Picket Fence Pursuit (5 page)
Read Picket Fence Pursuit Online
Authors: Jennifer Johnson
Tags: #Romance, #Religious, #General, #Christian, #Fiction
“Oh.” Kylie studied the man before her. He gave away ice-cream cones and went on missions trips. What other secrets would she discover about the man?
“Our group fixed their home. It had been damaged by a storm.”
“That’s really neat. I’ve always wanted to go on a missions trip.”
“We’re having a meeting next week. We’ll be going again in January.”
“Really?”
“I’d love to have you go with us.”
“I think I’d like to go.” She peered up at Ryan, realizing there was more to him than she’d originally thought.
I’m actually looking forward to getting to know him better.
Kylie watched as the missions trip video showed a doctor examining a small boy’s mouth. She listened as the speaker shared about the multitude of children in Belize who received medication and vitamins from the ministry’s effort.
A single tear slipped down Kylie’s cheek before the picture switched to show a clown making animal balloons for a group of children. Her heart pounded within her chest when a boy jumped up and down, then smiled fully for the camera when the clown handed him a red giraffe.
Ryan leaned close and whispered in her ear, “That’s me.”
“That’s you?” She turned toward him and studied his profile.
Who are you, Ryan Watkins? I’ve never met anyone like you.
She watched wrinkles form at the corners of his eyes as his smile grew. Pleasure in serving “the least of these” surrounded his face and seemed to seep from his very pores. “Yeah. I love to see the children’s faces light up when I make balloon art for them.”
“I’m sure it’s wonderful.”
“The children have almost nothing. They get so excited over the smallest gifts.”
She looked back at the video. In the film, Ryan the clown turned toward the camera, making a honking noise as he
squeezed his oversize, red-ball nose. He waved as he lifted a toddling child in his arms. The child squeezed his nose, as well.
God, I want what Ryan has. I’ve loved and served You for as long as I can remember, but there’s something different about him. Something—more.
The video ended and Kylie listened as a pastor from a sister church talked about ministry opportunities available for people who would like to join their trip to Belize. “Of course, the people need to be examined by nurses, doctors, and dentists. We need carpenters, electricians, and plumbers to help with home and church needs.”
The pastor grabbed a packet filled with crayons, glue, scissors, and other items. He held it up before the group of potential short-term missionaries. “But we also hold a vacation Bible school. If you can color with a child, help a mother by holding her baby so she can teach Bible school, or even dress up like a clown—”
Ryan clenched his fists over his head and pumped his arms as if he’d just won a race. Kylie giggled and pushed him with her shoulder.
The pastor laughed. “As I was saying, you could dress up like a clown as our good friend Ryan does on every trip.”
Kylie looked at Ryan. “You’ve gone on every trip?”
He nodded. “Every one.”
The pastor continued. “Anything you can do is a huge help. Simply telling others what Christ has done for you is the greatest ministry you can give.”
Kylie leaned back in her chair. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d shared her faith with someone. The idea of it sent nervous but excited tingles through her body.
The pastor’s voice interrupted her thoughts. “Remember in scripture when Peter and John went to the temple in Jerusalem. There was a lame beggar sitting in front of the gate called Beautiful.”
Kylie crossed her legs and touched her chin in contemplation. There were several beggar stories in scripture. She wasn’t sure which one he referred to.
The pastor went on. “Peter told the beggar he didn’t have any silver or gold.” He lifted his finger in the air. “But Peter said what he could give, he would. So he healed the man in Christ’s name that very moment.” The pastor spread his arms open. “Friends, God has given us different talents and abilities. What we can give, let’s give.”
Kylie’s stomach turned and her heart raced. She wanted to go on this missions trip. She didn’t have any medical or construction talents, but she could definitely hold a baby.
A middle-aged woman walked to the front of the group. “Understand, friends, funding has to be raised on an individual basis. Our ministry is not supported by any federal or state missions boards.” She showed a presentation that broke down the cost of the trip.
Kylie gasped when the woman reached the final total.
Money!
Her heart plummeted.
It’s always about money.
❧
“Well, what did you think?” Ryan started the car and pulled onto the road.
“It sounds wonderful.”
Ryan could hear the hesitation in her voice. Why, he wasn’t sure. He saw the lone tear slide down her cheek during the video. Her excitement was evident, magnetic even.
“But?” Ryan took in the look of frustration wrapping her features. “There’s a problem, huh?”
“I don’t know.”
