by JoAnn Durgin
“Did you have breakfast?” Sam asked.
“We managed to eat something at the bed-and-breakfast,” Josh said, moving across the kitchen in her direction. “Enough hogging the baby. My turn.”
Eyes wide, Rebekah handed him over, more than a little surprised. What a natural he was. It brought out a nurturing side of him she’d never glimpsed before. She’d talked with Winnie quite a bit lately and knew Chloe adored Josh. It was hard not to adore her brother. He had “the touch” with children every bit as much as with adults judging by the way he handled Joe.
“Do you happen to know where I might be able to find a handsome lumber man from Louisiana?” she asked Sam. Why am I so tongue-tied all of a sudden?
“He headed out to the construction site right after an early breakfast.”
“Have they already broken ground?” Josh asked.
Sam shook his head. “No, that’s still a week or two away. Kevin’s got a trailer set up as an office and the construction equipment and building supplies are being brought in now. He’s meeting with the contractors, the architects and construction crew.” His gaze moved to her. “He’s the lead guy with this project and I think he’s in his element.”
“That’s what I keep telling her,” Josh said. “That man’s a natural born leader. He doesn’t rely on his own decisions and has that all-important silent Partner on his side. I predict the man will go far.” He glanced her way. “Especially with Beck right beside him.”
Rebekah appreciated their confidence in Kevin. “Have you been to the construction site?”
“Meaning do I know where it is and how to get there?” The smile lines she loved deepened. “I’ll do you one better.”
Lexa walked over to the small desk in the corner of the kitchen and retrieved a piece of paper. “Here are the mapped out directions as well as the phone number for the construction office.” She smiled. “I assume you have Kevin’s cell phone number, if needed.”
“Yes, thanks,” Rebekah said, glancing at the paper. “You two think of everything.”
“Speaking of which, do you happen to know the whereabouts of a very lovely lady named Winnie Doyle this fine morning?” Josh asked. He ignored her when she rolled her eyes. Sam moved over to Josh and he transferred Joe to his father’s waiting arms.
Putting his son over his shoulder with ease, Sam proved how at home he was in the role of papa. Rebekah glanced at Lexa, and the look on her face as she watched her husband and child made her breath hitch.
“Your timing is impeccable,” Lexa said a few seconds later. “We’ve got a couple of days before the next big job. As a matter of fact, I heard Winnie say something about taking Chloe on a picnic today.” She glanced at her watch and gave him a smile. “You have just enough time to drop Beck off at the construction site and then scoot on over to the park. I’m sure it’s the one closest to her apartment.”
Josh nodded. “I know just the place.” He looked ready to bolt that second.
“Let’s make sure Kevin’s at the work site first,” Rebekah said, giving him a look of warning. “I know how anxious you are to see Winnie and Chloe, but if you know what’s good for you, you won’t leave me in your dust with a bunch of construction guys if he’s not there.”
“Now that’s an idea,” Josh said, wincing as Rebekah swatted him on the arm. “Need to freshen up before we head out? Slick on some lip gloss?”
Time to act like a grownup and ignore her irritating brother. He couldn’t get to her today. She was on the most important mission of her life, and so was he. Nothing could stop her.
“We’ll be praying!” Lexa called to them as they left a few minutes later.
“Have fun, kids,” Sam said. She heard his chuckle as they headed out the front door.
Chapter 44
“Okay, you navigate. How many miles are we talking?” Josh glanced over at the map Rebekah held in her hands as he strapped himself in and started the car. Thinking better of it, he cut the engine and reached for her hand. She looked at him in surprise but left her hand in his. “I feel this overpowering need to pray. Again. Right here. Now. Indulge me, please.”
“Not a problem.” She didn’t know which of their hands trembled more.
Ten minutes later, headed down the highway, Josh glanced her way. “Nervous?”
“Like Marie Antoinette.”
