Jingle Bell Blessings (15 page)

Shocked, Gordon scrunched his eyebrows down. “That can't be true.”

The wind increased, ruffling her hair. “They called yesterday, told Evan they're ready to accept guardianship. They plan to enroll him in boarding school.”

“Like Spencer?” Gordon asked, appalled.

“Exactly.”

“Now that they're older, maybe they plan to return to the states, be closer to him.”

Chloe emphatically shook her head. “That's just it! They plan to stay on the dig. Oh, and they hope to spend a few holidays with Jimmy.”

“You've got to be wrong about this,” Gordon objected.

“I know Evan. He wouldn't do that to the child. He may be afraid to voice his love since he lost Sean, but, if anything, he's more empathic than ever with kids.”

She sighed, wishing that were true. “He's more worried about what Mr. Wainwright might do about the financing than he is about Jimmy's grandparents.”

Gordon looked confused.

“Did Evan tell you that the original loan for the company's big new order fell through?”

“No.”

“He probably didn't want to worry you. Anyway, I had the idea of hooking him up with my boss. Mr. Wainwright sits on the board of a privately owned bank. Mitchell Stone got the loan it needs through him. It's enough to save the company. Now, that's all Evan cares about.”

“Was the guardianship issue a provision of getting the loan?”

“Well, no.” Chloe bit down on her lower lip. “Actually, there aren't any strings attached. It's a straight-out business loan with good terms.”

“Then his consideration of what Wainwright thinks can't be motivating Evan.” Gordon frowned. “Are you sure it's not a little closer to home than that?”

Now, Chloe was confused. “What do you mean?”

“My, you really haven't been paying attention. Jimmy isn't the only person Evan studies when he thinks no one's watching.”

Chloe blinked.

And Gordon chuckled. “Evan can't keep his eyes off of you.”

“But he's always so gruff!”

“You know Evan. Would you expect him to show up with flowers and chocolates?”

Not really. Especially in his own house.
“Still, Gordon, I think that's wishful thinking.”

“You haven't done any of your own?”

She had indulged in too many thoughts of how it would
be to have Evan as her husband, Jimmy as her son. But that was wishing, not real life. “I have,” she admitted. “But mostly for Jimmy. It would kill me to see him shut away in some boarding school. And he worships Evan. They should be together.”

“And you?”

Her lips trembled before she got them under control. “My life's complicated. It's also back in Milwaukee with my mother. Besides, I think you and I both must have caught the same wishing bug.”

“It's not contagious,” Gordon said kindly. “Chloe, do you think your mother would want to be responsible for your unhappiness?”

“Of course not! But—”

He held up one hand. “As parents, what we want more than anything in the world is our children's happiness. That's what makes us happy. And, Chloe, I'm guessing you haven't considered the changes you could make.”

Chloe choked up. “I can't make my mother well. And I won't desert her.”

Gordon looked as though he wanted to say more. Instead, he expelled a deep breath, looked out again over the yard and gardens, then frowned. “The wind's a lot stronger.”

Her mind still muddled, Chloe pulled her sweater tighter. “Maybe a storm's coming.”

“Did Evan tell you what time he's conducting the test?”

“Test?”

“It's a safety inspection. This one's not due yet, but Evan wants to make sure everything's safe before they start on the big order,” Gordon explained.

Confused, Chloe looked at him in question. “Does the wind have any bearing?”

“They'll be setting charges. I never like doing that in the wind. It's not supposed to affect the timing or the detonator,
but when we do a full-out test, I want clear, calm weather.” Gordon checked his watch. “I'm going to call Evan, see when it's planned.”

“Will he postpone it if you ask?”

Although Gordon still looked concerned, he smiled encouragingly. “Chloe, he's not perfect, but he's a good son.”

Slightly ashamed, she nodded. “Of course. I'm just emotional today.” A thought struck her. “What if he's already doing the test?”

“I'll make that call.” Gordon disappeared in the house.

Suddenly worried, she followed.

Chloe left so quickly she didn't hear the rustle in the bushes beside the porch or the flash of blue jeans as they disappeared into the shed.