“It can’t be school. You’ll graduate in December.”
“That’s true.”
He pulled into her apartment building’s parking lot and turned off the car. Shifting in his seat, he looked at her. She’d pulled her long hair into a ponytail. The wind allowed several blond strands to escape around her ears and the nape of her neck. Baby hairs, he’d once heard someone call them. Her skin, so light, looked almost porcelain, like the sun had never touched it. She was a true beauty on the outside. The more time he spent with her, he saw it on the inside, too.
So, why wouldn’t she want to go?
The truth hit him in an instant. “Is it the money?”
“It’s always the money.” She didn’t look at him but kept her gaze focused on the windshield.
“No prob—” Ryan stopped. He longed to tell her he’d pay her way, to tell her money was not an inkling of an issue. But he couldn’t. Not yet. “I’ll help you raise the money.”
Kylie huffed. “What about yours? Don’t you have to raise your own?”
“God always provides.”
“I wish I had your faith.” She grabbed her purse off the floorboard and opened the car door. “Look,” she said, turning back toward him, “I really want to go. And you
are
right. If God wants me there, He will provide.”
She shut the door. Ryan watched as she walked up the sidewalk. She unlocked the door, then waved back at him. “Thanks for taking me, Ryan.”
She disappeared into the apartment. Ryan sat for several seconds. Kylie wasn’t like any other woman he knew. Her love for the Lord was there, evident, and that quality meant more to him than anything else. She also had a wonderful personality, and she cared—truly cared—for the people in her life, like her family and Robin. And her looks? There was no question he was physically attracted to her.
But the money. He knew she’d grown up poor. Knew she had a passel of sisters and brothers. Knew life had been tough for her. She’d shared as much with him, but what was her hang-up? Many people grew up in financially difficult situations, but they didn’t resent their pasts or gear their futures on account of it. Ryan growled at the steering wheel. “She stated the problem from her own lips. For some people, it’s always about the money.”
“I can’t believe you landed an interview at Miller Enterprises.” Robin grabbed Kylie’s arm and shook it in excitement.
Kylie laughed. “I know. It’s my dream job. I didn’t think I’d have a chance for an interview like this until I’d worked ten years or more.”
“And you’re not even graduated!”
“I know! I figured I’d do the books for some mom-and-pop store for a while, get some experience, then maybe land a good interview somewhere. But Miller takes care of all the accounting for several major businesses in Evansville.” Kylie’s hand shook as she took her lipstick from her makeup case and applied it to her lips. “I think you need to pinch me or something.”
“No, I just need to borrow your pink flip-flops.” Robin raced into the other room.
“What?”
Robin held up Kylie’s hot pink, daisy-covered sandals. “These.”
“Okay, but why?”
“Tyler and I are taking Bransom on a picnic.”
Kylie studied her friend’s reflection in the mirror. “You’ve been spending a lot of time with Tyler.”
“I know.” Robin combed her curls, then fluffed them back into place.
“A lot of time.”
Robin turned toward Kylie. “I’m going to honest; I like Tyler—a lot. A lot, lot.”
“You know when school starts back you won’t have as much time for—”
“I’m not even thinking about when school starts back. I haven’t been as focused as you. I still have a full two years ahead of me
if
I figure out what major I want.”
“What are you saying?”
“I’m not saying anything.”
“It sounds to me like you’re saying something.”
“Kylie, I’m not thinking about school. I’m not as gung ho as you. I’m taking life one day at a time.” She wrapped her arms around Kylie. “I don’t want to talk about this. You go to that interview and knock their socks off.”
“But, Robin—”
Robin pulled away, grabbing both of Kylie’s forearms. “It’s not the time for us to talk about this. You go to that interview and show them what a wonderful person you are.”
Kylie let out a long breath and smiled as she squeezed her friend in a tight hug. She let go and grabbed her keys from the bathroom counter. “You’re right, but we
are
going to talk later.”
As she bounded through the apartment, she grabbed her briefcase off the couch and headed out the door. “God,” she whispered, “You know all things. You know how much I want to help my family. This feels like my chance.”
❧
“Come on in,” Gramps’s voice sounded from the entry.
Ryan grabbed an oven mitt, opened the oven door, and lifted out the yeast rolls. Whoever had stopped for a visit was in for a treat. Ryan had grilled thick T-bone steaks and aluminum-wrapped potatoes, green peppers, and onions mixed with butter and garlic salt. Gramps had boiled corn on the cob and tossed a salad.
