by Elsie Davis
After finding her seat, she waited for everyone else to get situated. The first leg of her journey was about to begin. She pulled out her phone to text Leslie and her mother, letting them know she’d made it on time and was about to take off and sending them her love.
Rachel accidentally hit the photo button and her screen populated with the most recent gallery of pictures taken. Pictures of Chad. The cabin. Laughing. Hiking in the woods. Sledding. Other memories surfaced. An image of the two of them laughing and playing backgammon flashed before her. And when he fired his gun into the air to save her from the bear. And the two of them cooking together—and burning breakfast.
She shoved the images aside, intent on saying a prayer for a safe flight, something she did before every takeoff. This time she added a prayer for Chad, hoping he would seek help to heal. He was an amazing man and needed to make peace with his past. Next, she added one for Leslie for continued healing and then one for Alex. Looking back, she was happy he’d been brave enough to put an end to the madness and only wished him happiness. Finished, a warm glow filled her, and she settled back in her seat.
Tell him how you feel. The words came out of nowhere, but Rachel knew the source. A message from God wasn’t one you ignored. When she landed, she would call him. The man had been through so much in the military, and his reactions were those of someone on edge. Someone afraid to lose his sister. She’d forgiven him, but had he forgiven himself? His responses still said no, and Rachel wanted better for him—because she cared. Truth be told, she’d fallen in love with him. An emotion she hadn’t put a name to—until now.
Tears filled her eyes, and Rachel brushed them away.
Caring was one thing. Love asked for more between two people. A willingness to put his needs above her own while at the same time still being true to oneself. The question was, how did one make it all happen? And if it was real, wouldn’t it all wait until she returned a year from now?
More tears soon replaced the others. Rachel reached for a tissue, unable to stop the emotions rushing through her.
Are you running again? Chad had been right. She was running from the truth, the same way she’d done with Alex. Rachel wanted to put Chad first, proof her feelings were more profound and deeply etched on her heart. She needed to discover if Chad felt the same way or if she was on a fool’s errand. Right now, she felt like a runaway fool. But God had opened more than one door for her, and the trouble was choosing which one was right. Rachel sniffed, a fresh barrage of tears falling unchecked.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we apologize for the short delay in leaving but we are waiting on one passenger. No connecting flights will be affected as we can make this time up in the air. Thank you for your patience,” the flight attendant’s voice was crisp and efficient as she delivered the news.
Rachel’s heart pounded in her chest. Love above all. It was a risky choice, but perhaps one worth a shot. She could always catch another flight to Alaska, but she might never get another chance to tell Chad how she really felt.
Was it possible God was giving her the opportunity to change her decision to leave with the delay? There was only one way to find out. Rachel unfastened her seat belt. “Excuse me, I need to get off the plane.”
The flight attendant shook her head. “You need to sit down, miss. We’re about to take off and only just waiting for one late passenger. We won’t have time to let you back on as we are ready to close the gate and taxi down the runway.”
“That’s fine. I’ll catch another flight.” Rachel brushed away her tears, grabbed her carry-on bag from the overhead bin, and raced off the plane. With each step back up the gateway, her heart felt lighter. There was unfinished business here, and she wasn’t running away. Not anymore. Staying an extra day may change nothing at all, but it was something she had to discover for herself.
Rushing into the waiting area, she glanced around, looking for the exit sign. Rachel took a step forward, only to run into the passenger making a beeline for the gateway.
“I’m sorry,” she said, stopping to regroup and look up at the man, and was shocked to discover Chad standing there.
“Rachel?” He asked, his expression more than a little comical and most likely a mirror of her own. “I thought you left. I thought I was too late,” he said, his voice low and filled with emotion.
Chad was here—at the airport. For her.
Too late? Never. Rachel threw her arms around his neck and kissed him, not wanting to miss another opportunity to show him how she felt.
“Now that’s the kind of hello a man could get used to.” Chad grinned.
The gate agent came to stand next to them. “Excuse me, sir. You need to get on the plane. They can’t hold the plane any longer, and I’ve got to close the door.”
Rachel frowned. “On the plane? Where are you going?”
“I was headed to Alaska. With you,” Chad said, his eyes glowing an emotion she was almost afraid to identify.
“You were? Why?” she asked, wanting desperately to hear the words.
“Because wherever you are is where I want to be. Have you been crying?” Chad asked, his tone concerned as he touched her face, letting his thumb wipe away a tear.
“Yes. I know it’s silly,” Rachel said, holding up her tissue. “I just couldn’t stop them. I’m an emotional wreck. Over you.”
“Now I know you care. You didn’t cry the day I met you and that was a rough day for you as I recall. And judging by your kiss, I’m guessing you’re okay with me tagging along to Alaska.”
They both knew the day he was referring to, and he was right—she hadn’t cried. More proof she was doing the right thing this time around and that she genuinely cared about Chad. “But what about the community center?” Rachel asked. The center had to open, the cause a blessing to others and one she didn’t want to stand in the way of.
