The Courage to Dream

by Margaret Daley

  The words, said out loud, felt so right. Rachel pulled her sister into her embrace and hugged her.

  “I love you, big sis.”

  “I’m glad, because you’re stuck with me. I’m not going anywhere.”

  * * *

  Rachel stood on the landing, peering at Michael’s riverboat. A man was positioned over the back of it, painting the name. So far there was a big black C.

  She saw Michael’s truck parked nearby and hoped she could meet Brandon, the carpenter, and leave without running into Michael. Her heart ached too much to see him right now. Maybe later, with time, she could feel as though she weren’t coming apart if she met him on the streets of Magnolia Blossom. Somehow she had to pull herself together enough to live in the same small town for at least the next ten months. For Amy and Shaun, she would do it. She was through running away from her emotions and denying they existed.

  With a heavy sigh she walked toward the gangplank. She would use the back way to the kitchen. In and out. Thirty minutes tops. Then her professional connection with Michael would be cut.

  But never her emotional one, she thought as she climbed to the second deck. When she stepped into the kitchen, she was surprised to find it deserted. A feeling of coming home inundated her as she ran her hand along the gleaming stainless steel. She visualized herself standing in front of the stove, stirring one of her cream sauces, the scents and smells of a kitchen enveloping her. Onions sautéing. Bread baking. Coffee brewing.

  She gripped the counter and leaned into it. She quivered with the vision she knew was just out of her reach. If only she had learned how to make a commitment earlier—ten years ago.

  “Rachel.”

  With her back to the door, she slid her eyes closed, her breath bottled in her lungs. Please not now, Lord. I can’t handle seeing Michael.

  “I was afraid you weren’t going to meet Brandon.”

  She spun. “I always finish a job, Michael. I have changed, but not totally.”

  Michael moved into the kitchen, his face no longer in the shadows.

  Rachel sucked in a deep breath at the haggard lines around his mouth and eyes. She wanted to smooth them away, ease what torment had put them there. She remained where she was, aware that a large wall stood between them, originally erected by her, reinforced by him.

  “I told Brandon you would meet with him another day.”

  “Why?”

  “Because we need to talk.”

  “I thought you had said all you wanted to last night.”

  “A guy can change his mind.”

  Hope vied with her natural wariness. Her hands on the counter tightened. “Yes, just as a gal can. What do you want to talk about?”

  “Us.” He took a step closer.

  “There is no us. Haven’t you said that enough these past few months? I’ve finally gotten it, Michael.”

  He tunneled his fingers through his hair. “I was wrong last night about a lot of things.”

  Her heart began to pound.

  “I want you to be the chef on the riverboat.”

  “No.”

  “Why not? I thought that’s what you wanted. Have you changed your mind about staying in Magnolia Blossom?”

  “No.”

  He shook his head. “Then I don’t understand.”

  “Ten years ago I ran because I couldn’t give you what you wanted, and yet I knew I could never watch you fall in love with another woman, marry and have a family. I’m staying in Magnolia Blossom, but I won’t work for you. I made a promise to Amy and Shaun, but I know my limitations.”

  The frown that furrowed his brow vanished. “You won’t work for me because you have feelings for me?”

  “I love you. I now realize that hasn’t changed in ten years.”

  “Good.” The tension in his body melted. He moved one step closer.

  “Good?”

  “I love you.”

  “But last night—”

  He placed his fingers over her mouth. “When you came back to Magnolia Blossom, I fell in love with you all over again. With you as you are today, not ten years ago. What I feel for you now far outshines those feelings.”

  The pounding of her heart thundered in her ears. Her throat contracted, making it difficult to draw air into her lungs.

  “I’ve been up all night, trying to work through my problems. I did some soul-searching with God’s help and realized a few things about myself.” He rubbed his fingers across her lips.

  The sensations created from his touch made the world fade. Her every sense became centered on the man standing in front of her.

