Love Inspired March 2015 - Box Set 1 of 2: A Wife for Jacob\The Forest Ranger's Rescue\Alaskan Homecoming (34 page)

Jill blinked up at him, her eyes wide. “Yes, Brent is here with me now. I'm coming home. I've got something important to tell you, too.”

Another pause, and then, “Okay, I'll see you in a few minutes. Stay right there. I love you, too. And give Mom a hug for me.” She hung up the phone, slid it into her pocket, then gazed at Brent with accusing eyes.

“I couldn't tell you,” he said before she could ask.

She nodded. “I understand. I don't like it, but I understand.”

“How much money do you reckon is in the safe?” he asked, trying to distract her. Hoping she wasn't angry at him for keeping Alan's part in the investigation a secret.

“Five hundred thousand dollars,” she said.

He gave a low whistle. “That much money should be in a bank.”

“Yes, you're right. And first thing in the morning, I'm going to call Sheriff Newton to accompany me, and that's exactly where I'm going to put it.” She slammed the door to the safe, twisted the knob, then tugged to make sure it was locked securely.

She stepped over to him, shaking her head. “Dad never trusted banks. But it'd be so easy for someone to rob this office. Especially with Frank Casewell skulking around. He had the code to the alarm system and could have easily broken into Alan's office.”

“Why do you think Frank didn't try?”

“You're assuming because Frank steals timber that he'd also steal money from his employer.”

Brent snorted. “Where do people draw the line? Why is it okay to cut down trees illegally, but not okay to break into a safe? I think most people are honest, but they prove it every day by obeying the laws.”

She nodded. “You make a good point. I suspect Frank never tried because we all said the safe was empty. He knew we were struggling financially, so he must have believed us.”

Brent agreed, but listened without judgment as she explained about the missing money and how the new equipment at the mill had taken them to the edge.

“I'm so glad we found the missing money,” she admitted.

“Will this ease your financial woes?” Brent asked.

A restless laugh slipped from her throat. “Oh, yes. Beyond my wildest dreams.”

“Good. I'm so glad tonight has turned out well for you.” He reached out and caressed her arm, longing to pull her close. Longing to tell her how much he cared for her.

She stepped out of his reach and took a deep breath. A horrible, swelling silence followed.

“Try to take it easy on Alan,” he said. “He couldn't tell you about any of this. He was trying to do the right thing when he first came to me, but the US Attorney wanted a conviction and threatened to prosecute him if he told anyone about the case until it was resolved.”

“I see.” Her voice sounded terse, her shoulders stiff with tension.

“Jill, I've also tried to do what was right. I hope you're not upset with me.”

“No, you did your job.”

“Then you're not angry at me?”

“No, why would I be angry?”

Maybe she wasn't angry, but she wasn't happy either. He knew her expressions well enough and could tell she was troubled by him.

“Jill, I never wanted to hurt you. In fact, I want to be close to you. You see, I've fallen in love with you.”

Okay, he'd done it now. Laid his heart on the chopping block. But he realized he had to take a chance. If he didn't trust her, if he didn't try, he might never know the happiness she could bring into his life.

Her mouth dropped open. “Oh, Brent. Don't say that.”

He stepped closer. “But it's true.”

“No, don't you see? We can never be anything more than we already are.”

“Why? Just because you're a mill owner and I'm a ranger? That shouldn't get in our way. Not if we really care about each other.”

He waited, hoping she would give him some sign that she felt the same way.

“But what about the next time it happens, Brent? I am a mill owner. You are the forest ranger. There will always be friction between us. Every time the Forest Service suspects a tree theft, or every time my loggers leave slash up on the mountain, or bulldoze too close to a creek, or violate the harvest boundaries, there's bound to be trouble between us.”

“There doesn't have to be. Love is built on trust and mutual respect. You know I'll do my job, but I know you'll tell your employees not to break the law.”

“It's not that simple.”

“Yes, it is. I love you. Do you love me?”

She quirked her brows in confusion and gave a sad little laugh. “You must think I'm more easygoing and predictable than I really am. I'm not a saint, Brent. I'm a woman with a lot of faults.”

“You didn't answer my question.”

