Two Hearts Waiting: Love Blooms at Bethel, #2

By Deborah Heal

A sweet romance about forgiveness, redemption, and love the second time around.

 

Kelsey and Philip were close friends in high school until she wised up and severed all ties with him. Twelve years later, Philip Ashe's reputation around town as a ladies man gives her even more cause to be wary of him. Unfortunately, as Julia's bridesmaid, she's paired with Philip and subjected to his outrageous flirting. 

Not even a tornado can spoil Neil and Julia's wedding. But it does cause substantial damage in the area, and Kelsey volunteers to go with Pastor Garrett Stone's team to help those affected by the storm. Surprisingly, Philip steps up too, which forces her into unwanted proximity with him again. She tries to ignore him, but when Philip's kindness and generosity peek from beneath his shallow, devil-may-care façade, she remembers why she fell for him in the first place. But Philip's not a Christian, and her friends at Bethel Church caution her not to be 'unequally yoked' with him, even when he asks her to help him with a wonderful plan to help the needy in Coldwater.

 

The battle at Bethel rages as Kurt Haney and other legalistic deacons try to undermine Garrett's leadership and his teachings on grace. Haney's cruel words in the past drove Philip away from Bethel. Will his obnoxious behavior continue to reinforce Philip's negative attitude about the church? Or will Philip finally accept Christ so Kelsey can allow herself to love him again?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Write Brain Books
• Release date: Dec 7, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386536376

Book preview

Two Hearts Waiting

An Inspirational Romance

Love Blooms at Bethel, book 2

Copyright December 26, 2018 by Deborah Heal

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, or any other—except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without the prior permission of the author.

This is a work of fiction. All the characters are fictional and any resemblance to actual living persons is purely coincidental. Coldwater is inspired by a real town, but the events, businesses, and descriptions described herein are purely fictional.

Cover by Lisa Vento

Other Novels by Deborah Heal:

Available in e-book and paperback, the Love Blooms at Bethel Trilogy:

Holding On (book 1)

Two Hearts Waiting (book 2)

Keeping Faith (book 3)

Available in audiobook, e-book, and paperback, the History Mystery Trilogy:

Time and Again (book 1)

Unclaimed Legacy (book 2)

Every Hill and Mountain (book 3)

Available in e-book and paperback, the Rewinding Time Series:

Once Again (book 1)

Only One Way Home (book 2)

How Sweet the Sound (book 3)

A Matter of Time (book 4)

More Than Meets the Eye (book 5)

Dedicated

To my church family, who—praise God!—are nothing at all like

Bethel’s legalistic bullies Eugene Richards and Kurt and Marilyn Haney.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Bonus: Five Free Inspirational e-Books!

Book 3 Coming in 2019

Acknowledgements

Let’s Keep in Touch

About the Author

Chapter 1

Unseasonably warm air hung thick and heavy, the humidity suggesting the weatherman’s prediction for afternoon storms was on target. Fortunately, Kelsey had nearly finished the planting bed in Neil Ashe’s front lawn. The only thing left for her to do was spread the mulch. God would do the watering.

The scent of freshly turned loam filled her lungs as she wiped the sweat from her face and stepped back to admire her design. A small sourwood tree, currently wearing its brilliant crimson foliage, stood at center stage. Beneath it, purple mums and lime-green hostas nestled in among the mossy boulders her brother, Justin, had artfully muscled into position. In February, she would be back to switch out the mums for cheery pansies. And then in late spring, vibrant pink fuchsia would take over for them.

Neil was sure to approve. When he’d commissioned the bed, he asked for something distinctive and colorful—something Julia would notice when he brought her home after the wedding. Something to underscore the fact that his home and garden were hers now.

Neil’s ex-wife, Michelle, had never appreciated the landscaping Kelsey and Justin had done when the house was first built. But they’d sure been grateful for the contract, which helped put Larksong Landscaping in front of clients with discriminating tastes and the wherewithal to pay their hefty fees.

