Nila's Hope (9 page)

“He said there's no reason we both need to be there.” She closed her eyes against disappointment.

“That's good news.” Dave's hearty voice startled her. “Now perhaps you can relax and recoup a bit. But if you want something to do, how would you like to help us put up the Christmas tree?”

Nila straightened her shoulders and took a deep breath. “OK.”

Lydia walked into the room, wiping her hands on a dishtowel. “Well, I don't know about you two early birds, but I need another cup of coffee before tackling that task. Will you join me?”

Nila shook off her gloom. “I'd love a cup.”

A few minutes later, all three trooped downstairs to the storage room. While Dave lugged the heavy, realistic-looking tree upstairs, Lydia and Nila dug out boxes of ornaments and other decorations.

On their fourth trip up the stairs, Lydia shook her head. “I should give away some of these decorations; we have far more than we need. But each one is special.” She set her box down and smiled at her husband, her eyes mirroring the multi-colored lights lacing the assembled tree. “Oh, good. You got the lights up already. Now our fun begins.”

“I love Christmas trees,” Nila said, “but I didn't realize how much work it is to decorate one.”

Lydia opened the first box, her voice casual. “When's the last time you decorated a tree?”

Nila nibbled her lip. “I can't remember. I think I got to help a couple of times when I was little, but I'm not sure. Nick didn't like Christmas trees of any kind. Said they made a mess.”

Lydia handed Nila an exquisite, blown-glass globe. “Then it's about time. Here, pick a spot for this one.”

“It's so beautiful.” She took it gingerly, fearful of breaking the delicate blue-green orb. “I've never seen ornaments like these.”

Lydia joined her at the tree, her hands cradling two more multi-colored balls. “They are lovely, aren't they? See how they reflect the lights? The glass is hand-blown, molded by fire and care. I like to think of them as a picture of God's work in us. He molds us with love through the heat of trials so we can illuminate the world with His light.”

“My poetic wife,” Dave said with an indulgent smile. He knelt to place two balls on the lower branches.

Nila said nothing as she picked up two more ornaments, but she tucked Lydia's words into her heart. Before long the boxes were empty and the tree full.

The three stepped back, Dave with his arm around Lydia, and Nila with her hands clasped in reverence.

“It's so beautiful.” Nila turned and faced the couple. “Thank you for letting me do this—and for sharing your stories about the different ornaments. Together they create a monument to life and love.”

Lydia beamed. “Well said, dear one. And thank you.”

“For what?”

“For being here, letting us love you, and being God's blessing to us.”

“Oh.”

Nila's heart felt as if it might burst. She turned her head, blinked fast, and swallowed hard. Was real love always so overwhelming?

Later that afternoon, as Nila sprawled on the couch downstairs watching one of her favourite home makeover shows, the doorbell rang.

Dave's heavy footsteps thumped across the floor, and then she heard a hearty greeting. A minute later his booming voice called, “Nila, you've got company.”

She ran her fingers through her hair and dashed up the stairs.

She stopped short, and her brow puckered. “Hi, Will. Is everything OK?”

His smile reassured her. “Sure. I just thought I'd come over and fill you in on today's progress instead of phoning. I missed you.” His cheeks turned red. “I mean…yeah.”

Warmth flooded her face, and her mouth lifted into a smile. “Oh, that's nice. So how did it go?”

Dave had disappeared, so Nila led the way to the living room where she perched on her favourite rocker.

Will sank onto the couch, still looking ill at ease.

“What time did the roads open?” Nila prompted.

“Almost ten. I phoned everyone as soon as I got the word, and we showed up at the house at the same time. Got pretty crazy for a while. I felt more like a one-armed traffic cop in a six-lane intersection than a carpenter. Mostly I stayed out of their way.”

“So is everything done?” Nila's disappointment lowered her voice.

He shook his head. “No, but the countertops are in, the plumbing and electrical are done, and I got the backsplash on the walls.” His eyes sparkled. “I can't wait to show it to you. You're going to love it.”

