7

Lauren sat on the edge of her bed and stretched her arms over her head. What an amazing sleep, even after an unexpected nap the previous evening. She smiled at the memory of opening her eyes to find Justin gazing down at her. Warmth slid through her at the memory. She was on dangerous ground. His smile was disarming, and the way he gazed into her eyes melted something inside her. She needed to be more careful. She couldn’t be involved with someone who had no interest in God.

She washed and dressed and headed to the kitchen to put on some coffee. If Justin wasn’t awake, she didn’t want to disturb him. There was enough time for a cup of coffee before skiing into town for the early service.

A note lay on the kitchen table next to Justin’s phone. She picked it up and read:

Lauren,

Thanks for a wonderful day yesterday. If you don’t mind, would you please send a message to my sister, Sarah? You’ll find her in my contacts. Please tell her I’m not being a jerk and ignoring her, and please tell her I’ll text her when I am able.

Sorry to ask more of you, but I don’t want her to worry. Thanks for your help.

Justin

Lauren pocketed his phone, downed her coffee, and bundled up for the trip. She skied into town and found nearly all the roads were plowed. All except the road up into the mountains leading into her cabin community. In spite of her better judgment, her spirits lifted. Justin wouldn’t leave yet. Was it wise, to spend more time with a man who was merely there because he was trapped?

The church, while small, was warm and cozy, and the peaceful memories of attending this church with her grandparents filled Lauren’s soul. In two days, she’d be back for the Christmas Eve service. She listened to the pastor, lifted her voice in song with the other residents who’d made the trek, and prayed, thanking God for the blessings in her life.

After church, she crossed the street to the café, ordered a blueberry muffin and coffee, and typed the password to Justin’s phone. Sure enough, there was another missed call from Sarah, and some angry texts from Jessica. She started writing a text to Sarah, but realized it wasn’t a simple explanation why he didn’t return her call. It was easier to call her.

“Justin? It’s about time you called back.”

“Hi, Sarah. My name is Lauren, and I have a message for you from Justin.”

“Why can’t he call me himself?”

“It’s a long story. He’s fine, but Friday night he was in a car accident.”

A gasp sounded on the other end of the phone. “And now he can’t talk? Oh, my goodness! What hospital are you calling from?”

“He’s not in the hospital. Please, give me a minute to explain.”

“Um, OK. Who did you say this was again? Are you his doctor?”

“I’m Lauren, and I’m a nurse, but, well, let me explain.”

“Sorry, yes. Please go on,” Sarah said.

“Justin came up to the mountains to visit his friend Eric at his cabin. His car slid on the slippery road and crashed into a tree next to my cabin. He just got some bumps and bruises and a partially dislocated kneecap.”

“That doesn’t sound so bad,” Sarah said. “But I don’t understand why he can’t talk.”

“There’s no cell signal at the cabin. The roads are still closed. I cross-country skied into town to go to church this morning, so he asked me to call you when I got a signal. Once the roads are cleared, he’ll get out. He wanted me to tell you the situation so you wouldn’t think he was ignoring your calls.”

“Wow. Well, I guess he wouldn’t stoop so low as to make all that up, but I suppose he will be conveniently stranded through Christmas.” Sarah’s voice took on a harsh tone.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if the roads are clear by tonight, or by tomorrow at the latest. He should be able to be there for Christmas.”

“Will he visit Dad?” Resignation colored Sarah’s tone.

Lauren bit her lip. “I don’t know. I let him know you asked. I don’t want to get in the middle of a family argument.”

“You’re right. I’m sorry. You shouldn’t be in the middle of this. It’s nice of you to let him stay with your family. I’m sure he feels bad to be a burden.”

“It’s just me, and he hasn’t been a burden at all.”

Sarah’s voice kicked up a notch. “You mean my brother crashed into the cabin of a single woman who’s nice enough to call his sister for him?” She paused for a moment. “Can I ask you a personal question?”

