Gifts Of Love

Uncertain whether she should leave Isabel in the bed alone, Jessie retrieved her laptop from the living room and settled into an overstuffed chair in the corner of the master bedroom. Angling the screen so the glare wouldn’t disturb Isabel, Jessie maintained a clear view of the child. She placed a pillow over the computer to muffle the initial modem sounds. Once online, she went immediately to giftsoflove.com.

This was her baby.

Three years ago, she’d started the Internet bridal gift registry with a modest inheritance left to her by Grandmother Angie. Though her parents had urged her to buy mutual funds, Jessie had decided to risk it all on a business of her own. She’d had no doubts her grandmother, an adventurous woman herself, would have approved.

In the beginning, Gifts of Love had been an uphill struggle. Instead of staying in the larger metropolitan area of Dallas-Ft. Worth where she’d lived after graduating from college, she’d decided to move back to her hometown of Springfield, Missouri. But after working around the clock, six days a week, she could finally declare giftsoflove.com a success.

As the homepage loaded, Jessie felt a familiar surge of adrenaline. Impressed by the new pages that the evening shift had designed and uploaded, she noted only a few areas that needed fine-tuning.

When she finally glanced up at the clock, over an hour had passed. Shutting down her laptop, she hurried to get dressed before Isabel awoke. She even considered calling David to tell him the night had gone smoothly. Chances were, he was awake. Everyone knew no one ever got quality sleep in a hospital.

She picked up the receiver, then, feeling foolish, set it back down. After staring at the telephone for another minute, she quickly punched in the hospital number before she could change her mind.

“Hello,” David answered, sounding wide awake, much to Jessie’s relief.

“I thought you might like to know your baby slept through the night.”

“That’s good. I was worried she wouldn’t be able to settle down.”

“And how did you sleep?” Jessie asked as she fingered the telephone cord. Not until she spoke did she realize how eager she’d been to hear his voice and to know he’d improved.

“Fairly well. However, I feel like…” In the background, she heard the shuffle of sheets as David shifted his weight on the bed, his discomfort great enough to interrupt his words. “…a dump truck ran over me.”

Though Jessie didn’t say anything, she assumed David would be out of commission for longer than he might be willing to admit.

“Oh,” she said, “Isabel’s waking up.” Moving to the bed, she held the receiver next to the sleepy child’s ear. As soon as Isabel heard her father’s voice, she smiled and stretched. Jessie shared the little girl’s satisfaction and decided to treasure these special moments God had given her.

Jessie was prepared for the look of surprise when she walked into David’s hospital room later that morning with Isabel balanced on her hip.

“Hi, Pumpkin,” David called out to his smiling daughter, while his eyes asked why Isabel wasn’t at home with Elaine.

When David inched to one side and patted the bed, Jessie securely positioned Isabel between her father’s chest and arm. However, she remained close to the bed, just in case the toddler started to squirm.

“Elaine’s been delayed, hasn’t she?”

As Jessie explained that Elaine’s sister had fallen that morning and Elaine was taking care of her sibling’s twins, empathy shone from David’s brown eyes. “You made the right decision in telling her to stay,” he assured her. “I would have told her to stay in Kansas, too.”

He kept shaking his head. “I can’t believe this is happening to Elaine’s sister. She’s had a rough time lately.” Looking directly at Jessie, he added, “Sometimes, I really have to wonder what God is thinking.”

Jessie merely shrugged and offered a tight smile. This wasn’t the moment to volunteer her personal insights about God’s timing.

Shifting his gaze to Isabel, David relaxed a little. “The bright side is that I get to see my little girl. I wasn’t certain you could bring her to my room.”

Jessie’s smile widened and she touched her fingertips to her lips. “I’m not certain whether it’s allowed, either. We just walked in like we belonged here.”

“With you in charge, there’s nothing to worry about.”

