by Elsie Davis
Chad shook his head and stood. “I’m not one of your mission projects, Rachel. Let it go. I stopped believing when I was deployed and came face to face with pure evil. Watching children die was more than I could bear.”
“Those are people doing the killing. Not God. Men perpetrate evil. Those children are children of God, and that’s who we’re fighting for. We are fighting for common decency amongst one another as we are all equal and looking for a better future. But to understand that, you must have faith and the belief that God is in control ultimately.”
“Save it for those who want to believe,” Chad said, storming out of the room.
So much for the impasse. Maybe she should have left well enough alone. Rachel gazed out the window, watching as Chad picked up an ax and swung it with a vengeance, cutting firewood they didn’t need. Every ounce of his fury landed with each strike.
Her heart ached for him. The best thing she could do to help him was to leave, giving him the space he needed. She moved to the front window, noting Chad’s progress on clearing the driveway. The car wasn’t that much farther down the road. All she had to do was dig the car out. Maybe she’d even be able to rock it back and forth and get free now that the snow was melting. It was a long shot, but one worth taking.
Spotting the shovel on the front porch, she came to a decision. Even if she couldn’t back the car out, she’d be ready to go when the tow truck arrived. Maybe even catch a ride back into town. Not to mention, it would help the snowplow see her car as she didn’t fancy them sideswiping her Audi.
Dressed warmly, Rachel headed out the front door. She eased down the path Chad had cleared, walking carefully to avoid slipping on the icy spots forming. Turning right at the end of the driveway, her way became much harder to navigate. The snow was quite deep but better than she could have hoped for. The trees had protected much of the road.
She gazed up at the sky as a vulture flew overhead, just in time for a heap of snow to land on her head as it melted off the tree branch. Brushing the cold snow out of her face, she shook her head, frustrated with Chad, the snowstorm, and her life. If he could see her now, she was sure he’d be laughing. Paybacks weren’t fun.
All she needed was a chance to leave town and start over, going wherever the mission trips took her.
Rachel spotted her car and quickened her pace. Little by little, she pushed the snow off the hood, the door handles, and the windows. That done, she started digging out around the vehicle, tossing the snow to the side of the road. Sweat beaded on her back, neck, and forehead. Shoveling had never been a favorite for her, and this was the worst. Pulling out the keys from her pocket, she unlocked the door and slid into the driver’s seat.
She put the key in the ignition and turned it. Nothing happened. No lights. Nothing. She tried again, with the same result. The battery was dead. Heaving out a sigh of frustration, she got out of the car and relocked it. The trek back to the cabin would be a cold one, with the sweat cooling against her skin from the cold air temperature.
Off in the distance, a movement caught her attention. A big, black animal was meandering along the tree line of the woods.
Bear. It was the first thing that came to mind. Rachel swallowed hard, adrenaline causing her heart to race in fear. She glanced back at the car, wondering if she should head that way and lock herself inside. Or would he attack the vehicle with her inside? Unfortunately, she wasn’t an expert on bear behavior. In fact, why he was even out made little sense. The bear should be hibernating based on everything she knew.
A low growl echoed in her direction, the bear altering his path to turn her way.
Decision made, Rachel ran for the car, terrified the bear intended to make her his dinner. Her hands shook as she tried to unlock the door, the keys dropping into the snow. She fell to her knees, swishing the snow around, trying to find them.
The bear was huffing as he pawed at the snow, still advancing.
Please, Lord, help protect me. When she left the cabin, an encounter with a bear was the last thing she’d expected.
So what was this bear’s problem—besides her?
Eight
Latching on to her keys, Rachel brushed off the snow sticking to the metal. Then, with another quick glance at the bear, she was relieved to see he had stopped advancing—at least for the moment. She tried to quell her shaking hand enough to push the key into the door lock, using both hands to steady her efforts.
Please, Lord, help me get this door open and to safety. As her fear escalated, her tension levels soared. Her throat was tight, and it was hard to breathe.
A shot rang out, the sound echoing down the wooded lane like thunder, causing her to jump. Another surge of adrenaline raced through her body as she spun around, intent on discovering the source. It was close. Off in the distance, she spotted someone walking down the road from the direction of the cabin.
Chad.
Another shot rang out, and Rachel covered her ears. The bear hadn’t liked the sound either and was now running into the woods. She let out a deep breath, the relief almost overwhelming. Partly because Chad had rescued her and partly because the bear was safe.
Rachel grabbed the shovel and headed toward him, meeting Chad halfway. “Thank you so much,” she said, glancing down at his now holstered pistol. Rachel stepped in close to hug him, not even caring they had last parted in discord. When his arms came around her, she felt a second sense of relief.
“You’re welcome,” he drawled. “But I’ve got to ask, why are you even out here?”
Rachel pulled back. “Given the circumstances, I thought it would be best if I tried to dig out my car. Once the roads are cleared, I’ll be leaving, and my car was buried. But why are you out here? Not that I’m not grateful because I am forever in your debt. You probably saved my life.”
