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As Long As You Both Shall Live: A Christian Contemporary Romance with Suspense (Dangerous Series Book 2)

Page 20

by Linda K. Rodante


  “No, it’s not okay. It wasn’t right. I wanted you, you know that; but I also wanted our love as revenge against what he’d done to you. Does that make sense?”

  “Like you wanted to erase the bad memories at the beach?”

  “In a way.” A splash came from pond as he studied her. “Every time I turn around, something happens to you. I’d like to take you to my place and lock you up so no one could get in.”

  “I think you’ve threatened me with that before.” She put a hand to his face. “You can’t protect me from everything. Only God can do that, and He doesn’t sometimes—or doesn’t seem to. Don’t ask me to explain it, because I can’t. We do what we can, and trust God with the rest.”

  He held her tight against his chest. “I’m having trouble with that. I don’t like the way He’s looking out for you, and to trust Him completely means I have to let you go completely.”

  “If something were to happen to me, if I were to die for some reason, I’d want you to go on serving Him. God’s called you. And the God we serve is worthy of that kind of love and devotion.”

  “How you challenge me.”

  They both glanced at the pond as a louder splash sounded. The gator and the anhinga had disappeared.

  John gave a wry smile. “Well, we need National Geographic here to film whatever’s going on under water. Look, why don’t we get married?”

  “What?”

  “I checked online. We can get a license and get married the same day.”

  Chapter 13

  Sharee hefted the water balloon and bounced it gently in her hand. He’d been serious, but she’d broken that bubble for him.

  “It’s Sunday. We can’t get a license today.”

  His face changed. “Tomorrow. They have someone that will perform the ceremony right there.”

  “You’re crazy.”

  “Crazy is waiting any longer than we have to.”

  “Lynn would kill us.”

  “Now that may be a possibility.” He hugged her to him. “I love you. I know you want a beautiful wedding. We could have a church wedding later.”

  She’d laughed and pointed to the riding mower sitting near the office. “Don’t you have to mow or something? If you do that today, we can talk about this tomorrow—after I’ve had some time to think and pray.”

  He’d agreed and left her to wonder what her parents and her friends would say if they did go ahead and marry. Yeah, Lynn would kill her.

  Now, she glanced from her hiding place behind a pile of sand and grinned at Matthew and Ryann. Crouched at the back of a wheelbarrow, they raised theirs in reply. A few yards over, Mark used a thick pine tree as cover. His face radiated excitement.

  John had called after he finished mowing the property little knowing what she’d planned. They needed some laughter more than a quick marriage.

  She glanced at her watch—only twenty minutes before the evening service. Matthew had spied out the work building a few minutes ago to make sure John was inside. Not just there, he reported, but he’d heard the shower. John was getting ready for this evening’s service. So, the four of them had taken up positions outside.

  Nervous excitement ran through her. The teens had only needed a little encouragement before agreeing to help. Their added enthusiasm bumped hers to another level.

  She juggled the balloon back and forth in her hands. One of four they each had. That should be enough to soak him. She held back a chuckle. From her right came Ryann’s high giggle.

  “Shh!”

  The door of the work building opened, and John stepped out. Sharee jumped to her feet and threw the first balloon. From her right, other balloons flew in quick succession. All four of them slapped the building behind John. He jumped, twisting his head to see the wall then spun back around.

  Mark’s second balloon hit him square in the chest. Matthew’s sailed after it, breaking on one leg. Sharee tossed hers, hitting the building again, and Ryan’s flew wide. John dashed for the corner of the building. More balloons sailed after him. One caught his right shoulder, another two breaking against his back. Hers hit the ground just as he vanished from sight. Ryann was laughing so hard she dropped her last one.

  “Got him!” Matthew gave a whoop, grabbed Ryann’s hand; and they ran for the church. Mark did the same.

  Sharee shook her head. Deserted in a minute. She bent to pick up the two balloons she had left and stepped out from the sand pile. Where was he? She looked from one side of the building to the other. His head emerged from the edge of the building where he’d disappeared.

  “Gotcha!” she said, grinning.

