Maria's Angel Read online

  He touched her arm, offering stillness, and a brief swell of comfort. “I’m sorry for upsetting you.”

  “You didn’t. I’m just…I’m…I’m a mess right now. This has nothing to do with you.”

  “Are you OK?”

  Why lie? Why hide? What did she have to lose, really? “No. No, I’m not.”

  Brody Lang didn’t flinch. He didn’t shrink away. “May I offer a prayer? For you and your daughter?”

  An emotional dam burst all over again. This time she swallowed back the cry of sorrow that pushed through her spirit. Still, tears tracked down her cheeks. Maria squeezed her eyes closed and nodded, her knees weak to a degree that she sank against the side of the van.

  He took hold of her free hand and rested a large, work-roughened palm lightly against Lilly’s back. “Lord, please make Yourself known in this moment. Grant Your comfort, protection, peace, and provision upon Maria and Lilly. Bless and guide them on the road You mean for them to travel. Hold them close. In Your holy name we pray. Amen.”

  The words didn’t dissipate into silence. Instead, they formed a shield Maria could feel, a Godly presence she had always embraced until…well…until.

  For Brody Lang spoke just the kind of prayer Jacob would have offered.

  ****

  Brody crossed to the side of his shop where a line of metal cabinets was topped by a wall-mounted peg board from which hung a number of tools. He opened a deep storage drawer that held a batch of well-organized belts grouped by size and model type. In a matter of seconds, he extracted the replacement he would need for Maria’s van. From the corner of his eye he saw her dip her fingertips into the front pockets of her jeans and rock back on her heels. Her eyes were downcast.

  “I, ah…I need to set up some form of payment plan.”

  No way would he further wound her pride. He hefted a shoulder into a casual shrug. “If money is an issue, don’t let that worry you. You can get it to me when you have a chance. Huntington’s not far away. Pay me back when you can.” He paused long enough to draw her gaze. “I trust you, Maria. For now, let’s get you home.”

  She chewed lightly on the corner of her lip, her brows furrowing once again over those large, deep brown eyes. Her somber expression piqued Brody’s alert system all over again. Man, was she hurting. Why?

  Brody didn’t waste time speculating. Instead, he opted to problem solve. “I’m going to get to work on your car. Feel free to grab some more food from inside. There’s also a fresh pot of coffee if you’re interested.”

  “Mr. Lang—”

  “Brody.”

  “Brody. I’m…I’m completely broke right now. I had just enough food and gas to make it to my parents’ place, and obviously that plan went haywire. I can’t pay for anything else beyond the couple of snacks I just bought. It might be a while for the money and payback. I don’t imagine I’ll be settled for a bit.”

  Desperation shimmered through her eyes, making them sparkle, but beneath that reaction, he sensed resolve—a mother’s resolve—coupled with tender heartedness.

  “Take care of Lilly, and yourself. Make a list of whatever you need to take, and I’ll set up a bill that you can pay when you’re able. I’ve got a few jars of baby food on the shelves. There’s powdered formula nearby, too. Pick up some food for you, too.”

  “I can’t.”

  “I insist.” He stepped close. “What better way to celebrate the Thanksgiving season? Please. Let me help.”

  “No…really…that’s OK. I don’t want to take advantage of your kindness.”

  “It’s not taking advantage of my kindness if I offer, right?” He smiled.

  “Wish I could argue the point.”

  “You can’t, so go inside and stock up.”

  ****

  With Lilly tucked in her arms, Maria plopped her rainbow hued diaper bag on the cashier’s counter. Brody had said to make herself at home, and really, she had no choice but to follow his instructions. Lilly’s fussing intensified, so Maria pulled a can of powdered formula from the grocery shelf. Next, she searched for a sink where she could scour and clean a used bottle then mix Lilly’s food.

  “What’s our best option, baby girl?” Maria scanned the shop while she murmured to her daughter. A directional sign pointed toward the restrooms, so she pushed her way inside the women’s stall, grateful to find a baby-care station where she could settle Lilly. Following a diaper change full of kicks and urgent squawks from her daughter, Maria prepped a fresh bottle of formula. She returned to the shop, wandering slowly and humming while Lilly happily—and greedily—ate.

