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“Instead of apologizing,” Hayden said, “allow the blooms to do the talking.”
Argh.She dropped her forehead to the steering wheel. “Hedidn’tsay that.”
“You’ve already committed the offense, so to speak, so what good does it do to apologize? That will only remind her of what you’ve done—ornotdone. It’s your prerogative, but be aware it could work against you.”
Violet breathed out a sigh. “I don’t know what you did, Eddie, but you might as well pack your bags.” Don’t apologize? What kind of advice was that?Of all the harebrained . . ..
“You need to move forward, not backward,” Hayden said. “Now listen up because this is the most crucial part.”
Closing her eyes, Violet leaned back on the seat. She should turn off the radio and go inside. Call her silly, but she wanted to hear the rest of the conversation.
“Bypass the apology and shoot straight to the heart of the matter. Ask your wife toforgiveyou.”
Violet’s eyes fluttered open, and she straightened on the seat. “I suppose that could work.” As long as Eddie seemed repentant and sincere, his wife might be willing to overlook the lack of anI’m sorry.
“If you really want to impress her—and this method isguaranteedto work—pull one flower out at a time from the bouquet and present it to your wife,” Hayden continued. “With every flower, tell her one thing you appreciate and love about her.”
“O … kay.” Eddie’s voice resonated with skepticism. “Like what? Are you talking about the whole bouquet?”
Hayden chuckled. “That’s up to you, but be creative. You can start by telling her she’s beautiful or how great she looks. Womenlovethat, and it’s a good starting point, but this has to be about more than physical appearance. You need to dig deeper.”
Violet straightened on the car seat. “Well, well.” Maybe there was hope for Hayden yet.
“I’m not sure what you mean,” Eddie said.
“Ordering flowers is the easy part, and it sets the scene, but this is where you need to put some time and thought into it. Be intentional and specific. Praise the things she’s done for others whether in the past or recently. For example, did she go out of her way to do a kind deed for you or someone else? Cook you a special meal? Volunteer for a church committee or a community event? Anything along those lines?”
“She made beanie weenie for me last week, even though I know she hates it. She usually pushes disgusting rabbit food on me.”
Violet laughed. Her dad said the same thing and flat-out refused to eat salads.
“Because she wants you around longer, Edward! Push those taste buds aside and praise the Lord for that healthy rabbit food. Next, a verse of Scripture should seal the deal.”
“If you’ll pardon the expression,” Violet murmured. Was Hayden being less than tactful or simply being himself?
Whichever it is, listeners seem to love him.
“Romantic poetry works well, but considering you’ve called into a Christian radio station, I’m assuming you’re looking for something with more of a biblical slant. I suggest pulling out your Bible and reading to her.”
Eddie grunted. “The Bible? You serious?”
“Youknowit! Of course, her response will depend on your tone of voice, your presentation, and especially what passage of Scripture you read. Practice reading it out loud if you can. Check out Song of Solomon. There’s great stuff there, and you might be surprised how romantic it can be.”
Violet shook her head at his reference to God’s Word asstuff. How had Hayden become such an expert on women? Was reading Scripture the way he romancedhisgirlfriend? Did he evenhavea girlfriend? For all she knew, he might be all talk—with a revolving door of exes.
The little voice inside warned her not to hop down that rabbit trail.
“Listen to this. ‘May he kiss me with the kisses of his mouth! For your love is better than wine.’” Hayden used his most persuasive voice, deeper and lower than usual. “See how that sets a romantic tone?”
“I guess so.” Eddie’s laughter sounded nervous. “I get how it’s symbolism or whatever, but my wife doesn’t drink wine. Even though it’s from the Bible, I might leave that part out.”
“Let’s find another example.” Without skipping a beat, Hayden continued. “‘How beautiful and how delightful you are, my love, with all your charms!’ If you want something more dramatic, how about this: “‘Put me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm. For love is as strong as death, jealousy is as severe as Sheol; its flames are flames of fire, the flame of the Lord.’”
Violet moved one hand over her heart.Oh, my.Even in the dark, alone in the car, her cheeks warmed.Flames of fire indeed.She didn’t need to be in the same room with the man for him to make her blush.
Retrieving a handheld fan from the glove compartment, she used it to cool her face.Please don’t read anything more. . .colorful, she silently implored Hayden. Song of Solomon was filled with sensual imagery, some rather explicit. She was an adult, and she was no prude, but the thought of listening to the man read a more intimate passage made her squirm like an adolescent.
No wonder Hayden’s female listeners sent him gifts. Theyhadto come from women, but she couldn’t get a stalker if she tried. Not that shewantedone, of course. A group of sweet older ladies regularly gifted her with handmade coasters, bookmarks, and prayer shawls, so she couldn’t complain. Still, a token of appreciation from one male caller—justone—might be nice.
