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  With the occurrences in her life, she still doubted that kind of relationship. Did she even want to know the God who had taken so much from her? The jury was still out as far as Charlie was concerned.

  * * *

  Colton sat down in the vacant chair next to Charlie at the restaurant. She flashed him a quick smile. Did that mean she agreed with his seating choice? He glanced around the table at the usual group—Jordan and Alyssa and their kids, Marshall and Emma, Charlie and himself. Today, Rusty and his wife and two children joined them. Jordan had invited the family. He probably had to question Rusty and his Sunday school class about the whole drug overdose incident.

  “What an emotional morning. I can’t imagine losing one.” Alyssa stroked each of her children’s heads.

  “I’d like to get my hands on whoever gave him the drugs and whoever supplied it.” Jordan’s nose flared and his chin jutted out in a hard line.

  Colton’s chest ached and he fidgeted. I wonder if the guy at the airport had anything to do with this kid overdosing. No. A kid like Dwayne couldn’t have been wrapped up in that. Some friend must have given it to him, and he had too much for his first time.

  The arrival of their food interrupted Colton’s thoughts. Varying conversations erupted around the table.

  “So, about this motorcycle ride. Where are we going?” Charlie pivoted toward him.

  “Well, we ride a planned route through a scenic mountain loop and then end up at a picnic area for a cookout. Our ride will raise money for our church’s benevolence ministries like the food pantry, assistance in paying bills, and clothes closet.”

  “Can I trust you? Are you safe?” She cocked her head to one side and eyed him. Her tone was teasing.

  “Of course. You’re perfectly safe with me.”

  A cell phone ringing attracted everyone’s attention. Rusty answered and slipped away from the table. When he returned, he appeared a little shaken.

  “Poor guy. This has got to be hard on him. He’s really close to those boys in his class.” Colton diverted his gaze from Rusty and concentrated on his plate.

  Charlie laid her hand on his arm and leaned in. “Look, I want you to know there was nothing to what you saw at the café. I just didn’t have anyone else to talk to.”

  Colton patted her hand. “You’ve got me.”

  Charlie smiled and pink colored her cheeks.

  * * *

  Jordan arrived at the police station early Monday morning. As he rounded the corner to his office, Charlie stood right outside the threshold.

  “So, what’d you get from the Sunday school class?”

  He weaved his way around the desk and dropped his case on the floor. He plunked into his chair and looked at Charlie. She stared at him with an impatient glare. She could certainly be intense.

  “I stopped by Rusty’s class. When I asked the boys if they knew whom Dwayne could have gotten drugs from, they all got really fidgety. They wouldn’t even look me in the eyes.”

  “Really? Did you get any of them to break?” Charlie’s brows rose.

  “Rusty spoke up. ‘Jordan, you know these guys. They’re as surprised as anyone else.’ I told them if they thought of any information, they could come to me.”

  Charlie slumped back into the chair, a look of defeat on her face.

  Jordan rubbed the back of his neck. “I just can’t shake the strange feeling that they were protecting someone. But what can we do?”

  “I guess, keep our eyes open.” She sighed. “It’s frustrating.”

  “It really hits home when something like this happens to someone you know.” Jordan winced. If anyone understood something like this hitting home, it was Charlie. “I’m sorry.”

  “No need. I will say that it motivates you even more strongly when it’s close.”

  “You’re right. It does.”

  * * *

  Charlie filed into the church sanctuary with Jordan, Alyssa, Marshall, Emma, and Colton. Would she appear suspicious attending Dwayne Evans’ funeral? Desperation for clues in this case called for her presence, even if it was grasping in the dark.

  The worship center filled quickly with many Charlie recognized as regulars on Sundays. Rusty Smith followed the Evans family up the aisle and into the front row. From Jordan’s report, Rusty’s closeness to the Evans’ son would deem him almost part of the family.

  The pastor struggled through his words of comfort, choking up and swallowing frequently.

