Page 100 of A Twist of Faith
“I guess your rental house will be available in the spring?”
Alex’s question interrupted Reese’s musing. “You in need of one?”
Dr. Murdock’s smile turned downward. “I’m Adelina’s replacement here in Ransom. “ He shrugged. “Sorry about that.”
Reese blinked to full alert and stared hard at the other man. Poor guy got hit in the pride with a two-by-four, no doubt. Rainey wasn’t going to like this news one bit. “Well, that’ll be a big change for you.”
Dr. Murdock stood. “You havenoidea.” He shook his head as he walked passed. “I have the unique ability to sabotage my own life. It’s a gift.” He pushed his hand through his hair with the force of frustration. “And a pattern.”
Reading between the lines, Reese’s compassion grew toward the misfit. Sounded like his good intentions turned sour more than not.
“Maybe the mountain air does things to people, but I can tell Adelina’s changed. Even at the Ball.”
Reese’s face relaxed into a smile. She wasn’t the same person she’d been when she first came to Ransom. If nothing else, at least he knew she wasn’t a lost sheep any more. Maybe that’s the only reason God brought her into his life—to bring her peace.
And maybe Alex needed a good dose of Ransom’s magic too.
“I guess I’ll get to find out about that mountain air soon enough. See you later, Reese.”
The door opened and closed at Dr. Murdock’s exit. Reese sighed into the stillness of the room and sat down next to the bed. He collected Dee’s fingers into his hand and rubbed the soft flesh of her wrist. A smile flickered over her lips. Maybe it was a sign of sweet dreams. He hoped so.
His flight for Chicago left first thing in the morning so their conversation would have to wait until he got back. But what was the use? He knew what she wanted most and he couldn’t give it to her.
He released his hold on her hand and wiped a hand across his eyes.
“Dear Lord, help me let go. Help me trust you.” He looked up at Dee’s serene face. “And help Dee live out the dreams you have for her life without me getting in the way.”
I give my dreams to you, Lord.
At least Dee was safe. A miracle, like the doctor said. He could live with that knowledge and be content.
Mostly content.
He got the job.They offered it to him on the spot. As Reese drove from the airport home, he replayed the moment in his head. The two businessmen told him his résumé and presentation were the best they’d seen from the two hundred candidates. Once they heard about his vision for farmers in his region, they didn’t even hesitate to let him know his status as their top candidate.
He sat shocked by God’s goodness. He got what his family needed with the most ease of any interview he’d ever experienced … and one of his own dreams began to open before him. If only Dee’s vision shared a similar future. If only she would stay.
But he couldn’t ask. Wouldn’t expect it. He knew too well the gnawing ache of a curbed dream.
The closer he got to home, the more certain he became of his decision to step away. He had a farm to save and a family to tend. The old resolution he’d cultivated for years moved back into his mind with the comfort of familiar boots, well familiar boots with a rock in them.
He entered Mama’s house to the sound of a full room of laughter. Dinner, something salty, distracted his senses and led him to the dining room, where a table of family greeted him.
“Congratulations,” Emma yelled, jumping up from the table to give him a big hug. “Do you feel more prestigious?”
“Good grief, Emma, don’t praise him too much. We’ll never hear the end of it.” Rainey tossed him a grin, complete with a proud tilt to her stubborn chin.
Reese rubbed his smooth jaw and smiled at his baby sister. “Grateful and relieved are more like what I feel, little sis. I’m a far cry from prestigious.”
“Come on in and sit down. I even made apple cake to celebrate.” His mama waved him to the table.
“Daddy,” Brandon’s sweet voice rang out over the welcomes.
“Hey, buddy,” he tousled the blond curls and took his seat. Reese pulled at the collar of the oxford he still wore. “Sounds mighty good. Thank you, Mama.” Reese scanned the faces and stopped at his brother. “How’d your appointment go today?”
Trigg’s lips cocked to one side. “Clean bill of health. Told me to get back to work.”
“As if he ever stopped,” Rainey added popping Trigg on the arm. “He listens worse that you do, Reese.”
