Blended Hearts, page 5
part #2 of 1 Series
She smiled and turned back to the window.
~ Chapter Seven ~
A sigh gushed from Madison as she headed to the kitchen. Signs of fall were just ahead. She’d hoped to be more prepared for her Tech classes, but her summer had been so busy with her neighbors and friends that she’d nearly forgotten she’d enrolled...almost. The usual morning routine became mind-numbing, but she planned on making sure today was different as she filled a stainless steel cup with coffee and headed out to meet Abbi. They planned this Saturday without Jimmy John.
As she pulled out of the driveway, she spotted the same stranger walking the road she’d seen in her pasture months earlier. Who is this guy? He’s young and looks homeless. Something about him is familiar, but what? One day, it’ll come to me.
Madison glanced at the dash clock as she parked in Abbi’s driveway, signaling her arrival with a short blast of her horn. She’d timed the half-hour drive to Lubbock perfectly. Abbi ran out the front door, jumped into the passenger seat, and slammed the door shut. “Ready.”
“Friend, the door closes kind of easily. You don’t have to slam it off its hinges like Jimmy John’s truck, Blacky.”
“Sorry. I’m just so eager for us taking this road trip without a guy, especially Jimmy John. Sometimes, he yammers on about all that building stuff, and I’m just not interested. How about you?”
Madison backed out of the driveway. “Yeah, whenever Jimmy John talks about that ‘building stuff,’ I am interested. It’s fascinating to me. But today is our day to shop, see things, and have lunch wherever we want. A girl’s day out. Jimmy John is with a few of his guy friends at the soccer game.”
“Where are we headed first?”
“The mall. We can beat the crowds, and then we can drive to Lubbock’s art museum. How about we eat at the cafe there?”
“I’ve been wanting to visit the museum. It’s been a year since the last time I went. Let’s see what pieces they have on display.” Abbi pulled out her cell and opened the Internet to the museum’s website. “Kinda feel guilty about going without Jimmy John—he likes that place too.”
“Girl’s day, remember?” Madison laughed. “We’ll visit again before winter. Besides, Jimmy John said he wanted to hike the Palo Duro Canyon, just us three, before I start classes. We definitely don’t want to miss that day of being together. I wish you guys could be at Tech with me.” She glanced at her friend and didn’t even see a twinge of curiosity on her face. So she changed the subject. “Talked to Taylor yesterday.”
“I still have Taylor on my prayer list. How’s she doing?” Not looking up, Abbi scrolled through the Internet. “Maybe I can go to Tech next year, but until then, I’ll continue to save. Glad I get to live at home.”
Madison took one hand off the steering wheel and patted her friend’s shoulder. Surely her family wouldn’t make her go full time at Toodie’s since graduating to support the brother’s lifestyle? She’d be welcome to stay at my house if it comes to that. She’ll have a home, regardless. “Taylor is better, from what I can tell. She has a new outlook on life. I can’t imagine how she’s survived all the tragedies she endured over the years. She’s one strong woman. Her faith is growing daily. Mom visits with her once a week, and they study the Bible together. Hey, I’ve got an idea. Let’s form a group and host it at one of our homes this fall.”
Abbi shifted in her seat. “Never thought of it since we go to Bible classes on Sunday mornings. But a small, mid-week, evening class where we can go deeper into the Bible would be good, and also give us a chance to ask those questions we tend to not voice aloud.”
“Yeah. The questions kinda gets pushed aside. The only thing is we need someone to lead the class. Does anyone come to mind?”
“Yes. Your mother.”
“Mom? I wonder if she’ll do it. If she agrees, we can meet with Taylor and her. I’ll bring it up to her and see if it holds teeth. Add it to your prayer list, sister.”
“Miss Taylor, you’re all set. The sink shouldn’t give you any more trouble.” Jimmy John gathered his tools, placed them in his toolbox, and headed toward the front door. “Is there anything else that needs fixing before I leave?” He glanced back at Taylor.
The woman smiled and followed him to the door. “No, young man. I appreciate everything you’ve done. Dumping that pot every time I washed dishes got tiresome. Thank you again.”
