by Glynna Kaye
Looking somewhat bewildered, he held the door open for her. She stepped outside to jog across the snowy yard with what she hoped looked like a carefree lope. But by the time she reached the truck, her hands were shaking so badly she could barely insert the key into the ignition. Pressing her lips tightly together, still holding back tears as she pulled away, she managed a cheery wave to where he stood watching from the doorway.
She didn’t drive immediately to the Log Cabin Café to meet her friends. Although she’d used it as an excuse to escape Garrett, she had a little time to spare. With her family at the cabin, she couldn’t go there, so she quickly found herself on a Forest Service road. Not far enough in to get her in any kind of trouble, but out of sight of the main road.
And there she parked and turned off the ignition.
She didn’t dare allow herself to cry, or the volunteers meeting her for lunch would pick up on it. While she might be able to pass it off as a sentimental day with memories of her grandparents, that would be a lie.
Just like the lie she’d told Garrett—or rather, what Garrett assumed from her nod of agreement when he asked if she understood where he was coming from.
Oh, yes, she understood. Too clearly. Although only days ago he’d claimed otherwise—and that kiss, too, testified otherwise—he still couldn’t get beyond his childhood memories of her. Jodi his pal. His buddy. His tomboy partner in crime.
She’d spoken to him bluntly about his mission plans—as friend to friend. Not lover to lover. That had been her downfall.
For the second time in her life, she’d allowed Garrett McCrae to raise her romantic hopes to crazy, dreamed-of heights, only to drop her crashing to the ground as he walked away, his own heart unscathed.
“How could I have let this happen again, Lord?” She stared up into the gray heavens, blinking hard to hold back the tears. “And how could You have let this happen to me?”
The accusation hung in the chilly air, the silence of the forest surrounding her pressing in close. Then she humbly bowed her head and fell into her Heavenly Father’s comforting arms.
Chapter Fifteen
“We haven’t seen you in a while.” Grandma Jo placed her hands on her trousers-clad hips, looking Garrett over with a critical eye as he walked in the entryway door to his folks’ cabin that evening.
He’d hoped that dinner with his parents, sister and her kids might get his mind off his last encounter with Jodi. It didn’t take any genius to figure out he’d upset her. And when she hurt, he hurt. This isn’t how either of them anticipated things would turn out between them. But given a little time, she’d see the wisdom in his decision, wouldn’t she? See that he’d made it for her. Not because he didn’t care, but because...he loved her.
An evening with his family was just what the doctor ordered. But he hadn’t counted on Grandma Jo being here, too.
Garrett pulled off his jacket and hung it on a wall peg next to the others. “It’s a busy time of year.”
“And from what I’m hearing, you’re even busier renewing your friendship with Jodi Thorpe.”
Friendship. That’s all. He’d made sure of that. But where was the promised peace that was to come with making a right decision? “What is it you’re hearing?”
“A little Travis bird mentioned seeing the two of you at dinner one night.” A twinkle lit her eyes. “And you wouldn’t believe the number of people who’ve reported that they’ve seen your SUV over at the cabin since she returned.”
Little towns. A weariness settled into his heart.
“Don’t worry, Grandma—we’re always chaperoned.” Except for the short interlude that morning at the Lovells’ house. Could that land him in hot water? “Either Dolly or Jodi’s sisters or somebody else I’ve dragged along.”
“I’m not worried. Not about that, anyway.”
It wasn’t like Grandma Jo, usually a straight shooter, to beat around the bush. No way, though, could it have gotten around town already that he wouldn’t be here much longer. Drew would respect his privacy even if he didn’t agree with him. Jodi wouldn’t have said anything to anyone, either—at least he didn’t think she would.
“But I take it you are worried about something having to do with me?”
“Concerned might be a better word. Have you heard from church leadership regarding your future at Christ’s Church?”
He couldn’t keep hiding his plans from Grandma much longer. Pretty soon everyone in town would know, and she shouldn’t be the last. “No, I haven’t.”
“I was under the impression—” She abruptly cut herself off.
“That they’d have the courtesy to let me know by now that my contract won’t be renewed? I came into this interim position a year ago knowing it wasn’t permanent, that it was merely a refueling stop between college and what I really planned to do.”
Her brows raised slightly. “You’ve made other plans?”
“I walked into this job with other plans. If all works out, not long after the first of the year I hope to be in language and culture training. And eventually in foreign missions.”
She stared at him. “Where?”
“Middle East. Wherever I’m needed to meet the practical and spiritual needs of war torn countries. Wherever God sends me.”
“Why there?” Her gaze was as sharp as her words. “That’s where Drew intended to go, isn’t it?”
“God handed off the baton.”
“Are you certain, Garrett?”
“Grandma, I know you’ve wanted me to minister here in Hunter Ridge ever since I told you I’d decided to go to Bible college. But that’s not where my focus is. It’s not where it’s ever been.”
“Do your parents know?”
“Not yet. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner. I felt it was better kept to myself until my year here was over.”
Or had he been hoping God would change His mind?