  After the service, Alyssa leaned in. “I have some food for the family. I want to see if we could take Joel for tonight. Hayden would love it. It might help Rusty and Kim. I think they’ve practically lived at the Evans’ house since this happened.” She scurried off.

  A warm hand covered the small of her back. She turned into the dreamy brown eyes of Colton. He leaned closer and spoke in a whisper. “I gotta run, but I’m still looking forward to our ride.” He smiled and slipped through the crowd.

  Where was he off to in such a rush?

  Charlie meandered to her car and plunked into the driver’s seat. She set her jaw and determined to face something else head-on, just as the captain had suggested.

  Turning left out of the parking lot, she drove to the other side of town. The little church came into view, and she pulled to the curb and cut the engine. She strolled up the concrete walkway and tried the door. To her surprise, the door was unlocked and she slipped inside. Not much had changed. Still no carpet on the floor or padding in the pews. The wooden planks in the middle aisle creaked as she eased near the front. She stopped at the familiar fifth pew from the front and slid in. As she stared at the small platform, visions of Christmas plays, Vacation Bible School, and Pastor Cochrum preaching replayed across her mind. From this vantage point, she could imagine the exact spot where her mother had stood in the small choir loft, belting out her steady alto voice.

  Sweet memories faded into the recollection of the funeral. The pastor had spoken of seeing those who have departed again and gaining strength and hope from that promise. Could she trust that promise? Did her parent’s faith even matter at all? What good had it done for her mom and dad to invest so much in their Christian beliefs? It hadn’t saved them from the terrible accident.

  The sickening mixture of floral tributes flooded her mind.

  “May I help you?”

  Charlie jumped at the male voice and swiveled in her pew. Her eyes fell upon a much older, white-haired and stooped version of Reverend Cochrum.

  She stood. “Reverend Cochrum?” She bit her lip. Surely, he wasn’t still here. She started to retract her question when the man’s eyes widened.

  “Charlotte Jarvis. That cannot be little Charlotte with the pigtails.” He grinned.

  “I’m afraid it is.” She stepped into the aisle and they embraced.

  “How’s life been treatin’ ya?” He folded his arms and studied her face in the same manner he had always done.

  She shrugged. “All right, I suppose.”

  The old pastor stroked his chin. “You still in Florida?”

  This man had a mind like a steel trap.

  “Yes, sir. I’m up here working a temporary job over at the police station, then I’ll return to Florida.”

  “That’s too bad. Thought you might have finally come home.”

  A lump lodged in her throat. She shook her head, blinking at the moisture creeping to her eyes.

  Reverend Cochrum patted her shoulder. “I miss them too, like so many who have gone on. My Thelma just this past year.” He paused and cleared his throat. “But, you know, I’m still here for a purpose, and so are you.” He gazed into her eyes. “You stay as long as you like. I’ve got a little more studying to do.” He turned to leave but whirled back around. “So good to see you. Take care.” The reverend shuffled off and out a side door.

  Still here for a purpose? Could she be back here for more than helping with the drug case?

  Her hands trembled. Enough reminiscing for today. She practically ran down the
aisle and back to her car.

  THIRTEEN

  Marshall still lay in bed late Thursday morning.

  Emma whisked around the corner of the master bedroom. “Well, in a few minutes we’ll know.” Her anticipation permeated the air. She plopped down on the bed beside him.

  He had put her off until today to perform the pregnancy test. “Hon, if it’s negative, it’s okay. You’ve only been on the new medicine dosage for three months.”

  She nodded and stared at her hands which she wrung in her lap. The same process every month for so long. A test. A negative result. A grieving wife.

  A timer buzzed and Emma rose and trudged toward the bathroom. She returned seconds later with a plastic stick in her trembling hand. Her eyes bulged.

  “Emma?”

  “It’s positive. You’re gonna be a daddy.” She hopped onto the bed and showed him the test stick. Her wide smile revealed the dimple on her left cheek. Tears streamed down her cheeks.

