On Hold for Now

I’m going to leave Sunny Day Romance for a while (although it will always be here if you want to re-read the stories).

There are so many things going on in my life right now with our family and my writing. I have several hopeful writing projects I’m working on this year, but getting published takes much prayer and perseverance. (Your prayers in this regard would definitely be appreciated!)

Thank you for reading my blog! 

May the Lord direct your paths as you trust in Him (Proverbs 3:5 & 6).

It's Friday again!

I hope you’ve had a good week. Today I have another romantic short story for your reading pleasure. Enjoy!

The Hospital Encounter

Erin paused outside Room 312, dreading another encounter with her stubborn patient. If Mr. Kowalski threw his jello against the wall one more time…

Taking a deep breath, she pushed at the door, leaving it propped open. “Time to take your blood pressure, Mr. Kowalski.” She smiled at the elderly man in the hospital bed.  

         “My blood pressure? Again?” His droopy mustache moved with each syllable. “Everyone’s always bothering me. How am I supposed to get well if I can’t rest?”

         Erin sighed. All the nurses wished this man would get well. “We’re trying to help you. Pneumonia is a very serious—”

         “Don’t tell me! I can feel the pain in my chest.” He sat up. “I’m leaving.”

         Alarmed, Erin placed her hand on his shoulder. “Mr. Kowalski! You can’t get up.”

         “Of course I can!” He swung his legs out from under the sheet, the thin hospital gown inching up his knees. “I’m going home!”

         But as his feet touched the floor, he doubled over, coughing. Erin jabbed the call button for the nurse’s station, then grabbed him around the waist as he continued hacking.

         “Need some help?”

         That was fast.

At the sound of the baritone voice Erin glanced toward the door, expecting to see an orderly or male nurse. Instead, a handsome man dressed in jeans and a polo shirt stood in the doorway, holding an open wallet in his hand.  

         Mr. Kowalski stopped coughing and leaned weakly against Erin.

She nodded toward the bed. “I could use your help.”

The man strode into the room. “Now, sir.” He grabbed Mr. Kowalski under the arms, and Erin felt the older man’s weight lift away. “Let’s get you back in bed.”

Erin pulled the sheet up, concerned about her patient. Leaning back against the pillow, Mr. Kowalski closed his eyes. After a moment he was breathing evenly.

She motioned the helpful man out into the hallway. “Thanks so much. Mr. Kowalski should be okay now.”

Veronica, another nurse, joined them. “Did you press the call button?”

“It’s all taken care of.” Erin glanced up at the man. “Thanks to this guy.”

“The name’s Chad. I was walking by and heard the commotion.” He motioned down the hall. “My grandmother is in Room 304.”

Erin’s eyes widened. “Lydia Cartwright? She’s such a sweet woman and has so many visitors. You must have a close-knit family.”

“We do.” His paused. “I’m planning to visit Grandma tomorrow. If you have any more trouble with your patient, I’m your knight in shining armor.” He grinned before he turned to go.

Erin’s heartbeat fluttered as she watched him walk down the hallway and out the door.

Veronica smiled. “Looks promising. You’ll have to ask Lydia about her grandson.”

Later, as Erin peeked into Mr. Kowalski’s room, something on the edge of the bed caught her eye. A wallet. Opening it, she glanced at Chad’s picture on his driver’s license. Chad Edward Hoffman. The license listed an address but no phone number.

And tomorrow was his birthday.

Walking down to Room 304, she entered Lydia’s room. The bedside table held a cheery bouquet of flowers in a basket. She glanced at the card, written in neat masculine printing. Get well quick, Grandma! With all my love, Chad.

Erin’s heart melted.

Lydia opened her eyes. “Oh, hello.” Her smile was weak. “Time for my medicine again?”

“Not yet.” Erin held up the wallet. “Your grandson left this here. I need to call him but his phone number isn’t on his driver’s license.”

The woman frowned. “Chad’s number is on my cell phone. Look in my purse.”

At Lydia’s direction, Erin found the phone and called Chad. Her heartbeat quickened when his baritone voice filled her ear.

“My wallet?” He paused. “Hey, you’re right—it’s gone. Whew! Thanks for finding it.”

Twenty minutes later, Chad stood beside his grandmother’s bed, the wallet in his hand. “Thanks again, Erin. I’m glad you recovered this. I should give you a reward for returning it.”

“No, no.” She laughed as she held up her hand. “You helped me with Mr. Kowalski. That’s all the reward I need.”

