by JoAnn Durgin
Rebekah began the slow walk in their direction. Sam saw her first, and the look on his face humbled her. Kevin’s expression was hard to read.
“Hey, Beck.” Sam wrapped her in one of his characteristic bear hugs.
She disengaged from his hug and turned to face Kevin. “Hi, Kevin.”
“Rebekah.”
Oh, how she wanted to enfold him in her arms, hold this precious man close. “I came as soon as I heard. How’s your mom?”
“She’s holding her own. The cardiac care unit here is superior to ours, but she almost didn’t survive the trip. They’re running more tests.” He looked tired, his hair disheveled, and he must have come straight from the lumberyard as evidenced by the sawdust shavings still clinging to his shirt. He’d never looked better.
She nodded. “What can I do?”
“I suggest we go to the chapel for a time of prayer,” Sam said. “It’s the best thing we can do for Elizabeth while we wait.”
When Kevin looked at Sam, a tear dropped from one eye. He wiped it away and nodded. “That would be great. I’ll get my dad and brothers and join you in a few minutes.” He pointed out the general direction of the chapel.
Dipping her head, Rebekah felt Sam’s hand on her arm and walked beside him down the quiet hallway.
“Looks like we need to do some catching up,” he said. Opening the door, she saw a few bowed heads; two women whispered with another woman in one corner. He closed the door and ushered her to a row of chairs on the opposite wall. “Let’s sit over here and talk until the others join us.”
“Is Lexa here?”
“She’s home with Joe, but she’s here in spirit.” He nudged her shoulder. “For you, too.”
A lock of Sam’s thick, wavy hair had fallen across his forehead, and he looked as tired as Kevin. Whenever one of his TeamWork crew was hurting, Sam hurt. His presence must mean so much to Kevin. She smoothed hair away from his forehead. “You’re looking a bit weary, my friend.” Those piercing blue eyes weren’t as bright as usual. “Is Joe keeping you and Lexa up at night?”
“Some. He’s going to be a pistol, that one. By the way, Natalie and Lexa have arranged a courtship—if not a marriage covenant—between Joe and Gracie.”
“Sounds appropriate.” A grin curled her lips, a welcome release. Talking with Sam was always so comfortable. “I can see it now: the cowboy scientist and the Wellesley grad. It has all the makings of a grand love story, kind of like someone else I know.”
Sam’s smile lines deepened. “Toss in some yellow roses and the Alamo and I think you’re onto something. God love those two kids.”
“When did you get here?”
He cleared his throat and stretched his legs. “I started out early this morning as soon as Kevin called me.”
“Are you going to spend the night?”
“Depends. I’ll play it by ear. Kevin’s offered to put me up for the night at his apartment.”
Rebekah’s eyes welled with tears; she nodded. She felt his eyes on her, knew he waited for her to speak. Staring at her lap, she ran her fingers along the top of her handbag to keep them busy. Anything to avoid that soul-searching gaze. “Don’t ask, Sam.”
“Okay. I won’t.” He chuckled when he caught her stare. “I know better than to probe when I’m told not to ask.”
She leaned her head against the wall behind the chair. “Even if you don’t know the circumstances, I’m sure you have some pithy wisdom to impart.”
“As one of my closest friends, you know me well enough to know the type of thing I’d say. You know how highly I think of both you and Kevin. It might have taken him a long time to speak up for your heart, but he loves you.”
“I know. He told me. Finally.”
“Here he is with his brothers. If you need to talk, you know where to find me. Or Lexa,” he added with a gentle smile, squeezing her hand and pulling her to her feet. “Call or visit any time. Our door’s always open.”
“Thanks.” She blinked away more tears. Lord, help me get through this. More importantly, help Kevin and his dad and brothers.
Kevin’s oldest brother, Tommy, enveloped her in a bear hug followed by a quick kiss on the cheek. Chris, the middle brother—more reserved than Tommy—nodded and gave her a small smile. She overheard Tommy tell Sam their father, Richard, was upstairs with Elizabeth. The brother Rebekah wished would pull her into his arms stood in silence to one side, watching. At least Kevin knew she cared and she hoped her presence meant something to him.
