Eleven

Alissa stood in the doorway, watching Maggie with the therapist a few moments before she interrupted. “How’s it going?”

“Good,” the therapist said, introducing herself. “She’s really strong for her age, and—”

“What do you mean, for my age?”

Maggie had a twinkle in her eye, and Alissa chuckled at the surprised look on the therapist’s face; then the young woman caught on and laughed with them.

“I see you’re walking well,” Alissa said. “Could you help me with the pies later?”

“Pies? I’d love to.”

“Maggie’s doing amazingly well, and she can do a lot of things, but she needs to take a few precautions.” The therapist gave Maggie a stern look. “No crossed legs and no reaching past your knees or between your legs. When standing, don’t lean forward, and avoid sitting on low, soft chairs. Otherwise, if you’re not in pain, then go for it.”

“I’ll be jumping rope in a week or two,” Maggie said, her optimism heightening.

“I think it’ll be a number of months before you’ll be doing that,” Kim said, “but you’re on your way if you keep doing your exercises.” Kim looked toward Alissa. “The main activity is walking. In another week or so, she needs to get outside with the walker. Get used to walking there.”

“We’ll help with that,” Alissa said, smiling and stepping away. She returned to the living room, where Ross had finished the lights and begun stringing garland that looked like cranberries. “Let me help.” She grasped the loop of beads, and they passed it back and forth as they wound their way to the bottom.

“Now that’s the way to do it,” Ross said. “It’s easier with two.” He slipped beside her and tilted her chin upward. “Many things are. Remember the animals filled the ark two by two.”

“I remember reading about that,” she said, eyeing the hallway for the therapist. She gave him a teasing frown, and he leaned down and gave her a quick kiss on the end of her nose.

“Let’s get serious,” she said.

“I was. I’m being very serious.”

Though he was being playful, Alissa sensed his comment meant more than decorating the tree. She’d been dealing with her emotions for weeks now, knowing she’d fallen in love; she loved the inn, though, and he loved and needed his work. These were their livelihoods.

With God all things are possible. The words nettled her like a bee sting. She reeled back from the unexpected revelation. Maybe the good Lord had to smack people in the head once in a while just to keep them on their toes. God had an answer. She would have to wait patiently for it.

Forcing her mind away from her thoughts, Alissa delved into decorating the Christmas tree. She loved the Victorian-style ornaments she’d purchased over the years—ones that looked like home-baked cookies, metal designs, crocheted angels, and amazing paper baubles. She’d found cloth balls that looked like patchwork and needlepoint squares at the craft show. She thought now they were finished, but when she looked up, Ross had found some pinecones adorned with paint and glitter.

He held one up, eyeing it. “I could have made this.”

“Then I’ll get you a booth at the craft show next year.”

They laughed, and just as he’d stepped toward her with that mesmerizing look in his eyes, the therapist strode into the room.

“I’ll be leaving. I’d like you to encourage Maggie to do her foot pumps and ankle rotations and especially the knee bends.” She described how they were to be done safely. “And walking. She can walk around her room and up and down the hallways with her walker. Another month or more on that, and then we’ll see how a cane works.” Her eyes widened as she turned and glanced over her shoulder. “For an older woman, she’s doing extremely well.”

“Mother’s determined,” Ross said. “She’ll get well or else.”

“Don’t let her overdo it—and don’t tell her she’s doing well for her age. She doesn’t like that.”

Alissa and Ross chuckled at the same time.

The therapist left, and when Alissa went to check on Maggie, she found her lying on the bed with a quilt over her knees. “I’m going to take a little nap. Can we do the pies later?”

“Absolutely. You’re not holding me up at all. Ross and I are decorating the tree.”

Maggie released a soft chuckle. “If you only knew him a year ago, Alissa, you’d know he is a different man.” She gave Alissa a tender look. “Thank you.”

