As the early morning hours ticked by, Lexie painted the majestic Wyoming sky, mountains and trees bursting with autumn colors. She added the a-frame cabin last and then sat back to study her work. It was missing something. Lexie paused for a moment, nibbling on one of her fingernails. Then the silhouette of a cowboy started to take shape on the page. When she finished adding details, the man’s dazzling eyes made the wide blue sky in the background seem dull in comparison.
Lexie thought back to her day with Toby the weekend before—his kindness, humor and concern for her well-being. He was different from any man she’d ever met. So, why had she been avoiding him? Today she planned to change that with the hope he was right. Maybe she was finally safe.
Her phone buzzed, pulling Lexie out of her deep thoughts. The text was from Holly again asking where she was. It was the third text that week and Lexie could no longer ignore her. For as long as she could remember, Holly had been the one person she could trust with any secret. Her friend had to be worried sick about her and she couldn’t handle the guilt any longer.
She drew in a ragged breath and typed one word—Wyoming.
Lexie felt a huge weight lift off her shoulders as she drove toward the Campbell farm. After the first initial text, Holly had called. She caved and explained everything to her friend, minus her exact location, new job or the fact she’d met someone. Holly wanted to come to Wyoming, but she told her not to. It was too much of a risk.
Lexie smiled while turning into the crowded parking lot, seeing all the families with small children making their way through the front entrance, eager to pick out fresh pumpkins and apples. When she was younger, she dreamed of having a family with at least two children. Once those dreams had been within her grasp, but her life took a different path. However, now living in this new place, maybe she could begin dreaming again.
She made her way to the country store and Mrs. Campbell greeted her from the front desk. “Welcome back, dear. If you’re looking for Toby, he’s working around the farm. I could call his cell and tell him to come back.”
Lexie shook her head. “No thank you. I was actually hoping to talk to Cami.”
Toby’s mother furrowed her brow for a moment and then managed a smile. “Camilla’s up at the house. I’m sure she’d love company, if she’s not taking a nap. I’ll walk up there with you.”
Lexie thanked Mrs. Campbell and followed her through a privacy gate. Then they took a golf cart up a path to a stunning blue farmhouse with gables and a large wraparound porch. She waited in the living room while Mrs. Campbell went to see if Cami was awake.
A few minutes later she returned. “Camilla feels up to visitors. She’ll be out in a few minutes. I have to go back to the store, but I’ll put on a pot of coffee in the kitchen. Feel free to come in and pour yourself a cup.”
Lexie thanked her and waited on the loveseat, taking in the room. The décor was farm-themed, but elegant and family pictures were scattered along the walls. She saw Toby and Cami standing together in their high school graduation gowns with tassels saying 2004. That was strange. If Cami was Toby’s older sister, wouldn’t she have graduated a year before him? Lexie was still studying the picture when she heard someone enter the room.
A tall, thin blond woman with a cannula in her nose smiled at her from the doorway. “I’m so happy to finally meet you, Lexie. I’m Camilla Campbell, but most people just call me Cami for short.”
“It’s good to meet you, too.” Lexie stood to shake her hand but was pulled into a warm hug instead. “I’m sorry I came unannounced.”
“That’s perfectly fine. I love having visitors. You can come any time.” Cami released Lexie and pulled an oxygen tank behind her until reaching the recliner nearby. “So, Toby mentioned you had some ideas for my animal rescue? I’d love any help. We are struggling to stay afloat these days, especially since I had to stop working.”
Lexie explained her ideas for students coming in as volunteers for school credit. They discussed the plan for about half an hour and decided they would have to send their proposal to the school administrators to see if it was possible. When they moved on to other subjects, she was overjoyed to discover Toby’s sister was kind and easy to talk to. Lexie missed Holly, but had a feeling she and Cami would form a fast friendship.
“Are you settling in okay here in Tipton?”
Lexie took a sip of her coffee and nodded. “I think I am. It’s peaceful here and the scenery is amazing.”
