Closing his eyes, he bowed his head. Lord, forgive me for complaining. I vowed to pray for Blythe and that’s what I will do. Besides, complaining will get me nowhere, while prayer can move mountains. And in Blythe’s eyes, that lump is as big as a mountain.
Be with her. Comfort her as only You can. Lord, I pray that the spot they found is not cancer. That her fears would be for nothing and that, somehow, You would bring us back together. I do love her, and I thank You for bringing her into my life. Amen.
Looking up, he noticed a grosbeak sitting just outside the window beside his desk. The black-and-yellow bird peered straight at him, cocking its head left then right before breaking into a sweet song that washed over Daniel, imparting a peace that hadn’t been there before.
Maybe now he’d be able to focus.
Looking at the calendar, he knew he wanted to have at least four camps the next year, though they might be able to pull off five or six. As always, volunteers would be key. Could he find enough companions to cover that many weeks? He’d had more than enough this year, but that had only been for two weeks.
The sound of gravel being ground beneath tires drifted through the open window behind his desk. He wasn’t expecting anyone, so if he had to guess, he’d say it was either Levi, Dad or one of his brothers. Or simply someone who was lost. The latter had him reminding himself to shut the gate now that the camp was closed.
Standing, he rounded his desk, moved to the front door and continued onto the porch as a white Camry appeared at the far end of the office.
Blythe?
His heart thundered against his ribs. Why was she here? Had she changed her mind? Did she want to be with him after all?
Don’t get your hopes up.
But—she’s here! That alone was a good sign, wasn’t it?
He watched as she parked in the shade of a blue spruce and got out of her vehicle, all the while trying to remain calm. Inside, though, he wanted to run to her, scoop her into his arms and kiss her senseless. Instead, he simply smiled as she moved toward him.
Dressed in a pair of white shorts, a sleeveless black-and-white checked shirt and sandals, she wore her hair down. And there was something different in her countenance. Her pinched expression of yesterday had been replaced with a sense of calm. She looked...at peace.
He leaned against one of the posts as she neared the porch. “What brings you up here?”
The corners of her mouth tilted ever so slightly upward. “Well, somebody told me about this really cool Fourth of July celebration they have in Ouray.” She climbed the steps and stopped in front of him.
Peering down at her, he thought his chest might explode. “You said you weren’t coming.”
She lifted a shoulder. “I know, but since I have an appointment with Dr. Joel on the fifth, I figured...why not?”
Dr. Joel? That would mean—
“Besides, there’s something I need to tell you.” Her eyes sparkled up at him.
“What’s that?”
“I love you, too.”
With his heart racing, he lowered his head and touched his lips to hers before wrapping his arms around her and crushing her against him. When he finally came up for air, they both had tears in their eyes.
“How did the doctor get you in so quick?”
“It was the strangest thing.” Her arms were still looped around his neck. “When I called them yesterday afternoon, they said they’d just had a cancellation.”
“Sounds like divine intervention to me.” He tugged her closer.
“God has a plan for me, Daniel. I’ve rebelled against that fact for far too long and tried to make my own way. Instead, I only made myself miserable. Until I met you. Falling in love with you wasn’t part of my design, but it was part of God’s. And whether I’m on this earth for one more year or a hundred, I’d really like to have you in my life.”
He threaded his fingers into her soft hair, cupping her cheek. “However many days He gives us. I would rather have you in my life for a little while than never have you at all.” He swallowed the lump that threatened his composure. “Will you marry me, Blythe, and allow me the honor of being at your side through every step of this journey?”
A tear spilled onto her cheek, and he wiped it away with his thumb. “Chemo will ensure I won’t be able to have any children.”
“We’ll cross that bridge if and when we come to it. Besides, this isn’t about children, Blythe. It’s about you and me. So, what do you say?”
Her lips quivered as the corners of her beautiful mouth lifted. “Okay.”
He pulled her to him and savored the beautiful woman God had ordained expressly for him. He didn’t know what their future held, but he knew beyond a shadow of a doubt Who held their future. And that was something he could count on forever.
Epilogue
Under a golden late-afternoon sun, Blythe stood amid the wildflowers in the meadow surrounding the lake at Camp Sneffels. She’d never been happier or more at peace. Even her looming biopsy results couldn’t stop her from smiling. In part because she’d determined to entrust her circumstances to God. Something that was a daily, if not moment-by-moment choice. Still, she knew He held each and every one of her days in His mighty hand.
Of course, the fact that she was wearing a sleeveless white-lace gown and was in the process of marrying the man of her dreams had a good bit to do with her smile, too.
Holding hands with her handsome groom, a diamond band sparkling on her left hand, she anxiously awaited the words she’d been longing to hear for the past three weeks.
“By the power vested in me by God and the State of Colorado, I now pronounce you husband and wife.” Pastor Dan smiled at Daniel. “You may kiss your bride.”
A grinning Daniel wasted no time. He promptly tugged her against him and claimed her lips while family and friends cheered them on.
“I am crazy in love with you, Blythe,” he said when they parted.
“Right back atcha, my love.”
Moments later, the pastor turned them to face their guests. “It is my distinct pleasure to introduce to you Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Stephens.”
