Steadfast Soldier Read online

  Chance leaned forward. “Third time?”

  “Yeah, I guess I’m a slow learner sometimes.”

  “Sometimes?” Mary exclaimed, laughing. “You’re the valedictorian of the School of Hard Knocks.”

  Chloe laughed. “Then Mal’s my salutatorian. We’re co-conspirators. She’s the animal rescuer I got my Lab from.”

  “You have more than Midnight?”

  “I have Midnight. Mal has a potbellied pig named Penelope. We’ll add more animals when we get my program off the ground.”

  “A potbellied pig? That’s kinda cool. Any relation to the guinea pig?” Brock helped Ivan untangle Mary’s line from a thick green patch of yellow-flowered lily pads.

  “Nope. Completely different species.”

  Brock nodded. “Mallory sounds interesting.”

  “She’s definitely that. She’s got the spunky girl thing going on.”

  “Wow. Brock’s into that,” Chance whispered. “And he goes gaga over redheads.” He scratched his jaw and eyed Brock.

  “I know what you’re thinking, Chance, but we can’t do it. We can’t try to set them up when Mallory is engaged to another man, even if he is the biggest jerk in the world. We just have to pray that God shows her before she makes the biggest mistake of her life.”

  “Speaking of relationships, I need you to understand something about me. I have plans too, plans that I can’t put off for very long. If I do, my dad will never know his grandchildren. I don’t want to grow old or even die before having grandchildren. And I don’t want my future children to miss out knowing their parents and their grandparents.”

  “You’re still young, Chance.”

  “Yes, I am in my mid-twenties, like you, but it’s already too late for my children to know my mom. The longer I wait, the better the chance that more relatives will be gone, since all my aunts and uncles are my parents’ age.”

  “I understand. I also understand that sometimes life throws us on a different route than we expected. And sometimes, God is the one navigating that change. I think if this is meant to be, we both need to recalculate what we had preplanned and be open to a divine detour.”

  “So we’ll stay surrendered to His will and roll with the changes? You’ll be willing to follow the path God puts us on, Chloe, whether that’s together or not? I like that. At least we’ll know we’re running hard after Him.”

  Her lips trembled and she looked like she could laugh and cry at the same time. He chuckled and pulled her close for a safe, quick hug. “I know this is a scary step for you, Chloe. I know it. But one thing I’ve learned about God is that He’s trustworthy. His love is steadfast no matter what you go through.”

  “And you’ve been through a lot the last six months.”

  “Yeah. The initial stages of grieving were extremely tough. I’d come to cope okay until I figured out Dad had a thing for your mom. I’m not going to lie to you and tell you that wasn’t hard.”

  Chloe’s heart thudded. “You wouldn’t be happy for them?”

  “I’m not saying that.” They docked the boat. Brock helped Mary and Ivan out. Chloe and Chance watched as they walked to a park bench and Mary sat close to Ivan. He leaned on her.

  “Your mom has also been through losing a spouse, which I know helps Dad. I’m just saying that seeing him interested in someone besides my mother was one of the hardest things to witness. And well, since their feelings for each other have obviously been growing, it’s felt flat-out weird. Yet not in a bad way, I know. Just weird, especially if you and I, you know, find our relationship to be, well, permanent.”

  “That would be odd to have you as both my boyfriend and my stepbrother.” She grimaced, mostly at the thought that maybe God had brought Chance into her life so Ivan could meet Mary. That would be fine except for the deep feelings she now felt for Chance. Maybe God didn’t have Chance in mind for Chloe. Depressing thought.

  “Or worse, I could be your husband and your stepbrother. And your father-in-law would be your stepdad.” His voice had adopted a testing, teasing tone.

  “I told you, Ivan wouldn’t make a half-bad dad.”

  “So, what about me?” he asked tentatively. “Would I make a half-bad husband?”

  She smiled, then tried to hide it.

  He grinned. “What? You got an ornery look just then.”

  Her face warmed. “That would depend on your definition of bad.”

  His brows rose. “Why, Chloe Callett, I do believe you’re flirting with me.” Something in his eyes changed, and he brushed a thumb along her left ring finger again.

