Love Inspired January 2014 - Bundle 2 of 2: Bayou SweetheartThe Firefighter's New FamilySeason of Redemption

by Lenora Worth

  His frown flickered and then faded. He slipped his toe beneath her shoe, lifting her feet from the floor, and twirled her around. The sensation rolled through her like a warm breeze. He’d given her spring again. The winter of her life had passed.

  As the song segued to a faster one, Devon steered her away from the dancers, and knowing dinner was a ways off, she drew him toward a set of French doors and beckoned him to follow. When they stepped outside, the scent of roses greeted them and the day’s warmth still hung on the air. “What do you think?”

  He looked around in the dimming light. “It’s nice. Quiet. Peaceful.”

  She chuckled. “I meant the view.”

  He grasped her hands and faced her, holding her out at arm’s length. “The view is amazing.”

  Heat rose up her neck, and with the scoop top, she could guarantee he noticed her flush. “I meant the garden.”

  “It’s pretty, but what I’m looking at is magnificent. Your hair looks amazing with the purple dress.”

  “It’s burgundy or maroon.” She rested her index finger on his tie. “The same as the stripe.”

  “Maybe claret. Like wine.”

  “I think you’re right.” She chuckled, realizing how mundane yet enjoyable their silly conversation was—like comfy slippers. She glanced over her shoulder, wishing they had more time alone. “I think they’re getting ready for dinner. We should go back.”

  “We’ll come out here later when the stars are in the sky.” He brushed the side of his hand along her cheek.

  Her heart swelled at his touch.

  Inside she sat at the bridal table eating her meal but longing to be at her dad’s table with Paula and Devon. She watched Paula converse with him, and a wave of envy washed over her. Silly, she knew, but seeing him laugh with another woman made everything real. She eyed her empty finger where the wedding band she’d worn until recently had finally found a home in her dresser drawer, her first step toward facing the truth.

  Another awareness opened her eyes. Paula was attractive. She’d never noticed when they were cousin talking to cousin. In Roscommon, she’d witnessed stress on Paula’s face during the visitation and funeral and later talking about the details she had to handle to close the estate. Tonight the stress had faded, and her face glowed in the twinkle of the candles on each table.

  The best man’s toast ended with applause and the clink of glasses, and she knew her time had come. She rose, thanking everyone for attending, sharing some humorous moments in their lives as sisters, and then said what was in her heart. “But no matter what silly threats we screamed at each other as girls, Neely has become my best friend. When I need her, she’s always there, helping me through the direst time of my life, being a loving auntie to Joey, and one of the best people I know. Today brings a new chapter in her life with a bonus. Now I have two best friends who’ll stand by me. Jon, I couldn’t ask for a better brother or friend. Welcome to our family, and I pray God gives you lots of children so I can take my turn babysitting.”

  The guests roared and struck their spoons against their water goblets, encouraging Neely and Jon to kiss. They did to a round of applause, and Ashley returned to her seat, grateful that most of her responsibilities had ended.

  When she was able to leave the bride’s table, she made her way to Devon standing near the glass wall, looking outside. As she approached him, the chandelier and table’s candle centerpieces reflected in the glass, distorting the view. But when Devon opened the door, she stepped outside to a dark sky dotted with stars and a crescent moon. He slipped his arm around her waist, keeping her footing solid on the flagstone walk. Beyond a border of shrubs, he pointed to a bench nestled near a flower bed brimming with blossoms.

  She sat, and he settled beside her, his arm again around her back, holding her close. “Great night.”

  “Especially now.” She tilted her head and captured his eyes. He read her silent words. He drew closer, his lips on hers. As she moved with a tender touch, her mind swirled with thoughts she wanted to share, yet fought the fear of saying them.

  When he drew back, his gaze stayed on hers.

  “I’ve been thinking.” His arm tensed, and she was sorry she’d begun that way. “Thinking about us, and—”

  His eyes filled with question.

