by JoAnn Durgin
“Far be it from us to interrupt you,” Winnie said, winking at Lexa. “I can only imagine the fun you two must have when you don’t have a Renaissance Faire going on in your backyard. Give us a minute and we’ll clear out and give you lovebirds some privacy since it’s your kitchen.”
“No need.” Sam planted a quick kiss on Lexa’s forehead. “I’ll have time with my queen later on in our private chambers.”
Rebekah coughed. “Well, okay then.”
Cassie chewed the inside of her cheek, tempted to curtsy and address them as my liege.
Nothing seemed to embarrass Sam, and the unabashed affection he showered on his lovely wife was a beautiful thing. Equally sweet was how Lexa still blushed like a newlywed at her husband’s touch, his tender words. All the marriages of her TeamWork friends were solid. Divorce might happen on average in one of every two marriages, but these people were blessed beyond measure. They worked hard on their relationships and it showed. Tears stung the back of Cassie’s eyes. Her emotions were on such a roller coaster today.
Rebekah leaned against the counter and surveyed their hosts, a wide grin upturning her lips. “After three kids and going on six years of marriage, you’re quite the inspiration.”
“Let’s not forget two bestselling marriage books,” Cassie added. If anyone was qualified to write a book on how to keep the spark alive in a marriage, it was Sam.
“Keep this up, and my crown won’t fit my swelled head, but I appreciate the sentiments.” Selecting a chocolate cupcake with blue frosting, Sam gave a thumbs-up after he consumed it in a few quick bites. “Excellent as always, Winnie. Thanks.”
“We had to escape the madness outside for a few minutes,” Lexa said as Cassie worked with Rebekah to arrange gluten-free cupcakes on a serving platter. “Marc’s on Sam’s case about wearing tights, and he’s running around taking photos. I wouldn’t doubt he’s conjuring up some crazy blackmail scheme.”
Cassie giggled. “Too bad I didn’t know Marc and Natalie were coming earlier or I’d have borrowed costumes for them, too. Complete with tights for Marc. And a micro-mini tunic. In pink.”
“No worries. Marc’s having fun at my expense, as usual.” Reaching into an upper cabinet, Sam retrieved the punch bowl while Lexa grabbed sherbet from the freezer and then pulled a bottle of ginger ale from the pantry.
“I’m so happy they were able to make the trip,” Lexa said. “And boys will be boys. That’s why we love them.”
“Amen to that.” Winnie grinned. “I’m going home tonight with the most handsome court jester in all the kingdom.”
They all laughed as they headed to the side door. Carrying the punch bowl, Sam moved ahead of them and held the side door open as Winnie led the ladies outside. Rebekah slid a large tray of cupcakes from the counter and Cassie grabbed the snack bowls and bags for refills.
Sam touched Cassie’s sleeve as she brought up the rear. “You okay, Little One?”
“Yep,” she said with a pasted-on smile and perhaps too much forced enthusiasm. As it always did, Sam’s special nickname swelled her heart. She’d never told him it was also Tagg’s nickname for her.
“If you need us, we’re here. Say the word.”
“I know, and I appreciate it.” How could he always tell? Was she that transparent? She shifted from one foot to the other. “I understand Amy’s bringing her brother this weekend.”
“Is that a problem?”
“No, it’s not a problem. It’s just that some of the TeamWork crew seem to hold high hopes or expectations for some kind of. . .connection between us. A romantic connection.” As soon as the words slipped from her mouth, Cassie felt silly for saying such a thing to Sam, of all people. When he didn’t immediately respond, she blew out a sigh. “Please don’t tell me you’re in on it, too?”
His blue eyes were kind as they met hers. “I’m not in on anything other than praying for you.”
“Yes, and I appreciate it, but my happiness doesn’t revolve around having a man in my life. After all, I have you, Papa Bear. What more could I possibly need?”
Sam smiled. “Different and you know it. Keep your mind open to the possibilities.”
Two of her friends had said the same thing in a very short time span. Cassie lifted her chin to meet his gaze again. “My mind or my heart, Sam?”
