Her Rocky Mountain Hope

by Mindy Obenhaus

  After hitting Send, she grabbed her purse and computer bag and headed into the high-rise building. She took the elevator to the seventh floor, made her way through the stylishly appointed reception area and down the hall to her office where the only view was a piece of contemporary wall art that made no sense. The only thing it had going for it was that it was colorful. Still, it didn’t hold any meaning.

  She dropped her bags beside the L-shaped desk and retrieved her phone from her purse. One of those pictures she’d taken of the waterfall would look amazing in here. She pulled one up on her screen and held it toward the wall. Yes, all she had to do was get the image blown up and it would be perfect.

  “Can I help you, miss?”

  She whirled at the sound of Jack Hendershot’s voice. “Hey, Jack.”

  “Blythe?” Continuing into the small office, he shook his head. “I’ve never seen you with your hair down before. And your clothes... I didn’t recognize you.”

  Perhaps the changes she’d undergone in recent weeks were more significant than she thought. Granted, the hair was a biggie. Until recently, she’d always worn it in a bun. Very sleek and controlled. Just like her. Today, she’d simply washed it and let it air dry, leaving her with a nice wave she’d never known she had.

  “Don’t worry, Jack. It’s just me.”

  “Apparently, camp suits you. And I’m not just talking about your tan. So how was it?” He plopped himself into the first of two chairs opposite the desk as she removed her laptop from its bag and set it atop her desk.

  “As clichéd as it might sound, it was life changing.”

  “How so?” Jack leaned back and seemed to settle in for a long story.

  “I learned to release control.” And I fell in love. “Instead of trying to control the life God gave me, I discovered how to entrust Him with that life.”

  Her boss simply stared at her. “Daniel’s good at driving that point home, isn’t he?”

  She eased into her faux leather desk chair. “He is. He caused me to look at my faith in ways I’d never done before.” His love for Jesus was only one of the things she loved about him. “Which reminds me.” She eased forward, resting her elbows on her glass and metal desk. “I was wondering if I could take off next week.” Since the fourth was on Monday, it was only a four-day work week. “Or at least Tuesday.”

  Jack sent her a knowing grin. “I think half the staff is taking off next week.”

  She’d suspected as much.

  “But,” he continued, “that’s likely the trend across the board, so sure. You can take the week.”

  “Really?” She practically leaped out of her chair with excitement. She chose to simply stand, instead.

  “Really.” The man who wasn’t much younger than her father approached her. He knew Daniel. He knew her. He knew. He totally knew. “Ouray is a special place. Especially on the Fourth of July.”

  “I would have to agree.” Though she’d say it was pretty special all year round. “Now, if you don’t mind, I have to finish this report so the board will have it for their meeting tomorrow.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” He playfully saluted her before turning to leave.

  Blythe settled into her desk, trying to remember her old routine. One so rigid it would snap at the slightest deviation. Except she had deviated from the plotted course. Big-time. And honestly, she wouldn’t have had it any other way.

  Daniel had shown her how to live again. Not cautiously, not with calculation, but to really live. From where she sat, Daniel’s heart was pure. His love for Jesus and positive outlook on life came through in everything he did. And his passion for helping kids live out their dreams was beyond measure. Daniel was the real deal. There was nothing phony about him. And she was drawn to him more than anyone she’d ever met.

  Her phone vibrated beside her, and Daniel’s name appeared on the screen. Picking it up, she tapped the button before placing the phone to her ear. “Hello.”

  “Just hearing your voice makes me feel better.”

  Her cheeks warmed. “What’s going on at the camp? Anymore wildfires?”

  “No, thank God. Levi and I are going to head over to Adventure Haven shortly to review some logistics and plot out where we might want to add that rock-climbing wall.”

  “Where are you now?”

  “In my office.” His office. Where many a late-night chat had taken place. Where she’d confessed things she’d never told anyone else. Where she’d fallen in love with Daniel Stephens. “Though it’s not near as much fun without you.”

  “I’ll be there soon.”

  There was a long pause. Then, “You will?”

  She couldn’t help laughing. “Yes, Jack gave me next week off.”

  “And now I remember why I like him.”

  A beep sounded. She looked at her phone screen and saw Jenna’s name. “Hey, Jenna’s calling. Can I call you later?”

  “Of course.”

  She quickly switched calls. At this rate, she’d never get her report done. “Hi, Jenna.”

  “Are you back?”

  “I am. At least temporarily.”

  “Wait, wait, wait, what do you mean temporarily?”

  She leaned back in her chair. “Well, I’m going back to Ouray this weekend for the Fourth.”

  “Why?”

  “Because Daniel asked me.”

  There was a long pause. “Beach bum Daniel? The guy who was trying to schmooze you?”

  Boy, did she need to set her sister straight. “No, Daniel the camp director. The one who encouraged me to take chances and taught me to live again.”

  “Oh, honey, you’ve got it bad. I think you need to join us for dinner tonight so we can talk.”

  “You mean I need to come by and spill while Adam puts the kids to bed?”

  “Yeah, whatever.”

  “All right, if I can get this report done, I will come by tonight.”

