Shadow of Second Chances: Shadow Series~ Book 6 (The Shadow Series)

by Barbara Goss

  “Who then? You can’t. Not with that painful sunburn.”

  “How about Dora or Michael.”

  “Perhaps.” He nodded. “All right, Peggy. I’ll see what I can do.”

  Gavin watched Peggy return to her tent. She turned out to be the best chaperone he’d ever had, including Violet. He hoped she’d volunteer every year. Though she’d seemed leery of him at first, now she seemed comfortable with him, and that made him happy, because he truly liked her. He didn’t want anyone to fear him, since he now felt love for everyone—well, almost everyone. He’d done everything possible this week to quench Peggy’s fear of him and he felt he had succeeded.

  A year ago, Rachel’s touching might have bothered him. Today, all he felt was anger and sympathy for her. If they weren’t at camp, he’d try to send her to see Croft, or something, but now he just wanted her gone. She wasn’t the type of person that he wanted on his team.

  After he’d successfully snuffed out the fire and spread the ashes, Ethan came storming toward him. “Why did you fire Rachel?” he demanded, with hands on hips.

  “Her behavior was unsuitable for my camp.”

  “Then you might as well fire me, too!” he said.

  “I might just.” Gavin turned from him and walked toward Dora’s tent.

  Standing outside of Dora’s tent, he whispered her name several times. She finally awoke, and stuck her head out of the tent.

  “What’s wrong, Gavin?”

  “I fired Rachel, and we need someone to take over, just until Saturday morning. Can you find someone?”

  “Now?” she asked.

  “I’m afraid so. Peggy thought—”

  “I will, if I can take Michael with me.”

  “All right. I’d prefer two more, a man and a woman, but I’ll take whatever you can get for me. I’ll sit by the fire pit and watch all the tents until you return.”

  Shortly after Michael and Dora rode out of camp, Peggy came out and sat beside him. “I’ll help you watch the tents.”

  “Thank you, Peggy.”

  “Before you thank me, my help comes with a dual purpose.” She handed him the salve.

  He laughed. “My pleasure.”

  As Gavin rubbed the salve on Peggy’s arms, face and neck, she asked, “So what changed you?”

  “The Holy Spirit. I thought I was a born again Christian before, but Reverend Croft showed me otherwise. I’m not sure if I didn’t fully mean every word of the sinner’s prayer, since I was young, or perhaps I’d fallen so far away from God that it faded. Croft explained it’s possible for someone to just say the words without truly understanding or truly meaning them when they invite the Holy Spirit into their hearts. After my wife died, I drifted somewhat away. I still went to church every Sunday, but I lost that personal relationship I once had with Him. Croft said that sometimes even the best Christians need to rededicate their lives to make it fresh again, and gain back that special feeling of closeness with God. It’s like most things in our lives, we become complacent, and in a daily rut, doing things over and over without thinking.

  “This time when I prayed the sinner’s prayer, I felt it. I knew this time I wasn’t just reciting a prayer and then claiming to be a Christian. This time I felt the Holy Spirit inside of me. I instantly felt a love for everyone, even people I’d once thought my enemies. The first person I felt love for was Miles. If it weren’t for him, I might have had a lot more to be sorry for. Reverend Croft made me realize so many things, Peggy.”

  “Love for Miles because he stopped your physical advances toward Violet?”

  “Partly, but I’ve always liked him. Miles is smart, responsible, honest, and most importantly, he’s sensitive. I think that’s a good trait to have.

  “After I invited the Holy Spirit into my heart, I fell on my knees, and cried for God to forgive me and help me. I felt drawn to God and His word, like a magnet to metal. The miraculous part was, my problem was almost immediately solved. God has truly touched me, and all because of Reverend Croft. He made me realize things I’d never even thought about. He’s a very smart man.”

  “So even though Rachel was attractive and touched you in such a personal way, it had no effect on you?”

  “No. It did have an affect on me, just not one of passion. It made me sick, but at the same time I felt sorry for her.”

  “Sorry? Why?” Peggy asked.

  “Because she doesn’t have what we have,” he said.

