He cleared his throat. "Do you want to talk about it? About what happened?"
She glanced at him, her eyes shadowed. "I don't know what to say. It all feels like a nightmare."
He nodded. "I can only imagine, the way that man attacked you.” A fresh round of bile churned in his belly. “I'm so sorry I didn't stop him that day at the creek."
Her steps slowed, and she turned to face him. "You saved my life, Jonah. Both at the creek and last night." She swallowed hard. “It was a miracle, the way you showed up just in time.”
His heart pounded. Was God creating an opening for him to share his faith? “I think so too. You know God sees you. He’s there, even when we don’t cry out to Him.”
Something like a smile slipped into her eyes. “I did pray for help. When that man had his hands around my neck, I knew nothing could save me except a miracle. I prayed for help.” She frowned. “I didn’t pray out loud, though. Does that matter?”
Joy wove through him, and a smile lifted his tired muscles. “He knows our thoughts. He heard you. And He saved you.”
“Yes, He did.” But she looked away, blinking rapidly. "I just wish I didn't have to kill…"
"I know." He touched her arm. "You did what you had to do to save us all. I’m grateful God gave you that strength. I’m grateful you were so brave. I’m grateful foryou."
She met his gaze again, her eyes bright with unshed tears. A single one broke through her barrier and slipped down her cheek.
He brushed it away with his thumb, letting his hand linger against her soft skin. His pulse picked up speed. Just the feel of this woman brought all his senses to life.
She must have felt the same, for she leaned into his touch. Her eyes…those eyes drew him body and heart. At the moment, they held so much turmoil, yet there was an inner strength. A solidness that shone through even during this hard time.
"Patsy…” He swallowed the emotion that rose. “I don't know what I would have done if we hadn’t gotten to you in time." His voice graveled, but he gotthe words out.
Her eyes searched his. "I was so afraid. I was afraid I wouldn’t see you again. That I wouldn’t…"
Another tear trailed down, and she looked so vulnerable and honest and beautiful.
He pulled her to him, wrapping his arms around her, and she buried her face against his chest. Her forehead fit in the hollow of his neck so perfectly, as if she were meant to be right there. Was she trembling? He stroked her hair. “It’s all right, my love. We’re safe. Both of us.”
This. This was what he’d needed ever since he’d seen that monster choking her. His arms around her, breathing in her scent, burying his face in her rich auburn hair.
She was home. No matter what burned to the ground or was stripped away from him, as long as he could wrap his arms around Patsy, he would be fine. And she was opening her heart to the Lord, seeing Him work for her good.
Thank You, Father.
No matter what Jonah had lost last night, with this woman in his arms, all was right in his world.
Tears pricked Patience's eyes as Jonah held her close. This was exactly what she’d needed, what she’d longed for. His arms around her, the comfort of his strength.
Ever since she’d first spotted that man last night, she’d craved the safety of Jonah’s presence.
But as much as she wanted to, she couldn’t stay like this forever. They had to face the reality of Jonah’s destroyed cabin.
She forced herself to ease back, then glanced down the trail toward the ruins of his cabin. "What will you do now? With the cabin, I mean."
"I guess we should have a look, see how bad the damage is."
They continued along the path. As they approached thescorched remnants, Jonah slowed, finally coming to a halt beside her.
The sight must be a punch to the gut. The roof had completely caved in, leaving only charred beams reaching toward the sky like blackened fingers. Most of the walls were gone, too, reduced to piles of rubble. Soot and ash coated everything.
The only things left standing were the stone chimney and the new cast iron cookstove, now stood like sad survivors amid the destruction.
Her chest ached for Jonah. All the hours he'd poured into crafting the place into a home, all his hopes for the future, incinerated in a single night.
She wanted to weep for him, for all he'd lost. But he probably needed her strength right now, not her tears, just as he’d been strength for her moments ago. Reaching out, she slipped her cool hand into his large, calloused one. If only there were more she could do to help, to somehow make this devastating blow more bearable.
