by Lisa Jordan
Still trying to process what Mom had just said, Lindsey shook her head and then realized Mom couldn’t see her. “Tell me.”
“Closure, Lindsey. Peace. The waiting. The wondering. It’s over. Justice will be served, and we can move on.” Her mother’s voice wavered.
Lindsey braced her forehead with her hand as Mom’s words sunk in. Closure, Mom had said. Peace. Oh, how she would love that. Peace to move forward with her life. Peace to laugh over past memories without having that dull ache in her heart.
Her mother’s voice faded as Lindsey ended the call and dropped the phone on the desk. Tears warmed her eyes. She picked up the five-by-seven framed photo of her dressed in her black cap and gown and hugging Dad at college graduation—the day before his death. Dad’s arms wrapped around her, his cheek resting on her head, he commented about hugging his little girl. Only she wasn’t so little anymore. His voice had choked. They smiled through their tears for the camera. After the picture had been taken, he squeezed her in one of his trademark bear hugs and whispered, “Always follow your heart,” in her ear.
She brushed a thumb across her eyes. Time to pull herself together. Rita would be serving afternoon tea soon. Lindsey needed to be on hand to welcome her guests. That’s what a good hostess did.
Always follow your heart.
A tear seeped out the corner of her eye and slid down the valley between her nose and cheek. Another one followed. She was following her heart, wasn’t she? Wasn’t the bed-and-breakfast what she’d always wanted?
Lindsey swiped her face, but the tears rolled down her cheeks, one right after the other. One dropped on the glass of the frame—on Dad’s face—contorting it like a fun-house mirror. Hugging the picture, she pulled her knees to her chest and rested her heels on the edge of the chair. Lindsey buried her face in her hands and wept.
“Oh, my lands. Lindsey, dear, whatever is the problem?” Rita placed her hands on Lindsey’s shoulders.
Lindsey whipped the chair around and wrapped her arms around Rita’s waist. She gripped the apron ties at Rita’s back and cried for the father she’d never see again, the little boy who asked her to be his mommy and the man who stole her heart all those years ago.
She had been lying to herself all these years. If she had been following her heart, she never would have left Shelby Lake. She and Stephen would have found a way to make it work.
Rita cradled Lindsey’s head and stroked her hair. “Dear Lord Jesus, bring peace to this sweet girl’s heart. Take away her pain as only You can.” She grabbed a handful of tissues, tilted Lindsey’s chin and mopped her face. “My dear girl, what happened? Are you hurt? Did something happen with your mom?”
Lindsey shook her head, brushing her forehead across the polished cotton of Rita’s pinstriped apron. She wasn’t hurt, at least not physically. “We’re fine.”
“Then why the sudden waterworks?”
Lindsey looked up at her assistant who had become a friend through the years. Lines in Rita’s face and the grays in her curls attested her life experience. But beyond the lines and grays, a peace radiated from Rita’s eyes. A peace Lindsey longed to have. A peace that surpassed all understanding. From the Peacemaker Himself.
Oh, Lord, I’m so sorry. You’ve been there all along. I turned my back on You. Please forgive me. Give me the courage to follow my heart.
Peace settled over her like a warm towel from the dryer, blanketing her in comfort and giving her tranquility she hadn’t felt in years. Lindsey pushed herself to her feet, hugged her friend and laughed. “Rita, how would you and Paul like to buy the inn?”
“What in the world? Why?”
“I’m going home. To share breakfast with the man I love.”
Chapter Eighteen
Six weeks ago—had it been only six weeks?—Lindsey idled at the Shelby Lake line, trying to find the courage to head back into her past. Now she wanted her past to be her future. She slowed down as the sign came into view.
Welcome to Shelby Lake
The Place We Call Home
Home.
She tightened her grip on the wheel and sped past the sign, down Center Street. Past the elementary school where Mom was back to teaching her munchkins. Past Aunt Claire’s sewing shop. Past Mrs. Lawson’s pink-sided house with the plastic yard goose dressed as a scarecrow. Past the church where Lindsey hoped to say “I do.” And soon.
