AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Ya, maybe I’ll grow on her,” Tony said thoughtfully. “Hey, look at this. I found some green sea glass. Isn’t that on our cards?” He bent down and picked the glittering item up, dusting it off so they could observe it more closely and compare it to the photo on their cards.
“That’s gorgeous,” Callie said. “Maybe you could keep it, and if it all works out with your love interest, have it made into a piece of jewelry for her?”
“That’s a great idea. Thanks, kid,” said Tony, pocketing the item. They crossed out their bingo squares.
“Ready?” Callie asked, lifting her whistle.
“Ready,” Tony nodded. Callie blew her whistle, and the group reassembled itself again. She shook her head as she spied Amberley, the weather reporter, who was practically glued to the same spot due to her stilettos sinking into the sand with each step she attempted. This being said, she certainly had no shortage of men vying to partner with her. She definitely looked the part of the tv star with her obviously surgically enhanced bosom that was threatening to pop out of her halter top. Callie had to wonder how her layers of makeup were miraculously staying in place despite the heat and humidity. She felt sure that the little mascara she’d applied must have melted completely off by now.
As the morning wore on, Callie was enjoying herself more and more. She took off her sandals and felt the warm sand beneath her feet and the changing temperature as she approached the water’s edge. As her feet got used to the cooler temperature, she bent down to feel the beach floor, lifting rocks and stones of various colors and sizes. She was excited to discover several sand dollars and placed the treasures she assembled in her backpack. Maybe she’d start a rock or shell collection. She enjoyed listening to the pleasant chatter of the others, the shouts of excitement as bingo squares were being crossed off, and the general camaraderie stoked by the morning’s adventure. She engaged in small talk with each ensuing partner but felt she’d never be able to distinguish one from the other when the event was over. The men were certainly nice enough. Some better-looking or more well-spoken than others, but no one that quickened her heart. At least until she felt a tap on her shoulder. Callie turned around to find Jackson with his erasable marker tucked behind his ear and the collar of his t-shirt damp with sweat.
“Partner?” he asked, taking a drink from his water bottle.
“You bet,” Callie agreed.
“How’s the puppy doing today? Did your aunt have any idea who he belongs to?”
“Unfortunately, Aunt Fran doesn’t have a clue. He seems to be house-trained at least and seems to be regaining energy now that he’s had a couple of hearty meals. This morning I found him chewing on someone’s sock. I have no idea where it even came from. I’m planning to stop by the pet store on the way home this afternoon to pick up some chew toys and a leash.”
“Good idea,” Jackson replied. “Want me to walk him with you later?”
“Sure,” Callie said, feeling a blush rising in her cheeks. “I’d love the company.” Why had she used the word ‘love?’ Where did that come from?
“Great,” Jackson said, “After dinner? I need to go check on the status of a few projects in the area, so I’ll probably grab something to eat on the road.”
“Sounds good.” Callie nodded. “I promised Aunt Fran to have dinner with her tonight, anyway.”
“Now, what are we supposed to be looking for?” Jackson held up his bingo card. Suddenly, there came a shout. “Bingo!” someone cried. Callie saw that it was Amberley. Of course, that made sense since her partners would be eager to help her win in hopes of securing some coveted time alone with her on a romantic dinner date.
“That was fun,” Callie said as they marched back to the shuttles for the ride back to the information center.
“Agreed,” Jackson said. “I love getting outside and appreciating God’s creation.”
“Wow,” Callie said, “I was thinking the same thing this morning. Being in nature like this kind of reminds me that I’m not alone, that God is bigger than I am. Maybe I don’t have to know everything. Which is kind of a relief, you know?”
“I completely agree,” Jackson replied. “I’ve discovered that the more I spend time with God, the more I’m able to trust Him and be okay with wherever I’m at. His ways are higher than our ways.”
They were both silent for a moment, reflecting.
“I think I’ve missed having the Lord in my life,” Callie admitted impulsively. “I’m afraid I’ve shut Him out ever since my dad said that participating in youth groups at church was too frivolous a way to spend my time.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Jackson said. “But it’s never too late. God is always available, and what’s even better is that He wants a relationship with you.”
Callie blinked as she felt tears springing to her eyes.
“Thank you,” she said as they boarded the buses.
“Listen, I’ll be here if you want to talk about this stuff further,” Jackson told her, taking a seat.
“Deal,” Callie said. “See you tonight.”
Chapter Nine
JACKSON
Jackson finished freshening up after completing his site visits. He’d stopped to pick up a burger and fries from a fast-food drive-thru and ate on his way back to the inn. He was pleased with how far the construction projects were coming along but knew that the smile on his face as he looked at himself in the mirror didn’t have anything to do with work but rather the cute strawberry-blonde downstairs.
He pulled a comb through his hair and stepped out into the hallway, nearly bumping into Ben Green, who was dressed in a three-piece suit and tie.
