Wes returned to the kitchen. “That coffee smells good.” He pulled out a dark green mug with the Wild River Resort motto stamped in gold on the side and poured a steaming cup.
Bill took a carton of eggs from the fridge. “Did you know she was coming today?”
Wes shook his head. “I called her in March to tell her Lauren and I were engaged, but her phone was disconnected. So I sent her a letter and invited her to come out for the wedding.”
Bill nodded. That still didn’t explain why she’d arrived in early June for a wedding that wasn’t scheduled until August. He pulled the frying pan from the cabinet.
Wes leaned back against the counter and crossed his arms. “Is it okay with you if she stays with us for a while?”
“Sure. It’s fine.” Bill cracked an egg into the bowl.
Wes continued watching him. “What’s the matter?”
“I guess it would’ve been nice if you’d have asked me first, before you invited her out here.”
A puzzled look settled on his friend’s face. “I wasn’t expecting her to come now, but under the circumstances it makes sense.”
“What do you mean?”
“Sorry. I guess you didn’t hear the first part of her story.”
“Nope.” Bill grabbed a fork from the drawer and stirred his eggs.
“There was an explosion and fire at her apartment in Portland. She lost everything.”
Bill’s hand stilled. “How’d that happen?”
“A construction company cut a gas line. She smelled it and went outside to check things out. The guy she talked to claimed it wasn’t dangerous. He was even smoking.” Wes shook his head, frustration lining his face. “When she walked back toward her apartment, the whole back wall exploded and crashed in. Debris fell all around her, but her only thought was getting back inside to rescue her dog.”
Bill dropped the wire whisk, splattering the egg mixture. “She went back in the apartment after the explosion?” He grabbed a sponge and swiped the counter.
“Yeah. She ran around to the front and went in that way. She couldn’t find her dog, but she wouldn’t give up. She finally passed out from breathing all the smoke. A fireman found her and carried her out.”
Bill tried to swallow away the burning sensation rising in his throat. Here he was worried about the inconvenience of sharing his house, and she’d almost died in a fire. “Sorry. I had no idea.” He shook his head. “Man, she must’ve really loved that dog.”
“Yeah, she’s always been a real animal lover. And since our parents are gone, and I’ve been working on the other side of the world, her dog was like family to her.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “She was in the hospital for a couple weeks for smoke inhalation and burns.”
Bill winced and glanced at the scar on his right hand. He’d burned it on a camping trip last summer. The throbbing pain from that small injury had ruined the weekend for him. “Were her burns bad?”
“She didn’t show me, but I saw a scar on her neck when she hugged me. But that’s not all she’s dealing with. The smoke hurt her lungs and voice, so she’s out of a job.”
“What does she do?” Bill poured the egg mixture in the pan and tossed in some grated cheese.
“She was an actress at a dinner theater in Portland.”
Bill groaned inwardly. He should have known she would be an actress just like his former girlfriend. Of course Kelsey was a drama teacher at a small college in Boston, but what was the difference? Both women liked to be on stage. No doubt Jennifer was just as attached to the big city and bright lights as Kelsey.
“They do Broadway musicals,” Wes continued. “The supporting cast members serve tables and then change into costume for the show. She’s a great dancer, and she has a beautiful voice, but the doctor told her she shouldn’t sing until her lungs and throat have time to rest and heal.”
“So she’s out of work and has nowhere to go?” The muscles in Bill’s shoulders tensed. It looked like he’d be adding another roommate whether he liked it or not.
“That’s right.” Wes grinned and slapped him on the back, seemingly unaware of Bill’s discomfort.
“What are you so happy about?”
“Oh, I wouldn’t wish this kind of trouble on anyone, but I’ve been praying for a chance to be more involved in Jenn’s life for years. And now, here it is.” Wes chuckled as he pulled out a chair and sat down at the table. “You know how it feels when you pray hard for something for a long time, and then God answers, and you’re just so . . . surprised.”
The delight on his friend’s face cut a guilty swath through Bill.
