Love Inspired March 2014 - Bundle 2 of 2: North Country Family\Small-Town Midwife\Protecting the Widow's Heart (45 page)

Ty hurried to the window. “Lightning strike and it was close.” He moved to the door, grabbed his hooded sweatshirt and went outside to the deck, returning quickly with his cell in his hand. “Looks like a cabin down the way has been hit. I'm going to check it out.”

Ty had placed a call to the fire department before it registered in her mind what he was going to do. “No, you should stay here. It's dangerous out there in the storm,” Ginger warned.

“I've got to go, Ginger. Someone might need help.”

The old, gnawing fear spiraled up from her core. “You've called the fire department. I'm sure they'll be here quickly.”

“We're ten miles from town. It might be too late. I'll come back as soon as they get here. It'll be fine.”

She was unable to look at him. That's what John had said to her each time he'd left for work in that stupid uniform. She turned back in time to see the door close behind him, his shadowed form passing in front of the windows before disappearing.

Unable to move, she stared at the window. Rain poured down the panes and pounded on the roof. Thunder boomed. She moved to the chair, casting her gaze toward the television. The sound was muted, but the information displayed on the screen told her all she needed to know. Severe storm warning. Dangerous lighting. Hurricane force winds. Possible hail. The tornado may have bypassed them, but the storm was still a threat.

What if Ty got injured trying to help someone in the fire? Why did men always have to be the hero? Superheroes, that's what he'd told EJ they were. That's what he was. To her. He'd stepped in and held out a lifeline. But what if he died?

An icy chill surged through her veins. She could never do this again—the waiting, the worrying, the uncertainty. She was already feeling a connection with Ty, but that was a mistake. She needed safety, and he wasn't a safe kind of guy.

She had to stop this. It was pointless. And absurd. Ty was only an acquaintance. Nothing more. Wasn't he?

She paced to the door and looked out. The rain was coming down sideways, so hard she couldn't see a thing. Overhead the thunder rumbled continuously, shaking the raised cabin. A quick check on Elliot found him sound asleep. In the living area, she tried to calm down by looking at the fire. No sooner had she propped her feet up on the hearth than the power went out. A new fear crawled up her spine.

Spying the LED lantern Ty had placed on the hearth earlier, she lifted it and found the switch, the light chasing away some of her tension. Her gaze traveled to the clock on the mantel. Ty had only been gone twenty minutes. She hadn't heard a siren, which meant the fire department hadn't arrived yet.

Pulling her knees up to her chest, she lowered her head and prayed.

* * *

The rain refused to slacken as Ty trudged up the stairs of his cabin and crossed to the door. He inhaled, but the acrid smoke from the burning cabin still stung his nostrils and made him cough. He should have taken Ginger's advice and stayed with her. He'd been little use at his neighbors'. He'd charged in like he always did, ready to help and handle the situation, but when he'd arrived, the fear had slammed into him, bringing with it the guilt and the doubt.

The owners had made it out on their own, safe and sound, and the fire department had been notified. The cabin was burning rapidly, even with the pouring rain. The boom and roll of thunder had triggered memories of the shooting, so instead of taking charge, he'd pulled back, battling his inner doubts.

He hesitated, with his hand on the doorknob, as a new thought filled his mind. Maybe his reaction tonight was God's way of telling him he wasn't cut out for the job anymore. Time to turn in the badge and walk away. But if it was, why did his heart ache at the thought?

He stepped inside the cabin, pulling off the rain poncho he'd grabbed from his car on the way out. Even with it, he'd ended up soaked through.

“Ty!”

Ginger flew toward him, her deep green eyes wide with worry. She stopped only inches away, her gaze raking him up and down.

“Are you all right?”

Words stuck in his throat. How did he answer that? “Yeah. I'm fine.”

Suddenly she was wrapped around him, her arms hugging his neck, her body pressed against him. He slid his hands to her back, holding on. Somewhere deep inside he felt a seismic shift, a tilting of his once solid and level foundation.

“I was so worried.”

