Elizabeth sat down and slipped out of the red high heels. She sighed with relief now that she could actually move her toes. Curling her legs up under her as she sat on the couch, Elizabeth inhaled the scent of the coffee.

  When she looked up, Bruce was staring at her. The mug rested against his lips, his brows knitted in thought. When he spoke he asked, “So, what are your plans for tomorrow?”

  “Same thing I do every week.”

  “And that would be…?”

  “Go to church, of course.”

  “Oh yes, I remember,” said Bruce.

  Bruce was playing with the handle on his cup and Elizabeth realized she had yet to invite him to service. This was a normal habit for her. She invited almost everyone she met to church. She’d known Bruce for two weeks and hadn’t invited him yet. Although she had invited Cole.

  She reminded herself that she and Bruce had been to dinner together, worked countless hours together, and attended the engagement party together. When had there been time?

  Elizabeth asked, “Bruce, would you like to come to church with me tomorrow? It’s called Grace Baptist.”

  “Well—well—I—” he stuttered, as if he didn’t know how to answer.

  “It won’t affect our friendship if you are already attending another church. I try to invite everyone, because one never knows when another person doesn’t have a church home.”

  “You know, I think I would like that. But I must warn you, I’ve never attended a Baptist service. I’ve been to mass quite a few times, but I’ve never tried anything else.”

  “I promise not to hold that against you,” she grinned.

  “What time do I need to pick you up?”

  “No need. It is just a couple of blocks away. I normally walk. I leave the house around nine-thirty. Is that okay?”

  “Sounds great,” he said, shifting in his seat.

  “Bruce, do you have something else to say?”

  “I hope you don’t mind, but I do have a question.”

  “Sure. Ask away.”

  Bruce took a deep breath, “Elizabeth, when we talked about your family earlier, I—well, not that you’re a liar, I don’t mean that. It was just you didn’t mention anything negative about your family at all. I can’t believe they are so perfect there is nothing negative to say about them.”

  “I never said that.”

  “I know you didn’t say it. It was the impression you gave.”

  Elizabeth didn’t know how to tell him she didn’t look at her family that way. However, she knew he viewed his family that way. How could she tell him this without hurting his feelings? She did a quick prayer for guidance before she spoke. “Bruce, every member of my family has negative aspects and qualities, but when I look at them I try not to think on those. Does that make sense?”

  “So you just told me the positives?”

  “Really, I didn’t tell you much of anything. You know they work, they’re married, they have kids, and my father is a pastor. Other than that you know very little about them.”

  “That’s true. How come you didn’t tell me more?”

  “Hmm, probably because we haven’t had time?” Elizabeth said with a wink and a smile. “Although you mentioned a lot of negative aspects to your family, I know that is not all there is to them. Don’t forget, I have met Cole.”

  “Humph, yeah. The shining example.”

  “No, really. He was quite cordial when we met.”

  “Cole was only nice because he thought you were pretty.”

  Elizabeth remembered the private phone calls to Cole, and squirmed in her seat. If only she could tell Bruce about their conversations. How she urged him to go back to his wife and child. How much Cole really wanted to be a part of their life. Yet she couldn’t because she had promised to keep everything said between them in strict confidence. “At least he feels love for you and wants to help you with a need.”

  “You’re stretching, but I’ll take it. Maybe I do have a habit of looking at the negative side of people. There are plenty of positives. Although I admit at the moment I am struggling to find them. Would you mind sharing some of your family’s negatives?”

  “Must I?”

  “Please.”

  Elizabeth sighed. “Oh, all right. My mother can be bossy. My father is a worry wart. All my brothers are constantly onto me about when I’m going to get married and why I haven’t had children yet. Is that enough?”

  “Hmm…no, not really.”

  “Bruce, let’s just say they have their flaws like everyone else. I chose to focus on the positive things when at all possible.”

  “What do your parents think about you living in the big city?”