  He narrowed a look at her then glanced back and forth. “Where are the others? They left you?”

  “Guess so.” She bounced on her toes, still smiling.

  “Well, you should have left with them.” Stepping from the side of the building, he raised a thick hose in her direction.

  As the realization of what he held hit her, she spun around; but the water slammed her back before she could run. She stumbled from the onslaught, her back soaked from head to foot.

  John laughed. “So, you were going to get me, were you?”

  Dropping her head, she ran at him. The rush of water hit her again, almost knocking her to the ground. His laughter mixed with the “whush” as it came at her. When she reached him, Sharee threw her arms around him, breaking the two balloons against his back. His body jerked, and he dropped the hose to enclose her in his arms.

  “What was this for?”

  “Just a little levity.”

  “At my expense? You’re in trouble, girl.”

  “Worth it.”

  He tightened his arms. “You’re not getting away lightly. Where are the others? Who were they?”

  She stuck her tongue out at him. “If you didn’t see, I’m not going to tell you.”

  His eyes narrowed. “Perhaps some time under the shower might change your mind.” He turned her toward the building from which he’d come.

  “Don’t you dare!” She dug in her heels. “I’m already soaked!”

  “So you are.” He chuckled, bent and kissed her. “But you’ll have to pay for this, you know.”

  “Will I?” She made her voice light, leaning back against his arms.

  “Yeah.”

  Sharee twisted, broke free of his hold and dropped to the ground. Grabbing the hose, she straightened and blasted him full in the chest. When his hands jerked upwards for protection, she dropped the hose and ran.

  ***

  Twenty minutes later, Sharee stood among the teenagers as they milled around the front of the church. She’d changed into dry clothes, finger-combed her wet curls, and come out on the porch to wait for John. She glanced at Matthew. He and Mark had spread the word, and the other teens were waiting, too.

  John came around the last building and walked toward them. Sharee narrowed her eyes. Not just his clothes but even his hair looked dry. How did he do that? She watched his eyes run over the whole group. He was inspecting them as much as they were inspecting him.

  “He’s not wet at all,” Abbey whispered. “You sure you got him?”

  “Oh, we got him,” Sharee answered.

  John’s eyes moved over the teens one by one. Ryann ducked her head and slid behind one of the other girls. Sharee flinched. Oh no, Ryann. Not a good move.

  A smile played across John’s face. His eyes slid to Matthew, but Matt stood still and stared back. John’s gaze flickered over the others, resting on Mark. Mark twisted away and began an animated conversation with the girl next to him.

  John’s head gave a slight inclination as he mounted the steps. The group of students shuffled backwards. His look bounced over them and settled on Sharee, where she stood at the back of the crowd. She grinned at him, rocking back and forth on her feet. The line of his mouth straightened, and his eyes narrowed before he stepped forward.

  The teens scattered, jumping off the steps and disappearing around the corner of the building or into
the sanctuary. John stopped in front of her, cornering her between the cement wall and a railing leading down the side steps. His height blocked her view of anything else.

  Her heart did a quick flip in her chest. Was he angry, after all?

  He picked up a wet curl next to her face and twirled it around his finger. A mocking smile started at the corners of his mouth.

  Sharee straightened. “If you are trying to intimidate me…” Amusement sprang to his eyes, and she paused. “If you are, it will take a lot more…ouch!”

  “A lot more what?” He questioned, tugging on her hair once again.

  She grabbed his hand. “Stop that! A lot more than—” His finger tightened on the strand, and she tried to loosen his grip.

  “What was that for?”

  “Just because.” She couldn’t help the big smile. Sticking her tongue out at him occurred to her, but she didn’t want to push him too far.

  He smiled, too. “You said once you get even. Well, girl, I do, too. More than even. Be forewarned. ”

  “And just what do you plan on doing about it?”

  “What’s going on here?” Pastor Alan mounted the steps. He glanced at both of them. “I don’t know whom I’m saving from what, but I think church started a few minutes ago.”

  John’s hand dropped to Sharee’s arm. “We’re having a short discussion.”