  It occurred to Maria that she needed to make a list of the goods she used. She could easily wait to eat; Huntington wasn’t far away. But if she was going to be here for an hour or so, maybe one of those apples stacked near the coffee and tea display would tide her over. And the coffee did smell awfully good. That wouldn’t cost much, right?

  A receipt pad and a batch of pens rested at a tilt near the cash register. Maria did a one-handed job of tearing off the top sheet and scribbling a tally of her items.

  Only then did she allow herself to grab a granola bar, bite into a red delicious and fill a small foam cup with the fragrant brew she intended to enjoy once Lilly was fed. Between that and the baby food, she figured she was out about eights bucks in groceries.

  At loose ends, not quite knowing what to do while Lilly relaxed in her arms and continued to eat, Maria began to automatically sway a bit and then wander. The shop was sparkling clean. The building was older, a two-story brick number that had most likely graced Main Street for a good long while, but the facility was well cared for, and she could tell at a sweeping glance that close attention had been paid to details.

  Her visual inspection came to a stop when she spied a number of wall-mounted plaques behind the main counter. She stepped forward to investigate and inspected an honorarium from the Better Business Bureau—no surprise there, considering Brody Lang's genial manner of service. And evidently, Lang's Gas and Collision had sponsored an under-eight Little League team that earned second place honors this past summer. She studied that award, considering the idea of a guy as kind spirited as Brody heading up a youth squad, and Maria smiled.

  Her brows puckered when her curious gaze came to rest on a framed citation from the Angel Falls Chamber of Commerce recognizing the efforts of one Brody T. Lang with respect to a charity called Car Angels. What was that about?

  Maria shifted Lilly against her shoulder. A few gentle back pats and a none-too-delicate burp soothed her gradually dozing baby. Nuzzling Lilly's cheek, Maria wandered to the side of the store that adjoined the service area. She continued to hum a rendition of Twinkle-Twinkle Little Star and peered into the repair stall where Brody worked.

  Folded over the open hood of her vehicle, his tall, muscular frame drew Maria’s focus and tempered her anxieties. She was in good hands. She had no idea what he was doing, really, but deft, confident motions held her attention while he worked a slip of black rubber into place and executed whatever magic mechanics possessed to resuscitate her vehicle.

  All at once, Maria realized she was staring.

  Her heart rate jumped, and the soft tingles that danced against her arms and legs prompted her to turn her back and make fast tracks to Lilly’s car seat where she promptly secured her sleeping daughter. Guilt and shame transformed into dual shadows.

  Really. Attraction? Here? Now? What was she thinking? She rustled unnecessarily with food supplies. Nervous tingles worked against her fingertips. Her reaction stemmed from simple gratitude. The sensory awakening centered on her appreciation of Brody’s kindness and skill.

  That’s all there was to it.

  Period.

  ****

  Repairs completed, Brody stood behind the cashier's station, initiating a brief explanation of the work he had done. Maria listened while he used words like coolant pumps, tensioners, pulleys, and dust debris that had accumulated in the metal ridges of some mechanical co
mponent or another. She did her best to follow but came away fairly certain he spoke a foreign language.

  That's when it happened.

  Brody Lang picked up the list of goods she had carefully scribed. He studied the page for a second or two and nodded. Then, he looked straight into her eyes. “Paid in full.”

  He ripped the paper into tiny shreds, which he tossed into the trash.

  Maria tried to spear him with a firm glare but was so grateful for his generosity that her heart didn’t reside in the attempt. So, she decided to strike a deal. “Fine—but I'm paying you the fair price for fixing my van. No negotiating, either. I want the bill, and I'll pay you back just as soon as I'm able. Deal?”

  She extended her hand for a let’s-make-it-official seal of the agreement. When he took hold, she was struck once more by the appealing, protective strength of his touch. A sensation of wistfulness sang through her tired, aching spirit.

