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“It’s part of being human, I suppose. You’re showing them it’s possible to live their best life in spite of the bad things that can happen. Your accident didn’t limit you or define you.”
“I just want them to know there’s hope, Violet.” Emotion clogged his throat. “No matter what happens, there’s a God who loves them immeasurably.”
“Amen.” Violet pressed a lingering kiss on his cheek before unlocking the car and slipping behind the wheel. Great timing—or . . . maybe not. In another second, he would have pulled her into his arms. The need to kiss her almost overwhelmed him, but if the past decade taught him anything, it was the value of patience.
The right woman was worth the wait.
Violet lowered her car window. “Give my best to Haystack.”
“Will do. Enjoying your day tomorrow, and I’ll see you at the staff meeting Monday.” He’d invite her to join him at church, but Violet attended services with her parents in Arcadia. Maybe one day soon. Especially after hearing about her mother’s health issue, she needed to be with her family.
Hayden watched her drive away. Although he’d wanted to kiss Violet, he’d earned something precious—her friendship.
The rest would hopefully come soon.Lord willing.
Chapter Thirteen
“VIOLET’S DAYDREAMING about her soul mate again.” Hayden spoke in hushed tones, like a sports commentator at a PGA tournament.
“Not at all,” Violet fibbed. The only sin worse than dead air on live radio was being caught in the state of distraction. “I was digesting your explanation.”Oh, no.Whatwerethey talking about?
Hayden gave her anI’ve got thisnod. “In other words, you’ve bought into the whole fairy tale fantasy, whereas I don’t put much stock in the idea of a ‘soul mate.’ I grew up with a sister, so I get the appeal of the whole princess thing, but don’t you think it sets up unrealistic and unfair expectations on both sides?”
Violet shot him a grateful glance for catching her up-to-speed. “What’s the purpose of hitting kids with the harsh realities of life when they’re young and impressionable? Let them be kids a little while longer. The real world will slap them in the face soon enough, and a little escapism never hurt anyone.”
Hayden started to speak, but she wasn’t done yet. “Take the action movies men typically watch, for example. Aretheyrealistic? Areyouan undercover agent traveling the globe to bring down an international drug cartel?”
He waggled his brows. “No, but Icouldbe.”
“I realize the Bible never mentions the word ‘soul mate, but it’s my firm belief God leads you to the person He intends for you.”
“Thatwe can agree on,” Hayden said. “But do you subscribe to the belief there’s onlyoneperson in the entire world for you? Or me? If that’s true, I’m afraid we’re both destined to die old and alone.”
“Where’s your optimism?” Violet teased. “Has it gone missing?”
“I’ll look around the studio for it while we go to this word from our sponsor.”
“Thanks for the save,” she said as the commercial for Larry’s Tractor Supply began playing.
“Where were you, anyway?” Hayden raised a hand. “Sorry.Notprying.”
“It’d take too long to explain.”
“Enough said.” A minute later, they were back on the air. “Welcome back, listeners. This is Hayden Brooks. If you’re late to the conversation, Violet Simmons and I are discussing our thoughts about soul mates. I think it’s safe to say we stand along gender lines on this one. Feel free to call in withyourthoughts and join the conversation.”
“Jesus said all things are possible for one who believes,” Violet said.
“The Lord God also said it’s not good for man to be alone, so He made a helper fit for Adam.” Hayden grinned. “Notice the Bible doesn’t saythehelper.”
Violet laughed. “Now you’re cherry-picking. The Lord created Eve specifically for Adam. Thus, she was theonly onefor him.”
She glanced at the board. No callers waiting.
“You might be surprised to hear this,” Hayden said, “ but I’m not going to waste a woman’s time—or mine—by dating her if I’m not interested in marriage. And, yes, I want to get married one day. After all, the Bible says that to avoid sexual immorality, a man needs a wife.”
Violet sucked in her cheeks.How had they gone downthisrabbit trail?“You’re right. In the same way a woman needs a husband. However, women tend to be more in control of their . . . urges . . . than men.” She ignored the warning in Hayden’s eyes. “If a man can’t exercise self-control, then it’s better for him to marry than to burn with passion.”
“Perhaps if people stopped looking so hard for their idea of the so-called ‘perfect’ soul mate, then they might see what’s right in front of their proverbial nose.”
