When A Man Loves A Woman(28)

Joy blossomed inside her like a beautiful flower. Mac was asking her out! She felt like dancing in celebration. A little voice warned her to keep it cool. She was a little tired of wearing her heart on her sleeve when it came to relationships. “I’d love to go out with you,” she said, watching as the expression on his face turned into one of pure happiness.

He flashed her a beautiful smile. “Phew,” he said, swiping his palm across his forehead. “I was on pins and needles for a few seconds there.”

Delilah loved his flirtatious side. Had he really been worried about her answer? His comment endeared him to her. Clearly he had no idea of his massive appeal to women. His humble nature worked in his favor. She was so tired of men with over inflated egos and bad attitudes. Mac came across as a wonderful human being, which was all the more amazing due to his tortured past.

“Where would you like to go? I aim to please.” His tone was humorous.

“Why don’t you decide and surprise me? I’m good with something lively, or if you prefer, a more relaxed and quiet setting.”

Mac tapped his chin. “I’ll think of something. How does Wednesday at seven o’clock sound?”

Delilah nodded. She’d never admit it to him, but she’d been hoping their date would be for tomorrow night. How in the world was she going to make it through the next three days without the anticipation killing her?

“It sounds wonderful. I’m looking forward to it.”

“I’ll pick you up at seven. Take it easy, Delilah.” Mac turned around and began walking away from her. She took a moment to admire his broad shoulders and athletic build. He really was eye catching. A perfect blend of rugged and handsome.

Just as he made it halfway down her walkway, Mac turned back toward her. “Hey. On the way over here I asked God to grant me favor with you. Do you think that was wrong of me?” he asked.

Zing. There went her heart. A man who talked to God about her hadn’t even been on the list of things she’d wanted in a man. She hadn’t even thought of it. But now, with Mac’s confession, she realized it should have been one of her top priorities. Although she hadn’t always been very connected to her spiritual side, in the last few years her relationship with God had strengthened. She had been at rock bottom when all her romantic relationships had crashed and burned. Her self-esteem had plummeted, and each and every day she had questioned her worthiness.

Why did it seem as if men always treated her poorly?

Why didn’t men seem to respect her?

Why did she always determine her worth through a man’s eyes?

Those questions had rolled around and around in her head until she’d thought she might go crazy. At that point she had surrendered all her doubts and fears to God. And He had been right there by her side, through some of the darkest days of her life. He was always there and she would always need Him for guidance and wisdom. As a result, hearing Mac pose this question caused goosebumps to pop up on her arms. It seemed as if there were signs everywhere pointing toward Mac Donahue being someone with whom she might share a future. So far this was the biggest sign of all. He’d talked to God about her. That knowledge settled squarely in the center of her heart.

“No,” she answered, “It wasn’t wrong of you. God hears all our prayers, no matter how great or small.”

“I like that answer, Delilah.” He turned around and walked the last few steps to the curb. Mac stepped up into his truck and revved the engine. Before he took off he nodded his head at her and smiled.

Once Mac’s truck was out of sight Delilah spread her arms wide, threw her head back and enjoyed the feel of the sun beating down on her. She twirled around, feeling as delighted as a child in a candy store. The flowers in her garden looked glorious. Pink roses. Tulips. But none were as beautiful as the ones she held in her hand. The ones bestowed on her by Mac. Suddenly, everything was coming up roses. And she knew that it had everything to do with a certain tall, handsome Donahue—the last man in Breeze Point that she would every have expected to date.

But such was life. It was full of surprises and unexpected connections and moments of pure whimsy and jubilation. Just when she had almost given up on finding someone, Mac had quietly entered her world. She didn’t know what she had done to deserve such a blessing, but she was grateful to God for bestowing it on her nonetheless.

Weeping may last through the night, but joy cometh in the morning.





“Being a Donahue means everything to me. Without Mom and Dad and this family I have no idea who or what I would be. And I’m glad I’ll never know.”