Alissa watched Maggie close her eyes, letting what she’d said soak in. A different man. She recalled when he first arrived at the inn, the night he checked in late, and he was very different then. He’d arrived like a chrysalis, and he’d opened up to become a magnificent butterfly—an emperor butterfly—just like the name of his room.

Gathering her thoughts, she returned to the parlor. Ross had disappeared, and she figured he was upstairs. She headed for the kitchen, and when she opened the door, she found him inside preparing hot chocolate.

“I hope you don’t mind. I hung those pinecones, so we’re finished, and this tasted so good earlier. I thought we could just sit for a while and enjoy the tree lights.”

“I don’t mind at all, and I’ll steal a few of those Christmas-at-the-Inn cookies.”

“Great.” He motioned to the doorway. “I want to get something in my room. I’ll be down in a minute to finish.”

Alissa placed the cookies on a plate then set it and the mugs on a tray, but before she could carry them into the parlor, Ross appeared and took the tray from her. She held open the swinging door and followed past the tree while Ross set the tray on the low table.

Alissa settled on the love seat, admiring the old-fashioned Christmas tree with a hand-crafted angel on top. The metal ornaments glittered with tiny white lights. They’d attached a few clip-on candle ornaments with lights inserted so the Christmas tree had the look of a Victorian tree with real candles burning.

“Since it’s almost Christmas, I thought—”

Alissa chuckled. “You sound like a little kid. Christmas is a month away.”

“You’d hardly know it with all these decorations, so let’s pretend it’s Christmas.”

She shrugged, not sure why it made any difference. “Okay. It’s Christmas.”

“Good,” he said, pulling a bag from beside a chair. “Merry Christmas.” He handed her the bag and settled back.

“What’s this?”

“Open it, and you’ll know.”

She studied the unmarked sack, trying to image what it could be. Laughing at herself for dallying, she unwound the top and looked inside. “It’s from the bazaar, isn’t it?”

He grinned. “You liked it, and so did I.”

She drew out the metal rod holding the lovely copper and black monarch butterfly. “It’s beautiful, Ross. Thank you.” She leaned over, kissing his cheek.

“That made it all worthwhile—the smile on your face and the kiss.”

She rose and studied the Christmas tree. “I think I could stick it in the branches for now, and it’ll look like an ornament.”

“Sounds like an idea.” He stood and helped her find the perfect spot then manipulated the stick through the branches while trying not to knock off any ornaments. When he finished, they stood back and admired the lovely decoration.

Alissa returned to her seat and grasped her hot chocolate. “Let’s make a toast to a job well done,” she said, lifting her mug.

“I’d rather toast to us.”

Ross lifted his drink, and they clicked their mugs together; instead of bringing Alissa joy, though, the toast reminded her of their difficulty.

“Cheer up,” Ross said, slipping his arm around her shoulder. “Answers will come. I know they will.”

“I wish God would give us a little hint of how it can work out. You’re not in a position to leave your businesses. They’re successful because you run them with your wisdom and love. It’s the same here. This place is my dream, and I—I don’t know.”

“You don’t know about me?”

His expression looked strained, and her chest hurt from holding back her emotion. “It’s not that. I think we should be friends. Good friends, and leave it at that. I don’t want to be hurt.”

“Neither do I, but friends? You mean I can’t hold you in my arms. I can’t kiss your sweet lips. Is that what you mean?”

She didn’t know how to respond. Desperation swept over her, and she saw the same in Ross’s eyes.

He set his mug on the table and leaned closer to her. “Do you care about me, Alissa? I mean, really care? Forget we’ve only known each other for a few weeks. It doesn’t take a lifetime to find someone when God is the guide.”

She faced him, trying to control the tears pushing against her eyes. “Do you have to ask?” She slid her mug onto the coffee table. “You know you’ve been the focus of my days. I feel empty when you’re not here, and the only thing that helps is that I know you’ll be back because I’m holding your mother captive.”

