Rock and A Hard Place (Cascade Brides Series) (14 page)

“Actually I do.” He paused. “I went through some of my
unpublished photos and cobbled together a composite. I wanted to get
your opinion to see if it works, or if we should get fresh shots.”

Well, at least she had given him an out. “Um, what time were you
thinking?”

“I can be there in ten minutes.”

Faith flopped back against the pillows. “Make it twenty.”

She heard his grin when he said, “See you then.”

As soon as he hung up, Faith sprang into action. There wasn't time
for a shower, so she scrubbed her face and teeth, brushed her hair,
dabbed on some makeup and changed out of her pajamas. The doorbell
sounded.

Goodness the man was prompt!

She opened the door and he came in, bringing a draft of brisk air
with him.

“Thanks for seeing me so early. I was hoping you'd be up.”

“Um, yeah.” Faith stared up at him, thinking the phrase
'bright-eyed and bushy-tailed' was created for him. She wasn't sure
such a cheerful, early-riser could really ever be trusted.

“I only have an hour before I have to go in. Is your laptop on? I
brought my flash drive.”

Laptop. Right.
She went over and powered it on, then scooted
into the kitchen to start coffee—and to give herself a moment to
chill. After she flipped the switch on the coffee maker, Shane
ambled in. He smiled when he heard the coffee begin to drip into the
carafe.

Faith got out cups and creamer, needing the activity. The reality
that he made her nervous bothered her, but she couldn't seem to
control the fluctuations in her pulse when he was around.

“Speaking of coffee, I was wondering if you had any plans after
church tomorrow.”

Her hands still for a moment, then she turned to face him. Not by
the flicker of an eyelid would she alert him to the state of her
heart rate. Her stupid eye twitched anyway. “Er, what did you have
in mind?”

“I have to work tomorrow, too, and I wanted to know if you'd like
to head up the Coffee Pot Trail with me. They want me to check out
the fire conditions, see how dry it is. I have office work in the
morning, so if you wanted to meet me at the ranger station, we could
head up together.”

Faith worried her bottom lip, wishing her crazy heartrate would take
a break. “So this isn't about the contest photo?”

“No, but you should bring your camera anyway.”

She wanted to ask why he wanted her company but was afraid of the
answer. “I'll need some time to change after church.”

“No problem. Just let me know when you're on your way.”

Faith nodded absently, turning to the coffee maker, willing it to
hurry up.

“I'll go upload the image,” Shane said.

When he was gone, she eased out a sigh between her teeth. What was
wrong with her? She was reacting like a schoolgirl. It was beyond
ridiculous. Anyway, better not to get her heart all in a twist when
Shane was undoubtedly just doing a favor for Merle.

But what if he wasn't?
What if he's...attracted to me?
Her
eyes widened at the possibility while her hands latched tightly to
one another. She thought about it for the space a several
heartbeats, then took the easy way out.
Nah
.

When the coffee was done, she poured two cups, set them on a tray
with the creamer and spoons and brought them into the living room.
Shane got up from the desk chair at her entrance.

He motioned toward the laptop on the desk. “Tell me what you
think.”

Faith set the tray down on the coffee table and approached the
computer. The image filled the screen, the colors vibrant and
glowing. In each major striation a shadow of another image had been
beautifully superimposed, representing the qualities of the state
they'd agreed on.

“Be honest,” Shane said, coming to stand behind her. “I just
used what I had to give an idea of what the finished product might
look like.”

“I like the composition of each layer.” That was an
understatement. Each level was perfectly positioned in relation to
the next, giving the image movement and interest.

“Yeah, I thought about having them start at the left on top then
make their way across the hill to the right, but the result was too
cheesy.”

“It looks great, Shane. As usual, I'm impressed.”

“Like I said, it's not the final. Tell me what, if anything,
absolutely fits, and what should be tweaked.”

Faith stared at the image, knowing she was in the presence of an
artist. She looked up at him. “Seriously, this is exactly how I
imagined it when we came up with the idea. I think we should submit
it, as is.”

Shane made a face as he looked at the image, then back at her. “I
might want to play around a bit more.” Then he raised a brow.
“Hey, you're not just saying that to avoid spending more time with
me, are you?”

Faith pursed her lips, glad for the light moment. “You got me.”

He grinned. “Maybe I'll have to figure out some other way to woo
you if photography fails.”

Faith's smile disappeared. She turned away and fiddled with her
coffee cup. Was Shane just a shameless flirt? Or was he serious? If
he was just doing a favor for Merle, did he realize how he sounded?
She sent a prayerful complaint heavenward.
Lord, this is why I
don't date. I just can't tell which end is up
.

“Faith?”