Lydia cleared her throat. “Here’s an idea, Chad. Why don’t you reward this sweet nurse by taking her out to lunch tomorrow?” She raised an eyebrow. “And she could help you celebrate your birthday.” Lydia turned to Erin. “What do you say, dear?”

“Sure.” Erin glanced shyly at Chad. “If it’s okay with him.”

“More than okay.” Chad’s eyes held hers. “I won’t turn down lunch with a pretty woman. Just don’t tell anyone it’s my birthday.” He winked. “I don’t want all the waiters to gather around and sing.”

Erin grinned, looking forward to tomorrow when she could spend her lunch hour with Chad Hoffman. “Your secret’s safe with me.”

And to think she owed it all to that stubborn Mr. Kowalski.

* * *

Until next Friday, may the Lord bless you!

A Romantic Story for You

It’s the day after Valentine’s Day, so here’s a short romantic story. Hope you enjoy it!

The Secret Admirer

Today was a milestone—my first anniversary as Office Manager for the Mathematics Department at Cunningham University. Not that anyone would remember.

         I entered my office and stopped short. A beautiful bouquet of red carnations sat on my desk. Someone had remembered! With trembling fingers, I opened the little envelope.

         “Hey, girlfriend!” Trina Wright, a faculty assistant, smiled from the doorway. “Look at those carnations. Who’s the guy?”

         Laughing, I pulled the card from the envelope. Not even Trina could burst my happiness. “It’s been one year since—oh!” Reading the card, I frowned. “Well, it’s not what I thought.”

         Trina grabbed the card. “To Amber, from your Secret Admirer.” Her eyes widened. “Whoa, girl!”

         Wishing I could have found out in private, my face grew warm. Now the entire department would know within fifteen minutes. Maybe five. “We’d better get to work, Trina.”

         She smirked. “Don’t you want to guess who sent the flowers?”

         “No.” I sat at my desk and pushed the play button on my CD player. The calming strains of Mozart drifted out.

         Trina didn’t move. “It’s either Prof. Williams or Darrin. Have you noticed the way Darrin looks at you?” She laughed. “And hey, is Jason coming in to fix the copier this morning?”

         “He’s supposed to.”

         “Jason is my dreamboat.” Trina waltzed from my office.

         I frowned. Could these flowers be from Professor Ron Williams? He was the only single professor in the department, but not my type. Maybe it was Darrin, another faculty assistant. He was kind of cute—and very friendly. Of course, this secret admirer might not be part of the university at all.

         An hour later, Jason stopped at my doorway. “I’m here to fix the copy machine.”

         “Oh, good.” Our two ancient copiers took turns breaking down. Jason was almost a staff member.

         As he meandered out, Darrin stopped by. “Someone’s spending big bucks on you, Amber.” His dimples creased as he smiled. “So it’s a secret admirer, is it?”

         “Yeah.” I grinned. “Thanks for the flowers, Darrin.”

         He put up both hands. “Hey! I didn’t send them.” He disappeared.

         I walked to the door. Jason stood at the copier. Parts lay all over the floor, and Trina seemed to be one of the extras. I shook my head. Trina was on a mission to get that man married—to her. I had to admit Jason was a good-looking catch.

         After lunch I entered my office to find a box of candy on my desk. The card read, “From your secret admirer and a fellow worker.” Well, that certainly narrowed down the field—to Ron or Darrin!

         Jason walked in and handed me a clipboard. “The copier is fixed.”

         “Thanks.” I signed my name on the work order. “Would you like a piece of candy?” I picked up the box. “It’s from my secret admirer, whoever he is.”

         Jason smiled. “Sure.” I never noticed what blue eyes he had. He took the candy and stepped out. “See you next time.”

         “Next time a machine breaks down?” I laughed. “That will be soon.”

         After Jason left, Prof. Ron Williams walked in. “Hi Amber.” Straightening his tie, he glanced at the candy. “Another gift?” 

         I offered him a piece, but he declined. He probably didn’t want to dirty his white teeth.        

The next morning I arrived early, but a fruit basket beat me to the office. Had Ron sent another gift? In private I opened the card. “From your secret admirer and friend. Remember, if it’s not broke, don’t fix it.”

         Puzzled, I slipped the card into my purse. Why didn’t this guy just ask me out?

         At ten o’clock, Trina burst into my office. “Copier number two is jammed! You’d better call Jason.”

         I reached for the phone. Trina had probably jammed it—on purpose!

Sitting at my desk an hour later, I closed my eyes as the violins of a Mozart sonata flowed over my soul. I loved his music. It was so calming. Must be why people had their babies listen to it.

         “I’m here to fix the copier.”

