by Paula Mowery
He eased back and her eyes fluttered open. Pink covered her cheeks, and she diverted her gaze back toward the scenic overlook. As he pulled his arms from around her, she grasped one of his hands and intertwined her fingers with his. Warmth spread up his arm. He stared at Kenzie’s profile. Dusk painted pink hues behind her. Sunset marked the end of their adventure. He didn’t want it to end.
As far as he was concerned, he couldn’t get enough time with Kenzie Murrah. Her upcoming summer break should provide many opportunities.
~*~
Kenzie snuggled into bed, her hair still damp from her shower. Wide-eyed, she relived the bike ride and picnic. As the two of them sat at the picnic table conversing, Trevor had touched her cheek and kissed her. A spark ignited that had yet to be extinguished. She could still remember the sensation of his lips on hers and his arms pulling her closer.
After tossing and turning for another hour, she padded to the living room for her Bible. She settled back in bed and flipped to the next passage. The scripture was found in Job. Nana’s comment was written along the margin. Sometimes God allows testing which in the end builds our character and makes us a stronger child of God.
Testing? What kind of testing? Her stomach knotted. Job had so much taken from him. She shuddered. Would God test her that way? Could she stay true to God like Job did?
Don’t get ahead of yourself. Calm down. Don’t ruin this day. She sank into the covers and let the exertion from the bike ride take over.
Her cell phone rattled on her nightstand. She blinked hard to focus at her alarm clock, eight o’clock. Who was calling at eight on a Saturday? She snatched it, staring at the display. Mom and Dad. She pressed answer.
“Hello? Dad?”
“No, dear, it’s your mother.” Her words came out breathy, not in her usual strong tone.
“Hey, Mom. What’s up?” Kenzie pushed her body to a seated position on the bed, crossing her legs.
“Honey, it’s your father. He’s had a heart attack.”
“What?”
“Yeah, we’ve been at the hospital since about midnight.”
“You’ve been there that long, and you’re just now calling?” She hopped out of bed and paced a path in front of her dresser.
“Don’t start the drama, Kenzie.”
“Mother.” She gritted her teeth, but inhaled deep and let it out before speaking again. “How bad is it?”
Her mom sniffed. “The doctor said it was pretty bad.”
“I’m on my way.” Kenzie pulled her overnight bag out of the closet and opened it on the bed. As she flung clothes into the suitcase, she called Lila and filled her in.
“Lila, you know where my emergency lesson plans are, right?”
“Sure.”
“I’ll go ahead and get a sub for Monday and Tuesday. The drive is about nine and a half hours.”
“Kenzie, I hate you have to drive that far. Can’t you fly?”
“I wish. I can’t afford it on my salary. You should realize that.”
“Be careful. And don’t worry about school. I’ll call for you. Mrs. McCloud will understand. Keep me updated.”
“Thanks. I will.”
She scanned her closet and opted for khakis and one skirt, otherwise she’d wear jeans. Rushing to the bathroom, she packed her makeup and basic toiletries. She pulled her hair into a pony-tail and slid into jeans and a button-down. She dumped all of her luggage in the living room, checking the list of necessities in her head. A knock on the door halted her progress.
Sighing, she jogged over and swung it open. She froze, gazing into Trevor’s handsome face. “Hey.” She gnawed her bottom lip. “I’m on my way out. I’m sorry.”
“I know. Lila called.”
“Oh, I was going to call you when I got on the road.”
He glanced at his watch. “I’m here to take you to the airport.”
“Um, I’m not flying.” She shrugged.
“You are now.” He brushed past her and grabbed the handle of her suitcase.
“Trevor, I really can’t. I don’t have the money for a plane ticket.”
“It’s already taken care of. We just need to get you there in the next hour and a half.”
“I can’t let you do this.”
Trevor pursed his lips and grinned. “Too late. Already done.” He scanned her luggage. “Is this it?”
Kenzie nodded.
“Then let’s get a move on.”
Her eyes stung. “Thank you.”
