“I am, too. Maybe you can come watch our ball game tomorrow.”
It was the opening Paige had prayed for. She held her breath, willing Nathan not to disappoint his son.
“I’d like that.”
Zach smiled. “Awesome.”
The sound of Jerry’s whistle shrilled above the noise of the crowd.
“Gotta go. Night, Dad. See you tomorrow.”
The threesome raced off toward Jerry, excitement radiating off them. Paige smiled to herself. They’d have a hard time getting the kids settled tonight after all the excitement. But it was worth it.
She turned to Nathan. “That’s my cue. Thanks for coming out. I think it did Zach a world of good.”
Nathan’s lips tugged up in a half smile. “I know it did for me. Thanks for dragging me out of my cave.”
Paige grinned. “Somebody had to poke the bear. I hope I won’t have to get so pushy next time.”
She went to leave, but he reached for her hand.
“Thank you for telling me about your fiancé. It helps to know I’m not alone—that someone else has experienced the same thing and survived.”
Paige went still. “You’re never alone, Nathan. God is always with you. He’ll help you get through this, just like He helped me.”
* * *
The next day, Paige carried her supper tray through the cafeteria, trying to ignore the pressure at her temples. Lack of sleep, as well as some cranky kids, had combined to make it a trying afternoon, the result of which was a tension headache that had only worsened as the day went on. She’d left Jerry and Sandy to supervise the cleanup of baseball equipment, while she went to scrounge some aspirin from Lou. Now she’d beat them to the cafeteria. She grabbed some utensils and crossed the floor. Her mood plummeted the moment she saw Brandon Marshall sprawled in a chair at her usual table.
He wore a cocky grin, watching her approach. “There you are, sugar.”
“Hello, Brandon.” She took a seat, scanning the room for Jerry or Sandy, wishing for an excuse to leave.
“Haven’t seen you around much.”
She focused on unfolding her napkin. “I’ve been busy with camp.”
He leaned forward. “Well, that changes tonight. It’s Friday and I’m taking you to a party in town.”
Annoyance added to the throbbing in her skull, but she fought to keep her tone neutral. “Sorry, I can’t. I’m heading up the campfire later.”
Brandon snorted, his hair falling over his forehead. “You’d pass up a party for a lame sing-along?”
“It’s my job.”
“I’ll get someone to cover for you.”
Her fingers tightened on her fork. This game had grown immensely tedious. “I’m sorry, Brandon. I’m not interested in going out with you—or anyone else for that matter.” She stabbed a fry with a bit more force than necessary.
Brandon straightened on his chair. “So let me get this straight. Because your last boyfriend kicked the bucket, you’re never going to date again?”
Her fork clattered to the tabletop, his callous words striking like a physical blow. Seconds later, ripe anger rose in her chest. She clenched her trembling hands on the edge of the table. “I don’t expect you to understand, but I lost the love of my life. I’m trying my best to get past it, in whatever way I can.”
You’ll have to be more forceful this time so he gets the message loud and clear. Sandy’s words echoed in her head.
“The truth is, Brandon,” she said firmly, “if I ever do decide to date again, it won’t be with you.”
He leaped to his feet, unleashed fury twisting his features. “I knew it. You think you’re too good for me.”
“You better believe she’s too good for you, Marshall. Do yourself a favor and take no for an answer.” An incensed Jerry approached the table, glaring daggers at Brandon.
Brandon snarled, focusing all his animosity at Jerry, who didn’t move a muscle. Paige’s heart pumped hard in her chest as she got to her feet, prepared to throw herself between the two if the situation escalated into violence. After several tense moments, Brandon stalked out of the room. The other employees, silently observing the stressful exchange, went back to their meals. Sandy stood in the doorway, holding back a group of kids trying to peer around her.
How much had they seen?
Paige sank back onto her chair.
Jerry placed a steadying hand on her shoulder. “You okay?”
“Yeah. Thanks for the save.”
