Caleb chatted with Sailor as he sprayed lighter fluid onto the charcoal briquettes, and Sailor rolled her eyes and shook her head at him, a small smile forming on her lips at whatever he was saying to her.
Brit watched the father and daughter interact from her place on the bike as Matt pulled into a parking space. She wished she could tell Sailor how lucky she was. Brit hadn’t had the privilege of that type of relationship. She’d never had a father figure in her life. Even though Sailor had lost her mother, she was blessed to have someone to stand in the gap for her.
“What are you thinking?” Matt asked when she didn’t immediately hop off the bike.
Brit told him. “Do you think she knows how much her father cares? I mean, she’s lost a lot, but does she see what she still has here?”
“I think she does. She and Caleb might not see eye to eye right now on some issues, but they’ve always been close.”
“Good.”
A car pulled up beside them as Brit moved from the bike and pulled off her helmet. The pastor and his wife opened their car doors at the same time as the back doors opened behind them.
“Matt, Brit, good timing! I have a couple of ladies I want you to meet.”
A beautiful, petite Hispanic woman and a tall elegant blond stepped out from their respective sides of the vehicle. The blond walked around to join them.
Pastor Gary motioned to the women. “As you know, Josie is considering the position of counselor for the center. Cameron will hopefully decide to take our offer with the nurse-midwife position. Josie, Cameron, I want you to meet two of the pregnancy center committee members, Matt and Britney. Brit’s helping us finish up the final details before we open the center.”
Brit was glad he introduced her as part of the staff, not someone forced into the position because of a traffic citation. She focused on the moment and realized the way the pastor introduced them made Matt and Brit sound like a couple. She liked the idea. Brit glanced over at Matt to see his reaction, and he winked at her. Brit blushed and felt her heart rate speed up.
“We’re pleased to meet you both.” Matt broke off his eye contact with Brit and stepped forward to shake hands with the ladies. Brit followed suit and tried to get her heart rate back to normal.
“I’m glad to meet you, too,” Josie said, her slight accent peppering her words. “I look forward to working with you both.”
“So you’re taking the position?” Brit instantly liked the woman and hoped she’d say yes. She was relieved to know the burden of the decision had been taken from her list of responsibilities.
Josie laughed. “If it’s formally offered, yes.”
“Ah, positive thinking. I like it.”
The pastor’s wife stepped forward. “This ‘meeting’ is pretty much a formality. I think you can consider it an official offer. We just wanted to have everyone meet you both.”
“Good, then it looks like I’m officially in.”
Cameron stood quietly to the side, listening, but not active in the conversation.
Brit could relate to her obvious discomfort. “What about you, Cameron? Have you had a chance to make a decision?”
Cameron stepped forward, her immediate smile warm. “I have. We’ve spent the day talking to various members of the staff, touring the facility—I met the physician I’d be working with—I really like what I see, and I’d love to stay.”
Matt cheered. “Then we have some celebrating to do! Let’s get on it!”
The pastor and his wife ushered the two women over toward the shelter as Gram pulled into the parking lot.
Matt and Brit fell into step as they headed toward the car. Brit could see Allie fussing with her T-shirt before she climbed out, trying to fluff it over her stomach.
“If you don’t mind, I need to find a quiet place to talk to Allie. I need to speak with her about something important.”
“There’s a quiet path over there off the far side of the parking lot. If the talk is what I think it is, I’ll be praying for you both.”
Brit laughed. “And if it isn’t what you think it is?”
“I’ll still pray. But if it has anything to do with her trying to hide her belly like she is right now, I’ll pray double time.”
“So you’ve figured it out, too. In that case, I guess you better pray double time.”
“Will do.”
He knew, and he truly seemed to care.
❧
Brit grabbed hold of the car door and leaned in to look at her sister. “Al, we need to talk.”
Allie’s eyes widened with apprehension and then lowered with guilt. “I guess we do.”