 

Dilbert glared into the rising dust. “I don't know, Evan. Your dad always wanted clear weather when we tested.”

“Are you about done checking the time cards?”

“Considering the weather, I say we double-check. And run a radio check before we start.”

Evan sighed. “I've got the time.” His mind was full of the distressing call from Jimmy's grandparents and Chloe's unexpected, wounding response.

“You sure Mac said he was taking off?”

Trying to remember, Evan shook his head. “I'll go check with Bud.” The foreman always knew exactly who was on duty in case of an accident. “Double-check with the office. Viola will have his vacation slip if he put in for time off.” As he walked out of the shed, Evan noticed that the wind had increased since he'd arrived. The dry hill country air couldn't tamp down the dirt and dust from a strong wind. Usually, rain accompanied their storms, alleviating much flying debris.

Evan found Bud checking the detonator. “Is Mac working today?”

“Nah. Took off.”

“Dilbert's worrying like an old lady,” Evan explained.

“He's checked the time cards twice.”

Bud rattled off the names of the men who were in the quarry. “Tell him I know what I'm doing.”

Dilbert and Bud had an ongoing rivalry that wouldn't end while either was still alive. Luckily, it never got in the way of doing their jobs. “So, we're set?”

“Yep.”

Evan thought he heard something. “You hear that?”

Bud shook his head. “Nah. Probably an echo from the canyon.”

“Right.” Evan realized he was picking up on Dilbert's anxiety. No place for it in his business. And, right now, blowing up the side of a hill suited his mood just fine.

G
ordon pushed Redial again. Again, after a few rings, Evan's cell phone went to voice mail. “He's not picking up.”

“And no one's answering at the little office out there?” Chloe asked, her worry escalating.

“The shed just has one line and it's busy. Dilbert always fusses when we've talked about upgrading the place. All the workers have radios, which has worked out fine so far.”

Ned knocked on the door frame.

Gordon waved him inside.

“Is it okay for Jimmy to be out riding on that old bike? He tore out of here like his pants were on fire. Now the wind's getting fierce.”

Fear hit Chloe harder than any wind could. “When? When did he leave, Ned?”

“Better than half an hour ago. Right after he played that little joke on you.”

“Joke?” Gordon asked.

“He hid next to the back porch so he could jump out and surprise you.” Ned looked from Gordon to Chloe. “Didn't you see him?”

“No.” Chloe stared at Gordon. “But he probably heard us.” Trying not to panic, Chloe quickly calculated how long it
would take a seven-year-old to bike to the quarry. Not nearly long enough. “Can you keep trying the shed and Evan's cell? I'll go to the quarry.” Running, she grabbed her keys from the entry hall table.

She jumped in the rental car and sped off. “Lord,” she prayed. “Please keep Jimmy and Evan safe.” It was the middle of the day and last-minute shoppers clogged the road. “And let me get there in time.”

But time accelerated, zooming as she remained clogged to a crawl in the quagmire of holiday traffic. The entire time she continued to pray, imploring the Lord to watch out for both Mitchells she loved.

 

Gordon pushed Redial repeatedly, praying for Evan to pick up. Tuned into his family's needs, Evan never ignored a call from home. Gordon's heart stilled. What if something had already happened?
“Lord, I know his faith has wavered…please let my boy know You are watching over him. Keep Jimmy safe so that You might deliver him to Evan's arms.”

 

The whipping wind dried the sweat from Jimmy's face and arms as he pedaled faster and faster toward the quarry. He couldn't let Evan get blowed up like Mommy and Daddy. His tummy felt funny and his chest kept pounding like it might burst.

He hadn't wanted to come so far from his house to live with Evan. But now he liked Evan a whole bunch. And he liked Uncle Gordon and Thelma and Ned. He wanted Chloe to never leave. But she looked sad now. Like she had a bad secret.

Jimmy wanted Evan and Chloe to be happy. His chest pounded. He didn't know why Mommy and Daddy had gone to heaven, but Chloe said they were always watching over him. Maybe they would watch over Evan, too.

