by Elsie Davis
“To me, it was. But then, I was the silent observer.” Olivia laughed, and Juliet joined in. They both knew she’d been anything but silent. “Have you told him how you feel?”
“Of course not. It wouldn’t do any good, so please, don’t say anything more about this. Once was enough,” Juliet said, remembering the mortification she felt the last time Olivia tried to tell Jake she cared about him.
“At least tell me you’ll think about applying, will you? I’d love for you to come back. Besides, what can it hurt?”
Juliet took the application and shoved it in her purse. “Fine. I’ll think about it. Any chance you’re free for lunch tomorrow?”
“Absolutely. I’d love to join you.” Olivia beamed.
“Great. I’ll text you what time in the morning. Have a great night.” Juliet waved and headed out the door, her heart feeling lighter than when she’d arrived. Olivia had a way of making her feel welcome. And wanted.
Juliet had already called the motel and set up a reservation for the weekend, having given up her weekly rental at the house when she left town. Knowing her lodging was covered, she walked the short distance to the café. She’d missed lunch and was eager for an almost home-cooked meal.
Spotting Diane at one of the booths, Juliet crossed the room to say hello. “Hey, there. I’m surprised to see you here alone. Where’s Bill?” She glanced around, expecting him to turn up any second.
“It’s just me. Sit down; I’d love some company for dinner,” Diane said, pointing to the seat across from her.
Juliet slid into the booth. “Everything okay? I don’t see you and Bill apart very often. I thought you two were attached at the hip,” she teased the older woman.
“He’s at a small small-group meeting, and I thought I’d treat myself out to dinner.”
“I see. I should have guessed it was something like that. You two have the perfect marriage,” Juliet said, a touch of wistfulness in her voice.
Diane shook her head, her dangly earrings twinkling in the dim light. “No marriage is perfect, mark my words. Two people who care about each other will try to work things out when the going gets rough. That’s the closest you get to perfect.”
“Well, I’m sure it helps that you’re both in church and have the same beliefs. I’ve seen it with my parents. It shows the importance of finding the right person to marry in the first place.” It was the first time Juliet had the confidence to share her observation with someone else. Someone other than Jake, that is, and of course, he’d disagreed. It was the same conversation in which he’d told Juliet of his love for his wife.
“It wasn’t always this way, dear. Bill was involved with the church, but I wasn’t. I believed in God, but that’s as far as it went. But over time, Bill led me to understand what I was missing out on in not having a personal relationship with the Lord. It changes a person’s perspective on a lot of things. But if Bill had disregarded me in the first place because of my inequality when it came to faith, we wouldn’t have what we have today. I’m glad he put his faith in God and in me. God can use people in life to help others heal and grow and love.” Diane reached out and laid her hand on Juliet’s. “Maybe, that’s your purpose with regards to Dr. K.”
Juliet was shocked into silence, trying to figure out how to respond. It would seem as though everyone else knew how she felt about Jake before she herself had. But there was no sense in denying the truth, even if it was too late. “At one point, I thought so. Now, I realize it was simply arrogance on my part. But how did you know? It wasn’t like I walked around with my heart on my sleeve, or at least I hope I didn’t. That would be humiliating.”
“It was obvious to anyone looking. Trust me. The light in your eyes shines brighter every time that man is around. He hasn’t quite been himself since you left, you know.” Diane’s comment reminded her about something Olivia said. “You don’t seem quite yourself either,” she said, taking a sip of water and leaning back against the booth wall.
Juliet took a sip of water, her hand shaking. Was it possible Jake cared about her more than he was letting on and that his email was a cover? It’s what everyone kept telling her, but it was hard to believe. What if Diane and Olivia were right? Did it change anything?
The truth hit her like a bolt of lightning. It changed everything.
They weren’t equally yoked, but they were in the same pan.
Not to mention, the doctor needed a nurse, a Juliet happened to know the perfect one for the job. Jake might not ever be ready for a relationship, but the two did make a good team. And working with him and being friends was a whole lot better than being in another state and wondering about him.
20
Juliet had tossed and turned all through the night, and her dreams were shockingly clear. This wasn’t just about getting her job back, or even in renewing her friendship with Jake.
This was about love.
And if Diane was right, then Juliet’s own views on love and marriage hadn’t been entirely on track. What if there was more to marriage than being on the same spiritual path?
There was no doubt it would help, but what if things like genuine friendship and respect were also key elements? Two people in love who were willing to commit and who cared enough about each other to work through the rough times. True love came from God, and it was a shared blessing both individuals needed to respect and honor for a marriage to work.
It was what she saw in her parents—and it was what she saw in Diane and Gilda with their husbands.
Jake was a believer and no matter what he said to the contrary, it was a fundamental part of him. It meant he understood love and faith. Yes, he was hurting. Yes, he’d turned his back on God and the world because of his pain. That didn’t make him unlovable. It made him someone who needed more love, understanding, compassion and patience. Those were the qualities that overtime, could help Jake to heal and find his way back to God.