Wes looked up, his expression growing serious. “But this is your house, so it’s up to you.”
Bill focused on stirring the eggs. How could he say no? Wes paid his share of the rent and utilities, and he split the grocery bill even though he often ate at Lauren’s.
“I guess I could send her over to Lauren’s if you don’t want her to stay here.”
Bill shook his head. “No. It’s okay. She can stay. Sounds like she needs a break.”
“She needs more than that. This is our chance to show her how much God loves her and how faith makes a difference in our everyday lives. We can be the Bible she hasn’t read, the Jesus she’s never considered.”
Bill turned off the burner and looked at Wes. “Isn’t that the way we’re supposed to be living anyway?”
Wes grinned, his eyes bright. “Of course, but sharing with Jenn might be it a little more challenging than that.”
“Go on. I’m listening.” Bill scooped the eggs onto his plate and dropped two slices of bread in the toaster.
“She knows where I stand with the Lord, and what I did as a missionary, but she’s pretty closed to discussions about God or faith.”
“How come?”
“I’m not sure. I thought she made a commitment to the Lord when she was young at church camp, but after we lost our parents she had to live with our aunt and uncle, and she stopped going to church. Life’s been hard for her, and now she has to work through all these new losses.”
“Sounds like it won’t be easy to reach her after all that’s happened.”
Wes leaned back and smiled. “You’re probably right, but don’t forget, ‘What’s impossible for man is possible for God.’”
Bill nodded. “Like I always say, you’re a man of great faith.” He kept his tone light, but uncomfortable questions rose in his mind. What part did Wes expect him to play in all this? His faith ran deep, but he wasn’t a missionary like his friend. He was a man of action rather than words. And how could he help Jennifer see her need for God when he wasn’t exactly thrilled that she’d invaded his home?
He bowed his head and thanked the Lord for his food, but he couldn’t ignore the Spirit’s tug on his conscience. Lord, help me change my attitude. I know you ask me to love others as Christ loves me, and that even includes dangerously attractive females who belong back in the city on center stage.
Chapter Three
Jennifer rolled over and squinted at the soft light filtering through the window. A chorus of birds sang somewhere nearby. She rubbed her hand across her eyes, trying to focus and make sense of the scene.
What time was it? She glanced at the clock on the nightstand. Ten after eight. Was it morning or evening? The fuzzy sensation in her head and the strangeness of waking up in someone else’s room sent an uneasy shiver through her.
Lying back, she lifted her left hand and traced the twisted patterns of skin on her neck, shoulder and arm.
It wasn’t a dream. The scars were real. The fire had swept through her apartment and burned everything. Her beloved dog, Beau, was gone, and her fiancé, Phillip, had disappeared after one look at her hideous burns.
She squeezed her eyes shut against the painful memories and let her hand fall to her side, but she couldn’t banish the angry, hopeless feeling rising in her heart.
Hadn’t she already been through enough—losing her parents and then
living with relatives who barely put up with her until she turned eighteen and their legal responsibility ended?
Downstairs, a door closed. Footsteps crunched across the stone path. Two doors slammed, and a motor rumbled to life.
Jennifer eased herself into a sitting position, careful not to use her right arm. She crossed to the bedroom window and peeked out in time to see the black truck backing out of the driveway. Bill sat behind the wheel, and her brother filled the passenger seat. A small blue Toyota sat on the far side of the driveway.
So, the truck belonged to Bill. The Toyota must be her brother’s.
She released a heavy sigh as she watched the truck disappear around the bend in the road. Then she shifted her gaze to the yard below. Dew sparkled on the grass like little prisms of shimmering light. White daisies and small purple wild flowers swayed in the breeze. She pushed open the window. Cool fresh air greeted her. It must be Tuesday morning rather than Monday evening.
Why had Wes left without checking on her or saying goodbye? She needed to talk to him and begin making plans. Uneasiness tightened her empty stomach. She pulled the window closed and wrapped her arms around herself, trying to halt another shiver.
