Healing the Widower's Heart

by Susan Anne Mason

  “Hey, boss. What’s up?”

  “Get all the kids over to the inn as soon as possible. Ask a parent to stay with them in the auditorium. Emergency staff meeting in fifteen minutes.”

  His terse voice sent shivers of apprehension through her. “Got it.”

  Sandy emerged from the bathroom, a worried frown on her face. “Who was that?”

  “George. Emergency staff meeting. Let’s get the kids up.”

  Paige and Sandy helped the girls dress and pack a few personal items in their backpacks, while fighting to keep the concern from showing on their faces.

  “Everybody into your rain gear.” Paige pulled on her own jacket, sending Sandy a worried glance. She gathered her pack and a flashlight and pulled up the hood of her raincoat. “I’m going to check on Jerry and the boys, then I’ll join you at the inn.”

  Sandy nodded.

  “Okay. Everyone hold hands. Let’s go.”

  The wind whipped the door out of Paige’s hand as soon as she turned the handle, slamming it back against the cabin wall. It took all her strength to wrestle it closed again once everyone had exited.

  Rain slashed at her face and the wind pummeled her until she reached the other cabin. Not bothering to knock, she flung the door open and stepped inside, bringing a torrent of water with her. The boys stood in a row along the wall, looking very serious.

  Jerry glanced up from zipping his orange rain slicker, relief spilling over his features. “I’m glad you’re here. Can you take the boys to the inn? George wants me down at the docks to secure the boats.”

  “Sure.” She wiped the moisture from her eyes. “Be careful out there. That wind is ferocious.”

  “I will.”

  Paige frowned, nerves dancing in her stomach. This storm had a dangerous feel to it. “It’s bad, isn’t it?” She kept her voice low so as not to upset the boys.

  Somber eyes masked Jerry’s usual lighthearted personality. “Tornado watch. George will fill you in.”

  A few minutes later, Paige and the very soggy boys entered the auditorium. Right away, she spied Nathan standing with Sandy by the stage. When Zach raced over to hug his father, Nathan didn’t hesitate to clasp him up, wet coat and all, and whisper what were likely reassurances in his ear.

  Nathan looked over and caught her eye. He set Zach down and proceeded across the room toward her.

  “How bad is it?” he asked.

  “Bad enough. I’ll know more once George briefs us.”

  He handed her a handkerchief from his pocket to wipe her face. That was the type of man he was—the type who carried handkerchiefs.

  “Thanks. What are you doing down here?”

  “Sandy asked me to help out with the kids while you go to your meeting. A couple of other parents should be down soon.”

  Paige darted a glance around the room. “Where are the MacNeals? Have they left to go home?”

  “They left last night.” He stepped closer. “I never got the chance to thank you properly for what you said to them.”

  Paige squirmed under his admiring gaze. “All I did was tell the truth.” She handed him back the handkerchief, which he pocketed.

  “All the same, it helped defuse the situation. And it meant a lot to me that you defended Zach and me like that.”

  “You’re welcome.” His words of approval warmed the deep places in her heart. Maybe she was doing something right after all.

  Sandy joined them. “We’d better get to the meeting or George will have our heads.” She scanned the room, frowning. “Where’s Jerry?”

  “Down at the docks securing the boats.”

  Sandy’s eyes widened in alarm. “It’s way too dangerous out there with that wind.”

  Paige quirked a brow. Since when was Sandy so concerned about Jerry’s well-being? “He’ll be fine. He has other guys helping him. Come on. Let’s find out what we’re dealing with.”

  They walked in to see George standing in a military-like posture at the front of the conference room. Once everyone had arrived, he relayed the news with terse precision. The weather station warned of gale-force winds with the possibility of tornadoes in the area. Looking around the room, Paige found every face as white and grim as her own must be. She thanked God for a leader like George, who kept a level head in times of crisis.

