Trust of the Heart by E. A. West

Author:E. A. West [West, E.A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Astraea Press, LLC
Published: 2013-12-23T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

By the time they arrived at the farm, Josh was ready to go to bed and stay there until he and Leann needed to go back to Indiana. Unfortunately, that wasn’t an option. For one thing, he couldn’t face the worry it would cause her and his family. For another, he knew it wouldn’t solve anything — it would probably make everything worse.

What he wouldn’t give to go back in time and never witness that accident.

He parked in his usual spot beside the other vehicles and crossed his arms on top the steering wheel, staring up at his childhood home. “Am I a terrible person for not wanting to see my family right now?”

“No,” Leann said, laying a hand on his back. “You’re a stressed person who has a lot on his mind.”

“You’ve got that right.” He sighed and looked at her. The sympathy and compassion in her eyes nearly made him break down. He steeled his emotions and felt like a coward as he spoke. “Would you mind too much if I leave you to tell my family about our day while I go take a shower?”

With any luck, the hot water and solitude would help him regain some perspective.

“That’s fine.” She rubbed his back. “If you need me, come find me.”

“I will.”

They climbed out of the car and headed toward the house. Josh stopped Leann by the back steps and wrapped her in a hug, needing her comfort and hoping she understood just how much he was trusting her by letting her see his current mood. She returned the embrace and spoke softly.

“You’ll be okay.”

“I know.” He sucked in a deep breath then leaned back and met her gaze. “Thanks, Leann. I’d be in a lot worse shape without you here.”

“I’m glad I can help.” She gave him a quick kiss then stepped back and took his hand. “Let’s go tell your family we’re back.”

He let her lead him into the house, even though he would much rather go to the machine shop and weld something. Maybe he could find an excuse to go out there later. His dad always had old broken tools and other scrap in the back he could use to make... something. He never planned out the sculptures — they just came together as he worked.

Everyone was gathered in the kitchen when Josh and Leann exited the mud room. Bobby ran up with a huge grin on his face.

“Guess what, Uncle Josh? We hunted lots of rabbits, and Grandma cooked them for supper!”

“That’s awesome, Bobby.” Josh tried to muster his usual exuberance when talking to the kid, but he just couldn’t do it.

His mom gave him a searching look. “You two are just in time to join us for dinner. I made your favorite fried rabbit, Josh.”

“Thanks, Mom, but I’m not hungry.” He knew she’d worry, but his appetite was non-existent. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go take a shower.”

He kissed Leann’s cheek and left the kitchen. Before he reached the stairs, he heard his father’s voice.

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