RECAPTURING HER HEART

RECAPTURING HER HEART
Friday, February 16, 2024 by JENNIFER SLATTERY

Categories: Friday's Fiction / GUEST AUTHORS

PLEASE WELCOME

JENNIFER SLATTERY

FICTION FRIDAY

THE STORY BEHIND THE STORY

When women comfort upset babies, they typically sing about sweet dreams, gently rocking cradles, or twinkling stars. Or, as was often the case with me, tweaked Sunday school songs about Jesus’ perfect love or spontaneously made-up lyrics with similar messages. Men, however, like to belt out movie theme songs or other random jingles picked up throughout their lives.

At least, this was how my husband soothed our daughter. Overall, she was a happy and content baby who loved to observe her surroundings. And when tired, she didn’t grow fussy or fight to stay awake. She simply conked out. One minute, she’d be happily eating spaghetti in her highchair, the next, I’d find her with her eyes closed and her face on her plate.

There were times, however, when she’d begin to cry—such as when strapped in her car seat for a long drive. Immediately reaching for her foot or her hand, I began to sing. When this failed to help, my husband would start crooning “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” or the Green Beret theme song.

And this almost always worked!

Although we joke about this now, my husband’s unusual soothing tactics became one of my favorite memories of him as a father. So much so that I incorporated this comical yet endearingly tender behavior in my latest release, Recapturing Her Heart. In one scene, Harper Moore goes to CJ Jenkin’s home to help him prepare for an upcoming chainsaw carving content. She brings her infant daughter with her, setting her in a mobile playpen while she leads CJ in activities intended to increase his creativity, simultaneously taking video clips and photos.

Here's what happens next:

What had she just agreed to? Accepting his dinner invite might not have been such a horrible idea, if her insides didn’t practically melt to mush whenever he turned his green eyes her way. Or, if she wasn’t growing increasingly attached to him, her internal reactions creeping toward pre-breakup intensity. Or, if seeing him holding his chainsaw, his thick brows pinched in concentration, his biceps flexing, hadn’t almost made her regret walking away five years ago.

Almost. She’d made the right decision, for them both. Regardless of how things had turned out for her—temporarily—she’d been able to tour with a professional dance company. And in her absence, CJ had birthed a dream. She could tell by watching him that carving made him feel alive in much the same way dance did her. Had she stayed, his constant focus on her could’ve kept him from discovering his passion for carving.

And now? They both kept moving—him toward becoming a successful artist and her toward returning to the stage. Saying goodbye, again, would hurt. But they’d healed before and would do so again.

With a sigh, she placed a handful of Emaline’s sensory toys back into her diaper bag alongside her folded Noah’s ark blanket, draped the strap over her shoulder, and climbed CJ’s steps. He’d left the front door open and his deep voice drifting through the screen caused her heart to stutter.

He was singing! Stepping inside, she paused to make out the song, then suppressed a giggle.

Harper smiled and leaned a shoulder against the doorframe separating the living room from the kitchen. “That’s a lullaby I’ve not heard before. What’s it called?”

A hint of pink settled into his face. “It’s The Green Berets movie theme song.”

She quirked an eyebrow at him. “Quite soothing and whimsical, I’m sure.”

He laughed. “She looked like she was about to fuss, and those were the only lyrics I could think of.”

“About to fuss, huh? Must have been terrifying.” How easily she was falling back into their old teasing banter. Was that a sign of friendship or further indication that her heart was inching in a forbidden direction?

He gave a one-shoulder shrug and turned toward his cupboards, her daughter looking quite content tucked between his chest and arm.

Either Harper had hurt him or he, too, had sensed their precarious footing—an indication that he’d closed his heart to her as firmly as she was trying to close hers to him.

She came up beside him and placed a hand on his shoulder, a surge of warmth shooting through her upon contact. “I was just teasing. Would you like me to take her?”

He glanced at Emaline with a look of wonder in his eyes. “I don’t mind.”

Maybe she was reading too much into this, but she sensed he wanted to say no. Funny, he’d always been great with kids—the way he used to get the children she babysat laughing! But she never remembered him looking at them with the almost paternal fondness with which she’d caught him gazing at Emaline.

Thinking this way would only make it harder when it came time for her to leave.

As you can see, Harper was as touched by CJ’s unconventional lyrics as I was with my husband’s, years ago. There’s something incredibly attractive about a man who is simultaneously strong and tender, however that tenderness emerges.

Do you have any similar examples—of your husband (if married), your father, or perhaps a grandfather? If so, I’d love to read them! Share them in the comments below.

ABOUT JENNIFER SLATTERY

Jennifer Slattery is a writer, podcast host, and speaker who has addressed women’s groups, church groups, Bible studies, and other writers across the nation. She’s the lead host of the “Faith Over Fear” podcast and cohost, with four others, of the Your Daily Bible Verse podcast. She also maintains devotional blogs found JenniferSlatteryLivesOutLoud.com and is a regular contributor to iBelieve.com. Connect with her on Facebook and Instagram, and follow her author page on Amazon. When not writing, reading, or editing, Jennifer loves playing games with her family, working puzzles, and adventuring with her hilariously fun husband. Contact her through her website to learn more or to book her to speak at your next event.

ABOUT RECAPTURING HER HEART

What she’s always wished for… might be right here at home.

When she loses her job, professional dancer Harper Moore returns to her Texas hometown with one goal in mind—leaving again. But first, she needs money for her big move, even if that means working for her ex-boyfriend. CJ Jenkins is certain he can help the single mom and keep his still-bruised heart intact. But as old feelings resurface, can they let go of the past for a new dream together?

From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

Buy Recapturing Her Heart here: https://www.amazon.com/Recapturing-Her-Heart-Uplifting-Inspirational/dp/1335597255

Share This Blog: