple in her left cheek deepening as she smiled.

“Ah, you’re just making sure I start my day on the right foot.”

“Better for all of us.” Mari opened the bag sitting on the counter. “There’s also a bagel with cream cheese in there.”

Rachel arched a brow. “You want a raise or something?”

Mari laughed. “Naw
. I stopped for breakfast, and just thought I’d grab you something, too.”

Savoring that first
taste of the hot coffee, Rachel sat down on a stool. She closed her eyes and took another sip. She swallowed slowly, letting the warmth spread through her and chase the last of the cold from her bones.

“Thanks so much, Mari,” Rachel said when she opened her eyes again. “This just hits the spot.”

Mari smiled and sipped from her own cup, but then a frown furrowed her brow as she looked out the window. “Do you think anyone is going to come out in this mess to shop?”

Rachel shrugged. “Hard to say. My regulars know I always have something hot to drink and the fireplace going, so I’m hoping we’ll get a few. If not, it will give us the chance to sort through the new order that came in yesterday. It’s supposed to start melting by noon, so it might not keep them away.”

Wanting to dawdle over her coffee but knowing she shouldn’t, Rachel stood and began to prepare the cash register for the day. Mari went to start the coffee pot and turn on the electric fireplace. Even though they didn’t open for another fifteen minutes, Rachel turned on the CD player, and soon the strains of instrumental Christmas music began to drift through the store.

By the time nine twenty-five rolled around warmth had replaced the coolness in the store, and the enticing aroma of coffee and potpourri filled the air. Rachel began a quick walk around the store as she did each morning before opening, just to make sure everything was ready for the day ahead. Spying the stockroom door standing open, Rachel walked past the low displays in the front part of the store. She had restocked them the night before with hardcover bestsellers and gift books that would be perfect Christmas presents. Rachel paused long enough to close the stockroom door before heading for the back of the store.

The store widened where her office and the stockroom ended, giving the store a “T” shape. The small electric fireplace Mari had turned on earlier sent tendrils of heat into the room. Rachel checked to make sure the burgundy couch and two navy blue plush chairs were arranged correctly in front of the fireplace, then switched on the lamps next to them in case anyone wanted to sit down and read for a bit.

The shelves of books that lined the remaining two walls, as well as the wheeled shelving units in the center part of the store, were all fully stocked for the day and ready for customers to arrive, lists in hand. As Rachel passed the beverage stand near the checkout counter in front of her office, she made sure there were sufficient creamer and sugar packets. Mari had also turned on and prepared the hot chocolate machine. The customers would appreciate the hot beverages on such a wintry day.

Content that all was in order, Rachel paused to say a prayer of thanks. Many years of dreaming and hard work had gone into the success of The Book Nook. She had scrimped and saved and taken out a loan from the bank in order to get the store off the ground, and it was her baby. Likely the only one she would ever have the chance to nurture.  Pushing down the sadness that rose within her, Rachel headed for the front door.

After a glance at the clock to confirm the time, she reached for the sign on the door. Rachel’s hand froze, and a sense of déjà vu swept over her. Damian’s truck pulled to a stop just in front of the store. He got out, leaned over the bed of the truck, and lifted out a shovel.

Rachel watched in surprise as he approached the front walk and began to clear away the snow that lay there.

“Is that your friend? The pastor from your church
?” Mari asked from over her shoulder.

“Yep, looks like it is,” Rachel said, her hand still gripping the plastic sign.

“Wow, that’s nice of him to come and do that for you.” Mari moved closer to the door, peering out at Damian. “Although he could have saved himself some effort, since they’re saying it should start to melt by noon.”

He made quick work of the drifts of snow on the cement walk. Rachel waited for him to come into the store, but instead he just turned, saw her, and grinned. He gave a two-fingered salute before dropping the shovel back into the bed of the truck and climbing behind the wheel.

“Now, what was that all about?” Mari asked as they watched Damian drive away. “He could have at least come in for a cup of coffee.”

Rachel quickly flipped the sign to read “Open”. This was not the way her day usually started. First the coffee and bagel, then Damian. A girl could only handle so much of a good thing.

She thought of Damian’s words the night before.
Jacob waited seven years for his Rachel, and I can wait that long for mine. Although I’d like to have a family and neither of us is getting any younger. Maybe you’ll give me a break and not make me wait the full seven years.
How Rachel wished he’d get the picture, that there was no future between them. Did she have to spell it out?

Could she spell it out?

* * * * *

In direct contrast to the previous evening, Damian left Rachel’s store with a smile on his face and it remained there even as he arrived at the church. The box of books he carried into the building felt lighter than it had the night before. Seeing the look on Rachel’s face when he’d showed up to shovel the snow earlier had been priceless. Even more priceless was the expression on her face when he’d left without going into the store. Maybe keeping her off balance was the best way to get her to fall into his arms.

