by JoAnn Durgin
“I can tell it’s different than with Shelby, too. I think you’ve met your match with Lexa.”
Sam pulled Rebekah to him in a tight hug. “I love you, too, you know.”
Rebekah kissed his cheek. “I know, my friend, but we’re talking about an entirely different kind of love here. Go get her, Sam. And don’t let her go. Ever. Know I’ll be praying.”
“Thanks, Beck. I need it.” With a parting grin and salute, Sam waved and left the dorm. Standing just outside the door, he glanced up at the dark, menacing sky. Even the stillness in the air was ominous. Another streak of lightning followed by a clap of thunder confirmed his suspicions.
Dark clouds loomed overhead and a few large raindrops started to fall as he hurried in the direction of his office. There was no doubt they needed rain. Unfortunately, the rain usually made conditions more humid and muggy instead of cooling the temperatures down.
Somewhere in the distance, a cracking, splintering sound pierced the eerie silence. A tree going down, hit by lightning, no doubt. Quickening his steps, Sam entered his quarters and closed the screen door, securing it as best he could considering the broken hinges, hoping it wouldn’t bang or fly off altogether if there was much wind with this particular storm.
Outside, he glimpsed a few of the workers running around the camp, scurrying for shelter. Standing in the doorway of his office, Sam watched Lexa run back to her dorm with Natalie and Winnie. His heart quickened at the mere sight of her. The rain was heavier now, her long hair plastered to her head. Her clothes were soaked through to her skin and clung to Lexa, revealing more than she could possibly ever know, but confirming what he already knew.
Sam released the light groan trapped in his throat and forced himself to tear his eyes away. Half-praying that Josh Grant didn’t see Lexa before she reached the women’s dorm, he trudged across the wooden floorboards to his desk. He crossed his elbows behind his head and leaned back in the creaky chair, closing his weary eyes. One of these days, that old chair was going to collapse under all his weight.
~~**~~
It was still raining quite hard when the dinner bell sounded a short time later. Standing in the doorway of the dorm and peering outside, Lexa shook her head. “I suppose the bonfire devotionals are canceled with rain like this,” she observed to no one in particular.
“Yes.” Natalie joined her. “Not to mention the building at the worksite if everything’s all muddy, although some of the guys can be die-hards.”
A great commotion outside startled them. Several men ran toward Sam’s office, hollering at the top of their lungs.
“What’s going on?” Winnie stood behind Lexa and Natalie, peering over their shoulders.
“I’m not sure.” Lexa pushed open the screen door and strained to hear.
“Fire at the worksite! Fire at the worksite!” Josh ran into the center of the camp in the direction of Sam’s office. Sam flung open the door and came running out to meet Josh and the other men. This time, the screen door flew completely off its hinges, landing on the ground a few feet away, forgotten and abandoned.
Running outside, with Rebekah and her other roommates close behind, Lexa approached the men huddled together outside Sam’s office. “How can we help?” A number of the other women joined them, and they stood behind the men, watching Sam for direction.
“Call 9-1-1,” Sam instructed. “Tell them we don’t have access to the hydrants near the worksite and need help. Tell them to hurry.” One of the other girls ran back into the dorm to call.
“How can there be a fire with all this rain coming down?” one of the guys yelled above the rest of the voices.
“Because everything was so dry in the first place. It might not be raining as hard at the worksite as it is here. The rain, not to mention the weather, is very fickle here in this area.” Turning to some of the other men, Sam called out commands. In circumstances like this, it was good he was so tall, his voice resonant and commanding.
Lexa listened, wondering how else she could help. As soon as the men began to scatter to their various posts, she quickly caught up to Sam as he headed for the station wagon. “What can we do?” She reached out her hand to touch his arm, but then dropped it to her side.
Sam fixed her with a grim look through the pelting rain as she hurried to keep pace. But those blue eyes were kind. “Pray. Pray hard, Lexa.”