It wasn’t for Juliet to decide with who or when she’d fall in love, all she ever needed to do was listen to her heart and trust God. It was time to put on her cloak of humility and go after the man she loved. Yes, it might hurt, and no, she might not get the guy, but true love was worth fighting for.
Juliet brushed her hair until it shined, added a light touch of makeup, and picked out a fresh pair of jeans and a flowery, blue and yellow blouse that accented her eye color. Satisfied with her appearance, she filled out the job application and headed for the door, determined to see her plan through.
It took her thirty minutes to drive to Jake’s cabin, as Juliet was unwilling to drive fast on the backroads. It still seemed like too short of a time. She sucked in a deep breath, nervous anticipation keeping her emotions on full tilt. It was one thing to decide to be bold, another to act on it.
Jake’s truck was parked in front of the barn, as was his four-wheeler. There was no turning back now.
Juliet parked in front and quickly made her way to the porch before she lost her nerve. She rapped on the door and stepped back, trying to regroup.
Seconds later, Jake filled the doorway. “Juliet? What are you doing here?” It wasn’t exactly the reception she’d been hoping for, but it was better than having him slam the door in her face.
“Good morning to you, too,” she said, trying to smile, but failing miserably.
Jake frowned as he let out a deep breath. “Forgive me. I’m just surprised to see you here. I thought you’d gone back to Memphis.”
“I did, but you’re forgetting I promised to help out at the Shakespeare festival this weekend.” So far, were managing the small talk with some degree of civility. It was a good sign.
“Nice of you to help out. It still doesn’t explain why you’re on my doorstep, but I’m sure you’ll get around to that. Can I get you a cup of coffee?” After his last email, she was stunned at the offer, but it gave her hope.
The offer was tempting, but she wanted to do this right and not overwhelm Jake and send him running for the hills. Further than he
already had, considering he’d been a recluse for a couple of years.
“No, thanks. I came here to tell you to face to face, that I’m sorry about what happened. What I did. You were right about me. I did decide to help you initially as a project.” She winced as the last word slipped out. “And it was wrong.” Juliet let out a deep breath. “I only wanted to help, but instead of being supportive and a good friend, I manipulated things for the outcome I desired, not considering what you wanted. For that, I’m sorry.”
“About that—”
She held up her hand, cutting him off. “I had only just come to the realization that love and family might not be God’s plan for my life and that helping others might be. And then when I met you, my heart was filled with a need to comfort you and help you get past the grief holding you back from living life. I realized as we became friends and started working together that it was more than that. I wasn’t helping you because you were a project. I was helping because I genuinely care about you, and I went about it in all the wrong way. Please believe me when I say how sorry I am.”
Jake let out a deep sigh and ran his hands through his hair. “Apology accepted. We were friends and I shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions, even if they were partially right.” His lips twitched as if he were fighting back a smile. “Are you sure you don’t want to stay for coffee?”
They’d come to a truce, and there was no sense pushing him any harder. Time would be on her side if Jake hired her back as a nurse at the clinic. Whether they were friends or more depended on Jake, but no matter what, they’d always be friends. “No, thanks. I believe I invaded your personal space enough,” she said, smiling with genuine relief they’d made it this far.
“You could have called to apologize,” Jake said, zeroing in on the obvious.
“But then I couldn’t have given you this.” Juliet reached into her handbag to retrieve the application. “I’m applying for the nursing position at the clinic. Full-time. Permanent.”
Jake’s eyes grew wide, the hint of a smile slowly teasing the corners of his mouth. “What about the job in Memphis?”
“I like working with you. I like Hollow Creek. I like the people I’ve gotten to know here. And I want to come back—to stay. But I need a job to make that happen.” And I hope you’ll stay working with me, but that was a thought best kept to herself.
Jake reached out to hand her back the application. “I don’t need this,” he said, shaking his head.
Juliet was devastated. She did her best to hide the disappointment, which was tough considering the tears threatening to spill over. It was time to cut and run. She’d figure out her next step away from Jake and his outright rejection. He really hated her for what she’d done, contrary to his apology.
As she tried to pull the application from his grasp, he failed to let go. Juliet looked up at him, confused. Several seconds passed before he let go.
Juliet turned to leave. “Take care then, Jake.” She stepped off the porch, eager to make her get away.
“You’re hired,” Jake called out, stopping her in her tracks.
She spun around, not sure she heard what she thought she heard. “What?”
“You’re hired. I don’t need an application because your information is already in the system, and you already have the job.” He smiled. A full smile as glorious as the sun shining down on them.
Joy overwhelmed her, the tears falling. She brushed them away and nodded. “Thank you. You won’t regret it.”
“I’m sure I won’t. Welcome home, Juliet.”
Juliet had lunch with Olivia and caught her up to speed on the changes, her friend thrilled she was moving back to Hollow Creek and going to work at the clinic.
The rest of the day, Juliet spent setting up the house she re-rented. It wasn’t such a big town that the place had been rented in her short absence, something for which Juliet was relieved. She loved the old house; the gardens and trellis in the backyard welcoming her with the fresh scent of roses and jasmine in bloom. Inside, the place held history. Many nights she’d thought about the families who might have grown up here and imagined the sounds of laughing children.