Applause filled the mountain air. On the front row of white folding chairs, Blythe’s parents smiled proudly. Her mother dabbed a tissue to her eyes. When Blythe had told them about the new threat of cancer, they’d dropped everything and come to Colorado. To Ouray first, then to Denver to help Blythe move. She hadn’t seen her folks since Christmas, and they seemed...different. Happier. According to her mother, they’d been going to marriage counseling, though Blythe had yet to find out why.
Whatever the case, Mom had accepted Daniel and his family without reservation or judgment. And she’d even apologized to Jenna and her husband, vowing to make up for lost time. Her mother’s drastic turnaround had them feeling more like a family again. And that only added to Blythe’s joy.
While pictures were taken, some guests remained while others caravanned back to the chow hall where dinner and dancing would continue into the evening. Juanita had insisted on doing the catering, saying if Daniel’s mother had been here, it was what she would have wanted.
As the photo session wrapped up, Jack, her now former boss, approached with his wife.
“First, I just want to thank you two for providing an excuse for me to get away and come see the camp firsthand. What you’ve done here is pretty amazing, Daniel.”
“Thank you, Jack.” He wrapped an arm around Blythe. “And I believe what God has done here is pretty amazing, too.”
“Hear, hear! Although—” The man wagged a finger, his brows narrowing “—I am a little disappointed that I’m going to have to find another overseer.”
“Well, Jack,” said Blythe, “why don’t you just appoint yourself? Not only would it get you out of the office more, it would give you an excuse to come and visit us.”
“O
h, I like that idea,” his wife was quick to add.
As sunlight faded, everyone made their way to the chow hall. The camp golf cart had been decorated with streamers, balloons and empty soda cans that rattled behind them as Daniel drove Blythe back.
While guests and family entered the building, Blythe and Daniel paused at the little cabin near the office. It had been adorned with flowers, lanterns, two chairs and even a faux firepit like they’d had at the school after the evacuation. When Daniel’s sisters-in-law—make that her sisters-in-law—learned that was where they’d decided to spend their honeymoon, they’d banded together to turn the place into a romantic getaway.
Of course, if it was too inviting, they might never want to leave. And given that they’d already moved her things into Hillary’s old condo—now the home she and Daniel would soon share—that might not be so good.
“I have something for you.” Daniel reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out an envelope.
“What is it?” She watched him curiously.
“Open it and find out.”
She lifted the flap of the white envelope with her name on it and pulled out a glittery pink card that read Happy Wedding Day.
Smiling up at Daniel, she opened it before lowering her gaze.
Dear Blythe.
I’m SO happy that you and Daniel are getting married. Did he get down on one knee when he proposed? You know, like they do in the movies.
Blythe puffed out a laugh.
Thank you for taking care of me while I was at camp. I still have cancer, but I’m feeling better. Except for when I have treatments. Sometimes those aren’t so fun. But my mom and dad say they’re helping. I sure hope so, because I really want to come to Camp Sneffels again.
Love, Chloe
“Oh, Daniel.” Dabbing her eyes, she peered up at him. “Chloe wants to come back to camp someday. I pray that she’ll be able to.”
“So do I. And this time, for the entire week.”
“Amen to that.”
He grinned down at her. “Well, Mrs. Stephens...” He cupped her cheek with his hand, threading his fingers into her hair. “Do you suppose we ought to make an appearance at our reception—” he nodded toward the chow hall “—or just hide out here?”
“Mm.” She leaned into his caress as the sounds of nature whispered around them. “As much as I would love to stay here, I think they might find us.”
“Ah. Good point.” He kissed her lips with a tenderness that sent goosebumps shivering up her spine. “I love you, Blythe.”
Staring into his blue eyes, she had no doubt that what he said was true. He was her hero. The man who saved her when she didn’t even realize she needed saving. And with God as their guide, they would face whatever adventures lay ahead.
* * *
Daniel stared fondly at the camp directors’ cabin, recalling the honeymoon he and Blythe had spent there a little over ten months ago. What was supposed to be a few days had turned into a week they’d never forget.
He still found it interesting that most of that time had been spent talking not so much about their future, but the future of Camp Sneffels. Blythe had so many ideas, even thoughts on how the camp could be utilized in the off-season for retreats, weddings and other special events. Her input was priceless, and Daniel wasn’t sure what he’d do without her.
The cabin door opened then, and his lovely wife and codirector stepped onto the stoop, dressed more for a party than camp in her skinny jeans, flowing tunic and sparkly sandals. But then, that was exactly what today was—a party. An open house for the people of Ouray to come and see Camp Sneffels firsthand. After all the community had done to assist them when the camp had been evacuated the previous year, this was his and Blythe’s way of saying thank-you with food, tours and plenty of fun.
Slipping an arm around her waist, he tugged her close. “You feeling okay?”
Her face practically glowed as she smiled up at him. “Never better.” Blythe’s fears of a mastectomy and chemotherapy had never come to pass because her biopsy had come back negative. She was still cancer free. And her—make that their—greatest dream was now coming true. They were expecting their first child in December. “However, these jeans are starting to get a bit snug.”