“Nothing to worry about. Everyone was out before I got there, but the cabin is probably a total loss.” He expected her to release him, but she clung to him tightly. He realized there was more to her welcome than simple relief. A finger of concern traced along his spine. “Ginger. It's okay. Really.”

“I was afraid you wouldn't come back.”

He thought about what she'd told him about her husband. He knew well the knee-jerk reaction to old fear. Now, holding Ginger in his arms, he wished he could tell her about his scars, about the guilt. Maybe she would understand. “You can't get rid of me that easily.”

She pulled back then, her gaze locking with his. “But you're my only friend here in town. I don't know what I'd do without you.”

His heart beat erratically for a moment. “Are we friends?” He realized with a jolt that he wanted her as a friend, and maybe more. The thought scared him.

Ginger's expression suddenly changed, and she slipped her hands from his shoulders where they had been resting. “Of course we're friends.”

She smiled, but Ty saw the wariness behind her pretty eyes. She took another step back and examined him. “Ty, you're soaking wet. You need to get out of those clothes. I don't have anything to give you.”

Ty shook his head. “I have some clothes I keep here. The bottom drawer of the dresser in the master bedroom.”

She waved him on. “Go. Get what you need.”

“How long has the power been out?” He picked up the LED lantern.

“About ten minutes, I guess.”

Ty moved down the hallway, his emotions swirling. Ginger's greeting had pushed his already unsteady feelings teetering on the cliff edge. Her embrace had been exactly what he needed. Someone to care. She'd made him realize there was a huge hole in his life he'd been ignoring for a long time.

He shouldn't take her attention personally. They barely knew each other. But she had a caring heart; she'd been alone and frightened. She would have welcomed Nels with the same enthusiasm.

He stepped into the master bedroom and paused. The room had never smelled like this before. A sweet, flowery scent hung in the air. He moved to the dresser near the bathroom door. The smell was stronger here. He forced his mind to focus on what he needed and not the heady scent of Ginger's fragrance. Pulling open the bottom drawer, he dug out sweatpants, a faded T-shirt and socks, then headed for the hall bathroom to change. The scent followed him.

By the time he returned to the living room, he'd managed to corral his scattered emotions, and shake off the chill around his heart and soul. Ginger was seated in front of the fireplace again and glanced over her shoulder as he approached.

“Feeling better?”

It was a simple question, but he had no simple answer. So he nodded and sat in the other chair where he'd been earlier.

“Sorry there's no coffee.”

“How's Elliot? Was he scared?”

Ginger smiled. “He didn't budge. I checked on him several times, but I don't think he heard a thing.”

He reached out and took her hand. “How about you? You going to be okay?”

She smiled, and his heart did a funny thump in his chest. Her pretty eyes filled with gratitude.

“I am now.”

Ty chuckled, his gaze resting on Ginger's profile as she stared at the fire. There was something so comfortable about her, her greeting earlier opening a door to a part of him he'd kept sealed. A powerful need to confide overtook him. He'd never really been honest with the department shrink for fear his weaknesses might reflect badly on his record, hamper advancement and damage his reputation. Worse yet, if the other guys got wind of the humiliating details, he'd be an outcast, an object of scorn. The brotherhood was a complicated one. Often unfair and sometimes cruel.

Ginger tugged on her stray curl, running it through her fingers. No, confiding in her wasn't a good idea. She had enough burdens without him adding more. They held hands a long moment, then Ginger looked away toward the windows. “I think the storm has passed.”

Ty released her hand and rose to go to the window as the power kicked back on. “Looks that way.” He turned toward her. Her face was pulled into an adorable squint as she tried to adjust to the sudden light in the room. Her auburn hair shimmered with cinnamon highlights. She stood and walked to the kitchen island, and he allowed himself a quick flash of appreciation for her figure. Her waist was a perfect fit for a man's arms to hold. He looked away. “Well, I guess I'll head back to the boathouse.” The TV flared to life again, and the weather map showed the storm had moved into the next county. Ty walked to the door, picking up his still-wet poncho. “I'll see you in the morning. Make extra coffee.”

