A Man to Trust (9 page)

All that was familiar from her growing-up years in Kenya had been stripped away when she returned to the U.S. Her music had been the only constant, bridging her old life to the new. But even after seven years, she sometimes still felt like a disconnected stranger in her homeland.

A huge chunk of her heart remained in Kenya, and even music couldn’t begin to fill the gaping hole there. A tear slipped down her cheek. She sniffed and brushed it away.

Ross walked back into the room carrying the kitchen trash can. He glanced at her, and his steps slowed. Lines of concern creased his forehead.

She looked away, snatched a tissue and wiped her nose. Her mother continued talking, telling her how happy her African friends were now that the rainy season had started and they could expect a good harvest in a few weeks.

Such simple joys in such a complicated world.

Ross quietly circled the living room, tossed two days’ worth of old newspapers in the trash can. He knelt beside her and picked up the used tissues from the floor. He hesitated and their gazes met.

Adrie pulled the phone away from her ear. “You don’t have to do that.”

“It’s okay. Enjoy your conversation.” He stood and straightened the stack of magazines on the coffee table, then carried two dirty glasses and the trash can back to the kitchen. A few seconds later, he returned and stood by the end of the couch with a question in his eyes.

Adrie lifted her finger, signaling him to wait. Her conversation with her mother was winding down, and she didn’t want him to leave yet.

“Thanks for calling, Mom. It means a lot.” She smoothed the blanket over her legs, avoiding Ross’s gaze. “I love you. Tell Dad I love him, too.”

“I will, honey. Take care of yourself. Let me know how you’re doing tomorrow.”

“I will.” Adrie said goodbye, then tapped the screen to end their conversation.

“Good call?” Ross asked, still standing by the end of the couch.

She nodded, knowing her voice would betray her if she tried to speak.

He watched her for a moment more. “Everything okay?”

She pressed her lips tightly and nodded, then quickly shook her head as tears blurred her vision. There was no sense in trying to hide her tears from him. One thing she’d learned about Ross, he was too perceptive to be fooled by her denial.

“Want to tell me about it?”

“Not sure that’s a good idea.”

“Why not?”

“I’ll start crying if I do.”

“It’s okay. I’m used to tears. I have two sisters.”

She blotted her eyes with her tissue. “I’ll be okay. I’m just feeling a little homesick.”

He sat on the love seat and settled back against the cushions, waiting for her to continue.

“Sometimes it’s just really hard living halfway around the world from my family.”

“I’m sure it is. Sounds like you have a good relationship with them in spite of that.”

“Pretty good. We have our struggles,” she said, thinking of her father’s busy schedule and lack of communication. “I know they love me, and I love them. But the distance is tough, especially at times like this.”

“You mean when you’re sick?”

She nodded. “Or when I’m feeling stressed, or just not sure what’s happening next in life. Like now.” She sank back against her pillow. “I wish I could hop in the car and drive home for the weekend. Phone calls and email are a blessing, but it’s not the same as having a relaxed conversation with your family. I miss that so much.”

“How long since you’ve seen them?”

“They came out for my graduation and for my grandpa’s funeral. But it’s been almost two years since they were here.”

“When was the last time you flew back to Kenya?”

“Too long.” She swallowed. “Almost four years.”

He slowly shook his head.

“I may be an American, but I spent so many years in Kenya it will always feel like home to me.”

“So you not only miss your family, you miss your life there. It’s part of who you are, and you’re still not totally used to being so far from home.”

Her breath caught in her throat. “Yes. That’s exactly how I feel.”

Sympathy pooled in his dark eyes. “I’m not sure how you do it—live so far away from the people who are so important to you.”

She shrugged, trying to steel herself against the compassion in his voice. If she didn’t, she just might break down. “Everyone has struggles they have to face,” she said, forcing out the words.

He watched her, his expression insightful and caring. “True, but that doesn’t mean yours aren’t painful.”

“Yes, some days it’s still really difficult.” A tremor passed through her, and she released a deep breath. Speaking those words aloud felt like opening the window and letting a fresh breeze waft through.

When was the last time she’d been so honest and opened her heart to someone like that?