Ross grasped her hand. “You didn’t agree to keep my mother here because of that, did you?”

She flexed her palm upward at his joke. “Scout’s honor. I’ve grown to love your mom, and I—I care about you. It’s good for all of us. And your visiting is the bonus.”

“What if we could be together every day? What if—”

She pressed her finger against his lips, unable to bear his pleading. “Don’t.” She closed her eyes, wrestling with the myriad of questions and thoughts bound inside. “What we have right now is wonderful. We’re dearest friends. We enjoy each other’s company. We laugh, we tease, and we have good talks. We share a faith. What more do we need?” Alissa knew what she needed, but all she had was an elusive dream that had no future.

“We need each other, Alissa. I didn’t realize until meeting you that I want a real home and family. I want you to be part of that.”

She sat a moment, hoping to find some way to sway him—to sway herself. “So do I,” she whispered.

He shifted closer and drew her into his arms. “Then let’s work this out. We can find a way. The answers are there if we want this bad enough.”

She nodded, hoping he was right. She’d lived without love for so long. Alissa knew she could continue the same way, but now that she’d tasted the gift, could she let it go? “We need time to let things work.”

“Until then I want us to remember that ‘all things work together for good to them that love God.’ Don’t forget that.”

“I won’t.”

“Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and let’s use that day to thank Him for our finding each other.”

She managed a smile, and he leaned closer and pressed his lips to hers. She thawed in his arms, her cold fears fading and her prayers rising, and when Ross drew back, Alissa caught her breath. “If I don’t get busy on the preparations, we’ll be thankful tomorrow for a toasted cheese sandwich.” She slipped from his grasp with a laugh. “You wouldn’t want that, would you?”

He opened his arms. “If we could stay here forever, I wouldn’t care.”

“Phooey!” She skittered away, hoping the playful mood stayed with her. The dark feelings she’d had reminded her that life these past weeks had been unbelievable.

❧

Alissa put the last of the turkey in the freezer, though she’d left some in the refrigerator for sandwiches and a casserole. She put on the coffee and pushed open the swinging door. “Who’s ready for dessert?”

She heard a playful groan coming from Ross. “I suppose I can force myself to have a piece.”

She strode into the parlor. “How about you, Fern? Maggie?”

“I’ll have a piece,” Fern said.

Maggie nodded. “Just a sliver. The meal was delicious, but I want to see how my pies turned out.”

“They look delicious. I’ll whip the cream.”

“Let me help,” Ross said, jumping from the love seat and heading her way.

“He just wants to lick the beaters,” Maggie called.

Fern laughed, and Alissa did, too, delighted Maggie had felt well enough to make the pies yesterday and had been so spirited today. She couldn’t recall a time when her life had seemed so full.

Ross slipped in behind her and pushed the swinging door closed. He drew her into his arms and pressed his lips against her forehead. “This is a day to be thankful for. Mom’s in fine spirits and is looking so good. Fern has been great, and we’ve come to somewhat of an agreement”—his smile inched to a scowl—“haven’t we?”

“We have. I’m just scared. I don’t want to get my heart broken.”

“Neither do I, so I’m trusting in you, me, and the Lord.”

She relaxed in his arms.

He shifted one arm and pulled up the edge of her lip. “There, that looks better. I see a smile.”

She burst into laughter and sprang away. “No foolishness. We’re here for the pies.”

She grasped the cream then opened the freezer and pulled out the bowl and beaters. “You’re in charge of the whipped cream while I cut the pie. Do you know how to hook in the beaters?”

As she lifted one, he pulled it from her fingers. “I had freshman home economics in high school. I’m a whiz.”

She kept an eye on him while she pulled out the plates and cut the pie. When it was time for the sugar, she sprinkled a tablespoonful into the cream and let him finish the job.

“Done,” he said, turning off the motor. “Look at this. Stiff peaks.”

“Great job.” She laughed as he pulled out the beaters, took a big lick off one, then pulled out the other and handed it to her.