  Why did he keep doing that? Was it on purpose? Not knowing was driving Chloe nuts.

  Chloe stepped back, and Chance advanced then chased her around a tree. She giggled and squealed. Once he caught her, the smoldering, slightly dangerous look in his eyes receded and a look of deep and gentle caring replaced it.

  “You’ll never be able to outrun me, so get used to getting caught.” One of his eyebrows arched.

  “Maybe. Maybe not. I decided to take the plunge, bite the bullet.”

  His other eyebrow rose to meet the first. “What bullet is that?”

  “I bought a treadmill.”

  He doubled over laughing.

  “I’m going to start exercising three hours a day.”

  His laugh died. “Three hours?”

  “Okay, two.”

  “Every single day?”

  “What? You don’t think I can?”

  “I just don’t want you to have too-high expectations of yourself and then fail.”

  “Are you calling me a couch potato?”

  “Depends. Do you own a couch?”

  She clobbered his shoulder. “Correction. Are you calling me a chair tomato?”

  “No.”

  “Good, because—”

  “I’m saying if you overdo it on the treadmill, you’re likely to hurt yourself.”

  “But aerobic exercise is good for the heart.”

  “Fine, start slow and gradually build to your goal.”

  “I’ll do two hours, five days a week. Does that sound reasonable?”

  “I think you should start out with twenty minutes a day, three times a week and go from there.”

  “Fine. But then I’m not walking the whole time. I’m going to run. I’m determined to get up that waterfall at least half as fast as you do without getting winded.”

  “Sounds reasonable. Have you ever run on a treadmill before?”

  “Well, not exactly. But how hard can it be?”

  Chance stayed silent.

  “Speaking of waterfall, let’s hike there,” Chloe said.

  They bid goodbye to their parents and drove to the B&B. “Where is it?” Chance asked as they headed up the leafy stone-riddled hill.

  “What?”

  “Your treadmill.”

  “Still at the store. They’re delivering it late today. You and Brock can help me unload it. Anyway, back to your dad and my mom. You’re sure you’ll be okay if, you know, things progress between our parents?”

  He pulled her close but not close enough to be considered putting the moves on her. “Seriously, as hard as it would be to see Mom replaced, I’d be okay with it as long as I knew it was something sifted through God’s filtering hands. I can handle anything in life as long as I know that He sanctioned or allowed it for some good reason or higher cause.”

  She nodded and enjoyed the feel of his high morals and physical strength protecting her—even from themselves. She appreciated the fact that he didn’t try to ravish her like that flash in his eyes said he wanted to when she’d foolishly teased him. Where were a bucket of ashes and a wad of sackcloth when she needed it? For that matter, what was sackcloth?

  She bent her head against his chest and enjoyed the steadfast thud of a man marching after God’s own heart. “Your mother has left a great deposit in you, Chance. Her legacy of faith is living here. The seeds she planted are sprouting up, and I must say it’s beautiful. Your fa
ith is like a garden, and every life around you is touched by the beauty.”

  He was silent for several seconds, then his chest quivered.

  She looked up.

  His cheeks looked about to explode. Her assessment was confirmed when laughter burst through his lips. “Sorry. It’s just…you sounded like Ben when he’s about to burst into poem or praise song.”

  She laughed with him, and it felt good. Better than anything in a long time.

  “Yeah. The poet who uses flowery stuff—pun intended—to compose worship. You should pass along that whole garden concept to him. He could probably turn it into a song that would touch people.”

  “I will next time I see him.”

  “Which could be this Sunday in church.”

  Chloe nibbled her lip. “I’d like to try it. I’ll see if Mom will go too.”

  “Then I’ll invite Dad, because he hasn’t been since Mom died. I have a feeling he’ll go if he knows Mary is.”

  “I know it’ll be hard for you to see him fall in love again.”

  “Not as hard as seeing him depressed and lonely and giving up on himself and life and all he loves to do.”

  She hugged him. “You’re something else, Chance. What am I going to do with you?”