Love couldn’t have come to a more deserving pair. And she didn’t blame Neil and Julia one bit for the quick wedding. When you knew, you knew. Kelsey had become friends with Julia only since May, but she’d known Neil most of her life. So when Julia had shyly asked if she would be one of her bridesmaids, she’d been honored.

But if she didn’t get going, she wouldn’t make it to the church on time. She pushed the wheelbarrow to her truck for the mulch.

A horn tooted behind her, and she jumped in surprise. Her twin, tall and lean, strong from the physical work they did, hopped out of his own Larksong truck and strode toward her, raking a shock of sun-bleached hair from his forehead. Friends teasingly asked if the Parks twins went to the same salon for their one-hundred-shades-of-gold highlights.

He stood, hands on hips, studying the new bed. It looks great.

Thanks. She lowered the wheelbarrow. Are you checking up on me?

As if I’d dare. He shoveled a gargantuan scoop of mulch effortlessly into the wheelbarrow. We got done with the Browning job early, so let me take over for you here. His teeth gleamed in his dirt-smudged face. I figure you’ll need as much time as possible to beautify your ugly self for the wedding.

Laughing, Kelsey shoveled a more modest scoop of mulch from the truck bed. Why do you insult yourself like that, bro?

He draped an arm around her shoulders. You shouldn’t work so hard, Kels. Stick to designing and let me and the guys do the grunt work.

Yeah, right. She snorted. And grow soft and flabby? I take it you haven’t changed your mind about going to the wedding?

Nope. I won’t set foot in that church, even for Neil. He understands.

She pulled out from under his arm. Maybe Neil understood, but she didn’t. When are you going to get over it, Justin? You’d like our new pastor. Garrett’s cool and—

I’ll tell you what. I’ll go back to Bethel the day I can walk you down the aisle. Of course, if you don’t find a man soon, we’ll both be too decrepit to walk and have to use wheelchairs.

She raised her eyes heavenward. "I think we have a few good years left. We are only twenty-eight."

He crossed his arms over his chest and looked her up and down with mock criticism. "Go get yourself doodled up, girl. I hear a wedding’s the place to snag a man."

Would be if all the good ones weren’t taken.

Every bit of humor left his face, and his eyes locked onto hers. Maybe so, but keep your distance from the jerk.

Since he’s walking me down the aisle, keeping my distance may be a little difficult.

It’s a mystery to me how a guy as nice as Neil could have such a loser for a cousin.

No one but Justin would call Philip a loser. After all, from what she’d heard—not that she went out of her way to listen—in the twelve years since they knew Philip, he’d become a successful attorney with a cushy office downtown. And he was only thirty years old. As for being a jerk, he’d definitely been one to her—before she wised up and put away her childish naïveté.

She tucked strands of wind-tossed hair back into her ponytail. Who knows? Maybe he’s changed.

Justin, ever the overprotective brother, snorted.

Anyway, for all I know he won’t even be there. He didn’t bother to show up for rehearsal last night.

Justin grabbed the handles of the wheelbarrow and headed toward the new bed. Like I said, he’s a jerk.

***

Kelsey sprinted across the church parking lot, head down to avoid getting her makeup splattered with the occasional raindrop. Thankfully, the bridesmaids’ dresses were already inside. The wind had picked up but was no match for the sparkly yet sturdy clip with which she’d secured her hair.

Chris, Neil’s college friend, opened the church door for her, and she stepped inside the foyer reasonably unscathed. Welcome to the madhouse.

Clayton, another friend from school, brushed past them to look out the door. You didn’t happen to see the florist’s van out there, did you?

They’re not here yet?

Nope. And quite a few guests are already in the sanctuary.

Just the usual early-bird types, Chris said. Julia said to tell you she changed the ladies’ primping room—I mean dressing room—to the high school Sunday school classroom.

Justin had suggested she hunt for a man at the wedding, but while both of Neil’s friends were nice and certainly looked awesome in their tuxedos, they were also quite married.