She joined him as they gobbled up the delicious whipped topping. When she looked at him, she chuckled. He had white splotches above his lip and on his cheeks.

“You don’t look any better, my dear.” He turned her to face the toaster and lifted it for her to use as a mirror.

He was right. She grabbed a napkin and wiped her face then gave him a spoon to add the topping while she poured the coffee. Eventually they carried the drinks and dessert into the parlor while Maggie sat on a kitchen chair, her walker by her side, waiting patiently.

“I thought you’d decided to eat in there,” Maggie said when they arrived.

“We had a whipped-cream battle,” Ross said, handing her a piece.

Alissa handed Fern her piece and set the coffee mugs by each spot then dug into the pumpkin pie. She took a bite then another, feeling her eyes widen. “Maggie, this pie is outstanding. What did you do?”

“It’s the orange zest. It really makes a difference.”

“I guess.”

“I thought pies were supposed to taste like this,” Ross said, giving his mother a wink.

When they had finished, Alissa gathered the dishes while Ross helped his mother into the bedroom. Fern followed Alissa, and they piled the dishes into the dishwasher and cleaned up the kitchen.

“If you don’t need me,” Fern said, “I think I’ll say good night to everyone.”

“You’ve done enough. Thanks for helping clean up.”

“This was great.” Fern opened her arms, and Alissa gave her a big hug.

“It was nice, and you’re always welcome.”

“I feel welcome,” Fern said, giving her an extra squeeze. “Love you.”

“I love you, too,” Alissa responded before Fern went into the parlor to say good night to Ross and Maggie. When she finished, Ross left the room while Alissa pulled the shades and helped Maggie get ready for bed, wrestling off the surgical compression stockings and helping her with her nightgown. After Maggie was tucked in, Alissa left her to sleep.

The day had been wonderful, and she hoped the evening would go as well. They’d avoided talking about anything that would put a damper on the day. Their dinner blessing had been one of thanksgiving, and each had added a personal prayer of thanks. Fern’s thanks had warmed Alissa’s heart, and Maggie had thanked God for bringing Alissa into her life. She couldn’t have asked for a better Thanksgiving.

Ross had spread out on the love seat, taking up the seat, so Alissa sank into a chair, studying his handsome face made more handsome by his loving spirit. He’d become a blessing in her life. They sat in silence for a while until Ross straightened and beckoned her to sit beside him.

“I didn’t tell you earlier, but I’m leaving in the morning to go to the ranch. I have some things I need to handle, and I think you’ll do better without me here during the Christmas-at-the-Inn event.”

“You’ll be gone that long?”

“It’s not that long. I’ll be back a couple of days after the event is over. Mom’s doing well, and she doesn’t need me, and you won’t have to explain me to all the visitors.”

“What do you mean, explain you? I’d love you to be here.”

He shook his head. “Fern always helps you, and since I have things to attend to, it makes sense for me to go now.”

“Is something wrong at the ranch?”

“No, everything’s great. I talked with Hersh down in San Luis Obispo. Things are going smoothly, and Diaz says everything’s fine, but I have paperwork and things to handle. I’ll be back.”

“I know. I have your mother hostage.”

He laughed, and she managed to chuckle, too, but for some strange reason, she felt concerned about his leaving. Their talk the day before had been serious enough to affect them both. Each had hopes, but each had fears. At least she did, and if Ross were honest, he’d have to admit they had big decisions to make.

❧

“Thanks, Fern. I appreciate your coming back this morning to help clean up.”

Her sister wiped another punch bowl cup and placed it in the box. “You’re welcome. I knew you were tired last night after all your visitors from the Christmas-at-the-Inn event, and that’s why I suggested we do it today.”

“The two days went well, I thought.”

Fern clasped another cup. “Very well. That cranberry apple punch was excellent. I think the lime slices added an extra zing.”

“I thought so, too.”

