Where Two Hearts Meet Read Online Free PDF Page B

little embarrassed by the overflowing collection she’d put together for him. But she needed him to get well as soon as possible.
    He sent her an appreciative smile. “I haven’t been able to eat much for a few days, but soup sounds great.”
    “Good. Why don’t I warm some up for you?”
    He glanced toward the kitchen. “I haven’t cleaned up in there for a couple days.”
    “It’s okay. You lie down and rest, and I’ll be back with some hot soup in a couple minutes.”
    “Okay, thanks.”
    She picked up the basket and headed for the adjoining kitchen. Her steps slowed as she scanned the room. Dirty dishes and sticky pots and pans cluttered the counter and sink. Newspapers lay scattered on the small kitchen table, as well as a stack of unopened mail, two empty coffee cups, and a take-out bag from Mrs. Chow’s Chinese Restaurant.
    She looked for a microwave, but didn’t see one. So she checked the cabinet and found a pan, poured in the soup, and turned on the burner. She decided to rinse the dishes and load the dishwasher while she waited for the soup to warm. Glancing at the windowsill, she noticed a stack of 3 x 5 cards. Leaning closer, she saw a Bible reference written on the top card in Tyler’s neat, all-cap handwriting. Surprise rippled through her.
    “Are you finding everything you need?” Tyler called.
    Allison jumped. “Yes, no problem.”
    “Sounds like more is happening in there than warming up the soup.”
    “I’m just loading the dishwasher.” She leaned forward again and read the card. “Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” 2 Timothy 2:22.
    The power of those words warmed her heart. With damp fingers, she reached up and flipped to the next card. “You have made known to me the paths of life; You will fill me with joy in your presence—”
    “Allie, you don’t have to wash dishes for me.” Tyler’s gentle rebuke startled her.
    She glanced over her shoulder and saw him standing in the kitchen doorway. Plunging her hands in the soapy water, she began vigorously scrubbing a small frying pan. “I don’t mind. Might as well make myself useful.”
    Tyler leaned against the doorjamb, his hands in his pockets. A small smile lifted the comers of his mouth. “Thanks, I appreciate it. I’m not usually such a slob, but the last few days I’ve really been wiped out.”
    She blew out a deep breath. My, oh my, slob was not the word that came to mind when she looked at him. She silently chided herself and focused on the pan in her hands. What was the matter with her? She couldn’t deny her attraction to Tyler, but starting something with him would be foolish. She’d made the mistake of following her feelings and trusting him before, and she didn’t intend to get hurt like that again. Just because he memorized a few Bible verses, that didn’t mean he had truly changed, did it?
    “I think the soup is boiling.” He pointed toward the stove. “Oh, right.” She dropped the pan back in the dishwater and dried her hands on a towel.
    Tyler suggested they sit at the kitchen table. He gathered up the newspapers and tossed them in a box by the back door. Allison placed his steamy bowl of soup on the table.
    “Looks like there’s plenty,” he said. “Would you like some?”
    “No, that’s okay. I need to get back to the shop soon.”
    “Can you sit down for a few minutes?” He looked reluctant to eat without her, so she pulled out a chair and sat down.
    He extended his hand across the table toward her. “Would you pray with me?”
    Stunned, she slowly nodded and took his hand. His grasp was warm and strong.
    “Father, thanks for answering my prayers for strength and healing.” Tyler’s voice took on a gentle tone. “And thanks for sending Allie here today to encourage me and bring me this meal. I’m grateful. You’ve poured out Your grace and love in my life, and I pray You’ll