  Elizabeth couldn’t hold his gaze. She got up and went to the kitchen and poured another cup of coffee. “Would you like some more?” she called through the opening between the two rooms.

  “That bad, huh?”

  She grimaced.

  Bruce came to her side and held out his mug. She poured him another full cup then set about making her own.

  She carried her cup back to the living room and sat down. When she spoke, her tone belied her feelings. “Let’s just say, they weren’t happy when I left. They want me to come home. They can’t help but worry. In my father’s eyes, it is just his little girl taking on the world alone. He sees danger everywhere.”

  Looking up, she watched Bruce to see if he suspected anything from her words. Relief flooded her when he asked, “Where is home?”

  “It is a little town about an hour outside of Knoxville, Tennessee.”

  “So you’re a country girl.”

  “Yep. That’s me. Although I would say southern instead of country.”

  Bruce was silent for a moment, took a sip of his coffee, and said, “So they want you to come home. Are you going to?”

  Elizabeth curled her lip and said, “I do miss them terribly. The big city has taken some adjusting, to and I have to admit I like it here. I have friends. I have a church family I adore. And I love my home.”

  “I’m glad you’re staying,” he whispered.

  “Me, too.”

  They talked way into the night. At around two a.m., Bruce took his leave. Elizabeth let him out, locking her door behind him. She leaned against the door and whispered, Bruce.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Bruce was prompt the next morning. Attending services with Elizabeth had given him many things to think about. The service was like nothing he’d ever witnessed. The music was lively, the friendships loving. Wesley, Lisa, LuLu, and Todd were all in attendance.

  Bruce stuck close to Elizabeth, following her around like a little lost puppy. She didn’t seem to mind. He was introduced to everyone that approached them as her friend, Bruce Malone. They hadn’t discussed their relationship. Did they have a relationship? Of course, there was the employee/employer situation. They did seem to be friends. But was there anything else? Anything more? Bruce found himself hoping there was.

  After service was over, Elizabeth was invited out to dinner with several of her friends, and she declined. This was her day of rest, and she intended to take it, she said. The two of them walked back to the row of townhouses. Bruce could see she was exhausted. Her eyes had struggled to remain open for most of the service.

  Walking her up to the door, he said, “Go inside and take a nice long nap.”

  She’d nodded, then leaned up on tip-toes and gave him a chaste kiss on the cheek. When she disappeared inside, Bruce placed his hands in his pockets and headed to his own home. Looking up at the blue sky, he realized how much his life had changed in just a few weeks. And the root of it all was Elizabeth.

  Today’s service at church had been on Romans 8:28— And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

  The phrase “Everything happens for a reason” came unbidden to his mind. Sometimes bad things happened, but in the end, God had a purpose even in that. Bruce was fairly certain his decision to come to the Hampton law firm was going to serve many purposes. Now he just needed to figure out what they were.

  Those thoughts caused his pulse to race. His heart fluttered. Perhaps his main reason for being placed at the firm was to protect something or someone.

  Once inside his own home, he removed his coat and tie. Untying his shoes, he set them beside his chair. He opened the leather briefcase, and pulled out the needed papers, placing them on the coffee table.

  While Elizabeth rested a few doors down, he poured over the files on the Tillman case. Something was there. He just had to find it. Pulling out all the police files Cole gave him and comparing them with the ones he’d brought from the office started to form a clearer picture. Now if he could just discover how all the dots were connected and how to use them when he was finished.

  ****

  The following week of work was mundane. Come into the office, meet with new clients, have lunch, go home. Bruce and Elizabeth had no time to speak with each other about anything other than work. Case after case was sent to Bruce’s office. Henry Hampton, the youngest son, demanded these new cases take precedence over anything else on Bruce’s desk.

  Rubbing the spot between his eyes, Bruce leaned back and stretched. His back ached, his head hurt, and he wanted to find Elizabeth and run away somewhere. Thank the Lord today was Friday. Yes, as a very busy lawyer and new to the firm, technically he should probably stay and work over the weekend, but at this point, they could stick it where the sun didn’t shine. He was taking a well-deserved break.