  Peggy nodded. “I agree.”

  They sat there talking idly for almost two hours before Dora and Michael returned, surprising both Peggy and Gavin with who they'd brought back.

  Gavin smiled from ear to ear. “Reverend Croft!”

  “Well,” Billy said. “I’m due here in the morning, anyway. Have you met my wife?”

  “No, I’ve never had the pleasure,” Gavin said.

  Billy pulled Anna forward. “Gavin, meet Louisiana Croft.”

  Anna swatted Billy lightly. “It’s Anna, and I’m pleased to meet you, Gavin. Where’s my tent? I’m really excited about this.”

  Gavin laughed. “I’ll leave you in Peggy’s capable hands. I’m assuming you both know Peggy Iverson?”

  “I’ve never had the pleasure,” Anna said, taking Peggy’s hands. “I’ve seen you in church, but I’ve never done more than shake your hand after the services.”

  “Congratulations on your new baby,” Peggy said.

  “Thank you. We dropped Faith off with Julia, which is why it took us so long.”

  “Knowing Julia you’ll be lucky to get her back.” Peggy and Anna laughed. “Well,” Peggy said, “come with me.”

  “Reverend Croft—” Gavin said.

  “When we aren’t in church, call me Billy.”

  “Billy, let me fill you in on your duties.”

  Gavin led Billy to Ethan’s tent. “Ethan, could you wait for me in the shelter?”

  Ethan grimaced, and left his bedroll, and the tent.

  “I’ll get you a clean bedroll. These are your boys. I’ll be right back.”

  Gavin met Ethan in the shelter. “You’re fired. Pick up your things and leave.”

  Ethan swore. “What did I do wrong?”

  “It’s not your fault, Ethan, no hard feelings. I just didn’t do a very good job of screening volunteers. Don’t take it personally.”

  “She was of age and completely willing,” Ethan said.

  “Not at my camp, and especially not when you leave children alone to do it.”

  Ethan stormed out. Billy later told Gavin he nearly knocked him over in his haste to grab his things and leave. Once he was gone, Billy went around and covered up some of the boys who’d kicked off their blankets.

  Gavin brought in a clean bedroll for Billy. “I’m going to need some advice from you on how to screen volunteers for the camp. I nearly botched things up with the two I chose.”

  Chapter 4

  Billy conducted the most amazing service. He explained on a child’s level about giving your heart to Jesus. Gavin was amazed when seven children came forward to say the sinner’s prayer. That did it for Gavin. He needed to talk to Billy. Peggy went forward and helped Billy talk to the children. Gavin was pleased with her, as well.

  After the service, each chaperone took his or her group to their scheduled activity. Anna’s group had swimming, Peggy’s group had Bible study, and Billy’s group had fishing. Some of the other leaders had crafts, hiking, or game time. Gavin smiled when he saw Peggy hand Anna an umbrella so she wouldn’t get sunburn on the beach.

  Gavin knew that Billy and Peggy were his most valuable assets. He loved the camp, and today he knew exactly what he would do next.

  After lunch, he motioned Billy to a corner table in the shelter. “Could I have a word with you, Billy?”

  “Of course. And before you ask, I am truly enjoying the camp.” He slapped Gavin on the back. “This was an excellent idea. I see why you’re so passionate about it.”

  “I’m glad you feel that
way, because I want you to join us each year. We could still involve the other area churches, but I’d really like you and Anna to be a part of this…I suppose I could call it a true ministry now. Seven souls were saved today because of your heartfelt service. My heart is just pounding with joy. This is exactly what I meant for this camp when I started it, but it never came close to what I’d envisioned until today.

  “I want you to be more than a chaperone—unless you insist on being one. I want you to be a leader, if, that is, you are interested in assisting with planning, helping us to grow, and become more evangelical. I want us to become bigger and better.

  “I want to someday replace the tents with little cabins, maybe another shelter, a better beach, and better chaperones—people who feel as we do—and with you being the minister of a church, you could easily choose the best people. What do you think, Billy?”

  Billy scratched his head thoughtfully, and Gavin held his breath.

