"It was okay. How did yours go?" He started the engine and accelerated faster than normal down the road.
"The funeral's sorted. Mum and I leave in the morning. But no joy with the bank."
He glanced at her. "Did you really expect any?"
"I thought they might have given a bit, so yes."
"Well, I'm not surprised." He slowed down for a red light and tapped the steering wheel with his fingers.
"What's wrong, Harrison? Something's eating you." She hadn't meant to ask again, but not knowing was driving her crazy.
"I saw you this morning."
Zoe drew her eyebrows together. "This morning? Where?" She'd been lots of places, and why was seeing her a problem, anyway? And then the penny dropped. He'd seen her with Spencer. She felt ill.
"On the esplanade. Hugging Spencer."
"It's not what it looked like, Harrison."
He accelerated as the lights changed to green and looked at her with one eye. "What was it like, then?"
How could she explain? Her heart thumped. Harrison would never believe it was an accidental meeting, but she had to try. "We just bumped into each other."
He turned his head. His brow was raised and lips flat. "Right. And you just happened to bump into his arms?"
Zoe gulped. "I was upset about Grandma. He was just comforting me."
Silence. "I don't like it, Zoe. It seems too much of a coincidence."
"Nothing's going on between us, Harrison. If you don't believe me, maybe we shouldn't be engaged." As soon as she said it, she wished she could take back the words. But she wasn't going to put up with this. "You either trust me or you don't."
Reaching Southbank, Harrison stopped the car and reversed a little too fast into a car park on the road. He turned the ignition off but drummed the steering wheel with his fingers. "I don't know what to think, Zoe. Seems to me there's a connection between the two of you that's more than platonic."
"We've known each other for years, Harrison, that's all." Zoe struggled to remain calm. She could easily have let herself fall for Spencer's charms, but she hadn't. But how could she convince Harrison of that? Maybe it just wasn't going to work between them after all. Maybe this was God speaking to her, warning her. But somehow she struggled to believe that. Harrison was just insecure, but he had no need to be. That's all it was.
"I guess he'll be going to the funeral?"
Zoe shrugged. "I don't know. I didn't ask him, and he didn't say." She gave him a smile as she reached for his hand. "You're welcome to come, Harrison, you know that."
"I have to work."
Zoe released a breath. "Let's go to the restaurant. We can't sit here all night." She reached for the door handle.
Harrison pulled her back. "Zoe, look at me."
Zoe gulped as she turned and met his gaze. She'd never seen such a serious look on his face.
"Look me in the eye and tell me you don't love him."
She held his gaze for a moment before a chuckle burst out of her mouth. "Of course I don't love him. It's you I love, Harrison."
"But he has feelings for you."
"And if he does?" She angled her head, raising a brow.
"I don't want a showdown, Zoe. I need to be sure he's not going to lure you away."
She squeezed his hand and gazed into his eyes. "I won't let him, Harrison. Regardless of what he says." And that was the truth. She was attracted to Spencer, she couldn't deny that, and what they'd had as teenagers was special, but he'd broken his promise, and even if she was free to be with him, there'd always be that lingering thought he might do it again.
Leaning forward, she lifted her hand to Harrison's cheek and looked deeper into his eyes. "Harrison, I love you. I want to marry you. There isn't anyone else." Slipping her hand behind his neck, she drew his head closer to hers until their lips met in a kiss that left no doubt of her love and commitment.
When she pulled away, a playful grin sat on her face. "I don't mind having an argument if we make up like that all the time."
He held her gaze. His eyes had lightened and instead of fear and doubt and anger, she saw love. He smiled at her. "I'd rather not argue in the first place, Zoe."
She pulled him close again and hugged him. "Well, trust me."
He kissed the top of her head and then, tilting her head up, gazed into her eyes. "I'm sorry, Zoe. You had me worried." He brushed her cheek with his hand. "We'd best get our table."
"Sounds good. I'm famished." She reached up and popped another kiss on his lips before turning in her seat and reaching for the door handle again.
Before she could open the door, Harrison had jumped out and sprinted around to her side and opened it for her. A sense of well-being washed through her as he took her hand and interwove his fingers with hers.