  “Good things about us.” She touched his cheek. “I want to make this work, Devon. I’m dealing with my unreasonable fears. So many things you said that day made sense. Accidents happen no matter where we are. Home. In our cars. On a plane. Or on the job. Anytime. Anyplace. Ferndale, Michigan or some desert in Afghanistan. My foolish worries and negative outlook destroys good possibilities and only reflects my lack of faith, and I don’t want it to be like that. I want to be trusting and faith-filled.”

  “That’s what I want, too, Ash. And I see the difference in you. I know you’re working on it, and I couldn’t ask for more.” He rose and drew her up into his embrace, his heart beating against hers. “Does this mean we’re a real couple? More than friends?”

  “We’ve been more than friends for a long time. I just had to admit it.”

  “I love when you admit it.”

  “So do I.” His lips captured hers again, and in the light of the moon and stars, her heart soared into the summer air. Tonight she felt strong. Nothing could destroy what they had. Nothing.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Devon grinned as he thought about Ashley’s enthusiasm over Joey’s birthday. The day they had shopped for the boy’s gifts opened another new door. Maneuvering through crowds in a mall had always fallen somewhere near the bottom of his list of things to do, but on that day with Ashley’s hand in his, the task had moved up in the ranks at an astonishing pace. Even the thought of wearing a suit and tie added new meaning to the idea of dressing up. The look in her eyes the night of the wedding made it all worthwhile.

  Their talk in the garden replayed in his head. Though the stars and moon added to the atmosphere, he sensed God at work that night when Ashley bared her heart and admitted all that he’d wanted to hear. Each day with her in his life had become a gift.

  But today gifts belonged to Joey. Devon looked at him sitting in the “birthday boy” chair, as Ashley called it, surrounded by his gifts, most already opened, though he still had a couple more surprises. When he spied the box Devon had brought in, Joey flung the paper aside and beamed at the numerous miniature vehicles—automobiles, police cars, an EMT truck and even a fire engine. He lifted his gaze toward Devon and grasped the fire truck. “Is this like yours?”

  Devon controlled a chuckle. “Just like it, but lots bigger.”

  “Bigger.” He nodded. “So you fit inside.”

  “Me and a few other firefighters.” The interest on the boy’s face spurred him on. “One day I’ll take you to the firehouse. You can see a truck close up.”

  Joey’s eyes widened and a gigantic grin flew to his face. “Let’s go now.” He dropped the miniature engine and slipped off the chair. “Can I sit in the truck?”

  Ashley came to the rescue. “Another time, young man. You still have a present...or two, and we have ice cream and cake.”

  That did the trick, and he slipped back onto the chair, his eyes sweeping the area for the second gift. He noticed the one Kaylee held.

  She grinned. “This is from me.” She handed it to him.

  As he tore off the paper, his face lit up. “Puzzles.” He held up a box cover and showed the photo of three kittens in a basket. Apparently forgetting about the second gift his mother mentioned, he plopped to the floor and tried to lift the lid. “Kaylee, we can do puzzles now.”

  Ashley confiscated the gift. “Let’s finish your last gift and then you can play.”

  Though his expression pointed to his confusion, Joey arose from the floor and stood beside Kaylee, who appeared to prefer putting together
the puzzles than see the other gift.

  Devon scooted out of the room and hurried to the backdoor where he’d hidden the last surprise. When he wheeled it through the archway, Joey could hardly contain himself. He darted to the new bicycle with trainer wheels and tried to hug it. “A new bike.” He spun around to face his mother. “It’s a real bike for me.”

  “What do you say to Devon?” She gave him the eye.

  “I say let’s go outside.”

  Everyone laughed, though he missed the point until Kaylee told him to say thank-you.

  Ashley gave him a hug. “Now, how about some cake and ice cream?”

  Kaylee followed Ashley to the kitchen, but Joey stood in the middle of the room, still mesmerized by his gifts. He turned from the bike to the miniature cars to the puzzles as if overwhelmed with his decision about which one to play with first.

  Ashley called from the kitchen for them to find seats in the dining room.