Chad smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Being with you is where I need to be. I can manage the community center remotely for the time being.”
“Or we could both stay here and I could help you. You did ask me once to manage the place. Is the job offer still open?”
He shook his head, his grin widening. “No. But I think the position of girlfriend is available. Any interest in sticking around to find out?”
Rachel wrapped her arms around his neck, her heart overflowing with love. “Absolutely. There will be other mission trips but being with you is the most important part of my life.”
“Are you sure? Alaska is your dream.”
“Yes, I’m sure. The Outreach Center has fifty applications for every position. They will have no problem filling the position, whereas you’re needed here. This is important too and something we can share together.”
“Sir?” the agent asked, her voice one of urgency.
“Sorry. You can close the door. I’m happy right where I am.” Chad lowered his head to kiss Rachel, sealing the deal.
“I still can’t believe you’re here.” Rachel shook her head, her heart overflowing with joy.
“I still can’t believe you just missed your flight. For me.” Chad pulled her close, lifting her off the ground to twirl her around.
“For us,” she said, as he set her down. “I kept thinking of all the fun we shared, and how much we had in common, and how perhaps God brought us together for this very reason.”
“And here I was thinking it was simply my charm,” Chad teased. “I was at the community center and realized my reasons to settle in one place weren’t good enough and they wouldn’t bring me the happiness and joy I shared while spending time with you. I didn’t want to lose you by running scared from life and love. I want to give us a chance to discover where a relationship might lead us.”
“Sounds to me like we both came to our senses.”
Chad swung her carry-on bag over his shoulder, adding it to his own. He took her free hand and together they made their way through the airport—like two people in love.
When Chad stopped to use the re
stroom, Rachel called the Alaskan Outreach Center to let them know her change in plans. She had a moment’s trepidation, but it didn’t last long once the coordinator assured Rachel she’d been right—there were plenty of applicants all too willing to fill the vacancy.
As she and Chad left the airport, Rachel know they’d have to work out the details of getting the rest of their luggage back, but for now, she wanted to bask in the revelation that trusting in God had brought them together.
Fourteen
Rachel squinted as they exited the terminal into the bright sunlight, drawing her jacket tighter against the cold.
“We need to take a taxi back into town,” Chad said, smiling down at her as they exited the airport.
“Why didn’t you drive?” she asked.
“I wasn’t sure how long I’d be gone. I was prepared to travel with you because being with you, wherever that is, is where I belong.” Chad grinned as he signaled for a taxi.
The open honesty and warmth in his comment filled her with a sense of peace. “That’s a lovely thing to say, especially because I believe you mean it.”
“Actions speak louder than words and I intend to keep showing you how much you mean to me.”
“Sounds good to me.” She laughed.
The taxi pulled up to the curb and they slid in the back seat. Chad gave the address of the community center to the driver.
“So what’s happening with the community center? I would have thought at this stage of the planning it would be impossible for you to go anywhere,” Rachel asked.
“The program is in good hands, trust me.” Chad gave the driver the address of the community center. “My new manager has loads of experience, and she is well suited to handling things. Once the place is up and running and all the proper staff is hired, it will be even easier.”
“She?” Rachel asked, zeroing in on the one word and unable to stop the question, even if it did sound a tad jealous.
“Andrea.” Chad winked.
Yikes. “Oh, Andrea.” It was a perfectly good explanation for everything she’d overheard, and it explained Chad’s not personal comment. It was only Rachel who hadn’t wanted to know the truth out of fear it would affect her decision to leave town—something that happened anyway. “You could have told me.”
“I tried. I told you there was nothing personal between us. Just business. What else would there be? Although, I do like that you were a little jealous.” Chad chuckled, as he kissed the back of her hand tenderly.
“Okay, wise guy. But from now on, full disclosure, right?” If they were going to be a team, it would require working together from every aspect. Talking and actions went hand in hand with trust. And love.
“Absolutely.” Chad dropped a kiss on her forehead just as they pulled up in front of the community center.
He helped her out of the car, and they headed inside. A beautiful brunette met them halfway across the huge room where workers were busy laying a new floor.
“Andrea, I’d like you to meet Rachel. My girlfriend.” Chad hadn’t let go of her hand.
“It’s nice to finally meet you. I’ve heard so much about you, and I’m so happy Chad stepped up and announced his feelings for you. If you two hadn’t settled your differences soon, I was going to pay Rachel a visit in Alaska myself to see if I could talk some sense into one of you.” Andrea exuded a confidence and an energy that fully explained why Chad wanted her as his manager.
Chad frowned. “I wasn’t that bad.”
“You were a bear,” Andrea quipped, shaking her head.
“I get that. Totally. The bears do seem to be active this time of year, more than some would think,” Rachel teased. Her encounter with a real bear wasn’t something she wanted to repeat, but Chad, she could deal with him every now and then, as long as they were together.
Andrea would do wonders with the organization. Rachel wasn’t manager material, but she would love to run one of the programs at some point. That was another dream of hers—to set up and lead a program. One that would grow and serve multitudes of children, helping them to find their way to God and through life in general.
