He touched her arm. “Hey, I was just kidding. It’s not an official field trip.”
“Right.” She tried to shake off her apprehension, but it followed her all afternoon.
Her doorbell rang, bringing her back to the moment. “Coming,” she called, then took the basket and headed down the stairs.
Cam smiled at her through the screen door. “Ready to go?”
She nodded, and a calming wave washed over her, easing her fears. Nothing bad would happen tonight. And on the slight chance that there was a problem, Cam would be there to help. She wouldn’t have to face a group of angry parents alone.
Twenty minutes later Rachel and Cam wove their way through the crowd on the Fairhaven Village Green followed by Kayla and Lindsey. Groups of people had spread blankets on the grass, while others sat in portable lawn chairs on the brick walkways under the pergola that ran around the sides of the Green. Up on stage, a three-person musical group sang folk songs as pre-movie entertainment.
“How about over there?” Cam pointed to an open spot across the way.
“That looks good.” Rachel followed Cam past a young couple eating Chinese takeout, a giggling group of elementary-age girls playing rummy and an older couple keeping a little toddler entertained. They spread out their blanket, and Rachel sat down on one side. Cam settled in next to her while the girls stood nearby on the grass.
Lindsey leaned toward Kayla. “Do you see them?”
“Not yet.” Kayla continued scanning the crowd, then gave a little squeal. “There they are.” She grabbed Lindsey’s arm. “Let’s go.”
Cam tugged on Kayla’s pants leg. “Wait a minute. Where are you two headed?”
“We’re just going over there to see our friends.”
Cam frowned, looking as though he wanted to say no. Rachel touched his arm. They exchanged a glance, and he released his hold on Kayla’s pants leg. “Okay. But be back before the movie starts.”
The girls dashed away. Rachel leaned to the left and watched them make a beeline for Ryan and Steve, who stood under the pergola near the Colophon Café with Haley, Danielle and a couple other kids she didn’t recognize.
Cam sighed. “I guess I need to lighten up, but I hate to see what will happen if one of her friends lets her down tonight. Her emotions have been on a wild ride this week.”
“That sounds pretty normal for a girl her age.”
“Maybe so, but I’m still not used to it.”
Rachel took the bag of popcorn from the basket and offered some to Cam. “There is something I wanted to let you know.”
“About Kayla?”
Rachel nodded. “She’s been sitting with Ryan a lot at rehearsals. Some of the kids are starting to talk about it.”
Cam frowned. “Do you think he likes her?”
“I’m not sure. He’s a really friendly guy, so it’s hard to tell if he’s treating Kayla special or not.”
Cam’s frown deepened. “I sure don’t want to see her get her heart broken by some guy who doesn’t even know she exists.”
Rachel smiled. “Oh, he knows.”
“Great. Is that good news or bad news?”
She leaned back, bracing her hands behind her on the blanket. “Ryan is a good kid. He goes to Grace Chapel with his family. But I’ll keep an eye on him and Kayla and let you know if I see anything to be concerned about.”
“Thanks. She’s young and naive. I just don’t want anyone to hurt her.”
Rachel studied Cam, replaying his caring words. By the time she was Kayla’s age, her father had long since disappeared. She’d never had an uncle or brother to step in and protect her. Was that why she’d gone from one hurtful relationship to the next in high school and college, always searching for the love she hadn’t received from a special man in her life?
When she became a Christian in her mid-twenties, she pulled back from dating, confused by her past and uncertain how it fit in with her new faith.
“What are you thinking?” He leaned closer and traced his finger around her hand as though he was drawing the pattern on the blanket.
His nearness and touch stirred her heart. “I was just wondering how my life would’ve been different if I’d had someone like you watching out for me when I was Kayla’s age.”
He looked at her with a tender gaze. “I wish I would have known you then.”
She smiled, but looked away as heat filled her face. “I don’t know if you would’ve felt that way if you’d seen me back then. I had braces, and I was so skinny people called me beanpole.”