“And you really had a nice group,” Fern said, placing the punch cup in the storage box.

“Ticket sales were good, as usual.” She raised her shoulders in a sigh. “Looks like we’re finished. I’ll just run a dust cloth over the parlor. I saw some cookie crumbs.”

“I’ll do that. You take a break.”

Alissa eyed her sister. “Why? You’ve helped enough. Everything’s in good shape.”

“Then why do you look so tense?”

Alissa raised her shoulders. “I’m not really tense. I’m—”

Fern shook her head. “Okay. Then you’re uptight, agitated, stressed. You pick the right word.”

Alissa felt helpless. “I suppose I am.” She rested her elbow on the kitchen island and her cheek against her fist. “I have too much on my mind.”

“Ross and what else?”

She heard a hint of satire in Fern’s voice. “Ross and. . .Ross.”

Fern snorted. “So what does that mean?”

“I don’t know. I’m wondering why Ross left so abruptly and for so many days. He’s been here faithfully since his mother’s accident, and he left following a difficult discussion we had.”

Her sister moved closer and stood beside her. “He proposed, and you refused?”

She could hardly speak. “Not exactly, but he talked about our future, and I don’t see a future for us. It’s too difficult. My work is here, and his is there.”

“It’s not on the moon, Alissa. It’s a couple of hours away.”

“I know, but—”

“I thought for sure you two were in love. Are you telling me it’s one-sided?”

“No. It’s not that.”

Fern straightened and walked across the room then turned. “You’re not making sense.”

Alissa nodded. “I’m not making sense to myself.” She raised her elbows from the counter.

Fern moved closer and rested her hands on Alissa’s shoulders. “Love means giving and taking. It means compromise. I can’t believe that if you truly love each other, you can’t find a way to work through these problems.”

Alissa pulled away, irritated at her sister’s remark. “It may sound easy to you because this isn’t your business. You didn’t give up anything for this bed-and-breakfast, and I—”

“Hold on.” Fern’s eyes narrowed. “I didn’t give up anything? I beg to differ. Our mother gave you our family home so you could have this place. You sold it. You took our family memories—the only thing we had left of Mom and Dad—and sold them to strangers because you wanted a classier place. You asked me to help you here when you needed someone, the pauper sister who’d lost money because of a scam artist she fell for. Even before you knew he was a crook, you begrudged my relationship with him, and you never let me forget it with your I-told-you-so attitude. Now you’re telling me I never gave up anything.”

Tears filled Alissa’s eyes. “I never knew you felt that way about the house, Fern. I thought you resented Mom’s giving the place to me and not to you.”

“Never. I was proud you had a dream. I looked forward to being a part of it with you, but you never let me. Only after I messed up did you ask me to work part-time, and you know what happened then. I never did anything to your liking.” She held up her hand to keep Alissa from speaking. “But we’ve talked that through. It’s forgiven, and I hope soon forgotten. I love this place. I’m proud of what you’ve done. When you need me, I’m here. I’d be happy to help fill in so you could spend more time with Ross.” She lowered her hand and moved closer, her voice softening. “Alissa, I want you to be happy. At least one of us should be.”

Alissa couldn’t answer. She buried her face in her hands and wept.

Fern backed away and kept her distance for a while then drew nearer and wrapped her arm around Alissa’s shoulders. “I love you, and I’m sorry I made you cry.”

Her words of love brought Alissa another sob, and she buried her face against Fern’s shoulder. When she’d contained her tears, she raised her head. “I love you, too, with all my heart.”

“Aren’t we silly?” Fern said, shaking her head.

The look on her face made Alissa chuckle, and in a moment, they were back in each other’s arms but this time laughing.

When they had parted, Fern put her hands on her hips. “You’ve worked hard. The place looks wonderful, every room decorated. You still have cookies for the holidays. Ross should be here tomorrow. Maggie is doing well, and I’m here. Take a break. Go for a ride and think good things. And let me reassure you, Ross is a wonderful man. If he had to go away for a few days, he had good reason, and he’ll be back, loving you as much as he did when he left. So go.”

