Love Inspired March 2015 - Box Set 1 of 2: A Wife for Jacob\The Forest Ranger's Rescue\Alaskan Homecoming (25 page)

The tempo of the music changed and Jill shook off her morose mood. Evie spiraled and stopped dead, staring straight at Jill. Lifting a hand, Jill gave a tentative wave. A wide, angelic smile broke out across Evie's face. So sudden, that Jill knew it was a rare occurrence. And from her peripheral vision, Jill caught the glance of Brent looking her way. But other people were staring at her, too.

Taken off guard, the dancer behind Evie smacked right into her. Evie jerked around in surprise, her smile replaced by a scowl of irritation. Momentarily distracted, the two children pushed against each other, which upset the other dancers. They crowded close, taking sides. Before the dance dissolved into a brawl, Susan Galloway, the instructor, scurried up the steps and sped across the stage to break it up.

Low laughter swept across the audience. People were staring at Jill. She recognized everyone. Employees from the sawmill. The grocery store owner. Her mother's cronies from church. People she'd gone to school with. Jill figured almost the entire town was here tonight. And as her face heated up like road flares, she felt as though every one of them was gawking at her.

Brent looked over his shoulder, his gaze latching on to Jill. She expected him to throw her a frown of disapproval. Instead, he grinned. Of course the people sitting beside her noticed. Their gazes immediately flashed back and forth between them. And Jill knew what that meant. In small towns, gossip traveled fast. No doubt they'd all be discussing this unexpected turn of events as soon as the recital ended. Some wouldn't care. Others who earned their living with logging wouldn't approve. No, not at all. True or false, they'd deduce that the sawmill owner was conspiring with the ranger.

She slunk lower in her seat, wishing she hadn't waved at Evie. And yet, she figured the girl needed a friend now more than ever. Someone she could look up to. Someone she could trust. But Jill wished it didn't have to be her.

Wasn't Brent bothered by all the people staring at them? Didn't he feel the disapproval in their eyes? Surely he cared what others thought. But maybe not. And she envied his self-confidence.

Releasing a low groan, Jill ducked her head and wished she could disappear into thin air. If only she hadn't come here tonight. She wished she didn't care what other people thought about her, but she did. And yet, maybe she should change that. Maybe she should simply do what she thought was right.

With a semblance of order restored, the little girls finished their number with a flourish of arms and bobbing heads. The audience cheered with applause. Susan led the children off stage, her face tight with a severe frown. If she didn't realize it yet, Jill figured someone would soon tell the instructor what had caused the uproar and nearly ruined her students' performance.

At that moment, Jill figured she had a choice. She could stay for the rest of the program and face Evie and her father in the chaotic aftermath, or she could flee. Right now. Before anyone could stop her.

But braving more angry glares as she sidled past everyone in her aisle to make a hasty retreat didn't appeal to Jill either.

She stayed. But the remainder of the recital was pure torture. Watching the plethora of girls and one boy dance was great, but Jill didn't want to give the town any more fodder for gossip. It was bad enough that most of them already knew about her divorce and that her ex had cheated on her. She felt ugly and unworthy to be around anyone right now. In fact, it was downright humiliating.

She tightened her fists in her lap. The moment the program ended, she popped out of her seat and pushed her way past the people in her row. Almost there.

Until she came face-to-face with Brent. He stood in her path, blocking her way to freedom.

“Hi, Jill.” He smiled, his eyes twinkling.

Heaven help her, she smiled back. “Um, hi.”

In the clogged aisle, someone bumped against her back, propelling her forward. To stop herself, she lifted her hands and pressed her palms against Brent's solid chest. Her cheek bumped against the soft fabric of his navy shirt. He smelled delectable. Like sandalwood. And she took a deep inhale, wanting more.

He clasped her shoulders, holding her upright. A ripple of muscles moved beneath her fingertips. Her head felt suddenly woozy, as though she were going to faint.

“You okay?” he asked.

She looked up, spellbound by his translucent blue eyes. He'd slicked his hair back, his chin freshly shaven. She almost reached up to caress his smooth cheek, which would be absolutely catastrophic right now. She couldn't understand why she'd become such a klutz around him. If she wasn't careful, he might get the wrong idea and think she was flirting with him.

Someone coughed nearby and she snapped back, hoping no one else noticed. Trying to gain control over her sensibilities.

“Yes, I'm fine. It's just a bit crowded in here,” she mumbled.

“It is. Come on.” He took her hand, guiding her through the horde of people to the front foyer where they had more room to move.