“No prob.” He sat down beside her, an unusual scowl bunching his freckles together. “Better watch yourself, kid. Sandy may be right. That guy could be trouble.”
Chapter Six
“Willy’s eating the cat treats we brought him.” Zach bounced into the stall where Paige was shoveling fresh straw.
“That’s great.” She blew loose strands of hair off her face, thankful that Zach had opted to spend his free time after dinner with her in the barn in order to check on the kitten rather than join in a quick game of horseshoes with the other kids. Paige hoped it meant he was beginning to trust her.
Zach tugged on her arm to get her attention. “Willy only eats the treats if I feed him.”
She smiled down at his eager face. “That’s because he likes you. You’re his special person.”
Zach grinned. “I guess I am.”
Paige leaned on her pitchfork. “How’d you like to feed the horses for me while I finish here?”
His eyes lit with excitement and Paige marveled at the difference a week had made. The usual scowl showed up much less often now. He seemed relaxed and more open. Her mind circled back to Nathan and how much he’d missed of Zach’s childhood. What kind of job did he have that required such long hours away from his family? And why was he so mysterious about it? She could probably ask Zach or George, but somehow that seemed like a violation of his privacy. She’d have to wait until Nathan felt ready to tell her.
Paige finished with the stall and stepped out into the corridor.
Zach reappeared, this time frowning. “Something’s wrong with Mabel. She’s not eating her food.”
“I’ll come and see.” Paige clicked the door closed and followed him down to Mabel’s stall.
“You’re right,” she agreed, after examining the mare. “She doesn’t seem herself. I’ll have the vet come out tomorrow and check on her.” She tousled his hair affectionately. “You have a real knack with animals.”
“Thanks. I think they know when people love them.”
“They sure do.” She paused, giving Mabel a final pat. “People sometimes aren’t as smart as animals that way. They turn love into something very complicated. Like your dad, for instance.”
Zach shot her a suspicious glance.
She picked up a bucket beside Mabel’s water trough. “Remember when you told me he wouldn’t forgive your mother?”
“Yeah.” Zach followed her to the tap, where she began to fill the container.
She turned off the water and stopped to gauge Zach’s reaction. He watched her, a slight frown on his face. “Your mother hurt your dad very badly when she left. His heart hadn’t healed up enough to let her come home. He was afraid of getting hurt again.”
His frown deepened. “My dad isn’t afraid of anything.”
“Everyone gets scared, Zach, even grown-ups. We just try not to show it.”
Zach seemed lost in thought for a second or two. “My mom had a boyfriend, you know. I guess Dad was afraid she’d go back with him again.”
Paige marveled at the insight of this seven-year-old. “Sometimes forgiveness takes time. But not letting your mom come back had nothing to do with you. Your father loves you very much.”
She paused, half expecting an argument, but Zach only shrugged and bent to pi
ck up the pail. Paige let out a sigh, thankful that the usual angry scowl hadn’t reappeared. At least he was considering the possibility that his father loved him.
Paige sent up a quick prayer of gratitude. She would take every small victory she could get.
* * *
Nathan pushed back from the table in the Reynoldses’ kitchen and patted his stomach. “Thank you, Catherine. That was a wonderful meal.”
Catherine Reynolds turned, spatula in hand, and pushed a chestnut curl off her round forehead. “You haven’t even had a second piece of pie.”
Nathan groaned. “I’ll have to waddle back to the inn as it is.”
George chuckled and clapped him on the back. “Why don’t we take Goliath for a walk and burn off some of those calories.”
“Sounds good.” A measure of relief slid through him. As much as he loved Catherine, her constant sympathetic glances were starting to grate on him.
Catherine plucked the pie off the table. “I’ll wrap you up a piece to take back with you.”
“Thanks for the dinner, honey.” George kissed his wife on the cheek as he grabbed the leash from the hook on the wall. Seconds later, Goliath barreled into the room, tongue lolling.
