by JoAnn Durgin
“She was only a baby.” His voice was rough, raspy.
“I know. I’m so sorry.” Heather pressed her palm to his face, wishing with everything in her that she could give him the reassurance he needed. Take away his pain. Only the Lord could give him that, but hopefully her presence would give him comfort.
“I don’t know what to feel, Heather,” he whispered, leaning his forehead against hers. “I don’t know how to feel. I’ve never experienced this kind of loss before with any of the kids in the group.” He drew in a shuddering breath. “Thanks for the soup.”
“Welcome. Did you eat it?”
“I couldn’t, but I know it was there. The nurse told me you brought it to me. That means a lot.”
“You need to eat, Chase.”
“I will. Sometime. Not yet. I can’t right now. How did you find out?”
“Sawyer. He keeps tabs on the downtown traffic because of the business. Eric called him, actually, and…I don’t know exactly. Sawyer somehow found out that Jamal was involved. He said he’s met Jamal and he’s a good kid. I just called Sawyer back to tell him what’s happening. What little I know, anyway.”
“Thanks.”
Heather clasped both his hands in hers. “Look at me, please.” She waited until Chase lifted his eyes, bright with unshed tears, to hers. His dark lashes were wet, tugging harder on her heart. He appeared so forlorn. Broken.
“You do everything you can for those kids,” she said. “You love them, and they know you do. You pour your heart and soul into their lives. You invest yourself in them. And, yes, you lavish your love on them.”
“Is it enough, Heather? Is it?”
“If giving of yourself, your resources, and your time isn’t enough, I don’t know what is. You have to understand there’s a point where you have to let go and allow the Lord to work in their lives.”
“Not beat them over the head, you mean.” He started to withdraw his hands, but she strengthened her grip.
“You’re firm with them, and the Lord knows a lot of them probably need that if they don’t get it at home from parents or grandparents or some kind of authority figure. Kids need structure, and they need someone to show them how to live with courage and faith. You model that for them more than anyone else I’ve ever known. You’ve shown me more than you can possibly know.”
“How’s that?”
“Are you fishing for a compliment?” She smiled a little.
He shook his head but not before she glimpsed the tiniest upturn of the corners of his lips.
“I don’t know what I’m doing right now. I’m bound to say or do pretty much anything.”
“That’s not true. You’re doing what comes as naturally as breathing, Chase. Praying. That’s the absolute best thing you can ever do for anyone else.”
“Sometimes I wonder if I’m getting through to any of these kids.”
“You are, but you have to face the reality that you can’t reach all of them. Do what you can and let God handle the rest.” She brushed her lips over his. “You’re only one man, and you’re human. In case I haven’t told you lately, you’re the best man I’ve ever known.” Realizing what she’d said, Heather shook her head. “No pun intended there. Or maybe it was. Maybe you’re not the only one who doesn’t know what they’re saying.”
“I’ll take it, pun or no pun.”
Chase stood and offered his hand. “Want to go take a short walk with me? I could stand some of that cold night air to clear my head right about now.”
“I’d love to.” Heather fell into step beside him.
A thin young girl with long dark hair, head down, nearly barreled into Chase as she hurried around the corner by the elevators.
Heather gasped. “Rachelle?”
Chapter 21
~~♥~~
Chase stood to one side as Heather immediately took over with Rachelle. He thanked the Lord she’d shown up when she did and hadn’t hesitated to jump in and help. This was a time when a woman’s touch was invaluable. He was still trying to get over the shock since he’d thought this sweet girl had died, and he wondered if Rachelle knew what happened. Who was the girl?
Thank you, Lord, that Rachelle is okay.
Rachelle wrung her hands, alternately sobbing while she explained that her friend, Tanisha, was the girl in the car. “I begged Jamal and Trevon to take her home after the party. It’s all my fault she’s dead! It’s my fault!”