“Why don’t you show Rachel around and point out the changes we are going to make?” Andrea suggested. “I need to meet with the builder to make some small modifications to the plans and make sure we are on schedule. The grand opening needs to happen on time because I’ve already got twenty-two kids signed up to attend the basketball camp.”
“I knew hiring you was a good idea. Leaves me free to pay more attention to something equally important and far more demanding.” Chad laughed, pulling Rachel close.
“Am not! Demanding, that is,” Rachel challenged. Important, that was something she’d take all day long.
Chad grinned, not letting her move away. “Oh yeah, then what was—sleep on the couch, clean the dishes, split the wood, get counseling, and a number of any other things you wanted me to do?”
She was surprised when he mentioned counseling in front of Andrea, and it caught her off guard. “Counseling?” she asked, zeroing in on the single most valuable part of his teasing.
Andrea walked away, her hands waving at the men who had taken over the focus of her intention.
“Yes. I thought about what you said and scheduled my first appointment. After talking with the doctor, I agreed with you. I even told Andrea about the PTSD, figuring that since we would be working closely together, it was something she ought to know. Seems you were right about a lot of things,” he admitted, leaning in to kiss her on the cheek.
Thank you, Lord. Rachel couldn’t have guessed the path life would take, but she’d trusted in God, and it was working out better than expected. “Just keep remembering that. Especially when I march you to church with me next Sunday.”
“Let’s not get carried away,” Chad said.
Rachel brushed her hair back off her face and shot him one of those we-will-see looks. “I understand the art of compromise, and we are a team now, right? So if not this Sunday, then next Sunday.”
Chad shook his head, but his smile said just the opposite. “You aren’t going to let me win this one either, are you?”
“That’s where you’re wrong. If you come to church with me, it’s you who wins.” Growing up, she hadn’t always felt the same connection with the church the way she did now. As an adult, she understood not every church was perfect. Nor would it ever be since it included people. Imperfect people trying to do better in a world that struggled for love and happiness.
“How’s that?” he asked.
“You will meet some really great people who live in the community. People who will support you and support your project. And best of all, people who will help you discover your own personal relationship with God. There are small groups, and I’m sure there will be one you will like and fit into if you give it a chance. It’s all about taking the first step with a leap of faith. Surrounding yourself with other people who want love and happiness, and a support team when we stumble.” Rachel was passionate about her approach to Christianity. And although she found herself wavering at times, it was the support team at her church who helped get her through the rough patches and to keep her eye on what was most important.
God.
“I’m already getting that with you. You did get me into counseling, after all,” Chad teased.
“Okay, then…the second step.” She laughed. The only thing she regretted was missing out on the Alaskan mission trip. Still, if it was truly in God’s plan for her life, there would be another opportunity.
They walked around the building, and Chad pointed out areas and explained the changes he wanted to implement, his vision clear and poignant. The passion with which he spoke when he talked about the kids was one of the things that drew her to him in the first place. Now, more than ever, she felt connected in a way she hadn’t thought possible.
They exited through the back door. “There’s my truck,” Chad said, pointing to a black SUV parked there. “Where to next? I feel
like we need to do something fun. Something crazy to mark today as extra special.”
“It’s already extra special, seeing as I just deboarded a plane to find you, only to discover you were coming to find me. So I’d say that’s memory-worthy.” It would undoubtedly be a day she would never forget.
“It is,” he agreed, kissing her lightly on the mouth.
“I’d like to drop by Leslie’s and tell her in person the change in plans. Telling her in person and seeing the look on her face is simply too hard to resist. After that, I’m all yours.”
“I like the sound of that.” He opened the passenger door and helped her inside. Pausing, he took her hand in his. “Rachel, I truly hope this won’t leave the Outreach in a bind. I mean, if we need to go, we go. Helping others is more important, no matter what form it takes. I need you to know this. I don’t want to take away your dream.”
It was more proof Chad was the right man for her—the one God intended. “I agree, but in this instance, I’ve done someone else a huge favor.”
“What do you mean?” he asked.
“Alaska is a very competitive market when it comes to getting a volunteer position. I called them while you were in the men’s room at the airport to let them know my plans changed and apologized. They had quite a few candidates and were totally fine with my decision. I’d like to think I made someone else’s dream come true, as well as my own. God works in mysterious ways.”
“That he does.” Chad smiled. “I think I’m beginning to understand that, thanks to you. You are the most upbeat, positive person I know.”
Rachel beamed. It was one of the nicest compliments she’d ever received. “And you’re the most amazing, giving, determined man I know.”
“Guess that’s why we make a good team.” He planted a kiss on the back of her hand before moving back to close the door. Chad slid in the driver’s seat, started the truck, and they headed toward Leslie’s.
Chad suddenly braked and pulled into a parking spot. “I’ve got an idea, one I think you’ll like,” his boyish enthusiasm was more than enough to sell her on the idea without even knowing what he wanted to do.”
