Juliet's Journey To Love (The Great Smoky Mountain Getaways Book 1)

by Elsie Davis

  “You all need to vacate the room and let me tend to your friend—without interference.” He moved to the side of the bed and waited for them to leave.

  “Fine. You don’t have to go all he-man on us.” Laura said, rising from the bed and making her way to the door.

  “We’re just trying to make her feel better,” Blaire offered.

  “With a Bible?” he asked derisively, glancing down at the book Blaire held.

  Juliet winced. The readings were soothing, but she wasn’t up to explaining it to Jake. And his tone of voice was a clear indication he wasn’t up to listening, even if she was up to talking.

  Her friends left, and Jake on the edge of the bed. “Here, it’s a liquid pain reliever for your headache.” He helped her sit up, just like he’d done before, his gentleness an enigma. Juliet managed to get most of it in her mouth, some dribbling down her chin and onto her shirt.

  Jake dabbed at the mess with the wet washcloth he’d brought with him. “Good girl. I still think you’ve got a gastrointestinal virus or the flu. Neither one is fun for you, but I’ll do what I can to make you comfortable. I plan on another round of antibiotics to be on the safe side at the twelve-hour mark.” He used the washcloth to dab at her forehead, brushing her hair back off her face, the cooling sensation a welcome relief.

  “Thank you,” she murmured, gazing up at Jake. Her eyes glazed over with tears at his tenderness. She wiped them away as a few trickled down her cheek, not wanting him to make a bigger fuss.

  “Do you think you can drink some more water if I help?” he asked. She was grateful he didn’t mention her tears.

  Juliet nodded. Much to her surprise, she managed to take four sips before giving up. It was a good sign, and his look of approval made her more determined to do better next time.

  “We’ll try every ten minutes or so, fluids being critical at this point.”

  “I’m sorry if I’m a lot of trouble,” she said, grateful for his help and knowing how much he resented their presence.

  Jake held up his hand. “Say no more. You need to concentrate on getting better. We’ll let the medicine do its job, and you get some sleep which is your job.”

  “Thank you—for everything,” Juliet said, her voice low and still very weak.

  He flipped off the light in the room. “Get some sleep, Juliet.”

  3

  Juliet blinked several times, trying to let her eyes adjust to the lighting. Her gaze landed on Jake, who was resting in the chair nearby, and it clicked where she was and why. She’d slept for hours judging by the time. Throughout the hot and cold changes, she remembered Jake by her side, pressing cold compresses on her face and adjusting her blankets. He’d been quietly attentive in his ministrations.

  His eyes opened, and he bolted upright, quickly standing and making his way to her side. “Nice to see you awake again.” A smile softened his expression, making him seem more approachable. Even handsome, that is, if one liked a man with lots of facial hair.

  “Thanks,” she croaked. She hated the helpless feeling that assuaged her, much preferring to be the caregiver. Her motto—better to give than receive—had always been a blessing.

  “How are you feeling?” he asked.

  Juliet shrugged. “My stomach still hurts a lot, but I’m not as cold.”

  “Some improvement is good. Let me get you some more medicine for your stomach. Are you up for drinking some water first?”

  “I can try,” she murmured.

  Jake held the cup to her lips, one arm behind her shoulder. She managed six sips, the best she’d done since he’d brought her here. Definitely a good sign. “Good job,” he said, rewarding her with a smile of approval.

  “Where are Laura and Blaire?” Juliet couldn’t help but worry about her friends and how they were faring through this ordeal as she recalled their earlier complaints about Jake and his home.

  “They’re in the living room. They fixed dinner, which was surprisingly good. But don’t tell them I said that—it’s easier to keep the status quo that way. And even though I’m a backwoods loner, I’m not so out of touch that I didn’t have a deck of cards. They’ve been putting them to good use. I reckon there’s not much else here for them to do.” Jake’s grin confirmed her opinion of the man, but it didn’t change the truth of the situation.

  “I’ve ruined the trip for them.”