He chuckled. “I was short and chubby with a wild blond ’fro.” He pointed to his hair. “We would’ve been perfect together.”
“You were chubby?” She laughed and poked his stomach. “I don’t believe it.”
He lifted two fingers. “Scout’s honor. But when I turned sixteen, I went out for football and grew about five inches. That took care of everything but the hair.”
“I love your hair.” The words slipped out before she realized what she was saying.
He looked up, and his gaze connected with hers for several seconds. Electricity seemed to charge the air between them. “What service are you going to tomorrow?”
She blinked, and a smile broke over her face. “Whichever one you want.”
He laughed softly. “How about we try early service?”
“Sounds good.” A happy, light feeling filled her heart. Their friendship seemed to be turning a corner, but she still wanted to know what was going on in his heart. “So…what happened last Sunday?”
“What do you mean?”
“You seem different this week, more hopeful.”
He sat up and looked out across the Village Green. “Sheldon’s message really made me think.”
“In what way?”
“I’ve heard that story of the Prodigal Son before. But this time I realized God is a lot like that father. He’s waiting with open arms and willing to forgive if we’ll just come home and admit the truth about the mess we’ve made of our lives.”
She nodded slowly, her heart rejoicing. “So are you and God back on speaking terms?”
“We’re working on it.” He took another handful of popcorn and munched for a few seconds. “I got together with Sheldon this week.”
She wanted to jump up and shout “yes!” But she forced herself to sit still. “How did that go?”
“It went well. He’s a lot like that father in the Prodigal Son story.” A slight smile lifted the corners of his mouth. “It’ll take a while for us to rebuild our friendship, but we’re both committed to that.”
“Wow. That’s great. I didn’t realize you two…knew each other like that.”
Cam looked down and brushed a piece of popcorn from his leg. “He performed our wedding.”
She nodded, her heart touched again by the losses he’d experienced. “Sounds like you’re on a good path, Cam. I’m happy for you.”
“Thanks. It’s taken me a while, but I think I’m ready to move on to whatever God has for me in this next phase of life.” His voice sounded strong and steady, and the look in his eyes told her he wasn’t only thinking about getting closer to God. He was talking about a relationship with her.
Her heartbeat quickened. Was she ready to take the next step with Cam? Her past history with men and the poor choices she’d made sent doubts swirling through her mind. But Cam was different, wasn’t he?
She pulled in a slow deep breath. There was no need to feel pressured or make any decisions tonight. She had time to pray and see what would develop. But she realized her heart had already made up its mind.
The music group ended their song and announced the movie would start in a few minutes.
Cam straightened and looked around. “Do you see Kayla?”
Rachel glanced across the Green, but she didn’t see her. “Maybe they found a place to sit together.” She searched the crowd, but the sun had set, making it harder to see anyone clearly.
A worried frown creased C
am’s forehead as he got up. “I’m going to look for her.”
Rachel stood. “I’ll help.”
“Okay.” They agreed to split the Green and each cover one half. “If you find her, tell her she has to come back and sit with us. No excuses.” His voice was stern, but she saw the anxiety in his eyes.
Rachel squeezed his hand. “Don’t worry. I’m sure she’s okay.”
He nodded and headed off like a man on a mission.
Rachel searched the crowd as she made her way toward the pergola at the north end of the Green. Intro music for the movie played. She spotted Haley in line at the refreshment stand and asked her if she’d seen Kayla.
“She and Lindsey were with Steve and Ryan over by Village Books a few minutes ago. I think they were going in to buy coffee.”
“Okay thanks.” Hopefully, she’d still find them there. She spun around and bumped into Melanie Howard.
The drink in Melanie’s hand sloshed down her shirt. She gasped and cursed under her breath.
Rachel pulled back. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t see you.”
“Obviously!” Melanie glared at her as she shook the soda off her hands.