Not sure whether they were watching right now, Jimmy pumped the bicycle as hard as he could. The quarry was just around the next bend. He didn't want Evan to go away to heaven.

A car honked behind him. Jimmy didn't turn around. Mommy and Daddy said they were just going to work. Then they never came home. Jimmy pedaled harder, his legs burning. He wanted Evan to always come home to him.

 

Evan listened while Viola named all the quarry workers who had opted for a vacation day. “Okay, Vi. Dilbert's uneasy about today's test, so I figured I'd better be sure. Yeah, I know. I don't
have
to do the safety check today.” Putting down the landline, Evan shook his head.

“We could wait until after New Year's,” Dilbert reminded him. “We'd have a full crew.”

“Dilbert, if I didn't know better, I'd think you're trying to spook me.”

The older man shrugged. “Just like to listen to my gut.”

Evan wavered for a moment. It wouldn't kill him to wait. But he wanted the test over with. Mostly, he wanted to fill the hours. Empty time with nothing to occupy him left his mind open to thoughts best left alone.

What if he hadn't pushed Chloe away? Had told her of his burgeoning feelings? Evan looked upward, vibrantly aware of the Lord's answer to prayer. Through Chloe, the Lord had opened a door Evan would never have tried.

Evan left the shed, Dilbert muttering behind him. The wind didn't bother Evan. He'd always found it exhilarating.

As he walked, Evan wondered if Chloe's response could have been a defensive one. Had she felt as wounded as he did? Even a good woman could lash out under the right circumstances.

Out of sight from the small office shed, Evan stopped,
bending his head. “Lord, I've faltered. I wouldn't humble myself before until I had no choice, when I thought my people would lose everything.” Evan's throat worked. “I made a vow to my wife, Lord. And I meant it forever, until I died. Chloe's changed everything, Lord. She doesn't take, she gives. Only I haven't given back. I keep hurting her instead. Lord, is that what I'm meant to do? So that I can remain faithful to Robin? You know she was a good woman. And, I don't think Robin would want me to hurt Chloe. I need Your guidance, Lord. I need to know what I should do about Chloe and Jimmy. He's in my heart for good now. I'm afraid, Lord. What if I lose him, too? I ask for Your help, Lord, to guide me on the right path.”

The dust swirled around his boots. Looking slowly up into the sky, Evan noticed that the sky was graying, the clouds darkening. If he was going to get the test done, he'd better hurry.

 

Chloe couldn't believe it. Since she had arrived in Rosewood, the streets had never been so full. More like lazy country lanes, even the road leading out of town was normally nearly empty. Had the entire world flocked to the tiny hill country town?

Honking, she considered leaving the car, running the rest of the way. But Jimmy could pedal far faster than she could run.
Lord, he's just a little boy. Please don't take him away. I will do everything to make sure he's happy. I will do anything You guide me to do. Just keep him safe, Lord, please.
She wiped away the tears, then pulled around the car blocking hers, speeding ahead.
Please, Lord.

 

Gordon dialed Evan's cell number, listening to it ring, hanging up when it reverted to voice mail.
Where was he? And why wasn't he picking up?

“Thelma! Ned!” he hollered.

Ned came on a run, Thelma only a few feet behind.

Gordon held out both hands. “We need to pray. For Jimmy and Evan, Chloe, too. I'm afraid there's going to be a terrible accident at the quarry.”

Thelma clasped his hand, her eyes filling with tears. Ned gripped his other hand. Closing his eyes, Gordon bent his head. “Lord, we beseech you. Our boys, Evan and Jimmy, and our girl, Chloe, are heading into danger. Please keep them safe so that they might be together again under our roof safely in the arms of those who love them.” His voice faltered. “Lord, we ask this in the name of Your Son, the one who saves us all.”

Slowly unclasping hands, Thelma crumpled against her husband. And Gordon didn't bother to wipe away the tears. All that he loved most was now in the Lord's hands. He could only believe his heavenly Father would protect them.