With his warm fingers wrapped around hers, she had no choice but to follow. With his tall height clearing the way, everyone stepped out of their way. He commanded attention, controlling the situation without saying a word. In all her life, she'd never been so glad to trail behind someone. Clinging to his hand, she ducked her head, her cheeks blazing with heat. Currents of electricity zipped up her arm where her skin made contact with his. To avoid being rude, she didn't pull away. Right now, she didn't know if she should view him as her champion, or the source of her problems.

Maybe both.

It seemed hours before he released her. He'd taken her to the main foyer where long tables had been set up with white plastic tablecloths and trays of cookies. She stood beside the punch bowl accepting a paper cup he pressed into her hands. Taking a sip of red punch, she felt dazed and silly all at once. She had no idea why this man's presence made her so nervous, or why she cared what other people thought about her. She had her life in Boise and wouldn't be here very long. None of this mattered.

Unless someone tattled to her mother.

“Thanks for coming to Evie's recital. It means a lot to her,” he said.

But why? Jill couldn't understand the immediate attachment between her and Evie. Probably because she was a special-ed teacher and trained to help. To care. But why had Evie taken such a liking to her? It didn't make sense.

“I...I also came to see Chrissy, my best friend's daughter.” That was true, but it sounded lame to her ears. She just couldn't stand for Brent to think she was here to see him.

“Who's your friend?” he asked.

He leaned close enough for her to take another deep inhale of his masculine scent.

“Ellen Davinger. She's married to Mike Davinger. Do you know them?”

He chuckled, his gaze scanning the crowd of people as they congregated in the foyer for refreshments. “I do, as a matter of fact. Chrissy's come over to our house to play a few times. She doesn't mind Evie's silence and they've become good friends, although I've never been able to coax Evie into going over to Chrissy's house without me tagging along.”

In this small town, Jill wasn't surprised they were friends. Ellen rarely found fault with anyone, which was why Jill loved her so much. And Mike worked for the state road crews, so his livelihood wasn't associated with the lumber business and its bias against the Forest Service. Mike could afford to let his children associate with the forest ranger's daughter without adverse consequences falling back on his head.

“Evie was awfully cute in her performance tonight,” Jill murmured.

He laughed, the deep sound of rolling thunder. “Yeah, she definitely has a penchant for cuteness. It's one of her specialties. But I think all the kids did a great job tonight.”

Fred Baker, a logger from the sawmill, stepped between them and reached for a peanut butter cookie. His gaze ricocheted off Jill and then Brent. His eyes darkened and his mouth tightened with disapproval as he turned and tromped away.

Glancing over her shoulder, Jill saw other people staring at her, their heads bent close together as they discussed what she was doing fraternizing with the local forest ranger.

“Um, I better get going.” Jill took a step back, prepared to run for her car the moment she hit the outer door.

Brent touched her arm with his fingertips and she fought off a shiver of excitement. “Actually, before you go, I was hoping to ask if you might be willing to...”

A tug on Jill's hand pulled her around.

“Evie!”

The girl still wore her pink tutu and tap shoes, an expectant smile on her face.

“You did so well tonight. I can tell you've practiced really hard.” Jill's voice sounded unusually high and jittery.

The girl's smile deepened into pure bliss. Jill couldn't fathom why her approval meant so much to the child. But heaven help her, it made her care even more.

Brent gave Evie a tight hug. “Hi, sweetheart. You did well tonight. It was a great performance. I'm so proud of you.”

Evie cast a shy glance at the floor, beaming with satisfaction. From her open body language, Jill could tell his praise pleased her. And from the standpoint of a special-ed teacher trying to help a student overcome a traumatic event, Jill believed this was great progress in increasing Evie's self-confidence.

Ida Parker, the office manager at the mill, brushed past. When she caught sight of Jill talking with Brent, she turned in open surprise. “Jill! What are you doing here?”

The woman's shrewd gaze darted between her, Brent and Evie. Jill almost groaned out loud. She could almost see the wheels turning in Ida's head as she made her own deductions.

So much for Mom not finding out.

“I was attending the dance recital, of course. Ellen's little girl was performing tonight. I'm just being supportive.” It was a lame excuse, but it should work.

“Ellen and Chrissy are way over there.” Ida pointed across the room.

The hackles lifted at the back of Jill's neck. She didn't like being told what to do, especially by a mill employee. But she also realized she was bypassing the order of things by speaking socially to Brent.

Jill spotted Ellen headed in her direction. So much for making a quick getaway. She would have preferred to visit Ellen tomorrow, but since she had called Jill earlier to invite her to Chrissy's recital, she had no option but to say hello.