Briefly, she met his gaze, surprised by how much his respect meant to her. However, she wasn’t about to spoil her image and confess that his neat brick home looked like a disaster zone. By the time Jessie had cleaned up the dining room and kitchen floors, Isabel had dumped the box of toys in the living room, plus she’d knocked over a potted fern and rubbed dirt into the carpet. And while she’d talked to Elaine on the cordless telephone, Isabel had followed her curiosity into the nursery, grabbing at anything within reach. Jessie had stayed one step behind the crawling toddler, but it still amazed her how much chaos Isabel had created before she scooped her up.

“The doctor is going to make me stay another night.”

David grasped her hand, forcing her to meet his gaze again. This time she knew what he was going to say before he even opened his mouth.

“You’ve done so much already. Don’t even think about offering to watch Isabel today.”

“I don’t have to think about it,” Jessie assured him. “In fact, I insist on staying with Isabel. We’re a team now. You can’t separate us. Besides, it’s only for one more night.”

Chapter Four

W as he letting stubborn pride dictate what was best for his daughter? David wondered the next morning as he hung up after talking to his married sisters.

No, he knew he was right.

In the past year, his parents had devoted a significant amount of their time and energy to helping him and Isabel settle in Springfield. While they had done so out of love, and while he’d admitted to his family that he couldn’t have made it without their support, he’d also made it clear that it was time for him to stand on his own two feet. Though it would be so easy to cave in, he knew in his heart it was best for everyone if he took full responsibility for his daughter.

Next, he called the main offices of Hot & Fresh and made sure the business day was off to a smooth start. As the owner of five Springfield deli and coffee shops, which specialized in thick sandwiches, the best bagels in town and the freshest coffee in the state, he lived a fast-paced life. He was used to solving problems, to anticipating market trends and to outsmarting his competition. He rarely came home until he was too tired to think about anything except his little girl.

But here in the hospital, he hadn’t been as successful in fighting off unwanted memories. Though it’d been a little over a year since his wife, Kate, had died after a Florida freeway accident, it sometimes seemed like yesterday. Surprisingly, it wasn’t what he saw in the corridors, but what he heard and smelled when he closed his eyes—the pungent medicinal odors mixed with the sweet fragrance of stargazer lilies, the soft shuffle of footsteps punctuated by the constant ding of elevator bells, and the hissing, beeping sounds of medical monitors—that summoned the vivid images of the last days of his wife’s life.

Now, restless and confined by the square room, David sought a change of scenery. Putting both feet on the floor, he tested his balance and was pleased with the progress he’d made in such a short time. After getting dressed, he slowly headed down the carpeted hallway to the waiting room near the elevators. Despite some interior decorator’s fine effort, the scenic mountain mural, the ficus trees and the upholstered furniture didn’t fool anyone—it was still a hospital waiting room.

Standing in the bright sunshine, he cautiously stretched his arms over his head. He didn’t care what the doctors said, the only thing wrong with him was a few sore muscles. There was no need for him to spend another night here.

He continued to stretch, leaning forward at the waist, then to the side, the back, and the opposite side. When the nearby elevator dinged and the door opened, he looked up and saw Jessie and Isabel.

“You must be feeling better,” Jessie said, her smile conveying relief and enthusiasm as she allowed Isabel to kiss her father’s cheek.

“Much better. In fact, I’m ready to check out.”

“Is that your diagnosis or the doctor’s, Mr. Akers?” she asked with a smile that told him not to bother answering.

Determined to prove his point, he opened his arms to Isabel, who immediately leaned into his embrace. And even though his chest muscles tightened uncomfortably with her extra weight, he beamed with pride. It would only be a day or two at the most before he was back to normal.

“Now what do you think?” he asked. But before Jessie could answer, the elevator stopped on the floor and her parents stepped off.

“Mom, Dad.” Jessie greeted her parents with a quick kiss on the cheek. “I didn’t expect to see you here this morning.”

“We were running errands and decided to check on David. If there’s anything we can do to help, don’t hesitate to ask.”