Brit motioned her over to the narrow path, and they followed it into the trees. They walked in silence until they reached a small clearing. A small boulder at the base of a tall cliff sat in the evening shade toward one side.
“Let’s sit here.”
Allie sat silently, waiting for Brit to lead the conversation. Brit decided to jump right in.
“I know about the baby.”
Allie’s eyes filled with tears. “I was afraid it was that. I’m so sorry. I never wanted you to be disappointed in me.”
Brit strained to hear the whispered words and then quickly pulled Allie into a tight hug.
“I’m not disappointed in you, Allie. I’m disappointed for you.” She sighed, trying to find the right words. She prayed for guidance. She was relieved to know Matt was praying for them, too. “I wanted better for you. We haven’t had a very good start, but things are looking up now.”
“They were, but now I’ve messed everything up.”
“No you haven’t. You’ve just—complicated things a bit. We’ll get through it—we always do, right?”
“But Gram—what if she kicks us out? She’ll think so little of me.”
“After she’s taken us in, after we’ve spent time with her, do you really think something like this would change her opinion of us? She already knows, Allie. She’s the one who told me.”
Allie’s face flamed, but her features filled with relief. “Oh.”
Brit pushed Allie’s hair away from her damp cheeks. “Want to tell me about it, Al? You never even told me you were dating anyone.”
“You were busy with school. I was lonely, and I guess a little mad that you’d escaped and I was still stuck home.”
“I was still home at the same age. And I told you I’d help out as soon as school was over.”
“I know, but then you started talking about your summer in Florida. I met Mike in the fall. He was charming and really seemed to care.”
“Seemed to? I guess he didn’t stick around?”
“Not after he found out I was expecting.”
“Jerk.”
“Yeah. He did come around a few weeks later, but”—Allie hesitated—“we had an argument, and I haven’t heard from him since.”
“Well, Gram and I are here. I want you to know you aren’t alone in this. I want you to finish school, and I want you to consider college. This doesn’t have to change anything.”
“I don’t want to give my baby up.”
“Okay.”
“Just like that? I figured you’d talk me out of keeping him or her.”
“Why? I’d never do that. I do think it would be good for you to use the center’s facilities, talk to the counselor, who just happens to be back at the picnic. Her name is Josie, and I think you’ll really like her. I’ll introduce you, and we’ll go from there.”
“Okay.”
“I want you to see the new midwife as soon as she’s ready to take patients, too. Have you had any medical care?”
“No.”
Brit knew this was why the center was necessary. Teen moms like Allie needed support with their health, their decisions, and their babies after they were born. They needed to know all their options.
Allie looked over at Brit and formed her first genuine smile in a long time. “You know, it’s kind of weird, but I can’t help but think God has put this al
l together and has led us here when He did. Just like the pastor said in his sermon last Sunday. All things work together for good.”
“I agree.”
Allie was right. Things wouldn’t necessarily be easy, but the pieces were finally falling into place in their favor. Brit couldn’t help but agree that with everything that had happened, they had to be part of a divine plan. She was even happier to see that her sister was focusing on God and was learning about Him at church.
“I’m glad we came, Brit.”
“So am I.” Brit hugged her tight. “Now what do you say we go out and lay our worries aside and have some fun?”
“Now that I don’t have to hide my pregnancy any longer, I say I’m in!” Allie jumped up from the boulder—her carefree spirit back in place—and headed up the path.
“How’d it go?” Matt walked over as soon as Brit cleared the trees. “Judging by the way Allie bounced out of the trees and into the parking lot, it went okay? She seems a lot lighter in spirit.”
“I think she is. Looks like we have our first teen for the center.”
“I know it won’t be easy, Brit, but we’ll get her taken care of.”
“I agree. I just wish it hadn’t been this way.” Tears filled her eyes. “But the pregnancy center will give her a safe place to land.”
Matt stopped walking and stared at her, his face lighting up.
“What?”
