Where Two Hearts Meet by Carrie Turansky

moment, but he shook it off. Tonight he was the invited guest. Not Peter. Hopefully, that meant there was still a chance—at least a chance to ask forgiveness and straighten out the past.
    He knocked on Allie’s door, then jammed his hands in his jacket pockets and blew out a deep breath. Father, please help me keep my focus on You tonight. That’s not going to be easy. You know how I feel about Allie. Help me want what’s best for her even if things don’t work out the way I hope.
    The door opened. Allie smiled and pushed back the screen door. “Hi, come on in.”
    “Thanks.” She looked great in a red blouse and slim, black pants. Soft rose color flushed her cheeks, and her blue eyes sparkled. He realized he was staring, but she was beautiful. Not like a fashion model or TV star. Allie’s beauty came from her heart and showed in her smile and caring ways.
    As they walked into the living room, he noticed she had moved the two red wingback chairs closer to the fireplace and positioned a small round table between them. The table was set for dinner, complete with sparkling silverware and crystal water glasses. Three large white candles flickered on the mantel and a small fire crackled behind the hearth screen. Wow. She had gone to a lot of work to create a nice atmosphere.
    He pulled in a deep breath. “Something smells great.”
    “Do you mean the candles or the beef stroganoff?”
    He returned her smile. “Both.”
    Allie laughed softly. “Dinner’s all ready. I just need to bring it in.”
    He laid his coat over the end of the couch, then followed her into the kitchen and offered to help. She handed him a basket of rolls. Then she took two dinner plates filled with beef stroganoff, mashed potatoes, and green beans from the oven, and they headed back into the living room.
    As Tyler set the basket on the round table, he noticed a Bible lying on the footstool next to one of the chairs. Stepping back, he took in the scene, and smiled. “This looks just like your painting.” He motioned toward the chairs and table.
    She set down their dinner plates, her eyes glowing. “I wondered if you’d notice.”
    Tyler fingered the white linen tablecloth. “This is really special, Allie. Thanks.”
    “You’re welcome. It’s the least I could do.”
    “And thanks for the basket you sent to the office.”
    She glanced at him as she sat down. “I wanted you to know how much I appreciate everything you’ve done. I hope that was okay.”
    He took a seat. “Well, I’ve never received flowers from a woman before.”
    Her cheeks flamed. “I told them to make it mostly plants and not to put on a bow. I hope it didn’t embarrass you.”
    “No. It was really thoughtful. I put it on my desk, and every time I see it, I remember to pray for you and Sweet Something.”
    “Thanks.” She stared at him and slowly shook her head. “I don’t understand. What happened to you, Tyler? You’re so . . . different.”
    His stomach tensed. This was the opportunity he had been praying for. “I’m glad you see a difference in me. I want to leave the past behind and build a new life with the Lord at the center.”
    “I’m happy for you. I really am. But sometimes I still feel tied to the past.” She lifted her gaze to meet his. “I don’t understand what happened to us.”
    The hurt in her eyes hit him hard. This was going to be more difficult than he’d imagined. He sent off an urgent prayer.
    Tell her the truth. Don't hold back.
    New strength filled him, and the words became clear. “For a long time, I didn’t understand it either. But over the last couple years, I’ve learned a lot, and I think I can explain it now.” He reached for her hand. “But there’s something more important than an explanation, and that’s an apology. Whatever my reasons were for leaving, I know I hurt you, and I’m truly sorry for that. Will you forgive me?”
    Tears glistened in her eyes. “Yes,” she whispered.
    He looked down at his