Love Inspired March 2014 - Bundle 2 of 2: North Country FamilySmall-Town MidwifeProtecting the Widow's Heart

by Lois Richer

  He checked that Cassie was ready to go. “Okay?”

  She nodded.

  The early afternoon sun blazed on the white snow, almost blinding in its intensity. Rick helped Cassie strap on Kyle’s snowshoes then donned his own. Cassie caught on quickly and soon they were tramping over the tundra, their breath forming white clouds around them.

  “You’re good at this,” he complimented.

  “It’s actually a lot of fun,” she puffed, pausing to gaze around. “I’ve wanted to get out and explore but haven’t had much time. Oh, look.” A rabbit scurried across the snow, barely visible as he blended into his surroundings.

  “There’s a small creek over there,” Rick told her. “Not that it will be running in this weather, but that thicket makes a good hiding place for animals. Want to take a look?”

  Cassie nodded and set off at a quick clip. Rick followed, admiring the way her blond curls framed her face. Cassie was truly beautiful. There was no denying it.

  Rick quickly checked the direction of those thoughts. This was an outing to have fun. That’s all.

  Something cold and wet smacked him on the side of his head.

  “Hey!”

  “I thought maybe you’d fallen asleep,” Cassie teased, her laughter echoing across the barren land. “How come you slowed down?”

  “I got caught admiring the view,” he muttered as he scraped snow from his collar.

  “What did you say?” She tipped her head to one side like a curious bird, the pure angles of her face lit by the sun.

  “Nothing.” Rick forced his mind to clear. In several quick strides he was beside her. “You want a snowball fight? I can give you a snowball fight.” He bent to scoop up a handful of snow and rolled it menacingly between his hands.

  “No, no!” she yelped, turning awkwardly to race across the snowpack as quickly as she could. “I was just teasing!”

  Rick followed, took aim and threw. The snowball landed on the top of her green hood. Without pause he made a second missile and hit her in the back. Cassie’s laughter echoed through the afternoon but soon her speed tripped her up and she landed with a whoosh in the snow.

  Rick plowed toward her, forming another snowball as he moved. When he reached her, he loomed over her. “Prepare to have your face washed.”

  “I’ll freeze,” she protested, still chuckling. When he leaned down, she squealed, but in an about-face of courage, tipped her head so she was looking directly at him. “Okay, I’ll take my punishment.”

  Rick was instantly caught up in her brown eyes, in the way her curls kissed her cheeks and the proud thrust of her chin, daring him. Finally he tossed the snowball over her head then held out a hand.

  “Come on. If your racket hasn’t chased away every animal within ten miles, we might still see something.”

  Cassie’s laughter died as she studied him. Then she held out her mittened hand and let him pull her upright. Cassie’s snowshoes got tangled in his and she lost her balance, tumbling against him, her hands pressed against his chest.

  Her brown eyes, huge now, met and held his. “Sorry.”

  Rick’s arms automatically went around her. He couldn’t speak, couldn’t move, couldn’t tear his gaze from her. His heart threatened to pound through his chest. He felt certain Cassie could hear it, but all he could do was stand there, stunned by the strength of his urge to kiss her, to touch his lips to her soft mouth. He leaned forward just the tiniest bit.

  “R-rick?” Her voice emerged in a breathy gasp. Seconds passed and he didn’t release her. At last, she dropped her hands from his chest and stepped back, untangling her snowshoes from his. “I thought we were going to see some animals,” she murmured.

  “We are.” Rick exhaled. “Race you.”

  He wheeled away and marched across the snow in giant strides, surging toward the thicket, inhaling deeply as he moved, trying to cleanse his heart and mind of Cassie. He glanced back once. She was standing where he’d left her, studying him.

  Determined to regain control, Rick faced forward and kept going until he reached the tree stump where he often sat and watched the animals. He filled his lungs and forced his heart to slow down. By the time Cassie arrived, he had regained his composure. He even managed to give her a friendly smile, as if he’d totally dismissed the intimate moment they’d shared.

  “Have a seat.” He swiped the snow off another stump and patted it. “It’s not the most comfortable, but it’s the best view.”