“Go where?”

Fern shrugged. “What place do you love around here? Take a walk on the pier. Go to the lighthouse. Visit Lovers’ Point.” She chuckled. “Maybe not there. Wait until Ross is back.”

“Asilomar. I’ll take a walk on the beach. I could use some fresh air, and I love it there.”

“Good, and cheer up while you’re at it.”

“I’ll put on some running shoes. I haven’t had any good exercise in a while.”

“You’d better get it now because soon you’ll have the Christmas visitors, and then you’ll be busy.”

“Thanks, Fern, and I really mean that.”

“I know you do. Now get out of here. I’ll take care of Maggie when she wakes from her nap. She’s doing so well that she astounds me.”

Alissa grinned. “Me, too, but not as much as this talk. You and I needed to have these talks years ago. I can’t believe how people waste time harboring worries and grudges.”

“Listen to yourself, Alissa. You’re talking about wasting time. You have a man who’s let you know he cares about you, and you’re worried about Butterfly Trees Inn. This place will survive longer than you’re here on earth.”

Alissa stood a moment, her sister’s words wending their way into her brain. Wasting time. That’s what she’d been doing for too long. She loved her inn, but she cherished Ross. Which was more important? She didn’t have to answer. The truth was in her heart.

As she approached the beach, Alissa’s thoughts drifted from her conversation with Fern to a conversation she’d had with Ross. He’d said trust had no buts, and yet she’d continued to allow that word to permeate her thoughts and decisions.

The beach spread out before her as she slipped from the car and walked down to the sand. Lord, clear my mind today just as the fresh air clears my lungs. Help me breathe in the truth. As the words left her, something fluttered past. A dried leaf? A monarch butterfly? Life sometimes fluttered past, and if she didn’t keep her eyes open, she’d miss something wonderful.

Her feet sank into the sand as she made her way toward the beach, and her eyes were dazzled by the sun glinting off the waves. She thought again of the monarch butterflies. Butterflies’ lives were so short, but the Lord had given monarchs seven or eight months longer to live, long enough for them to make the journey back to their ancestors’ winter home. Alissa had faith that God provided for the birds and the butterflies, as the Bible said, and He would provide for her, as well. Her heart leaped with the realization.

Why had she feared? Why had she put buts on every option? All she needed was faith and to wait patiently on the Lord’s will.

❧

Ross grinned as he headed down Highway 1. He’d been able to wrap up his business and even added a few things to his list, and he was still arriving in Pacific Grove a day early. He couldn’t wait to see Alissa’s surprised face.

Her face. He’d prayed and prayed the last few days that Alissa would see things as he did. He’d taken a leap of faith and made changes in his life, and it was almost too late to turn back. If Alissa let him down, he’d be hurt beyond belief. Still he’d resolved more than one issue since he’d left on Monday.

The radio played a love song, and Ross’s pulse did a jog. He’d turned into a real romantic since he met Alissa. She’d grabbed his heart within a few days and hadn’t let go. He whistled along with the tune, grinning to himself as he hit the town of Marina. Seaside was the next city then Monterey and Pacific Grove.

He tried to imagine what Alissa had been doing all morning. For the past two days, he knew, she’d been busy with the Christmas-at-the-Inn event. He’d avoided calling her, not wanting to lie if she asked him about his activities. Keeping secrets from her was difficult. He’d learned quickly she was a woman who wanted details.

The music cut off as a newscaster’s voice interrupted the program. “Pacific Grove police are warning residents and guests to be alert for a possible mountain lion believed active in the beach tract and Asilomar area.”

Beach tract and Asilomar. His brows tugged together with concern. He couldn’t imagine Alissa being on the beach today following the inn event when she’d have cleaning up to do; however, an active mountain lion could wander around the beachfront homes, and he suspected she hadn’t bothered to turn on the TV or radio.