Did she love him? Oh, he hoped so. But the seconds ticked by and she didn't respond. His heart plummeted, but he tried to rally. To dispel her fears so she could see how good they could be together.

He took hold of her hand with both of his and lifted it to his mouth. She didn't pull away and he placed a soft kiss on her open palm, then another kiss against her forearm. “The scratches from your mom's rosebushes have healed. Remember how they gouged your arm? Those beautiful flowers we both enjoy can really hurt. It's the same with love. We open our hearts, and it feels wonderful. It's lovely to us. But it can hurt sometimes, too. Very deeply. If we don't grow the roses, we won't ever get hurt by them. But we won't have the beauty they can bring into our lives either. I've fallen in love with you, Jill. I can't say it more simply than that. I want you in my life. Forever. I can't promise there won't be difficult days, but I can promise I'll never cheat on you, and I'll never walk away. No matter your faults. No matter how hard it might get. I'll always be there for you. All you have to do is say you love me, too.”

She gave a croaking laugh and withdrew her hand. He gazed into her eyes, willing her to say yes. But no matter how strong his commitment was, he couldn't force her to love him back.

“I don't know if I'm ready for this, Brent.”

“Then I'll give you as much time as you need. I'll wait forever, if I have to. I told you once, you're the answer to my prayers.”

“Don't say that.” She backed away, shaking her head.

“It's true. You're the most generous, kind woman I've ever met. What you've done for Evie is amazing.”

“We can't base our relationship on my work with Evie. I'm her teacher. I love that little girl. But loving you is a different matter entirely.”

His heart gave a painful jerk. “You don't love me?”

She hesitated, not meeting his eyes. “I...I don't know what I'm feeling right now. Tonight has been very difficult for me. Right now, I just want to go home and think.”

He slipped his hands into his pants pockets and looked down at the dull, gray carpet. “I understand completely.”

Yes, he did understand. She didn't want him. She didn't love him. And right now, his heart felt as though a trillion rose thorns were ripping through it like a machete.

He lifted a hand toward the door. “Come on. I'll walk you out to your car.”

He didn't touch her as she turned and headed in that direction. He wanted to, but realized that would only deepen his anguish. And right now, he needed to put some distance between them. So he could forget the deeply personal feelings he'd just confided to her.

He waited while she reset the alarm, shut off the lights and locked the front door. Then he walked out into the yard. John and the other officers were still mopping up the crime scene. It'd be a long night for them. But it was time for Brent to collect Evie and go home.

He accompanied Jill to her car. The rush of the river nearby filled his ears. He opened the door and waited for Jill to slide into the driver's seat. She'd buckled her seat belt and started the ignition before he closed the door.

She rolled down the automatic window. “Thank you.”

He tilted his head, confused by her words. After all, he'd given her a rather emotional night. “For what?”

“For your honesty. I know this hasn't been easy on you either. I appreciate what you've done for Alan.”

But it wasn't enough. Not for them.

“You're welcome.”

She put the car in gear and pulled away. He stood watching her back taillights fade from view. More than anything, he longed to get into his truck and follow her home. To pull her into his arms and find a way to make her love him. To figure out a way to overcome the obstacles standing between them.

He didn't move. Not for a very long time. Finally, with a heavy heart, he climbed into his truck and drove the dark streets to Mrs. Crawford's house. The sprinkler system whooshed across the green lawns, the crisp night air smelling of lilacs and damp cement.

He knocked quietly. The elderly lady answered after a moment, wearing a red bathrobe, her gray hair filled with pink foam curlers.

Evie lay sprawled across the sofa, a soft quilt over her as she slept. She seemed so relaxed. So calm and serene. He owed Jill and Velma Crawford an awful lot.

“Did your late work at the office go okay?” Velma asked with a sleepy smile.

He'd told her he was working late, but hadn't confided about the sting operation. She assumed he was working at the Forest Service office, which was fine. By tomorrow morning, he had no doubt she'd find out the truth. He figured Bill and Tommy Baker's wives would be called in to the police station. They'd try to post bail, and word would soon spread.

“Everything went fine.” He scooped Evie into his arms before carrying her out into the warm summer night.

The girl blinked her eyes and curled against him, but she didn't speak. And he realized no matter how much time passed, he longed to hear her call him Daddy again. Just one word. That's all he asked. But she didn't say a thing.