         I opened my eyes to see Jason standing in front of my desk. He handed me a brown envelope. “This was outside your door. Your secret admirer strikes again.”

I pulled out a ticket to a Mozart symphony concert. “Wow!” A feeling of excitement rushed through me as I studied a typewritten note. “I can’t believe this! He invited me to a concert, and it’s tonight!” 

Jason cocked an eyebrow. “Are you going?”

“Of course! I have to find out who this guy is.”

At eight o’clock that night, I took my seat in the symphony hall. The empty seat next to me was probably intended for my secret admirer. But who was he?  

I glanced around, trying to stop my hands from shaking. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was Professor Ron. He was always late.

So why was I nervous?

Deep in my heart, I hoped it wasn’t Ron. And I hoped it wasn’t Darrin. That only left…

A man sat down beside me. I turned, and my heart swelled as I met his blue eyes. “Jason?”

He grinned. “Happy anniversary, Amber.”

* * *

I hope you had a good day with your Valentine. Until next Friday, may God bless!

Following Jesus

Sometimes life is an uphill climb. It’s hard. As the Bible says, we need to keep our eyes on Jesus as our example (Hebrews 12:2).

Jesus Christ had strong character. While he lived on earth, he had a good reputation with steadfast scriptural principles. And he never changes (Hebrews 13:8). He’s still the same.

How he responded in the Gospels is how he will respond to us today.

When Jesus taught in Nazareth, His hometown, the people remembered him as a boy. Even though he performed some miracles, they didn’t believe he was the Christ. Jesus marveled at their unbelief (Mark 6:6). Does he marvel at our lack of faith in him?

When the disciples worried, Jesus said they had little faith. Their heavenly Father knew of their needs. He would take care of them (Matthew 6:30-33). Do we worry, or trust God?

When Jesus visited Mary and Martha, he told Martha she was too concerned about this life. Mary chose to listen to Jesus’ words—a needful and good thing which would not be taken away from her (Luke 10:38-42). Do we spend time in God’s Word?

When a Roman centurion asked Jesus to “speak the word only” to heal his servant, Jesus was amazed at his faith (Matthew 8:5-10). Is Jesus amazed to see our great faith in him?

When Jesus healed the ten lepers, only one came back to thank him (Luke 17:17). Jesus expected to be thanked. Are we grateful for what God has done for us?

The list could go on and on. The Gospels show us the character of Jesus, and how we should act and react to the circumstances of our lives.

Life can be an uphill climb. Are you following Jesus?

* * *

Until next Friday, may the Lord bless!

Another Short Story

Isn’t this a pretty picture? When I look at the Rocky Mountains, I’m reminded of Psalm 121:1 and 2, “I will lift up mine eyes until the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.”

Today’s blog entry is another short story I sent to Woman’s World magazine, but it wasn’t accepted for publication. So I’ll publish it here. (You can re-read the other short stories I posted on Sunny Day Romance by going back into the Archives. My story “Hot Lunch” was posted on Tuesday, October 30, 2012, and “Double Take” was posted the next day on Wednesday, October 31.)

Beyond Her Wildest Dreams

Darlene bit her lip as she surveyed the black and chrome décor in the main office. She definitely had her work cut out for her. If only she could get this job—it would be the biggest decorating assignment of her career! A dream job.

         The entire top floor of the building was to be remodeled for a new accounting firm that was moving in. Darlene wandered into another room and grimaced at the orange shag carpet.

         “Hi there.”

         She looked behind the door from where the male voice came.

A man in coveralls lifted a large framed print off the wall. “You must be one of those decorating people.” He glanced at the clipboard in her hand as he set the frame on the floor. “This place sure could use a face-lift.”

         He must be the maintenance man, and a handsome one at that. “Yes, I’m Darlene Satterlee from Satterlee Custom Decorations.” Glancing around the room, she almost shuddered at the 1980s modern art and furniture. “I’d love to redecorate this floor, but Mr. Linnington, the CEO, is looking at several design companies.”

         The man nodded as he hefted another frame off the wall. “So what would you do differently, Darlene?”

         She laughed. “Get rid of this shag carpet, for one thing.”

         His gray eyes studied her as he grinned. “Good move. I don’t think the boss likes it.”

         “Oh, do you work for him, Mr., uh—”

         “My friends call me Sam.” He grinned. “Yeah, Linnington and I are pretty good friends.”

         Darlene raised her eyebrows. “Then maybe you would know his taste in decorating.”

         He shrugged. “Brown’s his favorite color.”

         “Hmm…” She looked at the modern chrome chairs. “Maybe he would like wood furnishings.”