  “I like it. I love the idea. I’m in.” He shook Billy’s hand. “I only have one stipulation: you need to fix things between you and Violet. She’s my sister-in-law, Gavin. I’ll help in any way I can, but to work closely with you—I can’t risk hurting her. She really suffered some traumatic episodes after what happened. You’ve been forgiven, but you have to try and fix things.”

  “I’ve been thinking the same. I love Miles, and I want him to be a permanent part of the camp, too. The kids loved him last year. He handles the finances well, and I don’t think I would trust anyone else.”

  “Come see me on Monday,” Billy said. “I’ll help you figure out how go about fixing things with Violet. This camp could be so much more, and together we’ll make it so. This camp provides two important things children need: to have fun and to learn about God.”

  “I’ll be there. What about a name for our camp? I’d really love it if the camp was run exclusively by Grace Church,” Gavin said.

  Billy shook Gavin’s hand. “We’ll do it. Now, I’m off to—” he checked his list—“hiking.”

  That evening at the campfire, after the children were asleep, all of the chaperones were called to the pit. Logs had been placed to encircle the pit so everyone could have a seat.

  Gavin stood. “I have a few announcements. The first will come from Dora and Michael.” Gavin sat down.

  Dora stood and pulled Michael up with her. “Tomorrow, after all the children have been picked up, Michael and I are providing a luncheon for everyone involved in the camp this year, at Dora’s place. This will be a yearly event, and our way of contributing to something we love, and feel happy to be a part of: our camp for kids.” She sat down, yanking Michael with her.

  Everyone nodded and smiled. Some said, “Thank you.” Gavin stood again.

  “I’d like to announce that while this year’s camp was a success—with seven precious souls saved, and everyone having fun—I know it can be even better. Reverend Croft, Billy to all of us here, when we aren’t in church, has agreed to help me make this camp bigger and better.

  “We plan to give the camp a name, to take contributions to raise money for the camp, and we plan to run it exclusively through Grace Church. Maybe we’ll name it Grace Camp—we’ll see. I’ll be working closely with Billy—if I am able to meet certain conditions—If I can’t, then Billy will take over in my place.”

  Billy looked surprised at Gavin’s statement, but he didn’t say anything.

  “I’d also like to thank Billy and Anna for generously dropping everything in the middle of the night to come here and help us last night.

  “Billy, would you lead us in a closing prayer?”

  Billy nodded, and led them in a moving prayer.

  After every one had headed for their tents, Gavin touched Peggy’s elbow lightly as she passed by him. “Could I have a word with you in private?”

  “Certainly,” she said. She sat back down on the log.

  Gavin sat beside her. “Peggy, as you know, I want this to be the best camp for the children in the area, a place to have fun, and to learn about God. This is my passion and my true love. Reverend Croft has agreed to help me, but only if I can fix things between Violet and myself. I need your help.”

  “I feel the same way about the camp and will try to help, if I can,” she said.

  “This is asking a great deal.”

  Peggy’s heart seemed to beat harder. What could he possibly want? After sitting there stunned, she finally said, “I’ll try to help,” but she knew she didn’t sound confident.

  “Would I be correct in assuming that you and I are now friends?” Gavin asked.

  She smiled. “I think you’ve more than proved yourself to me, so yes.”

  Gavin poked at the fire with a stick for the longest time, as if he were trying to get up the courage to tell her what it was that he required of her.

  “I need you to help me fix things with Violet,” he said, while still staring at the fire.

  “How would you like me to do that?

  “By letting me court you,” he said quickly.

  Peggy gasped. This came as a shock. She liked Gavin well enough, but she’d never thought about a courtship with him. Even though she’d grown to care for the new Gavin, she was sure he only wanted to court her to help with his plan to win Violet over. If Violet thought he and she were courting, she’d know that he had changed, and that she had nothing to fear from him. She’d also be helping the camp, since she heard Gavin say that if he couldn’t comply with Billy’s stipulation, Billy would run the camp alone. This camp needed Gavin. He lived for it. It was his passion.