  Devon took Joey’s hand and guided him toward the treats. Joey scampered ahead, and before Devon could sit, his cell phone rang. He tugged it from his breast pocket and saw Renee’s name. “I’ll be right back.” He held up his finger and retreated to the living room. “What’s up?”

  “Gina’s home.”

  As soon as he heard Renee’s voice, he realized they had a problem. “She’s upset?”

  “That’s only part of it.”

  He waited for more, but all he heard was silence. “Please tell me what’s going on.”

  “She’s not well. They should have kept her. The hallucinations are worse than when she left.”

  Renee hadn’t told him about those. “What kind of hallucinations?” His pulse escalated as his concern grew.

  “She’s bipolar, Devon. You knew that, right?”

  “You mean now. Is this a new problem? She wasn’t bipolar before.” His cheek ticked with tension.

  “Sorry, but she did. She had tendencies, but her medication kept things under control. If she stopped taking them, then the condition got worse.”

  He froze to the spot. “Gina never explained what it was for. She said the pills were for her nerves. I never questioned her, Renee. I didn’t realize...” He closed his eyes, recalling she’d had to stop taking the pills when she became pregnant. “If I’d known—”

  “It’s not your fault. Gina refused to discuss her diagnosis. She insisted she was fine, but now we know that wasn’t the case. The psychologist told me that she has a tendency toward schizophrenia, and that’s not good news.”

  The word jarred Devon. “It’s dangerous.”

  “She hears a voice telling her to do things. Take her life is one of things they tell her.”

  “What can you... We do?” His mind spun. Concern for Kaylee’s safety surged through his mind. He imagined what the voice might tell her to do. He pressed his fingers against his temple, wishing away the thunder in his brain. “Is she okay with Kaylee living here?”

  “She wants to see her, Devon. I haven’t told her that she’s staying with you for more than your days off.” She released a stream of air. “Can you bring her home?”

  His spine straightened. “She is home, Renee. Remember?”

  “But...”

  “I’ll talk with her, but not today. We’re at a birthday party, and it’s not a good time.”

  “Do you think it’s a good time for me?”

  “No.” He rubbed his hand across his mouth, asking the Lord to give him words that were filled with kindness and not the ones on the tip of his tongue. “Tomorrow. I’ll get there tomorrow alone, and later I’ll bring Kaylee, but I need to talk to Gina first.”

  Kaylee darted through the archway and skidded to a stop. “Daddy, we want to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to Joey.”

  “Tomorrow. That’s all I can do.” He gave Kaylee a nod. “I have to hang up now.”

  She mumbled concerns but finally said goodbye.

  He hit the end call button and slipped his arm around Kaylee as they returned to the kitchen. He had no plan to tell her about the call now. In Kaylee’s eyes he’d given her a gift when she came to live with him. He wouldn’t take that away.

  * * *

  Ashley stood at her front window, straining to see down the street and to know if Devon had returned home from his visit with Gina. Her heart ached for him, but as much for herself. She’d grown to love Kaylee as her own—the thought scared her—but it was true. Having the girl stay with her while Devon worked had melded the family together like hot chocolate and marshmallows. Kaylee had fit in, becoming a playmate for Joey and a help to her.

  Devon could go to court with powerful ammunition against Gina, but would he? His pure heart and concern for his former wife, as well as the impact of a court battle, could damage Kaylee. She prayed the Lord would intervene and point the way for the answer.

  Her leg tired, she sank into her recliner and hoisted the footrest. Healing took time, and the last thing she wanted to do was cause problems with her leg. The memory of the day the tree fell dropped into mind with horror but also with joy. She’d met Devon, an amazing gift in her life. She’d bypassed her concern, and grasping her faith and Devon’s confidence in their relationship, she’d laid down the burden and stepped into a new world promising an amazing journey.

  A sound roused her, and she stood up, her focus on the window and her driveway. Disappointed, she sank back into her chair. On one hand, she’d been grateful for her dad. He’d invited the children to lunch at their favorite fast-food restaurant with a play area, but now she needed a distraction and without them nothing drew her away from waiting, not even her work.

