by Leah Atwood
“Me too,” Kate heard Bryce yell in the background.
Sophie laughed again. “Is it a date?”
“Sounds great, but let me run it by Luke, though I’m sure it will be fine.”
“Call me back and let me know then we’ll decide where and what time.” Sophie’s voice dropped. “Bryce has all of Nashville praying for Evan.”
“Thank you.” Emotion clogged her throat. “I jump every time the phone rings, afraid it will be bad news.”
“I’m sorry.” Sophie’s compassion reached through the phone. “Is there anything I can do?”
“You’re doing more than enough. I can’t wait to see you.”
“Tomorrow. Bryce is waving that it’s time to hit the road again. I’ll call you later to confirm details, but my phone is always on in the meantime.”
After ending the call, Kate stood from her desk and stretched. She had a small amount of guilt for not giving Sinclair Industries one hundred percent today, but she needed to move around. Sitting behind her desk only made her think more, and that was the last thing she needed to do. Maybe she should have listened to her boss and taken the day off.
No one would hold it against you, he had said.
But she’d steadfastly refused. My mind needs to stay busy or it will wander into dangerous territory.
She caught a glimpse of the clock hanging on a wall outside her office. Eleven o’clock—close enough to lunch time. Grabbing her purse, she left the room and strolled to Luke’s office. Averting the sympathetic stares of others, she kept her eyes in tunnel vision. Her co-workers were generous with their outpouring of support, but the constant weak and forced smiles flicked her way were too much to handle, almost as bad as the barrage of how are you. She needed work for the mental escape, not a constant reminder.
Luke’s office was on the first floor also, but at the far end of the building. She passed through a quad of cubicles, to the row of offices along the wall. Knocked on Luke’s door.
“Come in.” A second after the door opened, he looked up. A smile curled his lips. “Lunchtime already?”
“A little early, but I couldn’t focus.”
His eyes darted to the computer screen then back to her. “Can you give me five minutes to finish this?”
Nodding, she sat in the only other chair in Luke’s office. The room had nothing more than necessary. He was a minimalist at work as well as in his home. What he did have, was immaculately kept with nothing out of place. It was a stark contrast to her office—that while perfectly ordered, had been personalized to make it her own. A fern on a plant stand. Two Monet reproductions. Even an electric candle simmer pot. Unlike Luke, who worked best without the distractions, Kate found the added touches increased her productivity by increasing her morale while at the office.
“Are we going out or staying in the break room?” Luke closed a ledger on his desk.
“Out,” she said, a bit too emphatically, then sucked in a breath. “I need the fresh air.”
“Five dollar gumbo day next door?”
“Perfect.” There was something about a bowl of gumbo on a cold day that soothed the soul.
He grabbed his coat, and they left. Outside, Kate shivered without the warmth of her own coat which she’d forgotten in the office. Luke slipped out of his and positioned it over her shoulders. Inhaling, she delighted in the muskiness of his cologne that lingered on the wool.
There was a line at the restaurant with a fifteen-minute wait for a table. Two benches for waiting patrons were already full, and the only available spot was by the door. Every time somebody came in so did a cold whoosh of air.
“You can have your coat back.” Even as she offered, she snuggled into it. The comfort came more from the fact it belonged to him than the actual heat it provided.
“Keep it for now. I’m fine.” His posture was relaxed, and he didn’t seem fazed. Reluctant to give it back yet, she didn’t press the issue.
Once they had a table, Kate broached the double date. “Do you have anything scheduled for tomorrow?”
“Just shopping for a few last minute gifts.”
“How would you feel about going on a double date?” A line of steam rose from the coffee mug a waitress set on the table. Kate added two pink packets of sweetener and stirred.
“With who, Tony and April?” he asked, naming off another couple who worked at Sinclair Industries with whom they’d eaten lunch on several occasions.
Kate shook her head. “Sophie and Bryce.”
His eyes were impassive. “I didn’t know they were in town.”
