A Groom Worth Waiting For. Crystal Stovall

      Though he couldn’t be certain, he sensed she felt the same mixed emotions he did. It was crazy that a woman he’d just met could capture his interest so quickly, and he couldn’t help but wonder if she were the one. No, he had to let those thoughts go. He didn’t believe in love at first sight. Love took time to grow and mature, and as lonely as he was and ready to settle down, he wasn’t going to do anything foolish. Still, what harm would it do to take the time to get to know this woman? To find out if something special could grow between them.

      Matt swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple sticking in his throat as he looked into Amy’s bewildered eyes and instantly knew that if she left today he’d never see her again. Oddly, that made him feel sad. Yet, if that was God’s plan, then it was for the best.

      “This is such a lovely farm,” she said.

      As her gaze wandered, he realized she was stalling. That perhaps her mind wasn’t made up.

      “Are there any questions I can answer for you?” he asked.

      Amy pursed her lips as she gave the matter serious thought. “We didn’t discuss specific terms yesterday. I really need to know more before I can make a decision.”

      “Then you’re interested?”

      Amy nodded. “Your family has a sterling reputation. I’d be remiss not to consider working for your aunt.”

      “You checked us out?” Knowing she was treating this offer seriously pleased him.

      “I called the references, plus I stopped at the library to do some research on the Internet. Your family seems well established and respected. I understand they’ve played an important role in Lexington’s past.”

      “That’s true,” Matt said with pride. And he hoped to do his part by preserving the family property, where it all began.

      “If you stay in Lexington, you’re bound to run into us Wynn cousins. We’re a pretty active bunch.”

      “And about this job?” Amy asked, as if she had dismissed any qualms she might have felt concerning the family.

      “Basically, we’d like you to live with Aunt Lila and oversee the house and her needs. Your job would include everything from light housework and fixing meals to making sure she takes her medication on time and to help her with the exercise routine her doctor prescribed. Most importantly, you’ll need to make sure she doesn’t try to do too much too fast.”

      Amy smiled. “And I have a feeling that’s harder than it sounds.”

      Matt grinned, too. “Trust me, I’ve already tried and failed. She’s a stubborn woman with a heart of gold. And when she gets an idea in her head, there’s no stopping her.”

      “Gee, I wonder who takes after her.”

      Matt shook his head, enjoying the light banter.

      “Does this mean you’ll take the job?” Looking directly at Amy, he held his breath as he waited for her answer.

      Biting her lip, Amy still couldn’t make up her mind. For some reason she couldn’t explain, she wanted to say yes. But before she did, she wanted to make sure she was saying yes for the right reason. That she was doing what was best for her and not what was easy.

      After having paced the motel room floor for most of the night without reaching a decision, she’d hoped once she reached the Wynn farm the answer would be obvious. And maybe it would have been if Matt hadn’t been here. Though she wanted to show her appreciation for the unselfish way he’d protected her during the robbery, she didn’t want to take the position out of obligation.

      When Aunt Lila called, both Amy and Matt looked up. “Where are your manners, Matt? Show the lady to the house.” When neither moved, Aunt Lila waved them to come in.

      “You heard my aunt,” Matt said.

      “Yeah,” Amy said. As they walked toward the house, she found her answer. This home and this woman had a spirit that drew her. It was as if God had provided a safe haven where she could heal her broken heart.

      She would help Aunt Lila get back on her feet, and in return, she’d use this opportunity to take stock of her life and make plans for the future. After all, this was only a temporary arrangement.