As Jake crept toward the middle of the street where there were no overhead branches to break off and fall on him, he kept taking in and releasing those deep breaths while acknowledging he was having a panic attack. Im okay. This gives me a chance to prove to myself I can cope. Theres nothing to be afraid of. The sounds arent gunfire but limbs breaking off trees.
He headed toward Emmas as fast as he could, praying the whole way. With each step he took he felt more capable of handling his panic attack, even though he continued to hear branches snapping off nearby as well as in the distance. The rapid beat of his heart slowed. The trembling faded.
In the distance he saw a light flash in the sky and a loud boom resonated through the air. Just a transformer going. Thats all. Im okay.
By the time he reached Emmas block, all signs of a panic attack were gone, although the loud noises still sounded in the biting, cold wind. When hed had an attack before, hed always gotten upset, making it worse. Abbey had been working with him to accept what was happening to him, and then move on.
And he had. He smiled. Thank You, Lord.
Then he spied Emmas house two down from the corner. A large elm tree had split and fallen on the right side of her placewhere her bedroom was. He tried increasing his pace, but he slipped and went down on the knee of his good leg. Catching himself by clutching a mailbox, he used it to pull himself up then slowed his steps. With the Lord and patience, Ill make it.
Dressed in a heavy coat, sweats and gloves, Josh opened the door before Jake made it halfway up the sidewalk to the porch. Worry lined the boys face.
When he started to come outside, Jake said, Dont. Close the door. Ill be there in a minute, then he proceeded at his slow pace.
When he made it inside Emmas house, he heard the whistle of the wind coming from the hallway to the right. Hows your mom?
She says okay, but I can hear her teeth chattering.
Jake covered the distance to the hallway and started down it, noticing the bedroom door was closed.
Mom made me shut it to keep as much heat in the house as possible.
Good thinking. Jake swung the door open, saying, Stay here. If I need you, Ill call you, then he closed himself in the room with Emma, assessing the situation.
Im sorry you had to get out in this. I asked Josh to call 911. He did, but they wont be here for a while since Im not hurt. I told him I could wait. Instead, he called you.
As I told him a few seconds ago, good thinking.
Jake examined the split half of the elm, a large branch falling across Emmas bed, several smaller limbs trapping her. A coverlet blanketed her but so did a layer of ice and now snow. Her face pale, she shivered, her lips turning blue.
Jake set down his flashlight so it shone on what he needed to cut. Do you have something plastic I can cover you with? Itll keep the snow and ice off while I saw you out of there.
A raincoat…oh, and I have a plastic tablecloth. Its bigger than the raincoat. Its in the cabinet in the utility room.
Jake climbed over the branches between him and the one he needed to remove. Josh. When the boy came into the room, Jake said, I need you to fetch a plastic tablecloth. After Jake told him where it was, Josh left, and Jake started sawing the biggest limb.
When Josh returned, he wiggled through the limbs and handed Jake the tablecloth. I wanna stay and help.
Emma said, I want you to stay out
Jake interrupted, Sure. I need you to hold the flashlight. As the child grabbed it, Jake whispered to Emma, He needs to know youre okay.
Emma attempted a smile that stayed a few seconds. I know but its so cold.
Im fine, Mom.
With snow swirling on the wind coming through the hole, Jake spread the plastic over Emma to protect her then returned to sawing. He put all his strength into it, and minutes later he caught the first branch before it fell on Emma. Adrenaline still surging through him, he heaved it over to the side and let it go, then began on the second limb.
Soon he severed that branch from the split trunk and tossed it to the right. Do you think you can crawl out now? he asked, but Emma, dressed in sweats, was already wiggling out from under the coverlet.
Jake clasped her arm and tugged her the rest of the way loose, then assisted her over the limbs. When he got a good hold of her, he swung her up into his arms and followed Josh from the room. The boy slammed the door, cutting off the wind, but the temperature was probably thirty-five in the hallway.
Clasping Emma against him, Jake strode toward the living room. Josh, get some blankets for your mom. Jake placed her on the couch, then covered her with what Josh brought.
