A Pursued Heart Read online

  A chuckle ran around the room. “Four out of the YA group have volunteered and two from the older group. Do I have any volunteers? Our workday will be Saturday, probably all day.”

  Darcy, Ted, and Marsha raised their hands and Rebecca made a note. They always volunteered. She would be there, of course. She started to snap her log closed when Ben’s soft baritone made her freeze. There was something about the man’s voice that sent a mellow shaft through her.

  “I might be able to if babysitting is available.”

  A giddy little shiver raced up Rebecca’s spine. Don’t go there, a voice warned. She’d resolved not to get involved with another man with baggage. His enrollment card told her he was single, not divorced or widowed, but with a seven-year-old son. It wasn’t unheard of for a single woman to have a child, nor for a divorced man to have custody of a child, but a single man? For sure, he had baggage, and lots of it.

  “The nursery will be open. Addie Hancock runs it for the church and the sweetest grandmother you’ll ever meet.” With some effort, Rebecca kept the excitement out of her voice while holding his gaze. “Do you have carpentry skills, Ben?”

  “I’m not very skillful, but I did some renovations on my house.”

  Good. He owned his own house. He was financially stable. A lot of the men in the singles group were not. She gave herself a mental shake. Why was that important to her? “I’m going to say you do then, and your help will be much appreciated.”

  She sent her glance around the room. “We’ll meet here at nine on Saturday. Those of you with children can get them settled into the nursery, then we’ll go on to the site. Is that good?”

  Everyone indicated it was, and Rebecca fell in step with Darcy on their way to church services. “Do you know anything about Ben Lucas?” she asked after waiting for the others to get out of earshot.

  Darcy grinned. “I know he’s caught your attention.”

  “He has not—not any more than any other new member. I just wonder how he came to have a son if he’s never been married.”

  “Oh, that’s right, you weren’t here when he introduced himself to the class. He was engaged to be married, only a week away from the wedding. This happened a few months ago, I think. Anyway, his fiancée was murdered.”

  Rebecca stopped in her tracks, making the couple behind her skirt around. No wonder there was such sadness in his eyes. “How?”

  “He didn’t say how, but he adopted her little boy. Isn’t that so sweet? I almost cried.” Darcy tipped her head back and put on that teasing look of hers. “He’ll appeal to every single woman in church. If I hadn’t already found my Sam, I’d be interested. Besides with all that money you’re making in your new job I’m sure you could use a good accountant.” She wagged her brows for emphasis.

  Rebecca gave her a playful push back in the stream of pedestrians. “The problem is that new job of mine won’t give me any time for man-chasing.”

  By now they were entering the sanctuary, so further discussion wasn’t possible. Rebecca searched the congregation and found Ben several rows in front. She could tell by his broad shoulders and the way his brown hair curled around his collar. He wore his hair longer than most men, and an urge to run her fingers through those wavy locks hit her. Maybe Darcy was right. He had caught her attention.

  Silly. He wasn’t through grieving his loss. He wouldn’t be looking for a love interest, not that she was either, she reminded herself.

  Chapter 2

  Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. -Luke 12:32

  When you pray for God to move in your life, don’t be surprised when He does.

  -Ben Lucas

  Ben apprised the new doorframe to Mr. Simmons bathroom. All he had left to do was stain the wood.

  Ted came down the hall holding a bucket of walnut stain and brush. “Looks like I’m just in time. Why don’t you let me finish up here? You haven’t even taken a break since lunch. I know the girls still have the coffee on.”

  “Sounds good to me.” Ben wiped his hands on his jeans and slapped Ted on the back as he headed toward the kitchen from where feminine chatter drifted.

  As he turned the corner, he almost collided with Rebecca Atkins. She finger-combed a stray tendril off her cheek, smoothing her long dark brown hair, lit with red highlights. A smile tipped the corners of her full lips. “I was just coming to see if you’d finished. How about some coffee?”

  Their glances met and he read something in her eyes he hadn’t seen in a long time. Admiration? No, she was just a congenial woman. Don’t read more into it than is there, and besides, his heart wasn’t ready for that. “Thank you, I’d appreciate a cup and a brownie if one’s left.”

