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

by Lois Richer

  The words spilled over his soul like a soothing ointment, chasing away any doubts and regrets—a confirmation of his decision. He was exactly where he was supposed to be. Tomorrow he’d go back to Dallas and back to his career.

  * * *

  Traffic on Interstate 10 West was thinning out as they left Baton Rouge behind. A full tank of gas ensured they’d make Lafayette, Louisiana, before they had to stop. The more miles she put between herself and Dover, the better. Distance would ease the pain and regret. A quick glance at her son punctured her confidence in her decision. He remained slumped against the car door, refusing to talk.

  She reached out and touched his arm. “EJ?”

  “I don’t see why we had to leave. I liked it there. I had friends. Why couldn’t we stay with Tyster?”

  Ginger gripped the steering wheel, her own heart aching. “Ty is going back to Dallas and his job as a police detective. He won’t be at the cabin anymore, Elliot.”

  “EJ. My name is EJ now.”

  “Sorry. I’ll try to remember that. It was nice of Ty to give you a special name.”

  “Tyster’s a hero. He protected you from that bad man.”

  “I know that, but he can’t protect us from everything. And I want you to be safe.”

  “But I am safe. Jesus watches over us all the time. And Tyster will keep you safe, too, because he likes you.”

  “What makes you say that?”

  “He said you’re special, and very brave, and I’m lucky to have a great mom like you.”

  “He said that?”

  “Yeah. And then he said he liked to look at you because it made him happy.”

  Ginger tried not to dwell on what EJ had told her. Looking at Ty made her happy, too. His dazzling smile, the wavy hair, the broad shoulders, so capable and strong. She shut down the images flooding her mind. It didn’t matter now.

  Elliot focused on his game player for the next hour. Lake Charles, Louisiana, was a short distance ahead. They were over three hours from Dover. So why wasn’t the distance making her feel better?

  A blue rest area sign flashed by, filling her with a sudden need to talk to her mother. She pulled into the right lane, then eased onto the exit ramp.

  “Why are we stopping, Mom?”

  “Time to stretch a bit, and I want to call your grandmother and let her know our progress.”

  “Can I run around under those trees?”

  “Sure.” Ginger followed him across the grassy area, taking a seat at one of the covered picnic tables. Pulling out her cell, she selected her mother’s number. “Hey, Mom.”

  “Oh, Ginny. Honey, I’m so glad you called. I was going to call you as soon as things calmed down around here.”

  “What happened?”

  Her mother sighed. “Oh, it’s awful. Our complex was robbed last night. Three different units were broken into.”

  Ginger’s throat seized up. “Are you okay?”

  “Yes, yes. They didn’t rob me. But my friend Mary had her jewelry taken, and her TV and other things. It was awful. I’m a nervous wreck.”

  Tears sprung into her eyes, her chest tightened, making it hard to breathe. “Oh, Mom.”

  “Honey, don’t worry. It’s all fine now. The police were here, and they already have a lead on the thief. It’s a grandson of one of the neighbors. So sad.”

  Ginger’s hand began to shake. A tidal wave of fear began to swell up from deep inside. “Mom, I’m glad you’re all right. I just wanted to let you know that we’re in Louisiana. I’ll call you later, okay?”

  “Honey, are you all right? You sound funny.”

  “I’m fine. I’ll call you soon.”

  “Don’t let this event upset you. Remember to place your trust in the Lord. He loves you even more than I do. Bad things happen all the time, but the good Lord is always by your side, and He’ll help you through it all.”

  Sobs escaped Ginger’s throat the second she ended the call. She buried her face in her hands, fear and hopelessness swamping her mind. There was no peace, no safety anywhere. Even in the idyllic town of Spring Valley, danger and violence had reared its head. Why couldn’t she find a safe place to live? Why was God doing all these things to her? She was a good Christian. She’d tried to live a good life, she’d tried to... Her mind froze on an image. The gunman—his face contorted in anger as he blamed God for his situation. She’d found his words ludicrous at the time. God hadn’t put the gun in his hand. But what about her situation? God hadn’t sent the man into the restaurant just so John could be shot.

  So what did that leave? If God wasn’t to blame, who was? She thought back over her life and the choices she’d made. Her own youthful resentment and rebellion had turned her away from her family and her faith, not God. So, where did she turn now? Where was her safe place?

  Tears spilled down her cheeks, and she dug in her purse for a tissue, coming up with a rumpled one and the small card Pastor Jim had given her on her last day. The picture on the front featured a tall brick tower bathed in a ray of light from above. Phrases of comfort her mother had taught her bloomed in her mind. Strong tower. Come to me. Peace I give you.

  Like fog lifting on a winter day, she saw her path. There was no city safe enough, no job free from danger, no person she could depend on completely. Only the Lord never changed. He alone had the power to overcome fear. She’d forgotten that and lost her way in the fear created by one violent act.