  Elizabeth had been riding back and forth with him to work every day. This afternoon when she sat in the soft leather of his car, she released a pent-up breath and stretched her arms over her head like a cat.

  “What a week! Please tell me we’re not working tomorrow.”

  “Nope. I wouldn’t dream of it. Do you have plans?”

  “I think I’ll hang out around the house and maybe do some laundry. All these late nights have done a number on my house work.”

  “Would you like company?”

  Elizabeth pursued her lips and put her fingertip to them tapping lightly before answering coyly, “I guess it depends on who the company is.”

  “I’m available if you’re interested. I have a gas grill and a couple of burgers and hot dogs just sitting around if you would like to grill out.”

  “That would be nice. Do you want it to be just us or would you like to invite some friends over?”

  “How about just us,” Bruce said, his hand rested lightly on her thigh.

  Bruce felt a tremor run through her body as she answered, “No problem. I think I may have some salad to add to the meal.”

  “Sounds nice.”

  They parted with plans to meet at lunchtime the next day. Bruce stayed up late working on the Tillman case. He’d obeyed Henry—to a point. He’d placed all the other cases above the Tillman case, but only while at the office. When at home, he would do as he pleased. He’d promised to help Mrs. Tillman, and that was what he was going to do.

  The next day, when Elizabeth arrived, they sat together in Bruce’s backyard, absorbed the sunshine, and enjoyed the sounds around them. He was sure in Tennessee on a warm afternoon, birds could be heard chirping or something else serene. Here there were the city noises, the sweet sound of children laughing and playing, and the thumps of people beating their rugs in their backyards. He wondered which Elizabeth preferred.

  Bruce chanced a glance at Elizabeth under veiled eyes. Now what? There were a few hours before time to eat. He could just sit here and stare at her for the next hour. That seemed a worthy pursuit. Elizabeth’s hair fanned out around her face as the wind lifted it slightly off her shoulders. Or they could talk? Surely they hadn’t exhausted all the possible topics of discussion. Or maybe he should suggest a walk? Before Bruce could voice any of his ideas, his cell phone rang.

  Looking down at the number, he said, “I have to take this.”

  “Sure, go ahead.”

  When Bruce was out of earshot, a groan escaped his throat. It was Cole’s ex-wife. “Hello, Julie.”

  Julie didn’t even say hello before she launched right into her prepared speech. “Thank you for answering your phone. I’ve been trying to reach Cole all day!”

  “Is there a problem?”

  “Of course there’s a problem. Austin has a baseball game in fifteen minutes, and no one is there to see it.”

  “Aren’t you there?”

  “No, I’m not there. I told Cole this already. He never listens to me. Never! I had to have a minor surgery, and I can’t go to the baseball field today. The coach took Austin to the game, but he doesn’t have anyone to cheer for him. He’s nine, for goodness’ sake. He needs someone there in his corner. And I can’t get that stupid brother of yours out of the sack to go do anything even though he told me he would.”

  This gave Bruce an idea. “Hey Julie, I have a free afternoon today. Tell me where the game is, and I’ll run over and watch it. After I call Cole, of course.”

  There was a brief pause on the line, then Julie said, “You will? How in the world does workaholic Bruce Malone have time to go to a kid’s baseball game?”

  “Because I do. Now where’s the game?”

  Julie told him the information and hung up. Bruce could feel Elizabeth staring at him. Explanations would come in a minute. He didn’t think she would mind. First he needed to call Cole. After a few rings, the receiver was picked up, and he heard a groggy Cole answer. It sounded like he was still in bed. “Cole?”

  “Yeah, bro, what’s up? Did you lose your girl again?”

  “Cole, do you know what time it is and where you’re supposed to be today?”

  “No, I don’t reckon I do,” Cole said with a yawn.