  She turned, then gave him a backward look. “I saved one for you. Brownies are about the only thing I can bake fit to eat.”

  “I don’t believe that.”

  She took a paper cup and poured the dark brew. “It’s a little strong. Do you take cream or sugar?”

  He was mesmerized by her dark blue eyes and sweeping lashes. She was a beautiful woman up close, even dressed in an old plaid shirt and jeans. “Uh, yes, just a little cream.”

  Darcy called from the back door. “I’m going to be leaving, guys.”

  Rebecca tore her gaze away. “Oh, thank you, Darce. Call me after your date.”

  Darcy laughed. “You know I will.”

  Ben wondered if Rebecca dated anyone. Surely she did—a girl as pretty as she was. He’d find out soon enough. This close-knit group didn’t keep any secrets. It occurred to him he could ask her out and find out for himself, but he rejected that. He wanted to hold onto Kelly’s memories a little while longer.

  But there was Jamie to think about. He needed a mother.

  Ben munched on the brownie and sipped his coffee while Rebecca cleaned the coffee pot and packed up the remains of the foodstuffs.

  Ted joined them. “Well, that’s it. Looks pretty good, don’t you think?”

  Rebecca squeezed his arm. “You’ve all done a wonderful job, Ted. Mr. Simmons will be delighted.”

  Were Ted and Rebecca an item? That thought sent a little dart of something akin to jealousy through Ben. Not the usual jealousy. Ted was a nice guy, and he and Rebecca made a nice couple. No, Ben was jealous of every couple because they had what was taken from him.

  “Couldn’t have done it without this guy.” Ted punched Ben on the arm. “He’s a good carpenter.”

  Ben swallowed the last of his brownie. “Ted’s no slouch, either.”

  “You’re both a blessing to the church,” Rebecca said as Ted departed.

  Ben tossed his empty cup in the trash bag. “I’ll carry this to the can on my way out.”

  Rebecca dove into her handbag and jingled keys. “I’ll lock up right after you.”

  “See you next Sunday, then.” Knowing he’d have to pick up Jamie, Ben hurried out, but seeing loose boards scattered along the yard, decided to gather them. He’d put them in his truck and discard them at his house. Mr. Simmons’s trash can was overflowing.

  He was about to climb in his truck when shrill screams rent the air. Jumping back, he ran in their direction.

  Seated in the driver’s seat of her navy sedan, Rebecca stared straight ahead, her features congealed in terror. Ben observed her through the open car door. She seemed to be frozen, hands clenching the steering wheel, and screaming like a girl watching a horror flick.

  Ben darted a glance one way and then the other. He saw nothing that would have caused her fright. He swung the door wide open. Breathing rapidly, Rebecca’s frozen gaze didn’t budge. Was she having a seizure?

  He grabbed her shoulder. “Rebecca, what is it?”

  She gulped in fast and deeply, clearly hyperventilating. “There…there…”

  He followed the line of her vision. On the windshield was what appeared to be a giant spider. Solid black, it wasn’t like any garden spider Ben had ever seen. The only black spider he knew of was
the black widow, but this one was way too big.

  Women were known to be skittish around spiders, and he agreed this was a big one, but it was outside the windshield. Rebecca’s hysteria was beyond reasonable. She was shaking uncontrollably and would pass out if she kept hyperventilating.

  He released her and tapped on the windshield, then realized the spider wasn’t even real. He ducked out of the car, reached around, and plucked the toy off the glass. Taking a step back, he examined the thing. Just a plastic toy such as kids played with at Halloween. Meant to scare people, but Rebecca’s reaction was over the top. She would laugh when she saw the truth.

  She didn’t laugh when he thrust it at her. In fact, her screams pierced his eardrums. “It’s just plastic, Rebecca!” he shouted, but his words obviously weren’t getting through.

  He jerked around and started to fling the toy away, but decided she wouldn’t calm down until he got rid of it. Since he obviously couldn’t “kill” it for her, he held it high over his head and jogged to the garbage can, stuffing it inside. He hoped she could see it had been dispatched, or at least hear when he slammed the lid down.