Gathering the distraught girl in her arms, Heather held her until the hard shaking stopped. “You can’t blame yourself,” she murmured, smoothing Rachelle’s hair.
“Tanisha’s parents are on a trip and they left her alone,” Rachelle said between sniffles. She wiped her eyes with the tissue Heather pushed into her hand, and her lower lip trembled.
Two police officers strolled down the hallway in their direction.
“I’m not in trouble, am I?” Rachelle cowered, her eyes wide and troubled. When she tried to back up, as if prepared to run, Heather moved her arm around the girl’s shoulders.
“No, but you need to answer any questions they might have,” Chase said. “I’m sure they’re trying to figure out what happened and are here to see how Jamal, Trevon, and Tanisha are doing.”
“Chase?” He glanced up as the younger of the two officers approached him.
“Hey, Travis.” Chase gripped the other man’s hand when he offered it to him.
“I was one of the responding officers at the accident site.”
Chase angled his head toward the older officer talking with Rachelle and Heather. “Is that Tommy Delgado over there?”
“He’s my partner. How’d you know?”
“Gabe Hernandez, one of the kids in my youth group, called me about the accident. Said Tommy’s his brother-in-law and was at the accident scene.”
“Small world.” Travis removed his cap and ran his hand over his dark hair.
“Getting smaller all the time,” Chase said. “When I first heard about the accident, I thought the female victim was Rachelle.” He nodded his head in Rachelle’s direction.
“She got lucky. The boys had just dropped her off at her house and then they were headed back to where the other girl lived when they were hit.”
“Was the other guy hurt? The driver?” Chase asked.
Travis scrunched his brows and his frown appeared. “A few scratches. He’s a repeat offender. He got checked out on the scene and he’s behind bars now. Never ceases to amaze me how these guys can drink and then go out, kill someone, and walk away with barely a scratch. He’ll be locked up a long time now if he gets an involuntary.”
Involuntary manslaughter. Oh, man. Chase shook his head and ran his hand over his chin. “Do you have confirmation of the girl’s death?”
“No. That’s why I said if he gets an involuntary. These things can go either way. Poor girl took the brunt of the impact but at least she was wearing her seat belt. If she lives, that’s what saved her.”
“You still at the same precinct?”
“Yes.” Travis appeared stunned. “Why? Come on, Chase. Don’t tell me you’re gonna come see that bum?” He shook his head. “No one’s that forgiving, man.”
“That’s what I’m in the business of doing,” Chase said between clenched teeth. He wasn’t angry with Travis but the whole situation. “If God can forgive him, I need to at least hear him out and give him some counsel. I doubt he has anyone else to do it.”
“I understand that, but you can’t take on the problems of the world. The guy’s worthless. He’d be doing everybody a favor if he was dead.”
Chase’s jaw tightened. “Then all the more reason to see him sooner than later. It’s not my job, but it’s my responsibility. One of the advantages of the label of clergy is that I can get access.”
“The difference being that most people wouldn’t give that scum a second thought. You’re a better man than me, Chase.” Travis glanced at him with what looked like renewed respect. “I’m working at four tomorr
ow. Come by the precinct, and I’ll make sure you get a few minutes with him. You know the rules. Don’t ask him anything about the incident. He’d need an attorney present with him.”
“Any rule against asking him about his spiritual life?”
“No, man. You have at him all you want.”
“What’s his name? First name?” Chase said.
“David.”
The name hit Chase like a physical blow. How easily that man could have been his father.
Travis angled his head back toward the trio still standing in the hallway. “So, what’s the story with Heather?”
Chase narrowed his eyes. At least it gave him another focus. Before Travis had approached him, he’d noticed the way Travis eyed Heather up and down. Sure looked like more than a polite, professional interest. Then again, why wouldn’t he? Heather lit up the corridor, the entire hospital, the planet. But he’d glimpsed the inner light within her and knew the pure beauty behind it.