Cami’s eyebrow lifted as she pulled a sewing project out of a basket near the recliner. “Not to mention the cute cowboys. Am I right?”
She chuckled. “I guess so. Honestly, I haven’t really been looking.”
“No, me either. I moved back to Wyoming with my son to get away from men. It’s a little lonely sometimes, but Jonah is happy here.”
Lexie gave her a knowing smile. “Does your ex have any contact with Jonah?”
“No.” She stopped sewing and wiped her eyes. “You know, it hurts that he abandoned me, but the fact he abandoned Jonah hurts the most. My whole family warned me not to marry him, but I was naïve and in love. I thought I could polish some of his rough edges.” She shrugged with a deep sight. “He was cruel, condescending and eventually abusive toward me.”
All at once, like a dam breaking, Lexie’s resolve crumbled. Tears rolled down her cheeks and her body trembled.
“How long were you with him?” Cami asked.
Lexie dried her tears and looked up, realizing Toby’s sister knew at least part of her secret. “How did you know?”
“When you’ve been though things like this, you can recognize the signs in others. You can tell me as much or as little as you want. I won’t tell anyone…not even Toby.”
Lexie stared at her feet, not wanting to relive the horrors of her past, but the hope of relief after telling someone overcame her fear. “We started dating in college. Cole was such a gentleman at first and after a couple years of dating he asked me to marry him. The trouble started after our engagement. He became possessive and jealous. When I landed my first teaching position, he accused me of cheating on him with one of my co-workers. He confronted the guy and beat him up. The police were called, but for some reason my co-worker never pressed charges. I think Cole threatened him.”
“Did he ever hit you?”
Lexie looked up and wiped her moist cheeks. “Only once. I broke up with him after that, but he wouldn’t let me go. He would show up at my apartment and at work. I filed for a restraining order, but it didn’t work. He came to my apartment with a gun one night and forced me to wear the engagement ring I’d given back to him.”
“How did you escape from him?”
“I hit him over the head with a vase. He fell to the ground and didn’t move. While he was unconscious, I gathered one bag of my belongings and ran to the bus station. I bought a ticket to the farthest destination I could. It just happened to be Wyoming.” She looked up, wiping away tears. “Sounds pretty pathetic, right?”
Cami looked into her eyes, never wavering. “No, it’s the exact opposite of pathetic. You are so brave.”
Lexie’s gaze dropped to her shoes again. “I don’t feel very brave.”
“Well, whether you realize it or not, you are. You didn’t accept being a victim. You got away from him. Then you came here and created a new life for yourself.”
“I live in fear every day, Cami. What if he finds me?”
“Just say the word and we’ll alert the local authorities about him and you can give them his description. Plus, you have the people of Tipton to protect you. There are so many cowboys in this town who don’t take kindly to intruders or someone who would threaten a lady.”
“I’m new here. What makes you think anyone would want to defend me?”
She winked at Lexie. “We live in a small town. The downside is, having nosey neighbors, but wanna know the upside?” Lexie nodded with a slight grin. “As far as I’m concerned, you’re a part of our family now and nobody mes
ses with our family.”
Chapter Nine
Toby stayed as busy as he could manage Saturday afternoon, taking on a few extra farm chores in an effort to keep his mind occupied. Still, thoughts of Lexie permeated his thoughts. They had exchanged numbers on Friday to keep in touch about the Autumn Festival, but Toby heeded his sister’s advice to give her space.
By late afternoon when there was a lull in activity, Toby was more than ready to go to his cabin and take a short nap, but decided to check on Cami first since Jonah was at a friend’s house. When he entered the living room his sister was lounging in the recliner covered with a quilt, but she wasn’t alone. Lexie sat on the loveseat across from her, sipping a cup of coffee.
Cami glanced over at him with a bright smile. “There you are, little brother.”
He rolled his eyes in a playful manner. “I can’t believe you still call me that. I was only born a few minutes after you.”