“I guess so,” Lauren said.

“Are you, in fact, single, and are you under retirement age?”

Lauren laughed. “Yes, and yes. In fact, I’m two years younger than Justin. Why?”

“Because you said you went to church this morning. Any woman who goes to church, is kind enough to take Justin in, and call me for him, must be a good influence. My brother needs a good influence in his life.” She sighed. “I wish he would go to church. We’ll be going in a few minutes.”

Interesting. “Is there anything you’d like me to tell Justin while I still have a captive audience?”

“Well, you probably won’t convince him to go to church, but he might listen to you about something else.”

“Go on.”

“Our dad has terminal cancer. This is our last Christmas with him. Dad realizes he doesn’t have much time left, and he wants to make things right with Justin. Whenever I suggest Justin should visit Dad, he shuts down. Maybe you could get him to talk about it? I’d love for Dad to see him for Christmas.”

Lauren rubbed her hand against the back of her neck. “I’ll try, but he has no interest in talking about your father. What happened there?”

“It’s not for me to tell. If Justin wants you to know, he’ll tell you.” Sarah covered the phone, and a muffled voice called out “I’ll be right there!” More clearly, Sarah’s voice came through the phone. “I’m sorry, I’ve got to go. My husband is trying to dress our two-year-old for church, and she’s not happy about it. Thanks so much for calling. I hope God touches Justin’s heart this Christmas. Take care.”

“Thanks, Sarah. It was nice talking with you.”

Lauren disconnected and fingered Justin’s phone, fighting the temptation to delve into his personal life. She knew too much already for a man who’d be out of her life in a day or two. She couldn’t become attached to a man with such little disregard for his father or for God. But it was too late. She already was connected to the man. She put Justin’s phone back in her pocket, broke her muffin in pieces, and popped a bite in her mouth.

Silently eating, she gazed out the window, following the passers-by in this small mountain town. The town where people knew one another by name, and smiled to others on the street. A far cry from her life in the city. She couldn’t live like this forever, but it was a welcome reprieve from job hunting. Her pulse definitely slowed down when she was here. Well, except for when Justin was around. She shook off the thought and finished her muffin. After her last swig of coffee, her phone vibrated in her pocket, startling her. She pulled it out. Stacey. She accepted the video call. “You checking up on me?”

“Of course. You can’t leave me hanging. I knew you’d be in town this morning for church. Am I catching you before or after?”

“After.”

“Great. Plenty of time to tell me all about Mr. Stranded Hot Guy.”

“Stacey, this isn’t helping.”

“What do you mean? Isn’t it going well? Is he not interested?”

“I’m not sure. He might be, but…”

“But what? You like him, he likes you…”

“I’m not sure he’s the type of guy I should be with. He’s not interested in God, and he’s not big on family, either. Both of those things are super important to me.”

Stacey visibly deflated. “Oh. I guess that’s why you’re in town alone. He didn’t want to go to church with you. Not a good sign.”

“Honestly, he couldn’t come to church with me. I’m still skiing in.”

Stacey perked up. “Well, he can go with you once the roads are clear.”

“Stace, once the roads are clear, he’ll leave. He’ll go back to his life, and I’ll go back to my empty apartment, and try to find a new job.”

“Oh, honey, I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. I’m fine. I came up to the cabin for some peace and quiet, and time alone with God, and once Justin leaves, I’ll get it.” A wave of loneliness washed over her. “I better get back. Thanks for calling, but this will be over almost as quickly as it began.”

“Sorry, Lauren. I hope you’re wrong about him. Call me when you get back and we’ll go for lunch.”

“Will do. Take care.”

~*~

From the comfort of bed, Justin heard the front door close. Lauren must be on her way to church already. Good thing he left the note last night. He didn’t want Sarah to think he was completely blowing her off. Sure, she nagged, but she meant well. She was always the peacemaker.

