Reunited by Danger

by Carol J. Post

  “I did. I didn’t think there’d be anything life-changing on here, but I figured if I listened, it would make you happy.”

  “And?”

  “It tied right in with the sermon I’d heard at Hunter and Meagan’s church last week. Everything finally clicked. Sometimes it takes three times to make a message hit home.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “The great men of God who messed up.”

  “King David and Simon Peter. Who’s the third?”

  “Caleb Lyons.” The smile she gave him was teasing but sincere. “I’m not sure the first two would have stuck without the third.”

  He matched her smile with one of his own, except his was bigger. Amber had finally found the peace and forgiveness she’d sought. And God had allowed him to play a part, however small.

  He wrapped her in a hug and spun her in a full circle before once again placing her on her feet.

  She draped her arms around his neck and looked up at him, joy lighting her eyes. “Thank you. For everything.”

  He tightened the embrace. She felt so good in his arms, so warm and soft. His gaze slid from her eyes to her lips, slightly parted and curved upward in a gentle smile.

  More than anything, he wanted to kiss her. This time, he wanted it to be a real kiss, not an impulsive expression of relief. He didn’t want it to be goodbye, either. He wanted it to be the start of forever. The realization shook him all the way to his toes.

  Today he’d almost lost her. What would he have done then?

  He released her and stepped away, everything he felt for her warring with the knowledge that in her line of work, her life could be snuffed out in an instant.

  He cleared his throat. “Let’s get the last of the stuff loaded.”

  She drew in a shaky breath and gave a sharp nod.

  When he stepped out the front door, the sky at the end of the driveway was ablaze with color. But it didn’t inspire the usual awe in him. His heart was too troubled.

  Two more trips inside had all of the food loaded. They’d split the leftover pizza and he’d given the salad items to Amber. The final trip, they collected Tippy, her dishes and her litter box.

  She closed the SUV door and turned to face him.

  He rested a hand on her shoulder. “Take care of yourself.”

  “You, too. Can we stay in touch?”

  He hesitated. Cutting ties with her would be like taking a razor blade to his heart. But he wouldn’t make promises he couldn’t keep.

  “I need time.”

  She nodded and sadness settled in her eyes, shredding his already raw emotions.

  He watched her climb into the SUV then walked to his truck. He’d said he needed time.

  Time for what? To decide he was ready to set aside his fears of losing her and take a chance on love?

  He closed the door. No, that wasn’t it at all. He needed time to distance himself from all that had transpired over the past four weeks.

  Eventually everything he felt for her would fade.

  And she’d be nothing more than a bittersweet memory.

  * * *

  Amber cruised down Highway 19, headed toward Chiefland. She’d spent the evening a short distance north of there, playing rummy with Mr. Gaines, one of her hospice patients.

  She’d be arriving at Hunter’s an hour later than planned. After Mrs. Gaines had finished her birthday dinner out with family, she’d insisted that Amber enjoy the leftover cake she’d brought home.

  Sitting with Mr. Gaines was always a pleasure. Though he wasn’t looking forward to the dying process, he was ready and eagerly anticipating Heaven. The circumstances were never easy, but those with a strong faith almost always fared better than those without.

  She eased to a stop and waited for a traffic light to change. Tippy was going to be happy to see her when she got home. She’d adjusted well to Meagan’s studio, and there hadn’t been any incidents since Liv had let her out three weeks ago.

  Amber stepped on the gas, her heart singing. It was good to be doing most of the things she’d done before. In fact, it was even better. There was nothing like experiencing the simple joy of service, as Caleb had put it, without the concern that no matter what she did, it wouldn’t be enough.

  Tonight the only thing dampening her spirit was Caleb. She’d hoped to hear from him within a few days after leaving his aunt and uncle’s place. But when a few days stretched into a week, she’d given up hope. Tomorrow was going to be two weeks, and she hadn’t spoken to him since saying goodbye in front of the old farmhouse.

  She drove though the last traffic light heading out of Chiefland. Caleb lived a few blocks away. He’d told her the name of his road, but even though he’d been to her house several times, she’d never been to his.

  She heaved a sigh. He’d done so much for her. It wasn’t just the work on the case and everything he’d done to protect her. His testimony had transformed her life. For the first time in over a decade, she was free.

  And he was still bound.

  The sad irony struck her with the force of a lightning bolt.

  After glancing in the rearview mirror, she jammed on the brakes and made a sharp right. She couldn’t help Caleb if he wasn’t willing to be helped. But she had to try.

  She made a couple of turns, then drove slowly down a small street, straining to identify the makes and models of the vehicles sitting in the driveways. This would be much easier in daylight. But if she waited, she’d lose her courage.

  Ahead on the right was a dark F-150. She drew to a stop under a nearby streetlight. Extended cab. Same body style. It could definitely be Caleb’s.

  She pulled in behind it and stepped from her vehicle. When she rang the bell, a dog barked. Another good sign. Caleb had a dog.

