by Elsie Davis
“No!” Juliet hollered, lunging forward to grab his arm, completely disregarding his orders to stay back—Laura and Blaire hot on her heels.
“Jake, you can’t shoot the poor fox. That’s not helping him,” Juliet cried in anguish.
He looked down at her arm locked on his and then at the others as they approached. He shook his head. “I told you to stay back. It’s not safe. And I’m not going to shoot the animal.” He glanced at the gun in his hand. “Or at least not the way you think I am. It’s a tranquilizer gun. It would be great if you could trust me.”
Juliet winced. “I’m sorry, you’re right.”
The three women linked arms as they stepped back to watch.
“He’s right. “I agree we should trust him. After all, he did take good care of Juliet,” Blaire said as Laura nodded in agreement.
Jake took aim and fired, the dart landing on the fox’s rear flank. Less than a minute later, the fox laid down, his eyes focused on Jake as he approached, and then finally closing. Jake kneeled next to the animal, immediately checking out the raw and still bleeding wound.
Juliet broke free from the others, unable to stay back. “Will he be okay? she asked, coming up behind him.
He glanced up and frowned. “You don’t listen very well. But yes, she’ll be okay. It looks like the claws of a trap might have torn her leg up or else another animal got the better of her temporarily. Or any number of other things that can happen in the wild. But I’ll take care of it, and she’ll be good as new in a few days.”
“So, are you a vet or a doctor? Because you seem talented in both areas,” Juliet asked as she watched him pull out the necessary supplies.
“Neither.” Jake wasn’t forthcoming with any information, much like before. The man didn’t like to talk about himself.
Blaire and Laura had moved forward to stand next to her, the three of them watching as Jake applied some salve to the wound and lightly bandaged it.
“Is she soft?” Blaire asked, wonder in her voice.
Juliet had been wondering the same thing. It wasn’t often you got this close to a fox in real life.
“Come and see for yourself. She’ll be out for another ten minutes or so. If you keep an eye on her, I’m going to run and get a blanket from the house and set up a makeshift bed for today and tonight. It’ll give her a chance to get some rest and start her recovery. She’ll have this bandage picked off by then and should be good after that. These types of wounds will normally heal well, and the antibiotic ointment should make sure of it.”
“Okay,” Juliet said, nodding as she kneeled down next to the fox. Jake headed for the cabin, leaving them to watch over the animal. She reached out, tentatively at first. “This isn’t at all what I expected.”
“The fox or Grizzly Jake?” Laura asked, laughing.
“The fox. Maybe both.” Juliet grinned. “But I’m talking about the fox. The fur looks soft, but actually, it’s quite coarse.”
“She’s beautiful,” Laura said, kneeling next to her and reaching out to gently stroke the fox’s back.
Blaire got up the nerve to do the same. “The poor thing. It’s almost as if she knew to come here and that Jake would help her.”
“I agree. Behind that grizzly appearance, there’s a man with a big heart,” Juliet said, coming to his defense.
“I won’t go that far yet, but he’s growing on me.” Laura laughed.
Jake returned, and the women looked at each other and grinned. They weren’t about to share that part of the discussion with the man in question. Stepping back out of his way, Jake lifted the fox into the blanketed box.
Juliet noticed the gentleness with which laid the animal down. It was the same gentleness he’d used when he carried her. They followed him back to the barn, watching as he set the box inside one of the stalls.
“She’ll be safer in here where other animals can’t get to her, and it will give me a chance to check in on her throughout the night,” Jake said.
“Thank you.” Juliet reached out to touch his arm, wanting to find a way to convey her gratitude.
He glanced down, and Juliet had the strangest feeling he’d retreated from her, almost as if he were lost in his own world for a few seconds. His gaze shifted back to her, and he nodded. “You’re welcome.”
“I think this calls for a celebration dinner,” Blaire said.
“Not to mention, it’s a farewell dinner,” Laura added. “Grizzly man here is finally going to get us out of his hair tomorrow morning.”