  Ginger let her gaze travel to Elliot playing in the grassy park. She wanted him to be safe always, but now she saw that it wasn’t up to her. Mom had told her to trust the Lord. Maybe it was time she took the last step and released all of herself into His care. Like the prodigal son, she’d started toward her Father, and now He was running to meet her, in a rest stop in Louisiana.

  Bowing her head, she prayed, giving all her fears, doubts and pain over to the only one strong enough to carry them. When she opened her eyes again, she saw her son, her gaze landing on the ball cap he always wore. The hat Ty had given him.

  Wiping her eyes, she remembered her prayer the first night in the cabin. She’d longed for a safe place to start over. The Lord had brought her to Dover and given her Ty. A man who loved her and loved her son as his own. He was a man who would protect them with every fiber of his being. It was all she could ask from a man. God had led her to Dover and restored her peace, shown her a different kind of security, but she’d been too bound by fear to see it.

  “Mom, you okay? You crying?”

  She reached out and took his hand. “I’m very okay.”

  “Is it time to go?”

  She stood, draping her purse over her shoulder as she turned toward the car. Where should she go? Home to mom or home to Dover? Was it too late? What if Ty had changed his mind? EJ tugged on her arm.

  “Mom? Are we going or not?”

  She swallowed a lump of anxiety. Which direction did she go?

  * * *

  Ty’s SUV was parked near the cabin. Ginger exhaled a sigh of relief. He was here, but how would he feel about them being back? EJ was out of the car before she shut off the engine. He raced up the cabin stairs shouting for Ty. She got out of the car more slowly, her heart pounding. She had so much to say. But she couldn’t let fear keep her from telling him. Fear had stolen too much of her life already.

  EJ bounded down the stairs again, racing around to the front of the cabin. She heard him shout for Ty once more. She walked around to the front, her gaze landing on Ty as EJ threw himself into his arms. As she drew nearer, she could see the worry and concern on Ty’s face. She smiled, searching his eyes for the welcome she’d hoped for.

  He hurried forward, his gaze raking her from head to toe. “Are you all right? What happened? EJ said you’re back, but he didn’t say why.”

  She reached out and touch
ed the center of his chest, taking comfort from the solid strength of him. “We realized we needed to come home.”

  Confusion darkened his blue eyes. “Ginger?”

  “Something happened at my mother’s, and it made me realize you were right. Fear has dominated my life and kept me from reaching out for what I want most.”

  “What happened?”

  She waved him off. “It doesn’t matter. What matters is that I know what I want now.” She looked into his eyes. “I want you.” Ty sucked in a sharp breath, and for a second she feared she was too late, that he’d changed his mind.

  “I thought I’d lost you forever.” He pulled her into his arms, his hand cradling the back of her head. “I didn’t know how I was going to live without you and EJ.”

  She allowed herself to bask in his embrace a moment before pulling back. She wanted him to understand. “Ty, I love you, and I’m all right with your job. It’s part of who you are. God chose you to do this work, and I’m going to trust Him to protect you.”

  “Are you sure? I mean—”

  She stood on tiptoe and kissed him. “I’m very sure.” He crushed her to him, kissing her with a passion that promised a future together.

  “I love you.”

  “I love you, too.”

  A giggle interrupted them. “You guys were kissing. Yuck. Can I ride my bike?”

  Ginger smiled and slipped her arm around Ty’s waist. “Sure, but wear your helmet.”

  Ty looked down at her with a searching gaze after EJ disappeared around the cabin. “Are you sure you want to be a cop’s wife? It’s not easy.”

  “I want to be your wife. The rest we’ll work out.”

  He pulled her close again. “Well, I think I have a solution that will make things easier for both of us. I just got off the phone with Brady. He’s offered me a job here in Dover as the head of the patrol division. I’m seriously considering it.”

  “Are you sure?”

  He reached out and touched the cowlick strand of hair near her cheek. “I realized that serving the people of Dover, the people I care about, gives me more satisfaction than chasing down violent criminals. I want what Matt and Laura have. A family and a home. With you and EJ. Marry me. Let’s start our life together here in Dover.”

  “Yes. When? Tomorrow?”

  Ty laughed. “Tomorrow? I thought you’d at least want time to plan a big wedding.”

  She shook her head. “I want a simple wedding with Pastor Jim and your family. How about Valentine’s Day?”

  “That’s only two weeks away.”

  “I know, but maybe your family will help me pull it together.”

  “You know they will.” He hugged her close, kissing the top of her head. “Then all that’s left is to buy a plane ticket.”

  “Why?”

  “So your mother can be here to help you plan. She’ll be disappointed you aren’t going to Spring Valley after all.”

  She reached up and touched his cheek. “You really do think of everything. Thank you. I called her and told her I was coming back to Dover. I think she knew why.”

  “All that’s left is a ring and a place to live.”

  “We can live in the cabin.”

  “Laura’s selling her house. I thought it might make a nice family home.”

  “It would be the perfect place.” Ginger had never believed she could be so happy or feel so safe. She’d found a home—in Ty’s arms.