Pastor Stone, or Garrett as he preferred to be called, came through the glass sanctuary doors wearing a stylish black suit and crisp white shirt. He wasn’t married, and Julia had once slyly pointed out how handsome, kind, and intelligent he was. Definitely true, but there was no spark between them. If he weren’t her pastor, she might have taken a second look—or even a third or fourth.

Garrett rubbed his hands together in anticipation. Is the wedding party all here?

Everyone but Philip, Clayton said.

Garrett thrust his wrist from his sleeve and checked his watch. Well, it’s not yet one. Not quite time to panic.

Clayton grinned. Don’t worry, Kelsey. If he doesn’t show, I’ll walk you and Heidi down the aisle together.

She smiled her appreciation. Thanks, Clayton. I bet it’s been done before.

The door opened, and a gust of wind came in, bringing first a small swarm of rustling brown leaves into the foyer and then Philip Ashe along with a stunningly beautiful, dark-haired woman.

Kelsey had been about to go change so Julia wouldn’t start worrying. Instead, she stood there gawking like an idiot. Philip was, if anything, more good looking than the last time she’d seen him. His dark hair was a little shorter, and now he wore a clipped beard that gave him a faintly piratical look.

He’d had a pretty woman on his arm then too. The hem of this one’s wine-colored sheath fell mid-thigh while its neckline plunged to show off her gold-dusted décolletage. A short rhinestone-studded angora sweater-jacket and wide-brimmed felt hat, both in the same wine color, completed her outfit. She would stand out in any crowd. But among Bethel’s conservatively dressed congregation, she’d look wickedly sophisticated—profane even.

Philip scanned the foyer. When his brown eyes landed on Kelsey, he sent her one of his high-voltage smiles. Her breath left her lungs in a rush, and heat rushed up her neck. At least he’d turned his attention back to his date and hadn’t caught her obvious reaction to him.

The woman at Philip’s side laughed boisterously—almost as if she was inebriated.

He took her by the arm and steered her toward the sanctuary doors. You’d better go in and find a seat, Alexa.

With a momentary frown, she slithered out of his grasp. First, introduce me to everyone, Flip. Starting with these two handsome men in tuxedos. Why don’t you get to wear one, sweetie?

She took a stumbling step toward the men, but Philip tethered her to his side with an arm around her waist. I told you, Alexa. I have to change into mine.

He cast an embarrassed look at Chris and Clayton, and the men politely introduced themselves.

Then Philip nodded to his companion. And this is Alexa St. Laurent.

She grinned crookedly and winked. But I’m no saint—if you know what I mean.

Clearly, she was intoxicated. But Garrett, unfazed, shook her hand and told her his name and that he was the pastor of Bethel.

Alexa arched a coy brow. You can preach at me anytime, honey.

Eyes widening in alarm, Garrett extracted his hand from hers. Yes, well, um...

Philip visibly cringed and propelled her a step closer to the door. Let’s go, Alexa.

But you haven’t introduced the sweet young thing standing there like a deer in the headlights.

I’m Kelsey Parks, one of Julia’s bridesmaids.

And an old friend of mine, Philip said, looking at her over Alexa’s head.

Alexa eyed her with barely concealed disdain and then gave Philip a coquettish smile. You want me to help you change into that tux?

Neil’s mom, Diane, came rushing down the hall. Kelsey, you’re here. A seam came loose on Heidi’s dress. Julia said you’re good at sewing.

I’ll be right there, Kelsey said and escaped the foyer.

***

She stood at the open sanctuary doors, ignoring the man waiting beside her and wishing for the hundredth time that she’d thought to ask who Neil’s groomsmen would be before agreeing to be a bridesmaid. At least their dresses were pretty. She smoothed a nonexistent wrinkle from the beautiful moss-green taffeta, the perfect foil for the pink roses she carried.

Behind her, Chris was whispering to Cheryl, Julia’s sister-in-law from Iowa. And Clayton, the best man, stood ready to escort Heidi, Neil’s sister and matron of honor. And behind them, Julia and her step-dad waited out of sight.