  A shy blink. “Kiss me would be my first choice.”

  Chloe leaned back, shook her head and laughed.

  “And laugh as long and as often as possible. You define gorgeous when you giggle.” He smiled lopsidedly and still managed to look contrite. “Sorry. It’s the waterfall’s fault.”

  “It is quite romantic.”

  He grinned full-on, nothing shy in it. “I’m kidding, Chloe, sorta. What I meant to say earlier is that you can trust me. Trust God. Trust me. You have to choose to believe me when I say that I will do everything in my power to champion your dreams.”

  “What about your dreams, Chance? And what if they clash with mine and mine with yours?”

  He grinned. “A divine detour never hurt anyone as far as I know. I’m willing to, as you say, recalculate my route. All I ask is that you be willing too. Are you?”

  That was the hundred trillion dollar question.

  Was she?

  Chloe studied Chance and sent a silent plea heavenward. God, I lay my plans at your feet. I accept Your will for my life even if it means the sifting of my dreams and enduring detours I didn’t see coming.

  She slowly nodded her head.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Over the next month, Chance and Chloe settled into a regular dating routine. They grew even closer, and Chance was more than convinced that the day was coming soon when he could slide the diamond ring on her finger and let the world know she was his.

  He was daydreaming about their future when his cell rang as he was working late at the DZ. He looked at the caller ID and punched the answer command. “Hey, Brock, what’s up?”

  “Uh, you need to meet me at Refuge’s ER. Now!” A strangled sound came out of Brock.

  “ER. What happened? You okay?”

  Another strangled sound. “I am. But Chloe, she’s not.” A muted laugh blew forcefully through the phone.

  “Shut up, Broccoli!” A strained female voice that sounded suspiciously like Chloe said from close by.

  “Dude, what happened to her? What’s so funny?”

  “Treadmill mishap.”

  Chance bit back a grin. “What happened? She fall?”

  “Big time. With Midnight’s help. I’ve got the dog with me. He won’t leave Chloe’s side. She’s hurt enough that I think she needs X-rays.”

  “Don’t let her talk you out of it. How’s Midnight? Is he hurt too?”

  “Not unless Chloe gets a hold of him.”

  Chance laughed and headed to his car. “That means?”

  “Apparently, the dog despises the treadmill. He tried to drag her off.”

  “Seriously?” Chance switched his phone to his hands-free device and pulled out of the driveway.

  “She was running, and he kept barking and growling at the machine. She inclined it, and he went into a frenzy and yanked on her shoestring with his teeth. Trying to rescue her from it or something, I guess.”

  Chance stuffed some console change in his pockets for the hospital vending machine and listened intently to Brock relay the story. He imagined Chloe hurt too much to talk.

  “She went down but tried to hold on. She’s scraped up pretty good. Busted her lip. Ankle’s possibly sprained too. We’re gonna make sure it’s not fractured. Looks terrible.”

  Ouch. Poor Chloe. “Sprains can look worse than breaks.” He applied more gas and kept a safe eye out for other cars, namely Officer Stallings.

  “That’s what I told her. But being an OT, she knows that. She also knew she was hurt enough she couldn’t walk. She hopped down the boardwalk to my door, but I was out back helping Evie with something. Midnight led me to Chloe.”

  “Maybe he won’t totally end up in the doghouse then.” Chance laughed. “Pun intended. Good dog.”

  “Yeah, he’s finally going to Evie so I can drive Chloe to the hospital. We’ll meet you there.”

  “I’ll call Mary to sit with Dad, then I’ll be there.”

  “She’s just going in for X-rays, then to Mary’s because they’re preparing paperwork to turn in to city hall. Why don’t you and Ivan just meet us at Mary’s.”

  “Sounds good. Thanks, Brock, for taking care of my woman.”

  Brock’s grin echoed through the phone in the form of an amused exhale. “Sure.”

  “I’ll return the favor when you fall through the hole into Wonderland and meet your Alice.”

  “You’re pushin’ it. Don’t make me paint polka dots on your parachute.”

  Chance laughed. “Bye, Brock. Thanks.”