He chuckled. “We’re talking about your heart here, Beck, not your head. Well, maybe both. This is going to be great. I can’t wait to see the look on Kevin’s face when he sees you.”
“Do you think he’ll be happy to see me?” She’d been so focused on wanting to tell Kevin she loved him she hadn’t thought about it from his perspective. “Pray the Lord will give me the right words and that he’ll be receptive to what I have to tell him.”
“You know it,” Josh said. “I have no doubt he’ll swoop you in his arms, plant a whopper on you and never let you go. He’s been waiting for you to come around.”
“But why didn’t he step in and stake his claim on me a long time ago?”
“Because that’s the kind of man Kevin Moore is. Whether you realize it or not, he staked his claim on your heart a long time ago. Back in Montana, from all indications. Adam was just a minor roadblock in the way. Kevin gave you the precious time you needed to come freely to him. By being there as your friend, first and foremost, he’s allowed you to see who he really is. The kind, loving, quiet, loyal suitor for my sister’s heart, and what do you know?” He tapped the steering wheel and shot her a self-satisfied grin. “It worked like a charm.”
“Are you saying I’m predictable?”
“I don’t think you have to worry about anyone accusing you of that.”
“I hope you’re right. Turn right at the next main intersection,” she said, glancing at the map. “We’re about three minutes away now, according to the directions.” Her knee pumped up and down as she massaged her fingers.
“Numb?”
She nodded. “A little, but it’s more nerves than anything else.”
“Kevin will know what to do.”
She blew out a breath and stared out the window. “I only pray he’ll want to do it.” As much as she wanted to believe Josh, the wings of doubt fluttered in her heart. Straining forward in the seat, she pointed to a dirt road off the side of the highway a short distance ahead. “I think that’s it.”
“That has to be it,” Josh said. “Good thing Sam wrote on here to watch for the tracks in the mud.” The car dipped and dust swirled everywhere—making it difficult to see—as he turned off the main road. He slowed the car as the tires hit rough ground.
“Sorry about all this dirt,” she said, hoping he wasn’t upset. Josh loved his car.
“That’s the least of my worries. Just pray there’s no nails or glass out here.”
Rebekah spied a long, white trailer ahead and squirmed in the seat. Her knee pumped overtime and she started to gnaw on her fingernail. “I haven’t been this nervous since that play in the third grade. Turn around.”
“Not on your life. And yes, you were the princess about to be rescued by the handsome prince and scared out of your mind Jason what’s-his-name would kiss you. Somehow, I think it’s a little different this time.”
“Sleeping Beauty,” she said, her attention focused on the trailer. “Jason had obnoxious garlic breath and I wasn’t about to sacrifice my first kiss to him. I wasn’t this scared when I was dumped in the swimming pool and forced to tread water in swimming class when we were six, or when I was the senior class president and gave my speech at graduation since someone else in this car couldn’t be bribed to take my place.”
She faltered. “Or the moment I knew Daddy was never coming home again during my lifetime.” Glancing up at the ceiling of the car, Rebekah squeezed her eyes shut. “Come back now, Lord, just come back now. Make this a whole lot easier.”
Josh pulled the car to a stop, another cloud of dust swirling around them. Good thing the windows were up. He turned in the
seat to face her. “Take a deep breath and focus. It’s time to go get him, Sleeping Beauty.”
“Don’t leave me until you know Kevin’s here,” she said. It sounded pleading, but she didn’t care.
“I don’t think you have to worry.” He nodded in the direction of the trailer.
Rebekah’s heart caught in her throat. Kevin stepped out of the trailer, closed the door behind him and called to a couple of the workers standing nearby. He looked over in the direction of the car, but she couldn’t glimpse his expression.
“Do you need a push?” Josh hopped out and came around the front of the car to open her door.
“Maybe.” Her legs wobbled and her voice was even shakier. “I can’t move my legs. They’re stuck.”
