Friday, January 31, 2014

A Dozen Apologies Chapter Ten

Our last full week before the final heroes appear. These heroes have sure grown on me, what about you? 

Mara apologies here, and then three more next week. On Wednesday, we'll open voting, and ask all of you readers to cast your vote for the hero you feel best fits Mara. Are you ready? Do you have a favorite already or are you withholding opinions until the very end? 


Read Chapter One.
Read Chapter Two.
Read Chapter Three.
Read Chapter Four.
Read Chapter Five.
Read Chapter Six.

Read Chapter Seven.
Read Chapter Eight.

Read Chapter Nine.



A Dozen Apologies
Chapter Ten - October
Caden Martin


Mara paced in front of her boss’s desk waiting for him to come in and lower the boom.
A courier job, for goodness’ sake. All she had to do was drop the well-marked envelopes off at the addresses printed on them, pick up envelopes from those offices, and deliver them to where they needed to go. Lucille Ball couldn’t have messed this one up any better.
Mara had been running around all afternoon trying to clean up her mess.
How had it happened? She’d checked the addresses on the main envelopes, delivered them as noted, and walked away.
Mr. Dibble’s voice had been calm at first, but after the fifth call, his voice had risen to the shriek of an eagle cutting across the sky.
In order to deliver her items to the wrong address, the mistake had to come from …
A shuffling sound pulled Mara to the door.
Petunia. The one hired to make sure the items went into the proper envelope and into the couriers’ bags. Pet, as she was called, got the office job. Mara received the route.
Mara stepped out of the office and into the sorting room. “Why?” She stood behind the younger girl.
Pet looked up, her neck and face flushed a crimson red.
Pet backed away from the table, stopping when she found the wall.
Mara ran her hand along the table, taking time to collect her thoughts. Inboxes stretched across the table, five shelves high. Pet’s job was to separate the items in the couriers’ bags, put them in the proper main envelopes, and have them inside the couriers’ bags for the next day’s deliveries.
Pet hadn’t said a word. She just stood there as if she thought Mara might hit her.
“Pet, why? You sabotaged me today.” Mara raised her hands and dropped them. “If you wanted my job, why didn’t you say so? I’d gladly trade.”
Pet looked around and lowered her voice. “I don’t have a vehicle. My husband drops me off on his way to work. We’re about to lose our house. I messed up. Mr. Dibble explained the process to me so quick, I didn’t understand. I tried to straighten out my mess.” She shook her head and sobbed. “All the bags looked alike. I was hurrying to correct everything. Mara, I must have missed your bag.”
Well, at least Mara could rest in the fact that she hadn’t been Lucy in this situation.
The door opened, and Mara held up her hand as Mr. Dibble entered. She put a finger to her lips and then stood at attention.
Mr. Dibble glared at Mara through narrowed eyes.
Maybe she could save both of their jobs. Groveling might help. It had worked for Pet. “Mr. Dibble, I’m sorry for the mistakes I made today.”
Pet gasped.
Mr. Dibble stared for a long moment as if weighing a decision. Then he shook his head. “In this economy, small companies can’t afford to lose an account, which is what happened today. One of the packages you delivered to the wrong address was a time-sensitive court document. The judge wouldn’t grant an extension for our client.”
Mara looked to the floor. “I’m so sorry.”
He turned his back and entered his office.
“Mara, I—” Pet started, but Mara waved her away.
Dibble returned. “This is your severance pay.” He held out an envelope.
She took it from him. “Thank you, Mr. Dibble,” Mara managed. “Pet, it was so good to work with you. Please take care.”
What was one more job loss in a field with no chance of advancement? She could afford to lose the position, but Pet obviously couldn’t.
What was next? A business mascot? No way would she do that.

