Finding Love

CHAPTER 17

Getting to know each other

Ruth was in awe as to what was happening between her and Michael. She was amazed that they shared so much in common. He was also a Christian and helped with many of the charity organizations since coming to town. He moved back home to find himself after a painful breakup five years ago. Ruth had to admit she really liked how kind, and gentle he was with David. They had seen each other a few times now with David and she was delighted each time in getting to know him better. She tried to ignore the lingering stares and gestures he made to capture her attention but past relationships made her cautious of going in too deep.

Michael smiled each time he spent with Ruth. He could feel his heart opening again. However, he needed to know more because he could tell she was hurt before. "Why is a  beautiful woman like you single?" he asked. Ruth was quiet wondering if she should let him in. He was definitely forming a relationship with David who seemed to adore him. Michael touched her gently drawing her eyes back to him. "I can wait if you are not ready to share," he said. Ruth could not help but smile. His patience warmed her heart each time. They sat on a bench and watched David play in the playground with a few of his friends. 

Ruth found herself inundated with warm feelings when it came to Michael Cambridge. How would he react to her past? Ruth shared about her relationship with  Caleb and Thomas. She admitted she was hurt each time thinking she had found love with them both. However, she realized what she had done wrong with each relationship. Ruth admitted she got caught up and never asked God if these men were his will for her life. She also shared the pain of growing up with an abusive father and how she went through abuse with Thomas. She explained how her friend Serenity had died in a car accident with her husband. She shared how she became David's legal guardian four years ago. Ruth reiterated how the stakes were high when it came to her son and they were one package deal. Michael was hurt and troubled that she went through these experiences in past relationships. His heart went out to her and never would allow anyone to hurt her again. Their time together only solidified how much he wanted her in his life. God give me the right words to say in this situation he thought before he spoke. 

Michael reached for her hands and Ruth could not help but smile. He was growing on her and she held his hands. The warmth between them was different, sweet, and reassuring. "I hate that you had to go through these experiences in those relationships but you don't have to live in regret. What the enemy means for evil God turns into your good. You now know what you deserve and what you will not tolerate in your life. Ruth Dawkins, you deserve the best, you deserved to be loved and you deserve to be cherished with the partner God has for your life" he confessed. "Look at what you have accomplished and the organizations you are now a part of after Thomas. I see a strong woman who has persevered with a heart of gold for others,"  Michael stated. "I can also see you are an amazing mother," he acknowledged.

"Are you stalking me, Michael?" Ruth laughed. His heart melted to see and hear the laugh and warmth radiating from her. This woman had him blushing and feeling all vulnerable inside. "Just a little. I googled you and saw your work in the newspaper. You have done remarkable and you are making a big difference," he said proudly. Ruth squeezed his hands gently. "Are you trying to swell my head with all these compliments? What is your end game mister?" she teased.

Ruth swallowed when he looked intensely into her eyes and spoke from his heart. "Well, you ask so I will tell. "You and that little boy are my end game.  I can't erase your past but I can influence your future. I want to be a part of your family," Michael spoke to her directly. Ruth was stunned by his confession. She was not expecting to hear that. There was a bit of silence between them as Ruth gathered her thoughts. She did not want to fall for this man but she could see it was easier said than done. 

Michael smiled, "I wish I could take a tour of your mind." Ruth bit her lips and avoided his eyes for a moment. He found himself becoming lost in many of her mannerisms. This woman had him wrapped around her fingers and she didn't even know the power she possessed. "Time will tell," she admitted. She had heard the words I love you before and you are my future. But look how it all turned out. He felt her sorting through her thoughts. "Ruth, please don't judge me based on your father and the men of your past. I am different and know what it is to be hurt and won't do it to someone I care for so deeply," he admitted.

"What happened with your relationship?" Ruth asked. She wondered if this man was too good to be true. "The first few years of my life I was not saved," he admitted. "I never was really settled and found myself going back and forth with several women with no future. Five years ago it all changed when I met Sharon. I met her after my mom died. I had left town for a while and came back this year.  God works in mysterious ways. Coming back led me to you and David," he announced grateful for their encounter at the gravesite. 

"I thought she was the one. I was happy and thought we were good together for a time but God was missing. Two years into our relationship we both were struggling to hang on. After I got serious about settling down, Sharon's priorities changed. We got engaged but were going through the motions. She cheated on me with a friend and that cut me to the core. Here I was finally committed to someone and ready to go all the way only to be hurt when I thought I found love. it brought me to a dark and confusing place for a while," he admitted. Ruth squeezed his hands gently. She did not realize they were still holding hands. She gently removed her hands prompting Michael to giggle at her realization. 

"I was getting used to holding your hands," he pouted. Ruth laughed. "But with my pain came my reward. I found Jesus Christ. And the last three years through the word I have learned I must first love and be committed to God before I could be committed to anyone else," he said making sure she saw his eyes and deep into his spirit. "Don't forget we are just friends," she said not wanting to admit she was developing feelings for him.

"When you are ready for more I will be right here waiting. I am a patient man," Michael smiled knowing his feelings for her were far beyond friendship. Ruth tried not to blush because his blue eyes were pulling her in little by little. Michael felt his heart beating rapidly at this moment. He was convinced he was falling in love with Ruth Dawkins. Just then David ran into her arms." Auntie Ruth, I am getting hungry," he said. "I guess it's time to go," Ruth said getting up. Ruth was happy David came because things were getting intense between them. She looked up at Michael who was totally smitten by her. "Let me take you out for lunch. It would be my pleasure," he said. "Yes," David cheered enjoying every time he was around Michael. Michael could not help but feel happy. He knew he had found his future.