Mrs. Williams pulled a cheesecake out of the fridge. Aimee, the new hire, stood to his right, dishing up the sides. And Alex…well it was his day off. He was probably listening to music blasting out of speakers or something. Although there were hints here and there that made him wonder exactly how loud the music really was…in the kitchen, at least.

  He sighed, wondering at the edgy feeling tingling along his spine. He didn’t even enjoy the breakfast Ms. Bella cooked this morning. The hairs on his arms stood at attention, like sensors checking for trouble. Praying didn’t banish it. Reading his Bible didn’t explain it. Calling his father and Gram assured him of their safety.

  His eyes followed Delaney as she stopped at a table to hand them their check. She’d joked with him earlier and even made eye contact. Couldn’t be her. So what was it? Mrs. Williams had been suspiciously silent. He thought for sure she’d give him the third degree or make comments about his date.

  Not a peep had left her lips. That meant Delaney had kept quiet, or Mrs. Williams had decided to mind her own business. Both of those ideas seemed odd. He put the plate on the server’s counter and began working on the next order. In thirty minutes, the restaurant would close. Regulars and locals would slowly filter out as the staff worked to clean The Pit and ready it for the next day.

  Perhaps he was simply tired. He hadn’t slept well last night. His body had wavered between euphoria over a great date and sadness that his time in Maple Run would come to an end. Despite praying daily, he was no closer to making a decision about his upcoming reenlistment. It seemed like a no brainer. Enlist for two more years and earn a retirement paycheck from the Army. Then he could move on to the next phase in life.

  Simple enough.

  Not.

  His heart was tugging him toward Delaney, toward Maple Run and everything it stood for. The sense of family pulled at him, except Texas had his family too. How could he just up and leave his father and Gram behind? And for what? Some obscure feeling in the pit of his stomach every time a certain brown-eyed beauty looked at him?

  It was nonsense. Ludicrous even.

  The desire of your heart.

  He blinked as the words echoed in his mind. Delaney was the desire of his heart. As the thought reverberated in his being, he sensed a rightness. He wanted a life with Delaney in it. Only she was terrified of being with a soldier. How could he ask her to be with him, wait for him, when he was wearing the very uniform that made her stomach turn? It seemed needlessly cruel.

  But he was a soldier.

  Had been since he turned eighteen. It was all he knew. All he’d ever done.

  Lord, I can’t leave it unfinished. Two more years, Lord. That’s all they’re asking. How can I commit to that and commit to Delaney as well? She’s want I want, Lord. Even though part of me is saying it’s too early to know. I know. I just do. He sighed. Please, give me wisdom. Please.

  “Dwight, what are you doing here?”

  Luke turned at the sound of Mrs. Williams’ voice. Her son stood in the doorway, his arm in a bright green cast.

  “Bored. Thought I could help out.”

  Mrs. Williams snorted. “Not likely.”

  Luke looked down, trying not to eavesdrop.

  “There’s got to be something I can do, Mama.”

  “Yes, go home and spend some time with your wife and kids.”

  Dwight scowled, pacing like a cage lion. Poor man looked like he was going stir crazy. Luke had suffered many injuries in the past eighteen years, casualty of jumping out of aircraft. Pity took hold. “We need more beef.” He met Dwight’s eyes. “Could you grab some?”

  A look of relief flashed across Delaney’s brother’s face. “Got it.” He left the kitchen in a hurry.

  Mrs. Williams placed a hand on her hip. “Are you interfering, Luke?”

  “No, ma’am. I would never do that. Since we have no meat in this fridge,” he said pointing behind him, “and the only other meat is frozen, I figured you would want it to thaw tonight so it would be ready tomorrow. Was I wrong?”

  He met her gaze, holding in his laughter at her exasperation.

  “Very well, Luke. Why don’t you go help him?”

  Noting the time, he gave her a nod of agreement. No more orders would be coming in the kitchen. When he entered the freezer, Dwight was in the back trying to juggle packs of meat in one hand. “Let me help you.” He rushed to the man’s side.