  “Deal, but I'm on to you, Maria Wilde.”

  “What do you mean by that?” He didn't release his hold right away, and Maria found she didn't mind. There was nothing awkward or untoward about the connection. It simply was, so she allowed herself to enjoy...but only for a moment.

  “You're letting me win a battle so you can win the war.”

  Laughter bubbled through her chest and released in a carbonated sound of delight. Brody Lang really was a terrific man.

  “There’s the happy spark I was hoping to see before you leave.”

  Spark. There was no way whatsoever this compelling stranger would know what that single, innocuous word would do to her heart. There was no way for him to realize what a chain reaction of love, loss, and heartache the word spark would trigger. She choked back a sharp gasp, captivated, staring into his crystalline eyes. Yep. She was attracted, to be sure, but her heart longed for one man only—the one who had nicknamed her Sparks because of the effervescent, enthusiastic view she used to hold of life.

  That was her late husband; her one-and-only love since high school, Jacob Wilde.

  2

  Maria walked the length of a curved, cobbled pathway that led to the common building and leasing offices of Heart's Haven apartment complex. She flicked her wrist to consult her watch. Right on time…just barely. Both she and Lilly had spent a few restless nights adapting to new, if temporary, living quarters.

  She passed beneath an arched trellis of white that was laden by strands of deep green ivy. The quaint decoration made her feel welcomed. Before pushing open the door to the building, her attention focused on an old, weathered sign crafted of knotted wood. The marker hung atop the entrance and was inscribed with the words “May love find all who enter here.”

  She did her best to keep a cynical root from wrapping tight around her heart. After all, Jake wouldn't want her to live a life choked by bitterness. Still, when it came to matters of love, Maria rebuked the idea. She had already been given her chance at that kind of precious gift.

  What the sign did provide, however, was a sense of hope. Perhaps this cozy spot, and the loving outlook illustrated by the motto might translate into a peaceful and pleasant place to work. That was her sole hope in answering the classified ad she had come across while perusing the Angel Falls Gazette the other day.

  Inside the single-story brick structure an older woman sat behind the front desk. Reception included an open, communal area with what appeared to be a full kitchen along with ample seating and dining counters dotted by tall stools. Styled in a white t-shirt along with an oversized flannel jacket and jeans, the lady offered Maria a friendly smile.

  “Good morning,” the woman greeted at once, rising from her chair. A brass desk plaque identified her simply as Vivian. “Can I help you?”

  “I hope so. I think we spoke yesterday afternoon. My name is Maria Wilde. I have an interview appointment with Andrew Hart.”

  Vivian’s features warmed further as she smoothed a hand against the bun at her neck, tucking an errant strand of silver hair behind her ear. “You’re absolutely right, and we’ve been expecting you. I’m his wife, Vivian Hart. Come on in to the office, and we’ll settle in while we wait for him to arrive. He should be walking in at any second.”

  “Thank you.” Maria passed a fieldstone fireplace that crackled and popped with life, warding off fall’s inevitable chill. That toasty slice of cordiality extended when she inhaled the heavenly scent of baking apples laced by cinnamon. Her mouth watered. “I can hardly believe what I smell. Is that apple pie?”

  “It sure is. Andy’s Grandma Hart had a recipe she guarded like gold. After she passed, he was equally protective of the recipe.” Vivian looked over her shoulder and delivered a beguiling wink. “Once we got married, he let me try my hand. Been baking it for him ever since.”

  Maria smiled at the story and had to admit she pined to sample a slice but kept mum on that count, all professional things considered. This interlude was about one thing only, securing a job she desperately needed.

  Vivian continued. “As you can see, the leasing offices are part and parcel of the community gathering spot here at Heart’s Haven. While I work the front desk, I tend to multitask. Would you like to try a piece of pie? It’s about done, and I know my Andy. He won’t let a job interview stand in the way of enjoying a sample.”

  Charmed, Maria decided then and there she really wanted to win this job. “Absolutely, if you’re sure you don’t mind. It smells delicious.”