He rolled out of bed and tested his knee. Not too bad. He removed the wrapping and tried bending it. Still a little sore, but doable. Good. Still, he grabbed the cane and hobbled to the kitchen where fresh coffee sat in the pot. Bless Lauren for her kindness. He poured out a cup and surveyed the cabin.

The last time Lauren left him alone here, he read the Bible. He wasn’t sure he wanted to do that again, so he did a little exploring. He’d seen most of the place already; the living room with the fireplace, the kitchen, the bathroom, and the room where he slept, but he hadn’t been beyond “his” room.

Carrying his mug in one hand and the cane in the other, he pushed open Lauren’s door with his right foot. It swung open easily, and the scent of her washed over him. A twinge of guilt at invading her privacy niggled at the back of his mind, but this was only a vacation cabin for her. How much privacy could he be invading? Then he saw it, right on her bedside table. A journal.

He moved away from the door and back to the kitchen where he drained the mug and placed it in the sink. There would be time to wash it later. He tried to sit back in the living room, but the journal called to him. Did she write about him? The curiosity was overwhelming. He shouldn’t do it, but…

Moving back to Lauren’s room, he perched on the edge of her bed, picked up the journal and opened it.

December 15th.

Nick and I broke up tonight. It’s funny–I don’t think either of us planned to when we first got to the restaurant, but by the end of our conversation, it was clear we don’t want the same things out of life. I talked to Stacey afterwards, of course, and she wasn’t surprised. Said we never had a “spark.” Maybe I should run all potential dates by her first, ha ha.

I thought I’d be more upset about it–we dated for nearly six months. I guess I was never in too deep. It’s hard to be devastated by a breakup with someone you’re not emotionally invested in. Still, we had some good times together.

With Mom and Dad leaving for the cruise tomorrow, I guess I’ll sign up to work the Christmas shift at the hospital. That should make one of the other nurses happy.

Well, at least she was being honest about her feelings for Nick. Justin flipped forward a couple of pages, hoping to find something about himself in the pages.

December 17th.

I can’t believe it. I’m out of work. Martin called a bunch of us together and told us the budget cuts meant they cut staff by 10%. I’m the least senior nurse in the trauma unit. Wow. I didn’t see that coming. God, please help me get through this and help me find another job. Guess I’m alone for Christmas this year.

Justin hurt for Lauren. She was a gifted nurse, compassionate, caring… He flipped forward a couple more pages.

December 20.

I’m so glad I came to the cabin. I’m already at peace. God, thank You for this place, and for the wonderful memories of Grandma and Pop filling the cabin. I’m going to celebrate an old-fashioned Christmas here. Funny, I’m excited to spend the next week or two here on my own. Skiing, tobogganing, walking around town, and quiet time with no one but God. It will be heavenly. Getting away from the hectic pace of the city is exactly what I need.

Justin turned the page. Nothing else. December 20th. Today was the 23rd. He’d crashed the evening of the 21st. She had written nothing since he crashed into her life. Nothing since she said all she wanted was to be alone. She didn’t have time to write because she’d spent all her time with him. He had to get out of here. The best way to thank her was by allowing her the peace and quiet she wanted. Disgusted with himself for invading her privacy, Justin placed the journal back on the end table and returned to the living room.

Lauren was so caring, so honest. Everything she told him was as she’d written in her private journal. He was a complete stranger who upended her plans. She took him in, fed him, skied to Eric’s place, took his messages, and all he did was interrupt her quiet time. He was such a jerk. He didn’t deserve her. Not one bit. His gaze fell on the Bible again. Was there something there to help him?

He flipped it open to where he left off the previous day. Luke 6. When he got to verse 27, it stopped him with an abrupt jolt.

Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.

If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back.

He wasn’t Lauren’s enemy, but this was the way she acted towards him. She did good expecting nothing in return. Was this how God wanted him to treat his father? He didn’t have the strength. How could anyone be expected to live up to such a standard? He sat pondering the words for a long time, his memories of years past parading through his brain.