She frowned. “What does Jodi think of this? Is she going to let you carry her off with you into those dangerous regions?”
“Jodi and I are friends. Nothing more. I hadn’t seen or spoken to her in twelve years. Sure, we were best buds as kids, but people grow up. Change. She’s here until just after Christmas, and I won’t be here much longer than that.”
For the first time in his remembrance since Grandpa had passed away, Grandma Jo looked lost. “I don’t know what to think of all this.”
“Be happy for me, Grandma. And pray for my safety and that I'll be a blessing wherever one is needed most. That’s all I ask.”
She nodded, but her gaze remained troubled. Which did nothing, as he slipped past her in search of the rest of his family, to usher in that peace he’d been praying for.
* * *
“It was totally amazing what we accomplished this afternoon,” Jodi called to her sisters as she removed her boots and peeled out of her jacket. She hung the latter on a peg, then joined her siblings in the kitchen where she further boosted a happy lilt to her voice that she didn’t feel. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen that many wrapped and beribboned packages in one place in my whole life. All neatly labeled for easy identification and distribution. It was so much fun.”
But she’d hoped for more donations and hadn’t had time to make many of the face-to-face visits that Al was certain would bring more rolling in. She feared, when hearing the other women describe the carloads of presents delivered in the past, that she’d fallen far short of Melody’s legacy.
And Garrett’s expectations.
As the children’s chatter carried from the living room area, Star pulled a stack of bowls from one of the cabinets and handed them to her. “You’re delivering tomorrow, right?”
“Right. Most of it will be taken to the church in Canyon Springs, where volunteers will group the packages for the regional pregnancy cente
rs and those with four-wheel drives will see that gifts get out even to the more remote areas. Like the reservation. I delivered a few packages on my way back here, too.” She couldn’t resist stopping by to see Kimmy. “That’s why I’m running late. Thanks for holding supper for me. It smells delicious.”
Tonight’s treat was beanless beef chili, the kind served on top of a fluffy bed of rice and finished off with a dollop of sour cream and grated cheddar.
“Is Garrett joining us?” Ronda rummaged in the silverware drawer, searching for enough spoons. “He used to love Grandma’s chili.”
A knot tightened in Jodi’s stomach as she paused in placing the bowls around the table. “Actually...he has things to take care of this evening. Christmas is a busy time for him.”
“A preacher’s work is never done, I guess. At least we can put some aside in the freezer and give it to him the next time he pops in.”
She didn’t have the heart to tell her sister he wouldn’t be popping in. Ever.
A cheery ringtone alerted her that she had an incoming call, and reaching into the pocket of her knit vest, she retrieved it. Melody Lenter, at long last. With the family noisily congregating in the main room, she quickly moved into the hallway near the bedrooms for privacy.
A tingle of apprehension touched the back of her neck. Would the other woman be disappointed when she learned donations weren’t up to that of past years? So many people said they’d already donated. And although she’d explained that apparently emergency needs had come up that required raiding the intended Christmas gifts, some were sincerely unable to contribute further.
She caught the call on its final ring. “Melody! We meet at last.”
“I’m so sorry, Jodi.” A lilting Southern drawl carried through the ear piece. “I kept thinkin’ I’d have me some time to get back to you, but Daddy’s been in and out of the hospital. And now his oldest sister and her husband have come down with the flu and I’m running back and forth between the two households, trying to keep everybody fed and watered. It’s just one thing after another.”
“Sounds exhausting.”
“When you talk to our good pastor, please let him know I’ll do my best to be back right after the first of the year. No promises. But after the holidays my sister will be in town and can spell me for a while.” Melody paused to draw a breath. “So how are things going with the Christmas project? Fun, isn’t it, honey?”
“It has been.” She could be honest about that. For the most part, anyway. After she’d better come to terms with past issues that had held her hostage for way too long, she’d actually enjoyed it.
“Have y’all made the deliveries? Christmas is only a few days away.”
“We’re teaming up with Canyon Springs Christian to get that taken care of tomorrow.”
“Perfect. It sounds as if everything’s under control.”
“I hope you won’t be too disappointed with the outcome of leaving the project in the hands of a stranger. I understand you’ve faithfully overseen it for quite a few years.”
“Now, why would I be disappointed? I trust Garrett to have found someone capable of handling it. I’m sure you’ve done a fine job.”
“I can’t help but wish, though, that we could have filled the storeroom to overflowing.”
“That shouldn’t have been too hard to do. It was three-quarters full already.”
Obviously, the stress of being a full-time caregiver had rattled the woman’s memory. “When Garrett first showed me the storeroom, it was all but empty.”
Jody cringed as the woman laughed, not taking her revelation seriously.
“You must have looked in the wrong storage room.”
“Little snowman on the door?”
Melody gasped.
“There was a single package of disposable diapers, to be exact,” Jodi added.
“No way. No way.” She was obviously in denial. “There were stacks of those. And maternity and baby clothes. Cases of baby wipes and formula, bottles, you name it. It was like a baby warehouse.”
“None of that.”