  The door swung open. Caleb’s eyes widened then narrowed as several emotions flitted across his face. Amid the confusion and surprise, had there been a flicker of joy? Was he a little happy to see her?

  “What are you doing here?” His voice wasn’t cold but it held undeniable tension.

  Okay, maybe not. She squared her shoulders. She wouldn’t chicken out now.

  “We need to talk. May I come in?”

  After several seconds’ hesitation he opened the door wider, but he didn’t offer her a seat.

  A beagle mix approached, wagging its tail. A cat peered at her from the arm of a recliner. When no introduction was forthcoming, she bent to pet the dog.

  Finally she straightened. Caleb stood watching her, jaw tight. He wasn’t going to make this easy.

  She resisted the urge to wring her hands. She also dismissed the idea of making small talk. Anything she asked would likely garner single-word answers.

  She drew in a deep breath. “You helped me find freedom. I’m here to return the favor.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “Your wife was murdered. That was horrible beyond words. I can’t even begin to imagine what you went through. But it’s been four years and you’re still letting it dictate your life.”

  He crossed his arms and turned away, offering her his shoulder. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “I know hurt when I see it. And I know fear. What is fear, except lack of trust?”

  She moved to stand in front of him, but he refused to look at her.

  “Come on, Caleb. I want to know where the faith is that you always talk about having.”

  His eyes met hers but they held disdain rather than warmth. “You’ve been a Christian for what, two weeks, and you’re judging me?”

  She chose to ignore the barb. “You say you trust God. Is your faith strong enough to believe God will take care of me?” When he didn’t respond, she continued. “More importantly, is it strong enough to believe, i
n the event of the unthinkable, that God will take care of you?”

  She stared up at him, waiting for a response, even a nonverbal one. She got nothing. He stood stock-still, his gaze fixed on a point over her head. She heaved a sigh, her shoulders slumping with the motion. She wasn’t good at one-sided conversations.

  “Think about what I said.” She stepped around him and walked toward the front door. With her hand resting on the knob, she turned and spoke to his back. “I love you, Caleb. And I believe you feel something for me. But if you’re going to live your life bound up with fear, you’ll never experience all God has for you.”

  She swung open the door and stepped into the night. For years, she’d filled her life with work and her volunteer activities, not allowing herself time to even think about romance.

  Then out of the blue, God had thrown Caleb in her path. Was his only purpose in her life to get her on the right road? Or did God have more for them?

  She was sure it was the latter.

  She climbed into the RAV4 and started the engine.

  God, I’ve done all I can do. I’m leaving it in your hands.

  She shook her head. Talk about trust.

  * * *

  Caleb plopped into his recliner and put his head in his hands. Amber showing up on his doorstep had knocked the foundation from under him.

  He didn’t invite women into his home. It set up too many unreasonable expectations. And brought back too many memories.

  He’d told her he needed time. And she’d come anyway.

  Kira approached and nudged his hand away from his face. He lifted his head and scratched her under the chin.

  It had been two weeks. And he was no closer to forgetting Amber than when he’d watched the RAV4 roll down his aunt and uncle’s driveway.

  What he’d done hadn’t been fair to Amber. She’d asked if they’d see each other again and he’d left her hanging. He should tell her to forget about him. Make a clean break. But he wasn’t ready to do that, either.

  “What do I do, Kira?”

  Tess head-butted his other arm, demanding attention, also. He dragged a hand down her silky back and contented purrs rumbled through her body.

  He’d finally reached a point where he was willing to consider a relationship with the woman God had for him. As long as she wasn’t a cop.

  At the last thought, he cringed. Obedience had no conditions. Any commitment beginning with I will obey if...wasn’t true obedience. Could he, in all truthfulness, tell God he was ready, without qualifying it?

  He rose and strode into the kitchen. Kira and Tess followed. Ignoring their hopeful eyes, he walked to the living room then retraced his steps.

  Amber had said he had trust issues. He hadn’t wanted to hear it, but she was right. He didn’t fully trust God. If he did, he wouldn’t be holding back.

  But he didn’t trust himself, either. He’d already failed once. Why would he think the next time would be any different? But wasn’t it a lack of trust in God, also, doubting that He’d give him the strength to weather whatever storms he faced?

  Amber was right about something else, too. She’d said she believed he cared for her. He did. More than he had for anyone in a long time.

  He hadn’t wanted to. He’d fought it. But as he’d spent time with her and witnessed her sweet nature and giving spirit, he’d quickly lost the battle.

  For two weeks he’d tried to douse what had developed between them. It hadn’t worked. He was in love with her. There was no sense denying it.

  He snatched his keys from the end table and strode toward the door. He needed to see Amber. But first he needed to have a long talk with God. The thirty-minute drive would give him that opportunity.

  When he crossed the last bridge onto Cedar Key a half hour later, it was with a much lighter heart. He’d worked through a lot and couldn’t wait to tell Amber. But when he pulled into Hunter’s driveway, the house was dark except for the bulb burning on the front porch. Amber couldn’t be asleep. He was only a half hour behind her.

