What the Heart Wants by Kelli McCracken

the wedding. Okay?”
    “Fine. I’ll let it slide for now,” Hope said as she swung around to face Chelsea’s car. “Let’s get the rest of these decorations into the church. Lord, we have a lot of decorating to do.”
    “Grab something and go. I’m right behind you,” Heaven told her.
    Hope heaved a box from the trunk. As she turned to walk away, she paused and glanced over her shoulder at Heaven. “Don’t dawdle. If I have to come looking for you, you’re going to do all my research papers next semester.”
    Heaven waved off her threat and leaned into the trunk, lifting the final box. Resting the cardboard against her hip, she forced the lid down until the lock clicked. The clacking of her heels on the pavement steadied the rhythm of her heart.
    She had a purpose today. Sitting around and sulking over tall, dark, and gorgeous wasn’t on the agenda.
    Having already disappeared into the church, Hope’s perfume still lingered in the air. Heaven didn’t want to dawdle, as Hope had put it, but if she didn’t collect her thoughts before entering the building, Chelsea would read her like an open book.
    She didn’t want that. Her best friend deserved to be happy today and especially tomorrow.
    The less Chelsea knew about her problems, the better.
    Inhaling until her lungs burned, Heaven’s eyes climbed the outer brick wall until she spotted the steeple. The perfect golden cross at the top sent a peaceful feeling cascading to her core. She tried to absorb as much of that feeling as she could.
    Get through the next couple of days for Chelsea. After that, she could relax or fret over the dream for the rest of her stay.
    woo-oo-OO-OO-OO
    Heaven’s heart went into overdrive. Her legs felt like lead casts. A mourning dove. She’d recognize the call anywhere. As her heart leapt, she scanned the trees surrounding the grounds. Where was the bird that called to her soul? The one that reminded her of the one thing she couldn’t have. Was it taunting her?
    “It’s an unmated male calling for a mate.”
    Heaven spun around toward the intruding voice. She met rich brown eyes, long dark hair, and a smile as warm as the rays beating down on her.
     
     
     
    * * * * *
     
     
     
    CHAPTER 6
     
     
    They were beautiful brown eyes. Heaven couldn’t deny that. But much lighter than the ones she’d expected. The ones she’d hoped to find staring back at her.
    Not the same ones from her dreams.
    “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.”
    The woman’s laugh, like the cooing of the dove, taunted Heaven. Not intentionally. In fact, the chortle at the end seemed a sure sign of awkwardness.
    “It’s okay. I’m a little jet lagged is all,” Heaven assured her, still staring rudely.
    “You must be Heaven,” the beauty said as she stretched her hand forward.
    Heaven balanced the box on her hip. Brushing her hand against her jeans, she clasped the woman’s hand.
    “Yes, I am. And you are?”
    “Emma Nichols. I’m a friend of Chelsea’s. Actually, I’m one of her bridesmaids.”
    “Oh, okay. Kyle mentioned you’d be meeting us here for the rehearsal,” Heaven said, moving the box back into both hands. She watched Emma’s eyes move past her, toward the willow tree.
    “Are you a bird watcher?”
    “No,” Heaven answered, brushing the loose curls from her face with her shoulder. She tossed a glance back at the willow tree, noticing the gray feathers of the dove for the first time.
    “It’s kind of a hobby of mine. Well, I’m a photographer. I shot some photos for National Geographic once, before I accepted a job with a couple of record companies. Instead of photographing nature, I work with rock stars.” She giggled. “I’d rather work with the birds. They’re not as cranky.”
    Heaven broke into a hearty laugh. “I imagine.”
    “That’s how I know that dove is an unmated male. We did a piece on a few birds during mating season and I found the dove the most interesting. The male seeks out the female.