“Sounds like we’d better do some shopping before camp starts, then.”
The sound of gravel crunching under tires echoed through the air as the entire Stephens family rolled up the drive in their respective vehicles.
Daniel glanced at his watch. “Looks like they’re right on time.” Though his family thought they were to come early for some instruction, that was only part of the reason he wanted them there before everyone else.
Slowly, each of his brothers and their families exited their vehicles. Noah with Lily, twelve-year-old Colton, nine-year-old Piper and eight-month-old Joy; Andrew, Carly, fourteen-year-old Megan and twenty-one-month-old Lucas; Matt, Lacie, seven-year-old Kenzie and one-year-old Riley; and Jude with his wife, Kayla, and sixteen-month-old Avery.
“Why don’t you all join me at the flagpole.” He motioned for them to follow him and Blythe.
Standing in the family circle, Hillary grinned. “I don’t know if you fellas have noticed, but this next generation of Stephens is predominantly girls.”
“We’ve definitely gone through some changes,” said Noah, holding baby Joy.
“We sure have.” Dad tilted his beige cowboy hat back. “Five years ago, we didn’t know how we’d make it.” Holding his wife’s hand, his dark gaze roamed the circle. “Look at us now.”
Daniel took hold of Blythe’s hand. “You’re a blessed man, Dad.”
“I surely am. God’s been good to this old cowboy. And he’s been good to you boys, too. Your mama would be proud.”
Just the segue Daniel needed. “Speaking of Mama, the real reason I wanted all of you to come early was so Blythe and I could show you something.” Still holding his wife’s hand, he moved toward the new metal structure situated between the office and the chow hall. And while it was indeed metal, with the dark brown ridges positioned horizontally on the walls and a dark green roof, it looked like a log cabin.
He stopped beside the cloth-covered sign positioned in front of the cabin. “As I’m sure we all remember, Mama loved to craft. And she especially enjoyed scrapbooking.” His gaze drifted to Andrew’s wife. “Right, Carly?”
“Oh, yes. She was very meticulous about it.” It was Carly who had discovered boxes of photos that had been set aside for Daniel and each of his brothers. Inside, Mama had laid everything out, including handwritten notes to her sons. Unfortunately, she’d passed before she was able to compile the scrapbooks, so Carly had finished them for her.
“So, when Blythe brought up the subject of a crafting spot for the campers—” something that had surprised him, given her camp experience, but she’d explained how it would provide an opportunity for the kids to take a break from all of their adventures and, perhaps, commemorate them “—and scrapbooking in particular, I knew what we had to do.” He released his wife’s hand. “I’ll let you do the honors.”
She moved to the sign, took hold of the cloth and waited for Daniel to continue.
“It is our hope that Mama’s love for creating will live on with Camp Sneffels’s newest addition.” He gestured toward the cabin as Blythe unveiled the carved wooden sign. “Mona’s Crafting Cottage.”
The women gasped, then said, “Aww...” collectively, while his father and brothers stood silently, seemingly too moved to say anything.
Stepping onto the wooden porch, Daniel threw open the door. “Come check it out.”
The women and kids rushed in, but the men lingered.
“I’ll play tour guide.” Blythe patted his arm and then went inside.
Clearing his throat, he rejoined his father and brothers. “What do you think?”
�
��I don’t know about the rest of you guys,” said Jude, “but I’m thinking about how I’m going to get back at you for getting me all choked up.”
“No kidding.” Matt swiped a hand under each eye.
Daniel turned to the patriarch of the Stephens clan who stood staring at the sign. “Dad?”
“I think it’s a fitting tribute to a woman who blessed us with her faith and her passion for life. Your mother was a special woman. And her legacy lives on in each of us.”
Daniel couldn’t agree more. It was a legacy that had been passed down from generation to generation. Now it was time for him and his brothers to carry on that tradition with their children. Because with God, nothing was impossible.
* * *
Keep reading for an excerpt from A Mother’s Secret by Gabrielle Meyer.
Dear Reader,
Has your faith ever been tested? Have you ever been filled with fear in the face of scary circumstances? It’s one thing to trust God when life is easy, but when we’re facing the unknown, trust becomes a challenge. Especially if you tend to be a fixer, like me. Yet there are many things in this world that can’t be fixed or controlled. It’s then we either reject God or cling to The One who holds us and our future in His hands. Day by day, moment by moment.
Telling Blythe and Daniel’s story was as difficult as it was fulfilling. Cancer is a word that can impart fear into the strongest person. Like the thief who comes to steal, kill and destroy, cancer has impacted many lives. Young, old, male, female... And I would love nothing more than to see this dreaded disease wiped off the face of this earth.
This was the final book in my Rocky Mountain Heroes series. I hope you enjoyed watching the Stephens men find love as much as I did. But there are plenty more relationships to explore, so I hope we’ll meet again soon. Until then, I would love to hear from you. You can contact me via my website, mindyobenhaus.com, or you can snail-mail me c/o Love Inspired Books, 195 Broadway, 24th Floor, New York, NY 10007.
Her Rocky Mountain Hope Page 18