  She watched him silently poking at the fire. She didn’t know what to answer. Finally she said, “Is this courtship just for Violet’s benefit?”

  Now he was the one thinking of what to say while she waited for an answer.

  “Honestly?” he asked, turning from the fire to look at her intently.

  “Yes.”

  “It would be for me, too. I’ve gotten to know you, and I think you’re an amazing young lady. You care about the camp and the children. I can tell you have the same passion that I do. Just the fact that you came this year, even with the fear and doubts you had about me, proved to me how much you care about the camp and the children. No, I want to court you because I like you. I like you very much. However, to be completely honest, if it weren’t for having to solve my problem with Violet, I might not have asked to court you quite so soon.”

  “I see. Thank you for your honesty. I accept your courtship,” she said, smiling at him.

  “Now I need to know something.” He gave her a crooked smile. “Are you agreeing just to help me with Violet?” he asked.

  She smiled at him. “No. I like you too.”

  After the last child had been picked up from camp, the adults walked to their buggies. Most had left already, but Billy and Gavin were talking animately by Billy’s wagon, and Peggy was about to climb into hers, when Rachel stepped out from behind her wagon.

  “Just the person I wanted to see,” she said. “It’s all your fault. Were you jealous that I attracted Ethan instead of you?”

  “That’s nonsense. Please move out of the way, Rachel.” Peggy said.

  “You need to learn to mind your own business,” she snarled, before shoving Peggy to the ground.

  Before a stunned Peggy could answer, Anna appeared, and began repeatedly hitting Rachel over the head with her umbrella. “Hey, you leave her alone! Get out of here!” Anna yelled.

  Peggy couldn’t help but laugh, despite her sore derriere after landing on the hard path.

  Billy came running over and he grabbed the umbrella from Anna. “Sweetheart, calm down. What’s this girl done?” He looked from Peggy to Rachel and back to Anna.

  “She knocked Peggy down,” Anna said. “She’s a—”

  Billy put his index finger on her lips to quiet her. “I love you, Anna, but can you please act like a lady?” he said quietly.

  She smiled up at him. “Sorry.”

  Gav
in had finally caught up. “What’s going on?” His eyes quickly took in the scene. He reached down and held out his hand to help Peggy up. He turned to Rachel. “If you don’t leave I’m calling the constable, and having you arrested for assault.”

  “You’re having me arrested for assault? What about her?” She pointed to Anna. “She nearly gave me a concussion with that nasty umbrella.”

  Gavin looked down at Peggy. “Are you all right?”

  Peggy nodded. “I’m fine.”

  “All right!” Rachel yelled. “I’m going. I had to let Peggy know I didn’t appreciate her sticking her nose in my business or Ethan’s. I’ve accomplished my mission.” She walked to a horse she had tied, and rode away.

  “Who is she?” Billy asked.

  “She’s from Salina. I don’t know her well,” Gavin said. “She’s a friend of Betty Castlemen who worked here last year. I hired her on Betty’s recommendation. I think we won’t be seeing her again. Are you sure you’re all right, Peggy?”

  Billy smiled at them. “By the way, congratulations on the courtship, you two. It couldn’t have happened to a nicer couple.”

  “I came to return your umbrella, Peggy. It was so kind of you to save me from burning up in the sun.” Anna smiled. “And add my congratulations to my husband’s. You make a handsome couple.”

  Peggy blushed, and Gavin put his arm around Peggy for the first time.

  “Thank you, Anna, for rescuing me from Rachel.”

  “See you all at Dora’s Place,” Billy called as he led Anna to his buggy.

  Gavin didn’t remove his arm from around Peggy right away, but stood waving to Billy and Anna until they were out of sight. “I’m so sorry about Rachel.”

  “It wasn’t your fault,” Peggy said. “And I’m fine. She took me by surprise or I wouldn’t have gone down.”

  “I really need Billy’s help. It seems I’m not a very good judge of people. I hired two very inappropriate people to supervise the children I care about,” he said sadly.

  “Actually, I would like your help too, Peggy. You can help the camp in more ways than as a chaperone.”