****

Mara followed the harping GPS and turned at Ghost Town, Maggie Valley, North Carolina’s once-famous tourist attraction. She turned left and began to climb Fie Top Road.
The route was familiar to her. If she kept driving, she’d end up at the Cataloochee Ski Resort where she and her sorority sisters used to spend several weekends in the winter. Caden lived near Cataloochee, and she’d made sure this was where she’d publicly dumped him, not just among her sisters but some of his local friends as well.
As she remembered, with a growing lump in her throat, she’d made her sorority proud that day. Her arrogance made her shiver.
Caden’s business address was in Asheville. C. Martin, stair architect and builder. Apparently, Caden had made a name among the wealthy who had vacation homes in and around Asheville and other small mountain towns like Maggie Valley. The designs on his website were spectacular. Who knew stairs could be so elaborate?
She slowed her car as the engine started to protest the upward climb. She’d been to his home once before. Scenic View Road was ahead on her right—if her car didn’t decide to have carburetor arrest on her.
The old family home seemed like the last place a successful stair designer would reside. Yes, it was an easy commute to Asheville, but when she’d visited, the place had been a little rundown. She turned onto the road and drove until she found the rusty mailbox with the name MARTIN.
As she pulled down the lane, she slowed. The dilapidated home she remembered had been renovated. The wood was painted a soft green. The metal roof was new. A low porch with two steps up greeted her as she hurried against a slight October chill and made her way to the wood and glass double doors. Pumpkins and hay bales with scarecrows perched on the porch and provided an authentic autumn welcome.
She knocked and a moment later, little feet on wood could be heard running through the house. “Uncle Coot!”
“Wait, Temperance.” A man rushed toward the door.
Mara smiled and wiggled her fingers at the sweet little girl who pressed her face against the glass. Mara lifted her gaze to the handsome man. She couldn’t say that Caden had ever been unattractive to her. His biggest quirk was his indecisiveness, and the fact he always seemed to be insecure about any course of action he took. And Mara had used those two qualities against him.
Caden picked up the child, held her in his arms, and opened the door. “Mara?”
She tilted her head. A question or surprise? Neither fit. Caden had asked her to meet him here.
“Hi.” Mara pressed her best smile into place.
“Uncle Coot.” The tiny child tugged on the open collar of Caden’s blue plaid flannel.
“Yes, Temperance. I forgot my manners. Ms. Adkins, I’d like you to meet my niece, Temperance Martin.”
“Nice to meet you,” Mara said. “How old are you?”
The little girl leaned her head against Caden’s shoulder and held up three fingers. “But I be four next month.”
“Come in.” Caden held the door open wider.
Mara stepped in.
“Jayce,” Caden called.
A woman came from the back of the house.
“Tempie, I want you to go with Jayce. It’s time for your nap.”
The little one didn’t need much convincing. She went into the arms of the other woman who smiled a greeting. “I set the table out back. I thought your guest might be hungry.”
“Thank you.” Caden nodded and with a hand on Mara’s back led her down the hallway to the kitchen.
Mara gasped. The kitchen of her dreams invited the outdoors in with the wall of glass and doors that opened to a deck and a view of the mountains beyond. “You’ve done a wonderful job with the place. I would never dream …”
“You’ve been here?” He blinked as he opened one of the glass doors and bid her to step onto the deck where a small table was set with sandwiches and a pitcher of tea.
Maybe she hadn’t hurt him too badly if he didn’t remember her visit that infamous day. He pulled out a chair. She sat and wrapped her coat tightly around her.
“Is it too chilly for you?” He stood beside her.
She looked up into luscious green eyes, surprised that she didn’t see worry or hesitation.
“I thought it would be a nice place to sit. Still, if you’d like, we can take our plates inside.” Not indecisiveness or insecurity. Just a desire for Mara to be comfortable.
“No. This is fine.” And it was. She couldn’t think of a nicer place to be.
He sat without questioning her further, something he would never have done before. Instead he would have badgered her about what she truly wanted. With his desire to please her, she’d hurt him terribly. Yet, he acted now like it was no big deal.