  “I don’t mind one bit.” Maria claimed one of the chairs positioned across from an expansive desk covered by papers. Before exiting, Vivian gave Maria’s shoulder a pat. “I’ll be right back.” She returned moments later carrying a service tray stocked with three plates and three filled coffee cups. “Can I get you some cream and sugar?”

  “Black is fine. Thank you very much.”

  Releasing a happy sigh, Vivian settled in the chair next to Maria’s and handed off the dessert treat. Swirls of spiced steam curved and danced from the top. “While we’re waiting, why don’t you tell me a little about yourself, Maria? Your resume tells me you come to us from Dallas.”

  Maria froze, and then she scarfed a bite of apple pie to keep from having to reply right away. Scrumptious sweetness, spice and a subtle crunch from the topping distracted her for a moment before panic set in. She was ready to talk about her experience as an administrative assistant at a radio station in Fort Worth. She was ready to sell her attitude of dependability and follow through. She was ready to discuss her faultless dedication. However, she wasn’t ready to leap into the hot water of being a widow and single mother, which were the circumstances that had sent her packing.

  Vivian rested in the silence, waiting patiently, her serving untouched.

  Following an elongated pause, Maria looked down and twiddled her fork. She could do this. She simply needed to focus and press on. Like always. She fixed a professional and engaging smile into place. “As far as my work history goes, the last job I held was at a Christian radio station in Fort Worth.”

  “How great. I’m a fan of Christian music, and a believer. Good for you. What did you do there?”

  Grateful that Vivian allowed for the slight diversion, Maria leaned forward, her pie forgotten for the moment. “For three years, I assisted the vice-president of sales. We were a great team, but advertising is cyclical. When times were tough, I’d help out in the programming department and with reception. I worked about thirty hours per week. That way, my husband and I could plan for a family. The circumstances were ideal.”

  “Oh—I see. You’re married, then? With children?”

  Heavens. Maria froze against an instinctive wince. She had relaxed her guard, and said too much. What could she do now? What could she say?

  Lord, she prayed hard and fast, to the deity she fought desperately to continue to believe in, and cling to, what should I say?

  Speak truth. Speak truth and find My love…

  Speak truth. Two small words of Spirit instruction cracked her defenses. Cracked the
m…but didn’t quite take them down.

  Maria straightened, crossing her legs as somewhat of a stall tactic. Repositioning her plate on her lap, she cleared her throat. “I’m a widow. A widow with a six-month-old girl named Lilly. Not long after my husband’s passing, a round of corporate ‘right sizing’ at the radio station left me unemployed, so I’m looking to start fresh in the Huntington, Angel Falls area. That’s what has me looking for a job here today.”

  Only then did Maria lift her eyes. Only then did she attempt a smile that she hoped reflected strength and the power of perseverance. Vivian didn’t seem to buy the gesture. Instead, she offered a sympathetic exclamation and then reached out to rest a hand against Maria’s, which was presently clenched against the armrest of her chair.

  Despite glittering eyes, Vivian continued the interview. “Interesting the way our God works.”

  “What do you mean?”

  By some mutual accord, they indulged in a savory taste from their coffee cups. “Well, here you are, a sweet, seemingly dependable and capable woman, looking for a fresh start, and you seem like a good fit for the kind of work we’re offering here at the Haven. My Andy is fighting against some health issues, so I feel the need to step back from my duties here. I want to focus on the man I love.”

  Maria closed her eyes briefly. How beautiful. And oh, how she could relate…

  Vivian continued. “We’re looking for someone who can conduct model showings for prospects, track lease executions and rent payments. The job would also include scheduling maintenance as well as cleaning crews and painting teams to prep vacated units for new tenants. We’d even offer a heavily discounted rent rate at one of our smaller units if you’re looking for a place to stay on a permanent basis. The hours would run about thirty to thirty-five per week. Is that suitable?”

  Maria nodded in a hurry. Suitable? This job, coupled with the potential for an affordable rental agreement—struck her as ideal.