“I think you just named the new center.”
Brit frowned. “How’d I do that?”
“You said it would give Allie a safe place to land. Lullaby Landing. It suits the program.”
“I love it!”
A line had formed on both sides of the food table as they joined the group.
“This looks like the perfect time to make our pitch. Let’s go pass it around to the others and see what they have to say.”
They joined the group, and Matt called out for everyone’s attention. They took a vote on the name, and all present readily agreed.
“Done.” Matt pulled Brit over to the food line. After they’d loaded their plates, he motioned toward a larger trail that led off in the opposite direction from the one she and Allie had taken. He led her to a large rock at the side of the path where they could sit and eat.
Matt motioned to a cleared path between two trees. “We don’t have time to go up there tonight. It’ll be dark soon. But one day soon I want to take you up that path and show you a beautiful waterfall.”
“Oh.” Brit started to stand. “Are you sure we don’t have time to walk up there now? Maybe if we hurry?”
Matt smiled. “Not now, but I promise I’ll take you soon.”
Brit decided to be content where she was. She really enjoyed being in Matt’s company.
Fifteen
“Who thinks today would be the perfect day to go out on the boat?” Matt rounded the corner from the hall and burst into the kitchen. “It’s a beautiful day and warm enough to swim. I say let’s grab our suits and gear and head out on the water.”
Brit, Gram, and Allie started at his sudden arrival.
Brady skidded into the room on Matt’s heels. “Say yes, Brit! Matt came to the front door just as I went out to get Gram’s newspaper from the porch. He told me his plans before he even told any of you! A real live boat, Brit! Please? Can we go?”
Brit sat in stunned silence. That was the longest sentence she’d heard from Brady in months, and he hadn’t stuttered once.
She, Allie, and Gram exchanged amused glances.
“The boat, the boat, the boat!” Noelle stood on her chair and jumped up and down. Britney quickly intercepted her and lowered her to the floor. Skye had already crossed the room and stood waiting at Matt’s side. Noelle ran to join him. “Can we, Brit? Please? Can we? Can we? Can we?” The twins bounced with excitement. They stood ready to go in swim gear since they’d already planned to spend the day on the dock with Gram.
Brit hadn’t spent time with Matt for the better part of a week and wasn’t about to say no. She looked forward to a day in his company. They’d been together the previous weekend for the committee meeting picnic and church then spent most of Tuesday—Matt’s day off—together while painting the center, but they’d been surrounded by a dozen other volunteers. He’d stopped in for a few quick dinners, but they’d had no time alone. With one of the deputies on vacation and tourist season in full bloom, Matt had picked up several extra shifts.
No matter how bad she wanted to go out on the boat, she didn’t want to appear overanxious. Matt had made it perfectly clear during their lunch at the diner that he didn’t want a relationship with anyone. And even though she felt sparks when she was in his company, she wasn’t in a place where she could devote time to a relationship either. Until she was off probation and settled into a job, she needed to focus on the children and nothing else. The fact sounded reasonable in her head, but as she peered over at Matt, her heart had other ideas.
“I think it’s a wonderful idea.” Gram saved Brit from having to answer. “Why don’t you go drag your father out of his easy chair, Matt, while we whip up a picnic lunch?”
“That sounds perfect.” He winked at Gram. “I’ll take Brady and the twins with me. I’ll have them ready and waiting in life jackets so Brit doesn’t have a nervous breakdown.”
Brit flicked him with a dish towel before walking over to wash the morning dishes. Gram and Allie busied themselves with preparing the food.
“I hope club sandwiches, fruit, and cookies are okay.” Gram pulled the ingredients from the fridge. “That’s what I’d intended for lunch since we were already planning to hang out on the dock all day.”
“That sounds wonderful.” Allie licked her fingers after polishing off the last two pieces of bacon. Her nausea seemed to have eased. “Tell me what to do, Gram.”