  “Staff will evacuate all guests to the basement and divide them between the employee cafeteria and the auditorium. Outdoor crews will secure the patio furniture and any other items that might prove hazardous. The maintenance crew and any other volunteers will board up windows as long as it remains safe to do so.” George scanned the group. “We need flashlights, batteries, portable radios and anything else that would be helpful if the power goes out. I will personally see that the emergency generator is online. We’ll keep in touch by cell phones and walkie-talkies.”

  After making sure everyone was certain of the assigned duties, George dismissed the staff. A silent group filed out. Paige waited to give George’s arm an encouraging squeeze.

  “This might be a good time to get your prayers going,” he commented grimly, then pushed out the door.

  * * *

  Thankfully, the kids viewed the storm as a grand adventure, and after a few games in the auditorium, Paige settled them on the floor with a video. Once the movie started, she headed to the cafeteria to grab a coffee.

  Sandy followed her in. “Is your cell phone working? My battery died.”

  “I’m not sure. Why?”

  “Jerry’s still not back. Can you try him for me?”

  Paige set her mug on the counter and pulled out her phone. But Jerry didn’t answer. She left a message asking him to call her.

  “He’s probably too busy to pick up.” Paige looked up, astounded to see tears in her friend’s eyes. She fisted a hand on her hip as suspicion whispered through her. “Is there something I should know about you and Jerry? Because if I recall, you could barely tolerate him last summer.”

  Sandy blushed and looked away, hugging her arms to her body. “I guess the guy kinda grew on me.”

  “Grew on you? As in you can stand to be in the same room with him, or as in you’re madly in love with him?”

  Sandy groaned. “I don’t know.”

  A slow grin twitched Paige’s lips. “I don’t believe it. My two best friends are in love.”

  “Shh. Shh.” Sandy’s fingers dug into Paige’s arm. “I don’t know how Jerry feels. You have to swear not to say anything.”

  “Okay, I promise.” Paige leaned over to hug her friend. “Don’t worry, he’ll be fine.”

  “I hope you’re right,” Sandy said, “because if he’s not back soon, I’m going out after him.”

  Sandy’s admission did a lot to brighten Paige’s day, giving her something positive to focus on. The movie was almost over when she looked up to see Nathan standing in the doorway. He squinted as if adjusting to the dim lighting inside. Even in a raincoat and rubber boots, he exuded masculinity.

  “Everything okay here?” he asked, his gaze on Zach.

  “Fine. What have you been doing?”

  “Helping out where I could. We got most of the lakeside windows boarded up. They’ve gone to do the same at George’s house. I wanted to check on Zach before I joined them.”

  “He’s fine, but he’ll be glad to see you.” Paige pushed some stray hairs behind her ear, suddenly self-conscious in her old jeans and sweatshirt. “Did you happen to see Jerry out there?”

  “He was helping with the windows last I saw him. Why?”

  She shrugged. “Sandy and I were worried. Have you had anything to eat?”

  He gave a tired smile. “A soggy sandwich and some coffee.”

  “I could get you something from the kitchen.”

  “Thanks, but I sho
uld go. Tell Zach I’ll be back later.” Nathan hesitated, his gaze locked with hers, as though he wanted to say more.

  Be careful. The words trembled on Paige’s tongue, but she only nodded.

  The door flew open and George stalked in, his weathered face contorted in a scowl.

  “Nathan,” he called, motioning him over. “I need your help.”

  Sensing a new problem, Paige followed Nathan.

  George shook the water from his jacket. “I had a call from Dan Redding. There’s trouble down at the church. He needs any help he can get.”

  “What kind of trouble?” Paige’s thoughts flew to Dan’s wife, Gwen, and their two young boys.

  “An old elm tree crashed through one of the church’s windows. Took part of the wall with it.” His grim eyes matched the lines bracketing his mouth.

  Paige gasped. “Was anyone hurt?”

  “No, but rain’s getting inside, causing all kinds of damage. They need to get the tree out and patch the hole before the whole place floods.”

  “Count me in.” Nathan zipped up his coat.

