Harte's Peak by Maria Michaels

Author:Maria Michaels
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: christian Fiction
ISBN: 9781611163599
Publisher: Pelican Ventures Book Group
Published: 2014-06-30T16:00:00+00:00

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Ryan opened the passenger door of the cruiser, and Vera eased into the front seat.

“It was getting a little too sweet in there for me,” she said.

“I used to feel that way until I realized the problem was jealousy.” No reason to mince words. He wanted exactly what Jack and Maggie had—a family. No matter how far he’d tried to run from that fact it had still caught up with him.

Vera gazed at him with narrowed eyes. “You jealous? Why?”

“Who wouldn’t want what they have? You can practically feel the love pouring out into the hallways.” He pulled out of the hospital parking lot.

“Babies scare me. So much can go wrong.” She slid down in her seat.

“He’s going to be OK.”

Vera’s fears seemed excessive, but the unexpected birth had shocked him, too. He’d been distressed and in completely uncharted territory, but Vera seemed shaken to the core. He’d seen it in her wild gaze, unfocused for the first time. Flying down treacherous mountains trails didn’t faze her, but a newborn knocked her off course? It didn’t make sense.

“I hope so. But it’s still so much to risk.”

“I don’t think so. Love is worth it. I know I want a family someday. Don’t you?” He’d come full circle in that regard. Running from responsibility was another part of his past. Holding Jack’s baby today had affirmed his feelings. One day, God willing, he’d be a father, too.

“No. Some people are not meant to be parents.”

The certainty in her voice rattled him. Next subject. “I’ve been meaning to ask if you’ve had any more thoughts about the foundation. It’s not too late to get their help.”

“They called me. Maggie put me on the list.”

“She did? That’s great.”

“No, it’s not. Someone else should get that assistance. Maybe one of the church members.”

“But why not you? We’re not only helping people who attend church. That’s not the point. I’m proud that we’re doing something in the community to help everyone who needs it.” He gripped the steering wheel tighter.

“I’d rather not.”

He’d had enough of her vague excuses. As they turned on Main Street, he pulled the truck over in front of Katie’s bookstore. Time to get to the bottom of this.

“Why are we stopping here?” Vera shifted in her seat.

He shut off the car and turned in his seat to face her. “You have to tell me now. Why not you? What makes you so undeserving?”

Vera folded her arms and looked out the window. “I’m not doing this now.”

“C’mon, did you rob a bank or something I’m not aware of? This might be a good time to confess.” He grinned, but the feeble attempt at humor apparently did not sit well with Vera.

She glared at him. “I’m not a good person. OK?”

“Neither am I, darlin’.”

“Please don’t tell me that. You help everybody. You’re a hero to everyone you meet.”

“I’m trying. A work in progress. If you don’t think I struggle, you’re wrong. I’m human, too.”

“You look human.” She bit her lip.

“Unless you did cheat as Kevin accused, you have no reason to feel guilty about anything.

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