With Emma wrapped in two blankets, Jake rubbed his hands up and down her arms to get the blood circulating. Im warming you up, then were going to my house.
But we cant
Shh. No arguments. I have a big generator, and the last I knew no holes in my roof. You promised to help me decorate my Christmas tree. Im here to remind you of that.
She stared at him then burst out laughing. Jake and Josh looked at each other, then broke out into smiles.
Josh, call 911 back and let them know Ive been rescued.
The child hurried from the room.
Emmas gaze snared Jakes. Thank you, Jake. I dont know what I would have done.
My pleasure. And when you two are settled at my house, we need to talk. His arms enveloped her, and he pulled her against him. If she had been lying on the bed a few inches to her left, she could have been crushed beneath the tree. Thank You, Lord.
Glancing at her Christmas tree laden with ornaments in front of the window, he had real peace for the first time in a long while. Christmas was only a few days away. If the electricity wasnt restored, Emma and Josh would be spending it with him. That thought brightened his spirits even more. In that moment, he realized he was ready to move onto a life with or without panic attacks.
*
Later that evening, Emma stood back from Jakes smaller live Christmas tree and studied the display she, Josh, Jake and Marcella had worked on for the past hour. The sound of Christmas music filled the room from a battery-powered radio.
After Emma had been rescued from her house, Jake had made his way to Marcellas and brought her over because she had no generator. Then they had been busy consolidating what they would need into a couple of rooms on the first floor that would be heated with the generator and fireplace.
Jake had wanted to talk with Emma, but theyd been busy. Now that she had stopped and sat next to Marcella on his couch, exhaustion began to weave its way through her. From the tired lines on Marcellas face, Jake could tell she was also bone-weary.
Josh, you said you wanted to put the star on top of the tree. Jake presented him with a beautiful glittered and sequined ornament.
Josh grinned, climbed up on the step stool and placed the last decoration on the pine. Perfect.
First Shep barked then Buttons, as though to give their approval.
I agree. Now to turn on the lights. Jake plugged them in.
The soft glow from the tree along with the blaze in the fireplace illuminated the room.
I know were two weeks late decorating your tree, but I think we did good. Emma leaned forward to gather up the mugs they had hot apple cider in. Time to clean up the mess we made.
Jake looked at Josh. Is your mom always like this?
Yep.
Ive still got to clean up from dinner, so the least you all could do is put the empty ornament boxes away.
Im not climbing those stairs again today. Well store them in my bedroom. Wanna help me, Josh?
The boy started picking up some to carry down the hallway.
Ill help you, Emma. Marcella began to rise from the couch.
No, you stay in here and relax. Its been a l
ong day, Emma said then hurried away before Marcella protested.
The furnace, refrigerator, stove, hot water heater and a few lights were running on Jakes generator stored in the garage. With some conservation of electrical usage, the generator kept the house comfortable for them. While listening to the radio, Emma washed the dishes in hot water, a luxury she wouldnt take for granted again. Silent Night came on the station, and Emma began singing the song.
When she finished, applause sounded behind her. She whirled around to find Jake standing in the entrance, lounging against the doorjamb. Her pulse rate kicked up a notch.
The news on the radio doesnt sound promising for getting our electricity anytime soon, Emma said, drying her hands, her throat tight with emotion. Peace and joy filled her.
His gaze roped hers, and he moved toward her. Towns all around us are affected. Theyre going to have to bring people in from other areas to help.
Ive never heard ice breaking limbs like thatalmost nonstop as we walked here.
It sounded like a war zone.
She hadnt wanted to use that analogy, but he was right. You were okay.
I waseven when I had an attack on the way over to your house. Ive been working on changing my attitude about my panic attacks. Im not going to let them control my life anymore.
She threw her arms around his neck and drew him against her. Mmm. Youre warm. I never thought I would thaw out this morning, but your house became toasty in a few hours. I know Ive thanked you for
He claimed her mouth in a deep kiss she felt down to the tips of her toes. I love you.
He said the words shed dreamed he would but she didnt want to misread what he meant. I love you, too, but you know that. I want more from you. A life together as a family. Emma cuddled closer.