“So just the grouting is left?”

Will nodded. “That and the cleanup. I figure if we get the grout done first thing tomorrow, we should be able to seal it before leaving.”

“Oh. I was afraid…” One involuntary day off and she'd worried that he'd rather work without her. She nibbled her lip and breathed in a shaky, relieved breath.

He still looked uncomfortable, though. Why?

“What about your truck?”

Will shook his head. “It'll be in the shop for a while. I'm using Daniel's. I called and told them about the accident, and once he got Mom calmed down, he said to use his truck.”

Nila could imagine Melody's reaction. Her in-laws and Daniel's first wife had been killed years ago on that same highway, in similar weather conditions.

“Your poor mom. Good thing she's got Daniel now.”

“Yeah.” Will's eyes lit up again. “I almost forgot to tell you. Blake phoned.”

Nila leaned forward. “And?”

“Their baby girl was born at 4:22 yesterday afternoon, healthy, but pretty tiny. She's barely five pounds. He said they're staying at Claire's sister's place in the city for a few days so Claire doesn't have to deal with the stairs and mess at home.”

Nila pictured a tiny baby girl in the new nursery. A deep longing that felt like physical pain swept over her and tightened her throat. A careful, shallow breath eased the tightness, and she smiled. “That's wonderful. Did he tell you her name?”

“Uh, I don't remember. Kalina or something. He was talking so fast, I could barely understand him.” He grinned. “Like he was excited or something.”

“Well, I'm glad we're getting their house finished early. I'm so happy for them.” Longing resurged, and she clamped down on her lip to redirect it.

Lydia poked her head into the room. “Supper's almost ready, and you're invited, Will. It's my special mandarin chicken stir-fry.”

“That sounds great. Thanks.” His stomach rumbled, and pink tinged his cheeks.

“Do you want me to come set the table?” Nila half-rose as she spoke.

“No, just relax. Dave's got it covered.” Her smile embraced them both before she turned back to the kitchen. “We'll be ready in about five more minutes.”

Will leaned forward. “That's just enough time; I need to ask you something.”

Nila steeled herself. “What?”

Now he looked uncomfortable. “Well, I was wondering…do you think…would you go out for dinner with me tomorrow?” He shifted on the couch. “I mean, to celebrate getting this job done. And as an apology for driving into the ditch yesterday. I feel awful about that, especially after the promise I made.”

Joy bubbled up inside of Nila, washing away her distress. “You don't need to feel bad, you know. It wasn't your fault. And we're both fine.” She grinned. “Your truck, not so much.”

He raised one eyebrow, questions in his eyes.

She hugged her knees and sighed. “Yes, I would like to go out with you.”

I'm watching you.

Nila pushed the disturbing message from her mind. No. She wouldn't let Nick ruin this. She'd keep his freedom a secret, but that's all he'd get from her. She hoped.

 

 

 

 

10

 

Will stared at the young woman across the table from him. The restaurant's dim lighting seemed to enhance her glistening eyes and echo the sequins on her white sweater. His gaze settled on her mouth. Red lipstick outlined her lips, lips that were now laughing.

Wait, she was saying something. What?

“Earth to Will.” She chuckled softly.

He cleared his throat. “Sorry. What were you saying?”

“I asked when you planned to start working on your man cave now that we're done at the Fehrs'.”

“Oh, right. Feels strange to have free time, doesn't it? I figured I'd get started right away. What are your plans?”

“I don't really have any. Need some help framing?”

He grinned. “Sure, if you're willing to work cheap.”

“Silly, I'm offering as a friend.” She looked away. “One who needs to keep busy.”

His grin faded. He leaned forward and placed his large hand over her small one. “May I ask you a personal question?”

Their dinner arrived, to Nila's obvious relief. She seemed to shrink back against the seat as if trying to distance herself from him, her eyes on her plate.

Will watched her for another moment, sighed, and turned his attention to his meal. His steak was cooked just the way he liked it, but the sudden tension at their table dulled his pleasure. The tender, rare steak might as well have been shoe leather.