  When he returned, her head was resting on the steering wheel, and her shaking actually vibrated the car. He scratched his head, wondering what to do. He couldn’t leave her like this. Despite her fear being imagined, her reaction was very real and serious.

  After prying her fingers from the steering wheel, he tugged her out of the car. Holding her by the shoulders, he gave her a little shake. “It’s all right, Rebecca. Can you hear me? You’re safe now.”

  Rebecca held on to him. “Can’t breathe…can’t…”

  He looked over her shoulder into the car and saw the plastic bags holding the kitchen supplies. Twisting around, he reached in and emptied one of them. He wedged her against the car, bunched the bag’s opening in one hand and placed it over her mouth. “Breathe in the bag, slowly.”

  She fought him a few seconds before going limp. He caught her, cradling her in his arms. Her head lolled back, long, dark lashes cutting crescents on her pale cheeks as her chest rose and fell in a more normal rhythm. Maybe it was a good thing she’d passed out.

  Water. He needed water to bring her around.

  Holding her close, Ben looked around for the outside water spigot he’d seen earlier. He spotted it on the side of the house and strode that way. It occurred to him he hadn’t held a woman this close since Kelly, and this was the first time the thought of Kelly didn’t stab him with the sharp edge of grief.

  He dropped to his knees at the spigot, wishing he had something to hold the water. Carefully laying her down, he slipped his left hand under her head, and turned the faucet with his right.

  The water gushed, and he caught a palmful, pouring it over Rebecca’s white face. Almost immediately, her eyes flew open. Her breathing had already returned to normal, but she looked dazed.

  “Is everything all right?” He put a smile in his voice. “Are you sick?”

  Her gaze darted around as if disoriented, then lit on his face. “I think I can get up now,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

  Ben helped her to her feet, supporting her until he was sure she could stand. “If you’ll give me the key, I can go back inside and get you a cup of water.”

  She shook her head, an action that had her flaying her arms to grab him. When she steadied, a nervous laugh slipped out, and she sent him an embarrassed look. “I’m all right now. Thank you. I can’t believe how I overreacted to a plastic spider.” Her smile held while she spoke. “I’d appreciate it if you didn’t tell anyone. It’s rather embarrassing.” She walked out of his hold and started toward her car.

  He could understand her embarrassment, but no way could he let her drive in her condition. It took three strides to catch up with her. “I don’t think you’re well enough to get in traffic yet.” He glanced at his watch and grimaced. “Look, I have to pick up Jamie. The nursery was supposed to close at six.” It was ten after. “How about we get him and go to the barbecue place at the end of the street? It might ruin your plans for dinner, but after a leisurely meal, you’ll be back to normal.”

  Her glance bore into him like she couldn’t decide if he could be trusted. ”I’ve bothered you enough. I wouldn’t want to ruin your plans for the evening.”

  Surely she didn’t think he was trying to pick her up. “My plans were to get a pizza and go home. I’m in the mood for barbecue. What do you say?”

  “Well…if you’re sure I’m not interfering with any plans. I don’t want you to think I was putting on an act to get your attention.” She laughed. “Fainting like the heroine of some Victorian play.”

  Like a relief valve, her laughter released the tension between them. “I didn’t think anything of the sort. You couldn’t have been putting on an act if you were the best actor on Broadway.” He smiled and laid a hand over her shoulder. “And you’re not interfering at all. Jamie and I will enjoy the company.” They walked to his jeep, and he helped her into the passenger side.

  Chapter 3

  The end of a thing is better than its beginning; the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. -Ecclesiastes 6:4

  I feel like the child who must look at the cake throughout a meal of vegetables and liver. -Rebecca Atkins

  Rebecca watched Ben enter the church’s annex through the truck’s window. She felt more like a fool than that time she’d thought Darcy knocked on her bedroom door and opened it wearing nothing but her underwear and finding Jason standing there. No, this was worse. That was just a mistake. This revealed her…condition, something bordering on crazy, or at least that’s what Ben must think.