“Sweet tea,” Caden said as he poured her glass. “No unsweet in the Martin household.”
“How is your mother—”
He stopped her with a shake of his head. “Tempie and me. We’re it.”
“Oh, but …”
“I’m Tempie’s guardian. My brother and his wife died two years ago.”
“Caden, I’m so sorry.” She sat back.
He winced at her words. “Momma died soon after, and Daddy, well, he left us long before, but you probably know that.”
He knew she did. He’d told her the day she’d been here, his voice broken, and his eyes filled with pain.
And still, she’d set about to destroy him even further.
She closed her eyes. Why did these men even give her the time of day? Dominic was right to leave her on the golf course. Ted had every right to make her muck the stalls. The others … she’d hurt them so badly.
“So, Mara, tell me why you’re here today?”
“Well, first of all, thank you for allowing me to return after what I did the last time.” She stared at her untouched meal.
He leaned back. “Why don’t you tell me exactly what you think you did to old Caden?”
This man had definitely grown into his own skin, and he knew how to make her uncomfortable in hers, but she’d play along.
He shook his head. “Let’s eat first. Jayce makes a great ham and cheese.”
She liked this controlled nature, not too overpowering, but confident. The first bite of her sandwich was so good, she took another, and another. “She should open a sandwich shop. This is delicious. Is she a housekeeper?”
“Housekeeper, nanny, cook. I work in Asheville as you know. I don’t want Tempie in daycare.”
“I was surprised this was still home. I saw the pictures of your offices in Asheville, and”—she looked into the house—“this house is one story. No master stair designs here.”
“I have a more personal project here.”
When Mara took her last bite of sandwich and wiped her mouth with her napkin, Caden leaned forward. “So, tell me. What is it you did?”
Mara lowered her head but decided she needed to stare into those green eyes, the ones that filled with unshed tears so long ago. “When I came here with you that weekend, your mother was so gracious. I enjoyed my visit, but …” She swallowed.
How had she gotten so far away from common decency back then?
Caden remained silent.
“My home life was such a wreck, but you seemed to get along with your mother so well. We all cooked dinner together, remember?”
He shook his head.
Maybe this one didn’t need an apology. He didn’t recall her at all.
But that wasn’t possible.
“Caden, that was the loveliest time I ever had, in this house. Well the old home. I felt like family.”
“Yes, we were always very close.”
“When we went skiing later that day, and your friends met me on the mountain. I remember the cute blonde. She was so sweet to me. She invited me to church with you the next morning. To my shame, I don’t recall her name.”
“Reese,” he said without emotion. “Had to be Reese.”
She stared at him for a long moment. Did the man truly have a memory loss? “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. I want to hear this from you.”
She nodded and the warmth of a full blush warmed her cheeks against the October breeze. “You were so wonderful … and nervous. You kept asking me if everything was okay. Was I comfortable? Did I want hot chocolate? Did I need my coat? I should have realized I was in the company of a gentleman, one who respected me and wanted me to be happy.”
Caden pushed back his chair and walked to the edge of the deck. He turned away from her, looking out over the scenic view with the leaves of red, orange, and yellow bursting out on the landscape.
Finally, they were getting somewhere. He could yell and scream or tell her to leave. “And after you were made comfortable, what did you do?”
“Not what I did. What you did.”
He turned now, one eyebrow raised in question.
She fought not to ask if he’d had a brain injury. “You proposed to me.”
He laughed. “What a dweeb, Caden. Really?”
“And since you want me to replay it all here, I told you in the ugliest of terms that I would never marry a hick from a nowhere town like Maggie Valley. What would I do for fun, milk your cows?” For the first time, she noticed that the old barn at the back of the property still needed renovating. But there was no livestock in the pasture.
“My friends laughed. Your friends wanted to kill me. Reese slipped her arm through yours and walked you away.” Mara stood and moved to Caden’s side.
He turned and stared down at her, running a hand through his luscious thick brown hair.
“Caden, you can stand here and act like I didn’t hurt you, but I know I did. I hurt myself, too. I’m asking for your forgiveness. I’m very sorry. I’m a different person.”