Lauren came through the door.

He pushed aside the excitement rising at seeing her again. If he didn’t think he deserved her before, he was convinced of it now. “How was church?” he asked, as Lauren pulled off her outerwear.

He was rewarded with a thousand-watt smile. “Lovely. Thanks for asking. That little church has more spirit than one hundred bigger ones. The people are so genuine. I can’t wait to go back for Christmas Eve.”

“Not too long to wait; it’s tomorrow night.”

“I wish you could come with me.” Her smile dropped. Was it because she didn’t think he’d go along? To bring her smile back, he’d go. No, that was the last thing he needed to do. He couldn’t string her along. Time to change the subject.

“How are the roads?”

Lauren plopped in the chair across from him. “Everything is clear except the road leading up the mountain. I expect it will be finished this afternoon. I saw lots of plows out on my way back. I guess you’re eager to get back to the city.” Her shoulders slumped.

What to say? “I’m sure you’ll be glad to drive to Christmas Eve service. You wouldn’t want to ski back at night. I don’t imagine you have lights on those things.”

That elicited a small smile. “Yes, I would like to use the car again. I’ll pick up a few things at the store as well. I wasn’t planning on milk for three people yesterday, so I’m a little low there. I won’t lug a container of milk while skiing.”

Justin sank lower in his guilt.

“I talked to Sarah this morning,” Laura said, changing the subject.

“Oh? How mad is she?”

“She’s not mad at all. Jessica, on the other hand…”

Justin waved his hand. “I’m not concerned about Jessica. We went out twice. She’s not my type.”

“What is your type?” Lauren asked.

That was easy. A beautiful, caring, blonde angel who lived in a cabin in the woods. He couldn’t tell her that, though. Out loud he said “I’m still figuring it out. What did you tell Sarah?”

“The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth,” Lauren quipped. “She can’t be angry you didn’t call, considering your current predicament.” Her face grew serious. “Your father isn’t doing well. This will be his last Christmas, and he wants to see you.”

Justin’s stomach knotted. This was why he couldn’t be with Lauren. He couldn’t bear to face Dad. Not after what he did to Mom. Lauren would tell him to love his enemies, but it was too hard. He lifted his gaze to find Lauren studying him. He shook his head. “Thanks for letting me know.”

“You won’t visit him, will you?”

“I’ll think about it.”

Lauren moved to the kitchen. “Are you hungry?”

The last thing he needed was for her to do something else for him. “No. If you don’t mind, I’ll find something to pick at later.”

“Fine.” Her tone was chilly.

“Lauren, I’m sorry. I know you wanted this time to yourself, and you haven’t been able to since I showed up.”

“It’s fine.”

“No it’s not, and I’m sorry.”

Justin’s next words were drowned out by the plow going down the street. Lauren moved to the window. “They made it through. You’ve got your freedom.”

The disappointment in Lauren’s voice was clear, but how could he stay any longer, knowing he could never be good enough for her? “I guess I’ll get going. Thanks for all you’ve done for me.”

Lauren didn’t move, her gaze still focused out the window. “No problem.”

Justin moved back into the bedroom, grabbed his bag and coat, and walked back to the door.

Lauren handed him his phone, her eyes moist. Would she cry? Please, no.

“Thank you for your kindness, Lauren.”

She only nodded, and Justin swallowed hard. If he didn’t leave now, he never would.

“Take the cane. I don’t need it here.”

The final straw of kindness heaped on him. He couldn’t take it any longer. The urge to sweep her into his arms and kiss her overwhelmed him. “I’ll be fine. I’m only driving. You might need it for the next idiot who tries driving in the snow.”

Her lip curved upward slightly, but the smile didn’t reach her eyes.

He squeezed her hand and left the cabin.

Once safely settled in the driver’s seat, Justin pinched the bridge of his nose. “It’s for the best. The longer I stay, the worse it will be.” He pulled out of the driveway and drove down the mountain.