  “Nah, I got it. Just close the lid for me.” Dwight stepped back, using his casted hand to balance the meat.

  Luke closed the lid and turned. Dwight was studying him with an intensity that unnerved him. The uneasy feeling came back full force.

  “What’s up with you and my sister?”

  Uh oh. Not one of those conversations, Lord. “We’re friends.” He gulped trying to hide his nerves.

  “Friends that go on boat rides and have picnics?”

  Okay, apparently Dwight was the one Delaney talked to. “Yes. We’re taking it one day at a time.”

  “Why?” Dwight asked bluntly.

  “Why are we taking it one day at a time?”

  “Yes.”

  Luke sighed. “You know her, so you must know my job is a road block.”

  “Is it for you?”

  He shrugged. How was he supposed to answer that? Delaney would be the first person he told if he decided not to reenlist. Except she had no clue that was an option for him right now.

  “I’ve got two years to retirement. I doubt she’ll see that as a good thing.”

  Dwight nodded. “Yeah, she’ll twist it in her brain and say two years’ worth of opportunities for you to die.”

  He winced.

  “Hey, man. I’m not trying to be cruel. You have to understand what Parker’s death did to her.”

  “I get it. I’ve had friends and fellow soldiers die. I don’t want to make it hard on her.”

  “Then don’t you think it’s best if you step away? You’re gone in two weeks. How hard can it be to leave her alone for the rest of your stay?”

  Considering they worked together? “Pretty difficult.”

  “Don’t you want what’s best for her? Because if you do, then I suggest you leave now.” Dwight eyed him, irritation deepening the lines in his face.

  Delaney inhaled sharply. Panic rose at the implications. Luke couldn’t leave. Her heart pounded in her chest as Dwight’s words sank in.

  “No!”

  Luke spun around and Dwight stared at her dumbfounded. She walked forward feeling like she was in a fog. “You can’t leave. I thought we were friends.” She stared at Luke willing him to understand.

  Although she wasn’t ready to put a name to her feelings, she wasn’t ready for him to walk away either. Hearing Dwight ask him to leave caused an ache so intense it scared her with its force. Didn’t she want him to leave?

  “We are friends.” Luke said softly. “And I made a commitment to help out for the next two weeks.”

  Two weeks. It wasn’t long enough. Her breath shuddered out. “So you won’t leave?” Me went unsaid.

  “Not now.”

  She pushed the thought of his impending departure away. “And you won’t…avoid me?”

  “Delaney,” Dwight interrupted.

  “Hush, Dwight.” Her words held an edge barely recognizable. “I seem to remember getting a tongue lashing from you for interfering with your relationship with Nina.”

  Dwight sighed. “I’m out.” He paused next to her. “Don’t forget to pray about what you’re doing, Dee.”

  She nodded, but her eyes never wavered from Luke’s. The eyes that had captivated her from the first moment she met him. Eyes that seemed to see straight into her soul and heart. Eyes she could stare at for the rest of her life.

  Whoa. She stepped back.

  “Delaney,” Luke ran a hand down the back of his head. “Your brother has a point.”

  “What?” No, he wasn’t supposed to side with Dwight. “You just agreed we’re friends.”

  “I did. We are.” He gestured between the two of them. “What if our friendship goes down a road you’re not prepared for?”

  “Which is?” Her breathing came in short gasp. What was he trying to say? Her hands balled up as her teeth bit down on the inner portion of her lip.

  “I like you, Delaney.” Luke stepped forward. “A lot. But I’m leaving in two weeks to go back to work.” His words were slow and steady giving her time to understand the implications.

  He was in the Army.

  They were just friends.

  Neither thought brought comfort or clarity. Why was she so upset? How many times had she told herself the same thing? Yet, hearing it from his lips tore at her heart.

  “What if I want more?” She whispered.