Heather didn’t have to come to the hospital tonight. She didn’t have to bring him soup, didn’t have to hang around, didn’t have to counsel Rachelle. But she had. Heather was in it for the long haul. With him.
Catching his eye, Heather nodded and gave him a slight smile.
“I guess that depends on what you want to know.” Chase returned his gaze to Travis.
“She dating anyone? She’s really hot.”
Chase inhaled a deep breath and wondered how best to tell Travis to forget it. “She’s dating me. I love her.”
Travis’s eyes widened and he held up one hand. “I’m sorry, man. I had no idea. But good for you, I mean.”
The muscles in Chase’s jaw flexed. “It’s still pretty new. She’s an incredible, godly woman.”
Travis pulled his cap back on his head. “I can tell you care about her, and I saw that look she just gave you. You’re a lucky man, Chase. Sounds like you’ve found your match. Hang onto her.”
“I’ll try my best.”
“I need to get back to work. Come see me tomorrow. I’ll take you in to see the guy.”
Chase nodded. “Will do.”
~~♥~~
The same nurse approached Chase an hour later. He couldn’t read her expression. Grabbing Heather’s hand, he held on tight, bracing himself for the news.
“She rallied,” the woman told them, restrained excitement in her voice. “The girl with the boys in the car. I can’t give you any more information. Her parents have been contacted, but I knew you’d like to hear that much.”
“Tanisha,” Chase murmured. “And the boys are okay?”
“They are.” Her smile warmed him. “Considering the impact, their injuries were minor. They were banged up a bit, broken ribs, a fractured wrist, but they’re both out of surgery now and—except for the younger one being a bit ornery—they’re doing just fine.”
“Thank you, Jesus!” When Chase stood, Heather rose to her feet beside him and released his hand. “Thank you for telling me.” He threw his arms around the nurse and embraced her, squeezing her shoulders. Protocol or not, he couldn’t help himself.
The woman laughed and patted him on the back. “You’re welcome. Glad I can be the bearer of such great news.”
She rallied. They’re okay.
Joy mixed with immense relief flooded his heart.
Chapter 22
~~♥~~
Two Weeks Later
“You ready to go?”
“Uh huh.” Heather rose from the chair in Chase’s office and closed the book she’d been reading while she waited for him to finish his work. “I can’t wait to see what Jamal painted for Grace Warner’s art exhibition.”
“I’m sure you’ll find it interesting.”
She pushed the book back onto the bookcase closest to his desk and gave him a curious look. “Want to clue me in?”
“How do you feel about…the natural state?”
“What do you…? Wait just a red-hot minute. Nudes?” Heather’s cheeks burned and she avoided Chase’s amused smile.
“I know. I think it’s weird, too,” Chase said. “He says it’s part of his artistic training. Look, as little as I know about art, I understand all great artists have to draw—”
“Yes, I know.” Heather’s hands found her hips. “Does Jamal not understand this is a youth exhibition? Meaning it’s to showcase the art of young people?”
Chase chuckled. “Of the people, by the people, for the people.”
“This isn’t funny, Chase. Why do men have to act like little boys when it comes to…?”
“Nudes? And why can’t you say the word without that adorable blush?”
“I do not blush. I’m an adult woman. I’ll have you know I’ve visited some of the most famous art museums in the…” She stopped. No sense in finishing that sentence. “Jamal needs to focus on innocence and purity, not naked bodies, Chase. Pastoral scenes,” she stammered. “Surely you know that. Those are perfectly lovely and safe. Nothing offensive about a hillside, a field. Or a mountain. How about something like that? Surely Jamal has something along those lines?” She scrunched her nose and stared at him with a helpless expression.
“Yes, but the naked body is also a beautiful thing, right?” Rising from his chair, Chase came around the desk and leaned back against it, sliding his hands into the pockets of his dress slacks. “This isn’t a Christian exhibition, screened for more conservative art patrons. You might see a little bit of everything tonight. As you said, it’s nothing you haven’t seen before. Maybe even a sculpture or two…three-dimensional.” He lifted his brows up and down and mock gasped.