  “Me, too.”

  “No!” Both men whirled on her.

  She fisted her hands on her hips. “Why not?”

  George scowled. “It’s not safe out there. Besides, you’re needed here with the kids.” Turning, he looped an arm around Nathan’s shoulders. “We’ll need ropes, work gloves and saws.”

  His voice trailed away as they disappeared through the door, leaving Paige stewing in the hall. She loved that church, and Dan and Gwen were her friends. She would not sit idly by when they needed her. Thoughts racing, she turned to find Sandy behind her.

  “What’s going on?”

  “Jerry’s okay,” Paige said quickly to allay her fear. “Nathan saw him boarding up windows. But Dan needs help at the church. Would you mind if I went?”

  “No, you go on. I’ve got lots of parents to help with the kids. But be careful, please.”

  She hugged Sandy hard. “I will. Thanks.”

  Grabbing her rain gear, Paige raced down the hall.

  At the side entrance of the inn, Paige stopped to pull on her boots and tie her hood under her chin, before pushing out into the storm. The wind was even stronger than earlier—the rain just as fierce. Trees swayed and bent almost in two. Loose debris, litter, garbage cans—anything not tied down—blew by.

  Paige wished her secondhand Volkswagen hadn’t died on her two months ago. Squinting through the downpour, she saw a group of men in raincoats getting into two pickups, and recognized one of the maintenance guys. She ran over in his direction, grateful Nathan and George had already left.

  “Tim,” she bellowed over the din of the storm. “Are you heading to the church?”

  “Yup.”

  “Can I hitch a ride with you?”

  He hesitated for a second, then shrugged. “Hop in.”

  She jumped up and squeezed into the back of the cab. Two more men piled in and Tim jerked the truck into motion.

  After a rough ride into town, Paige breathed a relieved sigh when he pulled up in front of the church. Relief turned to dismay, however, at the sight of a large tree trunk protruding from the wall of the church. A group of men wielding chain saws worked at a furious pace. Paige recognized George, Nathan and Dan among them. Hoping to avoid her boss’s wrath for the moment, she hunched against the storm’s onslaught, and made her way to the rectory.

  Gwen Redding answered on the second knock, pushing her short blond hair off her forehead.

  “Paige,” she exclaimed. “Come in, quick.”

  She pulled her in and wrestled the door shut. Paige shrugged out of her drenched raincoat and gave Gwen a hug. “How are you holding up?”

  “I’m a little frazzled, but it’s not been too bad. The boys are getting cabin fever though.”

  “Tell me about it. I’ve got a whole pack of them back at Wyndermere.”

  Gwen laughed and gestured her to follow. “Come back to the kitchen. I’m on coffee detail.”

  Paige surveyed two large coffee urns on the counter. “How can I help?”

  “You can stir the hot chocolate for me. That big pot on the stove.”

  Paige picked up the wooden spoon and began to stir the brown liquid while Gwen poured coffee into large silver thermoses.

  “I’m so sorry about the church. Will insurance cover the damage?”

  “It should. We want to save the pews if we can. There’s a whole crew working on the inside, bailing water and clearing debris.”

  “I’m going over in a few minutes, but I wanted to see you guys first.”

  The sound of running feet caused Paige to look over her shoulder. She grinned as two blond boys scampered into the kitchen.

  “Hi, Paige.” Johnny grinned. At six years old, he was a natural-born leader.

  “Hi, boys.” Paige ruffled their hair. It had been too long since she’d spent time with Gwen and the kids. She missed the mischievous imps.

  Four-year-old Alex stared up at her with serious brown eyes. “We’re watching for a ’nado.”

  Johnny snorted. “Not a ‘’nado,’ dummy. A tornado.”

  “That’s what I said.” Alex frowned.

  “I don’t think we’re going to have a tornado,” Paige said. “Just a lot of wind.”

  “But we want to see one!” Johnny bounced from one foot to the other. “Did you know they can pick up a truck and make it fly in the air?” His eyes went wide with excitement.

