Berry on Top (A Farm Fresh Romance Book 6) Read online

  She said nothing, but she didn’t jerk out of the chair and leave the room, so he pushed on. “I suspect you’ve tried many of the same things I did. Maybe to a different degree. I need you to know, Liz, that God really wants to be part of your life. You’ll never be satisfied until He is… because He won’t stop nudging you and reminding you.”

  “I never thought I’d hear you preach a sermon at me. Like, for real.”

  There was no venom in her voice.

  “I know. Sometimes it still surprises me, too. As you can see, accepting Jesus didn’t solve all my problems. It’s still hard being a single parent. Still hard making ends meet. But you know? The emptiness inside is gone, and that makes dealing with the rest possible.”

  “I had it all when I was a kid, Mason. I’d been brainwashed with the whole Jesus thing. So, if God is the answer, how do you explain that there was still emptiness?”

  Give me words, Lord. “Brainwashed isn’t the same as having a relationship. It takes spending time together and two-way communication. My guess is that you thought it was automatic because it looked so easy for others.”

  Liz nodded slowly. “Makes sense. I remember Heather and Cindy discussing what they’d read in their devotions. I didn’t get it even then. I’d read the assigned verses, spit out a prayer, and move on to other things.”

  Mason leaned back in his chair. This amount of vulnerability he hadn’t expected when he’d asked her to stay, but it was obvious God was exposing her sore spots in a healing effort. “I didn’t even have that. My parents went to church, but we didn’t really talk about God at home. I saw my mom read her Bible once in a while. We said grace at meals. That was about it.”

  He didn’t feel the need to fill the quiet moment that followed. It was almost companionable. Did he dare let himself dream of a home, a marriage with Liz? More evenings like this, just sharing their hearts after the children crawled in bed?

  “You said something about us never being satisfied, and that keeps humanity progressing.” No. He hadn’t meant to go back there.

  Her eyebrows rose. “Right. Doesn’t matter whether people are Christians or Buddhists or atheists.”

  “Oh, it matters a great deal, in the end. But I hear what you’re saying. Humans were made to reach.” He was here now. “While God definitely turned my entire life around and gave me reason to wake up every morning and be the best dad I could be any given day, you’re right that we have other needs.” One or two had come to his attention more in the past few weeks since Liz had returned.

  “Maslow’s hierarchy.”

  He blinked. “The what?”

  “Let me see what I remember about it.” She pursed her lips. “It’s like there’s some kind of pyramid of human need. Different levels, but if one level isn’t met, like food and water, for instance, the other levels fade into lack of importance. I mean, if we can’t breathe, the need for dinner has little meaning.”

  “I see what you mean, I think. So when our need for God is met, we can feel the other needs and deal with them.”

  “That’s not what I said. People everywhere need to breathe. That’s more fundamental than God.”

  “Except that God created the atmosphere, so without Him, we wouldn’t breathe.”

  Liz rolled her eyes. “They’ve brainwashed you, too.”

  “Do you have a better explanation?”

  “No, actually, I don’t. For all I’ve gone my own way, I still believe in God. Nothing else makes sense to me. It’s the personal part I have trouble with.” She raised a hand. “And don’t bother quoting John three sixteen at me. I remember them all.”

  He met her eyes for a long moment. “And yet there’s a hole.”

  Chapter 14

  Liz looked around the kitchen the next morning. “Where is everyone?”

  Claire, wearing Ash in a carrier on her back, glanced up from helping Avery chop a carrot. “If by everyone you mean the guys, Noel and Zach are next door trying to get the water pipes thawed. Mason is at work.”

  “The power came back on?” And of course, the emptiness was only Mason’s absence. And Noel’s. It wasn’t like twenty people had gone missing.

  “Mason got a text a couple of hours ago. The power company restored town last evening and worked through the night in this part of the grid.”

  Liz should be thrilled that he and the kids would soon be off Green Acres, even if next door wasn’t that far away. After the heart-to-heart she and Mason had last night, much of the venom was gone.

