Merging Hearts (standard:drama, 5552 words)
Author: Hopes	Added: Mar 22 2003	Views/Reads: 3278/2278	Story vote: 0.00 (0 votes)
It's taken long enough, but there's finally some romance coming into David's life. (Reads well alone or as the 4th in my Life Changes series)

Click here to read the first 75 lines of the story

but Maggie didn't have to be back to school until Wednesday. 

Jim drove over to pick up Pete.  They set off on a hike to get some fall
pictures for their photography class.  Alex, Maggie and Andy were 
looking forward to some time together.  That left Jan and David.  They 
walked out toward the barn to see the new calf.  It was a little under 
weight and he was supplementing her diet with some fortified formula.  
He mixed it up and put it into the special bottle with the big nipple.  
Jan laughed as the calf sucked hungrily and nearly pulled the bottle 
out of her hands. 

As David laughed with her, he was reminded of what Alex had said to him
some time ago about needing a woman's touch in the house.  As long as 
he had known Jan, she had been a fun, loving, compassionate woman who 
was not afraid of hard work or a challenge.  In the past two years 
since Alex and Ann's accident, she had not missed one bi-weekly visit.  
That had meant a lot to Alex and Andy, especially in the early days.  
Later, David had come to look forward to her visits as much as Alex 
did. 

As David watched Jan with the calf, he seemed to really see her as a
woman for the first time.   Maybe Alex was right.  Maybe Jan was the 
one who could love him enough to not fear his work with explosives.  
Also, how many women would be willing to take on not just a man, but a 
man with an adopted teenage son, and another man and his teenage son?  
Not many, he was sure!   Being the only woman in a house of men had not 
seemed to bother her at all during her weekend visits.  She gave Jim 
just as hard a time as she did Andy.  Both would do anything for her.  
Any of them would. 

He thought for a minute about how he would feel if she should come one
weekend and announce that she was dating or engaged to someone.  
Suddenly he was afraid.  That couldn't happen, she was theirs!  All of 
them depended on her and looked forward to her coming.  At that moment 
David knew that he wanted Jan to be his wife.  There wasn't a big surge 
of excitement or the semblance of fireworks going off in his heart, but 
a wonderful sense of calm and contentment settled in his heart. 

Now came the tricky part.  How did she feel about him? Did she care for
him, or was he just Alex's friend?   How would he tell her about his 
feelings for her?  The first thing he needed to do was talk to Alex.  
After all, he had put this idea in his mind some months ago.  How did 
he know back then that they should be together? 

For now David tried to put this new revelation aside.  He had a great
time just walking and talking with Jan that day.  They talked about so 
many things, from college memories to hopes for the future.  The more 
they talked the more sure David became about Jan.  He said nothing to 
her that weekend, however. 

It was the next Saturday before David had a chance to have a long and
serious talk with Alex.  As he began to talk, Alex had a smile on his 
face.  The longer David talked the bigger Alex's smile became until he 
was grinning like a fool.  David was walking around while talking.  
When he finally stopped and looked at Alex, he was taken back. 

“What are grinning about?”  David asked with irritation. 

“It took you long enough to come around and realize this!  What took you
so long?  You and Jan were meant for each other.  I suspected it years 
ago, but since I came to live here, I've become sure.  You have my 
blessing, David.” 

“You've known all this time?  Why didn't you say something?” 

“You weren't ready, David.  I had to wait until you realized it on your
own.  Also, I don't think Jan could have been clear about her feelings 
until she saw that I was going to be ok.  I didn't want her to confuse 
her thankfulness to you for helping Andy and me, with personal feelings 
for you.” 

“When did you get so smart, Alex?  I thought your degree was in history
and education, not psychiatry.  I believe you may have missed your 
vocation.”  David stared at his friend. 

“Well, when do you plan to talk to her?” 

“I don't know!  This is still new to me.  How does she feel about me? 
Do you know?  Has she talked to you about me?” 

“No she hasn't talked to me about you, but I don't think she realizes
that she cares about you.  I've seen the way she looks at you and the 
way she watches you.  She cares, whether she knows it or not yet.” 

David had a lot to think about that week.  For the first time since he
had known Jan, he was nervous about her visit that weekend.  To keep 
from ruining the weekend or making a fool of himself, he took her aside 
as soon as he could.  They walked down the trail to a small stand of 
trees.  He let her continue telling him about a new book she was 
reading. 

