Page 115 of Love for a Lifetime

Stop. She pressed her eyes closed, shutting out the anger and doubts. It was wrong to think things like that.

Dawson wrapped his arms around her before the elevator doors closed. She let the rough planes of his uniform press against her face and body as she embraced him.

“It was good news,” Dawson reminded her.

She disagreed, but they had enough problems gunning for them right now. They didn’t need her negativity piled on top.

He rubbed a steadying hand up and down her back as the elevator took them farther away from the office. The doors opened on the second floor, revealing the concrete parking deck.

Dawson left one arm draped behind her as he guided her toward his truck. The stale air in the parking deck squeezed her lungs into the stone prison. A faint light shone through the openings in the outer walls, but the shadows lay claim to more than half the vehicles.

The barriers were closing in, slowing her steps and stealing her air. Or was it just the smell of oil and metal clogging her airways that had her gasping for breath.

“Liv?” Dawson’s question was soft and far away, like a whisper on the wind.

“Liv, you okay?” he asked again.

He stopped and curled his arm in, dragging her back to his chest.

“I’m fine. I just need air.”

She stayed pressed to his side as he led them into the open-air part of the level where they’d parked. His red truck was like a waving finish-line flag in the bright midday sun.

Dawson opened the passenger side door for her, and she slid into the cab. Seconds later, he was in his seat beside her, leaning over the console between them.

“What do you need?”

Olivia sucked in deep pulls of air. “I’m okay. Just a little shaky.”

Dawson wrapped her hand in both of his and bowed his head over them. “Father, thank You for the doctor’s patience as she took the time to study Olivia’s condition and give us sound advice. I pray now that You would give us understanding as we go forward. Also, Olivia needs peace. I do too, but Lord, we need the constant reminder that You are here with us every step of the way. You are the Great Physician, and we know healing and mercy comes from You. Help us to keep our focus always on You. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.”

He pressed a kiss to her knuckles and looked up at her. His soft brown eyes held an assurance she lacked but desperately wanted.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

“Always. You’re always in my prayers. And trust me, I talk to the Boss a lot.”

The confidence in his voice steeled her spine. His faith was breathing new life into her, reminding her of all the things she’d let fall to the side in her internal spiral.

He released her hand to start the truck and back out of the parking spot. Once they were on the road back toward Blackwater, he claimed her hand again.

They had gotten good news. At least, as good as they could have hoped for. Her doctor was adamant that a hysterectomy was premature at this point. Her endometriosis was moderate and usually manageable, and Dr. Barnes was quick to assure them that kids were still a possibility at this point.

Her doctor’s prayer had calmed some of the storm in her heart. She couldn’t imagine battling through this journey with a doctor who thought their medical miracles happened at their own hands.

They didn’t talk much on the way back. Dawson was probably going through the same emotional overload as her, and she’d almost drifted off to sleep when they passed the Welcome to Blackwater sign.

“Can we go to the farm? I need my chickies.”

“Anything for you, my queen.”

A few minutes later, they pulled up in front of her dad’s house. His truck was gone, and he was probably helping out at Blackwater Ranch. Her dad had been spending more and more time with the Hardings since her mom died.

She couldn’t blame him. She’d sought out people everywhere after her mom passed. Being alone left her too raw and susceptible to the memories.

Dawson rounded the truck as she stepped out onto the land she’d grown up on. The sun was sinking to the west, setting the tops of the trees on fire with its orange glow. Her childhood home stood steadfast and comforting like an old friend, but they walked past it with their hands linked.

Their steps weren’t in sync, and she watched them with rapt attention as Dawson’s longer stride beckoned her to move quicker.

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