North Country Hero

by Lois Richer

  “Sara, how can you still believe in God? How can you trust Him when He didn’t get you out of there?” Kyle couldn’t have stopped the question if he’d wanted to. Something inside him ached to know what made her so secure in her faith. Some intangible longing made him wonder if he could ever feel that secure in God again.

  “God put me there, Kyle.” Her wide eyes held his, full of certainty.

  “Huh?”

  “God put me at the Masters’.” She smiled, her heart in her eyes. “If Maria hadn’t stopped me from leaving, who would have protected the other kids? Who would have made sure they had a birthday surprise and a Christmas treat? Who would have held them when they were sick and loved them when their parents couldn’t?”

  “Someone, anyone else?” he snarled, angered by her words.

  “No.” She reached out and linked her fingers with his. “God gave me a precious opportunity to love those kids.” Her laugh at his appalled look echoed around the bay.

  “How can you say that?”

  “It’s not what I’d have chosen,” she admitted. “It was miserable and painful and I didn’t see it at the time, but I now realize that’s why God didn’t send my parents to get me. My foster sisters and brothers needed me.”

  A thousand emotions raced through Kyle: anger, admiration, fury, but most of all a rush of affection. Who wouldn’t love this woman?

  “Anyway, my past doesn’t matter.” She slid her hand from his and began to unpack the picnic basket. “I was trying to tell you about…my brother.”

  “Okay.” He waited.

  “I thought the dreams were about Maria, but I’ve finally realized it’s not her face I see, it’s the face of a little boy with eyes like mine. He holds up his arms, asks me to pick him up. His name is Samuel.” Sara’s face grew pensive. “I think he’s my brother and I intend to find him.”

  Kyle sat in stunned silence as she called the boys and handed out plates of food. He ate his own sandwich in a bemused fog, trying to absorb what he’d learned, yet not quite ready to deal with the emotions that surged inside.

  “Weren’t we supposed to go fishing this afternoon, Kyle?”

  He blinked back to awareness and saw Barry and Tony standing in front of him. Barry held several rods and reels out from his body as if they were lethal weapons.

  “Where did you get those?”

  “Lucy and Hector.” Tony grinned. “I think they must have some secret source because they keep coming up with stuff for us.”

  “Their source is God,” Sara said calmly. “They pray and God supplies.”

  “After lunch, we’ll see about fishing,” Kyle promised.

  By the time everyone had finished lunch, he’d been sitting too long with his injured leg in the wrong position. While Sara and the boys cleaned up, Kyle rose, attempting to straighten his knee. A rush of agony surged through him. He overbalanced and would have fallen. But Sara was there, her shoulder strong enough to brace him as he sat again.

  “I want you boys to take our lunch things up to Kyle’s house and put them in the greenhouse,” she said. “I don’t want any polar bears getting a whiff of food and stopping by for a visit.”

  “Kyle said there aren’t any here now,” one of the boys said. “They’ve gone till fall.”

  “The sooner you’ve finished putting the basket away, the sooner you can fish,” she said. “And when you’ve caught enough fish for dinner tonight, I might be persuaded to give you each a slice of peach pie I made this morning.”

  “I’m amazed the legal system hasn’t thought of using peach pie as a motivator,” Kyle muttered, trying to suppress his laughter as the boys hurried away.

  “Whatever works.” Sara winked at him and extended her hand. Once she’d helped him stand, Kyle eased away from her.

  “Thank you for covering for me. It would have been very embarrassing if the kids had seen me land on my kisser.”

  “You’re not going to do that,” she assured him. She threaded her arm through his elbow. “While the boys are busy, let’s try walking across these rocks. We don’t have to hurry.”

  “I don’t think I can—”

  “This way.” She tugged on his arm just enough to let him know she wasn’t giving up.

  By the time the boys returned, Kyle was in his favorite fishing spot on the beach and though he’d stumbled and miscalculated his way several times, the boys were none the wiser thanks to Sara’s unobtrusive help. Though Kyle’s leg ached at the strain of this new activity, his dignity was intact.