As he drove them home, he couldn't help feeling like an integral part of their life was missing. Jill should be here with them. He knew it in the depths of his heart. An abiding conviction that she was the one for him. The only woman he could envision himself loving ever again.

He just wished Jill believed it, too.

Chapter Thirteen

J
ill sat at the kitchen table with her mom and Alan, having lunch. She felt despondent and lost. Two days had passed and Brent hadn't called. Nor had he brought Evie over for her lessons the night before. Jill hadn't really expected him to, but she couldn't help feeling disappointed just the same. She missed them both. More than she could say. They'd wormed their way into her heart and she'd grown accustomed to being with them. More than she had imagined.

Now she had nothing to keep her in town any longer. The mill was back on track, and the end of the summer was whisper-close. Time for her to return to Boise and her solitary life. But somehow, it wouldn't be the same without Brent and Evie, and her family nearby. She never would have believed it, but she knew she'd miss Bartlett, too. The neighborly comforts she found in this small town. A place filled with memories, both good and sad.

Returning to Boise wasn't all bad. She still had a job she loved, working with special-needs kids.

So why was she miserable at the prospect? Oh, she didn't need to ask why. His name was Brent Knowles. And she loved him so dearly. But she loved her family, too. And they would never approve of her being with the ranger.

She picked at her tuna fish sandwich, missing Brent and Evie like crazy. Telling herself she'd get over them in time. Wishing she dared call Brent to ask how Evie was doing.

Just to hear Brent's voice.

“What do you think, Jill?”

“Hmm?” She looked up at her brother. Both he and Mom stared at her with a bit of exasperation. She hadn't been listening.

“Did you see yesterday's newspaper? We made the front page.” Alan stuck the town paper in front of her nose. All nine pages of it.

“Actually, I've tried to avoid it.” But yes, Jill had read it several times. Her gaze scanned the article again, which mentioned how Alan had worked with the authorities to catch the real thieves.

Mom stood and crowded close, looping her arm over Alan's shoulders as she peered at a picture of Frank handcuffed and standing in front of the mill office, just as he was being carted away by John McLaughlin and several US marshals.

“That Frank was such an awful man,” Mom said. “I'm glad he's not working for us anymore.”

Jill handed the paper back to Alan. “Frank had help, you know. He didn't do this alone. I hope our next mill manager is an honest man.”

Alan flashed a wide grin, slathering mayo on a piece of bread as he made another sandwich. “He will be, since it's gonna be me. After Dad died, I didn't feel confident in my work, so I hired Frank. But I think I know what I'm doing now.”

Jill chuckled. “Yes, I agree. The mill is in good hands now.”

“Have you been over to visit Shelley and Carma Baker, yet?” Mom asked.

Shelley and Carma were the wives of Bill and Tommy Baker. They had nine children between the two of them, not to mention an ailing mother to care for.

Jill nodded. “Alan and I went to visit them earlier this morning. They're doing well, all things considered.”

Alan chuckled and took a bite of his sandwich. He chewed for a moment, then swallowed. “They were understandably upset, until we posted bail and assured them their husbands could have their old jobs back at the mill. As long as they both promise not to pull something like this again. Tommy and Bill are hard workers and I want to give them a second chance, but I won't tolerate theft ever again. We're gonna run a clean operation, just like Dad used to do.”

Wow! This situation had changed Alan somehow. Gone was the adolescent young man who didn't seem to know quite what was going on. Alan had really grown up over the summer. Maturing. Becoming the strong man Jill always knew he could be.

Mom pursed her lips with approval. “I'm glad, son. Enough people have been hurt by this. It's time to move on now. I think your father would approve.”

Jill gazed at her mother with surprise. “You seem very forgiving.”

“Well, it wouldn't do to kick the Baker brothers while they're already down. Not if they're willing to make amends. It'll be hard for them to pay the fines, but everyone deserves a second chance.”

Jill leaned her elbow on the table and rested her chin against one hand. A flare of hope ignited inside of her. “Does that apply to the forest ranger, too?”

How she wished her mom could forgive Brent for any perceptions of wrongdoing. How she wished her family didn't dislike him so much.