It was like coming home.
Sunday morning arrived early considering her late night. She pushed back the covers, basking in the glow of sunlight streaming through the bedroom window. Two cups of coffee later, she was dressed and ready to walk to church. Another reason she loved the old house. It was within walking distance to everything.
Juliet said hello to several people as they stop to chat, many others simply waving, but all made her feel like she was a part of the community. But then, she treated quite a few patients or their children in the three weeks she’d been in town.
She slid into a seat toward the back of the sanctuary, enjoying the soft music coming from the front stage area. The praise team hadn’t started yet, and the instrumental strains soothed Juliet as she relaxed, peace filling her.
Someone slid in next to her, and Juliet looked up, a ready smile on her face. The greeting she was about to say died on her lips when she saw that it was Jake.
It took her a few seconds to recover from the shock. “This is a pleasant surprise,” she finally said, smiling. Juliet tried her best to tamp down the questions that sprung to her lips.
“I knew you’d be here.” He winked. Taking her hand just as the praise team started to play, she fell silent. Not only to hear the song, but mostly because she was at a loss for words.
The two of them sat there, holding hands, singing, and being in the presence of God. Together. What did it all mean? It was hard to focus on the sermon, but Juliet forced herself to sit still. The time for questions would come after the service.
She still couldn’t believe Jake was here. It was a testament to his brave heart. He was facing his fears and embracing the future in a way she hadn’t expected. Hoped perhaps but had stopped expecting.
21
It was a peaceful message, one that filled Juliet’s heart with joy. Of course, the man sitting next to her had a lot to do with the joy. “That was beautiful,” she said, standing with the rest of the congregation as they prepared to leave.
“It was, and you are,” he said, smiling down at her. “We need to talk.”
His words set her heart racing, but this wasn’t a good time. For the first time in a long time, she was tempted to chuck responsibility out the window. “I’m sorry,” she answered, glancing down at her watch. “I’ve got to get to the festival. Remember I’m working there today, and they’ll be looking for me shortly.”
Jake looked disappointed but not upset. “I hadn’t forgotten, but perhaps we can talk after the festival.”
“About?” she asked, curiosity consuming her.
“I’ll tell you later when we have more time. Do you think they could use another set of hands to help out?” Jake was full of surprises.
“Seriously? You’re volunteering? You do realize it’s in town and there will be a lot of kids and people.” She couldn’t believe what he was asking. Jake, the recluse, was offering to help at a large gathering of people. To be with her? The very thought made her nervous and giddy all in the same space of seconds.
He shrugged. “I’ve managed worse. Try me.”
“You’re on. Let’s go.” Juliet pulled him by the hand that he had yet to let go of as she led him out of the church. Several people must have had the same idea because there were quite a few large groups headed toward town square.
“Hey, Dr. K., didn’t take you for a Shakespearean kind of guy.” Ryan Jenkins, one of her patients, clapped Jake on the back and fell in step next to him.
“Can’t say as I am, but I’m willing to give it a try.”
“I see you have a little encouragement in that department.” Ryan chuckled. “Seems the womenfolk have that effect on us.”
“Don’t let him fool you. He offered, I didn’t ask,” Juliet joined in the teasing.
Ryan grinned. “The truth is out. You do realize once yo
u start down this road, there’s no going back.”
“What road is that?” Jake asked, looking sweetly perplexed. It made Juliet love him all that much more.
“Pleasing the little woman.”
Juliet almost choked on Ryan’s words, worried how Jake would take them.
“Oh, I think Juliet can hold her own, with or without me. I’ve seen her in action.” This type of friendly banter was a new side of Jake, one she was totally enjoying.
Juliet laughed. “He’s right, but with you sounds like more fun, considering I like a challenge. Although, Ryan, thanks for the tip. I’ll have to keep your manly words of wisdom in mind when I start dating someone.” She grinned, shooting Jake a direct look, preferring to have a private conversation with him to clear the air.
“Oh, I thought…” Ryan shook his head as if at a loss for words.
“You thought wrong. Friends. Just friends,” Juliet quickly assured Ryan.
“Mighty chummy friends if you ask me,” he countered.
“We didn’t,” they both answered in unison.
Juliet pulled her hand away from his, the two of them walking side by side. Once they arrived at the town square, she quickly located Evelyn Star, the chairperson of the event.
“Hi, Evelyn. I’m here. And I brought you a recruit. You can put him to work wherever he’s needed.” She gave Jake a gentle shove in the woman’s direction, not letting him have an opportunity to change his mind.
“It’s great to see you, Juliet. I’m so glad you made it. Good afternoon, Dr. K, it’s a pleasure to see you here. I’m sure I can find you the perfect job.” Diane beamed.
“Great.” Jake gazed at her, a slight smile on his face.
“The kids are going to gather over by the wishing well that’s set up for donations. You’ll find crafts and game ideas. Feel free to get set up and organize, Juliet. You’ll have one other helper and about twenty kids, so be prepared.”