The few times she’d told Adam how much she missed her family, he’d tried to change the subject. He had never been comfortable talking about emotions, and he definitely didn’t know how to handle her tears.

But Ross seemed to want to understand her thoughts and feelings.

“I should get back to the store.” He rose from the love seat. “Are you going to be okay? Can I get you anything else?”

“No, I’ll be fine. Thanks for the soup and for listening. Sorry I got all emotional.”

“I don’t mind. We all need someone to talk to sometimes.” A slight grin lifted one side of his mouth. “That’s what friends are for.”

Though her head still ached and her nose was drippy, a smile formed on her lips. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.” With one more smile over his shoulder, he headed out the door.

Chapter Ten

R
oss glanced around the church foyer, chose the best background and waved Cam over. “Let’s take a couple more photos by this window.”

Cam shot a distracted glance down the hallway toward the room where his bride and her attendants were dressing. “What time is it?”

Ross checked his watch. “Two-fifteen.”

Cam’s eyes widened. “Only forty-five minutes. How are we doing? Do you have enough time to take the rest of the pictures before the ceremony?”

“Don’t worry. We’re right on schedule.” He’d already shot a whole series of Cam with his four groomsmen and Rachel with her bridesmaids. Next he’d bring in Rachel and do the photos of Cam and Rachel together, then the whole wedding party in the sanctuary.

Ross positioned Cam to catch the best light. “Okay, turn a little to the left. Chin up. Look right here.” Ross held his breath and took the shot. “Perfect.”

“Can’t believe we’re getting married on the hottest day in September,” Cam muttered and wiped his glistening forehead with the back of his hand.

Lowering his camera, Ross grinned at his friend. “Relax, man. You’re marrying the woman of your dreams today. Everything is going to be fine.” He wasn’t usually that straightforward with the groom when he photographed a wedding, but Cam was his good friend, so he decided to shoot straight.

“Right.” Cam rubbed his hands on his black tux pants and blew out a shaky breath. “I don’t know why I’m so nervous. I’ve been looking forward to this for months.”

“Sure, but this is a big step for both of you. It makes sense you’re feeling a little anxious. That’ll pass.”

“I just want everything to be perfect for Rachel. She deserves a great wedding.”

Ross gave him a reassuring nod. “Don’t worry. Everything is going to run like clockwork. She’s done an amazing job with all the details.”

“Yeah, she has.” Cam turned and faced Ross. “Thanks for everything you’re doing. We really appreciate it.” He stepped forward and gave Ross a bear hug.

The camera got in the way, but Ross didn’t mind. He grinned and slapped Cam on the back a couple times. “No problem. I’m glad to do it.”

Cam stepped away, flexed his hands, then shook them out and paced over to the window.

Poor guy.
“I know just what you need.”

Cam turned, his blue eyes wide. “What?”

“A few minutes with your bride.” Ross sent him a reassuring smile. “Let me go check and see if she’s ready.”

Cam straightened. “Right. Good idea. As soon as I see her, I’ll be fine.”

“Hang on. I’ll be right back.” Ross took off across the foyer.

If anyone deserved a second chance at happiness, it was his friend Cam. He’d lost his first wife and baby boy in a tragic auto accident almost five years ago. The weight of guilt he carried for asking his wife to drive that stormy night almost took him under. He left his high-pressure corporate job and opened a small frame shop at the Fairhaven Arts Center, hoping that would give him a new focus while he pulled his life back together. Then he met Rachel, director of North Coast Christian Youth Theater, and he found a reason to open his heart to love once more.

Ross smiled, thinking of the way that relationship had transformed Cam’s life. It was nothing short of a blessing from God. Ross couldn’t be happier for both of them.

Yes, Rachel deserved a great wedding day, but so did Cam. And Ross was determined to do everything he could to make it happen.

He knocked on the door of the classroom turned dressing room.

“Just a minute,” a frustrated female voice called.

“Okay. It’s time for some more photos as soon as Rachel’s ready.”

“Be out in a few,” the same voice called.

The side door to the church parking lot opened. Ross glanced over his shoulder.