  Her phone beeped again, and she peered at the screen. “I gotta go, Jenna. I’ll update you later.” She touched the button on the screen to switch calls. “Hello.”

  “Is this Blythe McDonald?” said the voice on the other end.

  “Yes.”

  “This is Keisha from Denver Imaging. I was calling to remind you of your mammogram appointment, Wednesday at ten a.m.”

  Because of the radiation used to treat her lymphoma as a teen, her doctor had ordered routine screenings since she was twenty-five. Yet she’d completely forgotten.

  Probably because, for the first time in her adult life, she was truly living. Actually enjoying life without having to worry about things like cancer screenings.

  She promptly tugged her planner from her bag. She hadn’t looked at it in over a week. Another testament to her drastic change.

  Quickly thumbing to the appropriate page, she said, “Yes, Wednesday at ten. I will be there.”

  “No deodorants or lotions, please.”

  “That’s right. I know the drill.”

  “All right then, Blythe. We will see you Wednesday.”

  Blythe ended the call, trying to ignore the panic that seemed to rise within her each and every time she got this call. She’d been cancer free for more than a dozen years now. There was no reason to worry. Especially now.

  Closing her eyes, she declared her renewed stance. “God, I choose to trust You. No matter what, I will trust You.”

  * * *

  Daniel stood in the silence of Camp Sneffels late Tuesday afternoon, realizing his work here was pretty much done for the moment. Sure, he’d still come up here regularly to check on things and see to the general upkeep of the place, but with no more campers, the real work wouldn’t start again until next spring. That is, assuming the Ridley Foundation board approved the camp’s funding.

  He smiled as thoughts of Blythe played across his mind. Ma
n, he missed her. And he hoped her input would have some influence on the board. Regardless of their decision, though, it was time for Daniel to find a place to live. Now that Dad and Hillary were married, living at the ranch house would be weird. Granted, they weren’t your average newlyweds, but they were still newlyweds and would, no doubt, welcome a little privacy.

  He glanced toward his office. He supposed he could continue to stay at the camp. At least for another week or so. Meaning he’d still need to find an apartment soon. Something that was going to be virtually impossible during the high season.

  Ouray’s population swelled during the summer months and not just because of its many visitors. The increase in guests meant a high demand for help from June to September. Hotels, restaurants, anything that had to do with tourism needed extra employees, making Ouray a huge draw for college students and anyone else looking to earn some extra money. Unfortunately, those people also needed places to live during those months. Leaving few options in either Ouray or Ridgway for someone like Daniel.

  Looked like this was another opportunity to trust.

  He climbed into his SUV. With his father gone, he’d been helping Noah put out feed for the cattle and make sure everything ran smoothly in his father’s absence. Before he made it to the highway, though, his phone rang. And while he’d hoped to see Blythe’s name on the screen, Jack Hendershot’s name ran a close second.

  His heart raced. Lord, please let this be good news.

  Tapping the button, he placed the phone to his ear. “Hey, Jack. How’s it going, buddy?”

  “Quite well. I hear camp was a success.”

  “I think so.” He stopped at the main road, looking left and right as cars whizzed by. “Though, not without a few problems.”

  “That’s to be expected. Too bad that wildfire forced you to cut the second week short. From what I hear, though, the town really embraced the kids when you had to evacuate.”

  “They sure did.” Suddenly warm, he adjusted the air vents. “And I think they were just as blessed by it as the kids.”

  “Community support is always beneficial.”

  “Agreed.”

  “Blythe was highly complimentary of the camp in her report. And I’m pleased to tell you that, because of her recommendation, the board has agreed to fund Camp Sneffels for not just one more year, but for five years.”

  Daniel’s mouth fell open. “Five...” He shifted his vehicle into Park in case he passed out. “Five years? That’s amazing.”

  “The board was quite impressed with both your passion for the kids and your love of adventure. They feel that five years will give you adequate opportunity to expand, not only in the number of camps you’re able to host each year, but also Adventure Haven—which everyone was fascinated with. Any facilities, employees...”

  As reality slowly began to sink in, tears stung Daniel’s eyes. “This is truly unbelievable, Jack. I can’t thank you enough. Your belief in me and this camp have been such an encouragement.”

  “I saw the joy you brought those patients when I went white water rafting with you in South America, and I knew you were the right man to pull this off.”

  Jack’s use of the word joy almost had Daniel breaking down. That was the exact word his mother had used. Bring joy into their lives the way you did mine.

  “I must say,” Jack continued, “it appears you and Blythe hit it off rather well.”

  Heat crept up Daniel’s neck. “It took a while, but yes, we did. She’s a very special woman.” Realizing what he’d said, his tender tone, he quickly added, “Though, I’m sure that had no influence on her report.”

  “Not on the report, no. Blythe is a professional. However, I’d say you had quite an influence on her.”

  While Daniel knew he’d helped her conquer her fears, he wasn’t quite sure what Jack was getting at. “What do you mean?”

  “Blythe’s not the same person who left here three weeks ago. She’s more relaxed, and she even looks different.”

  He curiously eyed the semi that rumbled past. “How so?”