“Just take it one step at a time, one foot in front of the other.” He looked over his shoulder, blocking her view. “He’s coming, Beck. Kevin’s coming over to the car.”
“Is he? Oh, my. Hope I’m still alive in a minute to say hi to him.” Her heart pounded so hard she felt dizzy. She put one hand up to her head.
“You’re being dramatic. Enough of this. Come on. It’s showtime.” He pulled her by the hand, practically hauling her out of the passenger seat.
Quaking inside, she stepped out of the car to stand beside him. Her knees threatened to buckle beneath her. Be strong. I can do all things through Him Who strengthens me. Remember that. Now is not the time to be afraid or timid.
“Hey, Josh,” Kevin said.
“Kevin.” She’d never seen such a big grin from her brother.
Those devastating blue eyes moved over to her. “Rebekah.”
There was a long pause as both men watched her. “Hi, Kevin.” It came out barely more than a whisper, but he’d heard. He looked great in his well-worn jeans and a deep red T-shirt. She always loved red on him since it brought out the intensity of those incredible, intense blue eyes. Her gaze trailed to his feet. Construction boots.
“Thanks for bringing her out here. I’ll take it from here.”
Josh nodded and pulled Kevin in a quick hug. “Take good care of her, Kev.”
“Always.”
Rebekah’s eyes grew wide. Do they not realize I’m standing right here?
“Meet you back at the ranch, Beck. Love ya.” With a quick kiss on the cheek, Josh headed back around the car and started to climb in.
“Josh!” She pivoted, her feet spewing more dust.
Her brother lowered the window on the passenger side as she planted both hands on the open window. “Don’t you dare get back in this car.”
“No, no, it’s not that,” she said. “I just wanted to tell you that I’ll be praying for you and Winnie. And Chloe.”
“No, you won’t. At least not now because you’ll be otherwise occupied. We’ll compare notes later.”
“Bye, Josh. I love you.” She blew him a kiss.
“Bye, Beck. Love you more.” In a cloud of dust, he was gone, leaving her fanning her face and coughing. He’d had the last word again. She’d deal with him later.
Waving her hands to clear the air—a lost cause—she turned around. Kevin waited, as always. When he saw her head back in his direction, he took a few slow steps to meet her. My, he looked great. All rugged and handsome. So Kevin, but better than ever.
“Hi there.” Shoving her hands in the pockets of her now off-white shorts—they’d been white when she’d left Sam and Lexa’s house—she took a small step forward. “Sorry, I started out with the best of intentions this morning. Now I’m afraid I look like a ragamuffin.”
“I’ll take it,” he said. “You’re beautiful as ever and the best sight I’ve seen since our date a couple of nights ago. What brings you all the way out here, Rebekah? All the way to Houston to my work site in the middle of nowhere in the dirt and dust?”
The oxygen was slowly filtering back into her lungs. “It’s not nowhere, Kevin,” Rebekah said, looking him in the eye, taking a step closer, “if it’s where you are.”
“Well,” he said, moving toward her so only a few inches separated them. “First things first. Let me take care of those numb fingers.”
His eyes never leaving hers, Kevin captured both her hands in his. Gently massaging them, he worked his way carefully from one finger to the next, knowing the exact pressure needed for each finger, the right touch, to help soothe and ease the numbness. They stood there for several minutes without speaking, as he massaged her fingers. His gaze spoke volumes as he drank in the sight of her. All over again, he had her heart.
“Thank you. Can we maybe go somewhere private?” she asked. Anyone watching them must think they were completely nuts. Not that I care.
“I thought you’d never ask.” Putting one arm around her shoulders, Kevin led her in the direction of the trailer. “This is our only option and it’s preferable to standing out here on public display. I think we’ve already got an audience,” he said, “but I don’t want all the men within shouting distance ogling my woman.”
“Am I your woman?” she asked as soon as the door closed behind him.
“I think you should answer that question, Rebekah.”
“I think you know the answer. I wouldn’t be here otherwise.”
