Sunrise (15 page)

By the time they finished dinner, John wasn’t sure how to feel. He couldn’t keep the smile off his face. Everything about the day was just what he needed, especially with Christmas so close. But what did that say about his feelings for Elaine? Or his feelings for everything Elizabeth had meant to him?

Before he left, he hugged Elaine a little longer than usual. “I had a great time. Your lasagna was perfect.”

Her cheeks looked pinker than before. “The least I can do for someone who fixes my TV before kickoff.”

He laughed. “It wasn’t hard. Just a few loose connections.”

“That’ll be us one day.” Her eyes sparkled. “A few loose connections.”

They both laughed, and John realized how wonderful it felt. He bade her good-bye, and he was still chuckling when he reached the car.

On the way home, though, his uncertainty returned. He sighed and stared straight ahead at the road.
God, where’s this going? I have no idea if I’ll ever be ready for more than a friendship with Elaine. So am I wrong to spend a day with her?
He felt sad at the thought of cutting off the relationship again.
I don’t know how to look at all this, God. . . . I need Your wisdom. Please . . .

My son . . . My Word is truth.

The response echoed quietly in his soul, and John felt a surge of clarity. God was so faithful, so good. Of course that’s where the answers would be—for this and for any dilemma he’d faced before or since Elizabeth’s death. God’s Word. The only truth that would never change.

John remembered then what he’d read that morning in his Bible. He’d been in chapter 3 of Ecclesiastes. The entire chapter spoke to him, underlining the truth about God’s timing, His way of directing His people’s days. It spoke of there being a time to mourn, a time to dance, and a time for every season in life. As John read it earlier, he had thought of his children.

But now he was remembering the Scripture with a fresh and startling understanding. Especially the first verse: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.”

Wasn’t that what Elaine had said earlier when they were wrapping presents? Her husband was in heaven, where he was supposed to be. And she was here because God wasn’t finished with her yet. The time for John and Elizabeth had come and gone—though every good thing about it would remain with him until he took his last breath. But this season . . . this time in life without her . . . was something new. Every season was meant for an activity, according to the Bible verse.

Maybe this season was meant for him and Elaine.

Even thinking the idea made a chill pass over him. Not because he was thrilled with the idea, but because it terrified him. Not the friendship part but anything that might come after it.

John silently thanked the Lord for reminding him of the Scripture and making it clear that it could apply not just to his kids but to him. No matter how hard ushering in the activity of the next season might be.

He felt himself relax. The day had been wonderful, and as he finished the drive home, he replayed his time with Elaine. It wasn’t until he walked through the front door that he realized something that shocked and saddened him. He must be making more progress than he thought toward the next season of life. Because in the course of the late afternoon, MercyMe’s “Homesick” had played at least twice.

And John’s eyes never even got damp.

Katy had been looking forward to the date all week.

Back when she was single, she used to dream of going with someone special to one of college sports’ most unforgettable experiences—a basketball game at Indiana University’s Assembly Hall. She and Rhonda, her CKT choreographer, used to talk about the fun they’d have and how they couldn’t marry a guy who didn’t enjoy a college basketball game every now and then.

She heard the knock at the Flanigans’ door. She hadn’t seen Dayne much yesterday and not at all today. He was working out details with his agent, figuring out premiere dates and film schedules.

Katy used the time to get her hair trimmed and catch up with the Flanigans. Tonight they were with their kids, and Cody was at a movie. Cody was doing great, attending his alcohol classes and never veering far from anyone in the Flanigan family.

Katy ran to the door, her purse over her shoulder. She felt pretty with her fresh haircut. She wore a red sweater, jeans, and a pair of knee boots.

When she opened the door, Dayne took a step back and gave a low whistle. “I was hoping we might get through the night without getting stopped by anyone. But not with you looking like that. It’ll be ‘Dayne, who? Let me get an autograph from your mystery woman.’”

Katy laughed and gave him a teasing look. “Stop.” Her heart beat a little faster beneath his gaze, and she wondered if she would ever get used to the way he made her feel. She doubted it. “Mystery woman! By now everyone knows it’s just plain old me.”

“Hmmm.” He gave her a polite appraisal with his eyes. “Nothing plain about you, Katy Hart. Country girl, yes.” He raised a single eyebrow. “Plain, definitely not. And I like your hair.”

“Thanks.” Katy took his hand and shut the door behind her. “Know what?” The cold air contrasted with the warmth of his fingers against hers as they walked to Dayne’s new 4Runner. She felt intoxicated by his presence, his love. By the fact that in a matter of months, he would finally be her husband.

“What?” He opened the door for her and kissed her cheek. “You live for these moments, same as me?”

“That.” She grinned as he shut the door. When he climbed into the driver’s side, she faced him. “But this whole date thing—I love it, Dayne.” She snapped her seat belt in place. “I guess I never thought we could date . . . like regular people.”