She nodded as he jumped inside the car and slammed the door. Drenched with rain, Lexa watched helplessly as the station wagon rambled down the road, muddy from all the rain. She prayed until she could no longer see the car. Raising her face to the sky, she let the rain intermingle with her tears. “Lord, help them. Don’t let the houses burn. Please, no.” She slowly headed back in the direction of the dorm, her shoulders slumping, not caring that she was getting soaked all over again. It barely even registered.
“So, what happens now?” After drying off and changing into more dry clothes, Lexa dropped down onto Rebekah’s bed beside her. Great sadness washed over her. It was similar to what she felt when she learned her mother had died. She hadn’t been there, holding her hand when she left this world, and it still haunted her.
At this very moment, Sam and the other TeamWork men were at the worksite battling the forces of nature, trying to save the homes they’d labored over all summer. But houses could be rebuilt. That’s why they were there in San Antonio, after all. Those houses were so important to Sam. As much as constructing homes, they were rebuilding lives. Lexa hurt for Sam, knowing how much he poured his heart into this mission.
“After we pray, we wait.” Rebekah draped one arm around Lexa’s shoulders. They looked at each other, wide-eyed, as they heard the distant sounds of emergency fire sirens.
“Where’s a hammer?”
“What?” Rebekah’s lips upturned. “Are you planning on doing some repairs, Miss Fix-It?”
“As soon as this rain lets up, I’m going over to Sam’s office.” Lexa walked over to the door. The rain was easing a bit. “It looks like there’s a screen door calling my name.” She felt proficient enough with a hammer and nails to do this. She had to try.
Walking across the room, Rebekah glanced over Lexa’s shoulder. “Well, that’s one way to do something to help. Sam’s stronger than he realizes. That poor old door didn’t stand much of a chance against the wrath of the mighty Sam.”
When Lexa gave her a curious stare, Rebekah shrugged with a small, mysterious, smile.
CHAPTER 27
Sam frowned and let out a loud grunt of frustration as he helped one of the men position the heavy hose. They aimed it in the direction of the flames licking at the walls of the first house they’d constructed. “Lord, don’t let all our work here be in vain,” he muttered under his breath. “It can’t all have been for nothing.” He shuddered, remembering the splintering sound he’d heard. It must have been lightning striking one of the houses, igniting the fire.
“Help us drag that line over to the next house,” one of the firefighters yelled to Josh above the din all around them. Sam watched through narrowed eyes as Josh sprang into action on command, helping some of the other firefighters haul the heavy line a few hundred yards. Even though the rain was relentless as it pelted down on them, rivers of sweat coursed down Josh’s face.
Sam swiped one arm across his brow as he released the hose. His eyes roamed across the worksite to where Kevin and some of the other TeamWork men worked alongside the firefighters as they hosed down another home. He was proud of his men. They were brave, every one of them, not afraid to jump in and help in any way they could.
He should have somehow prepared an emergency plan of action for something like this. Rampant wildfire was always a possibility in this region, especially because it had been so dry the last few weeks. This was the first rain since Lexa arrived at the camp. Funny how all his thoughts came back to the petite blonde.
“Pull it over a few more feet to the left!” the firefighter hollered to Sam. Following the man’s lead, Sam did h
is best. Even though there were plenty of trained firefighters engaged in the battle, he couldn’t stand idle while the fruits of their labor evaporated in a black cloud of smoke and flame. Even if it meant losing everything, he had to help, had to be a part of it. They needed to do whatever possible to try and save the houses.
At least one of the houses was already gone, seared down to the foundation, and another one was in serious danger, but it looked like the rest of the houses would survive relatively intact. It would take considerable manpower to start again on the burned houses and finish them before the end of the project in only a couple of weeks. Otherwise, he’d have to stay longer and do it himself. Which meant that he’d also need to take even more leave from his own work. Sam frowned at the thought although it was something he’d been considering.
An hour later, Josh and Sam stood shoulder-to-shoulder, surveying the damage. The rain subsided and only spit on them intermittently now. Lazy smoke curled in an upward trail from the smoldering remains of the two homes, an unwelcome reminder of their loss. But it wasn’t as bad as it could have been, and for that, Sam was thankful. All the firefighters had departed, along with the rest of the TeamWork crew he’d sent back to the camp once they’d contained the fires.