“The chapel’s free now,” Sam said, holding the door to usher them inside. As Rebekah ducked under his arm, he gave her an encouraging nod. Kevin and his brothers took seats in the front row of chairs. Sensing her indecision, Sam nodded toward the row behind them and lowered his lengthy frame into the chair next to hers.
Bowing his head, Sam prayed first. Rebekah felt Kevin’s eyes on her when she prayed and wished she sat beside him so she could hold his hand. Her prayer ended, then Tommy joined in, followed by Chris. She couldn’t shake the image of their mother in a hospital bed somewhere on a floor above them.
Please, Lord, don’t let her die.
Kevin prayed next. His brow creased as he leaned forward, elbows on his knees, pouring out his heart into the prayer for his mom. Rebekah’s heart swelled as she closed her eyes and listened. His inner calm and strength of spirit were apparent in the way he kept his voice steady. This man was so solid and grounded, so good. No matter the outcome, he would accept God’s will for his mother.
A few weeks ago, she’d have rushed to his side without hesitation, knowing he’d want her beside him. Her thoughts strayed to the heated conversation on that back patio of the French restaurant and then in the church parking lot. How many times had she replayed them in her mind? In light of what was happening now, those events paled in comparison. It wasn’t right to think about them. At least, not here, not now.
A quiet sigh escaped her lips as Kevin ended his prayer by singing the first verse of “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” and they joined in. His voice broke as he finished. “Your will be done, Lord.”
Rebekah clamped a hand over her mouth as a small cry escaped. This time she didn’t hesitate and hurried to the row in front, sat beside Kevin and captured his hand in hers. She leaned her head against his, saying another quiet prayer. Finishing her prayer, she opened her eyes, touched by how he clung to her hand. This time she didn’t hesitate as she raised his hand to her lips and planted a soft kiss, leaning her cheek against it. A few tears escaped and dropped from his lashes and she felt his shudder, heard his staggered breathing. She’d never seen him cry before. From the corner of her eye, she was vaguely aware when the others filed out of the chapel.
They sat together a few more minutes before Kevin squeezed her hand and then brushed his fingers under his eyes. “Thanks. I guess I’d better go back out there.”
“Of course.” She followed him out of the chapel.
Sam talked quietly in the hallway with Tommy and Chris. Tommy suggested they get something to eat in the cafeteria, taking turns to go upstairs with their mom and dad. Chris volunteered to go first, but as he started toward the elevator, the doors opened and Richard emerged. He looked more tired and haggard than his youngest son. With a nod toward where she stood beside Sam, Richard told them Elizabeth was resting comfortably and being constantly monitored.
“They’re talking about doing a bypass in the morning, if she’s strong enough,” Richard said, his voice thick with emotion.
“Mr. Moore,” Rebekah said, swallowing her tears and moving forward. When Richard opened his arms, she walked into them, hugging him tight. She loved Kevin’s parents. Sensing Kevin’s gaze on them, she closed her eyes. “I’m so sorry,” she whispered. “We have to pray the Lord will see her through this. She’s so special and I love both of you so much.”
“I know, honey,” Richard said, pulling back and cupping the side of her face with one hand. His face was lined, his eyes weary. “She loves yo
u, too. We all do.” He returned her hug and swallowed hard.
Rebekah’s pulse escalated when Kevin walked toward her as his brothers and dad started down the hallway in the opposite direction. “Thanks for being here.” He hesitated. “Do you want to come get something to eat with us?”
She avoided looking at Sam. Time to prove she was a big girl and could make decisions on her own. Whether or not it was his intention, Kevin forced her to see that truth during their heated exchange on the restaurant patio. Not that things had been handed to her—and she’d worked hard—but life as she’d known it had been uncomplicated. Everything within her screamed, Yes, I’ll go with you, Kevin. If he hadn’t hesitated before asking, she might agree. At least he’d asked. Clearing her throat, she raised her head. “I’d better not but thanks for asking. I need to be getting home.” All she’d think about was him and wonder how his mom was doing, but she’d deal with it. “My mom sends her love and prayers, and your mom’s on the church prayer chain.”