With Isabel anchored on his left hip, David extended his right hand in greeting as he said thank you to Don and Helene.

“Mom and Dad speak often of you,” he said.

“We think the world of them.” Helene smiled as she spoke and playfully squeezed Isabel’s hand. “And the way your mother’s always talking about Isabel, I feel like I know this little one.” Seeking David’s gaze, Helene added, “We’re serious about our offer. With your parents out of town, please don’t think twice about asking us for help. That’s what friends are for.”

David nodded with sincere appreciation.

Helene pulled a terry-cloth stuffed rattle from her purse and waved the bright-colored toy in front of Isabel. Instantly, the toddler reached for it, and when she did, Helene took the child into her arms, just as David imagined she did with her own grandchildren.

David was surprised when the Claybrooks made themselves comfortable on the institutional sofa. They obviously intended to stay for a while. But one glance at Jessie and his astonishment dissolved. The Claybrooks bequeathed kindness and compassion in the same way most families passed on blue eyes and curly red hair. And because they were friends of his parents, they were willing to lend him a hand.

Drawn to the healing warmth of the sunshine, David shuffled closer to the floor-to-ceiling windows. Holding his body erect, he watched children on swings in the playground below. “I thought I’d have heard something from the doctor by now.”

“Hospitals operate on their own timetables. Try to relax,” Helene said. Then, turning toward Jessie, she added with a teasing lilt, “I’m guessing that as in your case, patience isn’t one of David’s virtues.”

“Really?” Jessie said, though her smile gave her away. “I would never have guessed that.”

“Hey,” David said, “I’m the injured party here. How about a little sympathy?”

Again Helene addressed Jessie. “Like he doesn’t think we know he’s heading straight to the office as soon as he’s released from here.” She turned back to David, softening her voice. “Your mother tells me you push yourself too hard. I know she’d want you to take a few days off. I promise you, the business won’t collapse if you take a short vacation.”

David smiled, just as he did when his own mother launched into this too-familiar argument. Before he could respond, Helene added, “I’ve been saying the same thing to Jessie for the past three years. A little time off doesn’t hurt anyone. It helps you put your priorities in perspective.”

Curious as to Jessie’s reaction, David met her gaze. Where he’d expected to see a stroke of irritation or a touch of defensiveness, he saw shades of pain. He didn’t know what had happened in her past that compelled her to work long hours, but whatever it was, the spidery roots of disappointment and heartache ran deep into her heart.

David swallowed hard, suddenly realizing how little he knew about Jessie. What did she do for a living? Did she work until she was too exhausted to do anything at night but fall into bed? And if she prayed to God, what did she ask for?

When she turned her head, as if she were uncomfortable with David’s scrutiny, he continued to study her profile. He had learned a few things about her in the short time they’d known each other. She had courage and heart, a smile that cheered him and the instincts of a mother. And looking at her strong cheekbones, feathery blond hair and expressive green eyes, he couldn’t deny her beauty.

But despite all this, he couldn’t let her continue to watch Isabel. His daughter was his responsibility, and he’d imposed on Jessie’s kindness far too long. He didn’t care what she insisted.

Signaling to Jessie and the Claybrooks that he’d be right back, David walked back to his room. He silently sighed when no one seemed intent on following him, but were more interested in entertaining Isabel. And when Helene distracted his daughter with a “horsey ride” on her knees, the childish giggles following him down the hallway, he knew it would be quite a while before Isabel missed him.

Though Jessie couldn’t decipher all the emotions she’d seen cross David’s face, she believed his abrupt departure had to do with her. When he glanced at his daughter, his intent became clear.

She wasn’t sure why—whether it was pride, distrust, or that David simply found it difficult to ask for help—but she knew he was determined to hire a baby-sitter.

Jessie stood in the doorway and listened as David punched out several telephone numbers in a row, with the same result. Each person he talked to was either on their way out of town, already had plans or had a cold.

David shoved the telephone receiver into its cradle, then stared out the window.