Caden left her without a word, stepping inside the house. When he returned he held out his hand. “Come with me. Tempie’s sleeping. Jayce is watching her.”
She hesitated. “Where?”
“Worried I might ask you to marry me? Not a chance.” He lowered his hand.
She laughed. “Don’t blame you there.”
She followed him down the deck stairs and to the rustic barn, wishing she’d given her parents the address. That way Caden wouldn’t get away with homicide—justifiable or not.
He tugged on the wooden door. It moved over a grooved-out rut.
He stood by the door and allowed her to move past him.
She stopped and covered her mouth with her hands and turned back to look at him. She lowered her hand. “It’s so beautiful and so big and … and … Caden, it’s wonderful.”
Mara moved into the barn, the straw under her feet reminding her of a carnival midway where she would find something like the fantastic piece of art before her now: a full-scale wooden replica of a carousel. “It looks so real.”
“Hop on,” he said.
Like a little girl at a county fair, she didn’t need to be coaxed. She grabbed on to a pole and hoisted herself onto the make-believe ride. The wood was smooth and each horse was painted with different colors. She ran her hand along the back of a bench and stared up at the wooden rods that resembled the mechanics on a real carousel.
Caden’s whistle caught her attention. He held up a wooden token. “Find your favorite horse, Mara Adkins.”
She gawked. There was no way this beautiful piece of art had workable parts, but she did as he asked, sitting on a white mare with a brown mane. Caden dropped the coin into a box. Music began to play, and the ride jerked to a start, sending Mara around.
Nothing could best this moment. “Why didn’t you ever share your talent with me when we were in college?”
No answer. As the ride took her around, Caden was gone, but around the backside of the ride, on the central part separated from the turning carousel a plaque caught her eyes. “In Loving Memory of …”
Mara gasped and held her breath until the ride took her around again. “…of Caden and Reese Martin and for their daughter, Temperance Martin.”
She slid from the horse even as the ride continued.
If Caden had died, who was this man who looked so much like him? She backed away but met a warm embrace.
“Caden was my brother, Mara. My twin brother. I realized when you called the office that I use only my initial for business purposes. You mistook me for Cay. My name is Connor.
“He—he married Reese, the girl that walked away with him?” She turned and almost stumbled. He helped her to stay on her feet.
“My fiancĂ©e. Things changed for us that day. Reese broke her engagement, said she’d always loved Cay. She’d settled for me because Caden was in love with someone else. She never told me who she thought he loved.”
“Caden never mentioned he had a twin brother. You weren’t here.”
“Caden was a little quirky. You didn’t miss that, right?”
Despite her sorrow, Mara giggled. “Yeah, just a bit.”
“When something bothered him, he refused to talk about it. Caden was a little angry that I left him and Mom and went to school out west. Might be why I never heard of you, and you never heard of me. Reese would never betray his trust. When you called, I was curious.”
“They died together. An accident?”
“Car. Date night. I came to watch Tempie for them. Haven’t left her since.”
“I’m so sorry for your losses, and Connor, I’m so sorry I cost you your happiness.”
The carousel slowed, and Mara stepped off. She had to get away from this monument, from this man who apparently still grieved, from the little girl who only had her uncle, and from the place she should have appreciated more.
Connor stopped her with a touch. “You have nothing to apologize to me for, Mara. Caden was happy with Reese. God meant for her to have that short bit of happiness with the man she loved. If it took your cruelty to give them that, who am I to judge?”
Mara swiped the tears from her face. She could only nod.
“Caden forgave me for leaving. He would have forgiven you.”
“Thank you for telling me that,” she said.
Connor nodded.
“You’re such a good, good man.” She moved to him and kissed his cheek. “I hope you and Temperance find all the love in the world.”
“You, too, Mara. And if you ever want to visit and ride the carousel, Tempie would love to share it with you.”
Mara smiled through her tears. “I’d like that, too.” She started away.
“And Mara?”
She turned.
Connor tilted his head, and a smile tipped the corner of his lips. “Her Uncle Coot wouldn’t mind sharing it with you either.”