 

The charges were set. Dilbert had triple-checked employees until Evan finally stopped him. “Everyone's accounted for. The weather's only going to get worse. Let's get this done, then knock off, and everyone can go home. This close to Christmas, people have plans.”

Dilbert shook his head, sighed loudly, then slumped on to the stool. “You're the boss.”

“You act like you haven't been here through dozens of these tests.”

“I've had my say,” Dunn retorted, muttering under his breath, slamming the clipboard back on its peg.

Evan pushed in the mike button on his radio set. “Bud. It's a go.”

The landline rang suddenly, competing with the whistling wind. Dilbert reached out to answer the call.

“Leave it,” Evan told him. “If it's important they'll call
back.” Picking up his hard hat, he set it firmly on his head, gesturing for Dilbert to do the same.

Muttering, Dunn complied.

Evan picked up his binoculars, zooming in first on the explosives, then the detonator. Swinging around, something glinted off to his far left. The sun was hidden by the clouds. Puzzled, Evan focused on the bright spot. Moving the binoculars up, his heart stilled, his face froze. Desperately, he pushed the radio button. “Abort!”

Static buzzed back in reply.

Flinging the binoculars to the floor, Evan ran from the office shed, legs pumping, heart bursting, mind praying. Jimmy jumped off his bicycle, running toward him.

“No!” Evan shouted, running faster than he ever had.

But the wind swept his words away.

And Jimmy ran toward him even faster.

Evan increased his speed, adrenaline kicking in, hurtling him toward his little boy. Barely slowing as he reached Jimmy, Evan scooped him up, pressing Jimmy to his chest and running away from the blast. He nearly cleared the red-marked danger line when the blast shook the ground, echoed to the canyon and back, and flung Evan to the ground. Holding his body over Jimmy's, Evan formed a protective barrier. The strong wind carried some residual bits of debris, but mostly a huge cloud of dust from the blast.

A car screeched to a stop only a few feet from them. Jerking upward, Evan bent to thrust Jimmy from this newest danger.

Chloe pushed open her car door, hitting the ground at a run, tears streaming down her face as she reached for them.

Picking up Jimmy with one hand, he reached with his other arm to encircle Chloe, pulling them both into his embrace, silently vowing to never let them go. He had asked the Lord for a sign. Had there ever been a clearer one?

Chloe knelt, checking over Jimmy, reassuring herself that he wasn't hurt. Evan pulled her back up, needing to hold on to her, to both of them.

“I thought….” Chloe bit back a sob. “What if you hadn't seen him?”

“I did. That's all that counts.” Evan stroked her silky hair, breathing in the clean scent, knowing he would never forget it. Closing his eyes, he silently thanked the Lord, knowing He had saved them.

Jimmy still shook as he hung on to Evan. “I thought you were gonna get blowed up like Mommy and Daddy.”

“Oh, sweetie!” Chloe reached for him, but Evan was quicker, picking the child up and holding him close.

“That's not going to happen to me, Jimmy. I'm here now and I'm always going to be here for you. I want you to live with me, be my son.”

Jimmy threw his small arms around Evan's strong neck, holding on for all he was worth. Evan held him close, then lifted his face, catching Chloe's gaze. He had made one commitment. Would another be in his reach?

Gasping, Dilbert reached him. “I thought you were all goners for sure!”

“Dilbert, if I decide not to listen to you in the future, just knock me out with my own hard hat.”

“I ain't pleased to be right,” Dilbert spit out between repeated gasps. “I tried to get Bud on the radio…” He paused for another deep breath. “But it was too late.”

Evan clapped the older man's shoulder, seeing how gray he was beneath his leathery tan.

Bud rushed up, one arm grasping Dilbert's. “You all right, you old fool?” For all their bickering, Bud was as pale as Dilbert.

Other quarry workers surrounded them, checking for inju
ries, most looking shaken, many shocked. All looked relieved when it was certain no one had been hurt.

Humbled by their concern, Evan knew he had much to be thankful for. Meeting Chloe's eyes once more, he realized how very, very much.