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

by Elsie Davis

  Juliet was okay with being a leader and helping, especially if it meant she was doing good for others. “Don’t worry, it’ll be fine. Kids are easy once you break them into groups and find what they like to do by age range.”

  “You had a knack at the church social, so I will totally take your word on it.” Evelyn laughed. “As for you, Dr. K, give me a minute to figure it out.”

  Juliet glanced up at him and smiled. “See you later, and then we can talk.”

  “Sounds like a plan,” he answered, shooting her a wink. The talk wouldn’t come soon enough as far as she was concerned.

  “Why don’t you help Tommy make sure the seating is set up with plenty of room toward the front for people to lay out blankets. You can help direct people as they arrive and keep the crowd under control. Can’t have empty seats in the middle.” Evelyn smiled and pointed him in the right direction.

  “Sounds perfect. I like being in charge,” Jake said.

  “That’s the truth,” Juliet said, waving as she walked away, wanting to get in the last word.

  An hour had passed, and more kids showed up. Luckily, so did Evelyn because Juliet needed help. “Thank goodness you stopped by. Is there anyone you can spare? We have way more children than you expected.”

  “Sure thing,” Evelyn said with a grin. “Hey, Jake,” she hollered.

  Juliet swung around to see Jake walking by close to where they stood. Talk about timing.

  He changed directions and headed their way. “What’s up?” he asked.

  “Juliet and Cecilia could use a hand. Any chance you can help them out?” Evelyn’s broad smile gave Juliet the suspicion the woman was up to something. But if it included Jake, she was all in.

  “Sure thing,” he said, his quick reply and ready smile showing his eagerness to comply. “Let me give this to Mark,” he held up a pack of paper, “and then I’ll be right back.

  Evelyn leaned in closer as he walked away. “Don’t let him get away,” she said in a low voice.

  “He’s not going anywhere. I’ve already agreed to come back to the clinic, and he has to stay there until they find someone else.”

  “I wasn’t talking about work,” Evelyn said.

  “The jury’s still out on that one, but rest assured, I’m working on it.” Now that she understood the root of her feelings and understood that life was a work in progress, she was more than willing to go the distance to see what could come of things between them. And if it was God’s plan for them to be together, they would be. And Juliet was more than willing to stick around and find out.

  Jake returned and made his way over to where the kids played. A game of chase was quickly arranged.

  “Newcomer is it. Run kids!” Juliet shouted. The children scattered in every direction, Juliet holding the hand of one little girl on one side and a little boy on the other. They were an easy target, and Jake headed straight for them, turning aside at the last minute.

  Proof he was one of the good guys. Jake caught up to Johnny and tagged him. “You’re it. Hope you’re being careful with that arm,” he added.

  “I am, Dr. K. When are we going fishing?” Johnny asked.

  Juliet held her breath and waited for Jake’s answer.

  “How about next weekend?” he said, ruffling the boy’s hair.

  “Yippee.” Johnny took off running, trying to catch the next person.

  Within the hour, all the children and been picked up by the parents. The park was almost a ghost town, other than a few people left to clean up. “Need help, Evelyn?” Jake asked when the woman joined them.

  “No, thanks. Plenty of folks signed on for cleanup. They consider it the easy part,” she added, laughing.

  “Okay, then. Wonderful event. What I saw of the play was incredible, and it was surprising to see so much talent in the county. Can’t wait until next year’s event,” Jake said, this time his comment surprising Juliet beyond belief. The man was talking about making this social change beyond today.

  “I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thanks to both of you for everything you did. I love it when the town comes together to make these events a success.”

  Juliet handed her several bags of kid’s toys and games. “You’re welcome. It was exhausting, but fun.”

  “You two run along now,” Evelyn said, walking away.

  “Do you have enough energy left for a walk?” Jake asked, offering his arm in another surprise move.

  “If you carry me,” she teased. The truth was, she could be dead on her feet and she’d still find a way to walk with Jake. She was dying to know what he wanted to talk about.

  “That can be arranged.” Jake made a move to do just that, not at all put off by the idea.

  “I’m teasing,” she said, grabbing his arm instead. “Lead on.”

  Jake walked her toward the wishing well. He stopped, turning to face her. “You came by to tell me some truths and apologize, and now it’s my turn to do the same.”

