“So that’s what got you chopping cords of wood and considering dog adoption in the early morning hours, interrupting my beauty sleep.” Nick set down his mug. “Okay, one thing at a time. The Westerman. Forget what everyone else wants. What do you think is the best option?”
Forget what everyone else wanted? It took a while, but the answer rose up once Peter quieted all the other voices in his head. “The youth center.”
“Why?”
“Vivien’s right. I’ve been working with the kids and teens and they need a place to hang out, things to do in town. Kids like Tiago and Josh would love it. It would help the school, community sports leagues, Vivie’s theater, and we could still rent it out for large events. It could benefit a lot of families. Our dads don’t want to hear it and I have no idea how to pay for it, but I think it’s the best choice.”
“So, go for it. Make it happen.”
“How am I supposed to tell both families that I’m not voting for them?”
“Afraid you’ll have a repeat of your grad party?”
His cousin knew him well. “That’s exactly what I’m afraid of. I’ll never erase the image of sweet little Grandma Doris throwing her apple pie at Uncle Charlie.”
“Best day of my life,” Nick said, laughing as he picked up one of the other puppies and checked its teeth. “But who knew they’d all go to war over your future plans? And then you showed them. You became a firefighter.”
The puppy nibbled on Nick’s finger. “At least by voting for the youth center you’ll tick both families off. The town can’t claim nepotism.”
“Gee, that’s helpful.”
“What can I say? I’m full of good advice.” He let the puppy down and it scampered off with the rest of the litter.
“You’re full of something, for sure.”
“Back to Ronnie—and for the record, I knew you liked her the very first time you mentioned her. So what’s the problem there?”
Peter looked down at the runt asleep in his arms. “Okay, so yeah, I like her. A lot. But we work together.”
“So? People meet at work all the time. Are there any rules about not dating a coworker?”
“Well, no. But she’s also made it clear her brother is her priority. And I get that. It’s one of the things I admire about her. But she basically said, if Tiago doesn’t like it here, she’s moving. So, there’s that.”
“So, you help Tiago like Deep Haven. Help the kid make some friends. Look at where we live. Take him fishing. Kayaking. Climbing. Show him how awesome it is on the North Shore.”
“It is awesome up here.”
“It is. And you gotta show him that. Even if you have to sacrifice something else, like…I don’t know…your pride?”
He looked at Nick. “What?”
“Put your heart out there, man. Show the girl—and her brother—that you like her.”
He made a face. “You sound like Vivie. And I did. I do, but…I don’t know. There’s a part of me that thinks if I get into this thing too far, it could backfire on me.”
“Dude, I’ve watched you sacrifice things you’ve wanted for the sake of someone else our whole lives, regardless of your feelings about it.”
“What are you talking about?”
“When you knew money was tight, you gave up that football camp so your sister could take dance classes. You gave up summer ball to watch your brothers and sister for your parents so they wouldn’t have to hire a nanny. You picked UMD for college so you could help me pass my classes, so I could play ball and you would be close enough to keep working for both the Zimmermans and the Dahlquists during the weekends.”
“I didn’t want to leave them in the lurch.”
“You had no social life in college because you were always here in Deep Haven.”
“I like it here in Deep Haven.”
Nick sighed. “When you get down to it, what is it you want, cuz?”
“I just want everyone to be happy.”
“Yeah, but what do you want? What would make you happy?”
The puppy awoke, perked her ears, and climbed up Peter’s chest. She licked his beard and cheek, slathering him with puppy kisses.
“Never mind.” Nick chuckled.
“What?”
“Oh, I know what you want.” He squeezed his eyes shut and made kissy noises.
An idea came to mind. Peter stood up with the puppy still in his arms. “How much for the dog?”
Nick opened his eyes. “Save your money. She’s yours.”
“Really?”
“Yes. And we’d better get going. One thing about Deep Haven—you can’t escape your mom. And ours will pitch fits if we show up to church late.” He made a face. “You can use my shower.”
Ronnie stopped in the middle of the sidewalk and watched her brother. Seagulls above them leaned over the edge of the bank building, looking for scraps dropped by the people out enjoying the glorious morning. Tiago took another bite of his skizzle.
The sugary pastry smelled amazing. She waited for his eyes to light. A smile. A thumbs-up. Any sign of enjoyment would be an improvement to the quiet and gloomy kid her brother had become since the fire alarm fiasco last night. “So, what do you think?”
“It’s okay, I guess.”
“Just okay? They’re from the World’s Best Donuts.”
He didn’t say anything.
“Try this. It’s incredible.” Ronnie handed him a chunk of her roly-poly, a lemon-filled croissant covered in powdered sugar. Not the greatest choice with a black T-shirt and dark gray jeans, but it was so worth the mess.
Tiago popped it in his mouth. He shrugged and walked down the sidewalk, took another bite of his skizzle, still sullen and quiet.
Looked like it would take more than World’s Best Donuts to convince Tiago that Deep Haven was worth sticking around for. Ronnie scrambled for another idea, anything to shake the somber mood.
“How about a hike after church? I heard there’s lots of rivers around here, some cool waterfalls too.”