  Marshall couldn’t squelch his own tears. “We should get you to your doctor to confirm this.”

  “Yeah, but I do know that these things are really accurate. I don’t think I can wait to call my mom.”

  As the realization sunk in and welled up, they couldn’t keep it inside. They phoned both sets of parents.

  The doctor could see Emma the next morning. With no flights, Marshall could accompany her.

  He called Colton. “Hey, buddy. Did we get a flight?” Colton automatically asked.

  “Nope, but I wouldn’t be able to go anyway. I have to go with Emma to the doctor tomorrow morning.”

  “Is everything okay?”

  “Well, the pregnancy test she took this morning was positive. Yeah, everything is more than okay.”

  “Oh, Marshall, that’s great. How do you feel?”

  “I don’t know.” Excitement? Terror? Confusion? Joy? There were too many to pinpoint one.

  Colton laughed.

  * * *

  Marshall chuckled and shook his head. As they waited for Emma’s name to be called at the doctor’s office the next morning, she squirmed all over the chair. She looked more beautiful than she had in a long time. Probably due to her smile. Her whole countenance glowed.

  “Emma Fulton?” a nurse said.

  They stood together and followed the woman through a door and down a narrow hallway into a small exam room. The nurse handed Emma a plastic cup and directed her to the nearby bathroom. She returned and plunked into a chair next to Marshall. The clock on the wall ticked loudly, accentuating their impatient anticipation.

  Finally, the doctor entered the small room. “Well, you are definitely pregnant. Because you waited before taking the test, you could be four to six weeks along already. We need to schedule an ultrasound. By the way, you do know that because of the fertility pills, you could have more than one baby. We could be talking twins.”

  Marshall’s mouth fell open. More than one baby? Images danced in his head. After so much struggle, this was finally happening. In a matter of months, they would no longer be a couple, but they would be parents.

  Emma grasped his hand. “I checked out and made that appointment.”

  Marshall nodded. They strolled outside to the parking lot and Emma grabbed him in a bear hug. He returned her embrace.

  “Marshall, I’m so happy. Finally…” Her voice broke and she shook her head.

  “I know. I love you.”

  “I love you too.”

  He held her close for a few more moments before opening the car door for her. “Now, buckle up. There’s more than just you to protect.”

  She flashed sparkling eyes at him and grinned.

  * * *

  Colton hopped onto his motorcycle and breathed in. The fall day had turned out beautiful and cool. Perfect for a ride with Charlie. In minutes, he would pick her up and they would be on their way. His stomach fluttered like a teenage boy on his first date. He shook his head and chuckled.

  As he pulled to the curb, Charlie bounded out of her apartment. Could she be eager as well? She sported jeans that hugged her figure and a sweatshirt. Her black boots matched the jacket she had flung over her shoulder. A shiny dark braid hung down a little past her neck. “Hey. Looks like we have a perfect day for a ride.” Her eyes glistened.

  “Exactly what I thought when I got up this morning. Here’s your helmet.”

  She turned it over in her hands and shot him a teasing look. “What? No flames?”

  He laughed and motioned with his head. “Get on. We’re headed to the church first for further instructions and to meet up with the other riders.”

  Charlie threw her leg over and slid in behind him, wrapping her arms around his waist. A shiver shot down his spine. Did she feel that? As he pulled away, he had to admit he liked the feel of her snuggled up against him.

  Moments later, they dismounted in the church parking lot. Colton removed his helmet. Charlie followed suit.

  She caressed the motorcycle seat. “I think I’m going to like this. I don’t know if that’s good or bad.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “If I like it, I might have to invest in one of these myself.”

  Colton grinned.

  Inside, they helped themselves to donuts and coffee. The leader of the motorcycle ministry explained the route and destination. They would end up at a picnic area in the Smoky Mountains that Colton was familiar with.