  “You have—”

  He held up his hand to stop her. “Let me finish. You came to me at a low point in my life. One that had been going on far too long. You challenged me to move past it all and start living again. I’ve done that, thanks to you. Your motives, in the beginning, might not have been entirely on the up and up, but they weren’t misguided either. You once told me it was a tragedy not to use my God-given talents for doctoring, and you were right.

  “It’s also a tragedy not to use my God-given talent for loving. Loving you, more specifically. I know I pushed you away, but I was afraid of my feelings. And I felt guilty, as though I were betraying Sophia. I now know and understand that how fortunate I’ve been to have met two beautiful and yet unique women. God has blessed me with another chance at love, and I would be honored if you’d give me a chance to prove how much I care about you.” Jake took her hand and held to his lips, pressing a kiss against the warmth of her flesh.

  Tears glazed her eyes, her mouth trembling.

  She could tell Jake wanted to kiss her, but something was holding him back. Was he waiting for permission? “I’d like that too. In case you haven’t noticed, I love you, too. I have for a long time; I just didn’t want to admit it.” It felt wonderful to let loose the words from her heart and to know they were well-received.

  Jake leaned forward, letting his mouth do the necessary talking. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer. Juliet relished the feel of being in his arms again because without a doubt, she was right where she belonged.

  Epilogue

  Juliet sat rocking on the front porch of the cabin. It was hard to believe that almost a year had passed since she first met Jake and stayed here. But then, a full-time job at the clinic, a wedding, and now a baby on the way had kept them busy. Jake’s wedding proposal had come swiftly on the heels of his declaration of love. Like three weeks swift.

  Juliet smiled, remembering the hike they’d taken on one of the trails to their favorite overlook of the Smoky Mountains and the valleys below. Just as the sun was setting, he’d proposed. Romantic and beautiful. Exactly what she would have wanted the day she said yes.

  It turned out God’s plan had included Jake, marriage, and family. All when it was the right time in her life. The wedding had been a short month later. Jake was a man who moved mountains to get his way when he was determined, and he’d been determined the two of them would be settled by Christmas.

  What they hadn’t planned was a baby coming along so quickly. As spring rolled in, the warmer weather days increased, and so did her belly. Juliet rubbed her abdomen as their baby girl kicked, letting Momma know she wasn’t enjoying the back-and-forth motion of the rocker. She hoped that would change when baby Rebecca Sophia Kensington made her appearance in four months, but for now, she quit rocking.

  They’d come to the cabin for a vacation. Their first official one since finding a temporary doctor to take over the clinic in their absence. Although, it wasn’t much of a vacation for Jake. He was determined to have Rebecca’s ro
om added on to the cabin before she arrived. Their other home, of course, was the one Juliet had fallen in love with while renting the place in town. The one Jake had bought for her as a wedding present. The man was full of surprises and showed his love in every way he could think of.

  Juliet glanced up as something caught her attention out of the corner of her eye. Down along the tree line, she spotted a fox easing its way closer. She loved the wildlife out here in the woods, but the little fox who showed up the day after she met Jake would always hold a special place in her heart. She was sure that’s when she’d fallen for the warm and kind-hearted man who took care of, even if she hadn’t recognized her feelings at the time.

  “Jake,” she called softly, not wanting to alarm the fox.

  “What is it, darling? Do you need something?” he asked, standing in the doorway, a hammer in his hand.

  “No, but thanks. I wanted to let you know there’s a fox over by the trees.” She pointed toward the trees where she’d last spotted it. “I wonder if it’s our special fox?”

  Jake moved to stand next to her and she grabbed his arm. “You ask that every time a fox shows up, but I’m not sure there’s any way to find out. They all look alike to me.” He chuckled, leaning over to drop a kiss on the top of her head.

  Juliet grinned up in excitement and pointed to where the fox suddenly appeared next to the woodpile. “I think we should name her Ginger.”

  “It’s a great name, and I think you’re right about it being our fox.” Jake put an arm around Juliet’s shoulder, and she leaned against him.

  “It’s like she keeps coming back to thank you for saving her.” Juliet fully believed it with all her heart.

  “It wouldn’t surprise me. I do that every day with you. Give God thanks for you coming into my life and saving me,” he clarified, this time dropping a kiss on her mouth.

  “We both had a lot to learn from each other. Once we got out of our own way, God was able to show us the right direction, the one that led us to each other.” Juliet stood and stepped into Jake’s arms, the two of them watching their fox in silent wonder as the sun set on the horizon. Beautiful shades of orange and red painted the sky, reminding her of God’s wonderous glory and love.

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