Stopping Traffic (A Back to School Romance) (Love at The Crossroads) (13 page)

“I know, but we’ve got to trust God on this.” Solae advised.

You’re right. This can’t be about my insecurities right now,” Candace said, staring at nothing. “This is about Royce.” She stood to get Lindsay ready for bed and to try to get some sleep herself; but come daylight, even without an alarm clock, she would be dressed and en route to the hospital.

***

It seemed as if Candace had spent all night praying instead of sleeping. She showered and put on the first skirt and sweater off the rack. Since makeup couldn’t hide the puffiness under her eyes, Candace didn’t bother.

The quiet thirty minute drive into the city gave Candace time to think whether or not she wanted to be in a relationship that would probably give her many more restless nights like the previous one. By the time she reached the hospital’s parking garage, she still didn’t have an answer. 

With her pocket Bible and small bottle containing Holy Oil, she got out of her car and willed her legs to be steady as she left the garage and walked through the hospital’s entrance. She stopped at the information desk and asked for Royce’s room number.

Taking the elevators to the fourth floor, Candace prayed silently, not knowing what to expect. Hershel said he was okay, but a person with broken bones and bruised ribs could be considered okay, too.

As her heart pounded she forced herself to get out of the elevator. She noted each room number as she walked closer to her destination. Stopping in front of room 437, Candace tapped softly on the door that was ajar before proceeding. When she caught sight of the IV and the monitor her eyes welled up with tears, blurring her vision as she glanced at the sleeping figure in the bed.
Sleeping or unconscious?

The man who always seemed strong and powerful lay quietly with a large bandage on his head. Despite his brown skin, she noticed several abrasions and deep purple bruises on one cheek and another on his right shoulder. Royce must have sensed her presence because his eyes fluttered open. He gave her a smile that reached his eyes before his hand beckoned her closer.

Those threatening tears began to stream down her face. “I said I wasn’t going to cry.” She dabbed at eyes before digging into the bottom of her purse for tissue. She pulled a few out as well as the Holy oil. After squeezing sanitizer into her hands, she clasped his. Royce’s squeeze was so strong that she couldn’t help but smile.  “I was so worried about you.”

“Sorry, baby.”

The first time he called her that, Royce had mumbled it in his sleep. The second time, he let it slip and she silently questioned it. Now, the endearment gave Candace contentment. Swallowing, she eyed the bandage on his head. “I’ve been praying since I heard the news.” She unscrewed the cap and tilted the bottle on her finger. When she dabbed the oil on his forehead, Royce closed his eyes.

She followed suit and then bowed her head. Her voice wavered in the beginning, but gained strength as she remembered what her God could do. “Lord, in the mighty name of Jesus, I thank You for protecting Royce and the others. I thank You for the precious blood shed for our sins. Thank You God, for increasing my faith in You. I ask that You command and breathe on his body Your healing power in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Before she could open her eyes, Royce made an addendum to her prayer. “Jesus, thank You for placing Candace and Lindsay in my life. I know You have a blessing for your servants, a crossing guard and a firefighter and I thank You in advance, in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

“Amen,” she whispered again. She reached out to tenderly stroke his jaw. She hoped her touch would be soothing. “Thank you.” He pulled her hand to his mouth and brushed a kiss there, which made her fingers tingle.

“How do you feel?” she asked, noting he looked as tired as she felt from lack of a good night’s sleep.

“My head still hurts, but I’m alive. When I noticed the second floor begin to cave in above me, I saw that my comrade was still up there. I tried to reach Allen, but he was standing right on the spot where the floor gave way. I was knocked unconscious by falling debris. My x-rays and CAT scan came back normal, so I’ll probably be released today, thank You, Jesus. Allen has     a bruised shoulder. Another firefighter suffered minor smoke inhalation.”

He paused, noticing her steady stream of tears. He used the thumb of his other hand to gently wipe them away. “There will always be the possibility of danger and uncertainty associated with my job. Think you can you handle it?”

“I’ve been asking myself the same question as I drove here.”

“And the answer is…?”

She was slow in responding. Whatever came out of her lips, she had to mean it from the depths of her heart. “I want to try,” Candace finally admitted. “The rational side of me is saying, ‘Are you crazy to take this on after losing a loved one the first time, but I’m starting to understand your drive to live each day as if it’s your last.”

Out of nowhere a yawn escaped. Candace tried to cover it with her free hand, she couldn’t.  Another one was on its heels.

Candace glanced at Royce who had suddenly dozed off. She smiled.
Thank You, Jesus, he’s okay.
Wiggling in the recliner next to his bed, searching for a comfortable position, she closed her eyes and drifted off with their hands still linked. She couldn’t let go, and apparently, neither could he.

CHAPTER N
ineteen

Royce had no complaints during his convalescence at home following his discharge. Candace had cooked a week’s worth of dinners and delivered them to his doorstep. As a way to prolong their visits, he began to play a game of sorts with Lindsay, drilling her about fire safety. Her reward would always be stickers of some kind, which she loved.

“Mommy and I brought you a stuffed animal, Mr. Royce so you’ll get better,” Lindsay had explained during a short. He gave her a hug and then looked into the eyes of her beautiful mother.  “I love her, Jesus. Now, please let her love me back.”

True to his word, a week after he had returned to work, he scheduled on his upcoming off day a double date with Hershel and Solae at Kobe Steakhouse. He hadn’t forgotten the request she’d made before his accident.

Even though they would be with his brother and her friend, it would be their first real date without a child chaperone.

***

Candace dressed carefully for her date under her daughter’s watchful eye.