  “I think that’s the last thing they’re worried about. They’re concerned about you. You’ve got some good friends.”

  “They are, aren’t they?” A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. Juliet was lucky to have them as friends, and their quick action may have saved her life. But then, so did Jake’s. I’ve enjoyed the comfort of your bed, but I was wondering if I could join you all? You know, out in the living room.”

  “I hardly think you’re up to playing cards.” He shook his head, nixing her idea without a second thought.

  “No. I don’t have the energy to play. I thought maybe if I could lay on the sofa, at least then I wouldn’t be as lonely and bored to tears. No offense.”

  “None taken. And I don’t see a problem with your request. I’ll carry you out there and stoke the fire to provide you with extra warmth.”

  “That sounds lovely.” No matter what Laura and Blaire thought, Jake was a nice man, even if he didn’t like to show that side to strangers.

  Jake pulled the comforter from the bed and helped Juliet sit up, wrapping her in the blanket before cradling her in his arms. He carried her out to the front room, Blaire and Laura looking up as he entered.

  “Look who’s awake,” Laura said, smiling.

  “It’s Sleeping Beauty,” Blaire teased. “Are you feeling any better?”

  “I wouldn’t say better, but definitely not worse. My body hurts. But at least I haven’t thrown up again. And I’m not as cold, which is a good sign.”

  “You would know,” Laura said, jumping up to help with the blanket and pillow arrangements as Jake laid her on the couch.

  “Are you comfortable?” he asked.

  “Yes, thank you. For everything.” Juliet reached out to touch his arm, his gaze glancing down at her hand.

  “Just get better and the three of you can be on your way. That’s the best thing you can do for me in return,” Jake said, turning away and crossing to the other side of the room where a desk stood in the corner.

  Juliet recognized the sudden shift in attitude and realized this was a cold front he erected when the need arose. More like a brick wall. It made her wonder about his story.

  “In case you haven’t figured it out, Juliet, your knight in shining armor is actually a certified grizzly bear, destined to live out his life alone in his cave,” Laura said, chuckling.

  Juliet smiled. “Laura, be nice. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to live quietly in God’s beautiful country.” Nothing wrong with it, but still, an unusual choice.

  “Yes, Mother. Or should I say, leader?” Laura teased.

  “Leader?” Jake asked, turning his attention back to her. “I would have thought that role went to you, judging by your pushiness,” he said, shooting Laura a smirking grin.

  “Ha-ha. Juliet is the leader of the Freedom and Faith group at our church. She organizes the hiking plans and serves as our guide,” Laura said while shuffling the cards.

  “I see. And what exactly is the objective of the Freedom and Faith group?” Jake asked, his brow tight with deep lines across his forehead.

  “We’re a group of women who want to hike the Appalachian Trail as an opportunity to get closer to God, fellowship together, and become more independent in our own lives. All while completing the trail as a major accomplishment,” Blaire said, summing up the total mission statement for their group, a satisfied look on her face. “There’s leftover macaroni and cheese if you get hungry, Juliet. Might be good for your stomach.”

  “It’s my mom’s special recipe, minus a few ingredients Grizzly didn’t have.” Laura’s wink was proof her friend was just
teasing Jake, something he seemed to take in stride. But then, they didn’t know what she knew—that he appreciated their cooking.

  “No, thanks. My stomach is feeling better, and I’m afraid to set it off again. This morning was enough. But…” she glanced sheepishly at Jake, “I do need to, umm, use the bathroom, if someone will direct me.”

  Blaire and Laura laughed out loud.

  “You do remember where we are, right?” Blaire asked.

  “We haven’t seen a bathroom since we left civilization. What makes you think Grizzly Jake has anything better than what we’ve been using the past couple of days?” Laura asked, shaking her head.

  “I just thought—”

  “You thought wrong,” Jake interjected. “First off, I’m not sure you’re strong enough to get anywhere on your own, and I wouldn’t want to take a chance on you falling and injuring yourself. Second, I do have an outhouse, which is slightly better than the woods in my books.”