  “I slept on the floor, Miss Liz.” Avery beamed at her. “It was almost as comfy as my bed. Did you sleep good?”

  Liz shook her head. “No, I had a hard time sleeping. Some nights are just like that, you know?”

  Avery nodded in sympathy, but Claire’s eyebrows rose. “How late did you stay up talking?”

  So it wasn’t coincidence that neither Claire nor Noel had come back out of their room last evening. They’d known what was happening. Had Mason told them everything? But only curiosity gleamed in Claire’s eyes, not pity.

  “It was after one.” Nearly two, if she were being completely honest. Every word they’d spoken had replayed in her mind during her sleepless hours. Even though there had been more tense moments, especially when he talked easily of his new faith, over all she’d been surprised how pleasant it had been to talk to him. How comfortable it had seemed.

  She’d never dreamed she’d think of Mason and comfort in the same sentence.

  “Sounds like you had a lot to catch up on. Mason mentioned you’d known each other in high school.”

  In the biblical sense of the word. But if he hadn’t given details to his friends, she could only sigh with relief. “Yes, we were in the same grad year. He’s kept up with some of our classmates that I didn’t.” Only Kara had remained her true friend.

  Liz set two slices of bread in the toaster and pushed the button down. Hey, she’d baked it. She deserved the treat. “So what is the plan for today?”

  “Aren't you going into town with Jo?”

  Oh. Right. She’d forgotten. That meant she wouldn’t be seeing Mason this morning. Who would have guessed there might be a twinge of disappointment at that thought? “Yes. Not sure what time.”

  Claire glanced at the clock. “She’ll probably be down here in the next half hour. She’s never been much of a morning person.”

  Liz poured a cup of coffee before reaching for the toast. She slathered butter on both pieces then drizzled honey over top. Plate and cup in hand, she rounded the peninsula and perched on one of the counter stools. “And you? Are we leaving you in the lurch?” She grinned. “Or maybe giving you some much-needed quiet time.”

  Claire rubbed a hand over Avery’s shoulder. “My right-hand girl and I will keep busy. The gang is all due back by suppertime.”

  “I shouldn’t have said I’d go to town. You need help.”

  “We’re good. I’ve cooked for more people with less help.” Claire’s eyebrows rose as her brown eyes stared unflinchingly at Liz. “Besides, I know your mom is really looking forward to spending more time with you.”

  Busted. “I guess.” Liz glanced at Avery. How much would the child pick up? “Mom and I have never been really close. She always favored Cindy and Heather. And Zach was the only boy. He could do no wrong.”

  “She’s talked about you more than your sisters combined since I met her.”

  Huh. That was a surprise. “The prodigal child.”

  “Not just that, I’m pretty sure. She ached with missing you.”

  Liz took a sip of coffee. Avery seemed to overlook nothing, her gaze ping-ponging with the conversation. “Are you close with your mom?”

  Claire grimaced. “Touché. She hasn’t been here since Noel’s and my wedding, but we did go to Denver with Ash last summer for a few days. It was... awkward. I’m glad Ash has one set of grandparents who love him and dote on him.”

  “Where do Noel’s parents live?”

  “Missoula. They r
emarried last year. His dad had been a wandering alcoholic for over twenty years. Then God got hold of his life and he’s been sober four years now.”

  Huh. Other people had skeletons in their closets, too. “I can’t believe she trusted him enough to marry him again.”

  Claire shook her head, smiling. “It was all God, for sure.”

  God again. Liz pushed her plate away, the toast half eaten. What was with everyone here? To be fair, she hadn’t been able to get away from God in Thailand, either. There’d been those missionaries and the small church down the street, where everyone went around with glowing faces.

  God couldn’t be trusted. She’d tried to be a good Christian girl growing up, even when other kids teased her. And that made her a target for Mason to gloat when she proved to be no different from the others.

  She was halfway to forgiving Mason. Could she forgive him without forgiving God? Maybe. Mason had been a kid, too focused on maintaining his popularity to worry about the long-term results of what he’d done to her. He’d changed. She could see that. He was stable now and had made a home for himself and his children.