Adrie stepped in carrying her flute case and purse. She wore a sleeveless, rust-colored dress made of material that shimmered as it flowed over her attractive curves. Her hair was up with a few tendrils curling around her face. Around her slender neck she wore a gold beaded necklace that matched her earrings. She smiled as she walked toward him.

Ross’s heartbeat picked up the pace, and his mouth went dry. “Wow, you look amazing.”

Her eyes widened for a split second and her cheeks flushed. “Thanks.” She shifted her flute case to the other hand. “Have you seen Rachel and Cam? How’s everything going?”

“We’re on schedule. They’re both a little nervous, but that’s normal.” He pointed toward the classroom door. “The girls are in there. I’m just waiting to take Rachel to see Cam. We’ll get some photos of them together, and—”

“Wait.” Surprise flashed in her eyes. “He’s going to see her now, before she walks down the aisle?”

Ross nodded. “They don’t want to keep their guests waiting too long at the reception, so we’re taking some of the photos before the ceremony.”

“That’s different.” She glanced to the other end of the foyer where Cam waited with his groomsmen, and her expression softened. “I always like watching the groom’s face when those doors open and he sees his bride for the first time.” Her eyes took on a dreamy look, as though she was imagining walking toward her own groom.

No doubt she’d be a beautiful bride, so beautiful her groom would probably be stunned and speechless. He swallowed and tried to shake off that mental image. “A lot of couples do it the old-fashioned way.” His voice came out low and husky.

“Well, it is their special day,” she said, gazing at Cam. “They should be able to do it any way they want.”

“I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. I bet he’ll still be glowing like a lighthouse when Rachel walks down the aisle. Believe me, the guy is psyched.”

Adrie laughed softly. “Okay. I won’t scold them for their choice.” She hesitated, glancing around. “Well, I better go. I need to run through the music once more with the pianist.”

Ross reached for her arm. “Hey, why don’t you stick around for a minute? Then you can watch when Cam sees Rachel for the first time.”

Her face lit up, but just as quickly her expression dimmed. “No, I better not. That should be a private moment.”

“It’s okay. The whole wedding party will be here plus their parents.”

Adrie bit her lip. “Where are they going to meet?”

He pointed to the left. “Right here in the foyer.”

Her smile returned. “Okay. Thanks. I’ll stay in the background.”

The Sunday school room door opened, and they both turned toward it. Chandra Wetzel, Rachel’s maid of honor, stepped out and motioned Ross over.

He glanced at Adrie, wishing he could stay with her, but he had a wedding to shoot. He hoped he could break away later, at the reception, and spend some more time with her. Maybe that would give him another chance to show her that he could be more than just a good friend.

Adrie smoothed her damp hand down her dress. She had changed twice before finally deciding on this outfit. She was going for a classic, understated look, since she was sitting up front while she played her flute. She didn’t want to draw attention to herself or outshine the bridal party. Considering Ross’s reaction, she wasn’t so sure she’d made the right choice now.

Ross crossed to the foyer to answer Chandra Wetzel’s summons.

The youth theater choreographer looked stunning in her knee-length, raspberry chiffon dress that showed off her great figure and toned legs. Her strawberry-blond hair was swept up with a cascade of wavy curls down the back, and over her ear she’d pinned two hot-pink orchids that matched her dress.

Chandra laid her hand on Ross’s arm and leaned in close to whisper something in his ear. Ross nodded, and they shared a concerned look.

Adrie clutched the handle of her flute case and strained to hear what they were saying, but their voices were too low. Chandra was probably relaying some message from Rachel, but Adrie’s stomach tensed as she watched them.

Chandra exchanged a few more words with Ross, then she leaned in and kissed his cheek.

Adrie’s eyes widened. What did
that
mean? Of course they knew each other from the Arts Center where Ross used to have his photo studio and Chandra taught dance to the kids in the theater program. They also shared a mutual connection through Cam and Rachel. It made sense they would be friends. But that kiss wasn’t a quick, friendly peck. It looked more like a you-are-someone-very-special kind of kiss. And Ross didn’t seem the least bit surprised by it.