  He took another step closer and took ahold of her hands. “Then you have to be certain it’s what you want. I don’t want you to have any regrets.” His eyes searched hers as if searching for her decision.

  “How will I know?”

  “Only God can tell you.”

  “I don’t want you to leave.”

  His eyes closed. “Delaney,” he whispered. He lowered his head, touching his forehead to hers. His breath fanned gently against her face.

  She wrapped her arms around him. “I don’t know what to say, Luke.”

  “Then say nothing. I don’t want you to agree to a relationship if you can’t handle my job. If you can’t handle the distance.”

  She wanted to cry in frustration. If she agreed to be in a relationship with him, what was the point if he was going to leave anyway? The inner turmoil spilled out and she put voice to her thoughts.

  “I get to pick my next assignment. Who’s to say I can’t come to Virginia?”

  An ember of hope flared inside her. Could she be with another soldier? Go through the possible trauma of losing him? But wouldn’t she lose him anyway, if she said no? Frustration coursed through her.

  Luke pulled back slightly. “Go home.” He brushed her hair away from her face. “Pray and when you know the answer, call me.”

  She nodded. “Okay.”

  “Can I walk you to your car?”

  “Yes. Let me go get my stuff.”

  She rushed through the building and grabbed her purse out of the break room, where the wall lockers were stored. By the time she had everything, Luke stood waiting for her by the back door. All the staff parked behind the building, leaving the front and sides for paying customers.

  Her fingers shook as she looked for her keys. Tonight marked a turning point but she wasn’t sure to what exactly. Could she overcome her fear and date Luke? Or was it better to close her heart?

  Lord, I need You. I don’t know what to do.

  The prayer rose and for a moment she wondered what His answer would be. What did God want for her in this life? And who with?

  A groan slipped out. The incessant questions needed to stop.

  “You okay?”

  “Thinking.”

  Luke squeezed her hand. “It’ll be okay. Whatever you decide.”

  She stopped next to her car. “Will it? How do you know?”

  “Because God’s still God, Delaney. No matter what decisions we make, He’s still good. And as long as He is good, we’ll be good. Okay?”

  “Okay.” She offered a smile but her cheeks hurt from the force of it.

  Luke leaned forward and brushed a kiss on her forehead. “Sleep well, Delaney.”

  He closed the car door for her and headed for his bike. She watched, noting his drooping shoulders. Despite the assurance he’d offered, it was obvious that this night was hitting him harder than he’d let on. Part of her wanted to ask him if he would really move to Virginia for her. The other…the other was terrified he would say yes.

  Because then you have to admit your feelings.

  She laid her head against the steering wheel. Lord, You know I how I feel, do I really need to say it? Ignoring the resounding ‘yes’ that echoed in her head, she started the car and headed home. Her questions would remain. Her feelings weren’t going anywhere. It was time to go home and spend time with her boys.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Luke opened the front door to the B&B. His morning outing had been fruitful and possibilities were popping up along the horizon. Bursting with news, he headed for Micah’s guest room. His friend was supposed to leave this morning, but wanted to catch brunch at The Maple Pit first.

  He knocked on the door. “Soup?”

  “Yeah, come in.”

  Luke opened the door and leaned onto the door frame. “You won’t believe what I just found out.”

  Micah paused, looking up from tying his shoelaces. “What’s that?”

  “There’s an opening for a skydiving instructor nearby.”

  “Skydiving?” Micah arched an eyebrow.

  “Come on, I didn’t jump out of perfectly good aircraft for nothing. The experience has to lead me somewhere.”

  “What about law enforcement? They love to hire vets.”

  He groaned. “You know I’m not law enforcement material.” Not to mention, Delaney would probably hate that job even more.

  “Why not? You follow rules?”

  “Nah, don’t have the personality for it.”

  “But skydiving?”

  “Hello, I jump out of planes for a living.”

  “Right.” Micah said. “Big operation or small?”