  “I’m not letting you carry me to an outhouse.” Juliet’s face scrunched up in distaste.

  “Suit yourself, but I would prefer it if you didn’t wait till the middle of the night to tell me you can’t hold it anymore. One way or the other, I’m going to have to carry you there. Better during the day. I promise not to go inside with you, as there’s barely enough room for one person.” He chuckled.

  “I’ll wait until I feel better.” Juliet shook her head. From the standpoint of her bathroom options, it was lucky she hadn’t much to drink today; otherwise, she might not have had a choice in the matter.

  “Who wants to play cards? We’re getting ready to start another game of hearts,” Blaire offered.

  “Juliet needs to rest. She promised she’s only out here to watch. And I’ll keep an eye on her, but thanks anyway. I’m not into games.”

  “Suit yourself, Grizzly,” Laura teased.

  Jake tended the fire, sitting quietly by himself and reading a book in the corner of the room. Juliet found herself curious to know what interested him but refused to ask, not wanting to delve into his personal life since he’d made a point the subject was off limits.

  Another hour passed, her friends content to play cards and talk. Juliet grew weary and was more than ready to go back to sleep, except for one little problem. Make that a big problem. “Umm, I hate to ask, but I don’t think I have a choice. It’s not like I’m two-years-old and can get away with wetting my pants. Jake, can you carry me to the outhouse?” The question was dragged from her lips with as much hesitation as humor—the one an attempt to alleviate the other.

  “Sure thing.” Jake grabbed his jacket to put across her shoulders as he carried her outside. “Your chariot awaits.” He winked, his sense of humor making his chivalry bearable.

  4

  Juliet opened her eyes, the mid-afternoon in the curtains. She felt so much better and couldn’t wait to tell her friends. After a rough night of tossing and turning with alternating bouts of sweat and chills, she’d been exhausted. The three of them couldn’t leave as Laura had hoped, but judging by how she felt now, they be gone with the first light come morning. Juliet would make sure of it, no matter whether she was totally ready or not.

  She brushed the hair back from her face, conscious of Jake sound asleep in the chair, not two feet from her. His presence had a calming effect she couldn’t begin to understand. But through it all, Jake had been there to tend to her needs. She wasn’t quite sure what to make of him.

  The expression gentle giant came to mind, causing her to smile. His gruff exterior was nothing like the kindness he’d shown her ever since he arrived at their campsite. And then there were his eyes. The warmth in the chocolatey depths not at all like a ferocious grizzly as Laura liked to tease him. There was something about Jake that made her want to know more, but unfortunately, they wouldn’t be here long enough for her to find out much. The man wasn’t exactly an open book.

  And other than the one photo of a beautiful woman on the nightstand, there’d been nothing else in the cabin that spoke of people or family. The only vibrant color splashes were the striking photographs that hung on the walls. She hadn’t missed them when he carried her to the couch and back but didn’t dare ask about them, still trying to respect his wish for privacy. It was the least she could do given that he’d nursed her back to health.

  And she was certain he’d done just that. Her fever had broken this morning, but still, Jake hovered close by, keeping a watch to make sure she didn’t overdo things and suffer a relapse. The last thing he wanted was for his house guests to stay any longer than necessary.

  It would seem her latest nap had been precisely what she needed. She was well on her way to recovery thanks to good medicine and food. Although, it wasn’t like Jake’s kitchen was stocked with gourmet food or stocked with much of anything. In fact, she’d bet his medical supplies inventory far surpassed his food stock. Blaire’s cooking skills, however, managed to make everything taste great.

  The prayer session they’d held this morning was comforting, her friends continuing to pray for her good health to return and for their ability to finish the trek safely. They were all anxious to get back on the trail, and if they were going to make it to the pick-up location on time, they couldn’t afford any more delays. Juliet felt guilty they wouldn’t have the nice relaxing trip and layovers they planned at some of the scenic spots, but there was nothing she could do about the situation.

  Jake’s offer to fix his truck and drive everyone into town was met with resistance, Laura preferring to finish out their hike. Blaire, of course, remained neutral through the discussion.

