Family in His Heart Read online

  She grasped his arm. “Work and church all on one day?”

  “They have a spring-cleaning project going at the church.” He pressed his hand against hers. “You know what? Things couldn’t have worked out better.”

  Rona looked at his hand and eased hers away. “I’m sure you’re relieved. That’s good news.”

  As she stepped back, Nick got the message. He’d moved too quickly. Not wanting to scare her away, he had to control himself and slow down. These unexpected sensations had been overwhelming and new to him. He’d tried to decipher what had made a difference since Rona appeared in his life.

  Why had he been so drawn to her? She had been friendly, nothing more, but maybe, just maybe—All he could do was hope and pray for God’s guidance. If she never had feelings for him—The possibility smacked against his chest. Still, he wasn’t ready to give up. All good things took work and patience.

  The thought made him think of his son. That was another place he needed to put his effort without being discouraged.

  “I’d better go back. I need to spend time with Gary.”

  “You do,” she said, stepping toward the door.

  He followed with his mind swaying between the relationship with his son and with Rona. He turned back to her. “But tomorrow Gary’s busy all day. What do you say about a boat lesson?”

  She backed away, her face draining of color. “I—I’m so nervous.” She fiddled with the collar of her flowery blouse.

  “You don’t want to be stranded here, do you?”

  Her eyes dart from side to side before she looked at him. “No, but I keep hoping that—”

  “What?” Seeing her expression, he had to comment. “That a boat chauffeur would always show up to take you to town?”

  She laughed, too. “Yes, but that would be you, I guess, or Gary, and I know that’s not always possible.” She lifted her shoulders and let them plop. “Okay. Since I must, tomorrow’s as good a time as any.”

  He gave her arm a squeeze, recalling how he’d just held her so close in the giddy unexpected spin. “We’ll make a day of it.”

  “But what about the house?”

  He chucked her under the chin. “Everyone needs a day off. It’ll be fun.” He opened the door and bounded down the steps, his heart surging with adventure and hope.

  Saturday morning, Rona changed clothes three times before she found something to wear. She’d dressed in shorts, then felt too exposed. Her boss was showing her how to maneuver the boat, not sun on the beach. Her jeans seemed too casual. She cleaned house in those. Finally she settled on royal-blue Capri pants and a blue-and-red striped top—not nautical exactly, but as close as she could get.

  Nick had taken Gary to town for the day and she expected him back soon. Her breakfast had been cereal she’d had to force down and Rona couldn’t tell if it was excitement or fear of running the boat that motivated her edginess.

  She leaned against the window, looking out at the lake and eyed the distance. No boat heading this way. She sank into the edge of a chair, listening for the sound of the motor and chastising herself for being so ridiculous.

  Rona was confident Nick liked her, she had no question about that. He seemed comfortable talking with her and even getting playful. Yesterday, when he’d grasped her and spun her around, her feet had lifted from the floor and he’d set her down before she knew what had happened. Though he’d startled her, she guessed he’d startled himself. Still, she’d enjoyed the strength of his arms around her and seeing him really happy for once.

  Rona pictured his exuberance, remembering that her longing to find someone like Nick had grown. No, it had nothing to do with finding someone like Nick. She longed to have Nick fall in love with her. The whole idea was preposterous and impossible. She’d never fit into his world, and he’d never respect her once he’d learned about her problems back home.

  So often she relived the scene. Don’s request had seemed so simple. “Hey, sis,” he said, in his manipulative way, “if you give me a ride to Eastpointe, I can give you back the money I borrowed.” Her brother had borrowed so much money from her and the ride had seemed simple enough.

  The big question popped from her mouth. “Where are you getting that kind of money?”

  He’d given her one of those “don’t ask” looks and finally tossed his hands in the air. “I bet on the numbers. It paid out big.”

  She shook her head. “The numbers, Don. Is that where all the money I’ve loaned you has gone?”

  He waved her question away. “One ride and I’ll pay you back.”

