Reggie stepped out of the truck and was met with a hug from Dylan’s sister. Reggie noticed Joni’s red eyes and nose, but said nothing. Maybe, she’d had a fight with Richard about Reggie staying the night.
After the long drive, she certainly couldn’t insist Dylan drive her back to Cleveland. He’d been the one who suggested she stay over with his sister again, but she hadn’t meant to cause a problem. She would visit for a minute and then call a cab to take her back to Alexis’s apartment.
“You two are going to be the death of me. I couldn’t believe it when you called me from West Virginia and told me what happened. Mom said you had to go out of town, but not why.” Joni went from one to the other hugging them. “I had no idea.”
“We’re fine, sis. Just a little tired. What’s wrong with you?”
She looked away for a moment, but turned back with a smile. “Nothing. I’m just glad you two—”
“Don’t tell me nothing. With a nose like Rudolph. That means you’ve either been crying, or eating hot peppers.”
“I never could hide anything from you.” She hugged her brother. “We’re drowning in bills. Richard’s hours were cut at the factory again. We’re going to be a little short this month, but we’ll get by.”
“God has a way of providing.” Dylan assured her.
Joni sighed. “I know. I know. I just wish He’d let me in on the plan, especially with Christmas coming.”
“I could use some help on the farm.” Dylan offered.
“Liar. The last thing you need is another farm hand in the winter.” Joni punched her brother. “Forget it, we’ll manage. Let’s eat. I’ve got some food ready. Everyone else is at the evening service so it will be quiet.”
Joni bustled around her kitchen while Reggie and Dylan took turns telling her about the past few days. Dylan grabbed a piece of fried chicken as soon as she set the platter in front of him. Along with the chicken were mashed potatoes, noodles, and broccoli.
“I can’t believe what you’ve been through. It must have been horrible.” Looking at Reggie, Joni shook her head.
“It was bad, but thanks to Dylan, I lived through it.” Reggie’s eyes filled with tears and she patted Dylan’s hand. “You have an amazing brother.”
“That’s my baby brother. I’m so proud of him.”
“Let’s end this meeting of my fan club,” Dylan told them as he scooped a second helping of noodles on his plate.
“And humble, too.” Joni jumped up and hugged Reggie. “I’m so glad everything turned out OK and that you’re safe. You can have our room again.”
“But—”
“No arguing. I know you’re exhausted and no reason to go back to your apartment tonight. Are you going to show her the farm tomorrow?”
Dylan shrugged. “I hadn’t thought about it.” He looked over at Reggie.
“Sounds fun.” Reggie nodded.
Dylan had been so wonderful to her, the least she could do was to show interest in his life.
“Good, we’ll come over after I get the kids off to school.” Joni stood and began to clear the dishes.
“I guess that’s my hint that it’s time to go.” Dylan stood.
“Such a smart boy, you are.” Joni winked at Reggie who laughed.
As Dylan was leaving, Reggie watched brother and sister hugging each other. It was obvious how much they loved each other. What would it have been like to have a brother or a sister growing up? It occurred to her, if Billy was right about Stanley Federer, she did have siblings. She brushed away the thought. Stanley Federer’s family had nothing to do with her.
“I’ll give you a moment.” Joni smiled and walked back in the kitchen, leaving Dylan and her alone.
“Dylan, I don’t know—”
He took a step towards her and her pulse raced. “Don’t say it. I’m glad I could help.” He leaned down and his lips brushed her cheek, leaving a tingle in their wake. “See you in the morning.” He turned and walked out the door.
When Reggie walked in the kitchen, Joni wiped tears from her eyes with the corner of her apron.
“You must hate me for putting Dylan in so much danger the past few days.” Reggie couldn’t blame her.
“Not in the least, Reggie.” She sputtered a denial. “God knew Dylan was the man to protect you, and besides Dylan’s never been one to play it safe. A warrior needs adventures from time to time.”
“Dylan told me about Daniella.”
“He took it so hard. He felt as if he should have known, but she didn’t tell us. It took a long time for him to come to terms with the fact it wasn’t his fault.”
“I think it’s part of the reason, he’s determined to keep me safe.”
“And besides, God brought the two of you together for a reason.”
“That’s what I keep hearing.” Reggie said with a smile.
“Tell me about your faith, or is that too personal of a question?”
She didn’t have any to speak of, and it was hard to admit that to Joni. “It’s not, but what I’d really like is to go out and look at some of your art, if that’s not too personal.”
“Touché.” Joni laughed. “Aren’t you too tired?”
“I need to unwind a bit if I’m ever going to get to sleep.”
Joni squeezed her hand. “Well, if you need something to make you sleepy, my painting might be just the thing.”
****
Reggie punched her pillow. As exhausted as she was, her mind wouldn’t slow down enough to let sleep come. Finally, she gave up and let her thoughts drift. It took only a moment for them to land on Dylan.
She’d never met a man like him before. She thought he was a simple farmer, but he was so much more than that. Sweet, funny, and smart, and he’d risked his life for her without a second thought. And hadn’t even tried to get her into bed.
A part of her screamed to go for it, but the more practical part listed the reasons why a relationship would never work. He would never fit in with her lifestyle. Her friends would think him crazy when he started talking about God. Her face flushed with embarrassment. Her friends wouldn’t understand...she sighed. She didn’t know what to think.
In spite of the horror of the weekend, she’d met some wonderful people. Dylan, his family, Billy Clyde, and Theresa. If they were what Christians were like, religion might not be such a bad thing. In fact, at the moment it seemed like a pretty good thing.
Finally, she drifted off to sleep.