After they ordered, Harrison reached out and took Zoe's hand as they sat at their table in the restaurant's alfresco area. Rubbing his thumb gently over her soft skin, he couldn't believe how close he'd come to losing her. He had no doubt Spencer still had his eyes on her. Harrison couldn't blame the guy—Zoe's beauty, especially tonight, dressed in her snugly fitting green dress, would cause any man's head to turn. And the way she'd pinned her hair, leaving a few strands trailing down her neck so they bounced seductively on her shoulders... he couldn't bear it if he lost her.
"It's lovely here, Harrison." Zoe's smile lit up her face, and he just wanted to pull her close and never let her go. But they were in public, even though their table was tucked away in a corner made private with potted plants and trailing semi-tropical vines.
"Yes, it is, but not as lovely as you."
Zoe laughed. "Harrison, stop it! You're just a big softie!"
"But it's true, Zoe. You're beautiful."
"Well, thank you. "A blush crept up her neck.
He squeezed her hand. "I'm sorry, Zoe. I shouldn't have doubted you."
"It's okay, Harrison. It's forgotten."
He gave her a wistful smile. "I just want us to be happy, but all we've done since we've been engaged is argue."
"Not quite true, but yes, it hasn't been quite the engagement I guess we were hoping for."
"I think that's an understatement." He lifted her hand and wove his fingers through hers.
"Well, I guess it's better to sort things out before we tie the knot."
"Which brings me to…"
"Harrison, no. We agreed." Zoe's voice was firm.
His heart fell. He'd been hoping she might have forgotten.
The waiter appeared with their meals—roast barramundi fillet with carrot, steamed broccolini and shrimp butter for her, and a roast rack of lamb with bacon, sweetbreads, peas and buttermilk for him. He placed them on the table and then held up a large pepper grinder. "Pepper for you, sir? Madam?" They both nodded and sat with their hands in their laps while the waiter ground the fine black seasoning on their meals. "Another drink, sir?"
Harrison glanced at Zoe and raised his brow.
She shook her head.
"No, thanks, we're all right for now."
After the waiter left, Zoe squeezed Harrison's hand. "Do you mind if we give thanks?"
Harrison stiffened slightly. This was something his parents did when they ate out, but he'd always thought it a little embarrassing to be seen bowing your head in public, but if it was something Zoe wanted to do, he guessed he'd go along with it to keep her happy. He shrugged. "Sure, why not?"
"I'll say it." She smiled at him before taking his hand and bowing her head. "Dear God, thank you for all the good things You give to us, especially this food. Please bless it to our bodies, Amen."
"Amen." Harrison lifted his head, relieved Zoe had kept it short.
"It wasn't so bad, was it?" Zoe's warm smile and knowing look made him laugh.
"No, it wasn't." He picked up his knife and fork, his mouth watering at the sight of the juicy rack of lamb on his plate. The smell of it had tantalised his taste buds since the waiter had brought it out.
"Harrison, th
ere's something I'd like to ask you."
Slicing into the lamb, he placed a portion on his fork and looked up. "What's that?"
"Will you start coming to church with me?"
His eyes widened and he almost choked. "Church?"
Zoe nodded. "Yes, church. I think it'd be really good if we started going together."
He put his fork down and blew out a breath. He'd have to go along with it just to keep the peace, but maybe it wouldn't be such a bad thing to do, especially if it made Zoe happy. "Which one did you have in mind?"
"Your parents' church. I liked the pastor when we went at Christmas, and it seemed friendly enough. Your boss goes there too, doesn't she?"
"Yes… but she's leaving for Ecuador soon."
"That's a pity. I think I'd like to get to know her better." Zoe's brows were drawn as she took a sip of her lime and soda.
"They're only going for a few months." Picking up his fork, Harrison finally popped the lamb into his mouth. Definitely worth the wait. The best lamb he'd tasted in a long time.
"Okay, well, that's sorted then. As soon as I get back from the farm, we can start going."
Harrison gave a small chuckle. He wasn't quite sure how all of that had come about, but to be honest, if Zoe was happy, that's all that mattered.