When they reached the trees he took her hands in his and pulled her in
front of him.  As he leaned against a tree, he looked into her eyes.  
He saw her puzzled look, took a deep breath, and began.  Never one to 
beat around the bush, he took the direct approach, but tried to be 
gentle.  With fear and trembling, he told her all that was in his 
heart.  How that although he had known her a long time, he had realized 
only a couple weeks ago that he loved her dearly and wanted her to be 
his wife.  He wasn't asking her to marry him now, just telling her of 
his love and asking if she thought that she could begin to love him. 

For a long moment she just stared at him as if trying to assemble his
words in her mind.  Suddenly she then threw herself into his arms and 
put her arms around his neck.  He didn't know if that was a ‘yes' or a 
‘maybe' or just what it was.   When she finally released him, he held 
her out in front of him by the shoulders.  He looked into her eyes and 
dared to hope that her actions said that their hearts were in tune with 
each other. 

“Jan, I love your reaction, but I need you to tell me what it means.” 

“Oh, David, I think I've loved you for years, but only realized it
recently.  I saw Brian Janny from college and he asked if you had 
gotten married.  When I thought of you with someone else, I almost went 
crazy.  I want to be with you forever.  I didn't know whether you cared 
or not and I didn't know what to do.  This weekend I was going to talk 
to Alex and ask his advice.  Now I don't have to.  We just have to go 
back and tell him the good news!  I have a feeling it won't be a 
surprise to him.” 

“You know, I think you are right.  Let's go and see.”  Laughing, they
ran hand in hand back to the house. 

As they burst into the house, Alex, Andy and Maggie looked up to see
what the emergency was.  After seeing the shine of their faces and 
their hands entwined, Alex grinned and asked if congratulations were in 
order.  Jan and David blushed with embarrassment at being caught so, 
but managed to give a nod and grin back. 

“Do you mind at all, Alex?”  Jan asked kneeling down in front of him. 
She knew she would never go against his wishes.  He knew it too and 
loved her all the more. 

“Are you kidding?  I thought you two would never wake up and get
yourselves together!  I was afraid I was going to have to play 
matchmaker.  You have my blessing, Sis!” 

Maggie immediately squealed and hugged Jan, telling her how happy she
was for her, for both of them.  Andy was a little slower in 
understanding the situation, but warmed to the news quickly.  He and 
Jim had talked a time or two about the possibility of them getting 
together, not having any idea that they would.  They both thought it 
would be great. 

Jan and Maggie slipped out to prepare lunch while David and Alex talked.
 David took a lot of teasing from him for taking so long to see what 
was right in front of him. 

“David, there's no other man I could wholeheartedly give my sister to. 
I already know and love you.  It just seems natural for you and Jan to 
be together.  I couldn't be happier for you.” 

“Thanks, Alex.  That means a lot to me.  I promise that I'll always be
good to her and love her.” 

After lunch the two drove over to talk to Gran and Gramps.  They drove
up at the same time Pete and Jim arrived.  Jan and Pete went and sat on 
the porch while David talked to Jim.  Jim was his son now and if he had 
a major problem with Jan, it just wouldn't work out and that's what he 
told him.  There was no need for worry; Jim was thrilled at the idea of 
having Jan for a mom.  David gave him a big hug and they walked up to 
the porch with David's arm around Jim's shoulders.  Jim went straight 
to Jan and gave her a big bear hug.  “Hi, Mom,” he grinned. 

David held his hand out to Jan and they went into the house to tell his
folks.  As was with Alex, they had known there was something special 
between them for a long time and were glad for their decision.  Hugs 
were the order of the day again for everyone.  It was mind boggling to 
Jan and David that everyone had known before they had that they 
belonged together! 

As they finished breakfast Saturday morning, in front of Alex Maggie,
Andy and Jim, David had gotten down on one knee and proposed to Jan.  
He hadn't planned to propose so soon, but it just made sense.  Why 
wait?  Wedding preparations would take time anyway.  They went into 
town and picked out an engagement ring.  The wedding would probably be 
sometime the next summer.  His parents invited all the family over that 
evening to let them know the good news.  Again, the news was well 
received and not really a surprise. 

David made plans to go to visit with Jan's parents and talk to them next
weekend.  It was amazing how much your outlook on life could change in 
just a little while.  Neither of the two could stop grinning for the 
rest of the weekend.  They endured much teasing.  It was hard, but they 
decided not to mention it at church until they had talked to her 
parents.  She would be back in two weeks and they would let everyone 
know. 

