Chapter Fifteen

Nicole strolled up to the shelter’s table where Sam sat with others. He grinned at her lazily, which set her heart pounding. As odd as it sounded, having him around made her feel safe—like no matter what happened in her life…if Sam were there things would be okay.

“Hello, Nicole. I’m sure you know all the boys?” He gestured toward a few of her friends from the shelter.

Her gaze followed his strong forearms as he crossed them over his chest. He looked so fine her head felt as if it had filled with airy bubbles. Dryness swept down her throat, yet she managed a little nod.

“The doc, is gonna help us,” Gus piped up with a wide grin.

“Help?” she asked, pretending she didn’t know what was going on.

“They asked for some dental work. Isn’t that surprising?”

She wanted to give a quick comeback, but she couldn’t with all the bubbles floating in her brain. Besides, all along she’d hoped he’d offer to help with their dental needs. Finally she managed to squeak out, “Oh.”

He gave her a sidelong glance with a knowing smile.

“He’s a great guy, don’t you think?” Gus asked.

She had a hard time keeping her gaze on Gus, knowing Sam had seen right through her.

Sam wrinkled his forehead. “Are you all right, Nicole? You look flushed.”

Of course she was flushed. Her mind was focused on his smile, and the casual but caring way he talked to people. “I’m fine, really. But I think we should be heading back soon.”

Sam stood. “She’s right. I need to finish painting the house trim before it gets dark. I hear it’s supposed to rain quite a bit this week and I want to get the painting done before I leave.”

The mention of his inevitable departure cooled her heated flesh. She averted her eyes so her disappointment wouldn’t show.

Frank jumped to his feet. “Trim. I can do that. Let’s go, boys. Let’s get that place painted for Dr. Morgan.”

Gus and Frank were followed by a small band of ragtag merry men as they headed for the door. Joshua skipped behind them.

Less than a second later, a set of heavy footsteps hammered across the homeless shelter’s wooden floors. “My goodness, those boys are going to be mighty hungry once they get done with all that painting. I better stop at Wyman’s. Now what am I going to need…?” Regina’s voice trailed off as she headed for the front door.

Sam touched Nicole’s elbow. “Come along, Miss James. Something tells me my dental patients are going to need a little supervision.”

She bit her lip. She knew he used her formal name because she had set him up to help the guys. “Sorry,” she croaked.

He just winked as they strolled out the door.

Chaos greeted them when they arrived at Grace House. Gus and Frank argued about who was going to paint the trim on the front of the house and who was going to start on the back. Two others were playing rock, paper, scissors for the best paint brush.

Nicole was just about ready to take control when Sam lightly put his hands on her shoulders. “Let me take care of this. Please go and make some lemonade. We’re going to need a lot of fluids before we’re finished.”

Though it was tough for her to give up the reins when it came to Grace House, she decided to be a good soldier and follow orders. Fifteen minutes later, she came out with several pitchers of lemonade and found the group laughing, chattering and working in an orderly manner.

Regina returned with Deek Johnson, whose arms were loaded with groceries from Wyman’s. “You go put those groceries in the pantry. I’ll be there in a minute,” Regina ordered.

Deek tipped his head to Nicole in greeting before he went inside.

“Isn’t this fantastic?” Regina beamed. “With Sam around, this place is fast becoming the beautiful Victorian she once was.”

Nicole placed the lemonade on the table. “I know. I have to make sure I get to the bank tomorrow so I can pay Sam for the paint.”

“Good luck getting him to take it. He picked up some groceries for me on Friday and he wouldn’t take any cash for them either.”

“Well, he’s going to take money for the paint whether he likes it or not.”

Regina just shook her head. “Don’t think that will happen. Oh, can Deek help? Mr. Wyman said he didn’t have to return to work ’cause they’re not that busy.”

Nicole appreciated Deek’s help, but hearing about the bad business at Wyman’s filled her with sorrow. She frowned. How long before Deek didn’t have a job either? “Why not? Send him around back when he’s finished in the kitchen.”

Regina left, then Nicole shielded her eyes from the afternoon sun, trying to locate Sam. She found him standing by a back window with Joshua at his side, teaching the child how to make even brush strokes. Sam’s patience warmed her more deeply than the bright sun above them. The two of them belong here, in Golden Ridge. Why, oh why, can’t he see it?

Gus came over and she poured a lemonade. “Sam sure is a great guy. Thanks for bringing him by the shelter today.”

She brushed a lock of hair off her face. “Oh, he thinks you’re pretty awesome yourself. After all, you’re helping me out. It would take Sam and me days to do all this trim and it looks like it’s going to be done today.”

“Aw, it’s nothing compared to everything you’ve done for us at the shelter. Besides, the boys and I all want to see what’s going to happen next between you and the fine doctor.”

The meaning of his words hit her brain like an electric shock. “There’s nothing going on between Sam and me. I’m just helping him get reacquainted with Joshua.”

At that moment Sam looked over, waved and gave a heart-stopping smile. She caught herself grinning back. Gus laughed so hard his glass shook in his hand and lemonade splashed over the sides.

