Page 53 of Christmas in the Shadows

She cleared her throat, desperate to change her thoughts. “So, what time is dinner?”

Tex stepped back. Was that disappointment on his face? Or was Chelsea just seeing what she wanted to see?

He glanced at his watch. “At six. We’ve still got an hour.”

“I’d like to freshen up in the meantime.”

“I’ll check out your place first, just to be safe.”

“I’d appreciate that,” she admitted.

This was no time for her to pretend to be stronger or braver than she really was.

If she were honest, she’d admit she was scared. Really scared.

But also more determined than ever. No one was going to scare her away from the truth, from protecting her students.

She followed Tex inside. Just as before, she waited near the door while he checked out each room.

When he returned, he gave her a nod and told her everything was okay.

Relief swept through her.

He paused in front of her as if uncertain what to say. Finally, he murmured, “I can come back and walk you over closer to the time if you’d like.”

The offer was sweet. It really was. But it was probably only a hundred feet between their houses. “It’s not far. I should be fine.”

But if she’d be fine, why did her voice sound scratchy?

He hesitated another moment. “If you need me, let me know.”

It almost sounded as if Tex were trying to think of an excuse to stay.

Chelsea didn’t hate the idea of him hanging around.

Then she reminded herself yet again that she needed to keep her distance. It was only wise not to get attached.

Easier said than done, however. She craved his attention, his touch. She missed coaxing a smile out of him and those special looks they exchanged as they communicated without even saying a word.

“I’ll see you in an hour,” she said instead.

He gave her another lingering look as if waiting for her—silently begging her—to change her mind. Then with a resolute nod, Tex left.

As soon as he was gone, Chelsea missed his presence.

That was how she would feel when he left again in a few days. She had to remember that . . . for the sake of her heart.

CHAPTER 19

Even though Tex knew Chelsea’s house was clear, he still hesitated before leaving.

She should be okay. However, given everything that had happened, he knew better than to let down his guard.

He stepped through the hedges toward Gilbert’s place. But before going inside, he thought about what Patrick had told him about his other foster brothers.

He didn’t generally have the urge to catch up with them. But right now, he did. He wanted to know how they were doing.

Maybe this was God convicting him to stay in touch, to turn over a new leaf.

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