  He pulled out his phone and dialed her number. She answered on the first ring. Her hello was hesitant but her sweet voice warmed him inside.

  “Am I calling too late?”

  “No. I’m getting ready for bed.”

  “That’s what I thought. The house is dark.”

  “You’re here?”

  He smiled at the surprise in her tone. Or maybe it was excitement. He climbed from the truck and headed toward the porch.

  A light came on behind the vertical blinds. Then the dead bolt clicked. A second later the door swung open. Amber stood there with red-rimmed eyes.

  His heart twisted. She’d been crying. And he’d caused those tears.

  “What are you doing here?”

  Her words were the same ones he’d said to her earlier.

  “We need to talk. May I come in?” They’d just switched roles.

  She invited him inside and motioned toward the living room couch. “Have a seat.”

  He winced. She had the better manners. He deserved to be left standing in the foyer.

  When he sat, she sank down next to him and he took her hand.

  “Thank you for stopping to talk to me. Your speech about trust was spot-on. I’m sorry I didn’t accept it right away. I can be hard-headed sometimes.”

  She squeezed his hand. “You’re a guy. It’s to be expected.”

  He gave her a crooked smile. “Thanks.”

  “I’m glad it made you think.”

  “It did more than that. I had a long talk with God on the way over here.”

  “An argument?”

  “Not this time. I’ve done enough of that the past four weeks. I’m through fighting what’s been developing between us. I still go crazy when I think about you responding to a call or even going on your early morning run alone, but I’m ready to give this thing a try.”

  He turned so he could face her more fully and took her other hand. “I love you, Amber. And now I’d like to do something I’ve been wanting to do ever since you gave me the victory hug at your uncle’s archery tournament.”

  “And what might that be?” Her eyes danced, telling him she already knew the answer.

  He released her hands to cup her face. As he leaned toward her, her eyes drifted closed and he slid one hand back to entwine his fingers in her hair.

  As soon as his lips met hers, her arms encircled his neck, encouraging him to deepen the kiss. Warmth flowed through him, banishing the loneliness that had plagued him for the past four years and fulfilling every longing he’d ever had.

  This was the Amber he loved. She didn’t do anything halfway. Her passion and enthusiasm showed in everything she did. As long as he was with her, he’d never doubt her love for him.

  When he finally broke the kiss, a smile of contentment spread across her face. “‘’Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.’”

  “I agree wholeheartedly.”

  “Who said that?”

  “Alfred Lord Tennyson.”

  Her smile widened. “You always were too smart for your own good.”

  “I might be smart, but it took you to open my eyes.”

  “That proves we make a good team.”

  A team. It had a nice sound. “Two are better than one. If they fall, one will lift the other up. Though one can be defeated, two can defend themselves.”

  “Is that something Jesus said?”

  “Solomon, loosely paraphrased.” He squeezed her hands. “I can’t think of anyone I’d rather have on my team.”

  She completed him and he completed her. Together they found freedom.

  God had given him a precious gift and because it wasn’t on his own terms, he’d almost walked away.

 
He pulled her back into his arms and offered up a silent prayer of thanks. Instead of a life of loneliness, he was looking forward to a future with Amber.

  A future bright with promise.

  A future filled with love.

  * * * * *

  If you enjoyed this exciting story of suspense and intrigue, pick up these other stories from Carol J. Post:

  SHATTERED HAVEN

  HIDDEN IDENTITY

  MISTLETOE JUSTICE

  BURIED MEMORIES

  Available now from Love Inspired Suspense!

  Find more great reads at www.LoveInspired.com

  Keep reading for an excerpt from TAKEN HOSTAGE by Jordyn Redwood.

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  Dear Reader,

  I hope you’ve enjoyed our final trip to Cedar Key. I’m a little sad to leave our friends there. It’s one of my favorite places to visit, with its quaint, artsy atmosphere and friendly people.

  I’ve had fun bringing you Amber and Caleb’s story. Amber grew up under the shadow of a “perfect” older brother and never felt as if she was good enough. She made some serious mistakes and carried some heavy regrets. After years of trying to earn God’s forgiveness, she finally realized grace isn’t something that can be earned; it is offered freely through Christ’s sacrifice.

  Amber saw Caleb as “super Christian,” but he was carrying regrets. He’d always thought he had a strong faith, but when it was tested, he failed miserably. Though he found his way back, the road to complete trust in God was a long one. I hope one or both of these characters’ struggles spoke to you.

  I would love it if you’d drop me a line. You can find me on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/caroljpost.author and on Twitter @caroljpost, or visit my website www.caroljpost.com and email me at caroljpost@gmail.com. For news and fun contests, join my newsletter. The link is on my website. I promise I won’t sell your info or spam you!

  God bless you!

  Carol

  We hope you enjoyed this Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense story.