19

Hayley’s heart slammed against her ribs as her breath caught. She flinched when Trevor grasped her arm.

“You OK?” His voice rumbled in her ear.

She turned, sure her face exposed her shock, and stared into his eyes. So close, she could feel his breath on her face. He didn’t know about her baby. He’d meant Bella, of course. Embarrassment slid into something else, something warm and wonderful and…Roscoe barked, and Hayley pulled back with a twinge of regret.

Trevor straightened and scowled at the dog.

Then his hand moved to the small of her back, and its heat penetrated the bulky work coat. Hayley leaned into his strength for a moment, until the barn scent reminded her of chores that waited. She shifted, putting some space between them. “The cows…” Hayley glanced up as his eyes refocused on her.

“Yeah…right.” He exhaled. “Don’t want you to fall, though. The path can be tricky in the dark, even with the yard light.” He drew her close to his side, his arm around her waist.

It wasn’t that dark yet, but Hayley basked in his warmth. The chill of the night disappeared as Hayley matched her steps to Trevor’s. Or rather, he matched his to hers. A true gentleman. If her friends from her former life could see her now, they would be shocked. They’d never understand her eagerness to muck out barn stalls and check cows and calves. Well, maybe they would…if they met Trevor. On second thought, she was glad they weren’t here. The shameless flirts. Trevor was hers. Hayley stumbled again. Where had that thought come from? Her cheeks flamed as Trevor tugged her closer. Good thing he couldn’t read her mind.

“Careful. We’re almost to the barn, and I’ll switch on the lights. Guess you’re not used to dark pathways. But after we finish chores, I want to show you something. In the dark.”

Hayley couldn’t read his expression. His eyes seemed to glow, or was it a reflection from the yard light? What could he be planning? She shivered, whether from trepidation or anticipation, she wasn’t sure. Maybe a little of both. As soon as they reached the barnyard, Hayley searched the dimly lit area for Bella, “her” calf. There she was, close to her mama, Molly. Bella seemed bigger already, and warmth filled Hayley’s chest. She grinned. She was in love—with a tiny heifer calf.

Trevor’s breath tickled her ear. “New life is amazing, isn’t it?” His voice dropped even lower. “I still can’t believe you turned a calf, but there she is, healthy and growing. Thanks to you.”

Hayley wanted to turn toward him, but they stood so close, he might think she was inviting him to kiss her. She stifled a sigh. A kiss would be…frustrating. Because Trevor would be leaving for Toronto in less than a week. She shrugged off the longing and stepped away from the tall temptation beside her. “I’m getting cold. Let’s get this done, OK?”

“Right.”

A short time later, the cows and their offspring were checked and the other chores accomplished.

Hayley hung the pitchfork on the wall and grinned at Trevor. “That didn’t take long.”

“We work well together. You’re becoming quite the farm hand.” He took a step toward her, and his smile faded into something softer.

Hayley’s heart rate increased.

But he stopped more than an arm’s reach away, his expression hooded. “Will you come with me, or are you too cold?”

He’d said he had something to show her. In the dark. A shiver worked its way up her spine.

Trevor held out his hand, and Hayley grasped it. Without another word, he led her out of the barn and further from the house. He held the flashlight in front of them and pulled her close to his side.

“I won’t let you fall.”

Too late. She was already falling—for him. Even though it was hopeless. “I know. You’re a good man, Trevor Hiebert.” Timing was everything, and hers was way off. He turned toward her, but she couldn’t read his expression in the dark.

He led the way to a barbed wire fence far from the house, where the barn blocked the yard light’s glow. Trevor stepped on the lower wire and pulled the middle one upwards. “Careful. Bend low, and try not to get caught on the barbs. I’ll follow you.”

She bent over, lifted one leg to put it through the opening, and lost her balance. Trevor grabbed her arm, and she could hear a smile in his voice.

“Not quite a farm girl yet.” He stood firm as she ducked through the fence like an ungraceful dancer.

Carefully, not quite sure she’d cleared the barbs, she stood. Unscathed. “I did it!” She barely restrained a fist pump. Hayley’s face warmed, and she breathed a prayer of thanks for the darkness.

“Good job. Now hold the light while I come through.”

A moment later, Trevor stood by her side and reached for the flashlight. “Stay close, and watch out for cow pies. We’re almost there.”

“Um, do you have bulls here?”

Trevor swung the flashlight in a small arc, sidestepping now and then. “Nope. Used to, but now it’s easier to rent one. Why?”

“I just don’t want to run into one. I’ve heard they can be dangerous.”

“That’s one reason we don’t have any.” He stopped, turned in a circle, and tugged on her hand. “This will do. Come here, lean on me so you don’t lose your balance, and look up.”

Hayley snuggled against his ribs, and caught her breath when his arms wrapped around her.

His warm baritone sounded above her head. “I’ve got you. Tilt your head back.” He switched off the light.

Hayley closed her eyes to quicken their adjustment. She’d seen stars before, but she’d look at them with this guy. Any time. Even though he was determined to leave, she’d cherish this moment. And pray he’d return. To her and to God. Hayley lifted her chin, and let her head rest against Trevor’s chest. Nice. Solid. Tantalizing.

“Now look.”

How had he known her eyes were closed? She opened her eyes. And gasped. Dancing curtains of green, orange and white undulated across the blackness. “Northern lights. Amazing.” She whispered as though in a cathedral, enraptured by the heaven’s display. “I’ve never seen them like this, so bright and colorful against a dark sky.” She reached heavenward. “They look close enough to touch.”

“They do, don’t they?” Trevor’s arms tightened. “I understand the scientific explanation, but to me, they’re magical.”

Trevor’s woodsy scent enveloped her. His muscular arms enfolded her, as the heavenly light cast their spell. She wanted to dance with him, up there in the magical night sky. “They are. Like an amazing gift from the Creator.”

Trevor froze.

~*~

Why’d she have to bring God into it? He glanced at the woman in his arms and then stared at the sky. He felt a different kind of longing, to share her faith and the peace she’d found.

The colorful light show swirled above them in spectacular choreography until two lines of green intersected—like a cross.

“Trevor, look! Is it a sign from God? For us?”

His mouth opened in wonder. He knew God existed; that just made sense. But what if he’d been wrong about Him? Could God care about him? Enough to send a sign? What did it mean?

Hayley squirmed, and he loosened his grip. But instead of moving away, she turned to face him. Her bare hands reached up to cradle his face, their touch sending frissons up and down his backbone. Her jade eyes widened, hypnotizing him, and her mouth trembled. “Thank you, Trevor.” She pulled his face down and touched her lips to his. Warmth. Sweetness. Enchantment. Desire.

Trevor clasped Hayley tighter, one hand moving up to the back of her head as he deepened the kiss. She tasted like cinnamon. Smelled like peaches. Her slender body molded to his as her arms slid around his neck. Time and gravity suspended.

His heart threatened to pound out of his chest when Hayley pulled back with a gasp. Trevor loosened his grip with reluctance. He thudded back to earth. And wanted to fly again.

“Oh…” Her voice sounded as shaky as he felt. “I can’t even think straight.”

Trevor touched his forehead to hers. “I’ve wanted to do that ever since our first date. Maybe since we met.” His voice trembled, too. He took a deep breath and stepped back without releasing Hayley. “Are you all right?”

“Yeah. More than.” She traced his face with one finger, leaving flames in its wake. “I wish…”

“What?”

“I don’t know.” She sighed, a mournful sound that echoed in his heart. “I…I wish you knew Jesus, and I wish you’d stay.”

He crushed her to him and whispered against her hair. “I do too. But I can’t.”