Staring at Chase, Heather consciously closed her mouth. “And you call yourself a pastor!”
He laughed heartily. “The human body is one of God’s most magnificent creations. Wouldn’t you agree?”
Heather crossed her arms across her chest. Suddenly she felt somewhat exposed. How odd. “Yes, of course. Dancers know how fallible our bodies can be. It’s true we have to treat our bodies well if we expect them to do the same. However,” she said, raising one hand when he started to speak. The man was going to hear her out. “That doesn’t mean we’re supposed to stand at an art exhibit and ogle a rendering of the unclothed human body, natural state or not. And make silly, quasi-sophisticated, highbrow chitchat about the curves. Or the angles, lighting, or…positioning.” She coughed and waved her hand. “You get the idea.”
Chase removed his hands from the pockets of his slacks. “What would you say if I told you I’d posed for art classes when I was younger and needed the money?”
Heather put one hand on the chair behind her. Could that be true? Her face must have drained of all color at that remark. “I, um. Well, I…I…” Glancing up at him, she shook her head when she glimpsed his slow-moving, irritating grin. “So not funny.”
“Okay, so I didn’t. I probably wouldn’t have fit their criteria, anyway.”
“You are a bad, bad man,” she hissed. “I won’t go near that comment. Matter of fact, I should leave now before this conversation goes any further morally downhill.” She reached for her handbag where she’d left it on the chair across from his desk. She’d need to get him back for this one. He’d almost given her a heart attack. He’d been left on his own when he was a teenager, so he might have done something like that if he’d been desperate for money.
“I’m sure they’d tell me my ears stick out too far and that my lips are too thin,” Chase said. “And the frown lines on my forehead get pretty deep when I’m mad.”
“I haven’t noticed any frown lines. Not deep ones, anyway.”
Reaching for both of her hands, Chase laced his warm fingers with hers and she made no move to resist him. “That’s probably because you haven’t made me mad.”
“Oh, I don’t know about that.” Her smile faded as she lost herself in his expressive eyes. Those eyes that revealed such an open, generous heart.
Slowly, Chase lowered his head, stopping when his lips were only a heartbeat abo
ve hers.
“My lips are so full that people assume I’ve had injections. I haven’t,” she said, her voice a husky match for his. “My ears stick out, too—not that I’m saying yours do—and that’s one reason I wear my hair long most of the time.”
“Let me see.” With a brush of his fingers across her jawline, Chase tucked the hair on one side of her face behind her ear, and then repeated the same on the other side. Heather held her breath, her heart palpitating wildly in her chest.
“They’re beautiful.” His voice was a caress, barely more than a whisper.
“I’ve heard every joke in the book about ballerinas,” she stammered as he planted a light kiss on her right earlobe.
Oh, my. He really shouldn’t do that and yet she never wanted him to stop.
Say something.
“I’ve been called ‘Barbie,’ my blonde hair is sometimes equated with a deficiency of brain cells, and”—she closed her eyes when he kissed the opposite earlobe—“most guys don’t seem to want me for my quick wit and sparkling personality. Imagine that.”
Stop rambling. Now.
“Heather.” Chase’s piercing blue eyes met hers and he tightened his hold on her hands. The lingering amusement in his eyes faded, replaced by something deeper.
“Yes?” How silly she was to go on like that when it was obvious what was in Chase’s mind. His gaze roamed over her features. Releasing her hands, he planted his palms on her cheeks and lifted her chin with a gentle touch.
“You are”—Chase lowered his lips even closer—“the most beautiful woman I’ve ever known. In every way.”
She placed her hands on his chest. Mistake. When she tried to move them, he clamped one hand over hers, pinning them against him. “I’m all wrong for you,” she whispered.
“I’m all wrong for you. Are we back at this again?” He brushed his lips over her cheek. “You like to play this game, don’t you?”
