Page 77 of Love Story
“Wilson.” His eyes moved from the boy’s to the man’s. “Wilson Gage.” He grinned. “You must be John Baxter.”
“Yes!” John’s eyes filled with recognition. He laughed a few times, like he was completely caught off guard. “Come in, Wilson. I can’t believe you’re here.”
Cole stepped up and shook Wilson’s hand. “I know it was a long drive. But thanks for coming.” He grinned at his papa. “You and my papa have a lot to catch up on.”
Which is just what they did. John welcomed Wilson into the house and introduced him to all the family. Like he was a hero.
And maybe that was part of the miracle, after all. Wilson smiled to himself.
As John bid Wilson goodbye a few hours later, they hugged and John looked at him, real deep like. “Do you remember that prayer? The one you said before I left your house that night?”
“Yes... Yes, I remember praying.” Wilson fiddled absently with his veteran’s pin.
“You said something I’ve never forgotten.” John hesitated, his eyes shining. “You prayed that faith would see me through every hard thing ahead... and that God would give me a marriage and a family so beautiful all the world will want to know the secret.”
Wilson blinked back tears. “I guess that was my prayer.”
“Yes.” John laughed. “It happened just like that, Wilson.” John smiled. “It’s not every time that a man gets to thank his hero.” He hesitated and an early summer breeze drifted through the front door to the place where they stood. “Thank you, Wilson. That night changed my life.”
Wilson couldn’t find his voice. He nodded and gave John the slightest salute. Then he waved and walked to his car. The tears didn’t come until he was behind the wheel. God had a purpose for him after all.
Him. Wilson Gage.
An old vet he figured no one would ever care about again. But God cared. He cared so much He brought him here to John Baxter and his beautiful family and He reminded him that a single prayer can change a life. Amazing grace, indeed. Wilson’s tears came for all that, but they came for another reason, too. He looked at the rearview mirror and the pin on his lapel, and a smile stretched across his face.
For the first time since the war, someone had called him a hero.
24
Andi hadn’t lived in California for a year, but she knew exactly where she was going. Knew it like she knew her own name. She gripped the steering wheel of the rental car and took the next exit.
Cody’s townhouse was two blocks away.
She’d taken the trip as soon as she could. Her mind was made up that this was the thing to do. Especially after her last conversation with Bailey. Since then she’d come to understand the truth. God hadn’t told her to stay away from Cody.
Fear had done that.
A fear that was understandable given their history, but one she had to stand up to all the same. Every day after talking to Bailey she thought about picking up the phone and calling Cody. Telling him she was sorry for making him leave... sorry for not hearing him out. But always she came to the same conclusion.
This conversation would be better in person.
She would’ve come sooner, but she had to wait for the floodwaters to finally dry up. Had to wait until she was sure Caleb wasn’t the guy for her. He was nice. But he wasn’t Cody Coleman. He never could be.
It took time, but in the last few weeks the people in the temporary tent housing found places to live, apartments or homes. Some moved in with friends or relatives, others found situations arranged by the city.
Only then could Andi take her month off for a job well done. Not once did Andi have to wonder where she was going to spend her time, or who she would spend it with.
As soon as she was released from her duties she caught the first flight out. She and her puppy, Max. The owners never came to claim him. Her supervisor was pretty sure the mama dog and puppy belonged to an old man killed in the flood. Andi glanced at the seat beside her. Max was in his travel crate sleeping. She smiled at him. “You’re going to like Cody’s dog, little guy. He’ll be your friend.”
Max yawned and settled into a deeper sleep.
Two more turns and Andi pulled up in front of Cody’s house. It was late afternoon. Cody had to be out of school for the summer by now, which meant he was probably home. Unless he was out running errands or hiking with Riley.
Andi stepped out of the car and headed up the walk. How many times had she come here? Nights when he made her dinner or the two of them watched a movie. Always he was sure to get her home before it got too late.
Not once had Cody put them in an uncompromising situation. Even when both of them were tempted, they never gave in.We’re going to do this God’s way,he would tell her. And so it was. Cody was strong like that.
She reached his front door and knocked. After a few seconds she heard footsteps. For days she’d been thinking about what she would say when this moment came, and now Andi wasn’t nervous. She simply couldn’t wait to be in his arms.
