by Leah Atwood
He made a minimum of two trips to the gym every week and considered himself strong, but opening his door still took every bit of his strength. He hurried to close it before the wind could tear it off.
Shielding his face with his hands, he walked against the steady gusts until he reached the stranded vehicle. He knocked on the driver’s window. “Anyone in there?”
The window rolled down. A frightened woman stared at him. “I thought I’d die out here.”
“Are you okay?” He peered inside for any sign of injury.
“I ran out of gas. I’m so stupid.” Her voice reached a panic level. “The kids fell asleep, and I didn’t want to wake them, so I planned to stop at the next exit, but I didn’t know this storm was coming, and my phone’s not getting any signal.”
“Few of us expected this, ma’am, but it will be okay.”
“Would you be able to bring us gas or call a tow truck?”
He moved his head side to side. “No tow truck’s going to make it out in this weather—I do some towing with my brother’s business from time to time.”
“Can you bring us gas? I can give you money.” She reached to the passenger seat and grabbed her purse.
“Once I make it to town, there’s no coming back. It’s not safe.”
“I can’t stay here. We’ll die of hypothermia.”
“I’m headed to Jasper Lake, and I can take you and the kids there in my truck. We’re only a few miles away.” He swallowed a groan. Rescuing a mom and her children wasn’t on his agenda for the night, but he couldn’t leave them stranded. If it were Tanya and Lacy, he’d want a kind Samaritan to help them.
“But I don’t know you. And how will I get back to my car?” Her face turned ashen, paler than it already was from the initial fright.
Under normal circumstances, she’d have valid points, but she couldn’t stay here, and he told her so. “My name is Landon Reeves from Maryville, Pennsylvania. No, you don’t know me, and my word means nothing to you, but I can promise you I won’t harm you. You can’t stay here and wait out the storm. As you said yourself, there’s a good chance you’ll die.” He shivered, and only the good manners Gran taught him kept him from rushing her. “The only other option is for me to call someone when I get into Jasper Lake, but as I already said, the chances of anyone making it out in this are slim, and you’ll be putting them at risk.”
“I guess I don’t have much choice.” She unbuckled her seatbelt and turned off the car.
“Do you need help with the kids? They’ll have a hard time walking in this wind.” He blinked away the snowflakes in his lashes.
She turned her neck and addressed the children in the backseat. “Dex and April, I want you to gather your bag and toys. This nice man is going to take us to the nearest town where we can get some help.”
“But he’s a stranger, Mama,” the little girl protested.
“Not to me, he’s not.”
Landon couldn’t help a small smile. He’d heard Tanya tell Lacy a few small fibs a time or two for her own sanity and protection. It must be a parent thing.
“But I heard you. You told him you don’t know him.”
She raised her shoulders, giving Landon an apologetic shrug and mouthed, I’m sorry. “That’s because I couldn’t see him very well at first, sweetheart, but once I got a good look at him, I realized he’s an old friend.”
Placated, the little girl decided Landon was safe. “Will there be food? I’m hungry.”
“I don’t know, but we really have to move quickly.” The lady darted her eyes to the layer of snow growing thicker by the minute.
Landon stepped in to help. “I have it on good authority there will be cookies, but if we don’t get there soon, they’ll all be gone.”
April tried to unbuckle her car seat. “Come on Dex, let’s hurry.”
The mom got out of the car, struggling to open and close the door like he had. “Thank you.”
“I’ll carry the boy if you want to help your daughter.”
“I appreciate it.” She finagled her kids out of their seats, and they all fought the wind and snow.
He lifted the kids into the cab of the truck, then assisted their mom, whose name he still didn’t know. Once he made it to his side and sat in the driver’s seat, he started to ask but stopped. He didn’t want April asking any more questions or getting scared that they were with a stranger.
The woman must have read his mind, because she slipped him a piece of paper that read, My name is Beth Aguilar. Thanks again.
