Where Two Hearts Meet by Carrie Turansky Read Free Book Online Page A

hoping it would click with Peter. But he looked more puzzled than ever. Regret weakened her resolve. She’d done more damage than she realized. No wonder he was confused.
    She reached for his hand. “I owe you a big apology. I haven’t been a very good friend or example of what it means to live the Christian life. I’ve been self-centered about everything. I’m sorry, Peter. Will you forgive me?”
    He looked down at their clasped hands. “I care a great deal about you, Allison. I thought we had a chance to build a future together. Maybe if we just took a break—”
    “No, I care about you, too. And that’s why I’d like us to stay friends if possible, but no more dates.”
    His gray eyes softened. He lifted his finger and traced the side of her face. “Are you sure?”
    She swallowed and nodded. “Yes, I’m sorry.” She had no idea what the future held, but dating Peter wasn’t the right choice for her.
    He pulled her closer and pressed his lips against hers. The only thing she felt was a powerful wave of sadness, but she stayed in his arms for several seconds. At least she owed him that much.
    * * * *
    Tyler pulled into a parking place across the street and one house down from Allie’s. Hopefully, he could catch her at home and show her these final designs. Reaching across to the passenger seat, he grabbed his computer case. As he turned and glanced toward Allie’s house, he noticed a black BMW parked in her driveway and two people standing on the porch. His stomach clenched as he recognized Allie and Peter. Leaning to the left for a better view, he saw Peter trace his finger down the side of Allie’s face. She looked intently at Peter, mouthing words Tyler didn’t even want to imagine.
    His heart hammered. Should he get out of the car and interrupt their little tryst on the porch? He reached for the car-door handle, but froze as Peter took Allie in his arms and kissed her. This was no friendly I’ll-see-you-later kind of kiss, but one full of deep emotion.
    A knife slit Tyler’s heart. What a fool he’d been. Sure, he could say his motives were pure and all he wanted to do was help Allie’s business grow, but underneath it all, he wanted her back.
    Oh, Father, I haven't been honest about my feelings for Allie. But You've known what's been in my heart all along. I still love her. But she obviously doesn't feel the same way about me. Give me strength to deal with this, and help me let go of any claim I have on her. . . even if it’s only been in my heart.

Chapter Six
    Allison shifted her purse strap on her shoulder as she rounded the corner of Nassau Street. The bright April morning sun winked at her through the bare branches of an oak tree. She smiled at Tessa. “Looks like a beautiful day.”
    Her sister shaded her eyes and scanned the sidewalk ahead. “It’s still a little cool for this time of year.”
    “It’ll warm up later. I bet we’ll be busy.” Allison’s voice lifted, optimism flowing through her. She could hardly believe the way her new commitment to put the Lord first had lightened her load—that and no longer feeling the pressure to try and make things work with Peter. What a relief. She hadn’t realized how her anxious thoughts and gloomy outlook had weighed her down. Well, she was through with all of that now.
    Tessa gasped. “Look, they put up the new sign!”
    Allison lifted her gaze to the beautifully carved wooden sign hanging over the front door of the teashop. Sunlight reflected off the words SWEET SOMETHING , making the gold paint glow.
    “Wow, it looks great!”
    Tessa grabbed her arm. “You didn’t tell me they were putting in window boxes and planters. Oh, I love it! Tyler’s a genius!”
    Allison lowered her gaze and stared at the three large, wooden flower boxes hanging below the front windows, each filled with bright yellow daffodils, pink tulips, little blue grape hyacinths, and dark green trailing ivy. Four round cement planters holding the same colorful