  God, on the other hand, was all-powerful if her parents were to be believed. That meant He could have met her halfway or even more. He could’ve heard her cries and rescued her. He could even have kept her from being infatuated with Mason in the first place.

  But He hadn’t. He’d ignored her pleas. Turned His back and left her to suffer. Why would He treat her any differently now?

  The biblical story of the prodigal son flashed in her mind. The guy’s father had seen him returning and ran to meet him. Hugged him. Thrown a big party for the neighborhood.

  It would be nice if it were a true story. Instead, God would watch her return from a high-up window, and He’d smile in smug satisfaction. “Nice, she’s back. She can hang out with all the other workers in my kingdom. Now, what was I doing?” And He’d turn back to His desk or His crystal ball or whatever.

  Yeah, that personal hug and party would never happen. She wouldn’t give God a chance to snub her again.

  * * *

  Cacophony greeted Mason as he entered the straw bale house after a long day at the tire shop. Claire had texted him to invite him for supper again tonight what with all the travelers home. Besides, she’d said, Avery had been such a big help with the meal it was only fair the little girl got to share in the eating of it.

  If this kept up, Mason was going to have to add himself to the cooking rotation. Not that he deserved to be part of them. He was only a renter, a neighbor, a friend. One who depended on the community next door to help with his kids when needed.

  Avery catapulted against his legs and he scooped her up. “Oomph. You’re getting heavy.”

  She giggled against his neck. “I’m growing.”

  “Yes, you are.” He squeezed her and nuzzled her cheeks with his stubble.

  “Ooh, that tickles. Do you smell the yummy supper, Daddy?”

  “I do. Claire said you helped. What did you make?”

  “It’s ribs. They’ve been cooking in the oven for a really long time. And Claire let me measure the rice and water. Did you know you put salt in rice when it cooks, Daddy?”

  He wracked his brain. “No, I didn’t know that.”

  She nodded, peering straight into his eyes. “Well, you do.”

  “Good to know.” Mason hugged her tight then set her down. “Let me get my coat and boots off, princess.”

  Avery scampered off to a corner of the great room where she and Maddie had set up an entire orphanage of dolls, by the looks of it.

  “Hey, Waterman.” Zach came out of the kitchen carrying a large bowl of coleslaw. “We’re going to have to replace some of the waterlines at the farmhouse, or at least some of the fittings. Noel got it thawed out but there’s a leak somewhere.”

  Brent came in from the great room. “Did you call Ed’s Plumbing?”

  Zach nodded. “We’re on a wait list. A lot of people had trouble with their pipes with those nasty temperatures.”

  Allison sidled up beside Brent. “What did people do in the old days? Surely it’s been this cold in Idaho before.”

  Zach chuckled. “Yep, this isn’t all that unusual, really. We get a week or two of this type of temperatures several times a winter. If the power stays on, all is well. I mean, we had wrapped the pipes in a heat tape in the basement where they’re most vulnerable. But with the power out—” he snapped his fingers “—they froze solid.”

  “I’ll have a look tomorrow.” Brent looked thoughtful. “I might be able to find a plumber more quickly than Ed can come.”

  Mason shook his head. These guys took such good care of him. Of the kids. “Too bad it isn’t really Ed Graysen who still owns that shop. He would’ve worked around the clock to get everyone going again, and not even charged overtime.”

  Zach grinned. “He’s one of the good ones, all right. But he’s gotten so decrepit in the past few years that I hesitate to even hint to him that we’ve got a problem. I wouldn’t want to be responsible for him wielding a propane torch down there. It's all copper.”

  “Yeah, I get that.” Mason bit his lip.

  “Not a big problem, though. They’ll get to it soon.” Zach punched Mason lightly in the shoulder. “At least you have got a warm place to sleep over here in the meanwhile.”

  “About that. I don’t mean to impose...”

  Zach shook his head. “You’re not imposing. Not in the least. We’re your landlords, remember? It’s our job to take care of you.”