Turning to her, he winked before starting the truck and smiled at the kids sitting on her lap. “Well, Beth, ready to go?”
For the first time, she smiled. “Yes, I am.”
In less than ten minutes, the road conditions had declined considerably—though he hadn’t thought they could get any worse than when he’d stopped. “If you’re a praying woman, Beth, you might want to start. It’s going to be a long three miles.”
“I hate to tell you, but God hasn’t listened to my prayers in a long time. I’ll say one, but I doubt it will do any good.”
He wanted to tell her she was wrong, but this wasn’t the time for a theological debate. “It can’t hurt though.”
Whispering a prayer of his own, he turned the steering wheel and pressed down on the pedals to creep onto the road. He shifted gears and started driving, bracing himself for the treacherous roads.
“Where are you from?” he asked, sensing the palpable fear in the cab.
“Lake Placid area.”
“Mommy said we’re moving somewhere new.” April clung to her child-sized bookbag. “She said there are too many bad memories there.”
“Shh.” Beth pressed a finger against her daughter’s lips. “Remember what we talked about?”
“Not everyone needs to know everything,” April recited in a bored tone.
Landon had to suppress a chuckle. Though nothing about the situation seemed funny, he’d been embarrassed on a few occasions by his niece sharing more than was appropriate. “Where are you headed?”
“I, um…” She became fascinated with a strand of Dex’s hair, curled the toddler’s blonde tendrils around her finger.
“Ever been to Jasper Lake?”
“No.”
“It’s a nice town. I discovered it by accident last summer.” He held his breath as an especially strong gust rocked the trailer. “I have a friend there who lives at a bed and breakfast. We’ll try to make it there.”
“They won’t mind the intrusion?”
“Nah. Jessa will be glad to see me, and Mrs. Addy loves people.”
“A girlfriend, eh?” A hint of amusement seeped into Beth’s voice, an improvement over the fear and caution.
“Something like that. It’s new, but I have a good feeling.”
Beth sighed. “To be young and in love again.”
He raised a brow, sending creases to his forehead. “With all due respect, you don’t look any older than me. I’d guess a few years younger.”
“I’m twenty-four, but age is only a number. In life experience, I’m decades older.”
What was her story? He would like to probe further, but he had to focus on the road. Driving into town, he realized he had another problem. The vacant lot behind the library was too far for Beth to walk with the children in this weather.
Jasper Lake was a ghost town. Not a car moved on the streets, wisely so. Landon stopped in the middle of the road in front of Addy’s, not worried about another vehicle coming along. He’d call Jessa, explain what was going on then drop Beth and the kids off. Once they were in and warm, he’d move his truck and walk back.
He checked the time before making the call. 8:17. The entire ordeal from the time the blizzard began, to arriving at Addy’s, took five long hours that he never cared to repeat. “Please answer,” he whispered.
She picked up on the second ring. “Hey, I wasn’t expecting to hear from you until later.”
“Surprise.”
“Did you make it home safely? The storm turned bad here.”
“Not exactly.”
“What do you mean?” Her voice hitched. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine and safe, but I didn’t make it home. I’m sitting outside Addy’s now.”
“Seriously? You’re playing with me, aren’t you?”
He saw light peek through a window and the outline of her face. He waved to her, though he doubted she could see it through the dark and snow. “I’m here. Is it all right if I come in? I’ll explain everything.”
“Of course. I’ll meet you at the door.”
Ending the call, he glanced over to Beth. “We’re good. I’ll meet you on that side and help you all down.”
Providence provided decreased wind speeds, and they rushed to the door before it could pick up again. Before Landon could knock, Jessa opened the door. Her eyes spread, showing surprise that he’d arrived with guests, but she blinked and recovered. “Come in.”
An older couple sat in the lobby, absorbed in a conversation. They gave a cursory glance at the newcomers, then returned to their conversation. Noisy activity came from the game room, the sound of air hockey pucks clanking. There was a lot more activity going on than what he was used to.