“Here, let me help.” Rachel pulled a couple clean tissues from her pocket and held them out to Melanie. “Do you want me to go get some napkins or a towel or something?”
Melanie huffed. “You can drop the act.”
“Excuse me?”
“You heard what I said. You can forget the nice-girl routine.”
Rachel stared at Melanie. Of course she knew Melanie didn’t like her. She’d made that clear often enough. “I meant what I said. I’m sorry about running into you.” Rachel wanted to say more, but she swallowed the words and turned away.
“Hold on.” Melanie stepped into her path. “You and I need to get a few things straight.”
Rachel tensed, her anger simmering just below the surface. “Like what?”
“I know you’re here with Cam.”
“That’s right. Is that a problem for you?”
Melanie’s nostrils flared. “Yes. It is. I care about Cam. He’s been through a lot over the last few years, and I’ve been there for him. We were getting really close until you showed up and wormed your way into his life.”
Rachel’s mouth dropped open.
“You’re not fooling me.” Melanie looked at her with a haughty glare. “I know what you’re after.”
“What are you talking about?”
“You think if you can convince Cam you care about him, then your drama program can stay at the Arts Center.”
“I’m not trying to convince Cam of anything.”
“Oh, right. It’s been obvious since you put on that big act at the first co-op meeting, when you told us how your poor little kids would be out in the cold unless we rented you some space. And Cam’s got such a big heart, he can’t resist rescuing an underdog.” She pushed her blond hair over her shoulder. “And that’s exactly what he sees when he looks at you—a loser who needs to be rescued.”
“You have no idea what you’re talking about.” She stepped away from Melanie.
But the blond clamped onto Rachel’s arm. “I’m warning you. If you hurt Cam, you’ll be sorry you ever came to the Arts Center.”
Rachel jerked her arm away. “Are you threatening me?”
“I’m saying you need to back off.”
“Rachel?” Cam’s voice cut through the cool evening air.
She looked up, her heart pounding in her throat.
Cam crossed the grass and met them on the brick walkway. “I found Kayla and Lindsey.”
She pulled in a quick breath and tried to steady her voice. “Are they okay?”
“Yeah. They’re fine.” He nodded to Melanie, and then frowned slightly at her stained shirt. “Looks like you spilled something.”
Melanie gave an indignant sniff. “Rachel rammed into me like a linebacker.”
Cam looked back and forth between them, then took Rachel’s hand. “We better go. We’re missing the movie.” He sent the fuming blond one last look. “See you, Mel.”
Triumph pulsed through Rachel. She leaned toward Cam as they walked away. “Thank you.”
He cocked his head. “What for?”
“For rescuing me from the dragon.”
He grinned. “Ah, don’t worry about Melanie. She’ll get over it.”
“You think so?” She studied his face, trying to discern how much he’d heard.
“Sure. Soon as she washes that stain out of her shirt, she’ll forget the whole thing ever happened.”
Rachel released a shaky breath. He obviously hadn’t heard Melanie’s awful accusations. Maybe she should tell Cam what Melanie said, but then she’d have to admit there was an ounce of truth mixed in with the pound of misperceptions.
At first she had wanted to win Cam over and make sure N.C.Y.T. had a permanent home. But things were different now. She liked Cam, and she was beginning to think he felt the same way about her.
What would Melanie do when she realized her threats were not going to change Rachel’s mind?
Chapter Fifteen
Cam strode into Ross’s photography studio looking for his friend, but he didn’t see him in the gallery area. Cam suspected he was still in the back taking photos of Kayla, but he didn’t mind waiting.
He glanced at the pictures on display. Of course he’d seen them all before when Ross brought them in to be framed, but it was different viewing them grouped together on the wall.
Ross had an artist’s eye. It was obvious why he won photography competitions all over the state.
