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

by Lois Richer

  “Oh, I don’t know about that.” Ginger tugged on her hair, uncomfortable with the conversation. “Ty mentioned he’d come home for solitude so he could sort through the events surrounding his...injuries. Unfortunately, he came home to strangers in his cabin. I think he was expecting things here to be the same, but instead he came home to a new sister-in-law, a man he’s never met is marrying his baby sister and taking over the family business, and his parents are thinking of retiring and moving away.”

  Moisture formed in Laura’s blue eyes. “I never thought about it like that. But you’re right. Ty got shot during the time Shelby and Matt were getting back together. Then Adam and I met, and got engaged on Thanksgiving Day.”

  “I think all he needs is time to work things out.”

  Laura rested her hands on her tool belt. “Ty’s wanted to be a cop since he was five years old. Eventually, he’ll go back to the force. You can bank on that.”

  Ginger’s heart contracted. The thought of Ty picking up a gun and charging back into the world of big-city crime filled her with dread. What if the next time, the bullets claimed his life?

  “As a kid, Ty was the champion of the smaller kids. He stood up to the bullies. I think he’s only happy when he’s helping people. It’s who he is.”

  Laura’s words settled like a stone in her heart. Was that why Ty had been so helpful? Because it was his nature? She’d hoped he was being kind because he liked them, her and Elliot. A flush of embarrassment stung her cheeks. She’d obviously read too much into Ty’s attention. Silly her, thinking a man like Ty would be interested in a widow and her son.

  “I hear Matt and Ty are going to Jackson on Saturday with the boys. Come to my house for lunch. I’ll send you directions.”

  She probably should refuse, but she liked Laura, and having friends to talk to was something she’d sorely missed over the years. “I’d like that. Thank you.”

  * * *

  Ty shut the door to the van and started around to the back, stopping abruptly when he smelled something delicious coming from nearby. He scanned the area, his gaze landing on the old garage where some of the workers had congregated. He smiled. The ladies of the church had come through again.

  His sister met him as he approached the tables. “You just missed her.”

  “Who?”

  “Ginger. She stopped by earlier to make arrangements for the food.” She smiled and tilted her head. “She’s really nice. I like her. We all do.”

  “Who all?”

  “Mom. Dad. Matt. Shelby.”

  Ty knew the look in his sister’s blue eyes. “You can stop the teasing. I’m just helping her out. Nothing more.”

  “Right. So you bring her to Sunday dinner.”

  “Trying to be neighborly.” He started to move past her to the food table, but she caught his arm.

  “Ty, I really do like her. She’s sweet. I’m glad you were there to help her and Elliot.”

  “Me, too.” Ty moved down the food table, loading up his plate with stick-to-your-ribs dishes that would fuel him for the rest of the day.

  “This is quite a spread. Hope they feed us this way every day.”

  Ty glanced over his shoulder at the man behind him in line. At six-two and muscled like a navy SEAL, Shaw McKinney would have been an intimidating figure, except for his ready smile and quick wit. “I don’t think you’ll have to worry about the food with Ginger in charge.”

  “Ginger. Is that the very attractive lady staying with you?”

  Ty frowned. “She’s not staying with me. She and her son are in the cabin. I’m staying in the boathouse.” Not that it was any of Shaw’s concern. “What do you know about Ginger?”

  Shaw picked up a plate. “Enough to know she’s very pretty, in a wholesome kind of way. She was here earlier. Hard to miss someone like her.”

  Ty set his jaw. He didn’t like the idea of the men ogling Ginger. It would embarrass her. “Back off, Shaw. She’s not your type.”

  “Oh, really? She might be the one to change my mind about settling down.”

  Ty doubted that. Shaw never dated a woman more than twice, and even that was rare. He wasn’t a bad guy. He was a hard worker and dependable, but he liked to play up his reputation as a ladies’ man. Still, he didn’t want the man even thinking about Ginger. “She has a son.”

  Shaw growled. “Ah. That’s a deal breaker. I don’t do kids.”

