Groom in Training by Gail Gaymer Martin Page A

physical, but when it involves emo…When it hurts—”
    Her eyes captured his. “You mean, you can respond to tasks and favors, but when it comes to things of the heart, you fail.”
    Nick felt blood drain from his body. She’d recognized it too easily. “That’s one way to say it.” He rested his elbows on his knee and wove his fingers in a knot, unable to look her in the eyes anymore. His mother’s face hung in his thoughts. “Emotional things bother me. I hate seeing anger in Martin. I don’t understand it.” He glanced at her, then lowered his eyes again. “One day I want to get to the bottom of it.” He started to tell her about his mother, but he hesitated. “At the same time, I don’t like to see weakness in me.” He gripped the chair arm, wanting to forget the conversation and just cook the steak. That’s something he did well.
    Steph drew back, a thoughtful expression on her face.
    “No one likes to admit weakness, but we’re all weak at times, Nick. It’s part of life.” She reached over and laid her hand on his. “Men prefer action. It’s natural. They like to fix things.”
    “I try to do what God wants me to do. The Bible says show kindness.”
    She stiffened and withdrew her hand. “Showing kindness sounds like a good way to behave.”
    Nick knew this was time to ask about her faith, but fear stopped him. Maybe he didn’t want to know. “But I miss the boat too often on that one.” Her expression troubled him.
    “Why?”
    Why? The bottom fell out of his stomach. He could see heat waves rising from the grill, and he’d lost his appetite. “That’s not easy to explain.”
    Steph looked uneasy. “Nick, you don’t have to answer. I shouldn’t have asked.”
    “Yes, you should.” His pulsed tripped. “You said it yourself. It’s nice to be open and have someone to talk with.” He licked his lips. “I think the reason is when I help one person, I often disappoint someone else like the other day with Al. He’s a good friend, and I stood him up.”
    “Because you were running Martin’s errand.”
    He nodded, knowing he should tell her about Cara. Even his mother.
    She released a lengthy breath. “It gives you something to think about.” She motioned toward the grill. “I think you need to get those steaks on the grill or the coals will be out.”
    Nick took advantage of the suggestion. He had so many things on his mind. Food was the least of them, but this was supposed to be a holiday picnic, not a counseling session, which is what he needed. He rose and managed to smile. “How do you like your steak?”
    Steph stood, too, and headed for the picnic table. “Any way you make it.”
    He chuckled and strode to the grill. At least he could make her a great steak.
    The mood relaxed before they’d finished their meal. Steph cleared away the food, and Nick lugged away the trash.
    When he returned, he gave Steph a wink and rubbed his hands on his pant legs. “Ready for our bike ride?”
    “Never.” But she grinned. “I am worried I’ll fall. It’s been years and years—”
    “Relax.” He slipped behind her and massaged her shoulders. “You’ll be fine.”
    “I will if you keep that up.” She looked at him over her shoulder. “And what about my cookies? Aren’t we going to have any? They’re homemade.”
    She was stalling. “Bring them with us—and soft drinks. We’ll stop along the road.”
    She gave in, and after he removed the bikes, they loaded their belongings back into the SUV. Nick slipped the cookies and drinks into his seat pack, and as he did, two children hurried toward them with strings of helium balloons.
    “Here,” the little girl said, holding up a blue balloon for him to take.
    Nick’s spirit warmed with the child’s eagerness as he grasped the string. “What’s this for?”
    “For you,” the boy said, and handed one to Steph.
    “Thank you,” she said, accepting a yellow one.
    “Have fun,” the girl called as they bounced away,