“Both. The lines of separation are sometimes indistinguishable. If the Lord wants you and Mitch to share anything other than friendship, He’ll make it known. In His time.”
“That’s exactly what I’d expect to hear from you,” she said. “Not that I want anything romantic to happen. With Mitch. So we’re clear.”
“Loud and clear.”
Ducking under Sam’s arm, Cassie heard his low chuckle as she headed outside, thankful for the slight breeze which caressed her heated cheeks.
Chapter 5
Mitch opened his eyes. What was that weird noise? Did that come from Amy? She tossed down her magazine and gripped the arms of her seat. The fear written in her expression frightened him, and her eyes looked a little wild, reminding him of her ashen face when they’d first learned their father had died.
“What’s going on?” His voice wavered, betraying his already shaky nerves.
Amy gestured for him to be quiet and hunched forward, apparently trying to hear Landon. From what Mitch could tell, Landon was radioing air traffic controllers, presumably in Houston. His usually unflappable brother-in-law’s tone sounded bothered and hurried. They should be starting their descent soon. What could be wrong? When Amy slumped back in her seat and closed her eyes—her face pale and drawn—Mitch’s heart pounded.
After another minute passed, he could endure it no longer. He might die today, but he’d like to know what would kill him, morbid as it was.
“What’s happening?” Mitch hissed across the aisle. He’d been unsettled about this flight from the point of takeoff. Not a good time to mention it. Thinking it was bad enough.
A telltale flush spread from Amy’s neck into her cheeks and quickly traveled up to her hairline. Panic wasn’t in her normal repertoire of reactions, but the stare Amy gave him sent deep shivers crawling down his spine.
“Speak to me. Now.” It came out more a command.
“I’m sure it’s. . .nothing,” she said, her voice quiet. “Everything’s under control.”
“And I’m heir to the throne. Everything’s not all right. You’re scaring me with that Stepford wife, glassy-eyed thing you’ve got going on.”
“Stay in your seat, Mitch.” Her voice sounded strange, eerily calm. He didn’t like it.
His stomach roiled with the jerk of the plane and a rumble beneath them as the private jet finally began its descent. Glancing out the window, Mitch inhaled a deep breath, thankful to see suburban neighborhoods.
“Make sure you’re strapped in,” Landon said over his shoulder. “It’s going to be a rough landing, but I’ll bring us down the best I can.”
What did that mean? They hadn’t lost power and they weren’t rocking back and forth. Mitch’s pulse throbbed. Something was definitely wrong. Dangerously wrong. Shouldn’t the landing gear be engaging by now?
“Dear Lord, help us,” he whispered as he felt a surge of speed and the worst patch of turbulence yet. Breathe. He refused to allow anxiety to control him.
Landon flipped a succession of overhead switches before returning his attention to the control panel in front of him. All the blinking lights and beeping drove Mitch crazy. He trusted Landon, apparently with his life, but he’d never have guessed it would ultimately come to this.
When his brother-in-law spoke again, Mitch’s worst fears were confirmed when he overheard the words “malfunction in the landing gear.” Not good. Still, a plane could conceivably land without tires from what little he knew. . .which wasn’t much.
“We’ve got some rough turbulence ahead,” Landon said, elevating his voice. “Use the masks if you need them.”
The pressure in the cabin changed as the priv
ate jet rapidly descended. Sputtering, Mitch gasped in an attempt to catch his breath. From the corner of his eye, he saw Landon motion to Amy. Oxygen masks dropped down in front of them, dangling from overhead compartments. Grabbing hold of her mask, Amy positioned it over her face, deep breathing into it and gesturing for him to do the same. How many times had he seen this demonstrated on commercial jets but never paid attention? Seizing the straps, Mitch mimicked her actions. A few seconds later, the plane leveled and the pressure stabilized.
When Amy leaned forward and reached for his hand, he squeezed and held on tight. Shoving his mask aside, he managed between raspy breaths, “It’ll be okay.” His words came out hoarse and labored, his attempt to give her a measure of comfort falling miserably flat.