UPDATE:
VOTE FEBRUARY 5 THROUGH FEBRUARY 8 FOR YOUR FAVORITE HERO!
Voting opens at Noon (EST) on Feb 5.

Because we want YOU to choose the best hero for Mara, we're going to try to keep the author/creator of each chapter a secret until after the voting is over. If you know one of the authors, and pick out her chapter, please help us keep the secret. We want the hero chosen based on his personality and his chemistry with Mara, and not make it a contest between authors.

We're depending on you to help us spread the word! 

Our authors are also offering some inside glimpses into the writing process, some interviews with authors, heroes, and even the publisher. And that Marji - she somehow got hold of Mara's journal, so you'll be able to read some of her thoughts as she goes through this experience. Fay snagged interviews with all the heroes too. Check out all the links below to stay on top of the latest.

Thanks for joining us in Mara's adventure - we hope you have a great time!

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Thursday, January 30, 2014

A Dozen Apologies Chapter Nine

Do you have a favorite hero yet? Are you honing your matchmaking skills? We have just a few more heroes before we open up voting next Wednesday, February 5. You'll have four days to decide Mara's future - we're leaving the choice in reader's hands.

Read Chapter One.
Read Chapter Two.
Read Chapter Three.
Read Chapter Four.
Read Chapter Five.
Read Chapter Six.

Read Chapter Seven.
Read Chapter Eight.