“No luck?” Jessie said, making her presence known. He obviously had a pool of backup baby-sitters he frequently called upon.

Startled by her voice, David jumped. “No,” he admitted, though he kept on staring out the window as if the answer to his dilemma were merely a puzzle he had to solve.

“Looks like you’re stuck with me for one more day,” she said.

“I really appreciate your offer, but as I’ve explained, you’ve already done too much.” Immediately, David punched out another number, but when no one answered he continued to hold the receiver, pushing the disconnect button with his thumb. He wasn’t going to give up easily.

“I don’t know why you’re being so stubborn.” The truth was, she didn’t know why she was being so insistent or why it suddenly seemed so important to her. Rationally, she could think of a dozen reasons why she should be helping David locate a sitter. But her heart kept reminding her of how perfectly Isabel fit in her arms, how satisfying it was to feel chubby hands grasp her neck and how invigorating she found the child’s fresh powdery scent. “I guess you just have a hard time accepting help.”

“Yeah, I guess I do.” David sounded grumpier by the moment.

“If you can’t find anyone else, I assume you’ll have to call your parents or sisters.” Though he hadn’t elaborated, she assumed he would go to great lengths not to call upon his family. And she understood that. After she’d moved back to Springfield, her parents had tried to take her under their protective wing. It was only natural. And there’d been times when it would have been so easy to call them for help—when the washing machine had flooded the house or when she’d sprained her wrist or when her car had broken down in a busy intersection. However, she’d been determined to take care of herself, and in the long run she’d been right. With every situation she’d tackled, independence had grown a little easier.

“Calling my parents isn’t an option.” He spoke sharply, and then apologized. “Of course, they’d take Isabel in a heartbeat. And that’s the problem. I won’t ask them to do that. In the past year, I’ve relied on them far too much. When I first moved back to town, I couldn’t have made it without them. But it’s time I started standing on my own two feet.”

“Then, I guess that leaves me. It’s just one night.” Which was exactly what she’d said when he’d been admitted to the emergency room the previous day.

Though his frown irritated her, she respected his determination to take care of his daughter without his family’s assistance.

David replaced the receiver. “I suggest you catch your breath, then, because as you know, a few hours with Isabel can wear out the fittest woman.”

When Jessie laughed, David did, too. They relaxed in the conspiratorial moment.

“Are you going to take a few vacation days?”

Turning the tables on her, David said, “What would you do?”

Before she could respond, her cellular telephone rang. Raising her eyebrows, she conceded his point, and answered the call from her office.

“Let me get back to you,” she said, quickly ending the call and turning her cellular phone off. Meeting David’s gaze, she said, “Do you mind if I use your phone? I forgot I wasn’t supposed to have my cell phone on in the hospital.”

David nodded, and she dialed her office.

She efficiently defused the problem at work, then went over telephone and fax messages, as well as the mail she’d received that day. Positive nothing urgent needed to be handled, she told her assistant she’d check in with her later in the afternoon.

The bemused light in David’s eyes provoked her into a smart remark. “You made your point earlier. Like you, my family thinks I spend way too much time at the office.”

“But what do you think?” David asked, as if he genuinely cared.

“I think I’m lucky to have a company and a work environment I love, and I don’t take it for granted.”

But what she wouldn’t admit was that as much as she thrived at Gifts of Love, her company didn’t begin to fill the emptiness inside her heart. Gifts of Love couldn’t give her the love and companionship she longed for. And most importantly, it couldn’t give her the one thing she wanted most in the world—a child of her own.

“You must have a pretty flexible schedule or an understanding employer, to be able to take off work in order to watch my child,” David said. “Please, don’t tell me you’re using vacation time to do this.”

“I have a great boss. The best, if I do say so.”

His puzzled look said he believed this was a clue he should have understood.

“I own the company,” she explained.

“Really?”

He’d weighted the word with curiosity and admiration, instead of the disbelief she so often heard.

“Gifts of Love. We’re an Internet bridal registry company.”

