Dottie picked up a crumpled brown paper towel left on the sink and threw it in the trash. “You’re going to be all right. I have a good feeling about you.”
“I hope you’re right.”
“If you ever pass through this way again, stop in for a meal on me. We’ll sit and chat for a spell.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” Janie stole a final glance in the mirror. Her eyes appeared less melancholy than they had minutes ago. A few well-timed carefully considered words could make all the difference. With a hand flat on the door, ready to push it open, she turned her head to face Dottie. “Thanks. I needed that encouragement.”
Chapter Two
Evan Jergens hadn’t taken pain meds in weeks, but he couldn’t wait to reach the hotel and dig a pill from his hygiene bag. He should have taken Jared up on his offer to drive from the restaurant, but pride wouldn’t allow him to accept the help. Even if he’d agreed to drive Jared’s truck instead of his own compact car, his leg wouldn’t be suffering as much, but he’d been prideful then as well.
According to the GPS, they had another thirty minutes before they reached Lilston. Thirty long minutes before he could stretch out and find relief. The pain in his leg alternated between a dull ache and heavy throbbing. Every little movement between the gas pedal and brake sent excruciating shards through his bones and muscles.
If the road were straight, he’d put on cruise control, but too many sharp turns made that idea impractical. He gritted his teeth and continued driving. He’d made it this far and wouldn’t cave in the last stretch. Follow through to the finish line became his motto.I think I can, I think I can. No—I know I can, I know I can.
His limitations bothered him more than the pain itself. Man, he hated the obstacles his leg created.Be thankful I still have my leg.
Despite his frustrations, he was grateful the doctors had saved his mangled limb. In his foggiest memories, he remembered lying in the hospital bed, being told he’d probably lose the limb. He could only credit its current presence to the power of prayer. On the bad days of pain, during the worst moments such as now, he reminded himself of his fortune.
Not only did he still have all his limbs, but he also had his life. Unlike Mike.
Thinking of Mike, he cut his gaze to Janie. She hummed a tune he recognized from an old movie his sister loved as a child about an orphan named Annie. Would the figurative sun come out tomorrow for Janie? He prayed so, and the serene smile on her face bolstered his hope. Since Mike’s death, her smile had rarely surfaced. He didn’t know what happened after their waitress followed Janie into the bathroom, but Janie had been more relaxed since then.
From the back seat, Jared emitted an unexpected snore that broke the peaceful silence.
Evan made eye contact with Janie and laughed. “Should we record him and use it as a bribe?”
Janie shook her head, her eyes full of mirth. “Nah, he has no shame and wouldn’t care.”
“You’re right on that.” Another cramp tightened his leg, and he fought the urge to reach down and massage it.
“Not too much longer ‘til we get there.” Her sympathetic smile told him she meant her statement as an encouragement to him without mentioning his leg.
He appreciated her discreet support but wished she couldn’t read him so well. “The hotel has a hot tub. I’m torn between trying it out and heading straight to bed.”
“You never did tell me what I owe for my room.”
“Nada.”
Her nose wrinkled. “I can pay for my own.”
“Wyatt covered both rooms.” He flexed his ankle before braking for another sharp turn. “If it makes you feel better, he reserved and paid for them before I even got the chance. He insisted on it since we were driving all this way to attend his wedding.”
“You’re the most stubborn group of men I’ve ever met.”
“Who, me?” He tossed her a wink.
“You, Wyatt, and Jared.” She returned the wink. “The whole lot of you.”
He wiggled his brows and smirked. “But you love us, anyway.”
“Keep thinking that.” She reached into her purse and pulled out a travel size bottle of lotion. Pressed the lid open and applied a dab to her hands.
The scent of amber and vanilla filled the space between them, a pleasant smell that far surpassed the sweaty odor of Marines who’d worked outside all day. That’s one thing he wouldn’t miss about active duty.
“How are your sisters and brother doing?” He’d thought of Janie as a sister for so long, sometimes he forgot she had actual siblings back in Iowa.
“They are good.” Rolling her eyes, she rubbed a spot of lotion she’d missed into her arm. “James keeps talking about the new tractor he bought. He sure is proud of it. Mom says he’s married to the farm.”