  She’d given in, and her life fell apart from there. She’d been conned by the best con man she knew. Don.

  A motor hummed below her and Rona twisted on the seat and looked down toward the water. Nick tied up the boat and before she could find her shoulder bag, he’d reached her door.

  “Ready?” he asked through the screen.

  Seeing his good looks, her voice caught in her throat. She nodded, then stepped onto the landing beside him and pulled the door closed.

  Each day his tan deepened and today his honey-bronze skin glowed a little more. His brown hair had taken on sunny highlights, but the same twinkle brightened his eyes. She’d loved that twinkle from the first day they’d met.

  She reached for the door key and Nick covered her hand.

  “Who’s going to break in on an island? It makes people feel safer maybe, but I just don’t bother. It’s wasted effort.”

  She eyed the key, then slipped it back into her purse. He was right, but she wondered if she’d ever feel totally safe.

  Nick motioned her down the steps, but when they reached the ground, instead of stepping onto the planks, Nick opened the side door into the boathouse. The shadow inside sent a damp chill across her arms.

  “We’re taking the runabout,” Nick said stepping inside.

  Runabout. Not the big speedboat. A whisper of relief whooshed past her. When she stepped into the gloom, blue water twinkled at her from the open end of the covering. She thought about her cozy apartment above this dank space, but it didn’t dim her appreciation. No matter what was below her, the sun shone above.

  The idea spread over her and prodded her optimism. No matter how gloomy her life had seemed, sunny days waited around the corner. She thought of the Lord in heaven looking down on her and shaking His head while asking how long, my child, did it take you to realize that I am here?

  “Rona?”

  His voice jerked her attention to the boat.

  “Step in.” He gave her a look as if asking where she’d been.

  For that fleeting moment, she didn’t know. She felt as if a voice had spoken to her and the whole idea muddled her. Nick offered her his hand and she clasped it as she stepped into the smaller boat. His hand gave her confidence, but he let go and flagged her forward.

  “Sit at the wheel.”

  She looked ahead to the opening into the lake. He wanted her to steer the boat out of the boathouse. She’d knock down the walls.

  Rona gave him a questioning look, a helpless look, she was sure. He only grinned and nodded. She inched her way to the steering wheel, realizing for the first time the wheel was opposite from a car. The boat rocked beneath her feet and she plonked into the seat.

  “Good,” he said, untying the final rope and stepping inside. He settled beside her and leaned closer, pointing to the shift control. “It’s in Neutral, so push the starter.”

  Rona followed the direction of his finger to the button and pressed it. The motor kicked over and made a soft putt-putt noise. She looked at Nick for direction and he leaned across her and explained how the throttle and choke worked. From the passenger seat, he demonstrated how to shift forward.

  When they began to move, to her relief, Nick turned the steering wheel away from the pier, then through the opening into the water.

  “Now adjust the throttle,” he said.

  Rona edged it upward.

  He leaned back. “It’s time you ta
ke the wheel,” he said, motioning her to take over.

  She did as he asked, and he rested his hand on hers, guiding the wheel in one direction and then another. “See what happens? It’s like the speedboat, but easier because it’s smaller.”

  “It is,” she said, distracted by the feel of his hand against hers. The sun beat on her skin and the scent of water and sun mixed with Nick’s musky aftershave. Her stomach tightened with the sensation.

  “Now you take it alone.” Nick lowered his hand but remained so close her arm swept against his when she moved the wheel.

  She could see the bend of the island and recognized Cube Point. “Am I heading toward Hessel?”

  “As good a place as any.” He brushed her arm with his fingertips and a shiver coursed through her.

  Stop it, she said in her head. She felt mushy inside and the feeling had to stop. Maybe she should call him Mr. Thornton. The formal name might keep her jangled nerves from tempting her imagination.

  “You’re doing great,” he said, slipping deeper into his own seat.

  They both settled into silence covered by the sound of the motor’s roar and the wind whipping past their ears. Rona’s confidence grew. As long as they were alone on the lake, she realized nothing could happen, but as she guided the boat around Cube’s Point and saw Hessel in the distance, her assurance waned.