She gripped his hand tighter and began to pray aloud. “Heavenly Father, we ask You to be with us. Keep Landon steady behind the controls and help us land safely in Houston. Or anywhere.”
Mitch unstrapped his seatbelt and bridged the distance between them. Dropping into the seat beside Amy, he gathered her close and leaned his head against hers. “I’m here, Amy. Always.” Smoothing one hand over her hair, he kissed the top of her head. If today was his time to exit this life, he hated to think he’d take Amy and Landon down with him. That kind of thinking wasn’t doing any of them any good. Be strong for her.
“Here,” Amy said, sniffling and disengaging from his embrace. “Put this on.” He watched as she reached across him and secured his seatbelt. She clicked the lock and settled her gaze on him, her eyes softening. “I love you, Mitch. God’s not done with you yet, you know.”
“Love you, too.” He squeezed her hand again. “You’ve got to give me some nieces and nephews before either one of us is kicking off.” As much as he wanted to reassure Amy that everything would be okay and they’d make it safely to Houston…he couldn’t.
The one thing Mitch did know? If he died protecting his little sister, it’d be the best, most honorable thing he’d ever done.
“We’ll be touching down in a few seconds,” Landon said. “Brace yourselves.”
Amy clutched his arms, holding on tight. Strong as ever, she didn’t whimper, didn’t cry. With her eyes closed, she bowed her head.
Mitch followed suit. He’d already lost too many important people in his life.
Lord, do whatever You want with me, but keep Amy and Landon safe.
Chapter 6
“I got a number three, Cassie. See?” Chloe deposited a dripping wet, yellow plastic fish on Cassie’s palm with a look of triumph. Winnie and Josh’s daughter’s delight in winning a small prize was infectious. “What did I win?”
“That’s the fun part. You get to pick what you want. Let’s go see what we can find.” Cassie smiled at the little girl’s enthusiasm as Chloe skipped across the yard to where Kevin and Rebekah handed out prizes beneath a large tree.
“Princess Chloe, you’re looking lovely today indeed.” Kevin removed his feathered hat with a flourish and bowed low. Cassie withheld her sigh. This man would make such an awesome father, and she hoped he’d get his wish soon enough.
Chloe eyed him up and down as Kevin returned to his upright position. “You’re funny. Indeed,” she said, shaking her head, her blonde curls bouncing.
“Thank you, your Highness,” Kevin said, “but your dad’s the funniest subject in all the land.”
“Yes, my brother is the best court jester in the kingdom,” Rebekah said. “Chloe, you can take your pick of any of the prizes in this basket.” She helped the little girl pick through the basket and smiled as Chloe squealed when she found a pink plastic ring with a sparkly fake diamond.
At least thirty children gathered in different areas of the spacious backyard, engaged in various activities, and groups of adults chatted and waved to their offspring. Hannah and Leah, the birthday girls, giggled as Marta Holcomb and Gayle Ferrari, two TeamWork volunteers—also dressed in medieval gowns—carried them around the yard so their guests could greet the miniature princesses.
Squeals came from children bouncing inside a large, inflatable castle in the middle of the yard. Teenage volunteers manned the station and helped the kids climb in and out. Next to it, some of the youngest guests played in a ball pit. Cassie smiled as she surveyed the scene. What a fun day, probably as much for the adults as the kids.
For the next half-hour, she watched over the snack table. She helped Chloe and two of her friends settle beneath a tree with plates of kid-sized peanut butter and jelly sandwiches cut into castle and crown shapes. She gave them a bowl of apples and bananas to share and fruit punch in juice boxes. During a lull in the action, Cassie sampled a peanut butter and jelly castle. Oh, it tasted sooo good. She was hungrier than she’d thought.
“Hi, Cass,” Kevin said, stepping beside her. “Are you having a good time?”
“Sure am,” she said, finishing her bite. “Stand by the food, and you see the world go by. That’s my motto.” She waved her hand to the table laden with a variety of kid-friendly snacks. “Just sampling the food to make sure it’s edible. You never know with these caterers. Won’t you join me?”
