Page 62 of Dreaming About Forever

“See you later.”

Jordan tugged at the collar of his shirt as he went to meet Alicia. She floated down the stairs like the sophisticated celebrity she was. Her dark hair was pulled back into a low ponytail that hung over one shoulder, and she wore a tan sweater dress and brown boots.

Apparently, she didn’t need a fashion team to look like his dream woman.

Her smile hit him in the gut as she bounced off the last step. “Ready?”

Jordan offered her his arm, and her delicate hand wrapped around it. He opened the front door for her but stepped close as she walked through.

“You’re beautiful.” He whispered the words, half hoping she’d heard and half hoping she hadn’t.

Alicia stopped and turned to him, tucking her chin a fraction of an inch. “Thank you.”

He gave her a quick wink before jerking his head toward the truck. Her smile didn’t waver as she stepped outside. He had a few more weeks to spend with Alicia, and he was already breaking the rules.

* * *

It tookan extra-long time to get a seat at church. While everyone was excited to see Alicia again, just as many were eager to let Jordan know just how much they’d missed him and remind him how long he’d been gone.

As if he needed a reminder. He hadn’t been attending church nearly as often as he’d like, but that was a part of the job. His clients didn’t only need his services Monday through Friday.

Not only had he not been to church lately, he hadn’t spent time in the Word in a while. The guilt trip his friends were giving him was valid.

The preacher was wrapping up the message when Jordan glanced at Alicia beside him. It wasn’t the first time he’d looked her way, and it wouldn’t be the last.

She sat with his family Bible open across her lap. His mom had taught her how to look up books and verses a few weeks ago, and he’d seen her reading it a few times since then.

The old Bible was limp and cracked, but Alicia held it with care. The thing was probably close to a hundred years old, but his mom hadn’t hesitated before loaning it out to Alicia. It was serving a better purpose–its only purpose–being used by Alicia instead of sitting hidden in a closet.

After the invitation, the congregation was dismissed. Jordan stood and almost bumped into Mrs. Lindsey when he turned around.

“I’m glad I caught you two. It’s good to see you again, Jordan.” She reached up to wrap her frail arms around his neck. Mrs. Lindsey was pushing eighty-five, but she was just as spry and active as when she’d been Jordan’s Sunday School teacher.

“It’s good to see you too. Have you met Alicia Carver?”

“Oh, I’ve heard about you,” Mrs. Lindsey said with a smile as she reached out her arms to Alicia. “I’m Martha Lindsey. I hear you’re a singer.”

Alicia hugged Martha back. “I am. It’s nice to meet you.”

Martha stepped back and lifted her chin. “Good. Have you heard about our Christmas Choir concert?”

“I’ve heard it mentioned,” Alicia said.

“Well, would you like to sing with us? I can’t offer you a solo part, but we’d love to have you join us.”

Jordan crossed his arms over his chest. It was good to see the people in town including Alicia, even if she couldn't participate.

“When is it?” Alicia asked.

“Week after next. We have a few more practices between now and then, but I can get you caught up in no time.”

Alicia’s smile grew. “I’d love to. When is the next practice?”

Jordan’s eyes widened. She really said yes.

“Thursday at six,” Martha said before turning to Jordan. “We’d love to have you join us too.”

Jordan blinked past his confusion. “Sorry, but I can’t. I’m Miss Carver’s security agent, and I’m on duty.”

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