What would she do all day by herself?
Then another question rose and tore away the tiny shred of peace she tried so hard to hold on to.
Would Wes and Bill let her stay? Where would she go if they didn’t?
She closed her eyes, yearning to talk to someone who cared. If only she believed there was a God who listened and answered prayer. But she’d given up that fantasy the night she’d sat in the emergency room and prayed her parents would live.
The answer to her plea had been a devastating “no.” So she’d closed her heart and never whispered a prayer since.
* * * *
Bill tapped his pen on his desk and tried to focus on the grant application in front of him. He just needed to double-check the changes he’d made to be sure there were no more typos. He shifted in the chair and glanced at his watch. Ten thirty-seven.
Why hadn’t Jennifer called?
He tossed the pen aside and rose from behind his desk. Leaving his office, he strode into the Nature Center auditorium looking for Wes. He found him up on a ladder hanging a new sign for the reptile exhibit. “Do you know what time it is?”
Wes checked his watch. “About ten-forty.”
Bill huffed. “Well, aren’t you going to do anything about it?”
“What do you mean?” Wes climbed down the ladder.
“I mean, don’t you think it’s a little strange that your sister is still sleeping after nineteen hours?”
A small smile twitched at the corners of Wes’s mouth. “Are you worried she’s turned into Sleeping Beauty or something?”
Bill scowled. “No, It’s just not normal for someone to sleep that long. What if something’s wrong because of her burns or the smoke inhalation? Don’t you think you should check on her?”
Wes rubbed his chin. “I could call, but if she’s still asleep, she probably needs the rest. When she wakes up she’ll find that note we left on the kitchen table.”
“If she wakes up,” Bill grumbled under his breath. “So you’re just going to wait?”
“I thought I’d go home at lunch and check on her if she hasn’t called by noon.”
Bill looked at his watch again. “Okay, why don’t you go ahead and take an early lunch? I don’t mind keeping an eye . . .” His words faded as Jennifer stepped through the front door.
Her hesitant glance swept the room, stalling when she spotted Bill. Emotion flickered in her eyes. She touched the collar and top button of her pale green blouse then smoothed her hand down the sleeve.
“Hey, Jenn.” Wes crossed the room and greeted his sister with a hug. “You look rested.” He smiled as he surveyed her, affection in his eyes.
She laughed softly. “I slept a little longer than I expected.” Her gaze met Bill’s and held. “Hello, Bill.”
“Morning.” He nodded and crossed his arms, but that did little to shield him from the way her arrival stirred his senses.
Her cheeks flushed pink, and she shifted her focus to her brother. “I saw your note, so I decided to come see you. I hope it’s okay I used your car.”
“That’s why I left you the keys. Use it whenever you like.”
“Thanks.” She glanced around the auditorium at the display cases lining the walls.
Bill couldn’t help noticing the way her honey-blond hair fell in shiny waves over her shoulders. Today her eyes looked soft green shaded by long dark lashes. He frowned and shifted his gaze away.
Jennifer turned to Wes. “Do you have time to show me around?”
“Sure, I’d love to give you a tour.”
She smiled and nodded, admiration for her brother shining in her eyes.
What would it feel like to have Jennifer look at him that way? The question rattled Bill, and he quickly shook it off.
“Let’s start in the office. I want to show you Bill’s bird collection.”
Bill lifted his hand. “I’m sure Jennifer’s not interested in seeing a bunch of stuffed birds.”
“Oh, I’d love to see them, if it’s all right with you.” She sent him a hesitant smile, waiting for his response.
A slow warming started in his chest, moved up his neck, and flushed his face and ears. Did she realize the power of her smile? He quickly glanced away, silently mocking himself for being such a fool. She was an actress. She knew exactly what she was doing.
“Sure. Go ahead.” Bill’s tone betrayed his irritation. He didn’t believe she was truly interested in his birds. It was more likely that she wanted to humor him or impress her brother.
Wes led the way, telling Jennifer about the Nature Center programs and special events they planned for the community and tourists who visited the area.