“Tell me.”
“What do you mean?” Confused, she shook her head.
Kevin crossed his arms. Walking to the small desk, he half-leaned, half-sat on it. “We’re going in circles here. Do you realize you’ve never told me how you feel?”
Rebekah looked deep into the eyes of this wonderful man waiting for her to awaken and come to her senses. The man God intended for her for all along. She took a deep breath and gave him a shaky smile. “Kevin.”
“Yes?”
“Please uncross your arms.”
He obeyed, and she saw the beginnings of another grin flirt with the corners of his lips as she took slow, purposeful steps toward him. Stopping in front of him, she traced the lines of his mouth with a soft caress. His smile faded somewhat, replaced by something deeper she’d never before seen in his eyes. “Put your arms around my waist,” she said, her voice quiet.
“Is it really that difficult for you to say three little words?” he asked. “Only three little ones? Three very significant words?”
Still, he was obedient and did as she asked, wrapping two strong arms around her. It was quite possible she’d never want to leave. “It’s not difficult at all.” Taking a deep breath, she planted both palms against his firm, solid chest. “I just want to make sure I do it right.”
The love etched in his expression was a beautiful thing. “A word of advice?” he said, his voice husky. “Hurry. Please.”
“I. Love. You. Kevin. Moore.” She paused between each word for emphasis, not to tease him but to draw out the sweetness and prolong the pleasure of seeing his face as she told him she loved him for the first time. And oh, how those words are so long overdue. Rebekah moved her hands upward, clasping them behind his neck as she molded herself against him.
“Pull her closer,” Kevin said, taking over. He didn’t even try to move her back away from him. “Cup her face,” he said, tracing the line of her cheekbone down to her jaw with the fingertips of one hand before resting them along the side of her face. “I’ll love you forever, Rebekah Grant. I always have, and I always will. Kiss the girl.”
Kevin lowered his mouth to hers, reminiscent of the day on the deck of the restaurant in Baton Rouge. This time, however, it was perfect and seemingly went on forever. Finally pulling apart, Kevin smiled. “So, when did you come to this major epiphany?”
She smiled and looked up at him. “You had me at frog legs. Time to finally tell me now what you said that day.”
“I said I’d always love you. In French,” he whispered against her lips, giving her a demonstration as he deepened the kiss. “We’d better stop,” he said a minute or so of bliss later, putting a safe distance between them. They were both flushed, breathing hard. “I’m glad none of the guys came knocking on the door. I thin
k they somehow knew to stay away until we leave this trailer together.”
“It might start rumors,” she said, still trying to catch her breath.
He shrugged. “People will talk. The only one I answer to is the Lord.”
“Do you really speak French?”
“When I want to. I have some hidden talents you don’t know about, sweetheart, and I plan on sharing all of them with you. Besides, I’m sure together we can find some more shared talents.”
“Kevin! Stop it. You’re making me blush. I can’t believe you said that.”
“Trust me, I know my limits, but I want you to know what you have to look forward to. Hopefully, one day very soon.”
“Oh!” She put her hands on either side of her face. “You’re driving me crazy with all this flirting. Tell me something else.”
“What’s that?” From the amused look on his face, it was obvious he was enjoying her discomfort and liked getting her on edge.
Rebekah loved this side of him. “Where and when did you learn how to build a gazebo?”
“Some things just come naturally.”
She stared and forced her mouth closed. “I’m not sure I even want to know what that means.” She fanned herself with a paper she picked up from his desk. “Is there any place to sit down in this trailer?”
He nodded to the one chair behind the desk. “We could test it out.” His wink was provocative.
Oh, my. “No thanks.” She gave him another warning look but was also close to bursting out with laughter.
“I have a confession,” he said.
She looked at him in surprise. “What do you mean?”
“Technically, Adam ordered the gazebo and paid the deposit. I offered to make a one-of-a-kind design because I knew it was for you. I wish I could say I was the one—”