She nodded and smiled. “Maybe some biscuits to go with that?”

He winked. “That's what I'm talking about.”

Chapter Six

O
nce the storm passed, Ginger slept soundly and woke refreshed and filled with hope. It had been a long time since she'd felt this way. The coffee was made and the biscuits in the oven when EJ padded into the kitchen. His eyes went immediately to Barney sitting on the counter.

“Mom, how did Barney get here? And why is the cereal all around him?”

“Beats me.” She shrugged, playing along with the game Ty had started. “He was here when I got up, and I don't appreciate him eating after bedtime.” She pointed at the dark crumbs. “He got into the cake, too. You really need to have a talk with him.”

EJ stared at her a moment before a broad smile spread across his face. “Tyster told me to watch him. Guess I'll have to tie him down tonight.”

“Good luck with that. I think he's a tricky one.” Ginger ruffled her son's hair and pulled him into a hug about the time a short tap on the door sounded, and Ty walked in. He held his cell phone up, a huge smile on his face. “What's wrong?”

“Nothing. You won't believe the phone call I just got. Pastor Jim at our church has a job offer for you.”

“What?”

Ty nodded, coming toward her, his smile broader than EJ's. “I mentioned to him yesterday at the service that you were looking for work, and gave him your qualifications. Well, it seems Babs Overby, the church secretary, is having surgery. She'll be out four to six weeks. They were going to hire a temp, but when I told Jim about you, he wanted to offer you the job.”

Ginger stared at Ty, trying to grasp what he'd told her. “This is crazy. Things like this don't happen to me.”

He chuckled. “How soon can you be ready? Jim wants to meet with you this morning.”

“Uh, give me half an hour or so.”

He laughed, waving his hand in the air. “Sorry. You don't really have to rush. Those biscuits smell great. We'll have breakfast, then I'll take you into town afterward.”

“This is an answer to prayer.”

He winked. “Yes. It is, isn't it?”

His comment struck a chord. She had prayed last night. For her mother, for herself and her future, but mostly for Ty's safe return. At this moment, all her prayers had been answered. Day by day she could feel the Lord calling her to Him, but why was God listening to her now, and not before, when she'd been so alone and desperate? The timer dinged on the oven, and she picked up the oven mitts, removed the sheet of biscuits from the rack and set it on the counter. Her thoughts cascaded erratically in her head. “Oh, what about EJ? I shouldn't take him on an interview.”

“Don't worry about him. We'll hang out together.” He poked the boy in the arm playfully.

Ginger raised her fingers to her lips. “And what about a car? How will I get to work?”

Ty took her hand. “I already thought of that. Matt has an old truck I can borrow. You can use my car until yours is fixed.”

His thoughtfulness touched her. He'd stepped up and offered to solve her problems. What would it be like to have a man like this in her life—a partner, a friend, someone to share the joys and the struggles? “You've thought of everything.”

“I try.”

She pulled her gaze from his blue eyes as another obstacle presented itself. “I'll have to register Elliot for school if we're going to stay here awhile, but where should he go? What about after school? What are my hours? Who will watch him until I get home?” She sank onto one of the stools. “Ty, there's so much to work out.”

“Don't worry.” He laid his hand on hers. “I have a plan. We'll get you signed up for the job first. Then we'll register Elliot for school. After that, we'll go to lunch and work out the rest of the details.”

Ty's reassuring words and kindness eased much of her concerns. “Thanks. How about a hot biscuit to celebrate?”

“Only if you have some grape jelly to go with them!”

* * *

Ty dribbled the basketball a couple times, then passed it off to Elliot. The church gym was empty, so he'd brought the boy here to shoot some hoops while they waited for Ginger. Elliot raised his arms and sent the ball into the air. It bounced off the rim and fell to the floor.

“Nice try. Next time, don't pull it back behind your head. Keep the ball in front of you and use your hands and fingers to direct it.”