Her thoughts shifted back to the day she and Ross had driven up to Marys Peak. Ross had talked about how great it was when you found someone who shared common interests and experiences. Adrie thought he’d been hinting at his interest in her, but maybe he had been talking about Chandra all the time.

Why did she have such a terrible time figuring out men and relationships? How many times had she misread a man’s intentions? Closing her eyes, she tried to erase the image of Chandra and Ross together, but it seemed burned on the back of her eyelids.

What difference did it make if Ross and Chandra were together? Why should that bother her? She’d told him that she didn’t want anything more than friendship. What did she expect? A great guy like Ross was not going to stay unattached for long.

Suddenly, waiting around in the foyer didn’t seem like such a good idea. She turned and walked toward the side door of the sanctuary.

“Adrie, wait,” Ross called.

She glanced back as he approached.

“I thought you wanted to be here when Cam sees Rachel.”

She shook her head. “I don’t want to intrude.”

Ross studied her with a quizzical look. “I’m bringing them all into the sanctuary for group photos in about five minutes. You’re going to see them before the ceremony, one way or the other.” He tipped his head and smiled. “Come on, it’s okay.” He held out his hand.

She looked down at his extended fingers and slowly reached out.

He grasped her hand firmly and his smile spread wider. Warmth and confidence flowed through their clasped hands as he led her across the foyer.

He led her to a small alcove with a padded bench. “Wait right here. I’ll be back with Rachel in just a minute.” He gently squeezed her fingers and winked before he let go, then turned and walked away.

Tingles traveled up her arm as she sank onto the bench. Adrie sighed and shook her head. How could holding hands with Ross for five seconds make her feel so off balance?

No, she did not want to go there right now. Closing her eyes, she focused on her music. That was her gift to Rachel and Cam. And she intended to play those pieces perfectly, setting a romantic mood for them and all who attended the ceremony. That was the least she could do for her friends, and maybe it would be enough to distract her from a certain charming photographer.

“Ladies and gentlemen, Cam and Rachel McKenna will now share their first dance as husband and wife.”

Adrie clapped, then scooted her chair to the left so she had a better view. The romantic strains of “I Believe I Can Fly,” played in a soft jazz style, filled the air. Cam took Rachel in his arms, and together they swirled across the dance floor.

Lilly Wong, one of Cam and Rachel’s friends from the Arts Center, smiled at Adrie from across the table. “They look so happy.”

“Yes, they seem lost in their own world.” Adrie sat back and released a soft sigh. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to find someone who loved her like that?

Melanie Howard, another Arts Center friend, placed her hot-pink cloth napkin on the table. “I can’t believe the way they transformed this room. It looks totally different than the last time I was here.”

Adrie glanced around. The second-floor Dome Room of the Bellingham Cruise Terminal was an amazing place for a reception. At one end of the large room, floor-to-ceiling windows in a half-circle created a glass dome overlooking Bellingham Bay. Ribbon streamers in hot-pink, tangerine and lime-green decorated the entrance, and tiny white lights hung from the ceiling along the edge of the dome. Beautiful floral arrangements of white orchids, orange roses and hot-pink Gerber daisies brightened each table. The little gold votive candleholders Adrie had helped Rachel decorate sat in front of each place as a gift for the guests to take home.

Everything was perfect, except she was seated at a table of other single friends who were attending without a date. She glanced around the room and spotted Ross on the far side of the dance floor. He had taken off his black suit jacket and rolled up the sleeves of his white dress shirt. Lifting his camera, he focused on Cam and Rachel and shot a series of photos from a discreet distance as they continued their dance.

He had been busy since he arrived and had only taken one short break to grab a few bites of salad and a roll. The rest of his dinner remained untouched on his plate. Adrie had no idea when he’d return and finish his meal.

The sun dipped lower in the western sky, and the view changed to vibrant shades of pink, magenta and gold—a perfect reflection of the wedding colors. Lights flickered from the boats in the bay.

The beat of the music sped up, and several other couples joined Cam and Rachel on the dance floor. Adrie laid her knife and fork across her plate and pushed it forward. The food was delicious, but she’d been full after the appetizers and salad. She’d hardly touched the prime rib, roasted potatoes and vegetables.