  Kyle taught the boys to cast, to reel in and to remove the fish they caught. He couldn’t remember when he’d enjoyed fishing more. The boys were apt pupils, full of questions and eager to listen to his stories.

  It seemed natural for him to return to Lives with them, show them how to clean the fish, and share their dinner.

  “That was delicious, Sara.” He pushed his plate away, replete.

  She pretended to bow. “I never cooked wild meat until someone donated it here, but it made me wonder if sometime you’d show the boys how to hunt? Lucy says Hector has bows and arrows they could use.”

  “Archery takes a long time to learn,” Kyle said. “It’s a difficult skill to master.”

  “Well, they have the time to learn it,” she shot back. She disappeared and returned a moment later, bearing the promised pies.

  Kyle was amused by the silence that fell while those pies were devoured.

  “A guy at school was telling us about sled dog races they have here in the winter,” Barry said when everyone had finished seconds. “Do you know about those, Kyle?”

  “How about we gather around a campfire to listen to Kyle’s story after we do cleanup?” Laurel suggested.

  Amidst some good-natured grumbling, the boys made the kitchen shipshape while Kyle and Sara built a fire outside.

  “Barry’s crazy about animals,” Sara told him as she chewed on the stem of a straw. Her forehead pleated in a frown. “He wants to be a vet but he’s afraid he’d fail the training. I’m searching for a way for him to work with animals so he could build his confidence.”

  “Your concern to get each of the boys involved in something unique to them makes me think you run this place as much as Laurel does,” Kyle teased, delighted when her cheeks turned a bright pink. “I’m not kidding, Sara. You have great insight into what makes these boys tick, more than a lot of professionals would have.”

  “You just get them to open their hearts,” she said. “Then you can see what they really need.”

  “That’s probably easy for you,” Kyle mused. “You seem like a natural mother.” Maybe not the best thing to say, knowing how much she longed for a family of her own, he thought. “I know a fellow who raises sled dogs. I could ask him if Barry could help out.”

  “Would you?” Her eyes shone as if she’d been given a prize.

  “Sure,” he promised.

  “I have another favor to ask.” Sara glanced over one shoulder as if afraid someone would overhear. “Rod’s thirteenth birthday is the day after tomorrow. He really wants to be like his uncle, who I gather was a live-off-the-land man who knew all about nature and survival.”

  “My kind of guy.”

  “But far from my realm of experience.” She had that gleam in her eye. “I wondered if you’d be willing to arrange some games for the boys that afternoon.”

  “Games? Such as?” While Kyle admired Sara’s determination to help these kids, he recognized that he was getting more involved by the minute.

  “I don’t know much about games,” she said, a frown appearing. “Maybe you could take them on a hike. Anything to make the day special for him.

  “Not a hike, but I’ll think of something. You take care of the birthday cake.”

  “Deal.” She held out her hand to shake on it. From her cheeky grin an observer would have thought he’d given her the moon.

  “What about you?” he asked. “Are you close to getting your Zodiac ride to see the belugas? The
y’ll be gone in a few weeks, you know.”

  “Haven’t had time yet,” she demurred and turned away.

  Rod had obviously overheard because he pulled Kyle aside later.

  “I don’t think Sara will ever go for that ride,” the boy confided.

  “Why not?” Kyle frowned.

  “She keeps using the money she’s saving on other people.” Rod sighed. “Sara ordered some shoes for an old woman she met at church who can’t afford the special ones she needs.”

  “I see.” Kyle waited, knowing there was more Rod wanted to say.

  “The guys and I figured we’d pool our allowances and treat her, but we aren’t going to have enough to pay for her trip before the whales go. Anyway, the tour operator always says he’s booked up.”

  Sara returned and the conversation ended.

  But as the evening progressed, Kyle kept glancing across the fire at Sara, thinking about what Rod had told him. He pushed those thoughts away as he told the boys stories. Her face beamed as she listened to him talk about the sled dog races held in Churchill every winter.