“You better get your eyes checked if you think that smile isn’t packed with something more than friendship. As I said, me and the boys can’t wait for act two.”

Nicole scanned the men’s faces. A few nodded when she made eye contact. Others just kept working. Surely Gus was wrong. Sam didn’t have any feelings for her. They had one thing in common and one thing only—Joshua. And when Joshua left that would change. Soon she would only have Regina and Grace House. She’d have to be content with that no matter how much her heart ached.

It was well after seven o’clock before the last man left, but a full day’s work had been completed. The trim around all of Grace House’s windows was a sunshiny yellow. Every worker left with a hearty meal in their bellies and the spirit of joy and generosity in their hearts. After cleaning up the dinner dishes, Regina and Joshua retired to the parlor to watch a little TV before bedtime.

“Come on, let’s grab one more lemonade,” Sam said to Nicole.

She filled two glasses then followed him out to sit on the front porch swing with her glass in hand. They swung back and forth, enjoying their drinks and watching the setting sun burst into heavenly gold and orange before it slipped away.

Sam took a healthy sip then put his glass on the window ledge. He stretched his arms and cupped his hands behind his head. Nicole quickly took a drink. She noticed his well-formed biceps and a knot settled in her throat.

“I really enjoyed myself today,” he said. “It was nice to have help and nice to be needed.”

She furrowed her brows. “What are you talking about? You’ve been working on Grace House for well over a week. If that’s not being needed then I don’t know what is. By the way, I’m paying for the paint.”

“Forget it. It’s a donation to Grace House.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. Your work is more than donation enough.”

“I’m just doing that to soften you up. So you’ll think I’m a great guy.” He flashed one of his handsome grins before he dropped his arm behind her on the swing. His fingers lightly grazed her shoulder. Her stomach flip-flopped; her heart started to flutter.

She leaned forward, trying to relax her jangling nerves. “What do you mean?”

Sam’s chestnut eyes became smoky. “I wonder what you think of me.”

Her stomach rolled over again. She took another sip of her lemonade. “I-I do think you’re okay.”

“Thanks. I know how hard it was for you to say that.” He reached over, his fingers grazing hers as he took the glass from her hand and placed it on the ledge next to his. “You were really wonderful today.”

“How could I be wonderful if I tricked you into donating time and paint and your dental services to Gus and the guys?”

His fingers lightly caressed her shoulder again; his eyes fixed on where the sun had set.

He doesn’t even know what he’s doing and he certainly doesn’t know what his touch is doing to my nerves.

His gaze flipped to her face. “I’m talking about how you took the time to talk to everyone while they were painting. You made them feel special.”

“Of course I would talk to all of them. They were helping me out. I am eternally in their debt.” She wondered what he would say if he knew what Gus said earlier… “Not to mention you and all the money you’ve spent on Grace House. I promise I’ll pay you back.”

Sam continued his absentminded stroking of her shoulder. “Don’t worry about that. Let’s just say were even. Gus told me that for months you’ve been giving extra clothes and food to the homeless shelter, but above all, that you always take the time to listen to them. That’s better than any physical gift. That’s what makes you special.”

“Oh stop. There are many volunteers that do the same things I do, and more.

Everyone came here today because of you.”

He shook his head. “You gave them a sense of self-worth. You’re a very special lady. You know, ISCOP not only needs doctors, they need teachers, people like you, willing to help the less fortunate.”

Her jumpy insides grew cold. She turned so she could look into his eyes, praying what she was hearing wasn’t true. “Are you trying to talk me into leaving Golden Ridge?”

“I’m saying Golden Ridge is changing and even though you’re fighting to keep things the same, in a couple of years this will be a trendy vacation spot, and the homeless shelter and the Main Street you love will be gone. The vacationers and second homeowners will come from St. Louis and transform this place. I can’t see how you, Regina and Grace House will fit in that picture.”

Mistrust rippled through her body. Could he be working with William Pendleton after all? Could everything he’d done and said been a ploy to throw her off her guard? “You can’t mean that?”

“Of course I mean it. You can’t stop this. It’s too big. It’s progress. Maybe Pendleton won’t get Grace House this time, but down the road someone else will. I’m not saying this to be cruel. I’m just stating a fact.” He rested his hand on her shoulder, but she bumped it off.

“No. You’re wrong. And you should want to help preserve this town, to keep it a great place to bring up children. But instead, you choose to cut and run, dragging your son from a wonderful life.”

He gave out an exasperated sigh and looked at her like she was a petulant child. “Nicole, you can have an exciting life seeing the world and do a whole lot more good in many, many different places.”

Though he spoke calmly, his words slapped her hard. Even though he’d deny it, it was clear he found her life here of little use. She stood. “I’m never leaving Golden Ridge. It’s my home. And if you opened your eyes you’d see this is the best place to raise Joshua. Now if you’ll excuse me. I have to get Joshua ready for bed.”

Tears stung her eyes as she left him sitting on the swing. She’d prayed God would change his heart, but it was still hard.

Oh God, heal his heart and return him to the faith. Then maybe, just maybe, he’ll see this is the place where he is really needed. But deep down she knew even if Sam became a Christian again, that wouldn’t make him stay.