  “Ah.” He waited a moment. When they remained quiet, he said, “Okay…. Well, I’m late. Had a counseling session that ran over. Good thing the worship group can carry on without me.” His glanced again at John’s hand on her arm and raised his eyes. She saw him notice her wet head. His brows rose. “Hum. Well, are you two coming in?”

  “Of course,” Sharee said.

  “In a minute,” John stated.

  Pastor Alan nodded, looked them both up and down once more. “Don’t be too long.” The door closed behind him.

  John’s arm slipped around her waist. “The shower is close by. Did you bring another set of dry clothes?”

  “Don’t even think of it.”

  His eyes danced, but he opened the door for her. “Oh, I’ll be thinking about it, all right but it would be much more fun if we were married.”

  ***

  The service ended, and people began to file out. Sharee smiled and nodded as some passed by. Neither she nor John moved but watched as the church emptied. Marci and Joseph went by. Marci carried the baby, and three of their youngest children followed.

  Lynn stepped next to them as the Thornton’s passed. “I have a couple of wedding questions, not even having to do with a date—although that would be a milestone for my planning. Let me ask the bride a few questions, and you can take her home.” She waved her hand at John, indicating she wanted him to leave.

  John eyed Sharee. She shook her head. She saw rather than heard his sigh.

  He stood. “Go ahead. She’s the boss. Of weddings.”

  Lynn shook her head. “I heard that qualifier.” John grinned.

  “Hey, Mr. J, how ya doin’?” A voice asked.

  Sharee glanced up and saw a number of young people walking past, Mark and Matthew in their midst. Six pairs of eyes looked their way.

  “Totally fine, Josh. What’s up?”

  “Oh, I’m just chillin’, Mr. J, just wet and chillin’.” Josh’s head bobbed up and down, his eyes laughing.

  The group went on, and John’s gaze slid her way. She held a hand to her mouth to stifle a giggle.

  John leaned over and whispered in her ear. “Paybacks can come at any time, babe. Beware.” He stood up, smiled at Lynn and walked down the aisle toward the side door.

  Fifteen minutes later, Sharee shoved the sanctuary door open, and she and Lynn walked out onto the wide porch. She’d hated not telling Lynn of John’s words earlier, but what could she do? Nothing was decided.

  The porch and back parking lot were empty. A lone light shone in the pastor’s office.

  “You don’t think John left you, do you?” Lynn asked.

  “No, he wouldn’t do that. He must be with Pastor Alan.”

  “Ms J!” Ryann dashed up the steps, skidding to a stop next to them. “He’s got that big round cooler. And it’s full!”

  “Who’s got a cooler? What…”

  “Mr. Jergenson! I saw him filling it up in the fellowship hall! The cooler we use when we camp. Ms J, you know he’s coming to get you!”

  Sharee felt her heart jump. He hadn’t wasted any time. “Me? What about you? He knows you helped me.”

  Ryann squealed. “You think so?”

  “Oh, yeah. When did you see him? Right now?”

  “Just a minute ago. Abbey is keeping an eye on him through the window. Ms J, you know he’s gonna get you back. You better run.”

  “You better, too.” Sharee looked at Lynn, whose Cheshire grin spread large across her face. “You’ve got to take me home, girlfriend. Quick.”

  Lynn nodded. “Let’s go before he gets here.”

  “Ryann, will you ask Abbey to tell him I went home with Lynn?”

  “Yeah, sure, as long as he doesn’t see me.”

  “Where’s Matthew and Mark?”

  “They left just after their parents.”

  Abbey skidded around the corner and jumped onto the top step. “He’s coming!”

  “Already?” Ryann voice jumped two decimals.

  “Oh no!” Sharee grabbed Lynn’s arm. “Come on, girlfriend.”

  “My car’s that way.” She pointed back the way Abbey had come.

  “We’ll have to go the other way.” Lynn didn’t move. Sharee shook her. “Come on, girlfriend.”

  Sharee ran down the steps, out of the light into the darkness. Footsteps followed. They rounded the edge of the building.