A quiet laugh came from Dayne, but it sounded a little doubtful. “We’re hoping, you mean.” He tugged on his baseball cap. “If I pull it low enough, I’ll need you to lead me around.”

“Which I’ll do.” She gave him a hopeful smile. “I think it’ll be okay.”

She looked out the windshield. They’d spent the last three weeks without a single paparazzi moment. A few times when they were furniture shopping in Indianapolis, someone had recognized Dayne and asked for his autograph. But no one called the press or no one cared enough to send a photographer. The time together without all the attention had been unbelievable, dreamy even. It gave them both a glimpse of how life might be someday when Dayne finished his movie contract.

Katy wanted to go to the game in the worst way, but Dayne was right—being at an IU basketball game would be different. The game was televised, so there was a chance a cameraman could spot Dayne and their presence would be broadcast to the nation. Still, Katy had wanted to go so badly that Dayne had agreed. Their seats weren’t on the floor. They were twenty rows up, and they were going with Luke and Reagan, who had found a babysitter for the night.

Dayne wore a long-sleeve polo shirt and the requisite baseball cap. Tonight was an experiment of sorts. Bloomington was going to be their home, so they’d have to get used to navigating the nightlife—and that meant restaurants and an occasional game at the university. One day soon, the whole world would know that Dayne Matthews lived here. If the situation played out the way it had with other celebrities who moved to Middle America, the novelty would wear off, and after a year or so they’d be able to live their lives almost like any other people.

They drove through town to the Encore Café on Sixth Street, a warm little restaurant with an eclectic mix of fresh food, private booths, and the best French bread in Bloomington. It always had live music and various students sipping coffee and eating dessert over an open textbook or two. Katy figured no one would care about Dayne at a place like that, especially with the private booths.

“Hey.” Dayne glanced at her. His expression told her he didn’t care about whatever hassle they might face in the hours ahead. “I want this date as much as you do. We’ll find a way to make it work.”

They pulled into the parking lot, and Katy spotted Luke’s car. “They’re already here.” That had been the plan. Luke and Reagan would get here first and grab a booth. Less time for Dayne to be noticed that way.

Inside the restaurant, it took just a few seconds for them to spot Luke and Reagan. Katy took the lead and motioned to the hostess that they were meeting people who were already seated.

Dayne kept the bill of his hat low, his gaze down. They took their seats without any incident.

“Victory!” Katy licked her finger and pretended to chalk up a point. “See . . . people have better things to do in the Midwest. No one’s looking for celebrities.”

Reagan shot a look at Katy. “Unless they recognize
you
first.”

Katy hadn’t thought much about that. Yes, her face had been in the tabloids for a few weeks. But lately there was only an occasional mention—mainly about whether Dayne was planning to marry her. And they’d made a plan to handle that issue the first week of January. Wilma had already set up the meeting with
Celebrity Life
magazine.

“How’s my favorite attorney?” Dayne took the seat next to the wall of the booth. He adjusted his cap so he could see Luke better. “You all moved in at the office?”

“Definitely.” The gratitude in Luke’s voice was unmistakable. “What you’ve done for us, Dayne . . .”

“We think about it every day.” Reagan reached across the table and patted Dayne’s hand. “It’s changed our lives.”

“I heard that your mother was getting married.” Katy had gotten the scoop from Ashley the other day.

“Yes.” A hint of sadness crept into Reagan’s tone. “I’m happy for her.”

Years had passed since the terrorist attacks on New York City. Reagan’s father had worked on the eighty-ninth floor of the north tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. He never made it out.

Katy snuggled close to Dayne. “Ashley says he’s a friend from her high school days.”

“A guy she dated for two years back then.” Reagan tilted her head. “Life can be a strange thing.”

Katy didn’t share the rest of what Ashley had said—how her heart was breaking for Reagan and how difficult it would be if she ever heard news that her dad was remarrying.

Luke and Dayne launched into a talk about the law firm and how Luke was getting familiar with Dayne’s investments and his contracts.

When the waitress came up, she did a double take at Dayne. But he became very involved in the menu, and by the time he ordered, the waitress looked like she no longer wondered if he might be Dayne Matthews. After all, what would Hollywood’s top actor be doing at the Encore Café?

Katy smiled as she walked away. “Victory number two.” She looped her arm through Dayne’s. “See? It’s like you’re a real person!”

“Thanks.” Dayne laughed, and the others at the table did too. He touched Katy’s face and gave her a quick kiss. “Actually, thanks for making me try it.” He gave Luke a wary look. “I could see this becoming a circus.”

The conversation turned to Luke and Reagan’s kids. Luke slipped his arm around Reagan. “The class we’re taking at church is amazing.”

“It’s like we have another way to teach our kids.” Reagan held up her hands as if to say,
Who knew?
“Everything’s better because of it.”