  She gave a frantic look toward Nick, but he didn’t come to her rescue. “Just slow up when you get closer to shore. That’s regulations anyway.”

  “Regulations?”

  “Good boating. Be kind to your neighbor and avoid a large wake.”

  She understood and slowed, then headed the prow toward the Hessel marina, frightened but amazed at her sense of freedom.

  “After we dock, I want to take a ride to the church.”

  “The church?”

  “Gary’ll need a ride to his new job. If he’s ready, we can drop him off. Maybe have lunch.”

  Church? She felt her pulse kick in. Lord, You are so determined. It’s just like Shirley said. Jesus searched for even the dumbest lambs and brought them back to the fold.

  Chapter Eleven

  Nick feared he’d pushed too hard on the spiritual issue. He knew where his heart was headed, but he needed to make sure he and Rona were on the same spiritual track and, right now, he knew they weren’t. Yet when he looked in her eyes as they talked, he had great hopes.

  He’d heard her slip so often lately. She’d mentioned blessings and yesterday she’d quoted scripture. If that wasn’t a sign from God, he didn’t know what was. She’d left a crack in her armor and the Holy Spirit knew where to sneak in.

  His pulse quickened when he gazed at Rona beside him in the SUV as they headed for First Christian Church. He hoped she’d see the kindness of the pastor or even like the attractive building, anything to get her to attend. Even once would open her heart more, he felt confident.

  The silence settled around them. Rona had drifted into her own thoughts, and he, in his. He loved the way they could laugh and talk, then settle easily into the quiet of their own thinking.

  He’d so longed to know more about Rona. She’d given him that bitter summary of her family. He knew she’d loved her mother and guessed she’d wanted to love her father and brother, but alcohol and who knows what else had kept her from doing that.

  Her brother caused him the most concern. He guessed Rona had come to Hessel to escape him more than find herself, and he wanted to know why. She’d avoided talking about family until he pushed, but he understood. He’d told her little about Jill and his recent talks with Gary. If he truly cared about Rona, he should be open with her. He needed someone to talk with and he’d already thought that maybe God had sent Rona into his life as a release from his solitude in more ways than one.

  When he glanced toward her again, she looked back at him. “We’re both quiet today.”

  “It’s nice, isn’t it?”

  She gave him a tender smile. “Sometimes it is, but I’ve had a lot of quiet time to think. Sometimes I like a little excitement.”

  Excitement? “Then you’re sure to love the Thornton home.” He sent her an I-hope-you-understand look.

  She nodded. “I haven’t gotten the total picture yet.”

  He felt a prayer leave him, asking God to spare her the worst of it. “Maybe Gary will change after this incident. I’m hoping a job and getting back to his friends at church might make a difference. He seemed to fit in so well until he pulled away.”

  “People pull away to punish themselves sometimes. Other times it’s a cry for help. Maybe Gary has something he needs to talk about, something he wants to get off his chest.”

  “I’ve sensed that.” Gary had talked about Jill, but what else bothered him? Nick longed to find out and soon.

  He turned into the church parking lot, pleased to see the number of youth volunteers giving the grounds a spring cleaning. When he saw Pastor Al, Nick gave him a wave, parked and motioned Rona to join him. Though she hesitated, he saw her push open the door and follow.

  “How’s it going?” he asked as he came closer.

  “Great.” The Pastor swung his arm, pointing in every direction. “We have kids all over the place.”

  “Pastor, this is Rona Meyers. She’s…a friend and our new housekeeper.”

  “Nice to meet you, Rona. Are you new in town?”

  She nodded and Nick noted that she looked uncomfortable.

  “We’d love to see you join us tomorrow for worship.”

  Rona hesitated, as if trying to find words. “Thank you,” she said finally.

  Nick jumped in. “Have you seen Ga—”

  “Last I saw Gary he was around the corner digging up the flower beds.” He gave Nick a wink.