Chad shrugged, a funny expression on his face. “I don’t know if the bear would have attacked, but I didn’t want to take any chances. He was probably looking for food, but not necessarily the human variety.” He shot her a teasing smile, and it went a long way to unwinding her nerves.
“I thought bears hibernated in the winter,” she said, still having a hard time understanding the bear’s presence.
“Most do. You can’t have spent much time in the mountains during the winter if you don’t know our Smoky Mountain bears are different.”
“Not really. There was always plenty to do in town without the bonus of bugs and animals you get out here.” Not to mention her parents had busy social calendars that didn’t allow for expeditions that didn’t further their interests. And Alex had been more of a city fellow. Another reason she should have seen they weren’t suited and been brave enough to put an end to it.
Chad took the shovel from her. “When we have warm spells in the winter, they come looking for food. I reckon the storm drove them into their dens, and today’s sunshine is warm and welcoming to an animal out scavenging around for food.”
“Something I didn’t know but won’t forget.” She grinned. “So why did you come looking for me? You didn’t say.” They started down the road back toward the cabin, matching their steps to the existing footprints.
“I was looking for you in the cabin because I wanted to apologize for my earlier gruffness. But when I discovered you were gone, it was easy enough to figure out where you were headed after I spotted your footprints at the end of the drive. So figured I would join you and see what you were up to and if I could help.”
“Well, I’m glad you did.” She reached out to touch his arm. “Thank you, Chad. Let’s just call everything that’s happened these past days even. Friends?” she asked, holding out her hand.
“Friends.” He shook her hand. “Shall we?” He gestured toward the cabin. “Wouldn’t want you catching a chill out here after all your hard work.”
Rachel nodded. “I am cold. I think it’s all the sweat freezing on my skin.”
Chad took his scarf and wrapped it around her neck. “This and the walk back should help.
”
His concern was touching. “Thank you.” Rachel had to agree with Leslie; her brother was a nice guy. An awkward silence fell between them.
“About earlier,” Chad said, pausing to glance in her direction. “The whole PTSD thing. I really am sorry about the way I acted. It’s just that I don’t like to talk about it. It brings up a whole slew of negative memories that I’m trying to forget, not dredge up.”
“I understand. I shouldn’t have pressed you so hard. Sometimes my helper gift gets me into trouble,” she said, regretting her part in their argument.
Chad stopped, turning to face her. “It wasn’t personal, I promise. And I hope it’s not why you’re in an all-fire hurry to leave.”
“Well, I did feel it would be best. It is your home, and I’m the unwelcome guest you’re stuck with for the time being.” They’d had their moments of fun, plenty of them. But that’s all it was, and the reality was still present. The term unwelcome guest said it all.
They resumed walking. “I don’t mind you being here. Honestly.”
“That’s good to know,” Rachel said, knocking into his arm playfully, hoping to return to the easy camaraderie they’d share.
“The thing is…the community center is my focus. I told you about the kids I want to help at the center—but I didn’t tell you why. In Afghanistan, children are used as weapons of war, and it’s heartbreaking. It’s the images I can’t get out of my head, and sometimes they haunt me. My new calling is a deep-rooted desire to help children that suffer great losses because of war. To help kids who need an advocate in life to make sure they aren’t left behind without the resources for a bright future.” Chad said, his voice vibrating with the same suffering she’d heard the night she witnessed his nightmares.
“Thank you for sharing something so personal. So many children will benefit from this program.”
“That’s what I’m hoping. Kids in need will have a free pass to join and build friendships with other kids who become members. Team building skills and life-building skills are at the top of the list. Anything that keeps a child moving forward in a positive direction.” His voice had become vibrant with warmth and emotion, his dedication ringing loud and clear.
Chad’s determination to make a success of the program would stand up against any issues along the way, and she was positive he would be successful. “You’ve really thought this through, and it sounds wonderful. Kids from all over the country can come in for camp experiences. Have you thought about setting up a donation site? Extra funding can help pay to fly the kids here, and I’m sure people would love to get involved and help out financially.”
“I hadn’t gotten that far in my planning, but what a great idea.” Chad opened the front door, holding it wide for her to enter.
The warmth of the fire was even better as she shrugged out of her coat and boots and moved to stand beside it, holding out her hands. “This feels so good. I’m starting to feel my fingers again.”
“Hold that thought, and I’ll be right back.” Chad headed for the kitchen.
Alone, Rachel had time to ponder Chad’s admission. PTSD was a serious matter, and it wouldn’t go away on its own. She also knew better than to press him again, realizing Leslie was the better person to help her brother. Somethings were better left in the family.
Chad returned with a cup of hot chocolate, handing her one. “Here you go.”
“Thank you,” she said, taking a sip. “Hmmm. This is delicious.”
Chad took a seat on the sofa. “You’re welcome. An idea occurred to me, and if you’ve got a few minutes, I’d love to run it by you.”
Rachel moved to sit at the other end of the sofa, facing him. “Let’s hear it.”
“So, the thing is, you’ve mentioned how you like helping people.”
“Yes, that’s true. Too much sometimes, I fear.” She grinned, knowing they both knew exactly what she was referring to.