Philip adjusted his cuffs, sending a wave of aftershave-laden air Kelsey’s way and thwarting her plan to disregard him. She sniffed her bouquet, but hothouse roses didn’t have much scent—at least not enough to mask Philip’s. He was taller than she remembered. Even at five-seven, she only came up to his chin.

He leaned in and whispered, You look good, Kels. Same as ever. He sniffed appreciatively. Same perfume, too. As I recall, I’m the one who first turned you on...to Lavender Satin.

Kelsey did not dare look at him, but at the laugh in his voice, her face ignited.

He chuckled. And you still blush the same delicious shade of pink. But don’t be embarrassed. What’s that Bible verse? ‘They will know us by our love.’

"That is a gross misinterpretation of the passage, and even you know it." It was also incredibly cruel, given their history. But his nickname wasn’t Flip for nothing.

A grin dimpled his cheeks. I’m just trying to help you out, Kelsey.

Of all the...help me out? she spluttered.

Help you get that frown off your face before we walk out there.

She wanted to wipe the smirky smile from his face. How can you flirt with me when your girlfriend is watching from ten feet away?

Philip chuckled again, more softly this time, but still unrepentantly.

But then she’s probably too drunk to notice. You’ll have to pay to have the pew cleaned if she pukes on it.

She’s not that impaired. Yet.

Alexa glared at them from her pew as if she had a good idea how Philip was behaving—which meant she probably wasn’t so far gone after all.

"What do you mean yet? Alcohol sure won’t be served here."

I think she brought her own flask.

Thunder rumbled, drowning out the trilling piano solo and whatever Philip had said after that. Good, she didn’t care to hear anyway. Lightning lit up the stained-glass windows.

Neil entered from the side door and stood at the front of the church beaming, apparently unworried that bad weather or anything else would spoil his wedding day.

Kelsey couldn’t wait to see the look on his face when he saw his bride coming down the aisle in her wedding finery. A classic elbow-length veil would float above Julia’s perfectly fitted long, white taffeta sheath. And among the luscious, dark-pink roses of her bouquet, the florist had tucked white strawberry blossoms Neil’s greenhouse manager had secretly grown at Julia’s request as a surprise for her groom.

The pianist began the next piece, and Kelsey whispered to Philip, Okay, there’s our cue, which you would have known if you’d been here last night.

He gave her a lady-killer smile and extended a tuxedoed arm. Then let’s go.

After a beat, she placed her hand lightly on his sleeve and plastered on a smile of her own. Then they stepped together through the open sanctuary doors and started down the aisle.

Garrett was explaining that God himself instituted marriage in the Garden of Eden when the church lights went out. The audience murmured in dismay, but Julia and Neil only grinned at each other as if amused by the latest snag. A distant siren began to wail. A cell phone rang, and Sheriff Jones rose from his pew and hurried toward the sanctuary door.

Kelsey’s first thought was fire, but then Neil said, That’s the tornado siren.

A tornado in October? Philip gave his cousin a slap on the back. Man, what’d you do to tick off God?

Chris pushed his glasses up. Actually, it’s not unheard of in the Midwest.

No one move, Garrett said to the wedding party. Let me go find out for sure.

Before he got far, Sheriff Jones, phone to his ear, stuck his head back into the sanctuary. A tornado is heading our way, Garrett.

Fellowship Hall is our best bet, folks, Garrett said to the congregation. We’ll need to go downstairs until the storm passes. Please assist anyone near you who needs help.

But hurry, Sheriff Jones said.

As the guests started making their way out the sanctuary doors, Neil grabbed Garrett’s arm. Wait a second. Can’t you finish tying the knot first?

I don’t know how much time we have before it gets here, Neil.

Just skip to the I-do part, Neil said.

I suppose I could. Is that all right with you, Julia?

She smiled adoringly up into Neil’s face. Yes, please.

Garrett grinned. Okay, then, Neil, do you?

I do.

Do you, Julia?

I sure do.

Then by the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and the authority vested in me by the state of Illinois—I pronounce you husband and wife. God bless and keep you. Now get downstairs, Mr. and Mrs. Ashe.