Arriving at the airport, they rushed through check-in and hustled to the appropriate gate. Those who needed special assistance were already boarding the plane.
Kenzie stopped to listen for her seat number. Trevor touched her chin with his fingertips, tilting her head. She melted as he gazed intently into her eyes.
“You’ll never know how much I appreciate this. I’ll find a way to pay you back.”
He put a finger to her lips. “Shh. You will not repay me. Just come back soon. It’s a round trip ticket for a reason.” He cupped her cheek with his palm. It was warm but initiated a shiver down her back. “Please let me know you arrive safe. Just a text.”
“I will.” She swallowed.
“Keep me updated. If you need me, I’m on a plane.”
Warmth spread across her chest. She nodded. His face inched closer and their lips met. Her body automatically leaned in, not wanting it to end. When he stepped back, she rubbed her lips together, savoring the taste of him.
Trevor’s head jerked toward the gate’s desk. “That’s you.”
She glanced at her row number, suddenly remembering where she was. Shouldering her carry-on, she shuffled into line, turning back several times to meet Trevor’s gaze. As she started down the hall leading to the plane, she fluttered her fingers in a wave. Trevor blew her a kiss.
She strolled to her seat, fighting tears. She needed to go be with her father, but leaving Trevor was breaking her heart.
11
Trevor brooded over his sub sandwich and flipped through the channels. How long would Kenzie be gone? He sighed, disgusted at himself. How selfish and insensitive could he be? Kenzie’s father had suffered a heart attack, and her place was with him. But Trevor was just getting close to Kenzie and had looked forward to the summer break from school she was to begin next week.
His phone vibrated. The screen displayed her name. His pulse picked up. “Kenzie, how are you? And how’s your dad?”
She heaved a sigh that ended with a low groan. “I’m back to that pitiful fraidy cat. Dad’s not doing too well.” She paused and cleared her throat. “I’m worried, but I can’t do anything but wait.”
The desperation in her tone caused an ache to spread through his chest. How could he console her long distance? “I’m so sorry. I hope he’ll improve soon.”
“Me too. And Trevor, thank you so much for the plane ticket.”
“You’re welcome. Sounds like you could use some rest.”
“Yeah. I’ll keep you updated, if that’s OK?”
“Of course. Please call me anytime, not just for updating me. If I can’t see you, at least I want to listen to your voice.”
“OK. I’ll call again soon.” Her voice trailed off.
“I’m counting on it.”
After her tearful goodbye, the call ended.
Why now, Lord? I’m really not up for testing if absence makes the heart grow fonder.
~*~
Kenzie slumped into the waiting room chair. She missed Trevor even more after calling him. Did he really mean it when he said he wanted to hear her voice if he couldn’t see her in person?
“Kenzie.”
She jolted at her name and turned as her mother crossed the room. Kenzie jumped to her feet. “Has something happened?”
Her mother’s brow furrowed, and her eyes narrowed. “Calm down. No need to make a scene.” Her tone was stern.
Kenzie clenched her jaw. “There is a need to make a scene. My father is lying in a hospital bed i
n serious condition.”
Her mother patted her arm. “Yes, dear, I know.”
How could she be so together and calm? Almost—cold.
“The nurse told us he is awake. She’s going to let us go back early.” Her mother grasped Kenzie’s forearm and pulled her along, making her way toward the Intensive Care Unit doors.
Entering her father’s room, Mother sped to the other side of the hospital bed, eyes riveted on her husband. Kenzie was sure her mother held more concern than she let on.
The heaviness lightened in Kenzie’s chest when her gaze met her father’s. She rushed to his side and kissed his cheek. Tears threatened, but she swallowed them back.
Her father’s mouth curved up into a weak smile. “Hey, you.”
“Hey, to you. I would have come for a visit without all this.”
He shrugged.
“Just don’t scare me like that again.” She bit her bottom lip to still a quiver.
His face fell serious. “Please help your mother with the office.”