Bill followed them into the office. They seemed to understand each other with just a glance or a few words. He decided it must be a brother-sister connection he knew nothing about, and it left him feeling like an outsider.
Jennifer gazed at the case holding his bird collection. Her lips parted, and her eyes widened. She ran her hand down the side glass panel as though she wished she could touch the birds. “This is amazing. Where did you find all of them?”
Bill hesitated for a moment. “My grandfather and dad started the collection about thirty years ago. They passed it on to me, and I’ve added a few more birds since then.”
She leaned closer. “What’s the name of that little blue one with the orange chest?”
“That’s an Eastern Bluebird. My dad found him in Maine.”
“He’s beautiful,” she whispered, awe filling her voice. She turned and looked at him, a new interest in her eyes.
Conflicting emotions battled in Bill’s spirit. He turned away and pointed to the stuffed raccoon on his filing cabinet. “I have a few mammals too.”
“Mammals? How did you get all these?” She frowned slightly and narrowed her eyes. “You didn’t kill them, did you?”
“No, all the animals on display here died from natural causes or accidents.” He stepped over to the filing cabinet and ran his hand over the raccoon’s back, admiring the soft fur and unique coloring. “This little ring tail is one of my favorites.”
She crossed her arms and lifted her gaze to the stuffed Moose head mounted over his desk. “What about that one? I’m sure he died of natural causes, too.” Sarcasm tinged her voice.
Bill straightened. “I’m not sure. I inherited him when I took over the job as head naturalist.”
“Killing animals for recreation is cruel. I don’t believe in hunting.” She lifted her eyebrows and focused on him, waiting for a response.
Bill wasn’t a hunter, but her attitude hit a nerve. “Hunting big game is a valid method of wildlife management. Seasons are set based on the maximum population a particular habitat can sustain. Hunting actually protects the environment if it’s done the right way for t
he right reasons.”
Jennifer’s cheeks flushed pink. “It’s never right to kill an animal so you can hang his head on your wall.”
Wes chuckled and patted his sister’s shoulder. “Jenn, I promise you Bill and I did not shoot any of the animals we have on display. It’s our job to teach people to respect the environment and take care of wildlife. We’re always on the lookout for injured animals, and if we find any, we take them to the wildlife rehab center.”
She seemed to relax a little, but she still studied Bill as though she wasn’t quite certain her brother’s words were true.
Bill returned her gaze with a challenge of his own. Memories of Kelsey’s disdain for his job flooded his mind. She’d begged him to quit and look for a teaching position in Boston. If he settled in the city, they could continue their relationship. She didn’t care about his goals and desires. Only her dreams were important.
The memories faded, but they left him feeling hollow and disappointed. He glanced at Jennifer again. Maybe she was an animal lover, but it was clear she didn’t respect him or appreciate his work as a naturalist.
That was fine with him. It gave him one more good reason to stay far away from Jennifer Evans.
Chapter Four
Jenn set her coffee cup on the counter by the sink and glanced out the open kitchen window at the quiet meadow surrounding Bill and Wes’s house. Late afternoon sunlight filtered through the tall trees beyond the yard. A large bumblebee buzzed past the screen. A bird called from the branch of a nearby pine tree.
That was all she heard. No cars or trucks barreling past. No blaring sirens or city sounds to interrupt the peaceful moment.
Bill’s den door opened, pulling her attention away from the window. She turned and watched him step out.
He wore a dark green shirt and khaki slacks. She couldn’t help noticing how handsome he looked. Pressing her lips together, she turned away.
He grabbed his keys off the end of the counter. “Ready to go?”
She nodded and picked up her purse from the kitchen table. The three of them were headed to Lauren’s for dinner. What would it be like to meet Wes’s fiancée? Biting her lower lip, she checked the button on the cuff of her long-sleeve shirt and tried to push away the uncomfortable thought of having to explain the explosion and fire again. Her stomach tightened just thinking about it.
Surrendered Hearts Page 2