  “Yes, we know,” Gwen assured him, while Paige stifled another grin. “You go back to your lookout. If you see one coming, make sure you let us know.”

  “We will, Mama.” He looked over at Paige. “We’ve got flashlights and everything in the basement.”

  She laughed. “Good man. You’re ready for anything.”

  The excited boys raced off to their post.

  Gwen wiped the perspiration from her forehead. “Could you bring these thermoses out to the men for me when you go?”

  “Of course. Are you sure you don’t need me to stay here?” Paige was torn by concern for her friend—who was obviously feeling the strain of the day—and her desire to help at the church.

  “I’m fine. Give Dan a kiss for me if you see him, okay?”

  Paige couldn’t help but laugh as she pulled on her raincoat. “Wouldn’t that give the parishioners fuel for gossip?”

  Carrying four large thermoses, Paige battled her way over to the church, careful to avoid the men sawing the tree. Truth be told, she didn’t know which was more daunting, the possibility of a tornado, or facing the wrath of George and Nathan.

  * * *

  Nathan’s arm muscles burned from exertion as he paused to wipe the rivulets of water from his eyes. He looked across the church lawn to the wood chipper, and a figure carrying some metal thermoses caught his attention. He squinted to peer through the stinging downpour.

  Paige? What on earth was she doing here after George had expressly told her to stay at Wyndermere?

  He threw down his saw and marched in her direction. He knew the moment she realized it was him by the way her eyes widened and she pivoted toward the church. Her foot had barely touched the first step when Nathan grabbed her by the arm and whirled her around.

  “What are you doing here?” Rivers of water streamed down his face, almost blinding him. The wind howled around them, whipping his coat tight against him.

  “I came to help,” she yelled.

  “It’s too dangerous. Go back to Wyndermere.”

  She scowled and yanked her arm. The rain-slicked material slid from his grasp.

  “Dan and Gwen are my friends, and I’m going to help them.” She stormed up the stairs and flung open the door to the church.

  A flash of exa
speration bubbled through Nathan’s chest. His anger propelled him up the stairs after her, but when he reached the door, reality hit him. He had no right to dictate her actions—not even under the guise of friendship.

  Besides, he couldn’t cause a scene in front of all the people working inside. He wouldn’t embarrass Paige, or himself, like that.

  Instead he stalked down the stairs and back to his spot at the tree. He put the energy of his frustration into the saw, amazed that steam wasn’t evident from the friction he applied. What was she thinking following them out here? Putting herself in harm’s way?

  “Paige is a stubborn one,” George yelled over the noise of the chain saws. The grim line of his mouth matched Nathan’s mood. “No point in worrying about it now.”

  Nathan didn’t bother to reply but continued the frantic rhythm of his sawing.

  Dan passed behind them with a load of wood. “Give her a break, guys. Paige isn’t the type to sit on the sidelines. She needs to be involved.”

  Nathan gave him a piercing glare. “Would you want Gwen out here?”

  Dan frowned. “No.”

  “Exactly.”

  A big chunk of wood fell at Nathan’s feet, which he kicked out of the way. When he looked up, Paige came into view, lugging an armful of branches to the wood chipper. He quelled the instinct to rush over and relieve her of her burden. She’d made it perfectly clear that his interference would not be tolerated.

  Instead he turned back, picked up his saw and attacked the wood with a vengeance.

  And tried to ignore the speculative look on Dan Redding’s face.

  * * *

  “Take a break, honey. You’ve been going nonstop.”

  A plump middle-aged woman led Paige to a pew covered by a tarp to protect the wood. Grateful for the chance to sit down, she sank onto the hard surface. Her feet and back ached from lugging branches, and her arms quivered like limp noodles. She blew out a long breath, frowning as she recalled Nathan’s furious face when he demanded that she return to Wyndermere. Why did he care that she was here? Was he worried about a lack of supervision for Zach? She didn’t dare consider it could be anything else.