Caught in a Bind (28 page)
I straightened and looked at him. “Well, of course I came. It was a very important night for you.”
“But you’d just been through a terrible ordeal, and if that weren’t enough, you had one of the biggest stories of your career to write. And still you cared enough to come. That meant a lot to me.”
I was at a loss for words, a rare occurrence. I finally managed, “I’m glad it pleased you.”
“I also want you to know that I’m very proud of you.”
I probably glowed. “You are?”
He nodded. “Winning your award, helping Edie and Tina, taking in Randy, finding Tom, getting Mike and Joey. You had a pretty full week.”
“I’m proud of you too,” I said. “Your show went wonderfully well, you sold several paintings and Mr. Whitsun is taking your pictures. And of course Delia will continue to hang you in Intimations here as well as in Philadelphia.”
“You’re not worried about her anymore, are you?” He eyed me curiously.
I shook my head. “Not anymore. I believe you when you say you made your choice.”
“You shouldn’t sound so amazed.”
“It’s just hard to believe. Delia’s absolutely beautiful.”
“But you’re real. And you’re just what I need and want.”
I hugged his arm. “I’m just glad you weren’t embarrassed by how I looked when I showed up at the gallery. I was afraid that you would make believe you didn’t know me.”
“Never, love. You’re mine, and I want the world to know it.”
My smile was so broad, I felt like it would crack my face.
Curt reached into his pants pocket and pulled out a purple plastic egg with a pink ribbon tied around it. He put it in my hand. “Happy Easter, sweetheart.”
I held it for a minute, then shook it. Something inside thunked.
“A miniature chocolate bunny? Or maybe a Hershey’s Hug and Kiss?” I raised an eyebrow at him. “Personally I’d prefer one of yours.”
Next thing I knew he had his arms about me and was very thoroughly kissing me. When we broke for breath, I rested my head on his chest.
“Mmm. I knew yours would be better. Sweeter too.”
I felt the rumble of his laugh against my cheek. “Open the egg, Merry.”
I sat up and made a big production out of untying the ribbon. Then I pretended the two halves of the egg were stuck and I couldn’t pull them apart.
“Open it,” Curt hissed in my ear.
I grinned unrepentantly at him, but I opened it. My curiosity couldn’t stand the suspense any longer.
The facets of the diamond reflected sunlight in a myriad of sparkling rainbows as the ring fell into my lap.
“Oh, Curt!” I could barely breathe.
He picked up the ring and took my left hand in his large hand. “Marry me, Merry?”
“Oh, yes!” It came out in a whisper, but inside I was shouting. “Oh, yes!”
Dear Reader,
The other day in a mega office supply store, I overheard an older woman and a young clerk talking.
“I can’t remember the number of the cartridge refill I need for my printer,” she said.
“Why don’t you call someone and ask?” he suggested.
“Call someone,” she said, apparently amazed at the idea. “I can use my cell phone. I always forget I have it because I only carry it for emergencies.”
She pulled one out, made a call and got the cartridge number she needed. Happy ending to her quandary.
I got thinking about the differences between the generations. It used to be old-lady lace-up shoes, blue hair and full-body girdles that marked old women, but not anymore. I don’t know one older woman who even owns a girdle, let alone the armor they used to wear, and any lace-ups worn are stylish ones. Blue hair has given way to natural, though probably lighter, color.
Today it’s lack of ease with things electronic, such as cell phones and iPods, that mark them off.
But one thing has always bridged the generations, and that’s love of story. For those smart enough to know that there’s nothing better than a good read, age means nothing. Age of heroes and heroines means nothing. It’s the story, the excitement, the inspiration, the learning that come from reading good books that bind us together, regardless of whether we’re seniors or teens.
And, of course, the Story that binds us closest is the Greatest One ever told. May that Story and the Man it’s about drive themselves deep into your heart.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
- Tom Whatley is dead. Tom Whatley lives in Amhearst. What are the difficulties of becoming someone else? Read Psalms 139 and 2 Corinthians 5:17. Can we ever become someone else?
- Merry steps up to help both Randy and Tina and, through Jolene, Stephanie. Read Matthew 25:35–40. How are you practically following Merry’s example and obeying these verses? What about personal safety issues?
- Randy and Sherrie seem to be polar opposites, though their backgrounds are remarkably similar. What has made the difference in the two teens’ lives?
- Randy learns the hard way about the consequences of actions. There are also eternal consequences to our actions and choices. What do you think is the correlation between the consequences of actions and forgiveness, especially God’s forgiveness?
- Why does Curt choose Merry over the beautiful, sophisticated Delia? Read Proverbs 31:30. What does “fears the Lord” mean? How does Merry exemplify this notion?
- Delia’s presence awakes insecurities in Merry. How can we use such insecurities to grow stronger, and to recognize and help those weaknesses in others?
- In most novels, especially ones with a comic feel like this one, the hero and heroine always escape at the end while the bad guys are caught. Such isn’t always the case in real life. Read Habakkuk 3:17–19. What is the “yet” principle?
- The risks Merry takes in her work cause Curt distress. What does it mean for him to trust she knows what she’s doing? In what way has your ability to trust others been taxed? What advice would you give Curt in this situation?
- Randy is unexpectedly tender with Whiskers. How can pets give comfort to those in need?
- Out of the pain of an abusive relationship, Stephanie was inspired to create Freedom House. In what way can our difficulties and sorrows give us inspiration to help others? What examples can you cite in your community?
ISBN: 978-1-4268-4403-4
CAUGHT IN A BIND
This is the revised text of the work which was first published by Zondervan in 2000.
Copyright: © 2000 by Gayle G. Roper
Revised text copyright: © 2007 by Gayle G. Roper
All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, is forbidden without the written permission of the editorial office, Steeple Hill Books, 233 Broadway, New York, NY 10279 U.S. A.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.
This edition published by arrangement with Steeple Hill Books.
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