  “It’s pretty here. It looks like a Christmas wonderland.” Cassie, too, seemed determined to ignore those few awkward minutes. She sat down next to him, her shoulder brushing his.

  A short while later a white-coated Arctic fox appeared not thirty feet away. Cassie made no sound, though when the fox came within several feet of them, her hand slid into his.

  “It’s okay,” Rick reassured her in a low murmur. “She’s checking us out. She probably has a den with kits in it nearby. Try not to move.”

  He sat beside Cassie, too aware of her so close to him. He felt every motion she made, heard her swift intake of breath when the mother fox carried one of her babies into the snow for a quick wash, then hurried it back inside when a dark shadow circled overhead.

  “She won’t come out for a while now,” he explained. “She knows there’s danger.”

  Several moments passed before Cassie’s hand slid out of his. “We’ve been gone awhile,” she said checking her watch. “I should get back and check on Michael.”

  “Okay.” Rick rose, sad that their few moments alone together were over but also somehow relieved that they’d soon be with other people. He needed to get his thoughts in order, to remember the vows he’d made to God and to focus on God’s priorities.

  He pushed through the snow in silence, following the trail their earlier tracks had made. He focused on what he saw. Frosted crests of snow peaked among wild grasses that had pushed through wind-polished hillocks of white.

  “It’s very serene, isn’t it?” she said in a hushed voice.

  “Yes.” Rick wished he felt that serenity inside. Instead, he felt off-kilter and confused. He waited until they were almost back to Lives, then he turned to face Cassie.

  “Is something wrong?” Cassie asked, a question on her face.

  Rick had been going to say something about the two of them, but suddenly he couldn’t find the words. Anyway, he didn’t want to break the connection he’d felt. Not yet.

  “I wanted to ask about Noah,” he said instead. “I’m guessing you haven’t made much progress?” He waited for the shake of her head. “He’s been very quiet at choir, too. I thought he might stop coming, but he hasn’t.”

  “I’m glad.”

  “Me, too. He seems to enjoy singing,” Rick murmured. “I wish I could give him more attention, but I have my hands full with directing the boys and accompanying them on guitar.”

  “I thought Lucy was playing piano.” Cassie undid her snowshoes.

  “The arthritis in her hands makes it too difficult for her. Playing on Sundays is the most she can manage.” Rick met her gaze when she looked up at him, but he had to look away. Those few moments in the snow kept intruding.

  “I suppose I could help, if I’m not called in for a shift,” Cassie offered hesitantly.

  “We’ll gladly take any and all help,” he said. “What would you like to do?”

  Cassie looked at him as if he’d grown two heads.

  “Play,” she said. “I thought you wanted a pianist.”

  “You play the piano?” He grinned. “I wish I’d known that a couple of weeks ago.”

  “The only thing is, I wonder how Noah will react,” she said. “What if my being there makes his stuttering worse?”

  “That won’t be an issue,” Rick assured her as he stepped out of his s
nowshoes. “Noah doesn’t stutter when he sings.”

  “At all? I mean he didn’t the day I was there, but I thought that was an exception.” Cassie’s face lit up.

  “His voice doesn’t falter on a single note.”

  “Maybe this is one area where he could shine,” Cassie said.

  “That’s what I’m thinking.” Rick walked with her toward the house.

  “Can I ask you something?” Cassie pulled her hands from her mitts and blew on them to warm them.

  “Anything. My life is an open book.” Curious to hear her question, he waited.

  “Why do you spend so much time at Lives? Are you hoping your work here will help you get a promotion to a better church?”

  Rick bristled at the insinuation he thought he heard in Cassie’s words, then decided her question was legitimate, given her past history with those who’d called themselves Christians. He looked into her eyes and spoke from his heart.

  “I’m not interested in padding my bio, Cassie. I try to help wherever I can because that’s what I promised God I’d do.” He shook his head at the cascading memories. “I’ve made a lot of mistakes, hurt a lot of people. If one kid avoids the same mistakes and the repercussions because of me, then maybe I’ll have repaid a bit of the debt I owe God.”

