A Bride at Last by Carolyne Aarsen Page B

napkin.
    “I can get it,” he replied, stepping past her, thankfully not glancing her way. He stood with his broad back to her, his shirt pulling across his shoulders as he reached up for a cup. He poured himself some coffee and then glanced over his shoulder at her.
    “I’m sorry if I embarrassed you.” He turned to face her. “I don’t mean to intrude.”
    Nadine looked down at the crumpled napkin, now smeared with mascara. She shook her head at her own clumsiness. “I’m fine” was all she could manage.
    “Has something happened?” he persisted.
    Nadine hesitated, her previous encounters with Clint creating a barrier. She remembered once again Donna’s admonition. He had been a visitor in their home any number of times, had met her mother and knew Grandma. He had been a large part of her life for a time. He was kind of an old friend, she had to concede. He could be told the truth.
    “Nothing happened,” Nadine said with a shaky smile. She took a deep breath to steady her voice. “I just…miss my mother.” She bit back another soft cry and could speak no more. Another set of tears drifted down her cheeks.
    Clint said nothing, and for that Nadine was thankful. He stood, quiet, waiting, listening. His gaze serious, interested. Sympathetic with no trace of pity.
    Nadine took another deep breath, studying the smeared napkin. “Silly, isn’t it? She’s been dead six months and it seems like I’m sadder now than I was when she died.”
    “Six months isn’t that long,” he replied softly. “I would think it takes years to get over the death of someone you love.”
    Nadine nodded. “I remember my mom crying over my dad even just until a couple of years ago.”
    “I don’t know if you ever get over the death of someone you care for. I think it’s quite something that your mother loved your father like that.” Clint laughed shortly. “You were lucky to see that while you were growing up.”
    Nadine paused, looking at him, surprised at this admission. “You were, never close to your parents, were you?” she asked.
    Clint shook his head, smiling sadly. “Hard to be close to a couple who seldom talked to each other, let alone their son.” He looked up at Nadine, his gaze sincere. “I used to hate them, but I realized that it only drained whatever joy I could find in my life. I’m thankful that I found a loving Father whocares for me with a strength and sincerity I haven’t found on earth. I learned that and much more from Uncle Dory and am thankful for more reasons than one that I was sent here to Derwin.”
    Nadine was taken aback at his admission. Clint had never been very forthcoming about his spiritual life.
    “I always admired your mother’s strength,” Clint continued, setting down his coffee cup. “She did a good job raising you girls, teaching you the right things, encouraging you in your relationship with God. I’m sure she must have been proud of you.”
    Nadine shrugged. “Well, at least Sabrina and Leslie managed to get themselves married.”
    Clint said nothing to that and Nadine sniffed once again, wiping at her eyes.
    “You have nothing to be ashamed of,” Clint said finally. “Jack was a fool to let you go.”
    Nadine looked up at that, blinking away more tears as she caught Clint’s steady gaze. She looked at him again, as if seeing him with new eyes.
    A sudden knocking on the front door startled them both. “Hello, anybody there?” Trace’s muffled voice drifted down the hallway.
    “Well. Looks like your date is finally here,” said Clint, his voice dry.
    Nadine turned to leave, but was surprised when Clint caught her arm to stop her. “Just a minute,” he said, picking up a napkin. He tugged on her arm to bring her closer. “Your mascara is smudged,” he said.
    Nadine felt a most curious sensation as she looked up. His hazel eyes seemed to draw her in, pull her toward him. She felt the warmth of his hand encircling her arm, his fingers brushing her cheek as he