He studied the photo of the old W.P.A. bridge near What-com Falls. The contrast of the sturdy old stone arches and lush green forest made it one of his favorites. That was a great spot. He’d have to take Rachel there some time soon. That idea brought a smile to his face.
Rachel was the first woman he’d been interested in since losing Marie. Even now, thinking about someone else like that felt a little strange. But he’d enjoyed their movie date on the Village Green. And each time they were together he found more things he appreciated about her, like her dedication to her students, her strong faith and her positive view of life. Their connection was definitely growing deeper.
Was he man enough to do things differently this time? He better be, because the thought of hurting Rachel the way he’d hurt Marie was too painful to consider. Surely with his renewed faith and a little help from Sheldon, he could build a solid relationship.
The sound of Ross’s voice from down the hall made Cam shift gears.
“Okay, now turn to the left just a little. Great. Hold it right there.” A series of camera clicks sounded. “Lift your chin and look this way. Awesome.”
Cam walked down the hall to the second room. Kayla sat on a stool in front of a soft-blue backdrop. Bright lights flooded the area around her. She wore a brilliant smile, and her blue eyes sparkled as she posed for the camera.
“Your mom is going to love these.” Ross clicked off another series of shots.
“When will I get to see them?” Kayla asked.
“Soon as we’re done you can take a look and pick out your favorites.”
Cam stepped up behind Ross. “How’s it going?”
“Great. Look at that face. Kayla could be a model.”
That comment made her smile brighten. “He’s taken about a hundred pictures.”
Cam grinned. It was good to see her so happy. This morning they’d both been in a panic when they realized Shannon’s birthday was only five days away, and they had no idea what to send her. Cam sent off an emergency prayer, and within minutes, an idea came to mind. He’d whispered a prayer of thanks and called Ross. His friend was eager to help and promised to print the photos right away so they could get them in the mail by late afternoon. Hopefully, the birthday package would arrive on time and lift Shannon’s spirits.
“Okay. I think we’ve got what we need.” Ross connected his camera to the computer on hi
s desk, and a few seconds later he invited Kayla over to take a look.
She hopped up from the stool and took a seat at Ross’s desk. “You want to see them, Uncle Cam?”
“Why don’t you do the first round, then I’ll take a look after?”
“Okay.” She turned and focused on the computer screen.
Cam slapped Ross on the back. “Thanks for doing this. I know it will mean a lot to Shannon and Eric.”
“My pleasure.” Ross motioned Cam out to the hallway. They walked away from the open door. “How’s your sister doing?”
Cam lowered his voice to make sure Kayla wouldn’t overhear their conversation. “She got some more test results back yesterday. There’s no change in the tumor.” Saying the words aloud made his chest feel tight.
“Is that bad news?”
“They want the tumor to shrink.”
Ross nodded, his expression serious. “How’s Kayla doing?”
“She has her ups and downs, but she seems to be doing better since she connected with the kids through drama camp.” Cam slipped his hands in his pockets. “She gave me a real run for my money those first couple weeks. If Rachel hadn’t been around to give me some good advice, I’d have really blown it.”
Ross grinned and pushed his glasses up his nose. “Hey, I hear you had a hot date with Rachel on Saturday night.”
Cam frowned. “Who told you that?”
“Lilly. She said Melanie saw you two at the movies.”
“The real story is I took Kayla and her friend to a movie, and I happened to invite Rachel to come along.”
Ross wiggled his eyebrows and sent him a mischievous grin. “So…how did it go?”
“Great, until Kayla disappeared. Then Rachel and I had to split up and search for her. Rachel ran into Melanie and accidentally dumped a coke down her shirt. That ticked Melanie off, and I got there just in time to rescue Rachel.”
Ross frowned and crossed his arms. “You need to have a talk with her.”
“Who? Melanie?”
“Yes. She’s been saying some pretty awful things about Rachel. I think she’s just mad you’re spending time with Rachel instead of her.”
Carrie Turansky Page 12