Jan and Maggie left Sunday afternoon.  It took forever for Jan and David
to say goodbye.  Their love was so new to them that they had trouble 
letting go for even five days.  This caused them to receive even more 
ribbing, from the guys.  It was so unusual to see the confident and 
self-assured David so distraught at saying goodbye and so lost in his 
new found feelings. 

Jan's parents were thrilled with the news.  They assured David that he
was a wonderful choice for their daughter.  He was greatly relieved and 
grateful for their praise. 

By the time Jan came back and they announced their engagement at the
church, both had gotten a better hold on their feelings.  Still, they 
constantly reached for the other's hand and usually had a big smile on 
their faces.  It was a very happy time for everyone. 

After Christmas they began making plans for the wedding.  They decided
to have the wedding in Jan's home church where she and Alex had grown 
up.  They would be gone for a week on their honeymoon and when they 
came back would have a reception at David's church.  David would not 
tell Jan where they were going for their honeymoon, only that they 
would both love it. 

Alex had gotten used to using the wheel chair in the house whenever he
got tired and lately had not kept up with his physical therapy as he 
should have.  He increased his efforts toward walking unassisted or at 
least with nothing more than a cane for the wedding.  He wanted to walk 
on his own when he acted as best man.  It was a goal he was determined 
to reach. 

Maggie was to be the maid of honor.  Jim, Andy and Pete would be ushers
and David's Dad, two older brothers and his brother-in-law would be his 
groomsmen.  Jan had her ladies picked out. 

The men would be in black tux and the ladies in mint green dresses.  The
decorations would be simple, lots of greenery and a few well placed 
lilies.  A close friend of her mother's was doing her cake as a wedding 
gift and another who was a florist was helping with the flowers.  So 
many people had volunteered to help that there was little left for Jan 
to do but enjoy the anticipation.  It amazed her at the number of 
showers and teas were given for her by friends, church people and those 
at work. 

David began to look at his suite with a new eye, anticipating bringing
his bride in to it.  He knew she liked it as it was, but saw a few ways 
in which he could soften the tones, especially in the bathroom.  Again, 
his sister was a great help.  They brightened the bathroom with new 
rugs and towels.  In the office, an afghan was added on the love seat 
and an oval rug in front of it.  Obviously, this was a place for Jan to 
sit and read while David worked at his desk.  In the bedroom rugs were 
added on either side of the bed and one in front of the dresser.   
Sheers were added under the curtains.  Several matching throw pillows 
on the bed were a perfect accent to the room. 

David made her close her eyes before he opened the door.  He guided her
in and told her to open them.  She was astonished.   Jan could hardly 
believe that he had gone to the trouble of changing things just for 
her.  She had liked it the way it was, but these simple additions made 
it perfect.  These changes, just for her, were a testimony to his 
considerate nature and a taste of what her future would be like with 
him.  He certainly was unusual! 

Another thing he had done for her was to prepare a three flower beds
around the yard.  He knew she loved working in the yard in her flowers 
with her mom.   Her mom had helped him with choosing the size of the 
beds and in selecting what to plant.  By the time the next spring came 
they would be ready for her to work. 

When David showed her the flower beds and told her what was planted for
her, she broke into tears and ran off.  He stood in shock for several 
minutes before breaking out of his trance to go after her.  He found 
her on the porch swing.  Gently he sat down, having no idea what was 
going on.  She was not a crying person.  The only time he had seen her 
cry was when Ann died and they weren't sure if Alex would live.  He 
just sat there.  After what seemed like 30 minutes, but was probably 
only five, she reached for his hand and gave him a weepy smile. 

“David, I am so embarrassed.  I didn't mean to hurt your feelings.  I
was so overwhelmed with your kindness and thoughtfulness.  I've been in 
a lot of friends' weddings and this is not typical for a man to do.  I 
mean, you already re-did the bedroom suite and now this.  Oh, I love 
you so much and can't wait until we get married.” 

He smiled and took her into his arms, greatly relieved that he had not
been guilty of hurting her.  “I love you, too, Jan, and can hardly wait 
until I can do even more for you.  I look forward to spoiling you 
rotten!” 

“I think I can get used to that.” She said quietly. 

Alex found them just like that half an hour later.  Lunch was ready and
waiting.  He had become quite a cook lately and found that he greatly 
enjoyed it.  That was fortunate for the household of four men. 

