No Wasted Tears (33 page)

The subdued anguish in her mother’s voice shocked Cynthia. She had naively assumed that her parents must always have basked in the glow of their love for each
other. The fact that such sorrow could lurk behind Edward Mason’s sparkling smile or Gwendolyn’s gracious poise was almost
inconceivable.

She didn’t have a
comeback.

Her mother lifted a hand and beckoned for Cynthia to come around the table to her side. She continued to extend her beautifully manicured fingers until Cynthia took
them.

“Maybe you should consider telling him everything. He may be willing to forget the past, which is exactly what we all need to
do.”

“But…” Cynthia wondered if her mother or father could understand. She’d already endured years of withdrawal pains. She did want to start over. “If he…if
we…”

Gwendolyn smiled. “I know. That’s the risk, of course. But if I’ve learned
anything in my years, it’s this. No matter how much you’d like to be rid of it, love is difficult to
kill.”

They talked, really talked for what seemed like hours. It wasn’t until Betty brought the boys into the room with them saying they were tired that they realized the lateness of the
hour.

Her mother was on her feet, looking at Cynthia and then casting a look at her husband as if to say, “help me out
here.”

Her father eagerly jumped into the conversation. “Cynthia, please don’t leave. As a matter of fact, we have something to show you. We never knew if this opportunity would present itself, but we were always prepared just in case you and the twins came
home.”

“We designed a whole suite just for the twins. We want you to stay the night. Come on. We’d love to show it to you.” Smiling, her father grabbed the twins’ hands, heading for the
stairs.

Giving God the glory, Cynthia followed her family up the stairs.

Chapter 30

Destiny jumped at the sound of the doorbell. Laughing at herself, she couldn’t believe how nervous she was. It was Adam, always on time. Not wanting to wake anyone, she rushed to the door. “You have perfect timing. I’m ready,” she said, unlocking both the screen door and front
door.

“I can’t believe how warm it is already, and it’s not even eleven o’clock in the morning yet,” she said, running her hands up and down her arms. “Come on in. Would you care for
coffee?”

Adam grinned. “Yeah, coffee
would be great. That always helps to get my day started, other than prayer. Everyone’s still asleep?” Adam asked, looking
around.

“Yes, everyone’s still asleep. It was a long but wonderful day yesterday.” She looked around at him while walking toward the kitchen.

“Your parents
are a
joy.”

Destiny was rambling, but she was also conscious of the fact that Adam watched her as she led the way into the kitchen. She wore a beautiful dress with a pretty lavender floral print, accented by a patent leather black belt and a pair of strappy-heeled sandals that showed off her long legs. After filling a mug for Adam, she paused to ask how he liked his
coffee.

“A little cream and sugar,” he requested. After doing as he asked, she handed it to him. “Like I said, nothing beats a good cup of coffee to start the morning. Mmmm,” he murmured, taking a sip. “That’s
good.”

“I made some biscuits this morning. Help yourself because if the twins were up, there wouldn’t be any left for
you.”

By the time she came back into the living area, she was carrying her garment bag from her
room.

He was dressed simply in a pair of blue jeans and a red polo shirt. He looked good for their journey to Tacoma. To divert her thoughts, she said, “I’ll get my
handbag.”

Destiny’s heart had stopped racing. She really had no reason to be concerned about their trip. Adam had promised her that the rooms would be
adjoining.

“Ready?”

“Yes.” Destiny was happy when Adam took the suitcase. Looking around, she was satisfied that she had left nothing to do before they went out the door. She set the alarm. Adam walked with her down the
stairs.

After placing her bags in the back, he turned to her, helping her into the SUV without comment. Once she was settled, he crossed to the driver’s side and climbed inside. Seatbelt in place, Adam took Destiny’s hand, saying a prayer before they left. They were traveling along the interstate, which was crowded with the early morning traffic. Neither of them said anything. They were focusing on the passing scenery. The driving distance between Seattle and Tacoma was approximately thirty-four miles, but he’d planned for them to stop for
lunch.

Destiny was doing her best to hide her nervousness, Adam seemed to see right through it. “Destiny, are you okay?” he asked, snapping her out of her thoughts. She smiled and relaxed her hands by rubbing them down her
sundress.

“Of course, I’m fine. Just trying to relax a little.” Destiny knew he had a wonderful trip planned for them. She had made up her mind to trust Adam so that they could enjoy
themselves.

“Well, I am excited about these two days that we’ll be spend
ing together.” Smiling, he looked over at Destiny. Taking her
hand, he kissed
it.

“So what are we going to do first?” she
asked.

“We’re going to check in, and then I thought we’d enjoy the sights around the
hotel.”

“Sounds perfect.” She
smiled.

They arrived at the Hotel Murano in the heart of downtown Tacoma. After settling in, they met in the lobby. He smiled automatically when he saw her. “So where are we going?” she
asked.

“I thought we’d go over to the Proctor shopping district. There’s a festival in town, so there are a lot of visitors in the city. I thought you’d enjoy it,” he answered, taking her
hand.

Sweet peace filled the air, lifting their spirits as they strolled out of their hotel. They were both silent, reflecting on their own thoughts. There was a feeling in the air that gave each of them a sense of peace. They were able to relax and enjoy each other without the feeling of being watched by people who may have known
them.

Destiny thought Adam had planned a perfect trip. It gave them the time they needed to relax and enjoy each
other.

Every now and then they’d exchange a look, smiling as they held hands. They finally made it to the Proctor district, a quaint three-block shopping district. The scent of warm bodies and cinnamon roasted almonds mingled in the gentle
breeze.