  She studied him for a long time, her gaze searching, questioning. Finally, she nodded and led the way inside.

  As Rick followed, an inner voice reminded him he’d also promised God that he would give up his yearning for love and a family of his own. And yet, every day he was getting more entangled with lovely Cassie Crockett and her son.

  Worse than that, Rick still hadn’t been completely honest about his past with her father. He hadn’t told her that he was the reason her father hadn’t been in a position to offer her any financial help when Eric died.

  For a moment, the thought of everything Rick had cost Cassie and Noah was almost more than he could bear.

  Chapter Seven

  The whirling snowstorm outdoors matched the blizzard of confusion inside Cassie’s soul. This crazy attraction to Rick Salinger muddled her thinking. One moment she could hardly wait to see him, the next she was desperate to avoid him.

  “Mom? C-can we h-have some m-more p-popcorn, p-please?” Noah held out the massive bowl she’d filled only a few moments ago. At least, that’s what it seemed like.

  “Sure. Why don’t you make it?” She watched as he measured oil and popcorn kernels, then slid the pot back and forth over the stove. The mouthwatering aroma of warm popcorn quickly filled the room. “Are you okay?” she asked, wishing he’d talk to her.

  “I’m s-sick of this s-stupid cast.” Noah flicked off the switch on the stove, but couldn’t lift the pot to empty it. He stood back while Cassie did that. “I wonder if Rick will cancel.”

  “Cancel?” She frowned. “Cancel what?” After two consecutive night shifts at the hospital, her mind felt jumbled as her body took its time readjusting to regular hours.

  “He s-said he was g-going to come t-tonight, with h-his guitar, so we c-could have a s-sing-along.” Noah peered out the window. “Maybe h-he won’t make i-it in this.”

  “Do you like singing?” She pretended nonchalance, nibbling on a handful of popcorn while Noah melted butter.

  “Yeah. The c-choir is g-great.” Noah’s face beamed with enthusiasm. Cassie was astounded. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d seen him look so happy.

  “Rick asked me to accompany the choir because Lucy’s struggling with the music. Will that bother you?” Cassie asked.

  “Nah. Mrs. Clow m-makes lots of m-mistakes.” In the midst of pouring melted butter over the popcorn, Noah’s head lifted. “What’s th-that?” He dropped the butter dish and raced toward a window. “It’s R-Rick and s-someone else,” he said. “Mr. S-Stonechild, I th-think. They’re r-riding a s-snowmobile.”

  Cassie heard Laurel going to the door and hid a smile as she imagined her friend’s reaction to seeing Teddy Stonechild again. The couple never seemed to hit it off, though they snuck looks at each other whenever they were in the same room. Cassie wondered if, in spite of their bickering, they were secretly attracted to each other.

  Rick’s voice echoed down the hallway.

  There it went again, her silly thumping heart almost pounding out of her chest. Cassie was tempted to rush upstairs in an attempt to avoid him, but that would be childish.

  Besides, she wanted to see him again.

  “You keeping this popcorn for yourself?” Rick asked from behind her, laughter in his deep rich tone.

  “That’s Noah’s. You’ll have to ask him.” Her skin prickled at his nearness but she turned and faced him, anyway, hoping her face didn’t give her away.

  “Can I share your popcorn, Noah?” Rick grinned.

  “S-sure.” Noah’s face lost its bored expression as he handed Rick a bowl.

  “Thanks.” Rick served himself fully one-third of the popcorn they’d just made. He winked at Cassie over his shoulder. “I like the buttered stuff best.”

  “So do I.” Noah stared at the mostly unbuttered remains.

  “I’ll melt more,” Cassie told him, going to the stove. “Rick, I’m surprised you got here in this storm.”

  “This isn’t a storm. This is a little dustup.” He laughed out loud. “At least that’s Teddy’s take. The man is fearless.”

  “W-was it f-fun, coming h-here?” Noah asked.

  Cassie glanced at Rick. She didn’t want Rick to encourage her son to take risks.

  Noah, she suddenly realized, was beginning to look up to Rick. Too much?