Nathan shook his head. “How does he know?”
“Doggie radar.” George grinned as he clipped on the leash and the two men stepped out into the refreshing air.
By mutual consent they walked in silence until they reached the path by the lake. From the corner of his eye, Nathan could see George sliding him glances. “Something on your mind, George?”
George tugged on the leash to curb Goliath’s enthusiasm. “I can’t help but notice you seem...less tense than when you first got here. Is it the fresh air and good food, or is there another reason?”
Nathan frowned, not sure what his friend was getting at. “I think,” he said slowly, “that seeing Zach relate to Paige, and to the other kids, has taken some of the weight off.”
“And?”
“And what?” Nathan ignored the discomfort between his shoulder blades.
“How are you getting along with Paige? I hope your initial reservations about her have been resolved.”
Nathan shoved his hands into his pockets and tried not to picture her big green eyes filled with tears as she relayed her tragic tale. “We’re getting along fine.”
“I’m glad.”
They walked on in silence again.
“She told me about her fiancé,” he said quietly.
George stopped dead on the path. “She did?”
Nathan nodded.
“Wow. That’s big. She never talks about Colin.”
“Did you know her when it happened?”
“Yeah, she was a mess. Had us real worried. We were all thankful when she found a way out of the grief and depression.”
Nathan let out a slow breath. “Maybe, if I’m lucky, she can show me how to do the same. She’s one strong lady, that’s for sure.”
George’s eyes narrowed as he studied Nathan. “Paige is like a daughter to Catherine and me. She’s been through more than most of us in her short life, and through it all, she’s never lost her kindness or her innate optimism.”
Nathan stilled. “Why are you telling me this?”
George’s eyebrows crawled to the middle of his brow. “You’re my friend, Nate. I love you like a son, but I don’t think—”
Nathan’s phone chimed in his pocket. He pulled it out and frowned at the unfamiliar number displayed. “Sorry, I’d better take this.”
George gave a curt nod and stepped away, Goliath in tow.
Nathan clicked a button. “Nathan Porter.”
“Reverend Porter, this is Bishop Telford.”
Bands of tension tightened across the back of Nathan’s neck. “Yes, sir. What can I do for you?”
“I’m calling to see if you’ve made a decision as to whether or not you’ll be returning to your position at Saint Stephen’s. Because if not, we need to start looking for your replacement.”
* * *
The moon was full and high over the trees when Paige stepped out of the cabin. She breathed in the warm night air before setting off down the path. For some reason, she’d awoken at midnight and couldn’t get back to sleep. After tossing and turning for close to an hour on the hard wooden bed—a sacrifice indeed compared with the luxurious mattress in her room at the inn—a change of scenery seemed in order. She pulled on a T-shirt and track pants and headed over to check on Mabel. The vet was scheduled to come by the next day, but if Mabel had taken a turn for the worse, Paige would put in an emergency call.
As she strolled past the pit where they’d held the campfire a few hours earlier, she smiled to herself. Tonight’s sing-along had been a roaring success. Paige had been surprised to see Nathan join the group. It wasn’t unusual for some of the adults to participate, but somehow Paige didn’t picture Nathan as the campfire type. She caught him watching her more than once as she and Jerry played their guitars, leading the group in song. His gaze had unnerved her, made her heart beat faster. Despite her discomfort, she’d been glad to see him sitting behind Zach. Close enough for Zach to be aware of his presence, but not enough to interfere with his friends.
Paige shivered slightly as she made her way into the stable. When she flipped the switch, the overhead light cast a dim glow down the main corridor. The horses whinnied softly in welcome. She took a moment to greet each one and reassure them that her late-night visit was not cause for alarm. Yet the animals’ unease vibrated in the air. Maybe they sensed Mabel’s illness.
“Hey, girl,” she crooned, noting the mare’s full feedbag. “You’re not yourself today, are you? Doc Miller’s coming tomorrow and he’ll fix you right up.”