“You’re welcome. The drain pipe just needed a little tightening. You have my number in case you need something, or you can ask Mrs. Vanguard to call me. I’ll see you on Saturday afternoon to mow. It’s my turn.”
“Jimmy John.” Taylor laid her hand on his shoulder.
She had a question in her eyes, so he waited. “Yes, ma’am.”
“Remember when we walked through the barn, and I needed to decide what to do with it? It is a little rickety. And I couldn’t bring myself to decide then. I’ve thought long and hard for a month and chose to demolish the barn and release those old memories. But I want the structure to stay alive somehow. Does that sound silly? It’d make me feel that my family’s heritage isn’t dead. I want someone to repurpose the boards and timbers.”
No, he hadn’t forgotten that day when they strolled through the barn, and Taylor spoke about her youth and her father’s stories. She broke down and cried for ten minutes in his arms. His heart went out to the woman. She’d been dealt such an unkind life.
Jimmy John smiled. “Yes. I’d be happy to look for a person or company to give life to the old boards and beams. I have a contact up north who do that, but I’d rather find someone local.”
A tear spilled from her eye and trailed off her cheek. “I’d like that. I’d like that very much.”
“With the barn being local, you can visit whenever you want. One day, we’ll find you a car. One that’s in good mechanical condition.”
“Son, I can’t afford the insurance or the gas to drive such a thing. If you can locate someone here to repurpose the barn, that’ll be nice.”
“The contractor I have in mind is highly skilled. Next week, they’ll be in the store, and I can speak with them then. They specialize in building restaurants and are always seeking a new project.”
“Please tell me what comes from your talk.”
Jimmy John nodded. “I will. Don’t give up on the car just yet. You never can tell what God will do in a person’s life.” He motioned toward the house. “He’s already rained blessings upon you. See you on Saturday. Oh, do you need any groceries?”
“I’m good. Mrs. Vanguard brought over a sack yesterday. Do you have access to a tiller?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Next spring, I want to start a vegetable garden. Can you help me?”
“Sure. We still have time to start a fall garden. You pick out the perfect spot, and I’ll bring the tiller on Saturday when I come to mow. I’ll go talk to Mrs. Vanguard about the plants after I leave. The garden center may have a few left.”
Taylor looked at the sky. “Fall will be here soon. But this winter will be good since I can heat the house. Thank you and the others for all your generosity—” A hitch caught in her voice.
“Miss Taylor, you’re a child of God. It didn’t matter to the community, church, or neighbors if you were a Christian or not. We were and are happy to help you. That’s God’s plan for us. We need to help those who can’t help themselves. I only wish we had seen your need sooner. But we go through trials to strengthen us. And boy, you should be strong as an ox, as the saying goes.”
“He does, indeed, give us trials. I’m trying my best. Bye, young man.”
Jimmy John loaded his toolbox into the back of Blacky and headed toward Madison’s place. He hoped to see her but recalled she and Abbi were having a girl’s day out. He’d canceled his plans to go to the soccer game with a few of his friends to help Taylor with her sink problem. He’d planned another day with his friends, but he had a new project to get off the ground.
Madison sat cross-legged on the wicker loveseat, lovingly stroking Bandit’s head. The old family hound dog had curled up beside her. The front porch was perfect for Madison and Bandit to spend quality time outdoors. The forecast for low humidity was perfect as she tapped on her laptop keyboard. Then Bandit yawned and flopped his head on top of her computer, completely messing up the email she’d been composing. She sighed. “Thanks a lot, buddy. I gotta start all over again. I just hope it didn’t send.” After she closed the lid, she moved across the porch to a chair. “The entire seat is yours, my friend.”
From the other side of the screen door, her mother laughed. “Want any company? I saw what he did to your computer.”
“Sure…that is, if you can find somewhere to sit. Our lazy-boned dog has stretched out on the loveseat.”
“You ready to start classes in a few weeks?” Her mother leaned on the porch railing.