“It’s a last minute surprise for me.” She sipped her coffee. “Sophie knew I could use another friend.”
“That’s great.” The subtle bob of his head and narrowing of his eyes said otherwise.
“If you don’t want to, Sophie and I will make it a girls’ night.”
“It’s fine.” The tight line of his lips curved into a thin smile. “What time?”
“I have to call her back and decide.” She stared at him, deciding if he was honest. “If you really don’t want to, I understand, but you’ll like Bryce. He’s down to earth. Very high-energy, but levelheaded and a good guy. If you didn’t know beforehand, you wouldn’t be able to tell he’s famous.”
“Bryce isn’t the problem, Kate.”
“Then what is it?” Prickles of anxiety crawled on her arm, giving her goosebumps. Insecurities resurfaced.
“I don’t want to intrude on your time with Sophie. I know you don’t get to see her often.” His hand circled his coffee cup upon which he focused his gaze. “You’ve seen me almost every day this month. You haven’t seen her since Thanksgiving.”
“You and Sophie are the two friends most dear to me.” She searched out his gaze. “I want the two of you to meet, but more importantly, I need you by my side. You get me and keep me grounded in a way no one else does.”
“All right.” The smile reached his eyes at last. “Call Sophie and finalize plans.”
Chapter 8
“Remember in seventh grade when Greg Andrus brought a live snake to class and put it in Harmony David’s desk?” Sophie covered her mouth as the laughter spilled out.
“They’re engaged now,” Kate said between her own spurts of giggles. “As of June, I think.”
“No way.” Sophie’s eyes widened. “They hated each other for years.”
“Right? Harmony told me she hadn’t spoken to him in ages, but she bought a house last year, and wouldn’t you know, guess who her neighbor was?”
Leaning back in his chair, Luke exchanged an amused grin with Bryce. Neither had gotten in a word since the last bite of food was consumed fifteen minutes ago. Sophie and Kate were on a humorous trip down memory lane, and Luke didn’t mind a bit. It pleased him to see Kate having fun, able to put the worries of Evan aside for a short time.
He hadn’t seen a frown on her face in hours, not since before they left Lafayette. Kate had decided that getting out of town would be more beneficial for her than Bryce and Sophie driving into Lafayette. After the work day had ended early, they’d driven to Gram’s house in Oden Bridge and spent the afternoon there making Christmas cookies.
Luke hadn’t decorated Christmas cookies in twenty years—he was nine the last time he could remember participating in the tradition—but he’d enjoyed himself. The afternoon had rejuvenated the Christmas spirit that had diminished since the news of Evan’s MIA status came to light. He’d also gotten to know Bryce, who, true to Kate’s promise, was just like any other person and not pretentious at all as one might expect from a celebrity.
“Would anyone care for dessert tonight?” The waitress at Bayou Bits showcased a sugar-laden tray.
No one did.
“Just the check,” Bryce said.
The waitress shook her head. “Dani said this one’s on the house and don’t go without saying bye.” She turned and walked away, leaving Bryce open-mouthed.
Luke was certain he’d been about to protest
. “Dani’s your cousin, right?” There’d been, so many names introduced in conversation that he had a hard time keeping them straight.
“Yes.” Bryce laid money on the table for a tip.
“She’s a great cook.” Luke left a fair share of tip money as well. “The food was well worth the hour drive here.”
Kate took a final sip of her diet soda. “We’ll have to come back soon.”
He returned the smile she gave him. “Just say the word.”
Sophie stood. “I have to use the ladies room. I’ll be right back.”
“Me too.” Kate joined her, and they disappeared.
Bryce wagged his brows. “You know they only left to have a conversation about you.”
“Yeah.” Luke shrugged. “It was pretty obvious.”
“If it eases your mind at all, Sophie gave you her seal of approval on our way over.”
Laughing, Luke glanced toward the restrooms, curious what Kate and Sophie were saying about him. “Good to know.”