Paige stroked Mabel’s brown nose, hoping to impart a soothing touch. Or maybe she was trying to ease her own anxiety. Tonight the shadows seemed ominous, the wind malevolent. She jumped a moment later when the creak of the main door echoed through the building. A ripple of unease raced up her spine. Had the wind blown it open or had someone come in?
Her question was answered when the unmistakable thud of footsteps rang out.
Struggling to control her fear, Paige searched for a possible weapon. “Who’s there?”
A figure stepped out of the shadows and she jumped back in alarm. “Brandon.” Her hand flew to her chest. “You scared me. What are you doing here?”
“I just got back and saw you come in here. I wanted to tell you about the great party you missed.” His eyes glittered in the dim light. Paige’s uneasiness grew at the slur of his words and his staggered gait.
“I was checking on the horses, but I’d better get back now.” She tucked her trembling hands into her pockets and started to move past him, only to recoil when he snagged her by the arm.
“Not so fast, Miss Goody Two-shoes. I’m not finished with you yet.”
The stench of stale cigarette smoke and beer assaulted her as she fought to keep down the panic rising within her. She tugged at his viselike grip on her arm. “Let go of me.”
Instead, Brandon tightened his fingers and dragged her along the corridor until they reached an empty stall. Paige dug her feet into the floor, using all her weight to fight his momentum. When he shoved her through the stall door, she stumbled, scraping her knees as she hit the floor. She sucked in a breath against the pain.
Ruthlessly, he dragged her back to her feet, his eyes glassy. “Now we’ll continue the party right here.” He leered at her, pulling her closer. “I hope you’ve been saving your kisses for me.”
Paige pushed her hands against his chest and opened her mouth to scream. Instead, hot lips clamped down hard over hers, filling her mouth with the bitter taste of alcohol. Fear and anger pumped her with adrenaline as she struggled wildly to free herself. For som
eone so wiry, Brandon had amazing strength. Her efforts proved futile against him. Wrenching a hand free, she raked her nails down his cheek.
Like an angry bull, he bellowed in surprise and momentarily loosened his grip. Paige seized the opportunity to thrust herself away from him.
“You little—”
Brandon’s fist shot out and struck her hard across the face. The force of the blow sent her reeling backward into the straw. He was on top of her before she could move, his face twisted into an ugly mask. Paige tried to push herself up, but he knocked her back. Her ears rang from the blow to her head. The metallic taste of blood filled her mouth, and tears stung her eyes as the terrible knowledge of what was about to happen hit home.
Help me, Lord.
With one final heroic effort, she opened her mouth and screamed.
Chapter Seven
Nathan kicked off the tangled sheets and pushed out of bed. No matter which way he turned, sleep eluded him. Too many unwelcome thoughts filled his head. Thoughts of the past...and thoughts of Paige.
Lately, Nathan found himself contemplating the complexities of this unique woman all too often. The fact that she’d suffered such a terrible tragedy and went on to overcome her despair and guilt had earned Nathan’s admiration. But Paige McFarlane could not be his savior. He had to do the work to resolve his own emotional issues.
Nathan donned his jeans and a T-shirt, throwing on his Windbreaker in case there was a breeze by the water. A brisk walk in the fresh air would do him good.
He’d come to the point where the path veered off to the woods when he heard the scream. The terror and intensity of it tore through him. His pulse rate spiked as he set off at a jog in the direction of the stables. When he neared the barn, a second bloodcurdling shriek erupted.
“Paige.”
He had no time to wonder how he knew it was her before charging into the building.
It took a moment for his eyes to adjust to the lighting, but he forged ahead, calling her name. A flurry of movement from one of the stalls caught his attention. Nathan burst into the enclosure and paused only a second to take in the scene before him. Two people struggled fiercely in the straw on the floor—fists and legs flailing. Then he saw Paige’s bloody face contorted with anguish, her blond hair spread in disarray over the straw.
Healing the Widower's Heart Page 6