Chad smiled, relaxing against the back cushion and getting comfortable. “Help is help, and I’m sure you have the best of intentions. The thing is, you seem completely on board with what I’m doing at the community center. I loved your inspired suggestion about funding and making this a national program. You’re not working anywhere I know of, and I wondered if you would want to work for me—as the program manager at the community center. I’m hiring, and I need someone passionate about helping others and who’s creative. I think you’d be awesome for the job given your experience in the mission field, your big heart, and your compassionate nature.”
Rachel hadn’t expected this and was unsure how to answer. It really was a great offer, and it would be something she would enjoy under different circumstances. “I consider it an honor you even thought of me for the position, but I’m sorry. I don’t think it’s a good idea.”
“Because of me?” he asked, a frown etched across his face.
She shook her head, not wanting him to get the wrong impression. “No, because of me. I just got out of a relationship, and I have the freedom to do what I want—which I’ve already explained was to travel on mission trips. I don’t want to be tied down, and a job would do just that—tie me down.”
“I see.” His tone said otherwise.
“Like I told you already, I’ve been applying to several mission projects, and I’m hoping to hear back soon. It’s my dream to travel and follow my heart wherever it leads me, wherever God calls me to go. And the last thing I want is someone looking over my shoulder, telling me what to do, how I should act, or anything else. I’ve had enough of that with my parents over the years and even Alex to some degree.”
“Well, okay then. I guess that’s that. Consider the subject closed. Are you up for a game of backgammon before dinner?” Chad was quick to change the subject, recognizing her refusal was genuine and not personal.
“Sure. I don’t mind a chance to beat you again,” she teased, trying to lighten the mood.
“Wishful thinking,” Chad retorted.
Wishful thinking was wishing she could be in two places at once—the mission field and helping Chad because a part of her wanted to stay and see where their friendship would lead.
Nine
Rachel’s phone rang as she unplugged it from the charger. The ringtone announced it was her mother calling. She knew it was time to talk to her, but still, Rachel hesitated. Over the past couple of days, her parents had called often. Each time she texted them back, letting them know she was okay. But, unfortunately, the calls were growing more frequent, and it was time to face the parental music.
Even if she was twenty-five.
She pressed the accept button. “Hey, Mom. What’s up?” she asked, aiming for a light and cheery tone.
“It’s about time you answered the phone, young lady. If it weren’t for the storm, I would have been at that cabin days ago to talk you out of this nonsense.” Her mother was in rare form, ready to bulldoze her daughter in the direction she saw fit.
Too bad they weren’t on the same page because it would be wonderful to have an advocate of her caliber. But pitted against Rachel, she was a formidable opponent. “It’s not nonsense. It’s peaceful here and exactly what I needed. There’s a difference,” Rachel insisted.
Knock. Knock.
Rachel stood and headed toward the door, intent on signaling Chad to remain quiet. Conveniently, she had failed to mention Chad in the texts she’d sent her mother.
He cracked the door open before she could get there. “Good morning, Rachel. Are you decent?” Chad asked.
She pointed to the phone and covered the speaker, hoping he’d get the message.
“I just wanted to let you know I’ll be out back chopping more wood, and then we can fix breakfast if that’s okay with you?”
“Rachel Lyn, who’s that man I hear in the background,” her mother demanded.
So much for the secret warning not to speak. Rachel pulled the door open wide. This time, she held a finger up to her lips, nodding her understanding of what he said, and ag
ain, vigorously pointed at the phone.
Chad nodded, turned, and left—much to her relief.
“Rachel, I asked you a question. Is that Alex? Why is he there with you? And how did he get there? The back roads aren’t passable yet, at least not that I know of. And I saw him with your wedding planner yesterday. Alex is still talking to her about the wedding. Did you know about that? He knows he made a mistake, and it was a simple case of cold feet. But I reckon if he’s with you now, you know all this. I’m glad the two of you are working things out.”
Rachel held the phone away from her ear. Her mother went on and on about Alex, and it was giving her a tension headache. “Mom, stop.” Rachel knew why Alex was talking to the wedding planner, but she wasn’t at liberty to enlighten her mother. “Alex isn’t here, and we aren’t getting back together.” She rubbed her forehead and waited for the backlash.
“But the two of you are perfect together. This is all a misunderstanding. Come back and talk to Alex. We still have the wedding decorations, and we can simply move forward and get this done. You know this is what’s best for you.”
That’s just it…it wasn’t what was best—for either of them. “You’re not listening. I’m not going to marry Alex, and he doesn’t want to marry me. We’ve talked, and we’re both okay on that score. I don’t think I ever really wanted to marry him. It just seemed like the logical next step with you and Dad. And then, with his parents pushing us, we simply went along. I don’t love him the way a woman should love her husband.” Rachel let out a deep sigh, hoping her mother would finally accept the truth.
“Those things take time. You don’t know what you’re saying. And if that’s not Alex there with you, who is it?”
Rachel knew her mother would circle back to the issue. “It’s Chad McCarthy. Leslie’s brother.”
“I thought he was in Afghanistan. Why is he with you?” she asked, her voice suddenly tight and shrill.