  “Small. One man owned. He’s a vet as well. I talked to him about certification and whatnot. He thinks it’ll take no time to get my military certifications transferred over to the civilian side. And he might have mentioned retiring in the near future.”

  “So what…he’ll just sign the reigns over to you? Doesn’t he have family?”

  “Depends on how I work out. Nope.” He straightened up. This was a good deal; he could feel it in his bones. “What do you think?”

  “It’s not what I think, man. Is it what God wants?”

  “I’m pretty sure. I’ve been praying all morning.”

  “How are you?” Micah stared at him.

  Uh oh. “I’m good.”

  “Working at a restaurant hasn’t been a problem? I mean with the alcohol?”

  “They’re a dry restaurant.”

  “Word?” Soup’s eyebrows rose. “How is it possible they serve no alcohol?”

  He chuckled. “That’s God looking out.”

  “I’ll say. Now I’ve really got to eat there.”

  “Let’s go.”

  They headed outside.

  “You going to introduce me to Delaney?”

  “I don’t know if she’s working this morning. Besides, we’re doing the whole one day at a time thing.”

  “But you want to move here.”

  “I do.” He’d be crazy not to. The feelings Delaney evoked didn’t come around every day. No, those were feelings that started a lifelong relationship.

  “Have you told her about the year after Jones’s death?”

  Luke stopped, staring at his friend. “I told her life was hard.”

  “Understatement.”

  He folded his arms. “What are you saying?”

  “You need to tell her about the drinking.”

  “Soup…”

  Micah held his hands up. “Hear me out. If you want to do forever with this woman, then you need to open up about your past. She needs to know what she’s dealing with.”

  “I haven’t slipped up once, man.”

  “But you want to sometimes.”

  True. He squeezed his eyes shut but it didn’t block out Micah’s words. Drinking had been on his mind every single day, all day, for a whole year. When he made the choice to get sober, it was still a part of him, but not the controlling force. Now God took those reins, but it didn’t erase the feelings of temptation every now and again. “You’re right.”

  “God’s got you, Crusoe.” Micah clapped him on the shoulder. “I’m sure everything will work out.”

  But what if it didn’t? Would Delaney end their friendship because he used to be a drunk and was a recovering alcoholic? As much as he wanted to downplay his past and make excuses, it didn’t change what it was.

  Just how many strikes could he accrue?

  He got into Soup’s truck.

  “I see you worrying over there.”

  “It’s not looking good, Soup. She already hates the fact that I’m a soldier.”

  “Ask yourself, if she had a demon in her past, would it change your feelings?”

  No. The answer came hot and swift, but feelings weren’t always a guaranteed reality. “No, but who knows what could happen when it comes down to it? You think you’ll react one way and a different response comes out of left field. If I were her, I’d be leery.”

  “When it comes down to it, all we can really do is trust in the Lord and let Him handle the rest. It’s tough, but He won’t steer us wrong, Crusoe.”

  “I know. It’s the same argument I’ve told Delaney. It’s just a little hard to remember at times.”

  “I feel ya.”

  “Change of subject,” Luke said. “Did you get the job?”

  “Sort of.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “Dr. Kerrington wants to do a trial run. I have some leave at work I can use. At the end of the two-week period, he’ll extend a full-time offer if we work well.”

  “When will you do the trial?”

  “Not sure. I have to take a look at the schedule. Do you know how hard it is for a nurse to take some time off? They like to schedule vacation time months in advance.”

  “So you’re saying you have no idea if you’ll get the job.”

  “Nope, I’m saying if it’s meant to be, God will work everything out.”

  “It’d be kind of cool if you and I ended up in Maple Run. Crusoe and Soup back together again.”

  “Sounds like a B-rated movie.”

  Luke laughed. “Maybe, but we’ll crack up laughing any way.”

  “Truth.”

  Delaney held the door open of The Pit so that Preston and Philip could go through first. She scanned the restaurant, looking for Dwight and Nina.

 

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