  Ty smiled inwardly. Shaw might not, but Ty loved kids. EJ was proving to be his little buddy. After school they’d fish or play ball until it was dark. Someday, if things worked out, he’d like to have a whole house full of kids.

  * * *

  Daylight had nearly gone as Ginger began clearing her desk for the day. She’d lined up volunteers through the weekend, all with experience in rough carpentry and capable of getting the Stanton house under roof the way Ty wanted. But it had been a struggle. Finding people to provide food for the workers was an easier task. The ladies of Peace Community sought her out with offers. It was really very sweet and touching the way they all jumped in to do their part.

  Tonight was her first time to play piano for choir rehearsal. And Ty had insisted on watching EJ after school. His reliability was admirable. It was nice to have someone to pitch in to help instead of having it all on her shoulders.

  A light tapping on her door drew her attention.

  “Mrs. Sloan? I’m Carol Stanton. Y’all are building our house.”

  A rush of joy and compassion surged through Ginger. She’d been looking forward to meeting the owners. “Mrs. Stanton, I’m so glad to meet you. I was going to come to see you at your place tomorrow.”

  A wan smile moved the woman’s face. “We don’t really have a place at the moment. Ben Campbell, the real estate man, he gave us a small house to stay in for now. I wanted to ask you to thank everyone for coming together to help us. My family is very grateful.”

  Ginger motioned for her to be seated. “It’s our pleasure. Besides, I’ve learned a great deal about your family as I’ve talked to the church members. You and your husband are the first to step up when someone needs help. And I hear Mr. Stanton has coached various community teams for years. I think everyone is grateful for a chance to do something for you now.”

  Mrs. Stanton’s eyes misted over. “I’m so thankful to the Lord for bringing such kind people into our lives.” She stood, then said, “I have to get back to the hospital. I don’t like to leave Lee alone too long.”

  “I’ll keep in touch, and let you know how the house is progressing.” Ginger spoke with the woman a few more minutes before saying goodbye. Having met Mrs. Stanton, Ginger was more determined than ever to find all the volunteers necessary to make this project a success.

  * * *

  Friday dawned cold and windy, and rain threatened. Ty stared up at the rafters being constructed above the Stantons’ house. He’d wanted the roof finished by the weekend so they could start working inside, but they’d lost a whole day of work yesterday to rain, and several carpenters had left when they got paying jobs.

  Shaw McKinney came toward him from the saw table where he’d been cutting lumber for the roof. “I take it Ginger hasn’t been able to find any more willing workers?”

  Ty shook his head. “She can find plenty of people to bring food, but not many who want to do the real work.”

  Shaw nodded. “Laura just texted me, she’ll be pulling her guys off after today.”

  Ty exhaled a frustrated breath. Things were going much more slowly than he’d expected. “I had a trip planned with Matt and the boys tomorrow. Guess I should cancel.”

  “Nah. Don’t do that. I’ll be here all weekend. I’ve got a couple guys coming down from Jackson tomorrow to work. We should have it under roof by Monday. After that, though, I don’t know what you’re going to do.”
<
br />   “Pray.” Getting this house done in a few weeks would need the whole town coming together. Ty was beginning to fear that might not happen.

  * * *

  The charming Victorian cottage in the middle of a tree-lined street elicited a sigh of appreciation from Ginger as she pulled into Laura’s driveway Saturday. The house could have been lifted from a picture book. Intricate gingerbread dripped from every angle of the porch and gable. The broad wraparound front porch held planters filled with mums and colorful pansies.

  She’d looked forward to lunch with Ty’s sister, but a small part of her worried about getting too entangled with his family. Always in the back of her mind was the knowledge that she would be leaving as soon as she could pay for the car repairs. Her heart was tattered enough without ripping it more by leaving people she cared about behind.

