Page 33 of An Uncertain Road

His voice was low and rough, meant for her ears only. “I hope you had a better night’s rest than I did. Are you ready for this excursion?”

She blinked up at him. Did he mean he hadn’t slept well for thinking of her? One corner of his mouth lifted in a slight smile. He must have read the question on her face because he leaned closer as he walked her to her side of the car. “Yes, I dreamed about that kiss all night. About you. Every night since.”

Heat rushed over her, making her lightheaded. What on earth did one say in response to that? Thankfully, she was saved by the commotion of the first few cars pulling out of the drive, and soon enough, they were on the road, where the noise made it hard to hold any private conversation.

But that didn’t mean she was unaware of his closeness. Was he sitting farther toward the center of the seat than usual? She didn’t remember his knee bumping hers so often before when the car jostled on rough roads. Flora did her best to keep her eyes on the road ahead, but all too often she found them wandering to look his way. Every time, he met her gaze with that same roguish half smile.

And every time, her heart raced with a speed that would win this hill climb in record time.

It was going to be a long day surrounded by others until they could find a few moments alone again.

* * *

Jensen didn’t know what he was doing anymore. He’d managed to be a gentleman for three days while longing to wrap her in his arms again. The way she bit her lower lip and darted a glance his way when she talked about joining the hill climb had destroyed all his arguments about safety before he could utter them.

It hadn’t been his intention to ever bring up their kiss. When she’d walked across that lawn looking so beautiful and so unsure, his heart had burst all over again. Turning her vulnerability into passion was becoming a dangerous habit.

It hadn’t helped to learn about Beth’s happy condition. The way Fred had been fretting over her for the last few days made more sense in light of it. But their announcement turned Jensen’s mind in an unexpected direction. He’d considered marriage in the past, but the risks of opening his heart seemed insurmountable. Now, with Flora, it had just happened, without him intending it to. And here he was, thinking about what it would be like to care for and protect her the way Fred did with Beth.

Having a distraction in the form of this excursion up the mountain was a blessing, even if it was also more dangerous than any other day of the tour. After the time he spent reconnecting with God on their first night in Bretton Woods, Jensen had come to a realization. The only way he would get through the rest of the tour without the weight of worry for everyone’s safety destroying him would be to let God take it off his shoulders.

So he’d started every morning praying for God to protect them and letting every one of his fears rest in God’s peace. This morning, he’d even prayed over the car, which felt silly but eased the immense dread that would have otherwise gripped him in the face of this high-speed trek up the side of a mountain.

Arriving at the base of Mount Washington, they parked with the other Glidden Tour cars alongside racers who had come in for this event. About three-quarters of the tour teams had come, but there were more than just race cars gathered. Jensen saw several heavy-looking trucks and even a few motorcycles. The air was filled with palpable excitement, but many of the new drivers displayed an extra intensity that the Glidden Tour teams didn’t share.

The race participants were still arriving, so Fred and Beth took a walk while Jensen and Flora remained with the Decauville. Flora shuffled from one foot to the other as they waited for the start time. “At least the weather is lovely today.”

Jensen arched an eyebrow. Flora, who was rarely at a loss for words, was talking about the weather? Could she be attempting to avoid talking about those private moments together? “Sure is. Did you notice that fine Indian motorcycle over there? That’ll zip right up the mountain.”

Flora looked over the competition. Had her thoughts been going the same direction as his that morning, or was she focused on the race ahead? Truly, he should refrain from bringing up their kiss until they had time to discuss what was going on between them. But that didn’t stop him from wishing he had a right to sneak another one right there at the starting line.

As a few of the drivers started lining up, Fred and Beth returned from their walk around the staging area, Fred with his arm wrapped protectively around Beth’s waist. Flora turned to Beth, keeping her voice low. “How are you feeling, Beth? Have you had much sickness?”

Beth nodded, pressing one hand to her stomach. “A bit. It’s not too bad right now, but it isn’t pleasant either. I’ve found it gets worse in the evenings.”

Fred spoke up, his eyes never leaving Beth’s face. “We’ve decided it might be wiser to wait here for you to finish the race. There’s no need to have passengers along on such a dangerous drive in the first place, and we’d hate to be a distraction that might keep you from winning.”

Flora shook her head. “You’re not a distraction. Are you sure you want to miss this adventure? This is the very thing you were looking for in your honeymoon.”

The couple exchanged uneasy glances. Was impending parenthood already changing them?

“It looks as though there’s a spectator area set up over there.” Jensen pointed to their left. “Why don’t you take shelter from the sun and see if there’s a place Beth can sit for the duration? It shouldn’t be a long race. Last year’s winner completed it in less than half an hour.”

The couple wished them luck and turned toward the row of canopies without hesitation. Flora bit her lip as she watched them go. “What do you think has gotten into them? This is sure to be a highlight of the tour, and they’re willing to miss it?”

She seemed quite hurt by their wise choice.

“Flora, I don’t think it has anything to do with you. Parenthood is a life-changing event, even before reaching the birth, it seems. I think they’re finding there are things more important to them than adventure now.”

Flora rounded on him, her eyes flashing. “Does it have to be one or the other? Does being a parent have to exclude adventure and excitement? Can’t a woman have children and also continue living?”

“Of course. But maybe Beth doesn’t want to take unnecessary risks with their child’s safety.”

“So you’re saying I’m dangerous, that they’re going to risk the baby’s life riding with me?”

She was all fire and fervor now. How was he going to get her calmed down enough before this race started to drive sensibly? “It doesn’t have anything to do with you. This race is inherently dangerous. One look at the road snaking up that mountain and anyone could see it. All those tight turns, narrow stretches, and sheer drop-offs are asking for trouble.”

Jensen stepped closer to Flora and took her hand in his. Her soft skin almost undid him, but he retained enough self-control to remember her reputation among these men was important. He couldn’t go kissing her senseless in front of them without damaging the way they saw her.