A Dozen Apologies
Chapter Nine - September
Elliott Weston


Edgar, the bulldog, yawned, a jaw-cracking exercise that displayed every bit of what looked like a foot-long tongue. How in the world did he fit that thing in his mouth?
Mara averted the shower nozzle until the dog shut his gaping maw. One lower canine tooth protruded. He looked up with soulful eyes. So adorable. All the dogs she’d encountered this week were sweethearts. Gentle, loving, humble, they didn’t hold grudges, didn’t complain, were ready to forgive and forget. They accepted whatever you did to them without complaint.
Well, a few complained, but they got over it quick enough. Men, on the other hand, weren’t quite as magnanimous as their four-footed best friends. She sighed and mentally checked off her list—seven down, five to go. Apologizing to the guys she’d wronged didn’t get any easier with practice.
She shuddered recalling the chickens in Alabama and before that the horses in Kentucky. A few more weeks here at Yips and Yaps would go a long way toward funding the trip to Colorado after Christmas.
Her bruised ego could sure use a reprieve.
She leaned in to finish Edgar’s rinse … and received a full-face slurp in return. Ew! She shrugged one shoulder to wipe the slobber from her face.
Edgar went into a frenzy. He shook his head and body in a twisting motion to rid himself of the excess bath water and drenched Mara in the process.
“All right, buddy. That’s enough. Let’s get you toweled off.” She gave him a brisk rub down followed by a quick once over with the hairdryer. “There we go, all clean and shiny. You smell good, too.”
Of course, she smelled like wet dog now. Bathing sixteen animals in five hours would do that.
Mara stole a peek at the clock on the wall and groaned. She’d worked through her lunch hour to keep up with the appointment schedule. With a dozen cages left to clean, six dogs to walk, supplies to restock, and the school kids due to arrive in less than thirty minutes, it looked like quitting time would also come and go without a stop.
Mara pressed a hand to her aching back and laughed at her own naiveté. She still rued the loss of her best silk blouse that first day. Canine Salon Assistant in pet superstore vernacular did not translate to an administrative position. Note to self: next time ask what the job entails.
Like she would have turned it down. Not with her bank account on a starvation diet. Perhaps once she completed the crazy task she’d set, the future could take center stage. Her thoughts drifted to the sketch book still in her suitcase. Maybe …
No. First things first. She’d made a commitment. To God and herself. Isn’t that what Sunday’s sermon in Proverbs had been about? When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
With all the humble pie she’d racked up lately, she ought to be among the wisest people in the world!
Clipping a leash on the bulldog, she let him lead her back to his cage. Water refreshed, she told Bernice, the silver haired groomer, that Edgar was ready for his pedicure.
“Mara, be sure those cages are clean before the children get here. Can’t have them complaining about the smell.”
“Yes, ma’am. Next on my list.” Fortunately, only one cage required the pooper-scooper, but several of the dogs had been here since opening. They needed to be walked soon before more cages required attention. Or baths re-done.
She saved the beagles until last, knowing the boisterous pair would require extra time. Ivan, the tricolor brown, black, and white standard, and Maxwell, a black and tan blue tick, could be a little too smart for their own good. Maxwell, the clever rascal, had managed to escape his cage once already. And chewed a hole in the twenty-pound box of treats. Hopefully he wouldn’t puke before his owner came to pick him up.
The weather outside remained warm during the day, but by late afternoon the temperature would dip. September. She loved this time of year in the south—a hint of autumn nip combined with a heady scent of ripe apples. A yellow school bus turned into the parking lot as she and the beagles finished their walk. A dozen school children emerged and descended on the store.
“Mara,” Bernice called out. “They’re here.”
“Be right there.” Rechecking the latches on the beagles’ cages—you couldn’t be too careful with Maxwell—she glanced in the mirror over the sink and used her fingers to comb through the wild disarray of curls and ruthlessly pulled her long mane into a ponytail and splashed water on her face. Edgar’s earlier ministrations had removed the last of her makeup. She wouldn’t win any beauty contests today.
Plastering a smile on her face, Mara headed to the front. Give a quick tour through the store. Add a little commentary while they watched Bernice work her magic with the clippers. And then the finale—fifteen minutes to ooh and ah over the rabbits, hamsters, puppies, kitties, and fish. After that, home to a hot bath, a home-cooked meal, and bed, thank You, Jesus.
Before she made it to the counter, Mara realized these kids were different. One little girl, dressed in pink jeans and a white t-shirt, stood off to the side, twirling a long strand of ash blonde hair. Her eyes remained fixed on the floor. Another child, a smallish boy, walked aided by forearm crutches, his legs encased in braces. Several other children, obviously wound up, stuttered in excitement.
Their teacher squatted in front of the kids with his back to Bernice and Mara. A big man by the width of his shoulders. His dark, close-cropped hair bobbed amid the towheads. He spoke in a quiet voice of command that held the children’s attention.
“Zoe.” He crooked a finger at the little girl who stood apart from the others. She ran to him, flinging her arms around his neck. He gave her a quick squeeze and gently peeled her arms away but kept hold of her hand. She clutched at his shirt for a moment, revealing part of a tattoo that twined around one arm.
An image came unbidden, that of a dragon’s tail wrapped around another bulging bicep. Someone still on her must-see list.
