Page 69 of A Twist of Faith
As Brandon Mitchell tried to feed her ketchup-drenched French fries or Lou stole the conversation to discuss the best way to climb a tree, or Reese cherished her with a single look, her dreams shifted to unfamiliar territory—uncertainty. His easy conversation welcomed her into his world of little girl frustrations, farm chat, and family warmth. It all added up to some homegrown food for her starving heart. She sat among them as if she belonged—an idea battling against Charlottesville with powerful force. How could she rectify the two?
Emma took their orders with a grin on her face as if she’d planned the entiredate. Loneliness bowed to this sense of belonging. Thoughts of snuggling up with Lou, Brandon, and Reese to watch a movie or read a story by the fire quelled the dissonance of years of loneliness and fear. Everything about the Mitchells redefined her understanding of family.
Their table received lots of attention from the locals who visited Daphne’s. Small towns worked the same way everywhere. One change in the routine rippled through the entire population within a few hours. No use hiding her feelings for Reese now. If the local tongue waggers proved efficient, they’d have Dee and Reese married by the weekend.
“I think our date is causing quite a stir.”
Reese looked up from his cheeseburger and Dee gestured to the tables nearby. He didn’t take his eyes off her to confirm her claim, only tilted a slow and steady grin. Her entire chest erupted in a warmth of beautiful tingles at the sight.
“I’m not so sure it’s the idea of the date as much as it’s the glob of ketchup hanging from your chin.”
Okay, confidence died a painful death. She snatched her napkin from her lap and shot him a narrow-eyed complaint in an attempt to hide her embarrassment. “Great.”
“One of the hazards of having a two-year-old.” Reese ruffled Brandon’s hair and lifted his gaze back to Dee. “Not for the faint of heart.”
She noticed his hint of challenge. “What about the teachable heart, then?”
“That’s the perfect kind.” Reese nodded. “And patient too. And a little crazy.”
Emma sidled up to the table, teeth in full gleam, earrings dangling a rhythm with her walk. “You guys like dessert? Aunt Daphne whipped up some of her signature chocolate chip cake.” She leaned forward and cupped a hand around her next words. “But…if you’re a little adventurous, I added an Italian mocha pound cake.” Her brows wiggled with mischief. “Or an almond panna cotta with mocha sauce. We’re learning Italian desserts this month.”
“You know the young’un’s will want some cookies with a scoop of vanilla, Em.” Reese rubbed his jaw. “And I think I’ll just stick with Daphne’s best.”
Emma’s smile fell. She turned a hopeful gaze Dee’s way. Tough sell for the dreamer.
“Which of those new recipes would you suggest, Emma? Do you have a favorite?”
Emma’s grin returned with added sparkle. “Well, a few people ordered the Italian mocha cake because it had the wordspound cakein it so it seemed less intimidating to them. I even sent a slice to Dr. Elliot from Amory Lennox, just to see if I could sweeten up their budding romance a bit. But my favorite is the almond panna cotta because of its unique, rich flavor.” She drew in a wounded breath. “No one’s tried it yet.”
“Then I’d love to be the first.”
The lilt in her step as she nearly ran back to the kitchen provided all the thanks Dee needed. Life existed in beautiful array outside of academia. Full and even bigger than she’d allowed herself to experience. She held on tight. It took a charming cattle farmer to open her eyes and her heart to what she’d missed for years, maybe even her whole life.
“I think you might be Emma’s favorite person now.”
Dee adjusted her napkin in her lap, a bit overwhelmed by the sudden crash of emotions inside her heart, not to mention the earnest admiration from Reese. Success and the joy of meeting her own goals certainly carried an element of pride, but compared to a genuine sense of belonging, her former life sat in a superficial heap. Like comparing a generic chocolate bar with Aunt Daphne’s chocolate cream pie. Good, but nowhere near as great.
“I like prodding her dream along. Dreams are important things.”
His brow crinkled. “Yes, they are. Powerful.”
His nebulous answer needled a twinge of doubt, and perhaps distance? A country music ringtone went off and Reese reached for his phone.
“It’s Rainey.” He shrugged and placed the phone back on the table without answering it. “She can wait. I’m on a date.” He chuckled. “And reciting poetry like Wordsworth or something.”
“That type poetry has a more Seuss-ish flair, Mr. Mitchell.”
His head fell back in a full laugh. “Yep, that’s me. Romance with a flair of Seuss. No wonder the women keep flocking my way.”
His phone buzzed again and a message popped up for them both to read:Do you think I would text you during your date if I could get anyone else to answer? Pick up the stupid phone, brother, or balletis in your future.
“Gotta love Rainey’s sweet subtle ways.” Reese murmured and picked up the phone.
“Ballet?”
He pulled at the collar of his polo and cleared his throat. “Yeah, she drives Sarah and Lou to ballet practice every week. She likes to threaten me with having to sit through a full hour of pink tutus andhappymusic practice.” He shuddered. “No man should have to go through such torture.” He sent a reassuring look to his daughter. “But I love watching you dance, honey. You know I’ve not missed one performance.”
“I know Daddy. It’s a girl thing.”
