It all begins with calamity, faith, and a flat tire. When Kennedy bumps into a handsome stranger on the highway, she starts the ride of her life on a road of divine design that will lead to her dreams if she only has the faith to follow it. This delightful tale combines wit and romance with the reality that change is difficult, but it can bring about some of life’s greatest adventures.Excerpt from Divinely Designed
“How in the world did you fit all this stuff in your trunk?”
“Honestly, I have no idea.” She laughed as she bent to pick up the nearest suitcase and tossed it in the trunk. A bag soon followed. When she reached for the teddy bear, he held up a hand.
“Please tell me there’s some method to your madness.”
“Of course there is. Once everything is in, I jump really hard on top of the trunk to get it closed.”
He looked her up and down skeptically, obviously doubting her flyweight frame could do anything of the kind. “I’ve got a better idea,” he said. “How about you hand all your things to me, and I’ll pack it for you?”
“I think I’ve put you out too much as it is. Seriously, I can finish up here.”
“You obviously don’t know the definition of the word gentleman if you think I’m going to leave you like this.”
“Okay, okay, you win again.” She handed him a box and bent to retrieve a duffle bag.
Taking out the few things she’d already thrown inside, he meticulously began repacking her trunk. “So, where are you headed?”
Not wanting to start a personal conversation, she said only, “Tempe.”
“Really?” He sounded genuinely interested. “What for?”
“If you couldn’t guess by looking in and around my car, I’m moving there.”
“Why?”
Kennedy handed him another bag. “Are you always such a snoop?”
Shrugging, he grinned. “I like to call it curious.”
“Same thing,” she responded. “You’re just euphemizing the word.”
“Well, aren’t you an optimist?” he said, rephrasing his earlier question. “So, what brings you to Arizona?”
“A job.” She picked up another box and handed it to him.
“What kind of a job?” He fit the box snugly between two bags.
“What is this, twenty questions?” She handed over one last bag, watching in wonder as he fit it easily beside a box, threw the remaining clothes on top, and effortlessly slammed the trunk closed. Her mouth opened in disbelief. “How did you do that?”
“What can I say? I’m a miracle worker.” He leaned back against the car casually, folded his arms, and stared at her. “So are you going to tell me what kind of a job would make you move to Tempe in the middle of the summer? I have to admit, you’ve intrigued me, and I’m not easily intrigued.”
“Okay, fine,” she said, wanting nothing more than to return to her car and crank up the air conditioning. “I just graduated in interior design from a school in Utah called Brigham Young University, and I landed a job as a design assistant for an exceptional, high-profile firm. I’m not usually so lucky. Believe me. I am going to be living with three other girls in an apartment. Even though I didn’t get around to running background checks, I’m told they are sweet girls, so you don’t need to worry. I’m originally from a suburb near Albuquerque. I have no pets, unless you count Pineapple,” she gestured toward the teddy bear, “and I received a speeding ticket last year about this time.” Kennedy paused to take a breath. “There, now you know my whole life story—any more questions?”
He didn’t attempt to disguise his smile. “If it weren’t ridiculously hot out here, I’d keep badgering you for the fun of it, but I’ll refrain and let you go.”
“How thoughtful,” she replied wryly, feeling slightly guilty for her behavior.
Before she could offer any words of apology, he began, “Listen, Miss . . . ?”
“Kennedy,” she said simply. “And you are?”
“Braxton Taylor.” He smiled, extending his hand. “And I do apologize for plaguing you with my presence.”
Allowing a slight smile to touch her lips, she shook his hand and replied contritely. “Believe it or not, I am sorry for being such a grouch. I blame the heat.”
“Ah, so what you’re saying is—”
“Oh, please don’t start analyzing me again.” Reaching in her pocket, she pulled out her car keys. “I really do appreciate your help, though. It would have taken much longer if you hadn’t come along, so thanks.”
“My pleasure.” He started walking back toward his truck. Thinking he was finally leaving, Braxton once again surprised her when he stopped next to her car and pulled open the door, waiting patiently for her to get in.
“Wow, you really are a gentleman.” Kennedy smiled as she sank into the driver’s seat. “Thanks again.”
“You’re welcome, Miss Kennedy. And I have to say that you have one heck of a smile.”
Divinely Designed is available at:
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