The teacher’s interaction with his charges charmed her. So many men felt uncomfortable around kids, at least the guys she’d known. Add in all these special needs, and they’d show you their dust without a blink. What made this man different?
Mara’s lips twitched in a bittersweet smile at the stir of attraction. She made bad decisions where men were concerned.
He stood, turned to Bernice, and flashed a heart-stopping smile. “Good afternoon, ma’am. We’re from Todd Elementary here for a tour.”
Bernice hurried forward. “Oh, yes. We’re very excited to host your field trip.”
He turned with an equally brilliant smile for Mara … and froze. The smile slipped from his face. “You?”
His icy gray eyes pinned Mara with an all too familiar look of loathing. She hadn’t planned on finding Elliott until later and wasn’t prepared to deal with him now. Not here. Apparently God had other plans.
She willed her emotions aside and donned an emotionless mask, something she had become quite adept at. “Elliott Weston. How are you?”
Bernice looked at her and then Elliott and back to Mara again. Her avid eyes wouldn’t miss the tension.
Before the uncomfortable situation turned ugly, Mara turned to the children. “Hi, kids. Want to see where we keep all the toys and stuff? After that, we’ll come back here and let Bernice show us how she gives a dog a haircut. And then we’ll go see the pets.”
“C-can we p-pet the b-bunnies?”
“I want to hold a puppy.”
“I have a bird. Momma said w-we m-might g-g-get another one if I f-found one I l-liked.”
“Whoa, kids. Let’s slow down.”
Just like that, Elliott reestablished control. He’d been a natural leader on the football field. And off campus where all the carousing took place. A rebellious bad boy. And one of the reasons she’d picked him for the game.
“Are you our guide?” he asked Mara.
Elliott had every reason to despise her, but his scorn opened wounds she’d thought were protected. Mustering a scrap of pride, she lifted her chin. She would apologize if the opportunity surfaced. Make it quick because he wouldn’t be forgiving. “I’m sure I can find someone else—”
“No. I want you to do it.”
He wanted his pound of flesh. Some penances were harder to accept but had to be borne nonetheless. She owed him that much. “Very well. Follow me.”
The kids trailed behind her in an orderly procession, Elliott at the rear. Up one aisle and down another, through the food, medicines, toys, crates, books, bones, bowls, and leashes. When they got back to the salon, the kids gathered around the low counter, fascinated by Bernice and the poodle on the grooming table.
“Why d-does the doggy have a r-rope around his neck?”
“So he won’t bite?”
“No, to keep him from r-running away.”
Bernice answered. “This helps him hold still so he doesn’t jump around and make me mess up his haircut.”
The questions continued as she switched on the clippers and explained each step.
This was a side of Bernice Mara hadn’t seen before. She listened as raptly as the kids.
“You can pretend I’m not here, but it won’t make it so. I never took you for a coward.”
Mara tensed. How had he gotten so close without her knowing? “I’m very aware of you, Elliott. I also know you despise being anywhere near me, so don’t worry. I’ll keep my distance.”
“I heard you were in New York. At some fancy design house. Why are you back in Spartanburg? And washing dogs, for Pete’s sake.”
She looked up and her eyes locked with his for a long moment until the intensity of his stare made her tremble. The air sizzled between them, something she hadn’t expected. Maybe the truth would relieve some of his resentment. “I fell for someone who let me believe he returned my feelings and then humiliated me. What goes around comes around, huh?”
“What happened?”
“I trusted him. He stole my designs and pawned them off as his work. He got the job I wanted and then fired me. Now, no one in the business will hire me.”
He didn’t speak for a long moment. “I’m sorry.”
Her head jerked up. “What? Why?”
“Because betrayal leaves you gutted, and I wouldn’t wish that feeling on anyone.”
“Elliott, there’s so much I need to apologize for. I’m—”
“No.” He growled, his voice harsh. “Not here. If you want to apologize, to ask my forgiveness, you’ll do it without the buffer of a public place, without the buffer of the kids. Are you staying with your parents?”
She nodded, blinking hard to stay unexpected tears. “I was never very good with budgets.” She waved one arm around and tried to laugh “Or keeping jobs.”
The kids interrupted their tĂŞte-Ă -tĂŞte with cheers and handclapping. The white standard poodle now sported an English saddle clip with a puff ball on his tail and around all four feet. The girls lobbied for a pink ribbon for the dog’s head while the boys wanted any color but pink. The owner arrived and settled the argument by choosing a red satin ribbon.
“Who wants to go see the puppies now?” Mara asked.
Amidst happy shouts, they made their way to the pet adoption department. She gave instructions to not touch or scare the animals, birds, and fishes, and allowed the children to roam around the confined area.
“So you became a teacher?” Mara asked to divert Elliott’s attention.
“Yeah. After I tore up my ankle at football camp, I spent my summers at children’s camps.”
She flinched, remembering the horrendous injury he suffered between his freshman and sophomore year at the University of South Carolina. The Carolina Panthers had invited him to their summer squads, and she’d gone with him. He didn’t get beyond the first play, though. His dream of a professional football career ended that day with torn ligaments and a ruptured Achilles tendon. His college career ended as well.
“I was good with kids. I like them, and they liked me. Later I discovered a passion for special needs kids. It took me two extra years of specialized training, but I’ve never regretted it.”
A small black puppy ran their way.
“How did …” Mara grabbed for the Scottie, missed collaring the pooch … and lunged for another pup that raced by. Soon, the aisles were filled with dogs of all sizes, breeds, and colors. “Oh, this is not good.”
“The kids.” Elliott tucked a Yorkie under his arm, scooped up a Cocker Spaniel, and hurried back to the bank of kennels.