“You got off easy. Before my first date with Sophie, Kate told her to take a picture of my license plate and send it to her in case I abducted her.” Bryce rolled his eyes but also smiled.
“Sounds like something Kate would say.”
Sobering, Bryce crossed his hands on the table. “How is she holding up behind the scenes? Sophie’s really worried about her.”
Luke leaned back and rested one arm casually on the table. “She has her ups and downs, but Kate is stronger than she realizes.”
“And still no word on Evan?”
“No.” He cast a second look to the restrooms before saying anything else, only continuing when he didn’t see Kate. “I shouldn’t have, but I even called my dad yesterday to see if he could find out anything.”
“Why your dad?” Bryce’s eyebrows knitted.
“He’s a colonel in the Marines.”
“Ah. What did he say?”
“Officially, nothing.” Luke sighed, wishing he’d never made the call.
Bryce crooked a finger under his chin and narrowed his gaze. “What did he say between the lines?”
“When he called back this morning, he implied there wasn’t much hope of finding survivors.” A chill shook him and he swallowed.
Even Bryce was visibly shaken and frowning. “You didn’t tell Kate, did you?”
“No.” His head shook with vehemence. “Don’t tell Sophie either. I don’t want it getting back to Kate.”
“You have my word.” Bryce grabbed his phone. “What’s your number? I’ll send you a text with mine.” Luke recited the numbers and Bryce typed on his screen. “Let us know if there are any updates. Anything we can help with, tell us and we’re there. Sophie and Kate, they’re like sisters.”
“Simply having Sophie here has helped Kate a lot. Thanks for making it happen.”
“It’s not purely altruistic. I’ll take any excuse to spend a holiday with Gram and my family here.” Bryce shrugged. “Regardless, you do what’s needed for friends and family. Sophie’s parents were completely supportive of pushing back our trip to see them so she could be here with Kate. I just wish there was more we could do.”
Night approached and Luke sat up when the restaurant’s dining room came alive with strings of white lights wrapped around garland on the walls’ perimeter and instrumental carols played peacefully through the speakers. “You can keep praying.” His mouth twisted into something not quite a smile. “It is the season of miracles, right?”
“Yes, it is.”
Chapter 9
Christmas Eve morning, Kate woke startled from a nightmare. She dreamt about Evan, trapped, bruised and broken. He called out for her, but she couldn’t find him. Every step she took was met with another obstacle.
“It was only a dream. It was only a dream.” She repeated the chant until her heart rate returned to normal.
With swollen eyes and leaden feet, she trudged to the kitchen. She had no appetite but brewed a pot of coffee. Her motions were mechanical, automatic. When the coffee was ready, she fixed a cup, then curled on her sofa and powered on the television. Jasper leaped to the couch and circled once before plopping on the middle cushion.
Ever since Evan went missing, Jasper had taken to being her shadow, even if it meant lying on the furniture. Breaking her own rules, she let him stay and scratched behind his ears. Kate liked to think he knew she needed the extra support.
She flipped through the channels, settling on a national morning show. For the next five minutes, she watched a millennial wearing a bright, lime-green sweater, show the audience the top ten electronic gifts of the season. One was a smart watch, the same model she’d bought as a present for Luke.
The camera switched to the anchors. “Coming up on our next segment, surprise homecomings of deployed troops and their families.”
Her hand couldn’t grab and turn off the remote quick enough. Usually one of her favorite parts of holiday morning shows, it would be too difficult to watch this year. She’d done so well yesterday, made it the entire day without shedding a tear.
Today she wasn’t so sure she’d managed that. An ache remained in her heart that wouldn’t go away. It was a terrible thing to miss someone and simultaneously fear for them. She went to her room and took her phone from the charger.
Taking a deep breath, she dialed her voicemail. She hadn’t listened to his last message in days, but she needed to hear his voice. A tear dropped at the first word.