         Sam daubed some putty at a hole in the wall. “These walls need a new coat of paint, although wallpaper might be the way to go.”

         Tapping her pen against her lips, Darlene thought out loud. “Perhaps a hunting or fishing motif in the wallpaper.”

         Sam wiped his hands on a rag. “I know he wouldn’t like some sissy frou-frou décor.”

         “Frou-frou?” She laughed. “I believe that pertains to lace on women’s clothing, not decorating.”

         His face reddened. “You know what I mean. Most women decorators have a tendency toward that frou-frou look.”

         She smiled. “On your recommendation, I’ll stay away from frou-frou and go for a classic wood look.”

         Two days later, Darlene stood nervously in the large conference room. She had her presentation all ready, and so did two other people: a woman from Total Decorations, and a man from Floor Plans, Inc. Both were big companies that had decorated dozens of office buildings. Darlene’s heart sank. She didn’t have a chance.

         Five men and two women were seated around the conference table. Darlene noted that Sam was one of them, and he was wearing a suit! He must be higher up in the company than she thought.

         Another man opened the meeting. “My name is Calvin Willis of Linnington, Willis and Hoye Accounting. We’ll ask Ms. Chester of Total Decorations to give her presentation first.”

         As the woman showed her ideas, Darlene caught Sam’s eye. He smirked and mouthed, “Frou-Frou.” Darlene tried not to chuckle.

         Next, Mr. Betts presented the ideas from Floor Plans, Inc. Darlene thought they seemed austere and sterile. They might be appropriate for a hospital…

         Finally it was her turn. “I thought Mr. Linnington might like a more masculine office.” She showed her ideas of built-in bookcases, wood furniture, sample wallpapers, and tan carpet.

         The group applauded, and Sam winked at her. Mr. Willis came back to the front. “Thank you, decorators. We’ll get in touch with you after we make our decision. You are dismissed.”

         Darlene picked up her things and started toward the exit.

         “Good job, Darlene.” Sam smiled as she walked past him.

         “Thanks.” She paused and glanced back at the other businessmen who were talking among themselves. “By the way, which one is Mr. Linnington?”

         He raised his eyebrows. “I am, of course.”

         “No, you’re not.” She laughed. “Come on. Tell me who he is.”

         A woman approached him. “Mr. Linnington, you have a phone call on line one.”

         “Thanks, Sue.”

         Darlene’s mouth dropped open.

         He winked at her. “See you later.” He walked toward an inner office.

         Two weeks later, Darlene received a contract in the mail from Linnington, Willis and Hoye Accounting Firm. She got the job! Not only was this the job of her dreams, but the pay was more than she could have imagined.

         On the last page, where she was to sign the contract, a post-it note was attached. How about dinner with me this Friday? (I’m glad you didn’t do frou-frou.) Sam Linnington.

Darlene laughed. A date with Sam Linnington!

That was beyond her wildest dreams.

* * *

Until next Friday, may the Lord bless you abundantly!

Too much to do...

Have you ever heard the saying, “So many books, so little time?”

That’s how I feel about writing. I have so many book ideas in my brain, but so little time to get them down on paper. As author Randy Ingermanson said, “It’s a lot easier to read a book than it is to write one!”

So true.

In that spirit, I’m changing Sunny Day Romance to a one-day-a-week blog. Every Friday, I will share a short story, or a devotional, or photos of my grandkids, or just some thoughts about…something. That will free up my time to write books that might actually be published in book form someday!

Thank you so much for your patronage, dear reader! I appreciate each of you. Please make a note to come back every Friday and visit with me at Sunny Day Romance.

Until Friday, God bless!

In Review...

We have just finished Dead as a Girdle, also known as DAAG. This is the second book we’ve read on Sunny Day Romance. I hope you enjoyed reading it.

You can always re-read the stories by scrolling back to the beginning (going through “older posts”), or you can go into the Archives on the sidebar and click on each chapter (from bottom to top).

The first story, Romance by Design (about Goldie and Ryan), began on Monday, September 3, 2012, and the second one, Dead as a Girdle (about Janelle and Ben), began on Monday, November 5, 2012.

So we’ve had a romance story and a mystery story. What type of fiction do you like to read? Even if you’ve never commented on this blog (which is most of you!), leave a comment today. Some of the categories are romance, mystery, literary, women’s fiction, science fiction, fantasy, classic, Amish, Biblical… There’s a lot of genres in fiction! So tell me what you enjoy reading.

Tomorrow we’ll talk about future plans for Sunny Day Romance. Until then, God bless!