Jessa collected coats and hung them on the rack. “Can I get you any coffee? Hot chocolate?”
April tapped Jessa’s arm. “Mr. Landon said you had cookies.”
“He’s right. Would you like one?”
She nodded and grabbed Dex’s hand. “My brother wants one too.”
Mrs. Addy entered a room, pushing a serving cart. Smiled when her eyes met Landon’s. “Did I hear we have more visitors?”
Despite the rough day, Landon grinned. He enjoyed having Mrs. Addy’s approval and knowing she looked forward to seeing him too. “Looks like we’re stranded here for the night if you’ll have us. This is Beth Aguilar and her children April and Dex. Their car left them sitting on the exit ramp.”
Beth wrinkled her nose. “I ran out of gas.”
“I’ve been known to do that a time or two.” Mrs. Addy grinned. “My late-husband finally started to fill my tank every other day to ensure I’d never run out.”
Jessa grabbed two cookies and handed them to the children, then filled two cups with hot chocolate from the carafe on the cart. She stooped down to their level. “If it’s okay with your mom, you can go into that room right there.” She pointed to a door to the right. “There are some games and books you might like.”
Beth laid a hand on April’s shoulder when she looked up for permission. “It’s okay, sweetheart. You can take your brother, and I’ll be in as soon as I sort things out.”
Once the children were occupied, Mrs. Addy invited them all into her office. Landon stood by the chair Jessa claimed, allowing the women to have the available seats.
“Why don’t you bring a chair in from the lobby,” Mrs. Addy suggested.
“I’ve been sitting all day, with tensed muscles at that. Standing up and stretching my legs is a treat.” He rested his hands on Jessa’s shoulder, and she glanced up with a smile that warmed his bone-chilled body.
Mrs. Addy rolled the computer mouse and clicked it. “Before you came, I pulled up the latest forecasts while I still have internet access. All models have come in agreement for twenty-four to thirty inches by noon tomorrow.”
Gasps echoed through the room.
“I knew once the storm started that it would be bad, but not that severe.” Beth’s face froze in awe. “Maybe God does hear my prayers. If Landon hadn’t stopped, the chances of the kids and I surviving in the car all night would have been small.”
“Never doubt that God hears you, dear.” Landon and Jessa shared a wink as Mrs. Addy’s voice took on her grandmotherly tone. “He brought you here to safety tonight, and as it would be, I have one room left, the only one with a king bed. Room enough for you and the children.”
“Oh no, I couldn’t take the room. Landon should have it.”
He shook his head. “I can sleep anywhere. The chairs in the library will do fine.”
Pink circles dotted Beth’s face. “You don’t understand. I can’t afford to stay in a place like this.”
“I wouldn’t dream of collecting a cent.” Mrs. Addy scowled, letting Beth know it would be a personal offense if she tried to pay. “I have two other families here tonight who came off the interstate seeking refuge from the storm. It’s my honor and duty to provide shelter.”
Beth stammered. “If you’re sure, I’m obliged.”
“I’m positive. All I ask is that you help me with the meals tomorrow. I doubt my chef will make it here in the morning.”
Landon held back a smirk and exchanged a glance with Jessa. Mrs. Addy didn’t employ a chef and did all the cooking herself, which led him to believe she’d made the stipulation to give Beth a measure of dignity. He admired the elderly lady’s discernment and tact.
“I’d be happy to.” Beth rubbed an eye, and Landon didn’t doubt she knew and appreciated the gift Mrs. Addy had given.
Mrs. Addy addressed him next. “I have several foldaway cots in the game room closet. Pull one out for yourself and set it up in the library—it will be more comfortable for you than a chair.”
A chair would have been sufficient but arguing with Mrs. Addy was pointless. She had a strong will to match her big heart, and it was her home. “How many are there? Should I set up others in case more people show up?”
“That’s a good idea.” She crooked a finger under her chin. “There are four of them in there. If you don’t mind, go ahead and dust them off, so they’re ready if needed. I’m praying there’s no one else on the roads at this point, but I’ll welcome anyone who comes.”