  “I do trust you. I have from the beginning. You were the one I turned to when things were heating up with Mary Lou. The past few months I have opened my heart to you, and that’s not something I’ve done in years. You know me better than anyone. That doesn’t happen without trust, Rachel. I was just being too stubborn to realize that.”

  Tears flooded her eyes and spilled down her cheeks. Michael wiped them away, but more fell.

  “You aren’t supposed to cry.”

  “Tears of joy. I didn’t think I would ever hear you say you trusted me. Does that mean you have forgiven me for leaving you ten years ago?”

  “For a time I’d forgotten the power of forgiveness. You taught me how freeing it is to forgive another.” He cupped her face, leaning closer. “Yes, I have forgiven you. Will you forgive me for being so pigheaded?”

  “Mmm. I don’t know.”

  He brushed his lips across hers. “Is there anything I can do to change your mind?”

  “Perhaps.”

  He wound his arms about her and brought her against him. His mouth settled over hers. His kiss rocked her to the depths of her being.

  When he pulled back, his eyes gleamed with happiness. “Well?”

  “Not a bad start.”

  “Then I guess I’ll have to spend the next thirty or forty years trying to convince you.”

  “Oh, it probably won’t take that long.” She laughed and tightened her embrace, drawing him close to her.

  “Will you marry me?” He kissed her lightly on both sides of the mouth.

  “I thought you’d never ask.”

  “Is that a yes?”

  “Yes. Yes. Yes.”

  “Will you be my chef on the Cajun Queen?”

  “The Cajun Queen?”

  “I decided to name the riverboat after you.” He grinned and snuggled closer, nibbling on her ear. “I want the very best, and you, my love, are that.”

  “How can I turn down a proposition like that?”

  “You can’t, since I’m giving you the Cajun Queen as a wedding present.”

  Rachel gasped. “Giving me the boat?”

  “Do you honestly think I’ll have the time to run the restaurant with my plantation and other business ventures?”

  “But, Michael, it’s been in your family for several generations.”

  “And you’ll be family, so it will stay in it. It’ll be something you can pass on to our children.”

  She knew how much family and traditions meant to him, and the gesture took her breath away. “I don’t know what to say.”

  “How about yes? I started this riverboat project to give you a reason to stay in Magnolia Blossom. At the beginning I told myself it was for Amy and Shaun’s sake. Now I know better. It was for me.”

  She leaned her head on his chest and listened to his strong heartbeat. “The only thing I can say is yes.”

  EPILOGUE

  Two years later

  Rachel searched the restaurant full of diners for Helen and Harold. She saw them in front of the picture window and strode to their table, so glad her best friend had given Harold a chance. He’d turned out to be such a dear man and perfect for Helen.

  “I hope the dinner was to your satisfaction.”

  “Are you kidding?” Helen placed her hand over Harold’s. “It was a delicious prime rib.”

  “Only the best for your first anniver
sary.”

  Helen smiled. “What are you going to do about your second one coming up in three weeks?”

  Rachel laid her hand over her rounded stomach. “Hopefully, be in the hospital delivering this sucker.”

  “Are you sure you trust me in your kitchen while you’re on maternity leave?”

  “Well, it was you or Michael. And he told me in no uncertain terms he would be too busy taking care of me and the baby.”

  Helen squeezed her husband’s hand. “Aren’t men grand?”

  “Harold, you better watch out. She wants something,” Rachel said with a laugh.

  “I’ve learned how to handle this woman.” He winked at Helen.

  “I think that’s my cue to leave you two lovebirds alone.”

  Rachel headed toward the kitchen, stopping at tables on the way to say a few words to the customers. When she reached one couple, she smiled and said, “I’m glad you and Tom could come this evening, Mary Lou.”

  The woman returned her smile. “I thought it would be a perfect way to top off a great week, since we had to bring Garrett and Shaun back.”

  “I haven’t seen them yet. Did they have fun at Disney World?”