Driving past the turnoff to the cemetery, Lindsey turned left onto Stephen’s road. She slowed as his house came into view. His SUV wasn’t in the drive. Maybe he parked it in the garage. She left her car idling and hurried to the porch. She knocked, but no one answered. She jiggled the doorknob, but it was locked. Of course. She peered through the window, but didn’t see any movement. She dashed down the path to the garage and peered through one of the grimy windows. No SUV.
Shoulders slumped, she climbed behind the wheel and backed out of the drive. She could go to the station, but he could be out on a call. What she had to say wasn’t for public viewing pleasure anyway.
She’d head to Mom’s and hang out until she could get in touch with Stephen.
As she headed toward Morning Glory Lane, a police car running codes raced past. Her heart slammed against her rib cage. She tightened her grip on the steering wheel. Was that why Stephen wasn’t home? Did something happen? Was he in trouble? Or worse?
A cold sweat slicked her back. She drew in a deep breath and blew it out slowly. She wasn’t going to freak out. God was in control. A girl needed to know when to trust.
As she pulled into the driveway, she spied a familiar SUV parked alongside the curb. Her bones melted as peace rushed through her. He was safe.
Climbing out of her car, her heel caught in the umbrella tucked alongside her seat. She yanked her foot free and steadied herself.
Relax.
She smoothed a hand over her hair and adjusted her sweater. Her gaze zeroed in on the sold sign perched on the Realtor’s sign like a bird on a branch. An ache pinched her chest. So soon? Mom hadn’t said anything about it when she called.
On the drive to Shelby Lake, Lindsey had even considered buying the house and turning it into a bed-and-breakfast like Stephen had suggested. Too late now.
Don’t think about it now.
Stephen leaned one shoulder against the support column near the front steps. Her heart picked up speed, but her feet slowed.
What was she doing? She couldn’t throw away her business for a guy who may or may not want to be with her. Where was her common sense?
The wind blew through her hair, caressing her cheek.
Trust.
She pulled hair away from her face. She could do this.
Lindsey kept her eyes on Stephen as she took the steps one at a time until she stood in front of him. “I just left your place. No one was home.”
His gaze wandered over her in a lazy-summer-afternoon sort of way, warming her from the inside out. His lips lifted, giving her the same charming smile that caused her to melt like hot fudge.
“I was here. Waiting for you.”
“How did you know I’d be here?” She wanted to reach out and touch him, but she needed to know if he still felt the same before she launched herself into his arms.
He stroked her cheek. “I called the inn and spoke to some woman who said you were on your way home.”
“Why did you call the inn?” She laid her hand over his.
Stephen withdrew his hand. He reached inside his leather jacket and pulled out an envelope from the inner pocket. He tapped it against his other hand a second before holding it out to her.
Lindsey frowned as she took it. “What’s this?”
“Read it and find out.”
She pulled a folded single sheet from the unsealed envelope. She glanced at him, unfolded the letter and read the words.
No, this couldn’t be right. She read the letter again. What was going on here? Her fingers trembled. Tears flooded her eyes.
Her eyes shot to Stephen, but he foc
used his gaze over her shoulder. The muscles tightened along his jaw.
“Stephen?”
He shrugged. Reaching out to her, he caressed her ear with the pad of his thumb and then cupped her cheek. “I missed you, Lindsey. I’ve been miserable the past couple of days without you. I love you. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you, even giving up my badge. You complete me. Not the job. You—”
Lindsey stood on tiptoe and pressed a finger against his lips. She wrapped her arms around him and rested her head against his chest. He tightened his hold on her. This is where she belonged.
She pulled back and scanned the contents of his resignation letter once more. He’d given her exactly what she’d asked for. No worries about him being killed in the line of duty. No sleepless nights worrying about his safety. No wondering if that goodbye kiss will be the last.
She refolded the letter and tucked it inside the envelope. She gripped it and closed her eyes, drawing on God’s promises.
The wind rustled through the bare branches. Leaves skittered across the wooden planks and swirled around their feet. She soaked in the fragrance of the season—dried leaves, wood smoke, pungent earth—God’s breath on her face.
Lindsey opened her eyes and smiled at Stephen. Taking a firm grip on the envelope, she tore it in half, put the halves together and ripped again. And again. Until the letter was a pile of confetti in her hands.