Elliot retrieved the ball and came to Ty's side. “Is my mom going to work here?”

“For a while.”

“But it's a church, right?”

“Right.”

“Mom and I never go to church. I think she's mad at God or something.”

Ty exhaled a sigh. He'd suspected as much. If only he could make her understand that stepping away from the Lord was never the answer. Running toward Him, especially in difficult times, was best. “Well, maybe now she'll want to go.”

Elliot thought that over as he bounced the ball a few times. “I hope so.”

“I hope so, too.”

A short while later, Ty heard the gym door open. Ginger came briskly toward them, the smile on her face bright enough to light the gym with its power. Ty tucked the ball under his arm and faced her. “Hey. Are you all set?”

She nodded, moving to her son and giving him a hug. “Are you having fun?”

“Tyster is showing me how to shoot hoops.”

Her gaze locked on his. The happiness in her green eyes brought an extra glow to her pretty face. He wanted her to be this happy all the time.

“I'm hired. I start this afternoon. Mrs. Overby wants to go over my responsibilities.”

“Then I guess we'd better get Elliot registered for school.” Ty replaced the basketball in the gym storage room before heading toward the door. “I checked with my mother, and he'll go to the same school Kenny attends.”

EJ smiled. “Really? I get to go to Kenny's school? Cool.”

Ginger smoothed his hair. “I never thought I'd hear you so excited about school.”

“That's 'cause I didn't have a friend before.”

As they buckled into the car, Ginger exhaled a nervous breath. “I have so much to do. I need to dig out work clothes, do a load of laundry. Do you think I need to get a driver's license, or will mine be okay?”

Ty chuckled, reaching over to squeeze her hand. “You're good. Don't worry. We'll get it all handled.”

Ginger smiled. “Thank you for being so helpful. I don't know how I would have managed without you.”

“That's what I'm here for.” He wondered if maybe there was more truth to that statement than he realized.

* * *

Ginger walked into her office at Peace Community the next morning, humming a cheery song she'd heard on the radio on the way to work. After a quick lunch yesterday she'd returned to the church office and spent the afternoon being trained by Mrs. Overby. Most of her responsibilities were simple, and she was familiar with the computer system they used. Ginger felt confident she could handle the job. She'd also been introduced to the staff and given a tour of the church.

Settling into her chair, she got to work, sending up a prayer of gratitude and marveling at the Lord's sense of humor. He'd answered her prayers by placing her in a church. A light tapping on the glass window separating her office from the hallway pulled her gaze away from the computer. Laura Durrant smiled at her.

“Good morning. Ty told us the good news about your job.”

Ginger slid the glass panel aside, so they could talk. “I can't believe how quickly it all came together. And Elliot is thrilled about going to school with Kenny.” Over the past two years her son had withdrawn into himself, and his grades had suffered, especially after they'd moved to the apartment. A few days in Dover, with fresh air, freedom to play and one-on-one attention from Ty, had brought about a dramatic change in Elliot. Herself, as well. The peaceful cabin and the new job gave her a sense of security and purpose, and a reason to hope again. “What are you doing here so early?”

Laura held up a folder. “I have some papers for Jim.” She grinned and raised her eyebrows. “So, Ty has never brought anyone to meet the family before.”

The implication sent heat rushing into Ginger's cheeks. “Oh, no. It's not like that. Ty's just helping us out.”

“So it has nothing to do with him liking you?”

Ginger struggled to speak around the dryness in her throat. How was she supposed to respond to that? “No. We're just friends. We barely know each other.”

Laura smiled. “If you say so. I'm in a hurry or we'd discuss this more. I want you to come to lunch at my house soon, so we can talk.”

Ginger nodded. “I'd like that.” She turned her attention to her work, puzzling over Laura's observation. Why would she think Ty was interested in her? She was positive Ty was simply being thoughtful, though she had to admit, the Sunday afternoon with the Durrants had been delightful, and being around Ty made her feel attractive and feminine.

Ginger had barely returned to her work when the pastor called her into his office, motioning her to be seated.