  Mary Lou’s eyes sparkled. “I didn’t realize how much energy they had. We were up at dawn and went all day—not one break. I believe I wore out a pair of tennis shoes.”

  Rachel laughed. “I know what you mean. Enjoy the rest of your evening.”

  Rachel paused at the entrance to the kitchen to scan her restaurant. Pride straightened her shoulders as she noted every table was full. People came from all over to sample her food. She and the Cajun Queen had been written up in the New Orleans and Jackson newspapers. But all this wouldn’t mean much without Michael and his love.

  As she entered her domain, she was captured from behind and pulled against a hard body. She snuggled against the man holding her, his familiar, comforting scent wafting to her.

  Michael buried his face in her hair. “Mmm. You smell like garlic and onions.”

  “I’m not sure that’s a compliment.”

  “To a chef, I’m sure it is.” He turned her around, his arms still loosely about her.

  “You know I’m busy.”

  He looked over her shoulder at the workers in the kitchen and drew her to the side so a waiter could get through the door. “I won’t keep you. I just wanted to check and make sure you were all right before heading home.”

  She cupped his face. She loved how he fussed over her even to the point that the riverboat had remained at the pier for the past two weeks and would until after the baby was born. “I realize you’ve been gone all day to Vicksburg, but honey, I have your pager number as well as your cell phone number. Believe me, if I go into labor, you’ll be the first person I notify, even before the doctor.”

  “Do you think that’s wise?”

  “In this case, yes. You’d think this was your first child, not mine.”

  Michael placed his hand on her stomach, stroking it. He felt a kick and smiled. “He wants out of there.”

  “His mother wants him out of there, too. I think I’ve put on thirty pounds.”

  His gaze linked with hers. “You’re the most beautiful woman in the world.”

  Tears thickened her throat. “You’re going to make me cry, and I still have work to do.”

  “Then I’ll leave. I’ll be back to pick you up.” He slid his hands into her hair and brought her mouth to his.

  His kiss, full of all the emotions he felt, shook her to her very soul. Right in front of all the kitchen staff, she returned his kiss, her arms winding about her husband’s neck.

  When they parted, the staff clapped. Rachel blushed while Michael gave her another quick kiss, then left. Content and happy, she walked to the sink to wash her hands before cooking. She had everything she could ever want.

  * * * * *

  SPECIAL EXCERPT FROM

  Given his construction experience, cowboy Noah Cosgrove is persuaded to become widow Shauntelle Dexter’s contractor on her new restaurant. With her twin daughters on a matchmaking mission, will this be Shauntelle and Noah’s chance to build a future?

  Read on for a sneak preview of

  A COWBOY FOR THE TWINS by Carolyne Aarsen

  available February 2018 from Love Inspired!

  That did not sound good.

  Shauntelle’s hands tightened on the steering wheel of her car as the engine’s whining grew louder. She eased off the gas and the ominous racket quieted, but as soon as she accelerated, it got worse.

  Definitely not good.

  “What’s that noise?” Millie called out from the backseat of the car.

  “I think it’s the sound of trouble,” Shauntelle muttered.

  And that’s when smoke streamed out from under the hood.

  Shauntelle braked, pulling over as far as she dared to the side of the road as the cloud grew. The scent of coolant leaking assaulted her nose.

  “What’s going on?” Millie released her seat belt and hung over the front seat of Shauntelle’s subcompact vehicle.

  “Why did you stop?” Margaret echoed her sister’s concern, but she stayed obediently buckled up as she looked up from the book she’d been reading.

  “My car is not cooperating with my well-laid plans,” was all she said, turning the engine off at once.

  Shauntelle hid her frustration from her seven year old daughters. According to her budget, this little car needed to last her at least another year. She had bigger priorities.

  After her husband Roger’s death in a car bombing in Afghanistan two years ago, Shauntelle had grieved, railed against life and, to her shame, Roger. He was doing a temporary job, working for Doctors Without Borders, a dream of his since he had graduated med school.