Hey Katie, where are you? Don’t you know you’re supposed to answer even if it’s, umm, I’m so tired, I have no idea what time it is there, but you should have answered regardless.” His hearty laughter filled the next three seconds. “Anyway, I just wanted to say hi and let you know I’m all right. Six weeks to go and I’m getting out of here. Don’t make plans for February. I’m coming home on leave and we’re catching up. Love you, Sis.
Her hand covered her mouth to push back a sob. He’d been so close to ending his tour. Short breaths came ragged. She couldn’t do this, not today. It was Christmas Eve. Something had to give. She gave up her fight not to cry and let the tears flow. When she was done, she took a shower and left the house. There was somewhere she needed to be.
She got into her car and drove. Past the decorated lawns and street posts adorned with wreaths. Past the stores and last minute crowds. Past the walls of her defenses.
The church parking lot was empty. She parked out front and walked down the cement pathway leading to the front entrance. Each of the double doors displayed a live evergreen wreath with a large red bow. Please let it be unlocked. Kate clasped the door handle and pushed down. Pulled the door open.
Thank you, Lord. She stepped into the foyer. To her right was a fake tree with sparse ornaments. On the cheaply made plastic branches, hung cards showing the ages and information of needy children in the community. Only a few remained, and Kate knew their pastor’s wife would see that those children had something to open on Christmas morning.
Leaving the foyer, she entered the sanctuary. Enough sunlight filtered through the windows that no artificial lighting sources were needed. She made her way to the front and sat in the first pew. This church was a second home for her. Even when her parents had left to help start a connected church, she had remained.
After her adoptive parents had taken her in, she’d been here every Sunday morning and evening, Wednesday evenings and typically, one other day of the week for whatever reason. This is where she’d met Sophie and even Luke. It was a place where she felt safe.
She stared at the pulpit. When they were younger, she and Evan loved to stand behind it when no one else was around and take turns giving “sermons.” Pastor Jack had caught them once and laughed off Evan’s imitation of him.
Then there were the annual Christmas Eve candlelight services, one of which she’d be attending tonight with Luke, her parents, Sophie and Bryce plus their children. After singing five or six traditional Christmas hymns, Pastor Jack would give a short sermon on t
he true meaning of Christmas and then the ushers would distribute a candle to each person in the pews. Always full of mischief as a child, every year Evan would try to blow out her flame.
This building held dozens, if not hundreds, of wonderful memories for her. She knew it wasn’t the church itself, but the people within it who created the experience and joy. Regardless, this was where she came when her heart was at its heaviest.
Her gaze drifted to the cross that had stood at the front of the sanctuary for as long as she could remember. “Thank you, Lord, for bringing me here. Thank you for placing Evan and me with our parents when our birth mom abandoned us. Thanks for giving me friends and family who’ve stood by my side with unwavering support. And this year especially, thank you for Luke. He’s been my rock, and I know it was you who brought us together.”
She squeezed her eyes shut, taking deep breaths when her chest and lungs compressed. Clasped her hands and bowed her head. “Please look after Evan and bring him home safe. I know I’ll have to accept whatever his fate is, but I’m not ready to tell him goodbye yet. He’s my baby brother. He was going to be coming home soon. Please, bring him home. Alive.”
Visions of her dream surfaced and played through her memory. Why wouldn’t it stop? She didn’t want to think of Evan in that way. She couldn’t picture him in the broken condition in which her dream cast him.
But wait. In her dream, Evan was alive. An absolute knowledge overcame her. He was somewhere out there, but he was alive. The weight lifted from her chest. For the first time in days, she didn’t feel like she was drowning.
She turned around at the clunking sound of a heavy door closing.
“Luke, what are you doing here?”
“Looking for you.” His strides were long and quick. “Are you okay?”
“I am now.” A genuine smile graced her lips.
“Your parents and I were worried.” He stood in front of her, his eyes searching hers. “You weren’t home when I came to pick you up, so I went to your parents’ thinking you were already there. We’ve been trying to call you, but it kept going straight to voicemail, and then something told me to come here.”