Laughing, she threw it in the air. Pieces landed in Stephen’s hair, on his shoulders.
Disbelief marked his face. He pulled the pieces out of her hair. “Lindsey—”
She silenced him with her finger again and led him to the porch swing. Her vision blurred as they sat. She threaded her fingers through his. “You were right, Stephen. I was afraid to trust God to keep you safe. Afraid to trust you again with my heart. I can’t promise I won’t worry, but I will promise not to run when I become afraid. Being a cop is part of who you are. I love you, all of you. Badge and all.” A sob shuddered in her chest. “Stephen, will you marry me?”
He reached for a pink polka-dot gift bag and knelt on the floor in front of Lindsey, presenting the bag as if it were a crown jewel. “I’m not that great in the gift-wrap department, so I cheated.”
Lindsey dug through pink tissue paper and pulled out a box of pancake mix and a bottle of maple syrup with a pink ribbon tied around it—with a diamond ring in the center of the bow. Her breath hitched.
Stephen untied the ribbon and took off the ring. Grabbing her left hand, he slid the ring on her finger. “I love you, Lindsey. And I promise to spend every day of our married life showing you just how much.”
“I love you, too.”
He stood and pulled her to her feet, drawing her close. He brushed his lips across her mouth and then touched his forehead to hers.
Following her heart, she found the one man she could share breakfast with for the rest of their lives.
Dear Reader,
Twenty-three years ago, a handsome marine stole my heart, promising never to give it back. That marine dreamed of becoming a police officer like his dad. Just before his enlistment was up, though, I begged him to give up his dream. I was terrified of losing him in the line of duty. Lindsey and I have a lot in common—we didn’t trust God to protect those we loved.
Lakeside Reunion is a story of forgiveness, trust and having a second chance at love. We draw close to those we love and trust, just as God wants us to draw close to Him. When we put our faith in Him, He restores our relationship and helps us overcome those fears that keep us from living. God always promises to be by our sides, no matter what trials we experience.
Stephen and Lindsey are dear to my heart, having been rattling around in my head for over a decade. I’m so thrilled you took the time to read this story of my heart. Don’t be a stranger to Shelby Lake. I love to hear from my readers. You can contact me at [email protected] or visit my website, www.lisajordanbooks.com, to learn what’s next for the residents of Shelby Lake and my writing.
Lisa Jordan
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
Lindsey left Shelby Lake brokenhearted, but family obligation calls her home. Had you had a time in your life when you wanted to leave the past behind? What brought you back?
The first person Lindsey sees when she returns to Shelby Lake is Stephen, her former fiancé. Have you faced someone who broke your heart in the past? How did you handle it?
Lindsey’s mother broke her leg and requires surgery. Lindsey need to be there for her mom, but she also has a business two hours away. How have you handled juggling family responsibilities?
Stephen’s past created a ripple effect in the lives of those he loved. Just as he was about to marry Lindsey, he was forced to choose between love and honor. Stephen chose honor. How would you choose in his situation?
Lindsey learns her mother has a boyfriend after being widowed for five years. Lindsey has a difficult time adjusting to new changes in her mother’s life. Have you had to adjust to your parents or a loved one moving forward with someone new in their lives?
Stephen is driven to find his partner’s killer. After many dead ends, the police department has a solid lead. Stephen wants justice, but realizes that’s up to God. Do you find it hard to forgive those who hurt you?
Lindsey adores Stephen’s son, Tyler. Have you parented a child who wasn’t your own? What challenges did you face?
Stephen and Lindsey understand the pain of losing someone they love. Have you lost someone you loved? How did you handle the grieving process and move forward with your life?
Stephen’s friend Oliver asked Stephen what he’d be willing to give up to keep Lindsey. In the end Stephen sacrifices his symbol of honor. Have you had to make a sacrifice for someone you loved? How did you handle it?
Stephen gives Lindsey everything she wanted, including his badge. In the end, Lindsey tore up Stephen’s letter of resignation. What brought about her change of heart? Give an example of how you embraced God instead of clinging to fear.
ISBN: 978-1-4592-1621-1
LAKESIDE REUNION
Copyright © 2011 by Lisa Jordan
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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.
This edition published by arrangement with Love Inspired Books.
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