He nodded. “Tell your mom thanks. I appreciate it.” Kevin started to turn away but then paused. His eyes bore into hers. “I realize you came to lend your support for my family and that means a lot, Rebekah. More than you know.” With one last glance, he walked away, down the hallway to where his brothers and dad waited.
Even though they might be the same words he’d say to another close friend or church member, she’d treasure them because they came from Kevin. Sincere and heartfelt. Then again, maybe she was reading too much into it, second-guessing everything.
Sam lingered behind, and when he moved in her direction, the tears threatened to spill again.
“Sam Lewis, don’t you make me shed these tears until I walk out of this hospital with my head held high and my dignity intact.”
“I’ll call you later.” Sam dropped into step beside her as she walked toward the front entrance. “I’d like to talk with you about Josh but now isn’t the time.”
A small smile escaped. “If you mean about Winnie and Chloe, I know. Josh told me he’d finally come to see you. You don’t know how happy I am about that.”
“I think I do.” The lines on Sam’s brow eased a bit. “He came back to Houston again last weekend, but I didn’t see much of him. It’s good to see him with Winnie and Chloe. Your brother’s a good man, Beck, and his focus is where it needs to be. With God’s help, it’ll all work out in time. Sooner rather than later as far as Josh is concerned, but Winnie needs a little more time. After a long drought of almost five years, this has all happened pretty fast.” The deep smile lines surfaced on either side of his mouth, those blue eyes rested on her. “If Chloe had her way, they’d get married tomorrow. Lexa says she talks about Mr. Josh all the time when Winnie brings her to the house.”
Rebekah wiped away a tear. “Kids are so resilient and accepting, and that’s another reason I love teaching. Sometimes I think they teach me more than I can possibly ever give to them. Josh seems centered and happier than I’ve ever seen him. I pray it works out for the two of them. I think the world of Winnie and always have. When he showed me a photo of Chloe, I could see she has my brother’s smile. From what I’ve heard, she’s already got him wrapped her little finger and is quite the charmer.”
“That she is,” Sam said, his smile tender. “And she also got her father’s green eyes.”
Another tear escaped and she sniffled. “One of the most fascinating things in this journey is seeing how the Lord works miracles in the lives of those I love. I’ll keep praying for Elizabeth. Please call me if there are any new developments.”
“You’ve got it. I’ll talk to you again soon.”
“I hope so. I love you, Sam. Give Lexa my love and kiss that baby for me.”
“Will do. We love you, too.” He gave her another quick hug and an encouraging smile. “Everything will work out, Beck. Keep looking for your miracle. Sometimes they’re right under your nose.”
Driving back to her house, she couldn’t shake the images of Kevin playing in her mind—the way he looked at her and thanked her for being there; the way he prayed; the way he cried. If anything, his tears made him more of a man. His family meant the world to her—so good, God-honoring and loving.
I came to the hospital for you, Kevin. Surely he knew that. At least, she hoped he did.
Chapter 31
One Week Later
Josh forced himself to concentrate on what the fourteen-year-old boy said as the teenager scarfed down the promised steak on Saturday afternoon. Trey was his right-hand man with the inner city New Orleans neighborhood project, one of TeamWork’s outreach ministries.
Try as he might, today his thoughts fought him at every turn. He was a moony-eyed romantic fool these days. He was itching to see Winnie and Chloe again; they’d burned up the phone lines and traded tons of e-mail messages. Chloe had even started to type short messages, telling him the new words she’d learned. As far as she knew, he was her mommy’s new friend—one who took her to dinner and kissed her on the lips—nothing more at this point. One thing at a time. He was letting Winnie call the shots.
“Answer something for me, Trey,” Josh said, chewing a slow bite of steak.
“What’s that, Mr. Grant?”
“Do you know what you want from life?”