“Hmm.” Mom gave a disapproving growl, an expression of dislike firmly written across her face.

“You know, Brent's been generous to me when he didn't have to be. He went out of his way to help us,” Alan said.

Bravo, Alan! Jill wanted to kiss her brother, but didn't dare cause a scene that might send Mom to her room for the rest of the day. Nice try, anyway. Mom's expression of distaste didn't change one bit. After all, Alan still hadn't been cleared of any wrongdoing. Not yet. Which caused them all a bit of nervousness. He'd told Jill last night that he'd waited almost two months before going to see Brent, to tell the ranger that the mill was being used to process stolen lumber and that Frank had threatened to burn the place down if Alan warned the authorities. The US Attorney's office could take that as partial guilt. The authorities still could show up on their doorstep to arrest Alan. Which left Jill and Brent nowhere. And yet, deep inside, she knew if she left town without telling Brent how she really felt about him, she'd regret it for the rest of her life.

She faced her mother, choosing her words carefully. “Mom, Brent's a good man. I wish you could...”

The doorbell rang.

“Oh! I wonder who that could be.” Mom bustled to the front of the house without a backward glance.

Jill lifted her gaze to Alan. He leaned against the kitchen counter and contemplated her with a mixture of compassion and sadness, but he didn't say a word. No doubt he felt the same about Brent as Mom did.

“Evie! Oh, it's so good to see you, sweetheart.” Mom's voice filtered into the kitchen.

Jill shot out of her seat and raced into the living room. One thought pulsed through her brain. If Evie was here, then Brent must have brought her. And Jill had to see him again. Even if it was the last time. She had to gaze upon his beloved face at least one more time.

Dressed in his crisp Forest Service uniform, he stood inside the doorway with his daughter. The moment she saw him, Jill screeched to a halt. His gaze riveted on her and she couldn't help smiling. She felt suddenly deliriously happy and sad all at the same time.

“Hi, Jill.” He gave her an endearing lopsided grin.

“Hi, there.”

“Brent, what's up?” Alan came into the room, slinging his thumbs through his belt loops.

“I've got some news for all of you.” Brent stood behind Evie, resting his hands on her slender shoulders. The girl brushed a sun-kissed wisp of hair out of her eyes and smiled wide, showing a gap where a new tooth was starting to grow in front.

“Oh! What is it?” Mom shifted nervously beside her son.

“I'm glad you're all here together,” Brent said. “Evie and I are just on our way up to Cove Mountain. I'm planning to review a new cutblock of timber for your loggers to harvest. I thought I'd stop by and bring you the news.”

Mom folded her arms, her face tense but not exactly hostile.

“That's great. Our mill can get back to work, then. We appreciate that.” Alan cleared his voice. “I know it's still a bit early yet, but is there any news on my standing with the US Attorney's office?”

Brent met the other man's eyes with kindness. “As a matter of fact, Frank has finally confessed to everything. He burned down a mill in Missoula a few years ago, and he even confessed to that.”

“And Bill and Tommy Baker?” Arline asked.

“They've been released on bail. They'll have some hearings to face and possibly some steep fines to pay, but they won't spend any more time in jail. Now it's up to them to keep their records clean.”

“Good, we can help them get back on track,” Alan said.

Brent reached a hand toward Arline. The woman stepped back, watching him with misgivings. “Mrs. Russell, I know how it feels to worry about someone you love, and I wanted to come over here and tell you this next news myself. Because of Alan's help, the US Attorney's office has cleared him of any wrongdoing. He's free.”

Mom gasped. So did Jill.

“Really?” Arline said.

Brent nodded. “Really.”

“Oh, son. I'm so happy.” The woman hugged Alan and brushed at her damp eyes.

Jill hugged her brother, meeting Brent's eyes over Alan's shoulder. She could see the truth written on Brent's face. She knew he wouldn't say such a thing if it wasn't true. And that's when she realized she trusted this man. With complete faith, just as she trusted the Lord.

“Well, we better get going. We're on our way up to Cove Mountain,” Brent said their destination again.

He turned to go, but Mom tugged on the sleeve of his Forest Service shirt. “Thank you, Ranger.”

Brent inclined his head. “You're most welcome, Mrs. Russell.”