  “The entire time I’ve known Blythe, she’s worn her hair in one of those slicked-back, tight buns. Now she’s wearing her hair down in casual waves.”

  The way she’d done at the wedding. Daniel would never forget the feel or the smell of it.

  “She’s gone through quite a transformation, if you ask me.”

  “I’ll be honest with you, Jack. I’ve never met anyone quite like her. A lot of the new ideas for the camp came from her. She embraced the whole experience.” And was exactly the kind of woman he was looking for in a wife. Someone who shared his passion for this camp and those kids and was willing to work alongside him to make their dream come true.

  “Sounds like you’re just as smitten with her. No wonder she’s planning to rejoin you for the Fourth.”

  “I’d be lying if I said I’m not looking forward to seeing her again.”

  “Well, she’s got the whole week off, so you’ll have plenty of time to show her around.”

  After another round of thank-yous from Daniel, they said their goodbyes.

  Daniel immediately wanted to call Blythe, not only to thank her, but to share this incredible moment with her.

  He glanced at the clock. It was 4:00 p.m. She’d still be at the office, so calling her might not be the best option. Instead, he sent her a text.

  Call me when you’re off work.

  With excitement bubbling inside of him like a shaken-up can of soda, he sent up a prayer of thanksgiving then put his SUV in gear and headed for the ranch. At least he’d be able to share his good news with someone, even if it was just Noah.

  A short time later, he bumped over the cattle guard at Abundant Blessings Ranch feeling as though he was truly abundantly blessed. He wound past the stable and up the drive, dust billowing in his wake.

  What was Hillary’s SUV doing here? She and Dad had driven it to Santa Fe.

  That could only mean one thing.

  The old man exited the house as Daniel stepped from his vehicle.

  “You just couldn’t stay away, could you?” Daniel tossed his door closed.

  “What can I say?” Pausing at the top step, his father shrugged. “We got bored.”

  “Bored? Seriously? Dad, I’m afraid that officially makes you a stick-in-the-mud.”

  “Yeah, well, I’d be happy for a little mud. Things are just getting way too dry around here.”

  Daniel understood his father’s anxiety. After all, he’d lived with the cattle rancher his entire life. “Where’s Hillary?”

  “Inside freshening up.” Dad poked a thumb toward the door.

  “Well, if you don’t mind, I have some news I’d like to share with the two of you.”

  They made their way inside, toeing out of their boots and shoes in the mudroom before moving into the family room.

  Hillary emerged from the hallway. “Daniel.” Smiling, she approached him for a hug.

  “How was your trip?” He met her dark gaze.

  “It was lovely. But it’s good to be back home.”

  “The boy says he’s got some news for us.” Dad eased into his recliner.

  “Does this news have anything to do with Blythe?” Hillary moved to the sofa and motioned for Daniel to sit beside her.

  “In a way.” Because without her high praises, he might not have gotten even one year of additional funding. “She’s going to be coming back out here for the Fourth.”

  “Oh, good.” Hillary clasped her hands together. “She really is a darling. But then, I think you know that.” She winked. “Is she going to stay here? Because if so, I’ll need to get a room ready for her.”

  “Hmm... I guess I’ve been so focused on the camp I kind of forgot about finding her a place to stay.”

  “That’s all right, dear. She’s more than
welcome to stay here. Or she could stay at my condo in town.”

  Condo? He’d forgotten all about that. “What are your plans for your condo? I mean, long-term. Are you going to rent it out? Sell it?”

  “Actually, your father and I were just talking about that on our drive home. I know you’ve talked about moving out. I’m not sure what you had in mind, but if you’re interested in the condo—”

  “Yes.”

  The corners of her mouth lifted. “Well, all right then.”

  “If you two are finished,” his father said, “I’d kinda like to hear about this news you got.”

  Daniel chuckled and proceeded to tell them about Jack’s phone call.

  The old man’s eyes went wider than Daniel had ever seen. “Five years?”

  “I know. I could hardly believe it myself.”

  “What an incredible blessing.” Hillary pressed a hand to her chest. “They’ve basically removed that burden, allowing you to focus completely on the camp. Have you told Blythe yet?”

  “I have not, though I’m sure she already knows. I told her to call me after she gets off work.”

  “This calls for a celebration,” said Hillary. “Shall we grill or go out?”

  “Grill,” he and his father said collectively.

  Hillary shook her head. “I should have known.”

  Daniel’s phone rang, and he tugged it from his pocket to see Blythe’s name on the screen. “I’ll take this outside.” He tapped the button and pressed the phone to his ear on his way into the mudroom. “Hello.”

  “Hello yourself.” The smile in her voice made his grow even wider.

  After pulling on his shoes he went outside. “I guess you know Jack called me.” He continued off the deck and toward the barn.

  “Oh, yeah. The guy could hardly wait. As soon as the board members were gone, he went straight to his office and closed the door.”

  “Blythe, I don’t know what you said in that report, but thank you. To get one year of extra funding would have been great, but to not have to worry about anything but the camp for five years... That’s beyond amazing.”

  “No,” she said calmly, “that’s God.”