  He had died on one of those trips.

  Shauntelle couldn’t afford to stay in Vancouver and because she couldn’t rent, let alone buy, a place of her own, she moved in with her parents in Cedar Ridge, Alberta. The girls settled into school, and at her brother Josiah’s urging, she started making plans for a restaurant in Cedar Ridge. It had been a lifelong dream of hers, and things were finally coming together.

  However, the dream did not include a car breakdown. Especially not when it was full of baking deliveries she needed to finish by the end of the day.

  She clutched the steering wheel as she inhaled, practicing what her grief counselor had told her. Pull back. Let go. Focus on the next thing you can do.

  And commit everything to the Lord.

  Since Roger’s death, Shauntelle had struggled with God. When Josiah died in a construction accident only a year ago, she really felt betrayed by Him.

  But she knew she had nowhere else to go, and so she slowly found her way back to God. After the major things she’d dealt with, however, she didn’t think it proper to pray for a car.

  She pulled in another breath, a tiny curl of panic starting in her belly.

  She opened the hood, then coughed on the acrid smoke billowing out of the engine.

  “What are you going to do?” Millie asked, hanging out of the back passenger window.

  “Push this car off a cliff,” Shauntelle muttered as she pulled up the strut that supported the car hood and stood back, her arms crossed over her chest as she fought down the panic.

  “You can’t do that, Mommy.” Margaret sounded frightened.

  “Just having an automotive temper tantrum, honey,” Shauntelle assured her very sensitive daughter. “I’m not driving it anywhere. Besides, there’s no cliff handy.” The road they were on had only three people living on it. An older couple from Calgary only used their summer house from June to September. Carmen Fisher, the manager of Walsh’s Hardware and the T Bar C, was another resident, and then there was the Cosgrove Ranch.

  Carmen was working today, so she wasn’t home. And it was the end of April, which meant no one would be at the other house either.

  That left the Cosgrove Ranch, a couple of miles down the road.

>   Not an option.

  “Call Grandpa,” Margaret suggested, getting out of the car and walking around to the front to join her mother.

  “Grandpa and Gramma are working.” And she was not putting any extra pressure on them.

  She didn’t have any cousins or relatives she felt comfortable calling out to the back of the beyond. Nor did she have AMA, so phoning a tow truck meant she had to pay for it herself. And what would that cost?

  “Guess we’ll have to walk to the highway,” she said. Some of the deliveries consisted of meat pies, and though they were in a cooler with ice, she didn’t know how long they would stay fresh.

  “Will we have to hitchhike?” Millie asked.

  “At least it’s not hot today,” Margaret, ever the practical one, said. “So we won’t get too thirsty.”

  Her daughter was right. A soft breeze swirled past them, tossing up stray leaves and pushing away the stinky smoke still drifting from the engine. A few geese honked overhead, the first harbingers of spring. Shauntelle shivered, pulling her sweater closer around her as she weighed her options. The highway was a few miles back, and neither she nor the girls had adequate footwear. They were all so excited for spring that they had put on flip-flops.

  “I hear someone coming!” Margaret called out, shading her eyes against the midafternoon sun.

  Hope rose in Shauntelle’s heart as she heard the muted rumble of a vehicle. Maybe it was Carmen Fisher.

  “They might stop,” Margaret said.

  “I sure hope so,” Shauntelle said.

  The sound of the vehicle grew louder, and then a large, jacked-up, cherry-red pickup truck crested the hill and came swooping down toward them.

  Obviously not Carmen Fisher.

  “I hope the driver sees us,” Millie muttered, stepping closer to her mother’s car.

  Shauntelle hoped so too.

  And then, thankfully, the truck slowed, geared down and coasted to a halt right behind her car. Shauntelle eased out a sigh of relief, but behind that came a niggle of unease. This didn’t look like the kind of vehicle an elderly couple would drive.