He stepped out onto the front porch with Evie. Jill followed them, hugging her arms around herself. In spite of the waves of hot sunlight, she felt suddenly cold. She didn't want them to leave. Not when it meant she might never see them again.

“Thank you, Brent. I appreciate you coming over here today.” She spoke the words in a shallow rasp, her heart breaking in two. At least they were parting on a happy note. But it wasn't enough for Jill. Not anymore.

He turned and studied her face for several heart-pounding moments. Then, he reached up and brushed his fingertips against her cheek. His touch sent a zing of awareness through her. She wanted to throw herself into his arms and stay there forever.

“If you ever need me, you know where to find me. All you have to do is call and I'll be there for you,” he said.

His words sank deep into her soul, but it was too late. After the night of the raid when she'd rebuffed his confession of love, she couldn't blame him for being hurt. If only Mom could let this go. If only her brother wouldn't disapprove. Jill's family meant everything to her. Since she was a little girl, she'd dreamed of bringing her own children here to this house one day, to visit their grandma. And being with Brent would undoubtedly create unwanted contention within the family.

One word from Alan and Mom was all Jill needed. One word that they could be friends with Brent, and Jill would cancel her teaching contract in Boise. She'd stay right here in Bartlett with Brent and Evie forevermore.

But those words didn't come as Mom and Alan went back inside the house.

Taking Evie's hand, Brent walked down the sidewalk. Evie broke free, holding back. The girl took Jill's hand, standing close against her side. Evie's face puckered in an obstinate grimace. She didn't want to go.

Brent turned, looking at his daughter with expectancy. When he spoke, his voice sounded gentle but insistent. “Come on, honey. We can't stay. We've got to go now.”

Evie shook her head. “Stay.”

Jill froze. What was that? She couldn't move. Couldn't breathe. No, it wasn't real. She hadn't heard right. Evie hadn't spoken. Had she? It'd been too faint. A small whisper. A figment of Jill's imagination. Maybe it was the wind. Or the sound of a car passing by on the street.

Brent took a faltering step, his face drained of color. He tilted his head to one side, as if struggling with the same confusion. “What did you say?”

“Stay.” Evie spoke again, a little louder this time.

Brent's eyes widened and his mouth dropped open. He looked stunned. A hoarse, emotional laugh slid from his throat and he came to kneel just in front of his daughter.

“Evie, you spoke,” Jill cried.

The girl pressed her face against Jill's abdomen, her words muffled but still intelligible. “Stay here with Jill.”

In a stupor of delight, Jill knelt down and pulled the child into her arms for a tight hug. “Say it again, Evie. Say anything.”

“Jill. Stay with you,” the girl spoke against Jill's neck.

“Evie! Oh, Evie!” Brent enfolded the two of them with his strong arms. His deep laughter mingled with exhales of sobbing joy. A celebration of success.

Jill's gaze locked with Brent's. His eyes mirrored her absolute joy. After more than a year of silence, the child that had been lost to him had finally returned.

“Oh, sweetheart. I love you so much,” he murmured over and over again as he spread kisses across her face.

Tears ran down his cheeks. Jill couldn't stop crying either. This seemed too much like a miracle to them. Something amazing and impossible and wonderful.

Finally, Brent pulled back and the three of them gazed at each other with tremulous smiles.

“You know we'll always be the best of friends,” Jill told Evie. “Nothing will ever change that. And we'll see each other again.”

“Promise?” the girl asked.

Jill gave a shuddering laugh. It was so good to hear Evie's sweet voice. “Oh, yes, darling. I promise.”

Evie gave a sad nod, her eyes filled with a maturity too advanced for her tender years. She knew Jill was going away and that they'd only see each other when Jill came home for visits. None of them could hide the truth of the situation from this intelligent child.

“I love you, Evie.” Jill hugged Evie again, breathing in the child's warm, fruity shampoo.

“I love you,” Evie whispered back.

The commotion must have brought Mom and Alan to the door, because they stood there and smiled. Sharing in this amazing and joyous occasion.

They each laughed and wept together, but it couldn't hold back the passage of time. Finally, Brent took Evie's hand and brushed wisps of blond hair back from her face. “Come on, sweetie. Time for us to go.”