They met at the vessel as planned, and Matt helped the women aboard. Noelle, Brady, and Skye sat on cushioned seats like little angels.
Brit sent Matt a skeptical look. “Tell me your secret. Did you superglue them to their seats to hold them in place or what?”
“Nah,” Matt said smugly. He flexed his muscles. “No need. I have a natural ability with kids. Go ahead and envy me. It’s a gift.”
“Or it could just be the cookies he promised them after we get out on the water,” the judge called from his seat at the wheel.
“Cookies, Matt? Really?” Brit raised an eyebrow. “I hope you like chasing hyperactive kids around all day on this tiny vessel.”
“Dad!” Matt held out his arms. “Where’s your loyalty?”
“It’s the truth!”
“Thanks, Judge.” Brit couldn’t hold back her smirk.
“Please, we’re neighbors now. Call me Jim.”
“Okay. Thank you.” Brit felt like he’d given her a get-out-of-jail-free pass.
“I heard that you’ve already surpassed your forty hours of community service. I think that moves us out of the professional arena, and we can focus on being neighbors.”
“Fine by me—Jim.” She felt awkward using his given name. “I’m more than happy to put that experience behind me.”
He appraised her for a moment. “Is it true that you’ve been putting in extra hours?”
“Probably. We’ve hired the nurse-midwife and the counselor. I’ve been working on the fund-raiser and talking with people from previous years to see what could be improved and what we need to change. And in my spare time, I’ve been painting the walls at the center. I haven’t been keeping track of those hours.”
“Spare time? Doesn’t sound like you have any.” He looked thoughtful. “Based on that, I think we can consider your probation complete, too.”
“Really?” Brit couldn’t help but smile. She hated being on probation. It made her feel like a criminal.
“Really. Stop by my office Monday morning, and we’ll finish up any paperwork that needs to be filled out.” He addressed Brit but sent Matt a calculating look.
Brit couldn’t re
ad his expression but didn’t really care. All that mattered to her was that she had been set free!
“Thank you so much!” The day took on a new brightness. She’d gone from rebel Brit to plain-ole-ordinary-citizen Brit, and she liked the change. She could face people with pride instead of worrying that they’d hear about her probation and judge her wrongly. She could feel like a good example for her siblings.
She glanced over at Matt, expecting him to share her enthusiasm, but instead saw that his lightheartedness from a few moments earlier had faded to a frown. He turned away before she could question him and walked to the back of the boat. He called Brady over to help him with the ties before pushing away from the dock. The engine started, and Gram pulled Brit down onto one of the padded benches at the front of the boat.
“I’m so happy for you, dear.” Gram gave her a quick hug before reaching for the rail. “Hold tight. Our captain likes to travel fast when it comes to the open water.”
“No speed limits out here?”
“There are some, and he’ll respect them, but he likes going at the top end of the limit.”
Brit grasped the rail and braced herself as Matt did the same with Brady. Allie had settled onto the other bench with the twins. Once everyone was in place, Jim put the vessel in full motion.
Matt’s strange reaction faded from Brit’s mind as she leaned back and relished the warmth of the June air on her skin. The boat bounced across the lake as Captain Jim swung the boat out of the cove and pointed it toward an isolated island in the far distance.
Noelle’s contagious giggle carried through the rushing air. Brit couldn’t help but smile.
Gram pointed to the island. “We’ll pull up there. The island has a little swim beach, and the kids can play in the water. There’s also a perfect spot for a picnic lunch.” She had to yell over the roar of the boat.
“That sounds wonderful,” Brit called back. “Exactly what we need on a day like this.”
She glanced back at Matt. He stared at her with a strange perplexed expression on his face. He quickly looked away when he saw her looking. Brit caught Allie’s eye, and her sister raised an eyebrow and then tilted her head toward Matt. Brit shrugged. She had no idea what had caused his change in mood, and at the moment she didn’t really care. She’d been given a gift, and she planned to savor it.
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