Leaning back slightly, he looked deep into her eyes with a half smile on his face. It wont always be easy, but would you be interested in a guy with a slight problem?
Who doesnt have a problem? Her embrace tightened. She never wanted to let go. What changed your mind?
You, Josh and Abbey. She has been working double-time to get me to a place where I dont let the panic attacks overwhelm me before I have a chance to deal with them. Im learning to ride them out and lessen their effects. It wont be perfect, but far better than it was. Today demonstrated that to me. A month ago that cracking noise would have sent me into a full-blown attack, like the one I had at the Christmas-tree lighting ceremony. The crack-pop sounds so close to gunfire in a battle.
I love you, Jake. I want it all. Marriage. A family. Josh looks up to you, even after witnessing that attack. That didnt change his mind and it certainly didnt mine. She watched for any negative reaction from him.
Instead, an expression full of happiness graced his face. I was embarrassed and scared. I reacted by pushing everyone away. As a soldier Ive learned not to show my weaknesses, but I have them.
Like everyone else. God made us with strengths and weaknesses and loves us, anyway.
I know that now. It took some soul searching and some conversations with Him to finally figure that out.
She slid her hands to his face, framing it. If I ever gave you the idea that Sams seizures made me regret marrying him, then Im here to correct that impression. When I married him, it was for better or worse, and in every marriage you have both.
Have you forgiven yourself for his accident? Jake closed the inches separating them and feathered his mouth across hers.
Yes, both you and Abbey helped me to see it wasnt my fault.
Im looking forward to the future. I want to help others the way you and Abbey do. Once I earn my doctorate, Im thinking of working with veterans, especially ones with PTSD. Who better than someone whos dealt with it?
Perfect. Emma slanted her head to the side and kissed him with all the love she felt in her heart.
Epilogue
One year later on Christmas Eve…
Emma snuggled closer to her husband of three months on the couch in front of the fireplace, adorned with a combination of her and his decorations. I loved the service at church this evening, especially since we missed last years because of the ice storm.
Jake laughed. We did have a white Christmas last year. This one is going to be a balmy fifty-eight if the weatherman is right.
Emmas glance strayed to the Christmas tree, so loaded down with the ornaments, she worried it would collapse under the weight. Im surprised Josh could get to sleep. Good idea about you two going to the park earlier and jogging.
Thats because I wanted you all to myself tonight. Tomorrow your parents, Ben, my dad and stepmother will be here for dinner and the opening of the presents.
Your father and his wife should have stayed here.
Jake kissed first one corner of her mouth then the other. Were newlyweds, and they wanted us to have some privacy.
With a twelve-year-old here. Some privacy.
As a family. His mouth touched hers.
When he leaned back, Emma grinned. I thought last Christmas was perfect even with the ice storm, but this one is going to beat it hands down.
I want to give you my gift now.
I get to go first. Ive been dying to ever since I got it this week. Emma hopped up and went to the Christmas tree set before the front window, its lights blazing, and dug around the packages under it until she pulled the wrapped gift out from the back. I hid it so a certain person who will remain nameless didnt try to discover what it is. She laid a gold-foiled square box in his lap.
He tore into it and slowly lifted up baby booties, staring at them for a long moment.
Just in case you havent figured it out, Im pregnant. Eight weeks.
An awed expression descended over his features. I dont think Ill ever get a better gift than this for Christmas.
So you like it?
Like, no. Love, yes. He planted a kiss on her mouth, all his love poured into it. My gift pales in comparison to yours.
Ill cherish anything you give me.
Jake pulled out the drawer of the end table next to him and gave her a small, wrapped present in red-and-green paper.
She had it open in two seconds. Her gaze glued to the beautiful gold heart locket, she held it up, dangling from her fingers. Perfect.
He took it and showed her the two pictures insideone of him and the other of Josh.
She twisted around and lifted her hair off her neck. Please put it on.
After he did, he took her hand and kissed it. Shed captured the heart of a hero.
*
Keep reading for an excerpt from THE LAWMAN’S HOLIDAY WISH by Ruth Logan Herne.
Her Holiday Hero Page 18