  And his meals and babysitting and everything? Mason caught a glimpse of Liz on the other side of the peninsula. More time here meant more time with Liz, though long talks like last night might not be as easy to restage with the Portlanders and everyone home. “If you’re sure.”

  “Hey, it’s not my house you’re invading. It’s Noel and Claire’s, but I know for a fact they don’t mind. For one thing, Avery has been packing Ash around and keeping him happy.” Zach twitched his head toward the great room. “Not that he and John play their role as orphans the way Avery and Maddie want them to.”

  Mason laughed. “I bet.”

  “Chow’s up!” called Claire as Noel carried a deep roasting pan to the table. “Come on, everyone. Let’s not let this get cold.”

  Gabe, Sierra, Keanan, and Chelsea herded the children to the table and into their seats. Mason took his place between Avery and Christopher, and Brent prayed the blessing over their meal.

  “Nice to have Finnley back?” Mason asked his son as he passed the bowl of rice.

  Christopher’s face brightened. “Aunt Allison let us build a fort in Finnley’s loft. She said it was too cold to play outside.”

  Mason ruffled his son’s hair. “She’s right, but it’s supposed to start warming up tomorrow.”

  “Do we have to move back to our house? I’d rather keep living here.”

  Avery pressed against his other arm. “Me, too.”

  “Then you’re in luck that it will be another day or more before someone can fix the water pipes.”

  “Yay!” Both kids cheered.

  Mason shook his head, grinning, and caught Liz’s gaze from across the table. Hopefully, that meant another evening or more of visiting with Liz. Because now that he’d seen her again and gotten to know the mature, adult Liz, he couldn’t get enough.

  Was there any chance she’d not only welcome Jesus back into her life, but him?

  He allowed a smile just for her to lift his cheeks as he looked into her eyes. She bit her lip pensively and glanced between him and the children. When she met his eyes again, she gave him a small smile back.

  He’d take it.

  Chapter 15

  Briiing.

  Liz glanced at her cell. Her heart stilled as she recognized the number she’d been waiting to see. She lifted the phone with shaking hands and swiped it on to receive the call.

  “Hello?”

  “This is Glenda from Recruiters International. A
m I speaking with Elizabeth Nemesek?”

  “Good morning, Glenda. Yes, this is Elizabeth.”

  After four evenings in a row staying up late with Mason — plus everyone hanging out on New Year’s Eve, so that made five — she wasn’t sure what she wanted anymore. They’d caught up on what mutual friends were doing, eaten popcorn, watched a few movies, and played endless checkers.

  “I have good news for you. I have three companies interested in interviewing you for upcoming openings."

  Her heart skipped a beat. "For teaching ESL?"

  "They're companies that work with immigrants and offer some language classes. As they are all based in Las Vegas, I’d like to request that you come and do these interviews in person rather than via Skype. Would it be possible for you to be at our offices at nine a.m. Monday? I’d like to meet you and go over protocol in advance. I’ll set up one interview for Monday afternoon and the other two for Tuesday, if that meets with your approval.”

  It was Friday. Surely she could get a flight tomorrow or Sunday? Sunday would be better to prevent hotel costs from dipping unnecessarily into her savings. “I’m sure that won’t be a problem.”

  “Excellent. If you have any questions, feel free to call. I check for messages periodically over the weekend.”

  “Thank you. Sounds good.”

  Liz stared at the phone for a long time after ending the call. This was what she wanted, right? An opportunity to get into a big company where she could teach.

  Oh, she was so confused. Were she and Mason building anything? He’d kept it very casual except for the intensity in his eyes and the occasional electricity when they touched accidentally. No kisses. No caresses. No words of enduring passion.

  He’d be smart enough not to push her, right? The least bit over the line, and she’d know he was the same guy he’d been a decade before. But she didn’t believe that. She’d seen the changes. They had to be real. He wasn’t that talented an actor to fool everyone, especially her. Plus his kids worshiped the ground he walked on. The old Mason wouldn’t have had that adoration. Wouldn’t have deserved it.