Anna’s eyes widened in shock. “But, Matt—”
He waved his hand. “It’s okay, I needed a good dose of reality to help me understand how to depend on God and not Matthew Carmichael. It was God that allowed the situation with Tamara to become uncontrollable. Then he permitted you to rise up and show me the door. These past few weeks of disobedience have been sheer hell, because I knew God wanted me to humble myself and tell you the truth. My pride at being rejected held me in its ugly grip. It felt like the old days when my mom would send me packing.”
“Oh, Matt, I’m—”
“No, this was all in God’s divine timing. Remember on Sunday, the sermon about the need to ask God for healing from past wounds? That was for me. God was turning up the heat and showing me just how much I needed him.
“I also didn’t like the fact God asked me if he was enough. I had to honestly look at my relationship with him and know, that even if you and I never got back together, I would still love God and live the Christian life. Though I begged him for a second chance with you, I had to first surrender my will. Those words in the Lord’s Prayer, ‘thy will be done’ had to become mine. That was a tough one for my stubborn heart.
“So, I came to your house today expecting nothing, totally surrendered to God, knowing I needed him more than life itself. But I had asked him to give me a small sign of hope if we had anything left. When you came to the car all covered in raindrops and sunshine wanting to talk, I knew I was putty in your hands.”
Matt reached over and placed one hand over hers. “All I asked from God was a small touch of encouragement, but in his extravagance, he split the heavens open and poured out sunshine, a rainbow, and smiles from you, my dear sweet Anna. How could my ugly pride live amongst such beauty?”
Anna could not contain her happiness. She giggled like a teenager with a secret. “Oh, Matt, I’ve been so miserable without you, but don’t let that go to your head.”
They both laughed. He reached across the table and trailed his other hand down the side of her face. “Let’s get out of here, my love,” he whispered.
She nodded in agreement.
He cupped her chin in his hand and leaned forward to place a gentle kiss on her waiting lips before he pushed his steak aside and waved the waiter over.
“Two Tiramisus to go and the bill.” He winked at Anna. “Can’t ever leave without having Roberta’s famous dessert. We’ll pick up Melody and get her settled, then enjoy dessert at your place.” A smile as broad as a watermelon slice split across his face, and his dimple danced in delight.
Anna’s heart soared at the lightness in Matt’s voice. Hope filtered in like the steam from a hot cup of tea and curled its warmth around her soul. God had been working and His plan had been so much bigger than she could have ever imagined.
“Oh my, Matt, this is divine. Best Tiramisu I’ve ever had.” Anna scraped her plate to get the last morsel and licked her fork for good measure.
Matt rose from his barstool and held out his hand to Anna. She swiveled on hers and slipped effortlessly into his embrace. On the sofa, Anna snuggled up against Matt and dropped her head to his shoulder. His arm came instantly around her.
“Here’s the plan, Anna Clarke. I want to be married by month’s end if you’re agreeable. I’m tired of this cat and mouse game we play.”
Anna’s heart fluttered. The thought that she would not have to say goodbye each evening and have the freedom to express her love without restriction, to know him body, mind, and soul thrilled her. “Yes,” she breathed. “I wholeheartedly agree.”
They melted into each other. Their brief touch sent shivers from tip to toe before Anna jumped to her feet.
“Okay, Matt. Scat!”
Her abruptness caused a grin as Matt rose and grabbed her tight. “What, Anna? You can’t stand the heat.” He laughed. “Now you know how I’ve felt for months.”
His breath fanned hot against her face and the tips of his fingers sent flames dancing up her spine. She shivered in delight barely able to breathe. Every detail came alive—the strength of his muscles in the column of his neck, the beating of his heart beneath her fingertips, the scent of woodsy aftershave. An avalanche of emotions shuddered up from the soles of her feet and a wash of heat.
Love radiated from his intense blue eyes. Anna felt drawn into his vortex. He gently grazed the back of his hand up the side of her cheek and pushed an errant curl from her brow. Both hands got lost in her luxurious waves.
All teasing faded as their lips collided in a passionate ragged pull of need and desire. A rush of taste and tremor exploded between them. Hands began to frantically pull at the barrier of clothing.
He literally groaned in agony, as he pulled apart. “Sorry, Anna. I thought I could tease in fun, but there’s no middle ground with us.”
Anna smoothed down her rumpled tee shirt and repeated her earlier words. “Matt. Like I said. Scat. Go. Vamoose!”
He laughed his way out the door. “Two weeks, Anna, you got two weeks to pull our wedding off.”
“But that’s not enough time