  Something moved ahead of her, and she skidded to a stop. What…

  The other three ran past her.

  “No! Wait!” She grabbed for Lynn but missed her.

  From the deep shadows next to the building someone shifted forward, and the light from the streetlamp caught a flood of silver just above the girls’ heads. Sharee heard them scream. He’d gone around the other way. Had he seen Abbey then? Sharee twisted around and ran back the way they had come, across the front of the church, and into the darkness on the other side.

  She sprinted away from the fellowship hall towards the work buildings, skidding to a stop as she remembered the shower inside. It would not do to get caught here. She changed directions, gasping from nervousness and laughing at the thought of Lynn, Ryann, and Abbey. They would be soaked! Completely! And John had missed her! He’d come looking, no doubt about that.

  Sharee slid to a halt. The office lights glowed. Pastor Alan must be there. If she could make it to the office, she’d be safe. She stepped into the shadows and crept toward the building. With a final glance at the sanctuary, she flew across the empty ground, grabbed the door handle and bolted inside.

  Two people jumped and spun around. Sharee gawked, her heart plummeting. Lord, not again. Ted and Marci stood on the other side of the room.

  Marci stepped forward. “Now, Sharee.”

  “I thought you left with your family, Marci.”

  “No, I—”

  Sharee held up her hand. “I don’t want to know. I’m leaving.” She reached for the door.

  The knob turned in her hand, and John stepped in, an imitation of Lynn’s Cheshire grin on his face.

  “You think you’re safe here? Let me…” His voice trailed off as he caught sight of Marci and Ted. A moment of silence followed.

  “I know what you’re both thinking,” Ted said, “and it’s wrong.”

  “It is. Really.” Marci reiterated.

  “What are you doing here, Ted?” The roughness in John’s voice was clear. “You were asked not to come back.”

  “Pastor Alan knows I’m here. We talked before church. Marci’s just here to say goodbye.”

  “Alan knows you’re here?”

  Ted nodded. “Yes, and I’m leaving fo
r awhile.”

  “You are? Where’re you going?”

  “I have family near Pensacola. I’m going there.” His eyes focused on Marci before moving to Sharee. “I’ve caused some problems. I…I guess I should apologize.” The words were low.

  John slipped his arm around Sharee, drawing her close. “Yeah, you have.”

  Ted shuffled his feet and looked at Sharee. “I wouldn’t have hurt you. I was just angry. You were in my face. Preaching at me. I talked with Pastor Alan about it. He understands. He…helped me see some things differently.” His chin rose, his eyes meeting John’s. “I would never hurt anyone. I just wanted…well…” He shot a glance at Marci, and the words trailed off.

  Sharee studied Ted. He seemed contrite. Were his words sincere? “Your apology’s accepted, Ted.”

  John cocked his head. “When are you leaving?”

  “Tomorrow. I asked Pastor Alan to let Marci know. She’s just here to say goodbye.”

  “Hmm.” John’s gaze settled on Marci a moment before jumping back to Ted. “What are you going to do when you get there?”

  “For work? My family owns a factory. I can work there for awhile. My job here is gone, anyway.”

  “What about your stuff? From your apartment?”

  “I’m giving it to the church. That way Pastor Alan said he could get it to me. I haven’t been back home since Pastor Alan and I had that blow-up. I knew he might call the cops, and I wasn’t really thinking straight. I just hid out.”

  “Where?” John asked.

  “In the woods.” He nodded in the direction of the vacant lot next door with its large stand of trees. “I snuck out to clean up and use the bathroom here one evening, and Pastor Alan caught me. We talked. I told him I wouldn’t hurt anyone.” His eyes narrowed. “I thought he’d know that. Know that I was just talking. Anyway, he said he would leave the work building with the bathroom open at night and not report me to the police if I would come each evening for counseling. He left the office open sometimes too, in case I needed to use the phone.”

  John’s jaw clenched. Silence settled in the room.

  “Well, what happens now?”

  “Pastor Alan bought me a ticket—an airplane ticket to Pensacola.”

 

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