After Alex came to live with David, he began to get restless after about
a month for something to do.  Finally, he started doing some research 
and writing a booklet for the museum where he had worked.  It gave a 
bit of background to the various areas of the museum.  If these were 
made available to anyone and sent out to the schools before they 
visited, they could discuss what they were going to see and enjoy the 
museum experience more.  Most people, even adults, got bored because 
they didn't understand the significance of what they saw.  He had had 
the idea for a long time but never had time to produce it.  He had 
finished it in six months and the museum loved it. 

Since then he had been working on an adventure story involving a museum
curator looking for artifacts.  It had started out as a serious 
non-fiction work, but after presenting some of it to the boys, saw that 
they would probably not read it.  He began to think about how he could 
weave an exciting story around the sound research he was doing.  Now 
the boys waited eagerly for the next chapter to be finished. 

David had discussed plans with Alex to build an addition to the back of
the house with the purpose of one of the rooms being an office for 
Alex.  His room was a bit crowded now with his computer, printer, work 
table and the bedroom furniture.  It should be finished by spring.  
Alex was grateful and excited.  He had come to    enjoy writing so much 
that he was going to ride this wave for a while instead of searching 
for another job teaching or with another museum.  He had also been 
doing some tutoring for local students and taking care of the required 
history classes for the boys.  He had insisted upon paying his way in 
one way or another since he came, over David's objections. 

When Jan and David went on their honeymoon, he and Andy planned to spend
the week at his parents'.  Maggie would be there and he looked forward 
to it.  They would all come back for the reception at church for Jan 
and David.  Jim would come back with Pete and stay the week. 

The wedding date quickly approached.  June 30 was the date.  David still
would not tell Jan where they were going.  Alex was the only one who 
knew, and that was only for emergency purposes.  Jan knew she would 
never get the secret from Alex.  From childhood she knew that he was 
the best secret keeper in the world.  Jan had done a little traveling 
in the US, but preferred to stay close to home.  Foreign travel held no 
desire for her.  She knew that whatever he planned she would enjoy, 
because she would be with him.  They could go to the next town for all 
she cared. 

The addition to the house was completed in April and Alex was happy as a
lark to have his own office.  His work went faster by day and he rested 
better at night since he didn't have his work right in front of him.  
The adventure book was almost finished and he was looking for a 
publisher. 

The school year was over.  Home schooling all three boys together was
working out great.  Gran, Alex and David were very serious when it came 
to lesson time and insisted on their best work from the boys.  They had 
taken several field trips to historical areas near by and a few museums 
in surrounding areas.  Jim could drive to the closer locations, but 
David went along for the longer trips.  He loved going, in fact.  Alex 
could make the most mundane event come alive for them.  It had been a 
good year, but all were happy to see summer arrive. 

The magical day finally came.  The rehearsal, the supper and even the
wedding was everything they could hope for.  The bride was beautiful, 
of course.  David had threatened Jan with setting a record for the 
longest kiss at the end of the ceremony.  She was half afraid that he 
would try it.  But, he gave her a perfectly acceptable kiss. 

They changed clothes and left amidst a covering of bird seed thrown over
them and shouts of congratulations as they pulled off in a fully 
decorated car complete with dragging tin cans.  Pete, Jim and Andy had 
led the decorating crew and had done a thorough job.  David had let 
them do whatever they wanted to the car, except that they could not 
raise the hood or do anything to the motor area.  Without telling 
anyone at all, he had arranged for a rental car near by.  They would 
clean up his car and deliver it back home.  Their wedding night was 
spent in a quaint little bed and breakfast not too far away.  He knew 
that they would be too tired to drive far after the whirl of activities 
that week.  He knew also that he would be anxious to have his new wife 
all to himself, finally. 

Jan awoke the next morning to soft kisses caressing her face.  With a
smile she pulled him to her and laid her head against his chest.  She 
had never felt so safe and cared for in her life.  A quiet knock on the 
door brought them back to earth.  David pulled the covers farther up on 
them and sat up as he called for them to come in.  The lady carried a 
silver coffee tray and the gentleman had a tray of tiny pastries and 
breakfast nuggets.  After setting them on the table at the foot of the 
bed, they quietly left.  David had known this was coming but it was a 
sweet surprise to Jan.  Eagerly they tasted the delicacies and had 
their first morning coffee as man and wife. 

They finally showered and dressed.  The bed and breakfast had a
beautiful garden walk complete with a fountain with gold fish.  It was 
a great location and a perfect setting for a much needed day of rest.  
Lunch was delicious as expected, served family style at a huge round 
table with the other guests. 