She chuckled and winked at him. “I know, but it’s so much fun to tease you. Anyway, Lexie came over to share some of her ideas for the animal rescue. Isn’t that sweet?
“Yeah, it is. I’m glad you two have finally had the chance to meet.”
Lexie glanced at the graduation picture on the wall and then back at him with wide eyes. You’re twins! Now I understand.”
Toby nodded with an amused smile. “Yep, but you know who never lets me forget who was the first born.”
Cami winked at her. “Or who’s the favorite child, too.”
He chuckled and shook his head, glad to see some fire in his sister again. It was something he hadn’t witnessed since her illness. It seemed Lexie’s visit had a positive effect on her.
Cami yawned and started and started to get up with her blanket. “Well, it was nice talking with you, Lexie, but I think it’s time for my nap now. All the girl talk has worn me out, but in a good way.”
Lexie offered one of her rare smiles. “Thanks, Cami. I had a good time.”
After helping Cami settle back into her room, Toby offered to walk with Lexie back to her car and she accepted. Along the way, he couldn’t help noticing she seemed cheerful and lighter on her feet than usual. He wanted to ask her what had changed, but remembered his sister’s advice to give her space. Instead, he attempted to make small talk. “Thanks for paying my sister a visit. She seemed in good spirits today.”
“You’re welcome.” Lexie shrugged. “I think I should really be thanking her. It’s nice to have a friend here in Tipton and she gives great advice.”
“Yeah, I can’t argue with that. My sister has always been wiser than her years and kind to every person and animal she meets. We were only ten years old when she started the animal rescue out of our house.”
Her eyes grew wide. “Ten?”
Toby chuckled. “Yeah, when Cami puts her mind to something, she doesn’t let anything stop her.”
“I would believe that about her.”
He nodded as they reached her car in the parking lot. “It was nice seeing the light back in her eyes today. Your visit did that.”
Lexie grinned. “Well, I’m glad.
He leaned against her car. “I won’t keep you any longer. Would you like to join us for church tomorrow?”
Her smile widened. “I’ll think about it.”
Lexie changed her outfit four times Sunday morning before settling on a long olive-green, knee length dress with a belt and black leggings. Thankfully she had some nice outfits for work to choose from.
She crossed her bedroom to the full-length mirror on the back of the door and studied her appearance, before shaking her head. What was she doing?
Lexie stepped away from the mirror and fell back on her bed, releasing a weary sigh. Picasso leaped onto the mattress next to her and started to purr and rub his head against her hand. When she didn’t respond, he started nibbling on her fingers.
“Ouch. Picasso that hurt!” she pulled her hand back and the kitten cowered. “Oh, come here. How could I stay mad at you?” She picked him up and sat him on her stomach. “What should I do? I haven’t been to church in forever.”
He responded by kneading her shirt and purring.
“Stay home with you, cuddle and eat junk food? Is that what you said? I adore that idea.” She craned her neck toward the window, noticing a few dark clouds rolling in. Lexie turned her attention back to the kitten, stroking his soft fur. “It’s going to rain anyway. My mind is made up. I’m staying right here with you.”
Picasso lost interest in her after a while and found a comfy spot on the bed to curl up and fall asleep.
Lexie stared at the ceiling for a few minutes, contemplating what to do. She thought of Cami and the peace she had in spite of her hardships. Lexie wanted some of the peace she had—even just a taste of it. If the secret to Cami’s peace stemmed from her faith, she would give church a try.
Lexie sat up and let out a sigh of resignation while picking up her sleeping kitten to take him to the laundry room. “Sorry, Picasso. I really should go. You’ll have me all to yourself this evening. I promise.”
Chapter Ten
Toby held his breath when Lexie stepped into the church sanctuary. He had been praying for her and it seemed God had worked through his sister. He couldn’t get over how radiant she looked with her olive-green outfit complimenting her fiery red curls.
