Attraction arced between them. He didn’t trust himself to speak, and Rachel seemed content with the quiet. He drove up to the fence on the rear side of his parents’ property and jumped out to unlock the gate.
Back in his car, he drove along the beaten path through a line of pines. When he came to the clearing, his car triggered the motion-activated lights. He parked a hundred feet away from the gazebo and got out.
Strings of lights hung around the top circumference of the gazebo. Two pond lights had been strategically placed to cast an ethereal glow across the water. A light breeze sent ripples over the pond and cooled the summer night.
Rachel stood with her arms resting on the top of the door. “This is beautiful.”
“Dad had it made for their twentieth wedding anniversary.” He took her hand and wove their fingers, discreetly bumped the car door closed behind them.
“My soul calms simply by being here.” Her chest rose when she took a deep breath.
“I like to come here after a tough day on the job.” He stepped into the gazebo. “The worst claim I ever worked on was a house fire that took the lives of three children. My stomach felt sick the entire time I was at the home.”
She squeezed his hand. “That had to be difficult.”
“I kept thinking how unfair life is.” He closed his eyes, then abruptly reopened them when memories of the charred house materialized. “When I finished, I drove around for hours then came here. God and I had a long talk right where we’re standing.”
“What did he tell you?”
“He spoke peace into my heart.” Giving Rachel’s arm a gentle tug, he guided her to face him. “Those feelings tried to creep back in tonight. I don’t fully understand why bad things happen to good people, but I have faith in a God who has a sovereign plan beyond anything I can comprehend.”
Rachel blinked. “It’s hard.”
“Tiffany told me her story tonight. It reminded me how God can always bring good from the worst situation.” His arms slid around her waist. “Don’t blame yourself, and don’t be angry. It won’t do any good.”
“I can’t help it.”
“Give it to God. He is the keeper of justice. You keep doing what he’s called you to do. He placed you at Hope House with purpose.” He rubbed circles into her back. “You care about those ladies and see them for the women God created, but you also have a heart to see them overcome their obstacles.”
“You almost make me believe that.”
The dejection in her tone sliced through him. He cupped her face with his hands. “Rachel Everly Goodman, you know it’s true. Search your heart and let God’s peace fill you. Yes, tonight was hard, but you won’t let that stop you from following God’s will. That’s not who you are.”
A tear glistened in her eyes, and she didn’t say anything for a long time. “I do know that, but emotions got the better of me. Thank you for not letting me give in to them.”
“I love you too much to let that happen.” He groaned to himself and lowered his hands to her shoulders. He hadn’t meant to say that so soon, even if he meant it.
“After Josh, I wasn’t sure I’d love again because I couldn’t trust. You’ve broken through every barrier to my heart, starting that moment I saw you carrying Fifi.”
He rolled his eyes. “I’m sure that boosted my masculinity points.”
She giggled and leaned into him. “I’m trying to be serious and tell you that I love you, too.”
“I’d say I’m sorry, but it was worth it to hear you laugh again.”
“That’s what I mean. You know what I need before I even know.”
“You do the same for me.” He tipped his forehead until it rested against hers. “We’re meant for each other.”
“I concur, Mr. Bradley.” Her whispered breath teased his cheek.
His hand instinctively touched the warm spot on his skin. He grazed her head with a kiss, then moved his lips to drop a kiss on her nose.
Her breathless gasp murmured against him. She lifted her lips to meet his, and he closed the space between them. Her lips against his filled the missing piece in his life.
She wrapped a hand at the back of his neck, eager for more. He deepened the kiss and found perfection he’d never known. Sparks flew between them.
They hadn’t missed the fireworks after all.