  Juliet couldn’t blame Laura for wanting to finish this section of the trail. There was only so much vacation time allocated for hiking and losing this section would be a big deal. Not to mention, force them to do a repeat if they wanted to cross it off their list. Jake wasn’t happy with the decision, his concern of a relapse a valid point, but there was nothing they could do about it.

  The silver lining in the whole thing was that Jake’s cabin was four miles closer in the direction they were going from Derrick’s Knob, the lean-to where they’d camped. It hadn’t taken much to convince her friends to start back in from where the trail picked up by his place. There was no sense hiking to the lean-to, only to return the same way. It would have turned a fifteen-mile trek to the pick-up location from his cabin into a twenty-three-mile trek, and next to impossible to do in the time remaining.

  Especially given Juliet’s inability to push herself overly hard. Common sense ruled—at least as far as the Freedom and Faith women were concerned. They would have still covered that part of the trail, just on an ATV. Jake, on the other hand, didn’t think her urgency to leave had anything to do with common sense.

  But then he didn’t know her or what motivated her. As the group leader, it was important to finish what she started. Having already ruined the trip, she couldn’t possibly allow her illness to turn it into a complete failure. She’d accepted the leadership role hoping to feel useful and wanted, and so far, she wasn’t doing a particularly good job of leading.

  The bedroom door opened, and Laura and Blaire walked in.

  “We didn’t know you were awake again.” Blaire crossed the room to her side. “How are you feeling? Still okay?”

  “With every passing hour, I’m feeling stronger. I promise I’ll be ready in the morning.”

  “Walking from the bedroom to the sofa doesn’t prove anything,” Jake said from the chair. The sleeping giant had awakened.

  “Well, then maybe a walk to the outhouse will do the trick.” Juliet smiled, knowing it would do no such thing, but she was determined to start somewhere. She slid off the bed and stood.

  Jake was on his feet in seconds and took a step toward her.

  Juliet held up her hand. “I’m fine. Trust me.”

  “If you say so.” Jake stepped back, allowing her to pass. He might have agreed, but she could feel his eyes on her back, watching her every step.

 
“She should be okay. Juliet’s strong and looking a hundred times better than she did yesterday, thanks to you.” Laura’s comment made Juliet smile. Her friends seem to have softened her view toward the mountain man.

  She walked slowly, not wanting the dizziness to return. It was as much of a test for herself as it was a proving ground to the others, and she had no intentions of failing. She reached the outhouse safely and turned and waved to the others, knowing they’d followed her outside. At least she didn’t need Jake to do this for her anymore. Talk about humiliating.

  Juliet finished up and started back toward the cabin. A movement off to the side caught her attention, and she stopped to check it out. A small red fox cowered next to the woodpile, the look of pain in his eyes unmistakable. She took a step in his direction, and the fox tried to move away, dragging his backside on the ground, obviously hurt.

  “Jake,” she called with as much energy as she could muster.

  Jake came running toward her. “What is it? Do you need me to carry you?”

  “No.” She held out her hand to stop him from picking her up. “Look.” She pointed toward the woodpile and the fox. “I think he’s injured. He’s dragging his back legs when he tries to move. Can you help him?”

  “I think you’re right. And yes, I’ll see what I can do. I’m glad you spotted him. Injured animals don’t fare well through the night in the wild. Keep an eye on him for a minute, and I’ll be right back,” Jake said before he took off towards the cabin.

  Blaire and Laura came running toward her. “What’s wrong?” Laura asked.

  “Where’s Jake off to in such a hurry?” Blaire grabbed her arm.

  “Look. It’s an injured fox,” Juliet answered, pointing toward the woodpile.

  Jake came back out of the cabin carrying his medical bag in one hand, along with a second larger bag in the other. “Ladies, please stay back. An injured wild animal can be quite dangerous, and caution is in order.” Jake was taking total control of the situation the same way he had when he helped her. He moved closer to the fox and stopped, pulling open the larger bag. He pulled a gun out and started to load it.