Connie Stevens – Fictional Romantic Interview – Part 3 of 3

Shannon here: Historical romance author, Connie Stevens interviews her hero from Scars of Mercy. Comment on any post dated Sept 12 – 17 for a chance to win the drawing for a copy. Deadline: Sept 17, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Connie and Everett:

INTERVIEW WITH EVERETT:
A couple of days ago, we spoke with Tillie O’Dell from the book, SCARS OF MERCY. Today we have Everett Behr with us. Welcome Mr. Behr and thank you for agreeing to talk with us.
After reading SCARS OF MERCY, we must say that your relationship with Miss O’Dell was somewhat unusual. So tell us–
Are you open to your own romance?
I was at one time. There were several socialites in Baltimore who came from good families of substance, status and position. But there was something missing—I wasn’t certain at the time, but I now know they simply lacked the strength and character that sets a person apart from the rest. Now? I’m afraid romance isn’t in my future. What woman would want to spend her life with someone like me? 
How did you first meet Tillie and what attracted you to her?
I came to Willow Creek because my father was getting married again. One Sunday after church, they had a picnic and I met this fascinating young woman with gold hair and green eyes. She reminded of a butterfly I remembered seeing once–delicate but strong, beautiful and intelligent, but sensible. She wasn’t flighty and shallow like some women I’ve known. I thought she was lovely and I wanted to see her again. Little did I know I would see her in the hotel dining room where she worked. She came to take my order. I had no idea she worked as a waitress. I was aghast and barely knew what to say.
How did she react when you snubbed her in the hotel dining room?
When the smile faded from her face I felt like a cad. But then I told myself she hadn’t been honest with me, and I tried to justify my actions. She lifted her chin, brought me the tea I ordered, and walked away with her head held high. Later, when I was recuperating after the fire, I didn’t want to see anybody, but Tillie is stubborn and she made a point of coming after me and telling me she admired what I did. It was puzzling, really. Why would she be kind to me when I was snobbish with her? 
Why do you suppose she pursued a friendship with you after that?
At first I was certain she pitied me, something I could not abide. But since I had literally no friends other than my father and his new wife, I welcomed her company when I went walking in the evening. In the twilight shadows after sunset, at least she couldn’t stare at my scars. After a while, I realized I was beginning to have feelings for her, even though I still thought she was only being nice because she felt sorry for me. Tillie is a very kind-hearted person, and I thought that was why she kept trying to be my friend.
Tillie told us you tried to suggest she see another man. Why would you do that?
How could I expect her to be seen in public with someone like me? People point and stare and ridicule me. She deserves better, so I suggested she accept Ben Kiefer’s attention. Ben’s a fine young man, a hard worker, and a man of character. She’d be better off with Ben. But when I suggested it, I wasn’t prepared for her reaction. Maybe I should rethink my strategy.
What would be the one thing Tillie could do to make you run the other way?
If Tillie demonstrated pity for me in any form, I’d put as much distance as possible between us.
If you could buy Tillie any gift, what would it be?
Like most men, I’d like to buy her jewels, or beautiful clothes, a fine home, or the best carriage and matched team money would buy. But Tillie wouldn’t be impressed by that. I think I’d like to give Tillie something from my heart, perhaps something I made just for her, or maybe a simple brooch with a private sentiment engraved on it. She would probably love a gift of willow trees. If I could, I’d capture a sunset for her.
About Connie: Connie Stevens lives in north Georgia with her husband of thirty-eight years, John, and one cantankerous kitty, misnamed Sweet Pea. When she isn’t writing, Connie enjoys reading, gardening, sewing, browsing antique shops, and collecting teddy bears. If she is turned loose in an historical museum, she will forget what time it is as well as what century it is. The Cancer Treatment Centers of America are dear to her heart and she makes quilts to send to their ministerial team for distribution to cancer patients. You can find Connie on Facebook or on her website at www.conniestevenswrites.com.
About the book: Everett Behr turns away from people to hide his disfiguring scars. A budding friendship with Tillie O’Dell eases his loneliness, but asking her to endure the humiliation of being with someone like him is out of the question. Tillie sees past Everett’s scars to his heart. His courage and compassion make him a man of character, but how can she convince Everett his scars are beautiful to her?
Come back Sept 17th as we begin the countdown of the top 3 reader picked favorite romantic posts from year 1 and Sept 19th for contemporary romance author, Dora Hiers.