Strolling along the boardwalk after dinner, Zoe leaned her head on Harrison's shoulder, warmth flowing through her as she thought about how the evening had turned out. Maybe God was working on Harrison's heart just like Mum had said He was. Agreeing to come to church was just a start, but it was good start, and gave her hope that in time they could grow together as Christians and that their marriage would be stronger because of their shared faith.
She lifted her face. "Are you sure you can't come for the funeral?"
Looking down, he brushed her hair with his hand. "I wish I could, but with Tessa finished, I've got to work. Sorry."
She sighed. She knew that, but it would have been good to have his support. "I'll miss you."
He kissed her head. "And I'll miss you, too."
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
The miles slipped away as Zoe drove back to the farm with Mum beside her in the passenger seat. The sense of loss lay heavily on both their hearts—it wasn't every day you lost your mother and grandmother. She tried not to think about Grandma's body being transported back to Bellhaven in a refrigerated vehicle. Whilst it was practical, there was no option if they were to bury her beside Grandfather, but the thought of Grandma lying in a refrigerated van made her sad. The only comfort was that it was just her body. Grandma, the real Grandma, was safe in the arms of Jesus.
"I'm going to miss her a lot, Mum." Zoe's gaze was fixed on the road ahead, but she struggled to hold her tears at bay.
"We all will, Zoe." Mum extended her hand and placed it gently on Zoe's leg. "Are you okay, sweetheart?"
Zoe dabbed her eyes with a tissue and nodded. "I will be."
"Zoe…" Mum leaned forward and stared out the windscreen. "Is that smoke?"
Zoe peered at the horizon. What had looked like a large grey cloud a little earlier was now a billowing, angry cloud of smoke. "Yes, and it's heading for Bellhaven."
Mum spoke quietly. "I need to call Dad." She pulled her phone out of her purse and flipped it open.
Zoe felt ill as she glanced at Mum holding the phone to her ear.
Mum shook her head. "No signal."
"Try mine." Zoe handed Mum her phone.
Mum shook her head again. "The same."
"I'll try the radio. See if we can get some news."
Switching on the radio, Zoe searched for the local station. She found it, but the signal was weak and with the crackle, she could hardly hear the news reader. She turned the volume up.
"A Watch and Act alert is in place for residents of Ridgewood, Lawnton and Bellhaven. All residents should prepare to evacuate. Unless the wind changes, these towns are right in the path of the fire. Next update will be in ten minutes."
Mum's face blanched. "What are we going to do, Zoe? I need to get home to Peter. He won't cope."
Zoe squeezed her hand. "Dad's with him, Mum. They'll be okay. I doubt we'll get through."
Mum glanced at Zoe, her face as white as a sheet, but then her gaze returned to the smoke cloud now covering the sun and looking more menacing by the second.
Flashing lights appeared in Zoe's rear view mirror. Moments later, a Fire and Rescue truck overtook them and sped off into the distance.
Zoe's throat grew dry as the pungent outside air began seeping in. Flicking the air intake switch to recycle, she grabbed her water bottle and took a large mouthful.
Up ahead a barrier blocked the road, and a sign pointed all traffic to the nearby town of Glenville.
"I wish we could contact Dad and Peter. I'm so worried about them…"
"We have to trust they'll be okay, Mum. We might get some news when we get to Glenville." Slowing, Zoe indicated right, but her gaze remained on the billowing cloud of smoke heading for Bellhaven. If the fire reached the farm, there'd be no chance of saving it. She let out a slow breath and tried to push down her growing concern. Over the years they'd had many fires threaten the area, but this one looked like it could be the worst. Her heart grew heavier. God, would you please let the fire pass? And please keep Dad and Peter safe. God was able to calm a storm and part the sea, and He could control the fire if He chose, but would He? Your will, Your way, Your time, Lord. Please help me trust You, but I pray with all my heart You'll save the farm.
Having turned right, Zoe planted her foot, and her little car responded. "Ten minutes, Mum, but keep checking for service."