Something wasn't right. Why wouldn't she tell him? Or was this some kind of game, playing hot and then cold? He'd known girls like that but didn't think Nila was one of them. Was he making a fool of himself?

She put her fork down and raised her eyes to his. “I'm sorry, Will. I'm not being good company.” Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears.

Shame kicked him in the gut. She wasn't playing a game. But something was definitely not right.

He took her cold hand in his once more. “What's going on, Nila? You know you can trust me, don't you?”

She looked away but didn't remove her hand from his. “I trust you.” Her eyes met his again. “You're a good man, Will, and your friendship means the world to me. But I'm not…I mean, I'd like us to keep being friends. I'm afraid I can't be anything more. At least, for now.” She looked down, and a tear plopped onto her plate.

Will frowned. “I'm not trying to push you into a relationship if you're not ready. This is a celebration between friends. OK?” Even if he'd hoped it would be more.

She wiped her eyes and offered a wobbly smile. “I don't know what's wrong with me. I'm ruining our evening, and you've been wonderful.” She sat up straighter, bit her lower lip, and sighed. “Can we talk about something else?”

One corner of Will's mouth twitched. “Sure. How's your chicken?”

“Fantastic.”

Then why wasn't she eating? “Glad to hear it.”

She pushed her food around her plate.

This evening was going nowhere fast.

He seemed to have blown it.

“Will, may I ask you a personal question?”

A sigh of relief escaped. “Anything.”

She turned her head toward the window. In the reflection, Will could see the tightness around her mouth.

“Have you ever had trouble forgiving someone?”

“Yes.” His eyes met hers in the reflection.

She blushed and turned to face him.

He continued, “I'm awfully stubborn, and forgiveness doesn't come easily for me. Did you know that Faith used to call me ‘Willful' when we were kids? It fit. I can hold a grudge for a long time.”

Nila ducked her head. “Me, too. And now God can't forgive me. I think He's angry with me.”

Confusion puckered Will's brow. “What are you talking about?”

She shifted in her seat, still looking down. “It's in the Bible, where Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray.”

“Really?”

“Pastor Dave read it. He said if we don't forgive others, then God won't forgive us.”

He rubbed his chin. “I don't know if I can answer that, Nila. Did you ask Dave or Lydia about this?”

She shook her head, eyes wide. “I couldn't.”

He clamped down on the “Why?” begging to be asked. “Well, the way I understand it is this: when we refuse to forgive, we're putting ourselves in God's place.”

He heard her inhale. “O-oh. So if I put myself above God, there's no way I can receive His forgiveness.” A wan smile broke through. “Next question: how do I forgive?”

Will blew out a long breath. “That's a tough one. Only way I know of is to step down from the judge's chair. Give the situation to God. Let Him deal with it. Back up, hands off, leave it to Him.”

“You make it sound easy, but I don't know if I can do that.” She sighed. “Thanks, though.”

They chatted easily after that, discussing work and Christmas plans.

Will felt a twinge of disappointment when the waiter brought the bill, signalling a close to their evening together.

“This has been good,” Will said with a smile. “I hope we can do this again.”

The glow in Nila's eyes intensified. “I'd like that.”

He paid the bill and helped her into her coat. She smiled up at him, eyes soft. Will wondered at the invitation there. He sighed and drew her to him in a gentle hug. “Thanks for having dinner with me. You're a very special friend, you know.” He reached around her and opened the door.

Together they faced the bitter wind swirling down the street. He put his arm around Nila, and they hurried around the corner to Daniel's truck.

Will's steps slowed.

Something wasn't right. The truck leaned toward the sidewalk.

As they neared, he could see the reason. Both driver's side tires had been slashed.

Nila made a strangled sound, pulled away from him, and shrank against the wall. “No! I didn't…”

Will barely glanced at her. “What are you talking about? Of course you didn't do this.”

But she hugged herself, backed up, shook her head, and muttered something he couldn't decipher.