“You look pretty, Mommy,” Lindsay complimented from her stretched-out position on Candace’s bed.

“Thank you, sweetie.” Candace studied herself in the mirror, checking the view front and back of the mid-sleeve, knee length, black knit dress that stretched with her curves. Since Royce had commented more than once about her legs, she slipped into higher heels that Solae would classify as stilettoes to give her added height. She swept up her curls and allowed a few strands to dangle. She was ready by the time her doorbell buzzed.

Lindsay leaped off her bed and scrambled to the door where she waited impatiently for Candace to come and open it. As if it was her first time meeting Royce Kavanaugh, her heart fluttered.

His nostrils flared as he came within inches of her face, stepping into her house.

“Wow.” He whistled, bringing her to mind the first time he had whistled at her on her first day as a crossing guard. “You look beautiful.”

“What about me, Mr. Royce,” Lindsay interrupted their private moment, vying for his attention.

Lifting her into his arms, he tickled her. “You always look like a princess.”

Lindsay rewarded him with a tight hug before he stood her on her feet. The doorbell buzzed again and it was an elderly neighbor who Candace trusted to babysit her angel.

After Candace received her hugs and kisses from Lindsay, they said their goodbyes. While en route, Candace closed her eyes so she could enjoy the moment; the instrumental gospel jazz coming from the car speakers, the scent of his woodsy cologne and the long masculine fingers that were linked with hers. The comfort Royce brought her made her realize the affection she had been missing.

“Thank you,” she mumbled without opening her eyes.

“For what?”

“Convincing me that happiness could still exist.”

He brought her hand to his mouth and brushed his lips against her fingers. She fluttered her lids open and they both stared at each other. “Thank you for saying yes and for taking care of me.”

“I would do it again,” she said sincerely.

“And I will try never to put you in a situation that would require you to do that again. Although I would have to repent if I said I haven’t enjoyed you and Lindsay’s tender loving care.”

His words made Candace shiver then she smiled.

Soon, they arrived at West Port Plaza where Royce parked and then helped her out. Reaching for her hand, Candace accepted his secure hold as they strolled toward Kobe Steakhouse.

Solae and Hershel were already in the lobby waiting for them. Wearing the same shade of brown, the pair complemented each other as their eyes seemed to dance with happiness. She sensed that Solae had finally found the right one.

The ladies hugged, the gentlemen shook hands and then rode the elevator to the top floor that housed the restaurant. Almost immediately, the couples were led to a room where others were camped out at a table facing their chef. Taking the four empty seats to complete the group, the chef began his theatrics. She and Royce would occasionally slip into their own world with smiles and touches. She was falling hard for him.

She and Solae giggled at the brothers’ attempts at catching with their mouths chunks of meat that the chef would playfully flip their way from the grill. It was hilarious.

Their server poured several different sauces into the small ramekins at each place setting. Candace wrinkled her nose at the pungent smell, but Royce scooped up a bit on his spoon, leaned closer, and coaxed her to sample the ginger sauce. Trusting him, she closed her eyes and sampled just enough to catch a hint of its favor. The taste was just as strong as it odor.

“How about this?” He brushed his soft lips against hers.

Her eyes widened in surprise. That was their first kiss—per se—and in public at that. She blushed, glancing around to see who else had witnessed their moment. But the other six couples appeared occupied with conversation or eating. Even Solae wasn’t looking her way.

“I like that flavor,” she whispered as she looked at him through the hooded shade of her lashes. “It has a lingering sweetness to it.”

Royce winked as their chef clanked his utensils on the grill. “It’s good to know my lady has a sweet tooth.” With a lopsided grin, Royce pulled back. “Having a good time, babe?”

“I like hearing you call me that.” Indeed, she felt like a modern day Cinderella. “Yes, I am. Thank you.” She nudged his shoulder. 

“I aim to please,
Miss Clark
, babe.”

The evening progressed with group discussions of one another’s relationship status, married, single, or engaged.

Royce hung his arm on the back of her chair and stared into Candace’s eyes while answering the question. “We’re both single
for
now
.”

Next, the topic of professions floated among them.

“A firefighter and a captain…wow.” A pretty woman gave Hershel and Royce a dreamy expression. Candace recognized the hero worship. Her daughter wore it every time Royce came to visit.

Evidently, the woman’s companion noticed her gaze and switched the subject to the improving economy.

Half-listening, Candace reached into her purse for her cell phone to check in with her babysitter.

Royce craned his neck to see the message she was typing. “Is everything okay?” She appreciated his concern about her child. Within minutes, Sister Finney texted back.

Yur baby and I watching the Lion King for 2 times. She’ll be sleep when u come.

Candace snickered. The woman was still getting the hang of texting.

The festive evening ended too soon as they tipped the chef and prepared to leave. Lost in their own worlds, it seemed as if Candace and Solae had forgotten about each other. Royce pulled back Candace’s chair and helped her to her feet, then snaked his arm around her waist. 

The couples left together. Outside in the parking lot, the moon cast a spot light on them. As the women hugged, Candace whispered, “Happy?”

“I’m in love.” Solae gave her the smile that made her favor Nia Long.

Me, too
, Candace mouthed as Royce separated them and escorted her to his vehicle.
I’m in love again
, Candace digested the words. Love had actually captured her by surprised.
              Embracing the utopia, Candace broke free of Royce’s hand and ran to the car, laughing with happiness. Royce gave chase and scooped her off her feet. Before she landed, they shared their first
real
kiss. “I’m in love with you, Miss Clark.”

Her vision blurred as she choked out her answer. “I love you, too.