Page 10 of The Christmas Ring
“I pray I’ll find it someday.” She didn’t look discouraged. “I’ll always pray to find it.” She told him how she still stopped into the occasional antique shop to see if it might be there. “That’s why I’m here.”
A wave of customers entered the store.
“Ben!” His father sounded panicked. “A little help, please!”
“Coming!” Ben looked at Vanessa. “Tell you what.” He took out his phone and handed it to her. “Give me your number and I’ll text you. Next time you’re in town we can go antiquing. Look for your ring.”
Her eyes sparkled. “I’d like that.” She typed in her contact information and handed the phone back to him.
“I’ll text you.” He grinned and jogged off to the front ofthe store. The best feeling came over him as he reached the register.
His dad was explaining to a customer the type of antiques the store bought. “These are not ordinary old goods.” His father was passionate about the contents of their shop. “We sell treasures, ma’am. Within the walls of this place, you just might find a diamond in the rough!”
Ben thought about Vanessa Mayfield and his father’s comment. He smiled to himself.
Indeed.
The first text from Ben Miller came before Vanessa reached her car.
Nice meeting you, Vanessa. Sorry you didn’t find your ring... Maybe next time. Speaking of which, will you be back in Marietta? I can’t promise gingerbread iced tea, but I’d love to look around with you.
She glanced over her shoulder at the storefront. Ben was helping an older gentleman near the front window. He looked out and for a moment their eyes met. Ben smiled and Vanessa did the same. Ben turned his attention back to the customer.
When Vanessa slid behind the wheel again, she realized her heart was pounding. She checked the rearview mirror. Her cheeks were red, her eyes bright with the thrill of the meeting. And a feeling she hadn’t had since she met Alan more than two decades ago.
Infatuation.
“Calm,” she told herself. She gripped the wheel and drove off. But the whole time all she could think about wasthe handsome stranger. The man had come into her life suddenly. Even if just for today. He looked familiar, and then she put it together.Guardians of the Galaxy.Of course. Last night she and Sadie had watched the movie—one of Sadie’s favorites.
Ben Miller looked just like the lead actor from a popular TV series. Vanessa couldn't remember his name. The same dashing good looks and boyish charm. His athletic build and the easy way he had with conversation. Even the same green eyes, although Ben’s might have been even more striking.
Vanessa Mayfield.Get hold of yourself. She sat a little straighter. She was acting like a schoolgirl with a first-time crush. Ben was a nice guy who lived more than two hours north of her. He had his own life and she had hers. They’d probably never see each other again.
Meeting him was nothing more than a diversion, a wonderful way to begin this next chapter of life. Life without Sadie living under the same roof.
But no matter how she tried to convince herself, she couldn’t stop thinking about him. And she couldn’t slow her racing heart.
At the first stoplight before getting back on the interstate, Vanessa texted Ben.It’ll be tough without the gingerbread tea, but I really would like to do more antiquing in Marietta. I’ll let you know when I’ll be back. Oh, and nice meeting you, too, Ben. Glad my missing ring brought me through the doors of your Christmas-in-July sale.
The second she sent the text, she regretted it. Why had she been so forward?Glad my missing ring brought me through the doors of your Christmas-in-July sale?Who said that? The answer was immediate. Walt Whitman, that’s who. Vanessa smiled.Whatever the feeling rushing through her veins and heart, she liked it.
Before she could set her phone down, it rang and at first Vanessa thought it might be Ben. Then Sadie’s name appeared. Vanessa steadied herself and answered the call. “Honey! How was the welcome party?”
“So good! Mom, the girls here are super kind. Everyone is friendly and we already made plans to find our own corner in the library so we can study together.”
Peace filled Vanessa. Sadie was going to be okay. “I knew it. It’s just what you and I prayed for.”
“Exactly! I just got off a FaceTime call with Hudson, and he said the same thing. He knew it was where I was supposed to be.”
Vanessa liked that. And maybeshewas supposed to visit Millers’ Antiques today. The thought took her breath.
“Mom?”
“Yes. Sorry... I agree completely. You’re supposed to be there, and honey, you’re going to love it!”
“Thank you.” Sadie sounded concerned. “Are you still driving?”
“I am.” Somehow Vanessa felt caught, like she’d done something wrong. “I stopped at an antique store in Marietta.”