  A little while later, Mary met Chance and Ivan when they entered her foyer. “She’s already here. They were able to do the X-rays quickly. She’s feeling better, now that her ankle’s wrapped and she knows it’s just a sprain, but the doctor ordered her to stay off it for a while. She and Midnight will stay here for the next few days. You’re welcome to sit with her, although she’s pretty embarrassed and dreading the thought of seeing you.”

  Chance grinned. “I know exactly why.”

  “Because you told her so. She told me.” Mary laughed and eyed the box of Chloe’s favorite chocolates and the little stuffed Labrador puppy holding a silk rose in his paws. “But I have a feeling that adorable stuffed puppy will more than make up for any I-told-you-so.”

  “There’ll be none of that from me, ma’am.”

  Mary chuckled and stepped outside with Ivan and Midnight. “I’m taking these two for their walk. Go on in. Second room to the right.”

  He knocked on Chloe’s door. “Special delivery for a special girl.”

  A groan, then good-natured laughter floated toward him. “Hi, Hooligan number two. Come in. But don’t dare say I told you so.”

  Chance came around the corner and smiled tenderly. “Hooligan number two?”

  “Yes. Right now Midnight is Hooligan number one.” She put a hand up to her swollen mouth. “I look terrible.”

  He sat on the edge of her bed. “You look beautiful.”

  Red rimmed her eyes and tissues littered her lap.

  “You’ve been crying. Are you still in pain?”

  She shook her head and drew a quivery breath. “I missed the town meeting today because of the fall. I called city hall but they don’t want to reschedule because I was a no-show.” He knew she’d stayed up for three solid days preparing for this crucial meeting, because he’d helped her and Mary brainstorm deep into the nights.

  “Did you tell them why?”

  She nodded. “Yes, but the person manning the phone was the very person most against this program.”

  “Steele.” Anger surged.

  “Yeah.” Chloe looked close to bursting into tears again. “I feel like I’m pounding futile fists into rock walls. Maybe I’m not meant to start this k
ind of program down here.”

  “I don’t believe that for a minute. Nor should you. Don’t worry about city hall. I’ll take care of it.”

  “How? Those people are impossible.”

  “Trust me, Chloe. I have clout.”

  “You’d go to bat for me?”

  “In a heartbeat.”

  “Really? Even if they get a notion to form a crusty, brainless, two-pronged committee to fight you too?”

  Chance laughed because her description of Refuge’s stodgy mayor and lazy sheriff unfortunately fit.

  “You bet. In the meantime, here’s something to cheer you up.” He pulled the goodies out from behind his back. “And tide me over until I can have real ones.” He handed over the candy kisses.

  She laughed and eyed the gifts. “You smart, sweet man! You brought chocolate and flowers.”

  He pulled the stuffed animal out next.

  A sharp, happy gasp came out of her. “And a black Lab puppy!” She hugged it, then reached for Chance and gave him a python squeeze. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.” He brushed a gentle thumb along her lip. “I’m sorry you got hurt.”

  Her expression grew wry.

  “No, really, I am.” He was. But at the same time the urge to laugh hit him out of nowhere.

  He wouldn’t laugh at her. He wouldn’t.

  His mouth twitched. He clenched his teeth. But images of Midnight trying to drag her from the evil treadmill’s clutches chased him like a dog going after its own tail.

  Her eyelids lowered. Pressure grew inside his cheeks. His face heated in effort to hold it in.

  Chloe’s hands went to her hips. “Go ahead. Get it out of your system.”

  Chance shook his head and pressed his lips together.

  “Yes.”

  Chance brought his hand to his mouth and literally pinched it shut, then shook his head again.

  “Stop that. You’re gonna give yourself a hernia holding it in.” She pulled his hand down.

  A pent-up laugh whistled through.

  She laughed too.

  Until he opened his mouth.

  “I love you, Chloe.”

  She froze and clutched the toy Lab close to her heart.

  He laughed at her fearful expression, probably exacerbated by lack of sleep. “I’m not taking the pup back if you don’t reciprocate. Take your time.”