“Dad, don’t worry about that.”
Her mother patted his shoulder. “No. She’s right. Don’t give that another thought.” She held Kenzie’s gaze for a moment.
“Excuse me.”
Kenzie turned toward the voice. The same nurse who escorted them in moved to the foot of her father’s bed. “I’m afraid I’ll need to ask you two to go for now. You can return at the regular visiting hours.”
Kenzie glanced at her watch. The next visitation hours would be in an hour and a half. “We’ll be back soon, Dad.”
“I’ll be here.” He grinned.
Mother walked out ahead of her, wheeling around when they reached the hall. “Let’s run out for a bite and go by the house. You can leave your things.”
After eating at a local restaurant, Kenzie steered the rental car to her parent’s house. She rushed up the stairs with her two suitcases, dumping them in her old bedroom. They arrived back at the hospital with ten minutes to spare.
While visiting with Father, the nurse informed them he would probably be moved to a regular room by the next morning. Though Kenzie wasn’t keen on the idea of no one staying at the hospital overnight, she gave in to her father’s wishes. By the time they visited during the last visitation time and Kenzie had driven back to the house, her body ached and her eyes drooped. She dragged her weary body up the stairs, changed into pajamas, and slid into bed.
The room remained the same in furnishings except her belongings were no longer stuffed into the closets and drawers. Sheer exhaustion should have transported her immediately to sleep, but she tossed and fidgeted in the familiar bed. Why wouldn’t sleep come? This was the same bed she slept in for years. Kenzie stared at the ceiling. She was merely a guest here. This place ceased to be home. A part of her was unnerved by the realization and yet, deep inside, a contentment spread.
~*~
Trevor woke with Kenzie on his mind. She had only been gone for a week, but his longing to see her and touch her made it seem much longer. He eyed the alarm clock, still a couple of hours before his shift. Sighing, he heaved out of bed and meandered to the kitchen to start the coffee pot. Out of habit, he clicked on his e-reader and brought up e-mail, checking for any updates on his special assignment. Nothing new. The coffee pot beeped, and he jumped to his feet, pouring the steaming liquid into his worn mug. Just as he brought the rim to his lips, his cell phone buzzed.
“Hello?”
“Trevor. Hey buddy. It’s Kent back in Colorado.”
“Kent? Hey, how are things?” Trevor was surprised. Why would Kent be calling? He hadn’t spoken with him since he left the police department there and moved to Tennessee.
“Doing pretty well. But I’ll get right to the point. I’ve called to offer you a job.”
“A job?”
“Yep. Right back here in your hometown.” Kent paused. “All of that drug and alcohol mess has been cleared and done away with. We could really use you back here, and it would be a promotion. So, what do you say?”
This was a great offer and wonderful opportunity, but right now? What about Kenzie? Would she return or choose to stay in Maryland?
“Are you still there?”
“Sorry. You kind of caught me off guard.” Trevor rubbed his hand down his face. “Can I have a little time to consider it? Pray about it?”
“I can give you a couple of weeks. But what’s the problem? I mean, this is more money and a better position than Podunkville.”
Trevor gritted his teeth at Kent’s slur against his present position. “It still has to be the right decision.”
“OK. Whatever. Let me know as soon as possible.”
Trevor sank onto a kitchen chair. He never expected a job offer back in Colorado, especially not a promotion. He would be near his parents again. But, Kenzie. Was this the answer as to whether the two of them were to be together? The timing of the offer would seem to indicate that God was leading him in another direction. If so, why did the thought of accepting the job cause his chest to ache?
~*~
Kenzie sat at her parent’s chiropractic office at the reception desk, answering the phone and greeting clients. Father insisted he was fine, and that she and her mother open the office and contact clients for rescheduling. Kenzie abhorred the work but held a sense of obligation to help.
Her mind drifted to Trevor. She craved his gentle voice and the touch of his hand on her cheek. Would he tire of waiting for her return? When might she feel a release from here so she could go back to the life she’d grown accustomed to?