  Despite that, another emotion was taking over. Excitement. He’d asked her to dinner. As bizarre as the circumstance was, it threw them together, and she couldn’t remember when she’d wanted to be thrown together with a man more.

  In a matter of minutes, Ben came out the same door, holding the hand of a small tow-haired boy who skipped along. They came around to her side, and the boy halted, tilting his head up, he stared straight at her with big, brown eyes. He pointed a finger. “Who’s that?”

  Ben opened the back door. “This is Ms. Atkins, a nice lady who’s going to have dinner at the Rib Shack with us. Up you go, buddy. Let’s get the seatbelt on.” Ben got in and sent her a glance. “That’s my son, Jamie, Rebecca.”

  She twisted around in her seat. “Pleased to meet you, Jamie. Did you have fun today?”

  “Yes, ma’am.” His voice turned into a whine. “But you were late, Dad. I was the only one left.”

  “That was my fault, Jamie,” Rebecca said. “I had a little trouble with a spider.”

  “I don’t like spiders,” Jamie said. “I like frogs. I have one named Ernie.” He paused a moment, twisting his lips. “I have a turtle, too. I’ve had him for a long time, so long I don’t remember when we got him. Guess what my mom named him?”

  “Oh, I can’t guess. I’m not good at guessing. You tell me.”

  “Speedy.” Jamie’s childish laughter spilled forth. “Isn’t that funny?”

  Ben had maneuvered into the traffic easily, but Rebecca noticed out of the corner of her eye when he clenched his jaw. She decided to turn the conversation away from mention of Jamie’s mother. “It is a funny, but a perfect one. I like turtles, especially giant sea turtles. I once saw hatchlings running into the sea right after they were born.”

  “Really? We go to the beach every year, but I’ve never seen a sea turtle.”

  “Well, maybe you will one day.” Rebecca turned back around. Jamie was an adorable child, but he didn’t look anything like his father, though Ben was adorable, too, in a manly sort of way.

  It wasn’t far to the restaurant, and they entered the busy eatery with its seat-yourself tables. They found the last empty booth. Rebecca sat on one side and Ben and Jamie on the other.

  After the waitress brought water and took their order, Jamie tugged Ben’s shirtsleeve. “Dad, can I pl
ay some games.” They were seated near the place where several mechanical games were situated.

  “Now Jamie, we’ve talked about that before. If you use your allowance money you may. Otherwise, no.”

  Jamie’s countenance fell. “I left my allowance at home.”

  Ben sighed, then retrieved four quarters from his pocket. “You can have these if you pay me back when we get home.”

  “I don’t have any quarters, just two dollar bills, and you said I have to save one.”

  Rebecca sipped her water and smiled at Ben’s dilemma.

  “You remember our math lesson?” Ben held out his hand with the quarters in his palm. “Your dollar is worth how many of these quarters?”

  Jamie made a show of counting the quarters, his brows scrunched. Rebecca could almost see the wheels spinning in his mind. “Four. My dollar is worth all four.”

  Ben chuckled and pressed the quarters in his son’s hand. “That’s right. You come back when they’re gone and don’t expect any more.” Jamie closed his small fingers over the coins and scampered from his seat. “And don’t forget to pay me back later.” Ben sent this parting shot after Jamie.

  Rebecca laughed. “Anyone can tell you’re a wonderful father, and Jamie is so cute. He must look like his mother.” She clamped her lips shut. Why did she remind him of that?

  Ben propped his elbows on the table. “Too cute to look like me?”

  She relaxed. He had a sense of humor. “No, of course I didn’t mean that. It’s just he’s blond and you’re dark and—” She wasn’t through stuffing her foot in her mouth.

  “I’m not Jamie’s natural father, Rebecca.”

  Her mouth fell open. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean anything.” She felt heat rising in her neck and gulped from her water glass. Of course she meant it. How could he have custody of a son unless he had some…was the boy’s father.

  “I adopted him about the time Kelly— When she died.”

  Admiration mixed with mortification rushed through her. Dummy. That’s what Darcy had told her. That spider incident had addled her brain. “I…that’s wonderful—a wonderful thing to do.”