A wrinkled little pug pawed at Mara’s feet. She picked him up and followed Elliott, who now confronted the prison break accomplice still at work.
The little girl in the pink jeans sobbed, tears streaming down her face, as she worked furiously to unlatch the last cage. The boxer puppy inside whined, anxious for his trip to freedom.
Elliott stuffed the two dogs he’d captured into a cage and latched it before reaching for the little girl. He pulled her into a hug. “Zoe, Zoe, Zoe, what are you doing, sweetheart? Why are you crying?”
“They’re s-so s-s-scared,” she sobbed. “I d-don’t like the c-cages.”
“Shhh, Zoe. It’s okay. Not all cages are bad, honey. The puppies don’t mind them. See how this guy licks my hand?” He stuck his fingers through the wire cage and tickled the boxer puppy’s mushed face.
The store came alive with barks, yelps, and squeals. Soon the beagles in the salon joined in and brayed their displeasure at being left out of the romp. The kids bounced around like Mexican jumping beans while the customers laughed as store employees tried to catch the runaways. A display of dog food toppled over. Cans spilled everywhere.
“What’s the meaning of this, Ms. Adkins?” Mr. Perkins, the store manager, demanded, his faced flushed dark red. “Whoever let these animals out is in big trouble.”
Mara stepped forward as Elliott tried to soothe the little girl’s hysteria. “I’m sorry, sir. The children wanted to pet the puppies. I thought it would be okay, but things got a little out of hand.”
“A little out of hand! This isn’t a petting zoo. No one handles the live merchandise unless it’s a serious buyer. Now, round up these mutts and lock them up. And get these kids out of my store!” Mr. Perkins stormed away but turned before he disappeared around the corner. “I’ll see you in my office once this is set to rights.”
She turned to join the hunt, forcing her slumped shoulders to straighten. She’d lost better jobs than this. Something else would turn up. It always did. First, though, she had puppies to catch.
“Mara, wait.”
She couldn’t deal with his animosity now. “For what, Elliott? You don’t want my apology. Take your kids and go.”
“Let me get Zoe and the others on the bus. The driver will watch them while I help you round up the dogs.”
“Just leave.”
“We’re not through talking. I’ll be back in a minute.”
He was good as his word and returned to snare the last scoundrel, a sneaky little Chihuahua.
“You shouldn’t have come back, but thank you.” She wiped perspiration from her face with the back of her hand.
“Why did you tell your boss you let the dogs out? Why’d you protect Zoe and me? It could cost your job.”
“Yeah, well it won’t be the first job I’ve lost. Probably not the last either. It was my responsibility. I should’ve paid closer attention.
Elliott’s dark blue eyes seemed to drill into her soul. “I do want to hear your apology, Mara. If you still want to give it.”
Her stomach did a funny flip. “Okaaay.”
She swallowed hard, calling on the Bible verse from the pastor’s Sunday sermon, something from the book of Matthew. Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted. She’d eaten a double portion of humble pie over the past few months. When did the exalted part come? “You want your pound of flesh, don’t you?”
His mouth twisted, but whether in a smile or a sneer, she didn’t know. “My grandma used to say, ‘Women forgive, but don’t forget, while men forget, but don’t forgive.’ Try me, Mara. See if I can forgive you.”
Unable to bear the intensity of his stare, she looked away. Confession might be good for the soul, but it didn’t get easier with the doing. One lesson this exercise had taught her—if it’s bad enough to require an apology later, don’t do it in the first place.
Mara looked toward the bus. While the other kids frolicked inside, awaiting the return of their teacher, Little Zoe hung out the window, anxiously following Elliott’s every move. Inside the store, the little girl had done what she thought was right. An honest and forthright reaction.
With a soft sigh, Mara raised her head. “I am truly sorry for what I did to you, Elliott. You didn’t deserve the ugly words I threw at you, or the humiliating rejection in front of your friends. I knew it was wrong, but I did it anyway. Doesn’t say much for my integrity, does it?”
He ran a hand through his short-cropped hair. It was his turn to look away.
Peace settled around her like a warm shawl. “I thought by cutting you and the others down, it showed how strong I was. The truth is, you and some of the other guys were the strong ones. I hid my insecurity behind a shield of malice.”

She straightened. Time to wrap up before she embarrassed herself and him any further. “I’m not that person anymore. You see, Jesus changed my heart. While I had hoped to earn your forgiveness, I can’t make you accept my apology. A wise man told me recently I had to move forward and not backward. I pray you can do the same.” She touched his arm. “Thank you for letting me get out what I needed to say.”

UPDATE:
VOTE FEBRUARY 5 THROUGH FEBRUARY 8 FOR YOUR FAVORITE HERO!
Voting opens at Noon (EST) on Feb 5.

Because we want YOU to choose the best hero for Mara, we're going to try to keep the author/creator of each chapter a secret until after the voting is over. If you know one of the authors, and pick out her chapter, please help us keep the secret. We want the hero chosen based on his personality and his chemistry with Mara, and not make it a contest between authors.

We're depending on you to help us spread the word! 

Our authors are also offering some inside glimpses into the writing process, some interviews with authors, heroes, and even the publisher. And that Marji - she somehow got hold of Mara's journal, so you'll be able to read some of her thoughts as she goes through this experience. Fay snagged interviews with all the heroes too. Check out all the links below to stay on top of the latest.

Thanks for joining us in Mara's adventure - we hope you have a great time!

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