  Laura greeted her at the door with a bright smile and her little dog, Wally, who wagged his tail frantically at her arrival. Ginger rubbed his head, then followed Laura into the living room. The pleasing assortment of antique pieces, overstuffed furniture and cheery fabrics made her smile. “I love the way you’ve decorated, so cozy and comfortable. If I could design my dream home, it would look exactly like this.”

  “Thank you. I’m going to miss it after Adam and I are married.”

  “Ty mentioned you’re restoring an old home.”

  Laura nodded. “I hate to sell, but we don’t need two homes. Come on into the sunroom. I have lunch all ready.”

  The room captured Ginger’s heart. The large, glass-enclosed space was filled with light and inviting rattan furniture. A small table in the corner near the window faced out onto the winter garden where several large bushes were bent low with flowers. Pots of pansies brought color to the patio and the fountain, turned off for the season. “This is lovely. I’d spend every spare moment out here.”

  “I try to, but the spare moments are becoming fewer and fewer.” Laura returned with two plates, drinks and fresh rolls on a large tray. “I’ve made you the only acceptable lunch for ladies of the south. Chicken salad, fruit, croissants and sweet tea.”

  They chatted about the wedding and the work on the Stanton property as they ate. When Laura placed a slice of warm pecan pie in front of her, Ginger decided to seek the woman’s help. “I was wondering if there was a thrift store in town. Elliot has asked for a bike. His birthday is coming up, and I thought maybe I’d surprise him.”

  “There’s a Salvation Army store just past the railroad tracks.” Laura leaned forward. “When’s his birthday?”

  “A week from Sunday.”

  A huge smile lit Laura’s face. “I have a great idea. Why don’t we throw him a surprise party?”

  “Oh, I’d love to do that, but I’m on a tight budget.”

  Laura waved off her concerns. “We’ll keep it simple. A cake and gifts. We can have it at Mom’s.”

  “Laura, that’s too much.”

  “Nonsense. Mom and Shelby will be here shortly. We’ll run the idea by them.”

  “Oh, then I’d better be going.” Ginger started to rise, but Laura motioned her back down.

  “We’re going to be looking at wedding details, and I could use another woman’s opinion. And I want you to come to the wedding. Please, say yes.”

  “But I’m not family, and I’ve only met your mother once and...”

  “Once is enough. We all took to you right off. Besides, you’re Ty’s friend, so that means you’re family.”

  Family. Ginger had never fully grasped the beauty of that word until now.

  * * *

  Stepping inside the beautiful sanctuary of Peace Community Church Sunday morning stirred up mixed emotions in Ginger’s stomach. She’d been a freshman in college the last time she’d been in church. She’d decided to live her life on her own terms, unrestrained by her parents’ dictates. Her nerves were on edge as she glanced around the sanctuary with its stained-glass windows, wooden pews and the large cross behind the pulpit. She wished she’d stayed at the cabin. She wasn’t ready to face God yet. The touch of Ty’s hand on her back stilled her troubled thoughts.

  “Are you okay?”

  She swallowed past the tightness in her throat. “It’s been a long time.”

  His brows drew together in a frown. “But you work here now.”

  “Working in the office and worshipping in the sanctuary are two different things.”

  “I suppose so. But, you know, He’s glad you’re here.”

  Was God glad she was here? Or was He waiting to scold her for avoiding Him for all these years? She continued down the aisle, holding tightly to EJ’s hand. Ty stopped at an empty pew near the front, waiting for her and EJ to sit. She was grateful for the separation her son provided. Ty had shown up at the cabin door in a suit and tie, looking as if he’d stepped off the cover of a men’s fashion magazine. She found it hard to keep her eyes off him. And he smelled so good. Like soap and fresh air and pine. She really needed to get a grip on her growing attraction to him. Especially in church.

  When the service started, Ginger braced for the old feelings of resentment to surface. Instead, she found a sense of calm settling on her shoulders. When they stood for the first hymn, Ty already had the hymnal open, holding it out for her to share. She grasped the edge, stealing a glance at him. His blue eyes were staring into hers, a warm smile lifting one corner of his mouth. When he started to sing in a rich baritone, she couldn’t look away. It wasn’t only that he knew the words, but he sang them with conviction. She wanted a faith like his. Solid. Strong. Dependable. She’d had it once, but she didn’t know how to get it back.