“Almost. I wish Abbi and Jimmy John could attend. We’ve never been apart—school-wise, that is. I’ve talked to both. I can see why Abbi can’t, but Jimmy John says he hasn’t time. I think he needs to take some management classes for the Building Supply. It would help in the long run.”
“It’s their decision. I wish your dad could’ve finished his studies at college, but my dad wanted him to take over the farm sooner than we all figured. For a while, he resented quitting and working the cattle and haying. Then, one day, his attitude changed.”
“What happened?”
Her face lit up as she shared. “You were born. One look at you and his heart filled with his little girl. Do you think Jimmy John resents working at the Building Supply?”
“Sometimes I see he’s not happy to be there. But he’s a natural at his job. You saw what he did at Taylor’s.” Madison pointed across the field, and just then, Jimmy John pulled into the driveway. “I guess we can talk about this later. He dislikes it when we speak about him going to college.”
“Kinda sensitive about it, huh?” Her mother stepped to the screen door. “Afternoon, Jimmy John. I just finished making a batch of lemonade. Would you like a glass?”
He stopped on the first step. “Yes, ma’am, thank you.”
Madison’s mother headed inside but stopped and glanced back at her daughter. “I’ll bring you a glass too.”
“Thanks Mom.”
“What’s wrong with Bandit? He didn’t bark or wake up when I walked on the porch.”
“Laziness, I guess.” Madison chuckled.
“Thought you and Abbi would be gone all day.”
“She got called into work early, so we had to return sooner than planned. What are you doing here?”
“Just came from Miss Taylor’s place. A leaky pipe under the sink. I canceled with the guys. I’m mowing her yard on Saturday. She wants to put in a garden next spring, but I suggested she start a fall one. She liked the idea, so I’ll be doing some tilling. I have a friend who works with wells, and I might bring him along to see if hers is repairable if he’s not busy. It’ll reduce expenses if she relies on the well instead of the county’s water. Are you and Abbi ready for our hike in two weeks?”
“Kinda. Just need to check my boots and if my water backpack is in good shape. How about you?”
“Ready as I’ll ever be.”
Madison’s mother called out. “Jimmy John, can you get the door?”
“Certainly. Here, let me have that.”
She handed off the tray. “Thanks. I added a few cookies.”
“They look good, Mrs. Vanguard. Did you bake them?” He sat the tray on the side table.
She laughed. “Nope. All I did was pull them from the store-bought package.”
“I just came from Miss Taylor’s place. She’s wanting to start a fall garden. Next Saturday, I’m tilling a spot. Please ask if the ladies at church can supply a few plants? Or whatever they can do would be most appreciated. From years of planting their own gardens, I’m sure they are very much aware of which proper one’s that will work well this time of year. I’ll check the garden center at the Building Supply to see what’s left. Marshall will help me with that.”
As soon as those words were out of his mouth, Marshall drove past. “What in the world is he doing around here?”
Madison laughed. “Told you so.”
Jimmy John’s shoulders deflated, and he huffed out a breath at her remark. “Don’t want to see you do a victory dance. Back to the barn subject. She chose to take the old barn down, but a contractor I know who builds restaurants might refurbish the boards and timbers. They’ll be put to good use. I’m sure they’ll pay her something, but I’ll try to get them to put up a plaque commemorating the family.”
Madison’s mother smiled and nodded as she listened to the upcoming plan. “I’m certain they’ll be happy to help. I think it’s a brilliant idea about the barn. Jimmy John, you did a wonderful job for Taylor, and I think you’re blessed with the ability God has gifted you. You’re in the right job and town. You’ve put your heart into whatever you do, including helping people. Thank you.” She headed back inside. “I have some chores to do, so I’ll let you guys chat.”
“Thanks Mom.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Vanguard, for the lemonade and treat…and the compliment.”
“You’re both welcome.”
Jimmy John gently poked Madison’s shoulder with his finger. “I’ll research the canyon on what area we can hike. We need to leave early to beat the heat. Have you talked with Abbi about the hike?”
“She’s almost ready too. I’m certain you’ll pick the best place. Can we do a trail we haven’t taken before?”
“I’ll look on the maps. Hey, how about a burger at Toodie’s tonight?”