Seeming to understand Jill's predicament, Brent took Evie's hand and tugged her away. “Thanks again. We'll say good-night, now.”

“Hi, sweetie. Oh, I've missed you.” Ellen gave Jill a tight hug.

“Hi, there.” Jill pasted a plastic smile on her face. Normally, she would have loved to catch up with her friend. But not right now. Not with so many other people staring at her with judgmental eyes.

“Thanks again for inviting me, Ellen—Chrissy was great.” She moved in a little closer and whispered to her friend, “Listen, I'd love to chat, but can we do it tomorrow?”

Ellen glanced at Brent, who was encouraging Evie to go into the dressing room and change her clothes. Ellen nodded, seeming to understand Jill's discomfort. “I'll come over to your mom's house in the morning.”

“Sounds good.” Jill nodded and headed off, wishing she'd never come here in the first place. Wishing she'd never met Brent Knowles and his cute little girl. Because now, she felt invested in Evie. She cared about the little girl, she couldn't deny it. And if ever there was a time in her life when she didn't need more complications to deal with, this was it.

Chapter Five

B
right sunlight streamed through the kitchen window. With a quick twist of her wrist, Jill reached up and flipped the blind open wide. She took a deep inhale, enjoying the sudden warmth. It had rained last night, leaving behind a fragrant scent of washed earth and sage. Reaching inside the refrigerator, she pulled out a pitcher of homemade lemonade.

“So, what's up with you and the forest ranger?”

Jill whipped her head around and stared at Ellen, who sat at the table, bouncing her ten-month-old baby, Tommy, on her knee. Ellen had come over for a visit and the two women had been chatting and catching up for the past ten minutes.

“What do you mean?” Jill's hands became shaky all of a sudden and she tightened her grip on the glass pitcher as she shut the fridge door.

Ellen showed an impish smile. “I saw the way you two were looking at each other last night. You like him, and he likes you.”

“I have no idea what you're talking about. I already told you how I first met him and Evie. When we see each other, it's normal for us to say hello. It's nothing more than that. He's the forest ranger, after all.” Jill set the pitcher on the counter and reached for two glasses. She hid her scalding face behind the cupboard door, telling herself she had nothing to be embarrassed about. There was nothing between her and Brent Knowles. So why did she feel as though there was?

Ellen shook her head. “I'm glad you were there to help Evie that day at the gas station. She's such a sweet little thing. She must be missing her mommy an awful lot. To actually see her mother get killed, it's no wonder the girl won't speak a word.”

“Yeah, the situation must be difficult for both her and Brent. I honestly don't know how they're doing as well as they are. It says a lot about Brent that he hasn't given up on Evie,” Jill said.

“Yes, from what I've observed, he's a man with loyal principles. Unlike that snake in the grass you recently divorced.”

Jill's mouth dropped open as she thought of a rebuttal. She wanted to defend David but couldn't. Not if she were being honest with herself. He didn't deserve it.

“But you sure were chummy with Brent last night,” Ellen continued with a lift of her brows. “You sure you're not attracted to him?”

Jill shrugged, trying to act casual. Trying to ignore the pounding of her heart. Of course she found him attractive. She'd have to be dead not to. “I'm recently divorced.”

“And what's that got to do with Brent?”

“I'm not interested in any man. We were just discussing the dance recital. No big deal. We're acquaintances, nothing more.”

Jill poured the lemonade and carried the glasses to the table, setting one in front of her friend. Ellen reached for a chocolate chip cookie and broke off a tiny piece for Tommy. With only two teeth, the baby gummed the cookie happily.

As she slid into her seat, Jill felt Ellen's gaze resting on her like a ten-ton sledge. To hide her discomposure, Jill reached for her glass and took a sip. It went down the wrong pipe and she coughed.

“You okay?” Ellen wrapped an arm around the baby, as though preparing to stand and help Jill by pounding her on the back.

“Yes,” Jill gasped. She took another drink, swallowed and settled into her chair.

“It's time you moved past David. You should go out with Brent. He's a nice man and has morals. He wouldn't hurt you the way David did,” Ellen said.

Jill coughed again, not out of necessity, but in an effort to divert her friend off this topic. Having grown up in Bartlett, Ellen was highly aware of the animosity that existed between loggers and Forest Service employees. Suggesting that Jill date the man was ludicrous.

“Sorry, but that's not gonna happen.” Jill spoke in a mild tone. She decided not to get upset by this topic. After all, Brent had no interest in her and she doubted he'd ever ask her out anyway.