  She turned her attention to Pastor Jim as he took the pulpit. After working with him all week, she was looking forward to hearing his sermon.

  “Did God take something from you? Your spouse? Your health? Security?”

  Ginger inhaled sharply. Was he talking to her?

  “Are you angry with God because He didn’t give you what you wanted or what you thought you deserved? Do you wonder why a loving God didn’t make a world without pain and suffering, death and evil? What if I told you He did. But we thought we could do a better job of running the world. So we ate from the tree, and the world fell. God doesn’t get back at us for what we do. But He did give us free will, and that means we must endure the consequences of our own actions and choices. It’s easier to blame God. But when we do that, we don’t mature. Trouble isn’t to make us suffer, it’s to make us grow and learn. So the next time we’re faced with a difficult situation we’ll apply the mistakes of the past and choose a better path.”

  The pastor’s words landed like a pebble in her mind, stirring up a torrent of conflicting emotions. Wasn’t that what she was trying to do—learn from her mistakes by staying out of debt and taking responsibility for her future? Hadn’t she chosen a better path by reuniting with her mother and starting fresh?

  Maybe she had drifted from her faith but she hadn’t stopped believing. If God was so compassionate, why hadn’t He intervened when she’d needed help? Why hadn’t He answered her desperate prayers? Perhaps she was blaming God unfairly. If so, she had a long way to go before she could believe that He really loved her.

  * * *

  Ty took the last bite of his dessert, smiling as he watched EJ and Kenny enjoy the football game on TV with his dad. The boys were laughing and poking each other as if they’d been friends forever.

  The trip to the museums yesterday had been a huge success. Both Kenny and EJ had delighted in every exhibit, dashing from one to the other, leaving him and Matt struggling to keep up. The day had given Ty a glimpse into his brother’s life. Being a parent wasn’t something Ty thought about, but today he’d thought of little else.

  The only sour note in the trip had been the reports from Shaw. Ty had texted him several times for updates. The morning
work had gone well, but midafternoon the rain had started and work had to be shut down. Structural inspections were due for Monday afternoon. They couldn’t afford any delays, but that seemed to be the way things were going.

  Carrying his empty plate to the kitchen, he realized Ginger was missing. She’d disappeared shortly after his family left. Matt had gone with Adam and Laura to their new home to discuss some construction details. Mom had joined Shelby and Cassidy to visit a friend who’d just had a baby. He hoped Ginger wasn’t feeling left out, though he’d heard her decline when his mother invited her along.

  He was curious to see how she’d liked his mom’s famous Mississippi Mud Pie. If she was like most people, she’d fallen in love with the rich chocolate dessert after one bite.

  Soft notes from the piano in the front room gave away Ginger’s location. He strolled down the hallway, stopping at the archway into the living room, not wanting to disturb her as she played.

  His gaze fell on her face with its creamy skin, long lashes and sweet mouth. That rebellious lock of hair dangled near her cheek, and he wished he could tug on it the way she always did. He leaned against the door frame watching, mesmerized by the serene expression on her face. She felt every note, her fingers and her heart intertwined. She ended the piece and rested her hands in her lap before glancing up and seeing him. A pretty blush touched her cheek. “Beautiful.” The smile she gave him lit up her eyes.

  “Thank you. I haven’t played that piece in years. I’m surprised I could remember it.”

  Ty walked to the piano. “I wasn’t talking about the music. I was talking about you. I’ve never seen you so happy.”

  She ducked her head. “I used to love to play. It was my escape. I could lose myself in the music and forget everything else.”

  “Then you should play as often as you can. You deserve to be happy.” Something flitted through her eyes. Hope? Affection? Before he could name it she stood and glanced at the mantel clock.

  “I think it’s time to go. I need to get EJ ready for school.”