“What was that about?” Faith asked, once again seeing how well he interacted with children. How sad that he and his wife had not had a child before her illness.
“Periodically, we give tours of the station. Nothing impressive, like in Boston, but it’s part of a program set up with the school. We hope to give the kids a good understanding of the department, and slip in a few cautionary reminders, as well.”
“I’m sure they’re thrilled.”
“I don’t know…I think they like the fire-department tour more. Even I liked that one better.”
Faith nodded with a grin. “I would, too. Especially if I could make the siren sound.”
“Hey, police cars have sirens, too, you know.”
She quirked a brow. “Oh, so can I sound the siren if I sign up for a tour?”
“You could go on a ride-along and, maybe on some quiet road with no one around to get spooked, you can sound the siren as much as you like. I’ll take you tonight,” he said, his eyes staring into hers.
Faith’s heart skipped a beat. “Sounds like a plan, Sheriff.”
She wasn’t going to call it a date. But she looked forward to their time alone as much as she enjoyed his company now.
Tate and Faith walked around, talking with other guests, enjoying the food when it was served.
Faith wished she’d had today’s barbecue before her dinner with her friend, Helen. She’d seen her oncologist for her semiannual checkup Wednesday and then met Helen for dinner at a restaurant in Portland they both liked. It had been a fun meal of catching up. Helen was fascinated by Faith’s description of the small town. She’d have to remember the details of the summer barbecue to regale her friend the next time they met.
“Don’t you ever miss Portland?” Helen had asked at one point.
Faith had considered the question a long moment before responding. “Not at all. Maybe my friends like you, but everything is new and different and I’m finding a spot for myself unlike anything here.”
At one point in the evening Helen had casually mentioned seeing Allen. Faith had been surprised to realize she didn’t care at all. The ache and hurt from his betrayal had faded.
Or was it because of the man standing next to her today?
She was afraid she was becoming too attached to Tate Johnson. That would never do. She could be in for a major heartbreak if she fell in love with the sheriff. A man couldn’t make it much clearer that he was not in the market for a relationship.
Which still struck her as too bad, given how well he did with children. He’d make a great father. Children would be blessed to have him as their dad. She wished her own parents had lived long enough for her to remember them. She told herself they loved her, but she had nothing to base that on. Tate was easygoing with friends and family. Still, when the job demanded it, he could be hard as nails. A good combination for law enforcement.
The barbecue didn’t end until after dark. Faith was amazed at the amount of food the guests consumed and that more kept appearing. She wondered how that worked.
As families began to gather their kids and head out, Tate nudged Faith. “Want to sound that siren?”
“I need to check on Maggie first. I didn’t know I’d be gone this long. Poor dog—she’s probably crossing her legs by now.”
“I’ll follow you home. You can take her for a walk and feed her and then we’ll find a quiet street off in the boonies where you can turn on the siren.”
She smiled as she looked at him. “Is this really silly?”
“Hey, as a kid I always wanted to drive fast and have the siren going. Why do you think I became a cop?”
She laughed at that. She was laughing a lot around Tate. She liked it. “I think for one or two other reasons, but if that’s what floats your boat, it’s as good a reason as any.”
Tate had not driven a police car to the picnic, so while Faith was taking care of her dog, he went to the station. Checking that things were quiet, he told the dispatcher he’d take a quick patrol out to Carlisle Beach and back. Since he did this throughout the summer, she didn’t think anything of it. Tate knew it was more to give Faith the chance to ride in the police car than to check that anything was going on at Carlisle Beach. On Labor Day, the church end-of-summer picnic would be held there. Until then, lots of tourists enjoyed the wide sandy beach.
Faith was waiting on the steps when he drove up. She came to the driver’s side and leaned against the window, bending over to see him. “Is this legal?”
“We give ride-alongs all the time. All the rage.”
“Can I get a tour of the station when Jimbo and the other boy go?” she asked.
He grinned. “You can have a tour any time you want.”
“Deal.” She ran around the car and slipped into the passenger side. “When can I push the button on the siren?” she asked.
“I’ll let you know.”
Tate headed for the beach, driving along the back roads. Once far enough from houses to not bother anyone, he gave her the go-ahead. Faith flipped the switch and the siren sounded loud and long.
“Oh, wow, it’s so loud!’ she exclaimed. “I thought it wouldn’t blare so much in the car.” Fumbling, she switched it off. “Thanks. I’ll probably be half-deaf for the next week. But that was fun. I’d run it all the time if I were a cop.”
“No, you wouldn’t. It’s not as loud if the windows are closed. But we want people to hear it, you know.”
There were two groups at the beach, two fires going for warmth and illumination. Everyone was having a good time and there was no need for Tate to do more than drive by. Then he had an idea. Driving farther along the shore, he came to the lookout point for the town. Carlisle Beach was at the center of a large cove, horseshoe shaped, with Rocky Point at one end and the lookout at another.