  Rick’s green eyes locked with hers in understanding. Then he turned to Noah.

  “Not exactly fun, Noah,” he said in a sober tone. “But we’re both fairly experienced on this terrain and we always note our landmarks. I’m not sure we’ll be able to go back tonight, though. The wind has kicked up a lot since we left.”

  “You could have canceled,” she said.

  “I promised the kids I’d be here and I keep my promises.” Time seemed to freeze as Rick’s gaze clung to hers.

  In a flash Cassie recalled every instant of those moments in the snow when his arms had wrapped around her and she’d felt his heart race. His green-eyed stare told her he’d been as affected by the encounter as she had. While that flattered her ego, it also terrified her. She didn’t want to be under the influence of attraction. Not ever again.

  “Mom, you’re g-going to burn the b-butter.”

  She blinked and found Noah staring at her. “Sorry. Here,” she said, pouring it on his popcorn.

  “Your mom is probably tired from her hospital shifts,” Rick said. “Why don’t we invite her to join us in singing.”

  “N-no w-way.” Noah shook his head vehemently.

  “Why not?” Rick frowned, clearly bothered by his abrupt refusal. “Your mom deserves to have some fun. She works hard and—”

  “She c-can’t s-sing,” Noah told him. “Th-they even k-kicked her off the ch-church choir.”

  “Noah!” Cassie’s cheeks burned. She was totally embarrassed by Rick’s laughter. “Let’s hear if you do better,” she snapped before scooping up the bowl of popcorn and going into the big family room.

  “Noah, my man, you have to be more careful about the lady’s feelings,” Rick whispered just loud enough for her to hear.

  Cassie ignored their smothered laughter and handed the bowl to Michael. “Help yourself,” she ordered, “and pass it to the others. Rick’s already eaten his share and Noah doesn’t want anymore.”

  “Hey!” Noah protested. “N-not t-true.”

  Cassie was glad for the clamor that followed Rick’s entrance. While the boys high-fived him, she sat in a corner chair and waited for her face to cool off. But she couldn’t
keep her eyes off the handsome preacher, especially when he pulled out the ukulele he’d brought in his backpack and began coaxing music from it.

  How could one man be so blessed? Rick had good looks, the most gentle, giving spirit she’d ever known and an unbelievable ability to play and sing.

  Sometimes, Cassie decided, life was not fair. How was she supposed to stay away from a man like Rick?

  As the boys sat in a circle around Rick, Cassie could only watch, astounded by the way he used his musical gift to reach each boy. Most of them hadn’t sung before but Laurel had coaxed them to join the choir. Now they didn’t even suspect Rick was teaching them harmony as he guided them through a series of choruses, encouraging one boy to take the lead line here and another there. Even the most reluctant couldn’t help joining in on the fun.

  Now, for the first time, Cassie was truly grateful her parents had insisted she take piano lessons. Those years of lessons gave her the ability to realize the extent of Rick’s talent. This was a man whose music poured from his heart and his soul.

  Rick even managed to draw Laurel and Teddy into the singing. Without pause he adapted and arranged songs to suit everyone. Watching him, understanding flooded her. Rick’s ability to engage everyone around him lay in his openness with them. He accepted everyone as they were—warts and all. Despite opposition, he kept right on doing what he thought was right. Cassie envied him that quality—especially because she didn’t have it.

  Was that why Noah admired him so much? Because Rick was strong and focused? Was that why she admired Rick? Because his faith didn’t wobble as hers did? Because he knew what he believed and he trusted God no matter what?

  It wasn’t that she didn’t want to trust God. But—there was always that “but” of fear that He’d abandon her. That’s what she couldn’t shake.

  “It’s getting late, guys. I think Laurel would like us to conclude our sing-along.” Rick strummed a slower, quieter tune. “How about if we sing this one like a prayer of thanks to God for giving us His son as a token of His great love for us.”

  He played the first chord. As one, the boys’ voices rose in a sweet offering of praise. Cassie’s heart cracked as the young voices soared and filled the room. She’d once been like that, devoted to God, determined to serve Him no matter what.