  * * * * *

  Keep reading for an excerpt from THE LAWMAN'S HONOR by Linda Goodnight.

  Dear Reader,

  Sometimes when you write a book, you end up reminding yourself of the same truths you’ve given your characters. Fear is one of the greatest obstacles to our faith. It raises doubts, undermines our belief in our abilities and can keep us from moving forward. I was reminded many times as I told Ty and Ginger’s story how quickly I forget the Lord’s faithfulness and let fear fill my heart and mind.

  Ty and Ginger both faced a life-changing moment as a result of sudden violence. The shooting of her husband left Ginger with an overpowering desire for safety and security. Being shot in the line of duty undermined Ty’s confidence in his ability to be a police officer.

  Both are struggling to put their lives back together. But Ty, despite his fear, keeps praying and waiting for God to direct him. Ginger blames God for her situation and struggles alone, trying to pay off debt and reach her mother’s home in Arizona, where she thinks she’ll find a safe place to raise her son. While she’s attracted to Ty, falling for a cop, a man who faces the threat of death daily, terrifies her.

  As Ty and Ginger develop feelings for one another, their fears prevent them from seeing the gift the Lord has placed in front of them—each other.

  I hope Ty and Ginger’s story will remind you to put your trust in God, and not let fear keep you from trying something new, or risking your heart, or stepping out of your comfort zone. What He has planned for you is greater than your fears.

  Lorraine Beatty

  Questions for Discussion

  Ginger suffered a terrible loss through an act of violence that left her afraid. Sudden changes in our lives often leave us anxious and frightened. If this has happened to you, discuss how you overcame and adjusted to the changes.

  Fear is probably the greatest obstacle to our peace and happiness. It can also prevent us from making important decisions and keep us stuck in one spot. Have you missed out on some opportunities because of fear of failure or the unknown? If you had to do it over again, what would you do differently?

  Ginger and Elliot were fortunate to have Ty help them. We don’t all have handsome detectives to come to our aid, but we do have people who help when we need it. Tell about a time in your life when others stepped forward to support you when you needed help.

  Ty has always wanted to be a cop, but being shot destroyed the myth of invincibility he needs to do his job. He’s waiting for an answer from above, but it’s slow in coming. Why do you think some answers from God take so long?

  Ginger admires Ty and is attracted to him, but because he’s a cop, she could never live with the uncertainty his job would create. Do you think it takes a special kind of person to marry a spouse with a dangerous job?

  Elliot bonds quickly with Ty. How important is it for children to have good role models?

  Ginger’s desire to reunite with her mother is a driving force. Have you ever been estranged from a loved one? How did you reconcile?

  Ginger is shocked to learn her son blamed himself for what happened to his father. Why do you think we assume responsibility for certain events even when we shouldn’t?

  The tense situation at church reveals the truth to both Ty and Ginger. Do you think God calls us to certain professions? Why or why not?

  Ty finally makes his decision about his future, but it might cost him dearly. Have you ever been faced with a choice that came at a high price?

  What happened that forced Ginger to realize that there is no place free from danger? How did this change her perspective?

  We hope you enjoyed this Harlequin Love Inspired story.

  You believe hearts can heal. Love Inspired stories show that faith, forgiveness and hope have the power to lift spirits and change lives—always.

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  Chapter One

  The rain had started a few miles bac
k. On a moonless black night on an unfamiliar rural road, a man could easily get lost. Heath Monroe had a feeling he might have done exactly that.

  He cast a cautious eye at the sky, at jagged streaks of lightning in approaching clouds. This section of the Ozarks was in for a storm. Hopefully, he could find the little town of Whisper Falls before the worst of it struck.

  Heath was weary from the long drive, and his GPS had long ago stopped telling the truth. When he’d pulled off for gasoline at a tiny whistle-stop community no bigger than a convenience store and a handful of houses, he’d grabbed some junk food to hold him over. He’d eaten worse and certainly gone longer without healthy food. The friendly woman at the store assured him he was headed in the right direction.

  “Keep going until you see the turnoff,” she’d said. “It’s kind of hard to see at night but there’s a little green sign.”

  A muscle in his left shoulder had tightened and the pain now ran up the side of his neck. Heath exhaled through his lips, eager to find that road sign.

  But it wasn’t only the drive making him weary. He was soul weary, the only reason he could think of for his sudden decision to exchange a job he’d loved for work in a small Ozark town. He was tired of the constant travel, the short-circuited relationships that were over before they had a chance, and worst of all, the feeling that he was trying to empty the ocean with a teaspoon.

  And yet, he was driven to keep fighting. His father had taught him that. Never give up. Right the wrongs. Fight the fight. He was an army of one. One man could change the world.

  Heath took a hand from the wheel to touch the badge in his pants pocket. His father’s life mattered and Heath aimed to carry the torch. Had carried it for a lot of years. The new assignment was different but the overriding mission remained the same.