“No, I mean it. From what I've seen, he'd be perfect for you. Not like that weasel you divorced. What does Brent's profession matter? You've both been through a lot. And you both deserve some happiness.” Ellen offered the rim of her glass to Tommy and wasn't looking when Jill threw her a dark glare. Ellen held tight to make sure the baby didn't spill as he joyfully sucked in mouthfuls of the sweet lemonade.

“Thanks, but I doubt the ranger is interested in one of the sawmill owners. And I guarantee I'm not interested in him, or any man for that matter. For the time being, I like being single.”

Ellen smiled. “Well, you both looked interested last night.”

“How would you know?” Jill challenged.

The baby gurgled and waved his chubby arms. Jill reached across the table and let him grip one of her fingers as she focused on his drooling smile. Talking about her failed marriage and dating other men made her feel strangely lost and undeserving. All her friends were married with children, and she couldn't help thinking she'd never have a sweet little baby of her own to love.

“A girl just knows these things. If you weren't still recovering from the divorce, you would have noticed Brent, too. A man doesn't pay that kind of attention to a woman he doesn't like.”

Shaking her head, Jill took another swallow of lemonade. “He was just being nice.”

“Oh, phooey. You're gorgeous and so is he. In fact, you're perfect for each other.”

“Perfect? Obviously you've forgotten what he does for a living. We're worlds apart. Besides, my family would never approve.”

The doorbell rang. Down the hall, Arline Russell came out of her bedroom and made a beeline for the living room.

“I'll get it, girls. You two continue with your visit,” she trilled as she passed by the kitchen.

“Your mom seems happy today,” Ellen said.

“Yes, she's been like that since I got home. I think she's been lonely since Dad died. And she's worried about Alan, too.”

“Well, I'm worried about you. Why don't you call him?”

“Who?”

Ellen snorted. “Brent Knowles, that's who.”

“Shh,” Jill shushed her friend and whispered low. “I don't want Mom to overhear us talking about him. It would only upset her more. Besides, I already told you I'm not interested.”

“Yeah, sure. I believe you. And pigs can fly.” Ellen laughed.

“Jill?”

She looked up and flinched. Mom stood in the doorway, but she wasn't smiling. Her forehead was creased in a severe scowl. A woman of fifty-six years of age, her normally rosy cheeks looked ashen, her eyes narrowed in an angry scowl.

“What's up?” Jill asked, feeling guilty for even discussing the ranger inside Mom's house.

“The forest ranger is here to see you.” Mom growled the words, her happy mood evaporating like drops of water on hot cement.

Jill's mouth fell open. Conscious of Ellen's eyes widening in surprise, she didn't know what to say.

“What's he doing here?” Mom hissed.

“I...I have no idea,” Jill answered truthfully.

“Well, I don't want that man in my house. Get rid of him.” Rather than returning to the living room to welcome their guest, Mom turned with an angry huff and stomped down the hallway to her bedroom. A moment later, the door slammed to mark her passing.

Oh, this wasn't good. Unless Brent was bringing some news about the timber-theft case. Which Jill doubted. Not yet, anyway.

Jill knew her mom would remain sequestered until the ranger left the house. And then, Jill would have some explaining to do.

“Uh-huh. I can see there's nothing going on between you two.” Ellen cast a sly glance at Jill before pushing back her chair and reaching down to pick up her diaper bag.

Jill inwardly groaned and closed her eyes for the count of three. Right now, she wanted to crawl in a hole and hide somewhere. After she'd emphatically denied there was anything going on between her and Brent, he then had the audacity to show up at her mother's house and make it appear that Jill was hiding something. And she wasn't. She was going back to Boise at the end of the summer. End of story.

Or was it?

“I better see what he wants,” Jill murmured.

She walked into the living room, conscious of Ellen following right behind her with Tommy balanced against her hip. The woman grinned when she caught sight of Brent still standing in the open doorway. Drafts of chilly spring air flooded the room. Mom obviously hadn't invited him inside.

As she met his gorgeous blue eyes, Jill's mouth went dry, her palms damp. She couldn't take an even breath. A warning tingle slid down the column of her spine. All her senses ratcheted into high alert. Her mind buzzed. Common sense told her it was too soon for him to bring her news of the timber issue. The LEI agent wasn't coming in until sometime next week. So what was Brent doing here?

“Hi, Brent,” Ellen greeted him with warmth.

“Hello. I thought I saw your car parked out front.” He showed an uncertain smile.