The newscaster continued. “If you come upon a mountain lion, do not run. Face the animal and look into his eyes. Move slowly and make yourself appear as large as you can by standing on your tiptoes or spreading a jacket wider. Mountain lions will not attack if they believe they are in danger. These animals usually attack the head or neck, so avoid crouching, bending over, or sitting in lion country, especially if you are alone. These animals have been considered protected mammals in California since 1990, so their population has grown in the last eighteen years.”

Though he’d hoped to surprise Alissa with his early return, Ross tossed the idea aside and pulled out his cell phone. He punched Alissa’s speed dial number, his ear pressed to the receiver.

“Butterfly Trees Inn.”

A charge of disappointment struck him. “Fern, this is Ross. Could I speak to Alissa?”

“Sorry, Ross. She’s not here. She didn’t take her cell phone either, because I see it on the registration desk.”

“Is she shopping? I thought she’d be there today.”

“We cleaned up the place, and your mom is napping, so she decided to get some exercise on the beach.”

His heart flew to his throat. “The beach? Which one?”

“Is something wrong?”

“Which one?”

“She mentioned Asilomar.”

“No.”

“What’s wrong?”

“A mountain lion’s been spotted in that area.”

“What should I do, Ross?”

“I’m on my way. You stay put. I’ll head over there.”

“I’ll be praying,” Fern said, her voice tense.

“Thanks. So will I.”

Ross flipped the cell closed and tossed it on the passenger seat. “Lord, please keep her safe. There’s a lot of beach, and I might be silly here, but I can’t take chances. I love this woman. You know that because You can see into my heart. Thank You, Jesus, for Your protection.”

He gripped the steering wheel and pressed his foot firmer against the accelerator. If he got a ticket, so be it. Then he’d have a police escort. . .at least he hoped.

When he hit the beach tract, he watched the road but glanced along the shoreline, his heart thundering. Maybe he was being foolish. Of all the people in the world, why would Alissa be the one to be on the beach at the very moment a mountain lion had also decided to wander along the shoreline?

The road curved, and he spotted the lighthouse and slowed. Traffic had thinned, so he took his time, even pulling off the road to scan the horizon. Fern had mentioned Asilomar, so he stepped on the gas and made his way to the Asilomar area. He parked on Sunset Drive, as close as he could get to the water, then spotted Alissa’s sedan and knew he was in the right place.

Ross made his way toward the beach, his eyes shifting from right to left in search of a possible mountain lion. When he reached the crest of a grassy area, he spotted a lone figure running along the mile stretch of sand. Alissa! He recognized her shape and her buttery blond hair glowing in the early afternoon sun. She paused and stretched her arms upward, jogging in place.

He opened his mouth to call but thought better of it and stood at the higher point to scan the area. Below him on a lower crest, he saw a movement, or had it been sand swirling in the breeze? No. He narrowed his eyes. Something sand-colored moved forward. The mountain lion! Ross watched as the lion crouched in the mix of sand and grass, facing Alissa.

With his heart racing, Ross tried to remember what the newscaster had said. Although he knew the rules for encountering a dangerous animal, his senses had frozen and his mind reeled with fear. Recollection hit him. Convince the lion Alissa wasn’t prey, but how could he do that? As his gaze darted toward Alissa, he noticed her sink Indian-style into the sand. No! His stomach churned. She’d chosen the worst position she could be in. As he snapped his head toward the lion, it crouched lower to the ground and began inching forward.

Alissa, please stand. Lord, give her an instinct to stand. She remained seated, still, her head bent forward as if in thought or prayer. Stand up, Alissa.

God, help me. As the prayer left him, the answer came. His only course of action was to draw the lion’s attention to him. He could reach his car faster than Alissa. He closed his eyes and began to slip off his jacket; then in the loudest voice he could summon, he screamed toward the lion.