If possible, the kid’s shoulders slumped even more. “Are you really going to make us go to church?”
Yes, she was. Because sometime in the middle of the night when she’d pressed pause on the memory of kissing Peter rewinding through her head, she’d decided Tiago needed some more positive influences in his life. Like church. Especially if donuts weren’t cutting it.
She held the passenger door to her SUV open for him. “We’re going. Get over it.”
Tiago groaned as he sat down. “Why?”
“People have invited us. It’ll be good. Help us figure some things out.”
She hoped. The only church experiences she’d had in the last twenty years were funerals, weddings, and a few services she’d attended with Abuela on holidays as a kid. After Papa died, Mom stopped going.
But she would do whatever it took to get Tiago to like it here, to find friends he could connect with. The kind who wouldn’t get him in trouble.
And if she was being honest with herself, church wasn’t just for her little brother. And it wasn’t just Peter’s kisses keeping her awake. The things he’d said about God…they kinda made sense. Or maybe she just wanted to believe they were true. If God really cared like Peter said He did, maybe she needed to give Him a chance too.
She’d asked Tiago to give Deep Haven a shot. She should do the same.
She parked in the almost-full lot of Deep Haven Community Church. A couple families with young kids, the parents loaded down with diaper bags and baby carriers, moved from minivans to the church entrance. An elderly man with a cane held the door for them. Everyone looked so…clean-cut. So good.
She so didn’t belong.
“Are we going in?” Tiago asked.
“Uh, let’s wait a few minutes. I want to finish my coffee.” She took another sip and tried not to call herself a coward.
She jumped at a knock on her window. Megan.
Josh appeared at Tiago’s door.
Tiago didn�
��t move.
“Open it, T.”
He shrugged and opened the door. Josh stuck his head in. “Hey.”
A pause. “Hey.”
“Um…my Sunday school class has this hockey pro talking to us today. He lives around here and—”
“Cool,” Tiago said.
Ronnie glanced at him, but he was already sliding out of the seat. He closed the door and ran inside.
She might as well follow him. Ronnie took one last gulp of her coffee and got out.
Megan hugged her. “You’re here. I didn’t think you’d come, but I’m so glad you did. Come on. I’ll introduce you to Pastor Dan.”
They went inside. After a whirlwind of introductions—so many names Ronnie could never remember, but a few familiar faces in the crowd too—Ronnie sat next to Megan and Cole in the third row from the front of the sanctuary. So much for sitting inconspicuously in the back and sneaking out before the last song.
But by the time they were done, Ronnie was glad to be sitting by someone who knew what they were doing. They actually took out the Bible and read from it with the pastor. In fact, a lot of people brought their own Bibles. Megan shared hers as Pastor Dan talked about Jesus knocking on the door of their hearts.
“He wants us to experience life with Him inside us. He wants to carry us through the hardships. Join in our celebrations. Hold us when we’re hurting. But He won’t force Himself on you. He’ll wait. He will nudge, prod, and knock at the door, remind you that He’s there. But it’s your choice to let Him in. And if you look, I bet you’ll see ways He’s acted on your behalf, even while you pushed Him away. He’s that persistent.”
The words might have been written for her alone, the way they pierced. And the music was nothing Ronnie was used to, but people really seemed to be feeling it. Some closed their eyes as they sang. Others even raised their hands.
Weird.
But kinda neat too. These people prayed out loud and sang like they believed God listened to them. And the way the pastor talked, He did seem close. Real.
After the service, Ingrid Christiansen found her. “Ronnie, I’m so glad you made it.”
The older woman’s smile seemed genuine, making it easier for Ronnie to admit she was glad too. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been to church, so a lot of it is kinda new.”
She looked around at the clusters of people scattered throughout the sanctuary, talking, laughing. Two little girls in matching dresses ran down the aisle squealing and giggling. When Ronnie went to church with her abuela, everyone left as soon as the last blessing was uttered. But here, everyone acted reluctant to leave, herself included. “Is it always like this? So…happy?” Was that the word for it?
Ingrid nodded. She must’ve understood. “Even in the hard times, coming together on Sunday mornings to worship brings me joy and comfort. It’s like a weekly family reunion. We share the good things and support each other through the difficult things. It reminds us that we’re not alone.”
Something in Ingrid’s gentle eyes spurred Ronnie on to ask the question that had been burning inside since the sermon. “How do you do it? Let God in, I mean? When I was a kid, I believed. But after certain things happened, I just sort of forgot.”
“That’s a great question, dear. And believe me, it’s not hard at all. Just talk to God.”
“Like in the prayer time?” Ronnie’s heart sank. She shook her head. “I can’t pray like that.”
“You don’t need fancy words or a special language. Just talk to God like you’re talking to me right now. He knows what’s on your heart. He can translate.”
But before Ronnie could ask any more questions, Tiago rushed up to her and practically dragged her out of the building. “Let’s go.”
“Hey, wait a minute. I wasn’t quite ready. And what about Josh? I was going to ask if you wanted to invite him on our hike.”
“I don’t care about him and I don’t want to go on that stupid hike.”
The stormy look in his eyes, those furrowed brows…something was wrong. Her discussion with Ingrid would have to be saved for another time.