“What on earth are you grinning about, Damian?” asked Serena, the church secretary, as he set the box down on her desk. She glanced at it then smiled. “Never mind. You stopped by The Book Nook and saw Rachel.”

“Actually, I picked up the books last night. This morning I went by to shovel the snow off the walk in front of the store. Can’t have anyone hurting themselves.”

A smile lifted the corner of Serena’s mouth. “Didn’t you hear the forecast for the day?”

“Sure I heard it, but you never know what could happen between now and then. Someone might slip.”

“Right,” Serena drawled. She opened the box and looked through it. “Are there more?”

Damian paused on his way out the door. “Oh yeah, Rachel said there were a couple of books that hadn’t come in. She’ll let you know when they arrive.” He walked into the hallway but then poked his head back around the corner. “And I’ll be glad to go pick them up
when they do.”

“I’d bet you would.” Serena laughed. “You’ll be the first to know when they arrive.”

“You’re a pal.” Damian grinned at her before he turned and headed for his office. He couldn’t wait for the end of the day when he’d be seeing Rachel again.

*****

Damian knew Rachel closed the store right at eight on Friday nights, so he sat in his truck and watched the last customer leave. As he approached the store, he could see her bent over something on the counter. Before she had a chance to get up and lock the door, he walked in and flipped the sign on the door to “Closed”.

“Damian! I didn’t expect to see you again so soon,” Rachel said. Damian wasn’t sure if he imagined the spark of pleasure in her eyes or not.  But he knew he didn’t imagine the quick smile that crossed her face before she had a chance to hide it. “You’ve already made your weekly attempt at a date and failed. Why are you back?”

“That’s precisely why. Apparently once a week just isn’t cutting it.” Damian walked over and leaned a hip against the counter. “I’ve decided to step up my efforts.”

Rachel was wearing a
light purple sweater. The color looked great with her brown eyes and dark hair that lay loosely over her shoulders. Because of the counter, Damian couldn’t see past her waist; but he was willing to bet she wore one of those long skirts she favored, the ones that covered her almost to her ankles and exuded a soft femininity that appealed to him more than any short skirt could have. Even though it was the end of what had probably been a busy day, she still looked fresh.

“After six months of once a week, only now you’re deciding to step it up?” Rachel asked, her eyes wide.

“Are you complaining? Should I have done it sooner?”

Both of Rachel’s eyebrows shot up. “Uh, no, I’m not complaining. Just…observing. But it’s not going to work. What do I have to do to get you to underst--”

“Have you had supper?” Damian interrupted, not wanting her to get started on that subject.

“Supper?” Rachel looked momentarily confused then shook her head. “It was busier than we had anticipated. I hadn’t really thought about eating.”

“How about we grab a bite?” Damian suggested.

“A bite? To eat?”

Damian grinned. Yeah, keeping her off balance was definitely his best idea yet. “Nothing fancy, just a quick bite at a burger joint. Or the deli.”

“The deli?” Rachel’s eyes lit up for a second then dimmed. “They’re not open at this time of night.”

Damian looked at his watch. “Maybe not, but the burger joint is.”

“I’m sorry, Damian, but I’m beat. I just want to go home and crash.” Though she didn’t appear tired, Rachel’s tone held a weariness that Damian couldn’t ignore. “I don’t have time for your shenanigans.”

“My shenanigans?” Damian laid a hand on his heart and faked a wounded look. “I’m just wanting to help out a friend.”

Rachel gave him a withering look, but Damian spotted the spark of humor there as well. “You’re a friend with ulterior motives.”

“Well, guess I can’t argue with you there.” He pushed away from the counter. “Okay, I’ll leave you be…for today. See you at church on Sunday?”

Rachel nodded. “I’ll be there.”

“Are you going to the carol singing Sunday night?”

“I’m planning to.”

“Good, I’ll see you there, too.” Damian headed for the door. He opened it, letting a rush of cold air into the store, but didn’t step out right away. He turned back, as much to get one last look at her as to say, “If you need anything, anything at all, you be sure and give me a call, okay?”

Rachel’s brows drew together. “Okay,” she agreed with apparent reluctance.

Damian nodded, glad she hadn’t flat out said no. He wasn’t happy to be leaving her alone, but figured she expected him to push her into going out for a bite to eat. It all went back to his plan to keep her off-balance. Do the opposite of what she was expecting him to do.

He sat in the truck for a few moments, watching Rachel go about her ritual of closing up the store. “Okay, Lord, if this isn’t what I’m supposed to be doing, you better let me know.”

He didn’t want to pressure her, but the signals he got from her were mixed. Something told him that she was fighting her feelings for him. Damian drummed his fingers against the steering wheel and wondered aloud, “What’s going on in that mind of hers?”

Frowning, he started the truck and pulled away from the store. The only gift he wanted that Christmas was the gift of Rachel’s love, and the only gift he wanted to give to Rachel was his heart. He’d love to start off the New Year knowing that his future with her was secure. But of course it could never be that easy.