Josh insisted on staying behind with Sam until the very end. Their clothes were drenched, and both of them were beaten down. Sam knew he must look as haggard as Josh after their efforts on the battleground front lines. He appreciated his help, but felt more disgruntled than ever. Working with Josh only seemed to exacerbate an already volatile situation.
“I’m sorry, Sam. Guess it’s not as bad as it could have been, though. Only two are totally gone.”
Sam didn’t answer. He didn’t trust himself. His feelings were too raw. He didn’t like the attention Josh paid Lexa. He acted way too familiar with her, and Sam regretted not banishing him from the TeamWork camp three years ago. He started back in the direction of the station wagon with Josh close behind.
“Hey, wait up, Sam!”
The ride back to the camp was silent. After a few attempts, Josh finally gave up trying to engage him in conversation. Sam knew Josh wondered why he was so brooding and non-responsive, but other than saying a quick prayer under his breath, he couldn’t muster anything more.
“Hey, man, it’s not the end of the world.” Josh slapped him on the shoulder as soon as Sam pulled the car into the makeshift parking space behind his office.
Looking down at Josh’s hand on his shoulder, Sam fixed him with a cold, hard stare.
“Whaaaat?” Josh pulled back and lifted both hands in the air in mock surrender. “What’s eating you, Sam? We’ll rebuild those houses quickly.”
“It’s not the houses I’m worried about.” Sam’s voice was barely civil, his teeth clenched.
“Well, then, what’s up?”
Getting out of the car and slamming the door hard, Sam paused. “Look, Josh, thanks for your help. I appreciate it.” He inhaled a deep breath, forcing his voice to remain calm. “And yes, with God’s help, we’ll get the houses rebuilt in time.”
“Sure, we will. Listen, there’s something I’ve been meaning to talk with you about.” Josh followed Sam as he headed toward the office.
“Shoot.” Sam flung the screen door open, not bothering to wait.
“It’s about Lexa.”
At Josh’s words, Sam whirled around and stepped back outside. He fixed the slightly shorter man with a hard, icy glare. “What about Lexa?” Sam’s mouth formed a grim line, his curled fists moving down to his sides.
“Are you through with her? I mean, if you are, do you mind if I have a go at her?”
Sam’s blood coursed through him. Lunging forward like a hungry lion, he tackled Josh. Pinning his torso between his knees, Sam pounded him with hard fists and grunted with each blow. A rage deep inside triggered, one never touched before that propelled him over the limit. Although he should stop, he couldn’t. God help him, but Josh’s reckless behavior had to be stopped. He needed to learn a lesson. Sam’s relentless fist made solid contact with Josh’s jaw.
“Get off me, Sam!” Josh growled as he tried to shove him away. “Stop it! Hey, man . . .” A thin line of blood trickled down the side of his mouth. Pushing against Sam with all his might, Josh rolled over on top of him and started to return the favor.
“Stop! Break it up, you two!” Kevin ran over to them, hauling Josh off him. Holding both men apart with considerable effort, he stared at Sam, wide-eyed. “What’s going on here, guys?” The look Kevin directed his way conveyed his shock that he’d engaged in such a childish display of bad attitude and lost temper.
“You tell me and then we’ll both know.” Josh wiped one hand across his bleeding lip and glared at Sam. “Care to answer the man, Sam?”
He pointed a shaky finger at Josh. “You leave Lexa alone. I don’t want to catch you near her again, Josh Grant.” He tasted blood in the corner of his mouth.
“Oh yeah?” Josh fired back. “I’d like to see you make me do that. It’s a free country, last time I checked. Why don’t we let the lady make the decision?” he challenged, his voice full of contempt.
“Like you let Shelby make her decision?” Sam demanded.
Josh stared at him and then waved his hand at Kevin, dismissing him. “We’ll take it from here, Kevin. Go. Sam and I need to talk privately.”
Kevin had barely known Shelby, and had no idea what instigated their brawl. He looked over at Sam for his agreement. When he silently nodded, Kevin shook his head without another word and departed. He was such a quiet, peaceful man. He’d have to talk privately with Kevin later. Sam’s heart sank even lower. How could he explain his actions without revealing more than he should?