  Her contacts had grown, and with Kaylee there to entertain Joey, she’d had more time to keep up with the stacks of computer and paperwork that accumulated on her desk. Grateful for the income, she enjoyed spending time with Devon and the children far more.

  One niggling thought stayed with her, a new issue she hadn’t considered until recently. Joey adored Devon and carried the fire truck into his bedroom each night. Fire truck. Boys emulated their fathers. What would she do if one day Joey wanted to be a firefighter? The distant possibility seemed a ridiculous concern when she thought logically, but when her heart took over it burned in her mind.

  The foolish worry was another burden she had to lay at Jesus’ feet. Now that she’d opened her heart and admitted her feelings, sliding back was no longer an option. Months ago she thought nothing could pull her away from the memories of her life with Adam. They’d only shared a couple short years before the army called him away. Still, at times, it seemed like a lifetime. But her life had changed. Today, though the bittersweet memories remained, her joy covered them with new experiences and memories.

  The backdoor opened, and she jumped. Her back straightened as her eyes shifted to the archway. Devon stepped into the room, his expression a muddle of emotion.

  She rose and opened her arms. “Was it that bad?”

  He closed his eyes and moved into her arms, clinging to her. “Let’s sit.”

  Weariness emanated from his body, and she drew back to her chair while he sank into the easy chair nearby. “She’s not the woman I married.” He shook his head. She looked like an old woman, her back hunched, deep furrows around her eyes. “Whatever is going on in her body, in her head, is killing her. My heart breaks for Kaylee. She’s been living with Gina as her major caregiver and has grown up seeing the shell of the mother she once had.”

  Tension knotted in her shoulders, and she pulled her arms back to relieve the strain. “You don’t think that Gina would really take her own life, do you?”

  “Her attempts so far have been waylaid, but I don’t know, Ash. One day she might try and there’ll be no one to stop her and get to her in time.” He shook his head. “I really don’t know.”

  “Does she realize wh
at she’d do to Kaylee. She’d be without a mother, and—”

  “She’s without one now. Her body’s there, but her heart and mind are so tangled in the drugs she takes and the disease that’s destroyed her spirit, I don’t think she’s in tune to much of anything most of the time. I’ve never known anyone so incapacitated by an illness like this.”

  “It’s horrible for Kaylee and you. There’s so little you can do, I’m at a loss.”

  His eyes agreed. “She’s lost so much I feel guilty taking Kaylee from her. It seems so unkind...so thoughtless.”

  “Kaylee asked to live with you, Devon.” Her stomach knotted as she talked, and she felt sick. “You don’t know if Gina will hurt herself and Kaylee will witness that.” Her greatest fear was Gina would also harm Kaylee to keep them together. It wasn’t unheard of with a mental illness. “Don’t forget, Devon, besides being her father and her loving you, now you understand the importance of having custody.”

  “We talked a little, but her mind wanders. Then she’ll come back to Kaylee and ask why she hadn’t come with me.”

  “When you told her your thoughts, did she understand?”

  His shoulders lifted in a heavy sigh. “I explained, but...” His head lowered. “I couldn’t tell her Kaylee asked to live with me. I just couldn’t.”

  Ashley nodded, understanding yet wishing he had. “You’ll have to tell her if it comes to that.”

  “I know. I’m hoping it doesn’t. I told her I’d bring Kaylee back when I return to work on Thursday.” He lifted his head, his eyes glazed. “She fell asleep as we were talking. Renee said she sleeps much of the time.”

  “That’s no life for—” Ashley let the sentence die. He knew it wasn’t a life for Kaylee, and he didn’t need to hear it again. What he needed was a solution. “Will you tell Kaylee so she’s prepared?”

  “I think she knows the situation better than I do, Ash.” His eyes misted. “She’s been watching her mother sink deeper and deeper into this sad condition. Who knows how she’s coped.”