“Don’t mind if I do. I wanted to thank you again for helping put the finishing touches on the cottage for Leah and Hannah,” he said. “It looks great.” He chose a pimento cheese sandwich—shaped like a dragon—and accepted the cup of punch she offered him.
“Always glad to help,” she said. “Are you still planning to deliver it in the morning?”
Kevin nodded. “Sam, Josh and Marc are coming over about ten to help me load it into the back of my truck. It’s supposed to rain, but I’m hoping it’ll hold off until we can get it here.” After taking a drink of his punch, he nodded to the girls. “I hope they’ll have as much fun playing in it as we did making it for them.”
“What little girl wouldn’t? A beautiful yellow cottage with flower boxes beneath the windows and real working lights inside? Matter of fact, I love it so much, I think I’ll move in.” Cassie nibbled on another sandwich. “I’m definitely inviting myself over for playdates. The twins can barely walk and they’ve already got a great place to play. Not too shabby. From gazebos to cottages, you do great work, Kevin.”
“Thanks.” She was rewarded with one of Kevin’s shy smiles. No wonder Rebekah fell for this guy.
“So, your wife tells me you’ve applied for a patent for the Rebekah’s Heart design on that fabulous gazebo you made for her once upon a time. I hope you get it. Then you can apply for a patent on this cottage design. I think you’ve got yourself a second career, Lumber Man.”
Kevin laughed and finished his punch. “We’ll see about that.”
Marc stopped in front of the snack table and held up his camera. “Okay, you two. Smile like you mean it. Say Frienaissance.”
They complied and Marc darted off again. “Later!”
Two little boys approached the table, and Cassie helped them fill their plates with food. When she turned back to Kevin a minute later, he frowned and a shadow passed over his face. “Kevin? Is something wrong?” Usually calm natured, he seemed agitated.
He shook his head slowly. “Mayday.” Then he repeated it.
Cassie scooted closer, keeping her tone low so as not to alarm anyone around them. “What did you say?”
“Something’s wrong. I can’t explain it, but we need to pray. Now.” A line between his brows surfaced and the set of his jaw tightened. “I’m getting Sam and Lexa.” He nodded to where his wife helped a little girl choose a prize. “See if you can get coverage for our stations and bring Rebekah to the kitchen as soon as you can. If you see any of the other TeamWork crew, signal to them.”
“Sure thing.” Cassie beckoned to a small group of the young mothers from their church. After being assured they’d help, she heard Kevin call to Sam and Lexa. Excusing themselves from their guests, they headed hand-in-hand toward the house.
Rebekah caught up to her, slightly out of breath. “What’s going on, Cass?”
“I don�
�t know. Kevin and I were talking and all of a sudden he said the word mayday. He said he couldn’t explain it, but he knows we need to pray. No time to waste.”
“Mayday?” Rebekah frowned. “I’ve never heard Kevin use that word before. He has a direct pipeline to these things sometimes, though. Like Sam.”
“Right. From what little I know, it’s used primarily for emergencies related to boats and. . .” Stopping, Cassie moved one hand over her chest. She stared at the ground, her heart racing, her mind spinning with unwelcome thoughts. “Oh, no. No, no. Please, Lord, no.”
“What is it?” Rebekah put a hand on her arm.
“Planes.” The word was barely more than a whisper. “Beck, Kevin must sense something’s wrong with Landon’s plane.” She tried to tamp down her rising trepidation.
Rebekah called to Marta and Gayle while Cassie caught the attention of Marc’s wife, Natalie, where she played a game with their daughter, Gracie, and several other children. “Come to the kitchen!”
As she was about to go inside the house, Cassie felt a tug on her gown. Turning around, she looked into Chloe’s big green eyes.
“Cassie? Where are you going? You look sad.”
Biting her lip, Cassie hesitated. “We’re going inside to pray together, sweetie.”
“Why?”
This child’s sweet compassion seared straight into her heart. “We’re not sure, but sometimes we get a little nudge that lets us know we need to pray.” So nervous she couldn’t stop trembling, Cassie hoped her attempt at an explanation made some kind of sense to the little girl.
“The Holy Spirit, right?”