Ronnie said a quick goodbye and followed Tiago out the front door. She waited until they were back home and finished with lunch to approach the subject. “You gonna tell me what happened at church?”
“Nothing happened.”
“Tiago—”
“Look, they don’t want us here. I told you that!” He ran into his room and slammed the door.
Something had definitely happened.
She flopped down on the dining room chair. She should’ve kept a closer eye on him, but she had thought he’d be fine with Josh. And she’d been really intrigued with what Pastor Dan and Ingrid had to say.
But it seemed like everything that drew her in pushed her brother away. Just when she was starting to find a place and people she liked, Tiago was further than ever. And she was running out of ideas on how to bridge that chasm. Hopelessness sat like a heavy weight in her chest.
A knock sounded. She opened the door.
Peter.
Of course it was Peter.
She couldn’t get him out of her head. And now he was standing in her doorway with those jade green eyes shot with bursts of gold, his T-shirt pulling taut against his muscular shoulders and biceps.
He had such nice arms.
And, yeah, she just wanted to crawl right into those strong arms, rest her head against his chest to hear his steady heartbeat, and forget the world for a little bit. “Come in.”
A little bark sounded from somewhere behind him. “What is that?”
“Saw you at church today, but you left before I could talk to you.” He moved to the side and she spotted a pet carrier.
“Peter, what is in the carrier?”
“Patience, Buttercup. It’s a surprise. And I promise, it’s not a snake.” He crouched, opened the door, reached in, and pulled out a fluffy, white and gray puppy.
Now this hot man stood in her living room holding a puppy. Oh, heaven help her. Slap this picture on a fireman fundraiser calendar and the station would be swimming in cash for all of eternity.
“I know Tiago is having a rough time fitting in. My cousin had a litter of puppies and one needed a home. Tiago needs a friend. It’s a win-win.” He held out the blue-eyed pup to her. “What do you think?”
She could hardly swallow as she ran her fingers through the puppy’s soft fur and held it in her arms.
“It’s an Alaskan husky. My cousin raises them as sled dogs, but she’s too small for his team. And I bought everything you need.” He picked up a bag and walked to the kitchen table. He pulled out puppy food, a bright magenta collar and leash, food and water dishes, a little doggy bed, and an adorable moose chew toy.
This man. He kept showing up. He kept taking her by surprise and touching her in ways that brought emotions she’d thought she’d long outgrown to the surface.
Those emotions clogged her throat and blurred her vision.
“Ronnie, it’s okay. If you don’t want to take on the responsibility of a puppy, I’ll take her—”
“No!” She cuddled the dog closer. “No, I’m sorry I didn’t say anything. You just…took me by surprise. I love this idea. It’s perfect.”
His worried expression melted away. “You sure? I can keep her at my place if it’s too much.”
She shook her head. “What ten-year-old boy wouldn’t want a puppy? It’s genius. Tiago will love her.”
“I hope so.” Peter stepped closer, petting the dog in her arms. “Ronnie, I really want you to stay.”
She looked up at him—and the truth that had rooted deep inside her but stayed below the surface now bloomed. “I…I do too.”
Her words registered on his face with a smile and a nod. And a look of desire.
Between them, the puppy let out a little bark.
Right.
She stepped back. “One peek and Tiago will be in love. He’s always wanted a dog. I can’t wait to see his face.”
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“Where is he?”
“In his room. I think something happened at church. But just wait until he gets a load of this cuteness. He’ll forget all about it.” She held the puppy up to her face and let it lick her. “Here, you should be the one to tell him.” She placed the puppy back in Peter’s arms and called out. “Tiago. Come out here.”
Nothing.
She knocked on Tiago’s door. “T, come on out. Peter’s here. He’s got something you’ll want to see.”
“I don’t care. Leave me alone.”
Why did he have to make things so difficult? She opened the door and pursed her lips to keep from yelling. Tiago lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling.
“Peter is here and he’d like to see you. Don’t be rude.”
“Fine.” He rolled his eyes as he got up and pushed past her to the living room.
Ronnie tamped down her ire and watched his face, waited for his scowl to fade away and the joy to set in. The skizzle didn’t cut it. But, hello, this was a puppy. How could he not melt at those big blue puppy dog eyes?
“Hey, Tiago, I’d like you meet someone.” Peter held the puppy out to her brother.
Tiago drew in a breath, then folded his arms. “Why should I care about a dumb dog?”
Chapter 12
Oh, it might be harder to get Tiago on his side than Peter thought.
Any other kid would be ecstatic to get a brand-new puppy. But hardened dark eyes, folded arms, and the frown on Tiago’s face didn’t exactly speak of gratitude or delight.
“You want to hold her?”
“Fine.” The hardness and scowl melted into a general coolness as Tiago reached out for her. He petted her once and tried handing her back.
“Don’t you like her?” Ronnie asked.
The boy shrugged. “She’s fine, I guess.” He held the puppy out for Peter to take. The animal was squirming in his grip, aiming licks at his face.
Maybe Tiago didn’t understand. “She’s yours.”
Tiago frowned at him, and for a second, a softness entered his expression.
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