“Amen to that.” Jake grinned. He was a good man with a sense of humor and some incredible healing skills.
It reaffirmed Juliet’s belief that he was out here for a reason. Most people just didn’t check out and move into a remote cabin. She thought about the picture in his room and wondered if the woman had anything to do with his reasons. It would take a lot of pain to make someone go to the extremes Jake had in retreating from the world, and her heart went out to him.
Juliet shoved the thought away, not wanting to ruin the mood. “If you’re willing to give an amen to our departure, then your most certainly capable of joining our prayer session tonight. It would be fun to have you in on the discussion. I think we’re talking about forgiveness.”
“I’ll pass. Praying is not my thing,” Jake said, shrugging off the suggestion.
She wasn’t giving up that easy. “Why not? Maybe it should be. It makes a person feel better inside and can be healing.”
“One has to believe in order for that to work. I don’t. End of discussion.” Jake was a non-believer, which was sad because God could give him the strength to face whatever had caused him to hole away in solitude.
“Well, then. Okay. Message received. But what if you’re wrong? Maybe it’s something you should think about after we’re gone,” Juliet said, almost wanting to stay and help him. The way he helped her.
Why don’t we see what we can rustle up for dinner, and then we can get in a game of hearts before we pack? It’ll be an early night tonight,” Blaire suggested, trying to ease the awkwardness.
“Yes. And Jake has to play tonight since Juliet’s playing. We need a fourth for teams,” Laura said, smiling at Jake as she tried to corner him into playing.
Jake shook his head. “The food sounds good, but I don’t play cards.”
“I’ll make extra dinners and freeze them for you,” Blaire offered.
Jake hesitated, the thought of ready-made meals clearly enough to tempt him. “Fine, I like food.” He shrugged. “Besides, I know you won’t stop bugging me until I say yes.”
Juliet wasn’t so sure those were the only reasons he agreed. Maybe Jake wasn’t enjoying his solitude nearly as much as he let on. In a way, the fox and Jake reminded Juliet of herself. When she was lost and hurting, it was God who renewed her faith and strength, and her friends who helped carry her across the bridge over troubled waters. Life didn’t always work out the way one wanted, like her getting sick on the hike. Juliet had her faith, her friends, and Jake for help.
And the fox had Jake.
But who did Jake have?
5
Putting her backpack by the front door, Juliet took a deep breath, willing away the slight shakes it gave her from the effort. Not fully recovered, the weight of her pack was a bit much, but she wouldn’t let it stop her. Everything was in motion for them to leave. She’d just keep pounding extra water, snack on protein bars, and keep putting one foot in front of the other. There was no way she was going to let on she was less than one hundred percent. Not even close.
“Is everyone about ready to go?” Laura asked, dropping her backpack next to hers.
Juliet nodded. “I think so.”
“Where’s Jake? I haven’t seen him in a while,” Blaire asked, joining the group and adding her backpack to the pile.
“I don’t know. He was acting weird this morning. It was like he was reverting back to his antisocial ways.” Laura shrugged.
“I think he said somethin
g about going out to check on the fox and bringing up the ATV from the barn. Remember, he’s taking us to the trail and trying to do everything he can to shorten the trip for me. He’s sweet,” Juliet said, still defending him. She wanted her friends to see past the gruffness and to focus more on his kindness. They needed to look at his heart. “I’ll go check his progress and let him know we're ready to leave.”
“You do that. Daylights burning.” Laura grinned, eager to be off. But then she had a fiancé waiting for her at the end of the trail. Someone to go home to.
It wasn’t that Juliet was against dating and marriage. Her own parents just celebrated their 32nd anniversary and were happily married. It was the fairytale kind of romance Juliet had wanted for herself since she was eighteen. Her dad was a pastor at the church, and her mother, an active member. The love the two of them shared over the years proved how strong the bond could be when two people were equally yoked in holy matrimony.