He beckoned for Josh to follow him into the office. Even though they’d fought like wild dogs, he had to consider his position with TeamWork and deal with this situation like any other—in as calm, rational and objective a manner as possible.
“Sit down, Josh.” It wasn’t a request.
Dropping into a chair, Josh faced Sam across the wide expanse of the desk. Both were drenched through to the skin and caked in mud. They stared at one another, their breathing fast and labored.
“You weren’t the only one who lost Shelby, Sam.” Josh’s voice sounded ragged, broken.
Sam’s eyes narrowed and bore into Josh’s. “I realize that. We all did. But how could you betray me, Josh? More importantly, how could you betray your own twin sister?”
“I didn’t betray Beck. Shelby was going to come clean. We both were. We were going to confess our affair the next day. I swear it. You have to believe me. You . . .” he faltered. “You didn’t know, did you?” Josh’s green eyes widened.
“Know what?” His voice was a low growl, his jaws so tight he thought they’d snap.
“Shelby wasn’t the sweet innocent you thought. She had lots of boyfriends before you.” Josh fixed Sam with the intensity of his gaze. “I wasn’t her first.”
“I don’t want to listen to this!” Sam brought his fist down hard on the desk. “Shelby’s gone, so don’t try to make yourself feel better by denigrating her memory. It’s beneath you, and you don’t know what you’re talking about.” He had to stop now or he’d erupt further. Closing his eyes tight, Sam prayed for the strength to deal with Josh. He clasped his hands together and tried to steady their shaking.
This situation was unlike anything he’d ever faced. This time it was too personal. He needed to apply biblical principles, now more than ever. That was also the hardest part. Sometimes all the prayer and Bible reading in the world couldn’t stop his thoughts. He was human and failed so often. Sam lowered his head. Lord, please help me find the right words.
When he finally lifted his head again, Sam met the tears in Josh’s eyes. Tears of an actor or tears of contrition, Sam couldn’t be sure.
“I never meant to hurt anyone.” Josh shrugged and shot Sam a helpless look. “Shelby was so beautiful. We were both consenting adults. It j
ust happened.”
The words were there, but Sam couldn’t tell whether Josh felt true remorse. Had he confessed his sins to the Lord, asked forgiveness? That’s what he needed more than anything else.
“I can’t believe you just talked so callously about Shelby and Lexa. Women aren’t playthings, to be bandied about and used, Josh. They’re precious women God entrusted us to protect, honor and respect.”
Josh shrugged again, but his green-eyed stare suddenly hardened. The look in his eyes was wild. “Man, has she ever got you twisted around her finger.” His voice dripped sarcasm. “Lexa’s just like Shelby,” he taunted, “vulnerable and ready to be loved. What’s wrong with showing them how gorgeous they are? Helping them see how womanly they can be?”
His grin was maddening, and it took everything within Sam not to strike the man down again. Finally, Josh’s inner nature had emerged, and Sam glimpsed a different side of him he’d never seen before. A side that scared him, a facet of Josh’s character that needed the kind of help Sam couldn’t provide. Help from a trained professional, and more than a little from the good Lord Himself.
“Get out of my office, Josh. Leave my camp.” It was hard to get out the words from between clenched jaws. “Don’t bother reapplying for a TeamWork position unless you can prove you’ve repented and changed your ways. Go. Get the help you need.” Shoving his chair back, scraping against the wooden floor, Sam rose to his feet. He stood his ground, facing him eye-to-eye.
“What are you talking about?” Josh demanded. “You can’t throw me out of the camp!” He planted his hands on the desk. “Obviously, I gave Shelby something you couldn’t, and I dare say Lexa . . .”
“Don’t you dare say another word about Lexa!” Sam slammed his fist down hard again. “Enough! No more. As far as throwing you out of my camp, I can, and I am.” Sam moved around the desk and hovered over the younger man, besting him by an inch. He fought to keep his hands at his sides. “It’s something I should have done a long time ago. You don’t deserve to be here. Now, get out before I have you thrown out!”