“Someone must have broken in and—” The woman went abruptly silent. Had she fainted from shock?
“Melody?”
Then came a giggle. A giggle that immediately erupted into a full-fledged belly laugh. Had the poor woman lost her mind?
“Melody?”
“Oh my goodness.” The words came between raspy gasps. Half laugh, half wheezing for air. “Oh, my. Oh, my. Oh, my.”
“Are you okay?”
“The exterminator.” She broke out in laughter again.
She’d gone off the deep end. Garrett had mentioned she could sometimes be a bit flighty, but hadn’t mentioned anything to this extreme.
“You’ve lost me, Melody.” She didn’t want to push her, but surely something more lucid would come forth if she was encouraged to explain.
“The exterminator. The bug guy, honey.” Melody laughed again. “He was scheduled for his quarterly visit and no way did I want him prowling around squirting his little chemicals in the nooks and crannies of that storeroom. They claim that stuff is harmless, but I didn’t want to risk pregnant mamas or little ones being exposed to anything dangerous. So the weekend before he was to come, Ralph and I—Ralph’s my husband—hauled all the donations over to our house.”
“Are you saying there are more gifts somewhere?”
“Tons, honey, tons. In our guest room. The day after we moved them out of the church, I got the call about Daddy. So Ralph and I took off. I didn’t give it a second thought that we’d temporarily moved everything off the premises. I remembered to call Garrett and tell him we were leaving town, but that’s about it.” She gave another laugh. “Poor Pastor McCrae, I bet he just about fell through the floor when he opened that door to an empty room.”
“Close to it.”
“Well, honey, you just apologize to him for me. And if you knock on Sissy Taylor’s door, my neighbor to the north, she can lend you my house key and get you right in there. Will that give you time to wrap everything and make deliveries?”
Did she have any choice? But her relief at being able to meet everyone’s expectations was so immense she wouldn’t have cared if she personally had to stay up all night long and wrap every single item all by herself.
“It’s doable.”
“I’m so glad we could finally connect tonight.” Melody giggled again. “And that you reminded me of what I’d done with all those donations I’ve been collecting since early summer.”
“Garrett remembered the storeroom being fuller a few months ago, but thought there had been some maternity-related emergencies.”
“I dipped into it a time or two. But not in a major way.” A happy sigh carried over the phone. “Well, all’s well that ends well, right? I’ve got to run. Hear Daddy calling for me. But honey, I do wish you the best of Christmases. And you give our favorite pastor a big holiday hug from me, will you?”
“I—”
“Take care now.”
Jodi remained standing in the hallway for a long moment, stunned at this unexpected turn of events. Then, like Melody, she couldn’t help but laugh as she again joined her sisters in the kitchen, her mind overcome with wonder. “Wow.”
“Wow, what?” Star demanded.
“From that smile on your face—” Ronda cut her a mischievous look as she stirred the chili “—I’m guessing that was a call from Garrett.”
Jodi’s high spirits faltered, but she made a funny face at her sister. “Nooo. Remember how I said donations for the Christmas project weren’t up to previous years? How I felt I’d let everyone down? Well, that was Melody, who has headed up the project for years. And guess what?”
Ronda placed her hands on her hips. “I’m not going to guess, Jodi. Just tell us.”
“She’d forgotten that before she made an emergency trip out of town that she’d taken a storage space full of donations to her house for safekeeping”
Both sisters squealed.
“This is fantastic.” Ronda’s face almost glowed, then her eyes widened with alarm. “Are they already wrapped or will you have to do that before making deliveries tomorrow?”
“Unwrapped.” But she didn’t care. “I’ll make some phone calls—get Melody’s house key and round up volunteers to come in early to transfer the gifts to the church.”
“Let us know if there’s anything we can do to help.”
Thank you, thank you, Lord. After supper she’d call around for a wrapping crew and a few more cars and drivers. It was a last-minute job she wouldn’t mind doing in the least, and she imagined the others would be happy to pitch in again, too. Garrett would be delighted.
At the thought of Garrett, a queasy feeling rolled over in her stomach. Should she call him, too, and let him in on the good news?
Chapter Sixteen
“Do you have time for a quick chat, Pastor McCrae?”
From where he sat at his desk early Friday morning, typing up notes for Sunday’s Christmas message, Garrett looked up at church board members Bert Palmer and Julian Gonzales standing in his open office doorway.
He’d been expecting this “chat” for weeks. While it wouldn’t be comfortable hearing them deliver the expected message, at least he’d had other plans all along.
“Sure, come on in.” Garrett stood, motioning them to the seating area. Julian closed the door to give them privacy, and the three settled into the wingback chairs.
“Hard to believe, isn’t it?” Julian ventured. “A whole year has gone by since you signed on to pastor Christ’s Church. You’ve probably been wondering why we haven’t come to see you sooner. You know, about your future here.”
“I admit I thought I might hear from you earlier.”
“We apologize for that,” Julian continued as the two board members exchanged a glance. “It wasn’t our intention to leave you hanging. But there have been issues involved that required input and resolution.”