Which is why Juliet had been determined to do the same—find someone equally yoked in their beliefs. She’d seen what happened when you picked the wrong person. Plenty of her friends in high school had parents who split up, either nonbelievers or unequally yoked. One going to church, and one not. Or one more involved than the other.
In the end, it all added up to the same thing—divorce. Painful splits that ripped apart families and friends. Like her and Sarah—two friends, practically inseparable since birth. Sarah had just had her ninth birthday when her parents announced they were splitting up. Her mother moved to the west coast, taking Sarah with her. Juliet never saw or heard from her friend again. Best friends, torn apart by a fate not of their choosing—and too young to do anything about it.
The split-ups were far too like Juliet’s own three previous relationships—ones that ended in heartbreak. Her last boyfriend had put on a good act, professing his spirituality on the outside, but on the inside, he was empty. It was all show to get her date him—and sleep with him. Something she wasn’t about to do. When he finally figured out that he couldn’t change her mind, the breakup was inevitable. It was for the best, but it didn’t stop the hurt that followed.
It was then she began to realize God’s plan for her might not include marriage and a family. If her life plan was to serve at the church and to be of help to others as a leader—then so be it. The only problem was that it didn’t quiet the ache in her heart for a family of her own. But one thing was certain, she would trust in God for the answers. It was the only way her heart would know peace.
Heading for the barn, she went in search of Jake, stopping at the stall where he’d put their furry patient. Curled up in a ball, the fox was asleep, more than likely still a little groggy. Juliet rounded the corner and spotted Jake leaning against the ATV, one hand on the support bar. It was an odd position, considering he wasn’t doing anything but standing there. He reached up and wiped his brow with the sleeve of his shirt.
Juliet didn’t say a word, intuition telling her to watch. Jake was a man with a purpose in everything he did, and right now, he was acting strangely. He wiped his forehead again.
“Jake, what’s wrong?”
He glanced up, letting go of the bar. “Nothing. I’m just checking on the ATV.” He didn’t look fine—his coloring was off. Suddenly, it clicked. Jake had caught the virus from her.
She shook her head. “Hardly nothing judging by the looks of you. Maybe you caught the virus.” There was no maybe about it, and knowing Jake was sick, changed everything.
Jake looked away, sliding into the driver seat and starting the engine. “I said I’m fine,” he snapped. “Is everyone ready to go? I need to get you to the trailhead so I can get back and check on the fox again. She’s starting to move around more, and I’d like to keep an eye on her.” Every word he said seem to come with effort.
“They’re ready, but I’m not. And the fox is sound asleep at the moment.” Juliet knew she was right. The signs were all there, and as a nurse, she couldn’t overlook them. Jake was going to need help, and Juliet couldn’t leave him alone. This was a disaster. It was important for her to finish the hike with the others, but it was more important for her to help Jake the way he’d helped her.
“Hop in; I’ll drive up to the front of the cabin.” Jake leaned against the steering wheel as he waited for her to climb inside. “Why aren’t you ready to go?”
“Because I’m not leaving you.” It was the right answer whether Jake liked it or not.
“I don’t want or need you here. I’m fine,” Jake said stubbornly.
“It’s not like you’re in a position to make me go anywhere. So quit arguing. I’ll run the others to the trailhead. You, on the other hand, need to get into bed,” Juliet said just as Jake pulled up in front of the cabin.
“Bossy much?” He shook his head.
“When I need to be.”
“Well then, it’s a good thing you’re not my boss,” Jake retorted. If he thought his attitude would change her mind, he was wrong.
Laura and Blaire came outside carrying all three backpacks. “We were wondering what kept you guys so long. Is the fox okay?” Blaire asked, looking back and forth between the two of them.
“The fox is doing great, but the plan has changed. Jake caught the virus, and I’m not leaving him alone. I’ll drive you as far as the trailhead if you two think you can manage the rest of the hike without me,” Juliet said, disregarding Jake’s glaring expression.
“Wow. It’s not a major surprise. I guess we should have seen this coming, considering he was in close contact with you. But I don’t like the idea of you staying here alone with him, sick or otherwise,” Laura said. “Doesn’t seem right.”