“How's it going so far?”

“Good. Everyone is very helpful, and I'm enjoying the work.”

“Well, we'd like to make some changes in your responsibilities if you're willing.”

A kernel of concern formed in her chest. Had she made a mistake already?

Jim leaned forward, resting his arms on the desk. “We have a family in our congregation who needs help. Their home was destroyed in a storm last month when a large tree fell on the house. The owner, Lee Stanton, was severely injured. He's a small business owner, and things have been tough for him lately. The church, in conjunction with the Handy Works ministry, are rebuilding their home.”

“Handy Works?”

“It's a ministry started by some of our members. They do repairs, yard work and other small projects for the elderly and people unable to hire the work done. We've received a generous anonymous donation for materials for the Stantons' home, but what we really need are volunteers. We'd like to have the home ready for them to move back into as quickly as possible.”

Ginger's heart was touched that the church would go to such lengths for one of its members. “What would you like me to do?”

“We need someone to recruit volunteers, schedule them to coincide with the various stages of the build, and also to line up volunteers to provide food each day.” Jim smiled at her. “I know it's a lot to ask and a big change from what you thought you'd be doing, but it's important, and I think you would be perfect for the job.”

The idea excited her. Organizing people was one of the things she enjoyed most. “I think it sounds challenging. I'd be happy to take that on. How soon do you need the volunteers to start?”

Jim tapped a folder on his desk. “Laura Durrant dropped these permits by this morning, so we can start construction immediately.”

Ginger returned to her desk eager to start on her new assignment. It was a huge job, a lot of responsibility, but the challenge filled her with excitement. She was starting to believe her life was finally turning in a new direction.

April Craig walked into the office, peering over Ginger's shoulder. “I see you have our most-likely-to-volunteer list.” The tall redhead was the music director for the church and backup secretary. Like Ginger, April was widowed. Their shared experience had bonded them quickly.

“I'm looking forward to this.”

“Well, don't count on too many of them offering to help. I can tell you right now which ones will, and which ones won't.”

Ginger glanced down at the sheet of names Jim had provided. “Why wouldn't they want to help?”

“Lots of reasons. Mainly they're too busy with their own lives. But this is the biggest project the church has ever taken on, and I don't have much hope of it getting done anytime soon.”

Ginger refused to be discouraged. “Then it'll be my job to convince them it's a good cause.”

“It
is
a good cause. A regular Dover do-over.”

“What?”

April smiled. “Do Over. It's the original name of the town. A fire destroyed most of the town back in the early 1900s. When they rebuilt they decided to do a better job. A Do Over. Over the years the name got shortened to Dover.”

Do Over.
It's what Ginger needed. What she'd been looking for. She never thought she'd find it in a small Mississippi town.

“Don't forget I'm taking you to lunch today.”

“I'm looking forward to it.”

“Me, too. Come by the choir room when you're ready, and we'll walk over to Magnolia Café.”

* * *

Ty zipped his gym bag closed, flung it over his shoulder, then strode toward the door of the workout room at the Dover Police Department. Brady had invited him to use the equipment, and Ty had welcomed the opportunity. His five-mile run each morning had restored much of his stamina, but the strength training would get him back in top-notch shape to return to work. If that's what he decided to do.

“Glad to see you're taking me up on my offer.”

Ty turned with a smile as he recognized Brady's voice. “I never pass up free, Chief. You should know that.”

Brady chuckled. “Don't I know. Well, I have another freebie for you.” He pulled a small card from his shirt pocket. “It's a guest pass for the firing range. I figured your shooting skills might be deteriorating.”

A chill settled on Ty as he took the card. He glanced at his friend. Did Brady know about his dirty secret? Is that why he'd set this up? “Thanks.”

Brady's eyebrows rose. “Sure. It's good through the end of the month. Just turn it in at the range when you leave town.”

The chief studied him a moment, then tapped the guest card Ty still held. “Use that. You know how therapeutic firing a weapon can be. Releases all those pent-up emotions and clears the head.”