  “Austin has a game today, and Julie had surgery. Is any of this ringing a bell?”

  An expletive escaped Cole’s lips. He added, more loudly, “I’ll get dressed and be there as soon as I can.”

  “I’ll see you there,” Bruce added before hanging up. Now how to ask Elizabeth if she would like to come? He hoped she liked baseball. “Elizabeth?”

  “Hmm…”

  “My nephew is playing a little league baseball game nearby and well…” Bruce stopped and scratched his head. “His mom just had surgery, and she won’t be there to cheer him on, and I was thinking about meeting Cole there, to, you know, be a support group for Austin.”

  “Oh, of course. I understand if you need to go.”

  “I was thinking you might like to come with me.”

  A look of delight crossed her face. “Really?”

  “Yeah, that is, if you’d like to.”

  Elizabeth grinned. “Sure, I’d love to come. I love little league. As a teenager, I was an assistant coach for my nieces’ and nephews’ teams. Besides it sounds infinitely more fun than just staying home and doing laundry. Let me go stop my washing machine and grab a cap and some tennis shoes, and I’ll be ready.”

  “Great.” Bruce couldn’t be happier with her enthusiasm. The last girl he’d dated had been invited to one of Austin’s games, and she’d looked at him like he had grown horns. If the evening didn’t total up to about three hundred dollars in cost, then she didn’t think it was a good time.

  Elizabeth came out wearing an orange University of Tennessee baseball cap and a huge grin. “I’m ready.”

  They walked together to his car. Bruce went to her side first and opened the door. Elizabeth slid in on the warm leather seat and groaned.

  “What is it? Are you changing your mind already?”

  “No, it’s not that. Mrs. Campbell is looking out her window and ogling.” Elizabeth gave a smile and a wave in the neighbor’s direction. “What do you want to bet that at this very moment she is picking up the phone and calling my mother to tell her I’m on a date. And this time, he’s opening my door.”

  When Bruce got in beside her, he placed his hand on top of hers and gave it a pat. “I’m sure it’ll be okay. Are you ready to go?”

  ****

  The electricity that went through her arm from Bruce’s single light touch left her speechless. When Elizabeth regained her composure, she was able to respond with a simple, “Yes.”

  Ten minutes later they were at the field. “You’ll point out your nephew when you see him?”

  “Sure.” Bruce craned his neck. “Maybe I should call Julie and make sure I have the right place. Oh, there’s the coach now.”

  Elizabeth spotted a sad little boy puttering along behind the coach. That had to be Austin. She placed a hand on Bruce’s arm. “Is that him?”

  “Yeah, that’s him. He doesn’t look real happy, does he? Why don’t we go see if we can cheer him up?” Bruce headed across the field and walked up to Austin. He grabbed him from behind, slung him up in a circle then sat him down. “Hey sport.”

  Austin’s face lit up like the Fourth of July. “Uncle Bruce?”

  “Yep, it’s me. And I brought a friend. This is Elizabeth.”

  Elizabeth squatted down on her haunches and looked directly into Austin’s tear-stained face, aching to hug him. She sent him a big smile and held out her hand for him to shake it. “Hello, Austin. It’s very nice to meet you.”

  Austin turned three shades of red. He looked up at Bruce and asked, “Are you staying for the game?”

  “Of course we are. And your dad is on his way too.”

  Austin’s eye grew wide. “Dad is coming?”

  “He sure is. You’ll have a big cheering section today.”

  Austin’s head fell again. Elizabeth looked up at Bruce, not sure what could be troubling the little boy. “Austin, is there something I can do for you?”

  Austin looked hesitantly at his uncle before leaning down in Elizabeth’s ear and whispered, “I’m afraid.”

  Elizabeth thought. Maybe Austin was afraid because his mother wasn’t there. Or maybe he was afraid of playing the game. One never knew what could worry a little child, but Elizabeth had an idea of something that might help. “Austin, do you know what I do when I’m afraid?”