At one o'clock they left for the airport.  Jan still didn't know where
they were going until they came to the terminal gate.  Now she new it 
was New York, but not what was planned there.  She would just have to 
wait and see.  Their flight was smooth and on time. The taxi brought 
them to the door of an elegant looking hotel and they were escorted to 
the Honeymoon Suite.  Inside she found a beautiful bouquet of roses 
with a note from Alex, Andy and Jim. As they looked around, there was a 
tray on the credenza with fresh fruit and Godiva chocolates.  The 
kitchenette held any kind of beverage they could desire.  The 
furnishings were elegant and plush.  Neither had ever seen anything 
like it.  David had just known that it was a five star motel and 
requested the best suite.  He knew nothing of the amenities that came 
with it.  He was impressed and pleased. 

Their dinner reservations were at 7 pm.  David had told her to bring
several very nice outfits and a simple evening gown.  Jan was exquisite 
in the long formal gown she had bought.  She thought he was elegantly 
handsome dressed in a new tux.  They went down to the lobby where a 
photographer was waiting to get a picture of the honeymoon couple 
leaving for dinner.  A complimentary photo would be given to them 
before they left and a copy sent to their respective home town 
newspapers. 

A taxi took them to a well known restaurant.  It was exciting to see
this laid back country man of hers fitting in perfectly with this 
formal atmosphere.  Would the surprises about this man ever cease?  She 
had a feeling that they were just beginning; and she thought she had 
known him very well.  The meal was everything they expected and more.  
As they were finishing their meal, musicians came to their table and 
played a lovers' melody.  A lady pinned a corsage on Jan and a 
boutonnière on David.  Another person placed a tiny wedding cake for 
two on the table.  Their faces expressed their thanks when words failed 
them. 

The days were spent shopping and going to museums and other sites of
interest.  Each evening they went to a show or play.  Jan felt as if 
she were living in a dream.  She was a home town girl and would never 
have chosen this for a honeymoon, but she loved it all.  How had David 
known that she would like it when she didn't? 

David was having the time of his life watching the pleasure on his
wife's face at each new experience.  He was often wined and dined when 
out of town on jobs.  While it wasn't what he would like daily, he 
enjoyed it because it was different.  Of course, some of the treatment 
they had received had been a surprise even to him.  They felt like they 
had spent the week in a wonder land and had much to tell the family and 
friends back home.  Friday morning came and they were ready to check 
out.  The week had been great, but they were ready to see things 
familiar. 

David's unmarried brother, Justin, met them at the airport and welcomed
them home.   Alex and Andy would return with Maggie tomorrow and Jim 
was still with Pete.  Their first night at home found them alone.  It 
certainly wouldn't be the norm so they enjoyed it.  They slept in 
Saturday morning, but were up and busy by the time Alex, Andy and 
Maggie arrived after lunch. 

The reception at the church that night was so much more than they
expected.  Many brought gifts for the couple and everyone congratulated 
them.  They were amazed at how many were there.  And the food!  There 
was enough for an army.  It was a good thing that the reception had 
started early, about 4.  People didn't start leaving until after 7.  It 
seemed everyone was having a good time visiting and keeping an eye on 
the new couple.  A tired but happy group returned to the big house and 
quickly retired. 

All good things must come to an end.  It was time to get back to the
every day things of life.  Jan began to get settled in to her new home. 
 It was good that she had lots to do because David got called out on a 
big job that Tuesday and didn't get back until Friday morning.  They 
had detained him for a lecture the day after the emergency.  It was 
really hard for the couple, but they knew this would happen from time 
to time and accepted it. 

In just a few weeks they would have their annual 4th of July cookout. 
There would be a few additions to the group this year.  David's sister, 
Esther, had a six month old little girl.  Maggie was bringing a young 
man with her this year.  Even confirmed bachelor Justin, was bringing a 
date. 

There was a bright moon out tonight.  David stood on the front porch
lost in thought.  A lot had happened in the last few years and the 
coming year would bring even more happenings.  With a new wife at his 
side, a house full of those he loved, the kind of parents and siblings 
everyone should have and work he enjoyed, David couldn't be happier. 

Jan came up and slipped her arm around his waist.  “A penny for your
thoughts, sir.” 

“I was just thinking about all the hearts brought together in the past
three years and merged together in love under this roof.  I think that 
I'm the luckiest man alive.” 

With that he took Jan into his arms and gave her a kiss that left her in
no doubt at all in her mind that she was the luckiest woman alive! 


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