  “Thanks.” Nick wasn’t sure what the wink meant. He reached for a handshake, then patted the pastor’s shoulder instead when Pastor Al held up his dirt-laden fingers.

  He gave Rona a nod to follow and she moved into step with him. When they rounded the corner, Nick understood the wink.

  Gary had collected a bevy of girls who were planting flowers while he dug up the beds.

  He gave Rona an arched brow and she grinned.

  “Should I ask? Is this like father, like son?”

  “Not me,” Nick said, hoping to sound lighthearted and giving Gary a call.

  His son spun around, a startled look on his face that quickly turned to a frown. “What’s up?”

  “I thought you might want a ride to work.” Nick saw the girls’ attention turn their way.

  Gary glanced at his watch. “I still have an hour. It only takes a few minutes to get there.” He lowered his voice. “I want to get the volunteer hours over with.”

  Disappointed, Nick stood a minute without speaking. “Okay. We came to town to do a few things and I thought I’d offer.”

  “Jeanie offered to drive me to work.” Gary gestured toward one of the prettiest girls in the bunch.

  Nick nodded and sent up a prayer. “Okay. Just don’t be late on your first day.”

  Gary scowled. “I won’t, Dad.”

  Nick backed away with Rona at his side. When they were out of view, he stopped and shook his head. “I’m hoping he’ll want to get more involved here when his volunteer hours are over. I’m praying for it.”

  Rona touched his arm. “It would be good for him. He’s doing a pretty good job of making friends.”

  Her comment made him laugh. “Or enemies depending on who’s looking at it. Some of those guys might be envious.”

  “Church boys envious? That’s a sin.”

  Nick chuckled and clasped her arm. Rona’s faith had begun to grow. Thank You, Lord. That would be one worry off his mind and give him time to concentrate on his son.

  We’d love to see you join us tomorrow for worship. Rona didn’t know if she should laugh or cry. God wouldn’t give up and she’d gotten to the point that fighting Him seemed ridiculous. Nick’s faith powered him in his darkest hours. He’d be
en strong during Gary’s latest situation—upset, yes, but never wavering. He’s proven a wonderful example of what faith should do. Maybe the Lord hadn’t failed her, but she had failed the Lord.

  She liked the pastor’s friendly manner. He’d looked delighted when talking about the number of youth working to spruce up the church grounds and his voice sounded caring and his smile seemed kind.

  When she dropped the church-issue from her thoughts, she looked at the highway, surprised they were heading toward Cedarville. They’d passed her old motel, bringing back those feelings of loneliness that had been overwhelming when she’d first arrived. Amazing how three weeks could make such a difference.

  She looked at Nick’s handsome profile. “Why are we going to Cedarville?”

  “I thought I’d show you something interesting, something I don’t think you know about the islands.”

  Rona looked out the passenger window, desiring to ask questions but not wanting to ruin his surprise. Nick seemed to delight in doing thoughtful things for her. He’d cleaned the apartment, cooked her a glorious meal on Memorial Day—so many little things that made her feel special.

  The trees flashed past and in a little distance, he turned onto Hill Road—she noticed on the sign—and when they crossed a short bridge, he stopped and pointed.

  “Hill Island.”

  Rona turned to look at him. “We’re on one of the islands?”

  “A couple are connected with bridges.” He pulled away, grinning as if he had another surprise for her. He followed the narrow road, turned right and crossed another bridge, then pulled to the shoulder. “Let’s get out. It’s a nice view.”

  Rona looked ahead toward the backdrop of dark evergreens to a sea-green sign with Island 8 painted in bright gold letters within a scroll design. “Number eight. Isn’t that a strange name for an island?”

  Nick shrugged. “Maybe they ran out of names.”

  She smiled at his comment and followed him outside. He ambled to the guardrail and pointed to the boat docks built with boxlike structures beneath them. To help them last in the freezing weather, he told her. Ahead she saw boathouses and docks with speedboats and runabouts moored to their side; she guessed the houses were deeper in the woods.