“Then, that explains why I haven’t heard of it,” David quickly added.

Though the message was subtle, Jessie received it loud and clear. David Akers wasn’t looking for a bride. And that suited Jessie just fine. She’d had her heart broken one too many times, and marriage definitely wasn’t in her near future, either. However, her reluctance to fall in love did complicate her desire to have children. For the time being, she’d resigned herself to believing God might not make all her dreams come true.

As if he felt the same awkwardness she did, he pushed the conversation forward. “What exactly do you do?”

Thankful to have the subject shifted to safer territory, Jessie launched into a description of Gifts of Love. Though she spoke with pride, she wasn’t egotistical. Hard work, a few lucky breaks and a lot of prayer had held her company together during its tenuous beginning.

“So basically, we build a personalized Web page for each engaged couple. From the site, family and friends can review the gifts the couple have registered for and place online orders, as well as send e-mails, post photographs, and even set up a family chat room.”

David folded his arms over his chest, his dark eyes intrigued by the business scenario. “But how do you make money?”

Jessie understood he wasn’t being nosy or prying into her personal finances. He was genuinely interested in the concept of her business.

“Through advertising. Plus, we negotiate incentives and percentages with the department and specialty stores we’re linked to, based on the sales we generate.”

Nodding his head, he added, “In other words, you can link your customers to any business that ships. Amazing.”

“Exactly,” Jessie said, feeling the same excitement she’d felt the day she incorporated. “I originally thought we’d appeal most to people who have a significant number of out-of-town wedding guests, but people who live across town from the wedding couple use our service just as much.”

“Wow,” David said. “I’d like to hear more about what you do, but I’m afraid if we don’t rejoin your family, they’re going to come looking for us.”

“I’d like to hear more about what you do, too.” While she spoke the truth, what she’d really like to hear more about was the man.

“I still owe you that free cup of coffee next time you’re in the deli.”

She started to say, That’s a date, but stopped herself just short of embarrassment. “I’m going to take you up on that.”

As soon as Isabel saw David, she started to whine and reach for him. When he didn’t move fast enough to satisfy her, little tears fell down her cheeks and she wiped them away with pudgy fingers. Once David settled on the sofa, Helene gently set Isabel on his lap, and all was right with the little girl’s world again.

“Your daughter thought you’d gotten lost,” Helene said as she glanced from David to Jessie.

Jessie blushed, eager to explain their absence. “I needed to ask David a question, and then I got a call from the office. I shouldn’t have had my cellular on in the first place.” The faster she spoke, the guiltier she felt. But she couldn’t help it. Her parents gazed at her with that familiar he’s-an-eligible-bachelor look.

She was thankful when a delivery boy stepped off the elevator and attentions turned elsewhere. “I’ve got an order for Don Claybrook.”

“What a thoughtful idea,” David exclaimed, as he tore open a bag with the Hot & Fresh deli logo and began passing out sandwiches and bags of chips to everyone.

Jessie’s dad winked. “We thought some good food might make the wait more bearable.”

Though she was hungry, Jessie suddenly felt compelled to escape the cozy atmosphere. The last thing she needed was for her family to get serious matchmaking ideas.

Picking up Isabel, she said, “I think this little girl needs to go home, eat her lunch and take a nice long nap.”

As Jessie reached for the diaper bag, Isabel’s blue bunny and the keys to the rental car her father had secured for her, Helene said, “Won’t you at least eat something first?”

“I think I’d better get Isabel home.” How could anyone argue with that?

“Well, at least take a sandwich with you,” her mother insisted. “Can Daddy and I help you? Do you want us to stop by later?”

Within seconds, Jessie had more offers of help than she needed. “Thank you all. I’m going to settle Isabel in, and call the office. I’ve got my laptop with me, so while she naps, I can get some work done.”

“That’s exactly my point.”

Jessie didn’t miss the message in her mother’s fretful eyes. Her mother was certain Jessie was taking on too much, stretching herself too thin.

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