“Take off that little sweater you got on. We’re about to have supper, and you’re staying,” Gramps’s voice boomed through the house.
“Really, I didn’t mean to impose. I didn’t realize you’d eat this early.”
“Kylie?” Ryan pulled the oven mitt off.
That sounded just like her. What is she doing here?
“Girl, you’re not imposing on anyone. You’re going to stay right here and eat.” Gramps nudged Kylie into the kitchen.
“Don’t you look nice.” Ryan drank in her blond hair, soft and loosely pulled up. Her cheeks flushed, making her eyes a deeper blue. Her navy suit didn’t look half bad, either.
“Thanks.” She cupped her hand over her mouth. “I like your apron.”
Ryan glanced down at his pink polka-dotted apron with lace fringe. His face burned as he untied the strings around his waist. “It’s a joke between me and Gramps.”
“I have no idea what he’s talking about.” Gramps inhaled and shook his head. “It embarrasses me each and every time he puts that thing on.”
“Gramps!”
Kylie giggled. “I think it’s great. How does the saying go—‘Real men wear pink’?”
Ryan pounded his chest with his fist. “Yep, and I’m a real man.” He laughed. “Okay, enough of that.” He grabbed another plate from the cabinet. “Let’s eat and you can tell us why you’re here.”
“I really didn’t mean to impose.”
“Do you think we can eat all this ourselves?” Ryan waved his hand across the counter.
Kylie grinned. “You are two grown men, and my brothers could do it.”
Ryan lifted his eyebrows. “Probably true, but we want to share. Now eat.”
He moved closer to her, shoving the plate in her hand. Her perfume lingered as she moved over to the table. Ryan relished it for just a moment longer than necessary as he fixed his own plate. Once Gramps was ready, Ryan blessed the food.
He looked up as Kylie took a sip of her pop.
I like seeing her here, Lord. This feels right.
She crinkled the napkin in her hand, and Ryan glanced up to find her blushing.
She knows what I’m thinking.
Ryan continued to stare into her eyes. He couldn’t deny it. He was falling for her.
“So what brings you out here?” said Gramps.
Ryan blinked, grabbed his knife and fork, and began cutting his steak.
“I have wonderful news.” Kylie placed her napkin in her lap.
“What is it?” asked Ryan.
“I had a job interview at Miller Enterprises today.”
“What’s Miller Enterprises?” asked Gramps.
“A large accounting firm in Evansville. They handle the books for several businesses. It’s like my dream job.”
“That’s terrific.” Ryan smiled. Her excitement was contagious.
“Mmm-hmm, and it went great, too. I’ve got the job. I start at the end of January.”
“Congratulations.” Gramps stood and shook her hand.
“Thanks, and I should be able to go on the missions trip with you.” She looked at Ryan with such anticipation he thought his heart would burst.
“I’m really happy for you. It’s just what you’ve wanted.”
“Yes. Isn’t God amazing?”
“He’s definitely amazing.”
Ryan listened as Kylie chattered about the interview, the position, and how God had given her the desires of her heart. Contentment welled in his own heart as he thought of sharing excitement and sadness, success and failure, up and down on a daily basis with her. The more she spoke, the more Ryan wanted to hear, and the more he wanted to know.
God, I’m falling hard, and I like it.
He closed his eyes for a brief moment.
I’m going to trust You with my heart.
“Let me help you with those dishes.” Kylie stood and
stacked the plates.
“You don’t need to do that.” Ryan took them from her hand.
“It’s the least I can do.” She gazed up at him and puckered her lip. “Please.”
Everything in him wanted to draw her close and kiss her. He swallowed and turned toward the sink. “Okay, you can help.”
Pretending to focus on getting the water to the right temperature, Ryan stilled his anxious thoughts.
“You’re a pretty good cook.” Kylie picked up the salad bowl and the dressing bottles. She had taken her hair out of its knot and let it flow down her back. Its softness called to him, and he had to look away again.
“I’ll have to return the favor sometime.” She walked toward him. Once again her sweet perfume sent his senses into overdrive.
“Sounds good.” Ryan plunged his hands into the soapy water.
“I can’t believe you don’t have a dishwasher. Two bachelors doing manual dishes.” Kylie winked and smiled, sending his brain into a frenzy.
“Look, Kylie.” Ryan yanked his hand out of the water, sending bubbles through the air. Several hit her face. She scrunched her nose and spit them away.