“Is that the elusive art teacher you told me about?” Levi asked from the aisle where he’d parked his wheelchair.
Toby looked around Cami, ignoring his sister’s teasing glance and nodded. “Yeah, that’s her.”
As Lexie came down the aisle, Emma Morgan rushed to greet her. Lexie scooped her into a hug, appearing surprised to see one of her students. Then she stopped and talked to the girl’s parents. Trevor Morgan held his wife, Charlotte, as she cradled their newborn baby in her arms. Baby Josiah had been born about a month premature and the entire church had been praying for him. It was a blessing to see them in church with a healthy and happy baby boy.
He stole a glance at his sister who’d felt well enough to come to church that morning. Seeing the Morgans’ baby and Cami in church reminded him God listened to the prayers of his people. They had so much to be thankful for.
After Lexie finished talking with the Morgan family, Cami motioned for her to come to their pew. Then she scooted all the way to the edge of it, closer to Levi, making a spot for her to sit. As Lexie shuffled past to sit between them, Cami winked at Toby and he rolled his eyes, knowing his sister had planned for Lexie to sit next to him all along.
Lexie greeted his sister and then turned to him with a nervous smile. “Good morning. I had no idea so many parents and students from the school went to this church.”
He grinned. “Yeah, it’s a common occurrence in a small town. You’ll run into the same people at the grocery store after church, too. Everybody knows everybody.”
She nodded. “I’m starting to notice that. It’s nice though. In Ohio…um where I used to live, I could go months without running into someone I know at the store. There are so many people and they barely acknowledge you. It’s nice living somewhere with a slower pace and friendlier people.”
Toby nodded. “Yeah, the folks around here look out for one another. I’ve known most of them my whole life. I’m glad you’re starting to feel comfortable here.”
“Me too.”
The music started and then the preacher gave a wonderful sermon. Toby followed along on his phone’s Bible app as he read about the parable of the sower, scattering seeds. Only some of them actually took root and grew while the others were eaten by birds, choked out by weeds or withered away. He explained the seeds represented people hearing the word of God and whether they took it to heart, or went on with their lives without God.
The sermon had always struck a chord with Toby, reminding him of his rebellious teen years when he refused to heed God’s words. That changed later in his life when he realized his desperate need for Jesus in his life. There wasn’t a day since when he
regretted his decision to turn to Him for salvation and forgiveness.
He glanced at Lexie a few times during the sermon, but her expression was indiscernible. Toby could only pray God’s Word would grow roots in her heart as well.
After the church service, Toby’s parents invited Lexie to come to their house for lunch and she accepted. The pastor’s words gave her a lot to think about—so much so she didn’t want to go home alone with all the questions swirling around in her mind.
After she followed them back to the farm in her car and stepped inside the house, the delightful aroma of slow cooked pot roast filled the air.
While they ate, Lexie became better acquainted with Toby’s family. She met his dad and his younger brother, Eli. She also had the opportunity to meet his best friend, Levi. They all made her feel very welcome.
After lunch, Toby invited her to go for a walk. She donned a pair of Cami’s old boots because of the muddy fields from a recent rain and they ventured past the barn and chicken coop. Lexie chuckled at the rooster crowing. “I thought they only did that in the morning.”
Toby shook his head with a half grin. “Nope, he makes a ruckus any time of day. He can get a little annoying sometimes.”
“Well, I like it. I like all the sounds out here in the country. It’s so peaceful and soothing.”
“Different from where you lived in Ohio?”
“Yeah, quite a bit different.” Lexie gulped and looked down. She’d slipped earlier, accidently revealing where she was from, but she was beginning to trust Toby. It didn’t bother her as much to share her story with him, but it still made her uncomfortable.
“So, do you have any other family there?”
Lexie shook her head, trying to calm her galloping heart. “No, but I do have a friend who still lives there. She’s like my sister. We recently got back in touch with each other.”
Lessons From the Heart Page 4