“Sure. I’m not sure if Abbi can make it. Like I told you, she had to work, but she’ll be home and tired by the time we get there. She has family from out of town visiting.”
“Gotta go. Dad wants me to close for him tonight since I didn’t go to the game today. Text you later with the time I get off. See you tonight.”
Jimmy John hurried toward Blacky and headed down the drive. He honked twice when he turned on the street. Madison waved as he vanished down the road.
~ Chapter Eight ~
Lord, I want time alone with Madison tonight. A date. I wish she saw it like a date, not just friends getting together. I don’t mind my friend, Abbi, being around, but please let her stay home this time. In Your Son’s name. Amen. Jimmy John released a heavy sigh and turned Blacky onto the main road toward the Building Supply. He glanced at the change of clothes in the passenger seat. He’d change if he got a clear signal of a date with Madison. Date? Why don’t you ask her out, numbskull?
Before going to his desk, Jimmy John made a detour to the garden center. He spotted Marshall watering the container trees. The middle-aged man had worked for his dad in the garden center since it opened. Two years ago, his wife passed away, and since then, he’d battled a bout of depression and nearly became a recluse. He finally opened up to Jimmy John about what he’d endured losing his wife from a heart attack. Glad Marshall returned to church after their heart-to-heart talk.
Jimmy John had admitted to his friend he wasn’t qualified to help him and knew nothing about grieving. No one in his family had suffered such a loss. But Marshall said all he needed was an ear. So Jimmy John gave his friend what he needed—he listened, not offering any advice, regardless of the urge to provide comfort with a word or two. No, he hadn’t said a word. When he finished, both men sobbed. One to let the burden of grief be released and the other because the Holy Spirit lightened his friend’s sorrow, if only for a short while. “Marshall.”
The tall man glanced over his shoulder, waved to Jimmy John, and turned off the garden hose. “What’s up?”
“I thought you were off today.”
“Had errands this morning.”
So that was him driving past Taylor’s place earlier. “I need some fall vegetable plants. Do you have any on sale or clearance?”
“Let’s go see. Are you planting a fall garden?”
Jimmy John kept stride alongside the employee to the vegetable plant area.
“No. Do you remember Taylor Sanderson?”
“The lady’s house we worked on during the summer?” He gave a sideways smile.
“I figured you’d recall her since you and she talked for quite a while.” He could swear that Marshall’s eyes lit up. Madison is right, after all. “She wants to plant a fall garden. I agreed to help her plow the dirt. I’ll talk to Buddy Jack to look at the well on her property. I hope it’s fixable at a minimum cost. The county water can be shut off, saving her money, if he can get it converted to the well.”
“Your plans are well-thought-out, Jimmy John. Come on. The center is low on fall plants, but we’ll have another shipment next week. The day before new stock arrives, leftovers will be on sale. Grab a cart, and we’ll get these today and the remaining when the shipment arrives. You kinda get an employee discount.” He chuckled. “The ones you buy today should give you a good start. I’ll pay for the next batch of plants when they arrive.”
Jimmy John strode to the front entrance and returned with a garden cart. “I talked to Mrs. Vanguard about getting the church ladies to help. Don’t have a clue about plants.”
“Lucky for you that I do. I’ll put them in the back of your truck. When you get home, put them in partial shade and keep them watered. Say, I’ll help you prepare the soil and plant if you like.”
“Sure. I can always use some help.” I should’ve asked for his help before he offered. Something is different about Marshall. Is he infatuated? Well, with Taylor. He chuckled inwardly at the thought.
“How’s Taylor doing?”
Jimmy John swiped his credit card through the reader. A smile teased on the corner of his lips. “Fine. I’ve never seen a person’s attitude change so much in such a short amount of time. Life really hit her hard. She has a whole new outlook. The church ladies have stepped up with several new outfits. After we finished with her house and yard, Madison, and Abbi took her to Sweet Sue’s beauty salon. She has a new hairstyle, a pedicure, and a manicure. Her manicure will take a beating if we get this garden going.” He laughed. “Women and their beauty formalities, but gotta admit those things accentuate what they have.”
