The Christmas Catch

Chapter 9

Chapter NINE

The line for donuts ended in the vestibule a corridor away from the conference room where they were displayed. All Bebe wanted to do was go home, curl up in front of the TV, and watch the Falcons play. Instead, she waited in line for a donut with Hope. Her girl lived for the powdered ones every Sunday. Bebe preferred the glazed donuts, which would most likely be gone by the time they made it to the front of the line.

The hairs on the back of her neck rose to attention as the smell of lemon and a woody undertone enveloped her. The urge to lean back into Jay’s arms overwhelmed her. Why did he keep showing up wherever she was?

Straightening her shoulders, Bebe turned slightly. “What are you doing standing up?” She grimaced inwardly at her tone. That hadn’t been what she wanted to say or the tone she wanted to use.

“I want a donut.” He gave her a boyish smile.

Why did her pulse have to flutter?

“Mr. Walker, you should rest.” Hope looked at him, her brow furrowed.

Bebe stifled a chuckle.

“Then how can I get a donut?” he asked.

“I’ll get you one.” Hope rolled her eyes. “Don’t you know when you’re supposed to ask for help? Grown-ups,” she mumbled.

Jay’s face lit with laughter, the crinkles around his eyes joining in the joke. “I suppose that means I should sit back down?”

“Yes, sir.” Hope dipped her head, hands folded primly in front of her. “We’ll find you and bring you a donut.”

“Thank you.” He turned to Bebe, leaning close. “See you soon, Bebe Gordon.”

An ominous flush went down her spine. At least, she told herself it was ominous. She refused to entertain anything further with this man. He would go back to Texas and live the rest of his life there, and she would stay in Peachwood Bay.

Why?

Bebe blinked. What kind of question was that?

But then, why did she want to stay in this town? Coming back home after her divorce had been a temporary Plan B, not any fulfillment of a lifelong dream. But the only time Texas had ever been on her radar was when Jay got accepted to UT. She’d thought about transferring after a semester to be with him, since she’d already been accepted to Georgia Tech. Except Jay had ended their relationship without a backward glance. Once again, her dreams had gone out the window.

Don’t plan your life around a man again, Bebe.

But she couldn’t help but remember his words from the other night. “Honestly, I don’t know what my future holds, but I know I don’t want to let go of you as easily as I did the last time.”

Then he’d shown up to the boat parade and now behind her in the donut line. Was he being serious about his intentions or merely bored? Could they actually have a future this time?

“You’re not God, Bebe. You can’t see the future.”

Ugh she did not want to hear Jay’s voice in her head. Besides, men like him did not stick around. They threw money at the situation and abdicated their responsibility. Jay hadn’t stepped foot in their hometown in over eight years. Eight years! That had to be a sign that this reaction to him was simply hormonal. Who wouldn’t feel some sort of spark at seeing their first love again, right?

“Hey, Bebe.”

She smiled at May, giving her a hug. “Hey, May. I didn’t see you in service.” They always sat together.

“Sorry, girl. I sat with Ryan.”

“Ryan?”

“You know, Jay’s physical therapist?”

“Wow. You guys seem awfully...” What? Chummy? Glued at the hip? Cliché after cliché danced through Bebe’s mind.

“Smitten.” A soft smile graced May’s face.

“Don’t you think it’s too fast? You just met.” Something that felt very much like— jealousy?— churned in Bebe’s stomach.

“Calm down, girl. No one’s declaring their undying devotion any time soon. We’re just enjoying a little flirting and the getting-to-know-you period. You know”—she nudged Bebe’s hip—“what you used to do when you dated.”

Bebe snorted. “Dating, right.”

“Don’t let Will turn you all cynical,” May whispered as she slipped an arm around Bebe’s shoulders.

Bebe glanced at her daughter, then continued in a whisper. “I’m not. I’m realistic.”

“Says every cynic.”

“I’m just saying, when you move too fast, you get burned.” Her mind flitted to Jay, then Will. Each time, she’d placed her plans for their future above reality. And crashed back down painfully when life happened.

“Sometimes, Bebe, it seems fast to those who don’t know God’s plan.”

Her eye twitched. “Are you saying you think God wants the two of you to be together?”