Five minutes later, Mum let out a relieved sigh. "Finally." Holding her phone to her ear. Mum straightened in her seat. Seconds ticked by. "He's not answering, Zoe. It's gone to voice-mail." She sounded alarmed.
"Try again."
She did. Seconds later, she shook her head. "The same."
"He's probably busy. It doesn't mean anything." But despite Zoe's verbal assurances, concern over Dad and Peter kept growing. What if the fire had already reached the farm? What if they were in danger? She tried not to think about it and instead trust God to look after them, but images of burned buildings and charred bodies bombarded her mind. Her faith was really lacking if she was imagining things like that.
Another few minutes and they passed a sign telling them they were entering Glenville. It was the busiest she'd ever seen the small town. The main street was packed with cars, and people wearing worried faces scurried in all directions, but they mainly headed towards the community centre on Johnson Street.
Zoe reversed her Corolla into a small space between two large SUV's. She and Mum wasted no time in joining the throng of people heading to the centre. A registration table had been set up at the entrance of the building, and they joined the line. Apart from the sound of a few babies crying and a few mums calling out to their children to stop running around, a general hush filled the hall. It seemed everyone's thoughts were of their loved ones still in the line of fire, and on their homes. Were they still standing or had they been burned to the ground and were now just a charred heap?
Zoe was no different. She stood quietly with her arm around Mum as they inched slowly forward. Eventually it was their turn. As they stepped forward, a middle-aged woman with short, greying hair looked up, her eyes lighting up momentarily before filling with concern. "I didn't know you were back, Ruth. I was so sorry to hear about your mum."
The woman meant well, but her kind words made Mum's eyes fill with tears. "Thanks, Mary." Mum gave her an appreciative smile as she sniffed. "Zoe and I are on our way back to Bellhaven now." She paused, dabbing her eyes.
Zoe put her hand on Mum's back.
"You haven't seen Kevin and Peter, have you?" Mum struggled to get the words out.
Mary shook her head slowly. "I'm sorry, Ruth. They haven't come in yet."
Zoe gave Mum's shoulders a squeeze. God, please look after them…
"I'll let you know if I hear anything."
"Thank you." Mum gave another weak smile.
"There's tea, coffee and water to the side, and the folk from St Alban's are running a prayer vigil at the back. We're all praying no-one loses their life."
Especially Dad and Peter. A heavy weight settled on Zoe's heart as she led Mum towards the refreshments table. Surely Dad would return Mum's calls shortly. She'd left enough messages.
"I'm going to join the prayer group, Zoe," Mum said quietly as they stepped away from the desk.
"I'll come with you, just let me call Harrison first."
"Okay, sweetheart. Thank you." Mum squeezed Zoe's wrist, her hand shaking. "I wish he'd ring."
"I'll find out if anyone's seen them."
"Thanks." Mum smiled again, but Zoe could tell she was really struggling to hold herself together. Not knowing the whereabouts of your husband and son when an out of control fire was bearing down on your property would do that to you, even if you trusted God. How could anyone relax when they knew what devastation the fire could cause?
As Mum walked to the back of the room and joined the dozen or so people sitting in a circle with bowed heads, Zoe stepped outside and pulled her phone out. Harrison would be at work, but he'd answer if he could. Just about to press Harrison's number, Zoe's attention was drawn to the almost new Toyota Hilux pickup driving by. Her heart skipped a beat. How had Spencer gotten here so quickly? She slapped her forehead. He has a plane…doh… He pulled to a stop and his mother opened the door and climbed out. Mrs. Coleman lifted a hand in a small wave as he sped off.
Trudging along the pavement towards the centre, Mrs. Coleman hugged a small white dog to her chest, her focus obviously not on where she was going, because when she reached Zoe, she looked up with a start.
"Zoe… I didn't see you there." Her face was covered with fine black soot and her eyes were glassy.
"Are you all right, Mrs. Coleman?" Zoe placed her arm gently around Spencer's mum's shoulder. When she and Spencer were dating, Zoe had spent a lot of time at the Coleman's farm, and Mrs. Coleman was almost like a second mother to her.
Promises of Love: A Contemporary Christian Romance Page 10