Her cell phone buzzed. She snatched it from her purse, opening it to a text. Just three words from Trevor.
I miss you.
Her eyes blurred with tears. Me too.
He immediately sent back. Talk tonight?
At the thought of hearing his voice, her body tingled. Can’t wait.
Kenzie waited as her mother locked the office doors and drove to the hospital to visit her father. Nearing his room, a deep baritone voice echoed from inside. The man whirled about when she and mother entered. Pastor Corum grinned as their gazes met. “Mrs. Murrah and Kenzie. So good to see you.”
Mother sashayed over, taking his hand. “Thank you for stopping by.”
“I was reassuring our patient here that the Bible says there is a time for everything. And right now, despite his impatience, is the time to rest and take it easy.”
Kenzie’s stomach wrenched when the pastor spoke of the Bible. She had ignored her Bible since arriving. “Pastor Corum, can I walk you out?”
“Certainly.” He glanced back at her father. “Call if you need anything.” In his signature hyper manner, the pastor flipped around and charged into the hallway.
“Pastor Corum, do you believe that the Bible will guide a Christian’s life?”
“Of course.”
Her cheeks heated. “I guess that’s a silly question to ask a minister.”
“No, not really. The Bible is a guide interpreted by the Spirit.”
“I got my Nana’s Bible.”
“Oh, Miss Murrah. What a godly woman.”
“Yes, she was.”
“I’m sure her Bible is quite a treasure to you.”
“It’s been guiding me. Passages and notes from Nana Nita.”
“You seem surprised or puzzled by that.”
“It follows so closely with what’s happening in my life.”
Pastor Corum leaned in. “Then pay close attention and learn.”
Kenzie nodded.
“I’ll be checking in. But if you should need me any time, night or day, please call.”
“Thank you.”
She had neglected reading Nana’s Bible. Now her spirit quickened deep inside, longing for the next guiding words. She rushed back into her father’s room. Her mother sat in the chair nearest her husband’s bed, browsing a magazine. Kenzie scooped up her purse. “I’ll be back soon. I need something from the house.”
She rushed t
o her car. Arriving at the house, she shot up the stairs, spotting the Bible on the bedside table. “How could I forget to read you?” She plopped onto the bed with a sigh, flipping pages until she arrived at the next passage. The scripture was highlighted in Psalm 51, and its verses read like the yearning of her heart to restore to her the joy of her salvation. Nana’s words were scrolled along the side.
It is so easy to lose the joy we find in our salvation—in our very relationship with God. Come clean and reconnect.
Kenzie had allowed her worry and even her parent’s demands to push her away from the very thing she needed to cling to most. No more.
12
Trevor brought up Kenzie’s number and pushed send.
“Trevor, hey.” Her tone was bright and upbeat.
“Something good must have happened. Is your dad better?”
“Actually, my excitement has nothing to do with my father or at least not my earthly one.”
“Oh?”
“I hadn’t been reading my Bible or even praying like I had been, but I’ve got that settled.”
“Your Nana’s Bible again?”
“Yeah. How are things with you?”
“Good.” Though the job offer weighed heavily on his mind, he couldn’t bring himself to discuss it with Kenzie.
“Are you all right?”
“I’m sorry. I do miss you. How much longer do you think you’ll be needed there?” If she wasn’t to return, Trevor would surely have an answer to the job offer.
“I don’t know. I think the doctors are discussing releasing dad from the hospital, but he’ll still need some recovery time before returning to work. To tell you the truth, this has aged him.” There was a catch in her voice. “In fact, I better get back to the hospital to pick up Mom. Can we talk again tomorrow?”
“Of course. Any time.”
“OK, well...Goodnight.”
“Goodnight.”
Kenzie’s voice tugged at his heart. When they said goodnight, he held back from adding, “I love you.” He pounded his fist into his palm. Kent would expect an answer. Trevor weighed the pros and cons and naturally the logical choice was in favor of the Colorado promotion.
