Christmas Harmony by E.A. West

Author:E.A. West [West, E.A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: christian Fiction
Publisher: Pelican Book Group
Published: 2015-10-15T00:00:00+00:00

7

Malachi was ready for a nice long break. He had a couple of weeks with no commitments to relax, get used to his dog, and lick the wounds inflicted by Tawny’s silence. Why had he ever thought he had a chance with her?

Schecter’s face appeared and covered him in doggy kisses.

Malachi laughed as he gently pushed the dog back.

“I know, I know. I need to focus on you, not the junk dragging me down.”

Schecter planted himself across his lap.

“You’re a good boy, Schecter. You do just right.”

The fluffy tail thumped against the back of the couch as adoring eyes gazed up at Malachi. If nothing else, he could thank Tawny for enabling him to find his new best friend.

“I miss her, bud.” Malachi stroked the dog from head to mid-back. “You’re a great friend and an amazing helper, but I want human companionship. Preferably of the female persuasion. I don’t think I was meant to be alone, but finding a woman who can stand me is a huge challenge.”

Tawny understood having challenges. Surely that should enable her to see the man deep inside.

Schecter did a good job of keeping him from getting lost, but he wanted a human who could reassure him he wasn’t a monster. That he was worthy of love. Schecter lifted his head and whined.

“I know. I’m going down that path again. Why don’t I give you some dinner and then go pick up my own? I have no interest in cooking tonight.”

The dog was halfway to the bowl before Malachi could get off the couch.

Once he finished the dog care, he left an unhappy Schecter inside and locked the door. He would walk the three blocks to a small diner. The physical activity in the crisp December air helped clear his mind and gave him a chance to rethink possibly having a romantic relationship with an autistic woman.

She was probably rethinking possibly having a relationship with a traumatized veteran. Catching the negative turn, he looked up at the star-filled sky. “God, help me to stay positive. I may be a mess, but I’m Your mess. That means something. A lot, actually. Please help me to remember You love me just the way I am. I’m a work in progress, but with You guiding me, I know I’ll get there eventually. Please help me to be patient until that day, and help me to forgive myself for the things I know You have already forgiven.”

Despite the anxiety caused by the crowded restaurant, he made it through a burger and fries. His craving for an after dinner cigarette increased significantly as he left the place. He was determined to quit smoking, to make Tawny proud even if she was out of his life, but just the nicotine patch wasn’t enough. The pharmacist had said chewing gum helped when the cravings got too bad.

He entered the brightly lit convenience store and sent a brief prayer of thanks heavenward that there were only a few customers. The fewer the people he had to deal with the better until he found a way to calm jitters.

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