“He’s not saying no. And believe me, I ask about every potential man. This is the first time I have warm fuzzies.” May got a faraway look in her eyes.

Bebe wrapped her arms around her waist, glanced at Hope, then May, and lowered her voice further. “I wish I had done that with Will.”

“It’s not too late.”

“Will’s already remarried.” Besides, she wanted nothing to do with him. He broke their covenant the moment he slept with Angie.

“Not with him .” May made a sound of disgust. “I’m talking about Jay. Come on, think about it. The man just happens to blow out a knee within driving distance of his hometown? Where you live because you returned three years ago? Maybe your timing is finally right now.”

Bebe’s stomach did a funny flip. Would God really use Jahleel’s knee injury to bring them together? Could May be onto something?

“Think about us. We’re good as friends, but you and I both know we’re much better in a romantic relationship.”

“Think about it, Bebe. Okay?”

First Jay and now May. All Bebe could do was nod, too stunned to speak. Lord, what do I do? You wouldn’t really put us back together, would You? I mean , isn’t there too much hurt, too much pain, a lack of trust, even? She bit her lip, subconsciously taking the next steps to propel her through the donut line. I’m sorry I never asked if Will was for me, Lord. I pray that You would bless me with wisdom. Help me to know if Jay’s for me or if this is some crazy Christmas magic–induced brain haze. In Jesus’s name, amen.

Hope clapped her hands with delight. They were next in line. Her daughter reached for two plates, a glazed and powdered donut plate.

“Just one, Hope dear. We have to make sure everyone gets a plate,” Ms. Barbara Ann stated.

“I’m getting one for Mr. Walker since he can’t walk so good.”

“Aren’t you just a peach.” Barbara Ann beamed at Hope, then turned to Bebe. “You’re doing a fine job, Mama.”

“Thank you.” It’s all You, Lord. She thanked Him for her beautiful little girl. Bebe rubbed Hope’s shoulder in praise.

As they headed toward Jay, Bebe braced herself. She had no idea when God would answer her prayer and bless her with wisdom. Until then, she’d continue to guard her heart and ensure Jahleel Walker wouldn’t catch it, only to fumble and leave her bruised and hurting.

Now that Jahleel had Bebe where he wanted her—in his presence—he had to remember his game plan. The offense was to show her the ways he’d matured. Show her he could listen and that he was serious about dating her with commitment in mind. But he also had to show her he would be good to Hope and not give her cause for concern in the parental arena. It seemed like a tall order, but Jay knew he had the mental fortitude. If he could get ready any given Sunday—or Thursday or Monday night, or playoff Saturday—prepared to be tackled as he headed for the end zone, then he could handle whatever Bebe threw his way. His skill as a wide receiver was top-notch. Instead of catching a football, he wanted to catch her heart.

Bebe Gordon was all warmth and joy. Her overall personality still tugged at him like it had in high school. Somehow he felt grounded when he was around her. She was the only woman who brought out this side in him. Not only that, but time with the Lord had given Jahleel the mindset that God would okay their dating life and future.

Would she shoot him down if he asked her on a date right now?

Never know unless you ask.

And therein lay the crux. It terrified him to think of her rejection, which meant he also felt immense guilt for rejecting her in the past. Ryan was right. Jay needed a Hail Mary or, in this case, a Christmas miracle.

“Do you like your donut, Mr. Walker?”

He looked at Hope. The same green eyes as her mother shone in her warm brown face. Her hair had been parted down the middle and gathered into two curly pigtails. She was adorable. “It’s perfect. Thanks, Hope.”

“You’re welcome!” She beamed at him.

Yep, adorable. “How’s yours?” He pointed to her plate.

“Great! Powdered ones are my fav,” she said around a mouthful.

“Hope,” Bebe scolded.

Her daughter gave a sheepish smile, cheeks puffed up like a chipmunk. He chuckled, staring at Bebe inconspicuously out of the corner of his eye. Then he glanced toward Ryan and May, who were grinning from ear-to-ear. Ryan had the right idea. Just lay it all out. No games. No pretenses. Just be himself.

You got this, Walker.

“Bebe...”

“Yes?” She looked up at him.

Breathe, Walker. “Would you go out with me?”

She blinked. Her mouth parted.

He gulped, hating the silence that lengthened between them. “Bebe?”

“Sure.” The look on her face was hesitant, but her voice was certain.

A whoosh of air left his lungs. She’d said yes. Yes! He couldn’t have contained his grin if he tried. “Great.”

“It can be a working date. We’ll check out the reindeer.” She grinned and took the last bite of her donut.

His shoulders dropped. A working date ? Really? Then again, if that made her more comfortable, he would agree to it. “Deal.” He offered his hand, bracing for ... what, he wasn’t sure.

She glanced down and carefully placed her hand in his. He squeezed it lightly, then let go despite the longing to hold on.

“What’s a date?” Hope stared up at him quizzically.

Oops. He’d forgotten all about her for a moment. Smooth move, Walker.

“A date is when two people go somewhere together to have fun,” Bebe explained.

“Oh. Then we go on dates all the time, Mama.”

He chuckled. “That’s because she’s fun to be around, isn’t she?”

“The best.” Hope’s smile turned into a frown. “I wish my dad would take me on a date. He’s always too busy.” She sighed. “Or maybe he doesn’t think I’m any fun.” Her bottom lip quivered.

If he ever met Bebe’s ex-husband he’d... Jahleel released a deep breath. “Some grown-ups forget to have fun. It doesn’t mean that you’re not fun. It’s their problem, not yours, ’kay?”

Hope smiled with relief.

Bebe flashed him a look of gratitude. He nodded, too upset to say anything else. What made a man think he could have a child and just be done, never showing up when needed? Despite the issues he had with his own father, Obadiah Walker had always been there. Granted, he rained judgment every opportunity he could get, but his presence had never been lacking. It was one of the reasons Jahleel had applied to an out-of-state school. He needed to breathe. Become his own man without the self-righteous judgment of his father weighing him down.

Seeing Hope, part of him felt guilty for not seeing the blessing of a two-parent home.

“Would you go out on a date with me, Mr. Walker? Or could you come to one of my flag football games?” Hope peered up at him.

“You play flag football?” He glanced between her and Bebe, who nodded.

“Yep. I’m one of the running backs, and then I switch and get to play safety.”

“That’s awesome, Hope. I’d love to come.”

She threw her arms around him, squeezing with all her seven-year-old might. “Great! My game is next Saturday.”

“I’ll be there.”

Hope turned and then squealed. She looked at Bebe. “I see Jenny. Can I go say hi?”

“Of course.”

She took off running.

“Walk!” Bebe called after her.

Hope speed-walked the rest of the way.

Jahleel let loose a laugh. “That girl’s a pistol.”

“Yes, she is.”

“And you love her for it.”

Bebe’s grin widened. “It’s like watching your heart beat. I would do anything for her.”

“You’re a great mom.”

“Thank you.” She met his gaze. “And thank you for what you said to her. She doesn’t always show her hurt so easily. Sometimes I forget she’s only seven.”

“She probably wants to be tough like you.” Bebe had taken many hits in life and still exuded a peace and strength that baffled him. But it also made him want the same thing for his life. Could he deal with his father just as peacefully?

“Ha. I’m a cream puff.”

“Nah, more like a prickly pear.” He winked.

“Way to charm a girl, Jahleel.”

He shivered. She was the only person who made his whole name sound so melodic. He actually preferred it when she used his full name, although he’d never admit it aloud. “I have my moments.”

A laugh burst free from her lips, her hair curtaining her face. She tucked it back behind her ear. “You’ve got jokes, for sure.”

“Anything to see you smile.” Because the transformation on her face was breathtaking. Light shined forth brighter than any Christmas lights. He couldn’t look away if he wanted to. And he totally didn’t.

A blush stained Bebe’s cheeks, and she fiddled with her napkin and empty plate.

“When’s the last time you had a good laugh, Bebe?”

“Hope makes me laugh.”

“That I can believe, but I mean with adults. When you’re not so worried about presenting a good front.”

“I...” She shrugged. “Who knows, Jay. Life’s been rough these past three years. Longer, really.”

“Well, it’s a good thing we’re going to have fun on our date.”

“Oh, really?”

“Yes, ma’am. Be prepared.” He winked while his mind raced forward.

What could he do to ensure it was the best date she’d ever had? Because Bebe Gordon deserved the best.