He pulled to a stop. “Come on, this’ll be pretty,” he said, getting out of the car. They walked to the rail. Before them lay the dark sea, shimmering here and there as it reflected the moon. The bonfires looked like small dots of light. In the distance the lights of the town flickered.
They went to stand near the guardrail, looking at the glittering lights in the distance.
“It’s beautiful,” Faith said.
The moon was rising in the dark sky, so bright it outshone the nearby stars. The light glimmered on the ocean where the small waves skimmed across. The lights from Rocky Point sparkled in the distance.
Tate put his foot on the rail, leaning on his upraised knee. “I like this view. It’s really something in winter, when the town decorates for Christmas. Then you can see all the colors.”
Faith stood quietly by his side, staring at the view. For a moment, Tate felt a sense of contentment seep in. He looked to the sky and gave a quick thanks for the day, for a gathering of friends both old and new.
“I had fun at the picnic. I knew more people than I expected,” she said.
“Sooner or later, you’ll get to know everyone when they come through the clinic.”
“Umm. Are you going to the church picnic at the beach?” she asked. The singles had other plans. She was torn about which event to attend.
“No, I’m on duty, and took enough time today for my folks’s event. I’ll be on patrol. Might drive that way for a quick check.”
“I’m not sure I’m going. I feel bad being gone all day and leaving Maggie at home alone. And she can’t go and leave those puppies so long. Do people take dogs on picnics?”
“A bunch do.” He put his foot back on the ground and turned to her. “Are you getting tired?”
“A little. I’m still not up to full strength yet.”
“I’ll take you home.”
She reached out her hand to touch his arm. “I’ve had a wonderful day. Thank you.”
“It was fun, wasn’t it?” Then he leaned over and kissed her gently on the lips. A brief kiss, over almost before it began. He pulled back, not knowing whether to apologize or go for a second one.
She stepped back and turned toward the car.
“I was out of line,” he said, following her quickly. What had he done? He didn’t want to give anyone false expectations. He was not looking for any long-term relationship, not looking to fall in love. And kissing nice girls like Faith would definitely raise expectations. Plus, they’d discussed the no-romance aspect. He felt like an idiot.
“I’m sorry,” he said as he opened the car door for her.
“It’s okay. Just a kiss between friends.” The words sounded right, but she didn’t look at him. Even once they were both in the car, she kept her face slightly averted.
“It won’t happen again,” he said. Had he blown everything?
The smile looked forced, even to him. “It’s fine, Tate.”
The silence in the car on the ride back to town was deafening. He couldn’t think of anything else to say, nothing to excuse his blunder. He’d wanted to kiss her and had, and it now looked like he’d damaged their budding friendship.
“Want me to walk with you and Maggie?” he asked when they reached her apartment.
“No, we’ll be fine. I keep the walks short this late. Thanks again.”
He walked her up to the door. She unlocked it to the welcoming bark. Maggie had mastered the art of jumping the barrier and came rushing to the door, dancing around in her delight to see them.
“Hey, girl, how’re you doing?” Tate asked, kneeling down to pet her, holding her away as she tried to lick his face.
Faith stood watching them. Tate wished he knew what she was thinking.
He rose to his feet. “Well, then, good night.”
She nodded and then surprised him by reaching out to touch his cheek. “I really did have a great day,” she said softly. “Kiss and all.”
With that she went quickly inside and called Maggie.
Tate watched the door close, trying to figure out where he stood. Kiss and all. Maybe she wasn’t upset about the kiss. Maybe she didn’t expect wedding bells because of one kiss.
He drove home and went inside, feeling oddly defensive. Glancing at Mandy’s picture, guilt struck. He walked over. How could he kiss someone else when his wife had meant so much to him?
“Hey,” he said to the photograph. He stared at her for a long time. He’d loved her. She had loved him. And had told him more than once that he was not to mourn forever, but go on with life. God was taking her, but sparing him. So that meant He had great plans for Tate. She wanted him to be happy.
“I was so happy with you,” he said sadly. Then a comment Faith had made earlier caused him to smile. “I think I’m getting happy with Faith. I think you would like her. She’s got the most infectious laugh. Her whole face seems to light up and her eyes sparkle.”
He knew Mandy couldn’t speak to him, but he knew what she’d say.
“I’m afraid to reach out for that life you told me to. What if I fall for another woman and she gets sick and dies? I don’t think I could bear that again.”
Unceasing faith. The message from Pastor John echoed. What Tate needed to do was step out in unceasing faith and discover what the Lord had planned for him. If only he was brave enough.
Chapter Seven
Faith enjoyed church the next morning. She was getting better at finding passages in the Bible when the pastor referred to them. The hymns were her delight. As was the warmth she felt being greeted by more and more people each Sunday. She didn’t see Tate, for which she had mixed emotions. She’d thought about that kiss all night. It had been spur of the moment. She knew it had been a whim. He had been clear from their first interaction that he loved his dead wife. He was not going to rush into another relationship. Especially with someone like her.