  “We’ll try to stay together the best we can. But, should you get separated, I think everyone knows the way and will be able to make it to the picnic area. Any questions?” When no one raised a hand, the leader prayed and they all filed out to the parking lot.

  Colton strapped on his helmet and hopped on the bike, followed by Charlie. Before he cranked it up, he turned his head toward her. “Ready?”

  “Yeah!”

  “If you should need to stop for any reason, just tap my shoulder.”

  “Okay. Let’s ride!”

  Her excitement pleased him more than she knew. As they pulled from the parking lot, Charlie’s arms twined around his waist. He swallowed. Though there was a coolness to the air, Colton’s internal temperature rose.

  Surprisingly, they rode in perfect sync. The way they seemed like one person during turns would make someone think they had been riding together for a long time.

  The scenery was sure to be beautiful as it always was in the fog-laced ridges of the Smokies, but Colton couldn’t focus on it. His enjoyment came purely from his riding companion.

  * * *

  Was it wrong that Charlie liked sitting tucked behind Colton? Warmth radiated from his back onto her body. Even though they rode an open-sided vehicle, safety and security permeated her.

  Soon, the road narrowed and trees lined the sides. The leaves fluttered slightly with just hints of color dabbled on the ends. She straightened her back and peered over the side of the road. Water splashed over large boulders. A cool breeze played with her hair. An earthy fragrance wafted from the dampness created from the river.

  The road curved into drawn out S’s, but they leaned in tandem, swaying gently back and forth.

  The traffic slowed to a stop. She peeked around Colton’s helmet. He turned his head slightly. “Must be some kind of wildlife up here.”

  As they inched near, Charlie spotted the cause for the hold-up. Two roly poly black bear cubs romped in a small grassy clearing.

  A man with a camera crept ever closer to the two cubs. Colton leaned back. “Not a good idea. I guarantee the mama is around here close.”

  Charlie shivered and studied around the tree trunks, peeling her eyes for a glance at a larger furry creature.

  The line moved steadily again. Not far down the road, Colton pointed to the left. Charlie whipped her head around. Three deer grazed right at the edge of the pavement. They seemed so close she could reach out and pet them. The one larger deer raised its head and scanned the area intermittently. Must be the mother.

  She did miss this about Tennessee.
Florida had its beauty, but Charlie was more a mountain girl.

  Colton steered the bike into the picnic area. The smell of charcoal mixed with burgers wafted through the air. Her stomach growled. Her hunger might prompt stopping, but she would have liked to ignore it and keep riding.

  * * *

  Colton wasn’t ready for the ride to be over, but the picnic beckoned. He stopped, letting Charlie dismount first. She threw her leg over and stood beside the motorcycle like a pro. He pushed his helmet off and hung it on his bike. “Here, let me take your helmet.” He steadied her helmet on her seat. “So, what did you think?”

  “I loved it. Thank you for inviting me.” Her smile lit her whole face.

  “Thanks for coming with me.”

  Their eyes locked and a silence ensued. Colton desperately tried to think of something to say, but gazing into her eyes at such a close range mesmerized him.

  “Hey, guys, come on,” someone’s voice echoed from the picnic tables. The moment was broken.

  Colton shook his head slightly. “Umm, let’s get something to eat.”

  She nodded.

  Colton’s heart pulsed hard. He breathed deep to calm it. Did Charlie have any idea what kind of effect she had on him?

  They filled their plates and sat across from each other at a concrete picnic table. He admired her. Charlie was different. She possessed a strength and independence he found attractive. Was he making a good impression on her? He had never met a woman like her. He wanted to see more of Charlie Jarvis. He didn’t plan on letting her get away.

  * * *

  Jordan and Alyssa already sat in their usual spots in Sunday school when Marshall and Emma bounced in hand in hand.

  “Hey guys,” Marshall said.

  “Hi there. You two look mighty happy.” Alyssa patted Emma’s arm.

  Emma knelt in front of Alyssa and looked up with sparkling eyes. “I’m pregnant.”