Neil didn’t take his gaze from his bride. But don’t I get to—

Garrett pushed Neil and Julia toward the platform steps. Get going. You two can do your kissing downstairs.

The wedding party scurried helter-skelter from the platform and followed the bride and groom. Philip put his hand on the small of Kelsey’s back and shepherded her down the aisle. Come on. I don’t want to miss the kissing part.

***

When Philip reached the bottom of the steps with Kelsey, Neil and Julia were there greeting nervous guests as they passed by. The lights were still off, but someone had lit candles. Down the hall, a soft glow came from the reception room. He slung an arm around Neil’s shoulder. You are one lucky son of a—

Kelsey jabbed him with a pointy elbow and sent him a dirty look. But he was grateful she’d interrupted him before he cursed in church. Even a heathen like him had qualms about things like that—especially with the preacher only a few feet away.

Congratulations, Kelsey said to the newlyweds and then flounced off into the reception room, leaving him standing there like an idiot. He smiled to cover his embarrassment. May I kiss the bride?

Neil grinned. I suppose so. Just this once.

The best of luck, Julia. Philip brushed her soft cheek with a kiss. You’ll need it to put up with my cousin.

It’s not a matter of luck. She smiled all dewy-eyed at him. It’s all about grace, you know.

Grace, then. He nodded and left them to greet their other guests.

Bethel’s so-called Fellowship Hall had been remodeled since he’d last been there. The wedding decorations looked almost eerie in the candlelight. Cathy Baxter and her catering team were setting out food on a long serving table. Guests were sitting at round tables, their shadows flickering on the walls behind them.

Kelsey sat several tables away. Twelve years had transformed her from a cute teenager into a beautiful woman, regal with her long swan’s neck and golden hair put up. Too bad, she hadn’t worn it loose so he could see it shimmering in the flickering candlelight.

He spared a glance for the woman Kelsey was talking to and realized it was Mrs. Hughes. Back in the day, Lori Hughes had always gone out of her way to speak kindly to him. He’d rather liked her Sunday school class and might have continued attending if Kurt Haney hadn’t been such an ass.

Suddenly remembering that he hadn’t given Alexa a single thought, he scanned the room until he finally saw her in a dim corner, surreptitiously sneaking a sip from her flask. He was relieved that she’d had the sense to park herself away from everyone else—until he saw how alarmingly close she was to Neil and Julia’s seven-tiered wedding cake.

He hurried over before she toppled it.

Her lips curled into an unattractive sneer. What a cheapskate wedding reception.

It was a low-budget affair, but he didn’t care to have it criticized. Keep your voice down, would you?

Seriously, sandwiches and veggies? she said only marginally softer. I thought your family was rich or something.

Julia’s big on keeping things simple.

Alexa sniffed. It was such a rush job. Did she get knocked up?

He stiffened at the crudity. You’d want a short engagement, too, if you were them. Celibate people tend to not waste time planning elaborate weddings.

Celibate? She laughed raucously, tilting dangerously toward the cake table. You’re kidding, right?

He pulled her a few steps away from potential catastrophe. Is it such a strange concept?

His parents were across the room somewhere with the other guests—probably with Neil’s parents who were up from Florida for the wedding. If the lights didn’t come back on, he wouldn’t have to see their disapproval when they realized how intoxicated Alexa was. He’d been out of his mind to think she could stay sober for the entire wedding.

Why don’t they serve the food? Her face wrinkled into childish petulance—typical when things didn’t go her way. What are they waiting for, Christmas?

How about for word about the fate of the town, Alexa? People might be dying up there.

Well, I’m hungry. I’m going to go get a plate.

He snagged her wrist. Oh no, you’re not. You’re staying safely here in this corner.

Smiling crookedly, she took another sip of whatever was in her flask. It’s so nice of you to be concerned, Flip.

Let her think what she wanted to, but his concern was for Neil and Julia and their friends.

The newlyweds came into the room, and everyone cheered. The tall lanky photographer Neil had hired was frowning, probably in frustration over the inadequate light. But Neil and Julia seemed not to care.

Instead of taking their places