Beneath the table, Dayne put his hand on Katy’s knee and gave it a gentle squeeze. His look said that he couldn’t wait until the conversation about children involved them, too. They had so much ahead, so many years of learning and growing and falling deeper in love. Katy smiled at him. Maybe someday she’d believe she wasn’t dreaming. That after everything they’d been through, this really was her life, the sunrise of all that was to come.

Their meals arrived, and they talked and laughed like old friends. Once in a while Katy would spot Dayne looking at Luke, drawn to him. Each time she breathed a silent prayer of thanks that God had allowed them to find this friendship, this relationship. It was more than she had dreamed. Especially after Luke found out he and Dayne were brothers and the aftermath that followed. His comments to the paparazzi had hurt Dayne to his core. But the pain was behind them now.

When they were finished eating, they hurried out to their cars and headed to the campus. Ten minutes later they were in line with the other fans, standing close together to keep warm.

Dayne whispered near Katy’s ear, “This is my favorite part.”

Katy was standing in front of him, the two of them facing the same direction. Dayne had his hands around her waist, and when the line inched forward, they moved as one. She leaned her head back against his chest. “Mine too.”

The closer they came to the entrance, the more the atmosphere around them seemed to buzz with excitement. Indiana was ranked sixth in the nation, and as with other seasons, they had a shot at the title. Even Katy’s CKT kids followed the Hoosiers. The town was crazy for their basketball team.

When they finally found their seats, Katy smiled. “We did it. Three victories and the game hasn’t even started. How about that?”

Dayne grinned, but he slumped lower in his seat than usual and kept the hat in place. “Pretty sure the Hoosiers will notch another win.”

“Definitely.” Luke leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees so he could see Dayne. The two brothers were sitting beside each other, with Katy and Reagan on the outside seats. “This could be the year.” He looked out at the floor. “The team’s clicking in every area.”

“You played, didn’t you?” Again Dayne had that look in his eyes, the look that said he loved having a brother. He’d told Katy as much. He wanted to know everything about Luke, all that he’d missed by not being part of the Baxter family.

“I played in high school and on Indiana’s intramural team. Too busy with schoolwork for this sort of commitment.” Luke grinned and glanced at the players in red and white stretching on the floor. “It would’ve been fun, though.”

“They didn’t have basketball at the boarding school.” Dayne didn’t sound upset by the fact. “Sometimes I wonder what would’ve happened if they did.” He rubbed his chin. “I think I could’ve been pretty good.”

“Well then . . . I’ll take that as a challenge.” Luke nudged him in the ribs with his elbow. “Dad has a hoop near the garage, you know.”

“I noticed that.” He winked at Luke. “Name the time. A little one-on-one ought to show me where I stand.”

The game was a blowout from the first quarter, but Katy loved everything about it—the band, the cheerleaders, the dance team, the way the student body—decked out entirely in red—jumped to its feet every time the Hoosiers had a breakaway, and the thundering noise when Indiana pulled off a slam dunk or an alley-oop. Katy loved basketball, but since she’d been in Bloomington, she’d been so involved with theater that she’d made it to only a handful of games. Usually with Rhonda.

Katy settled back into her seat. Thoughts of Rhonda reminded her that she needed to call her friend, maybe have lunch with her. Last time they were together, Rhonda had seemed down. Short, almost. As if she assumed Katy was too busy for her, so she wasn’t going to take up too much of her time. If Rhonda was feeling insecure or frustrated, Katy wanted to know. Rhonda’s friendship meant too much to lose.

Dayne managed to go unnoticed even through halftime. While Luke and Reagan went for popcorn, Dayne kept his hat low and stayed in deep conversation with Katy about the strategy of the Indiana coach and the reasons he liked driving the ball downcourt over a methodical four-corners offense.

At one point when he was talking about a full-court press versus a zone defense, Katy laughed. “You think I’m actually following any of this?”

He touched his nose to hers. His eyes danced, the way they had so much during the past few weeks. “Does it matter?” He breathed his answer near the side of her face. “You’re helping us get through this game.”

Katy giggled and kept listening. She understood the real reason for his attention. Halftime was when a roaming camera could catch a glimpse of him, the time when someone might recognize him and start a buzz of attention.

When the third quarter started, Dayne breathed out long and slow. “Another victory.”

“Yep. And an education on basketball.” She grinned across the guys at Reagan. “You missed a fascinating conversation about points and point guards. Guarding and forwards. Reverse dunks. That sort of thing.”

“Hmmm. We should’ve stuck around.”

The good mood carried through the game, and as Dayne and Luke had guessed, the Hoosiers beat Kentucky by twenty points. Even so the crowd stayed on its feet for the final minute, cheering and waving towels and pom-poms as though March Madness had somehow found its way to December.