In spite of wearing his ranger uniform, complete with the brass shield pinned to the front of his shirt, he glanced at Jill with hesitancy. He shifted his booted feet, looking out of place. Like he didn't want to be here any more than Mom wanted him here.

“Jill and I are old friends from high school. We were just catching up. Is Evie with you?” Ellen shifted Tommy to her other hip.

Brent reached out and offered his index finger to the baby, who latched on and chortled. “No, she's over at Mrs. Crawford's house. I'm going to pick her up as soon as I'm finished with my business here.”

Jill listened with rapt attention. Velma Crawford was a friend of Mom's. Since Evie was the forest ranger's daughter, Jill was surprised Velma had agreed to watch the child. But Jill also knew Velma was a widow living on a tight budget. She undoubtedly needed the extra money. Besides, who wouldn't love Evie at first sight?

“I'm hoping you'll bring her over to my house to play with Chrissy soon,” Ellen said.

“That would be nice, if I can get Evie to go. It's a battle just to get her to stay with Mrs. Crawford. I think she does it because she knows I have to go to work. She likes Mrs. Crawford okay, but she still doesn't feel completely at ease.”

Jill understood. Evie probably didn't feel safe anywhere.

“Don't worry about it. She'll come over to play at our house when she feels ready. In the meantime, I'm happy to bring Chrissy over to your house any time you want, or you can come over and visit with Mike while Evie plays with my kids,” Ellen suggested.

He flashed that devastating smile of his and Jill blinked, feeling warm and tingly all over.

“I'd like that. You're very understanding of our situation. Maybe in time, Evie won't hesitate.” He didn't sound too positive.

“Of course. Nothing's more important than our kids. I want to see Evie get better. If there's anything I can do to help, just name it.” The diaper bag slipped down Ellen's arm and she gave a quick jerk, pulling the strap back over her shoulder.

Jill listened to this exchange with interest. What a lonely, isolated life both Brent and Evie must be living. This town was filled with people who didn't like them simply because of Brent's profession, not to mention Evie's handicap.

“Now, I'll leave you two alone,” Ellen gushed.

Brent stepped aside to let her pass. Jill caught the tantalizing whiff of his spicy aftershave. In spite of the drab olive color of his ranger's shirt, he looked quite handsome in his uniform. Tall as a church steeple, with chiseled features that would make any woman stop for a second look. And thinking such thoughts caused her face to heat up like a flame thrower. Which brought another amused snicker from Ellen.

“Call me later, sweetie. We've still got a lot to talk about.” Carrying Tommy with her, Ellen turned her back on Brent, waggled her eyebrows at Jill and flashed a suggestive smile.

Jill didn't say a word. She didn't dare. Instead, she bit her tongue, wanting to strangle her friend right now.

“I didn't mean to interrupt. I can come back later,” Brent said.

“Absolutely not! I was just leaving. You stay as long as you like,” Ellen encouraged him.

She slipped out the door and down the steps so fast that Jill couldn't have stopped her if she'd wanted to. And she didn't want to. Right now, she wanted to be left alone.

Brent jerked his thumb toward the vacant doorway. “She's a nice lady.”

“Yes, and it's good for Evie to have at least one friend. Have a seat.” Jill moved to close the door, shutting out the cold drafts of air.

He sat in a soft-backed chair, his long legs and wide shoulders stiff and unyielding. He rubbed his hands over his knees and gave a nervous laugh. “Maybe I should have called first before coming over.”

She agreed, but thought it'd be rude to say so. She wanted to tell him it was all right for him to be here, but they both knew better. She liked this man and his sweet little girl, but she didn't want to. Not only because of who he was, but also because of what he made her feel. No matter what Ellen said, Jill doubted she'd ever trust another man again.

Out of her peripheral vision, she could see Brent watching her and felt singed by his gaze. Her brain cells liquefied, and she wondered what this man did to her senses. She hadn't just fallen off the turnip truck. She wasn't interested in romance. At least, not until her heart stopped aching every time she thought about her failed marriage. But for some reason, there was a gravitational pull between her and Brent that she couldn't deny. Something she'd never felt before, not even with her ex-husband.

Trying to still the quaking of her knees, she sat across from him. She tucked her bare feet beneath her and released a deep sigh of resignation. “So, what did you want to speak with me about?”

* * *

Here it was. The big question. A huge whoosh of air escaped Brent's lungs as he sat forward and contemplated how to make his request. After facing Arline Russell's ugly glare, he knew he wasn't wanted here. To make matters worse, Jill sat across from him, watching him like a bug under a microscope.