  Sara the giver, the dreamer of possibilities. He’d seen the yearning in her eyes whenever he spoke about the belugas and knew she desperately wanted to fulfill at least that one dream. But even for something so important to her, she was willing to do without so others could have.

  What a woman.

  As he drove home later, Kyle reflected on the pleasure he’d enjoyed today. He’d never imagined he could get around the beach so easily, let alone reel in a massive sea-run trout as he had in the old days. But he’d landed Tony’s twenty-two pounder with no difficulty—once he figured out how to balance himself to counteract the fish’s weight.

  In fact, the entire day had been a learning experience about his abilities outdoors. The more he tried, the more he’d wanted to try. Except the water. He dreaded the water. The boys had coaxed him to join them for a swim, but Kyle had no desire to plunge into water only to realize he could no longer swim. He’d even had a few anxious moments while the boys were splashing around, worrying that if they got into trouble, he wouldn’t be able to help.

  Okay, water sports were out. But the rest of it? Thanks to Sara, he was doing just fine.

  Kyle stood in his yard, looking out over the bay, and smiled. It wasn’t just the birthday party he’d promised to help with. Sara had also coaxed him into teaching the boys wilderness survival techniques, starting tomorrow.

  Sara Kane gave a lot. Wasn’t it about time somebody made sure her dream came true?

  The very thought of climbing into a Zodiac and taking it on the river filled Kyle with trepidation. But today, thanks to Sara, he’d grasped there were some things he could still do. He wouldn’t tell her until he was absolutely sure, but as soon as he could get Teddy to help, Kyle intended to start training. If he worked hard enough, he might be able to show Sara the belugas before they left.

  He went inside and arranged a time and place with Teddy. But as daylight finally waned, Kyle still wasn’t ready to sleep. His brain kept mulling over what Sara had said about God putting her in that foster home.

  Kyle switched on his computer. He intended to email whatever contacts he could find to learn why Sara had been removed from her home so many years ago. And while he was at it, he’d start a search for this brother, Samuel. Maybe Sara’s longing for a family didn’t have to end.

  Funny how he’d begun to wish he, too, had someone to share his life with.

  At 2:00 a.m., just before he shut down his computer for the night, he shot off one last email to Pastor Rick to ask for another appointment.

  Kyle had a lot of questions about God. Maybe it was time to get some answers. He owed Sara that much.

  Chapter Eleven

  “You did a good job with the tomatoes, Rod.” Sara smiled as the boy’s shoulders lifted with pride. “It’s kind of sad to pull up such productive plants. Next year—” She let the words die away, suddenly aware that she wouldn’t be here next year.

  And neither would the greenhouse.

  Yesterday she’d learned Kyle had received an offer on his house. A pang of sadness at his departure left her feeling down.

  “Might as well pull them up. September days are too short for growing,” Rod muttered.

  Sara could tell by his stare into space that his focus wasn’t on removing the tomato vines. “Is anything wrong?” she asked.

  He worked for a while longer then faced her. “Can I ask you something?”

  “Of course.” She smiled to encourage him.

  “How do I get a girl to notice me?” Rod asked. A faint pink tinged his cheeks.

  “Um, I think that’s something you should talk over with Laurel,” Sara hedged, feeling totally inept. What did she know of relationships? She’d never even had a crush on a boy before she’d started this crush on Kyle. But Kyle was more than a crush.

  “I did ask Laurel.” He made a face. “She told me I’m too young. As if I’m thinking about running away to get married. It’s just that there’s this girl and I like her. But I doubt she even knows I’m alive.”

  “Have you talked to her?” Sara asked, sending a desperate plea heavenward for help.

  “I said hi a couple of times.” His face turned redder.

  “Maybe next time you see her you should say something more.” Desperately aware she didn’t have the answers he needed, Sara vowed to search the internet tonight.

  This time she would not ask Kyle for help. That was too embarrassing.

  “Say something like what?” He scowled. “‘I like you?’ That sounds dorky.”

  “Yeah, it does. Maybe you could say you think she’s pretty. Or compliment her on what she’s wearing.” Sara saw the front door of the house open and sighed with relief. She didn’t have to ask Kyle, but Rod could. “Maybe Kyle could help you with this. Why don’t you ask him? A lady at church told me he used to be very popular in school. And he was engaged once.”