“This isn’t the dark ages. I’m a grown woman, and I’ll be fine. But what about you two?”
“You may be the group leader, but you’re not the only Girl Scout in town.” Laura grinned.
“Point taken. You’ve been as much a leader in this as I have, probably more, considering I got sick,” Juliet said, shaking her head. The whole trip had turned into a fiasco because of her illness. If she finished the trip with her friends, it would go a long way to salvaging her pride—but pride didn’t count when duty called. But she couldn’t help the small seed of resentment that started to grow, knowing Jake didn’t want her here. Rejection was something she should be used to by now, but it didn’t take the sting away.
“But that doesn’t change anything. I’m with Blaire. I don’t like the idea of leaving you here,” Laura said.
“Ladies, none of you are staying. End of discussion. Can we go?” Jake spoke up, desperation in his voice. He swiped at his forehead with his sleeve again.
“You’re not calling the shots on this one. Sorry.” Juliet turned to Laura. “If it’ll make you feel any better, put a call into the sheriff and get him to vouch for Jake. I already trust him, so it’s for your benefit.”
“That’s a great idea.” Blaire nodded. They all headed inside, leaving Jake to follow. He wouldn’t want them using the CB radio without his oversight, and it was a surefire way to get him inside—and one step closer to his bed.
“Anyone know how to use this thing?” Blaire asked.
“Press the button on the side and talk,” Jake said, clearly resigned the women were going to do as they wanted—which was true.
“What do I say?” Blaire asked, looking unsure of herself.
“Just talk. They won’t care if you’re not using CB jargon.” Jake shook his head as he leaned against the wall for support. “I thought I was going to be free from you all.” Another affirmation he wasn’t feeling well, and they didn’t have long before he’d be down for the count.
Juliet tried to recall how quickly it had set in with her.
“Sheriff Harper. Come in, please, Sheriff Harper. Hello?” Blaire tapped the mic and looked up at them. “Nothing. He’s not answering.”
“That’s because you’ve got to take your finger off the button after you speak,” Jake said, his patience clearly we
aring thin.
“Oh.” Blaire released the button and waited.
“Sheriff Harper. Who is this?” the man on the other end asked.
“Blaire Livingston. My friends and I have been staying at Jake’s cabin for the past two days. Juliet was sick and you sent him to help us, but now he’s got the virus. She wants to stay here with him. He’s not, ummm, like a bad person to leave her with, right?” Blaire looked over at Jake, an apologetic expression on her face.
Jake let out a grumbling sound and crossed the room, taking the mic out of Blaire’s hand. “Alan, she wants to know if her friend’s virtue is safe with me or if I’m going to murder her in her sleep.” He glared at Blaire and Laura. “Sometimes, being direct is a lot more effective, and if it will expedite getting you out of here, it works for me.”
“By the sounds of it, he’s going to be too sick to do anything about anything, not that he would. Jake’s an upstanding citizen of this town, although a certified loner these days. Sounds like you need a good doctor, Jake. Know of one?” The sheriff chortled before he was cut off.
Juliet grabbed the mic from Jake. She held it up to her mouth and pressed the button. “This is Juliet. He doesn’t need a doctor—he’s got a nurse. Me. I’m staying whether he likes it or not.”
Jake scowled.
“Ten-four. That’s even better,” the sheriff answered. “Jake, you got your hands full, buddy, but they sound like capable hands. I’m off. Over and out.”
Juliet didn’t miss the Sheriff’s “these days” comment. Another clue she was right about Jake. He wasn’t always the way he was now. Although, at this minute, none of it mattered. Getting him to bed did. The man was pale and hanging on to the desk for support. She could see him getting worse by the minute, and it was an all too familiar pattern of what she’d experienced.
“You.” She poked Jake in the chest. “Get. Into. Bed. Now.” Juliet turned to her friends. “Let’s get a move on. Pretty soon, I won’t be able to leave him, so it’s now or never for me to get you back to the trailhead.”