Jessa sat forward. “What can I do?”
“Could you help me gather linens for the cots, please?” Mrs. Addy rose from her chair. “Then I’m going to pull out the flashlights and candles. I have a feeling we’ll lose power before the night is over.”
Landon caught a glimpse of the fireplace. “Do you have enough wood?”
“Yes. Mr. Bill took care of that this morning. With or without power, we’ll be warm.”
He squeezed Jessa’s shoulders. “I need to move my truck, and I’ll be back to take care of the cots.”
Jessa spun around to face him. “Where are you going to move it? It’s too far to walk from the lot back here when you can barely see your hand in front of your face.”
“I have to.” He wished he didn’t. He only now had warmed completely. “It’s in the middle of the road, blocking any plows that will come through.”
She sighed, unhappy with the idea. “Be safe and hurry back.”
“That’s my plan.” He left the room and grabbed his coat by the front door, took the time to ensure no part of him was exposed to the weather.
Jessa appeared with a flashlight in hand. “Take this. You’ll need a light, and it’s easier to hold than your phone.”
“Thanks.” He breathed in deeply, bracing himself for what lay ahead.
“Be careful, please.” Her features pinched with concern.
“I will.” He kissed her cheek and walked out the door.
Immediately assaulted by stinging squalls, he hunched his shoulders and used his own mass to shield his body. He finally reached his truck, and carefully climbed the icy steps to get into the cab. He made it to the library and let out an unabashed sigh of relief. The wheels slipped—he’d spoken too soon. No matter what he did, the truck wouldn’t make it up the slight hill into the back vacant lot. He couldn’t stay on the road, so he’d have to use the main library lot. With no other cars there, he could fit, and he couldn’t imagine anybody would complain considering the circumstances.
His trek to park was over but now came the hardest part—a half-mile walk back to Addy’s. Before he left, he scanned the truck for anything he might need overnight. He grabbed his phone charger and tucked it into his interior coat pocket. His logbooks and everythin
g else could stay.
Man, I don’t remember it ever being so cold. The frigid air seeped through his steel-toed work boots. Thick and heavy snow crunched under his feet, and the several inches already on the ground gave the illusion of wading through water.
The street lights turned off, cutting out his main source of illumination. Any light given off by his flashlight struggled to break through the barrier of snow. Even the few lights he’d seen on buildings on the way were now dark, giving a strong indication that electricity had given up.
Frustrated, he reminded himself that Jessa waited for him at the end of the task. He found his way to the sidewalk, and the edge that tightened his muscles faded. All he had to do was follow the pavement to Addy’s. Think of the days before electricity. People had to find their own way in blizzards with only a lantern if they were lucky to have that. Put into perspective, his situation wasn’t so bad.
He could still be on the road. His truck could be broken. He could have been in an accident.
Thank You, God, for the protection You provide all the time. And for using me to help this family
A quick jaunt in the snow was nothing. He had this.
One foot in front of the other, he fought his way through the elements. Eerie silence took over the town with nothing to hear but the howling winds. Not a dog barked, nor bird sang. No one was outside to greet him with a smile or wave. If he wasn’t so cold and the gusts weren’t so strong, if the snow wasn’t blinding him, he might find it a peaceful setting. He pictured what the town would look like in the morning, and he clung to that image as he trudged through the snow.
He came to the gate for the bed and breakfast and let out a loud, “Hallelujah” and pumped his fist in the air. Unsure how long the trip had taken, he felt he’d lived a lifetime. Either way, he’d made it to his home for the night and had zero intentions of entering the mad outdoors again until the morning at the earliest. He turned the doorknob, not bothering to knock or ring the bell. Thankfully, no one had locked it behind him.
Lit candles filled the foyer. Beams of light bounced off walls and along the floor from people walking with flashlights.
He heard someone call for Jessa. “Your boyfriend’s back.”