The teen’s eyes widened and he grinned. “You mean what I want to do?”
Josh nodded. “Right. What are your hopes, your dreams?”
Trey thought about it for a moment, his handsome features drawn into a puzzled frown. “I wanna shoot hoops in the NBA a little while and then have my own business, get a wife, something like that.” He shrugged.
Josh suppressed his grin. “So, being in the NBA will be a stepping stone to other things?”
“Yeah, once I get old—like thirty-five—I want to have a business. You know, something I can do until I retire.”
“And how old will you be then?”
Trey shrugged again. “I dunno. Fifty?”
“What kind of business would you like to own?”
“My uncle owns a pizza shop over in Slidell. I help out sometimes. It’s pretty cool. That would be okay, I guess.”
“If you play for the NBA and do pretty well, you could afford your own chain of pizza places,” Josh said. “I have one piece of advice for you, my friend.” When he saw Trey nod, he leaned closer, pushing his half-empty plate aside. “Whatever you decide to do—at whatever point in your life—give it your all. Don’t do it half-heartedly. God expects us to give our best.” He looked up at Trey. “Do you understand what I’m trying to tell you?”
Trey looked at him and nodded. “Yeah. I think so.”
“I’ll tell you something else. Sometimes life throws us a curve ball, something we don’t expect. Kind of like a slam dunk that comes out of nowhere, or a line drive that ends up sailing out of the park. When that happens, accept it, embrace it.” He leaned against the back of the booth. “Run with it, man.”
Trey finished his food and shot him a curious look as he drained his glass of milk. “You mean like a pass in football?”
Josh nodded. “Like the quarterback’s just thrown you the best pass of his life and it’s up to you to run it into the end zone. Run for all you’re worth, man. Fly as fast as your legs will carry you and don’t look back. Concentrate on the goal, on what’s ahead. Don’t believe all the New Age hooey they shove down your throat in some of these shops here in the Quarter. You only get one chance in life and I want you to run it into the end zone. Take it in for the touchdown.” Enough sermonizing. Josh wasn’t sure whether it was more for his own benefit or Trey’s. He hoped the teenager would remember that advice as he followed his own life’s path. “Want any dessert?”
“No, I’m done,” Trey said, swiping his napkin across his mouth and tossing it on the table next to his empty plate.
Josh checked his watch. “What do you say we go check on Dean Phelps and then Harry Darden? I think Dean needs a refrigerator moved and Harry needs me to look at a leak i
n his roof. Depending on time, we might stop over to see Cheryl Hixon and see if she needs anything, and then I’ll take you back to meet your brother. Sound okay?”
Trey nodded. “You got it.” Together they walked out of the restaurant. “Thanks for the steak. It was really good.”
Josh patted his shoulder. “You’re welcome. You earned it.”
~~**~~
Four hours later, Josh wiped his brow and guzzled most of his water bottle. His eyes fell on four-year-old Denny sitting on the front porch, watching him. The same age as Chloe. Cross-legged, elbows on his thighs, he leaned his cheek against one balled fist. Wavy, dark hair fell across half his face.
Climbing up the stairs to the porch, he squatted on square eye level with the boy. “How are you today, Denny?” Small and slight for his age, Denny remained silent. Those large, dark eyes tugged with an unflagging relentlessness on Josh’s heart. They looked so trusting but lonely.
It broke his heart when Trey told him Denny’s father was killed a couple of months before in a random act of violence—shot in cold blood in crossfire—the next street over from their small home. His son wouldn’t remember much about his father, wouldn’t know the strong, kind man he’d been. Seeing the devastation after natural disasters firsthand, and the broken lives left behind after a senseless death like David Hixon’s, brought home the fragility of each passing moment. The importance of holding those you love close.
Cheryl Hixon, a proud, quiet woman with sad eyes, stepped out on the porch, the flimsy screen door protesting with a loud creak as it slammed behind her. She’d been busy in the kitchen while Josh and Trey worked to repair broken slats on the outside front steps. It had taken longer than he anticipated, but they were still okay on time.