Not that he’d said that in so many words, but she knew. No family to speak of. Being unable to bear children. And she knew she was still at risk for a recurrence. She was two years cancer-free, but that didn’t mean cured.
Help me face reality, Father, she prayed silently as the organ music welcomed those to the service. I need to know where You want me. I think it’s here. Can I be a help to this community? Find lasting friends who will accept me as I am? Not yearn for the closeness of a mate, a family. There is so much I can do. Help me see that, and not my own wishes.
Not wish a certain handsome sheriff would throw caution to the wind and court her. Not wish she could have a baby to hold, to love. Not wish for a future secure in love.
She had the Father’s love. As peace descended, she knew it was more than enough.
When the service ended, Faith was soon surrounded by singles group members. Once again, they met for lunch on Marcie’s restaurant’s patio. Faith wondered what they did in the winter. She planned to find out.
The talk centered around their own picnic on Labor Day.
“So you don’t go with the rest of the church?” Faith asked.
“We have in the past, and it’s fun. But last year we held our own gathering at the marina park. No kids running around, no sand in the shoes,” Stan explained.
Faith grinned. “Are you getting old, Stan? That’s part of the fun of going to the beach.”
“Yeah, well, we all had fun and got home at a reasonable hour. We all had work the next day, you know.”
“I think the beach’s more fun if you’re going swimming, and I’m not going in that cold water,” Dana said.
“The kids do,” Janette remarked.
“I did, too, when I was that young. I think kids don’t have an internal thermostat. They’re fine in freezing water.”
“Count me in. I was hesitant about going to the beach because of being away from my dog for so long,” Faith said.
“But you can bring her to the marina park—that’s close enough. We’d love to see her,” Janette said.
“Wish you could bring the puppies,” Stan added.
“That would be a disaster. When I first found them, I could pick them up and they just sort of snuggled closer. Now they are bundles of energy, not wanting to be held, wanting to explore, chase each other, pounce.” She smiled ruefully. “They’re so funny, but the bigger they get, the more I look forward to weaning them and placing them in their new homes.”
“So let’s plan on what we’re each bringing,” Dana said, steering the conversation back to the picnic.
“What should I bring?” Faith asked. It would be a smaller gathering than the church picnic, and easier to get to and leave if she became tired.
“Potato salad. Stan’s bringing hot dogs and hamburgers, Pete’s bringing his famous coleslaw, I’m bringing dessert and a couple of the others are bringing fruit, chips and sodas.” She paused. “How about noon? We’ll stake the place out earlier to make sure we have a couple of picnic tables and celebrate together when we all show up.”
“Shall I bring horseshoes?” Stan asked.
“Of course,” Janette said, grinning. “I want a rematch.” She looked at Faith. “Stan beat the socks off all of us last year. I think he practices all year long to be reigning champion.”
“I’ve never played,” Faith said.
“Oh, be prepared to be beaten,” Stan teased.
Faith began to look forward to the event. This group of singles were longtime friends. They did fun things together. She’d never heard any of them bemoaning that they weren’t married. Except for Dorothy, who was widowed and still missed her husband. Faith planned to spend more time with them, to see how they accepted life as the Lord had laid out.
That afternoon Gillian brought Jenny and her two friends to see the puppies.
; “Come in and visit while they play,” Faith said.
“I’d love to just sit and veg out,” Gillian said fervently. “Honestly, getting ready for a wedding is lots more work than I thought it would be. What happened to two people standing in front of the pastor and exchanging vows?”
“Isn’t that what you’re doing?” Faith asked as she went to get them iced tea. The girls were rolling around on the kitchen floor, giggling in delight, puppies everywhere.
Sitting beside Gillian on the sofa a moment later, Faith tilted her head slightly and looked at her new friend. “So what’s going on that has you so stressed?”
“Everything. Will the flowers arrive on time? Will there be enough food for the reception? What if it rains?”
“But no second thoughts?” Faith asked.
Gillian looked at her and shook her head slowly. “No second thoughts at all. I love Joe to pieces. I can’t wait until we’re married and living together and sharing every aspect of our lives. It’s just that the wedding’s like this big hurdle to overcome. If I can just last until next Sunday, I’ll be okay.” She took a long drink of the iced tea. “You never responded to the invitation. Are you coming?”
Faith blinked. “I didn’t get an invitation.”
“Of course you did. I wouldn’t leave you out. Especially with what’s going on between you and Tate. I gave it to Marjorie a week or so ago, when I brought Jenny in for her school checkup. I didn’t see you in that madhouse, so asked her to give it to you.”
“Oh. I guess she forgot.” Faith knew that was not the case, but expected Marjorie would come up with some excuse if challenged about it.
“I can’t believe it! I thought you got it that day. Anyway, you’re coming, right?”
“I’d like that,” Faith said. And realized it was true. The pain of her own aborted plans had diminished. She could rejoice with her new friend and find pleasure in her wedding to the man she loved. No reason for her to neglect a friend’s happiness just because Allen had turned out to be a poor choice.
Rocky Point Promise Page 14