Strolling hand in hand, Destiny and Adam laughed and talked continuously, enjoying themselves. There was a small jazz band playing, and Adam stopped, pulling Destiny toward him as they joined the other couples dancing on the lawn. Gently squeezing her fingers, he asked, “Are you having a good time, sweetheart?”

She smiled, loving the sound of him calling her sweetheart. “I’m feeling like we are the only two people on the
earth.”

He took her hand. “It’s only you and me for right now. Let’s enjoy our time
together.”

They were having so much fun. Destiny enjoyed all of the goods from the local vendors. She brought a pair of earrings to wear with her suit tomorrow night. She also saw a pair of cufflinks that she purchased for
Adam.

After returning to the hotel, they went into the Bite restaurant, which overlooked four floors, giving each guest a view of the art below. There were several couples enjoying this local festival. Many of them were staying at the hotel. They were content watching the couples in the lobby mingling with each other below.
Then they decided that they would have something light to eat, and afterward they’d return to their individual rooms for a nap before their evening activities. Sitting down at their table, Destiny looked at
Adam.

“What?” he asked, noticing her
stare.

“Oh nothing,” she replied, smiling. “I’ve had a wonderful time, and we’ve only been here a few hours. I love spending time with
you.”

“That’s wonderful to know because I love spending time with you as well,” he said, giving her a quick
wink.

Destiny finished her salad and rested her chin on one hand, still observing him. “I’m so honored that you asked me to accompany you on this trip. I hope that it doesn’t cause problems tomorrow night at church,” she said
casually.

“Wha…what?” he asked, his forked paused halfway to his mouth.

“Since we’ve been seeing each other more, I have noticed some changes in some of the women at our church,” she continued cautiously, not wanting to offend or cause him unnecessary
stress.

“I’m not concerned about what anyone thinks. That goes for anyone at Greater Community or the church tomorrow night. This relationship is between you, God, and me. Everyone else doesn’t even matter, we’ve been through this now on several occasions,” he insisted
hotly.

“Okay, just checking,” she said soothingly. Adam stabbed his sandwich and avoided making eye
contact.

“It’s okay, but this is between us”—he pointed at the both of them—“and I want to enjoy what’s happening between us without outside influences. Tomorrow will take care of itself, all right?” He took the final piece of his sandwich, popping it into his mouth as if to say that this subject was finished. Destiny looked at Adam, smiling. She loved him. He made her laugh. Each time he laughed, it caused her heart to swell all the
more.

Taking out the small package from her bag, she handed it to Adam. “I saw these and thought they were perfect for you.” Destiny watched as Adam removed the
wrapping.

He couldn’t hide his surprise. He admired the cufflinks that were a black-and-white checkerboard pattern. She had pictured how wonderful they would look with any of the suits he had in his
wardrobe.

He smiled. “I love them, thank you. I’m going to wear them tomorrow,” he said, putting them back in their
case.

“I’m glad you like them.” Destiny was elated. She’d never bought a gift for a pastor before. Adam kissed Destiny softly on the cheek. “I love them, and I love that you brought them for me. It means a lot.” He then placed a bag in front of Destiny. She watched as he pulled out a box. Handing it to her, he requested that she open it. When she did, she was shocked to see a pair of expensive stilettos that were in the window of the hotel’s lobby. “The moment I saw you look at these in the hotel boutique, I knew they would look extraordinary on
you.”

“Oh my, they’re beautiful, Adam. When did you get
them?”

“I asked the concierge to have them waiting for me here in the café.” Adam winked his eye at
her.

“The look on your face when you saw them was priceless. Is that look only for shoes? Or can a brother get a special look like that as well?” Leaning toward him, Destiny kissed him on the
cheek.

“I promise to never put a pair of shoes before you.” She laughed heartily as they continued to enjoy their
afternoon.

“When do you think you can be ready to leave for our concert tonight?” He was content, ready to enjoy the rest of their evening he’d
planned.

“Well, since it’s a surprise and I’m not sure of what to wear, it will take some time. How about seven? That will give us a couple of hours to sleep.” She exhaled, hoping he would break down and give her a
clue.

“You didn’t think I’d give away all my plans, did you? I’ve been looking forward to this since I first told you about the revival.” He was laughing, and she loved the sound of it coming from deep inside his
belly.

“Me too, so I won’t ask any more questions. The rest of the night is in your
hands.”

“Well, I promise you won’t be disappointed.” Getting up, Adam
grabbed their bags, and they headed for the
elevators.

For the evening, Destiny chose to wear a lobster-red-and-cream silk halter dress. A pair of orange drop earrings, two trendy bangles, and a pair of cream stilettos set off the outfit. She felt good about her choice after looking at herself in the mirror one last time before joining Adam in the lobby to leave. Adam looked handsome tonight in his casual attire.

Her eyes were fixed on Smokie Norful. She couldn’t believe he had planned all of this. It was a wonderful surprise that made the day perfect. She had told him on one occasion how much she liked his music. At that moment, Adam turned. His lips were curved in a smile, messing with her senses. Then he shared a light kiss with her. She was trying to keep it holy, but he was making it hard! She couldn’t believe he’d remembered her telling him that she loved Smokie
Norful.

Everybody in the audience clapped as Smokie sang his last song and her favorite “I Need You Now.” The audience began to get up and mill around, strolling through the building. Destiny couldn’t help but notice that some of the staff were
beginning to move some of the tables and chairs, making the dance floor available for couples to
dance.