  “Yeah, but Tony told me his fiancée dumped him when he got hurt. That would stink.” Rod’s forehead wrinkled in thought. “But at least Kyle would know what I should do if this girl gives me the brush-off. Thanks, Sara.”

  “Good. Maybe don’t mention his broken engagement. It might still bother him.” She continued pulling tomato vines as Rod pushed open the greenhouse door and welcomed Kyle inside. She didn’t want Kyle to know she’d been talking about him.

  That was getting to be a habit.

  “Harvest is over, huh?” He fingered one of the tomatoes Sara had placed in a basket to take back to Lives.

  “‘To everything there is a season,’” she quoted, unable to suppress a smile when he rolled his eyes. “Well, it’s true.”

  “Yes, it is. And this season is your birthday. Happy birthday.” Kyle’s blue eyes met hers and held.

  “Thank you,” she stammered. “But how did you know?” she asked.

  “I’m not telling. But there will be no more work for you today. Right, Rod?” He high-fived the boy.

  “Right.” Grinning, Rod took the vines from her hands and then hugged her. “Happy birthday, Sara.”

  “Thank you.” She returned his hug, amazed that he allowed it. “But it’s just another Saturday. There are chores to do—”

  “Nope.” Kyle caught her hand and drew her from the greenhouse, closed the door firmly and stood in front of it. “Today’s special.”

  As if on cue, the other five boys, Laurel, Lucy and Hector came around the corner of the house, singing at the top of their lungs. Their grins grew when a couple of passersby stopped and chimed in.

  “Thank you all,” Sara said when they were finished. Though embarrassed to be the focus of attention, she treasured their kindness. “You shouldn’t go to all this fuss.”

  “We haven’t yet begun to fuss,” Kyle assured her. “Get in Laurel’s van. We’re going for a ride.”

  With everyone’s eyes on her, Sara did as she was told, insisting on sitting in the backseat so Kyle would be mo
re comfortable in the front. The boys were in high spirits, laughing at her and teasing about the sudden approach of old age, distracting her so well that she was surprised when they arrived at the Churchill River.

  “The belugas are still here,” she whispered as she got out of the van, mesmerized as always by the silent gray shapes gliding through the water.

  “Not for long. Another week, maybe.” Kyle grinned when Teddy Stonechild climbed out of his truck and gave him a thumbs-up. “So this is your birthday gift, Sara. We’re going for a ride on the water so you can see belugas, moms and babies, up close.”

  “Really?” She stared at him. “But the man who does the tours said—”

  “Forget him. Kyle’s giving us our own tour. Happy birthday, Sara.” Teddy hugged her then motioned to the boys. “Come on, guys.”

  In short order Kyle launched two inflated boats in the water and started their motors. Loness’s Tours was printed on the sides of the boats in black lettering. So these were what Kyle and his father had used in their business.

  “We’ll split into two groups,” Kyle directed. “Sara, you’ll be with me in that one. Teddy and Laurel will go in the other. We’ll split the boys between us.” He directed the others into the boats, chuckling when Lucy adamantly refused to go.

  “I like my feet on solid ground,” she insisted. “I’ll watch from here.” She plopped onto the tailgate of Teddy’s truck.

  “Hector?” Kyle grinned at the other man’s eager nod and held the boat steady while he boarded.

  “Kyle, it’s very kind of you,” Sara murmured, pausing beside him before she got into the Zodiac. “But are you sure? I know you don’t like the water—”

  “I didn’t,” he agreed. His gaze held hers. “But since a certain woman said she wanted to see the whales up close and personal, I’ve been practicing in the water for a couple of weeks. But if you’re worried, you can go with Teddy.”

  “I’m not worried, Kyle.” She grasped his hand and climbed into the dinghy. “I trust you.”

  Time stopped while his blue eyes searched hers. Sara stared back, willing him to see into her heart, to see the feelings for him that, despite her determination to weed them out, kept growing.