She took a sip of coffee to mask her discomfiture. “Go ahead and
change up the images if you want, but seriously, I think what you
have is perfect.”

When he was silent, she twisted around and saw him gazing at her,
his expression troubled. “Okay. I'll keep you posted.”

She motioned toward the coffee. “Do you want cream or sugar?”

“Black is fine.”

She handed him the cup and he took a drink.

After a drawn out moment of awkward awkwardness, he set his cup
down. “Faith,” he said, his voice low.

“I think,” she said, licking her lips, “I think if you don't
hurry, you might be late for work.”

He glanced at his watch, then looked at her. “Okay,” he said
softly. “I'll see you tomorrow.”

Faith watched him cross the room and go out the front door. After he
drove away, she sagged onto the couch, terrified by what had
not
happened.

***

Faith slid into a pew just as the worship music began Sunday
morning. After a fretful day of, well, fretting, she was eager to
set her issues aside and focus on God—something she'd been remiss
in doing for a long while. As the music washed over her, she closed
her eyes and turned her mind toward the One who was bigger than her
troubles and fears.

She was secretly glad Shane wasn't here. She needed this time to get
centered and take stock. It had been a while she'd made it into the
sanctuary. Staying busy was a whole lot easier than confronting her
faults. One worship song blended to the next, each tugging at her
heart. Then a hymn started that really caught her attention.

From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart
grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I
.

The words brought a sting of tears. In many ways it felt like she
had
been to the ends of the earth. It wasn't that long ago
that she'd been struggling to keep her family together. It wasn't
that long ago that she'd failed.

That failure had caused her to harden her heart. Hadn't she done
everything possible? Hadn't she prayed so fervently through those
years? Faith's lip began to quiver. She hated crying. She hated
thinking
of things that made her cry, but here she was, still
crushed by the weight of her shortcomings. Had anything really
changed?

She dashed the tears from her eyes and lifted her chin, determined
to get through the service without blubbering. It took several
minutes to get herself under control. And yet the song continued to
work on her disturbed conscience. By the time she could open her
eyes and breath easy, the worship portion of the service had ended.
The pastor began a message on trusting in the Lord.

She tried to listen, but images of her past filled her mind until
her heart felt about to explode—Hope and Charity upset at her for
one thing or another, creditors on the phone, her mother caught up
in her own private world of trauma, all bound together by the
tottering fear of collapse. And hadn't she failed? Her mother had
died. The twins decamped to parts unknown. The bank took back the
house. What was left to show for her efforts? Even now, on her own
and able to pay her bills, she still struggled. She was a pretend
photographer for a kind man who thankfully did not have to depend
financially on her skills. Add the presence of a certain ranger to
the mix and times were still wonky—Faith Conrad style.

Trusting God for her salvation was the easy part. The day to day
issues of life, not so much.

Faith experienced a small measure of relief when the service ended,
then berated herself for such an attitude. But soul-searching only
reminded her of her lack of success. She offered a prayer, begging
for patience and understanding from God while at the same time
knowing she couldn't offer it even to herself.

People around her began to stir as the congregation was dismissed.
Merle saw her from one of the front pews and made his way down the
aisle to greet her. His welcoming smile faltered. “Are you
alright, dear?

She nodded and smiled brightly. “Aren't you proud I actually made
it to the sanctuary?”

“Yes, yes. The sermon was especially meaningful today.”

Too bad I couldn't get past my own issues to listen
. She
heaved an inward sigh and wondered why she couldn't get things
right. Maybe she needed more than a few Sundays. Seeing Merle
reminded her she'd been intending to be on the lookout for a
ladyfriend to set him up with, but she couldn't even seem to attempt
a little matchmaking.

“I don't see Shane. Was he here today?”

“No, he had to cover for someone at work. But I'm going—”
Faith stopped, wishing she'd kept her mouth shut.

“Where are you going?”

“Uh, Shane mentioned he was heading to Coffee Pot Trail so I'm
going to tag along for a photo opp.”

He beamed. “That's wonderful. I'm so glad you're not going on the
trails alone. I always worry about you when you head out on your
own.”

So that was it. He was just worried for her safety. Of course, he
needn't be. She was an experienced hiker. More experienced than
Shane, even, but then Shane was a guy and Merle was a guy, and well,
guys assumed they were better at these things. Still, it was nice
that someone cared about her.

“I wish you wouldn't worry,” she said kindly. “I don't take
big risks.” Well, there was that one time with the bear, but it
was an anomaly. “Anyway, how are you doing? I feel like since
Shane's been in town, I haven't seen you as much as usual.”

He chuckled and stroked his mustache. “Why would you want to hang
around with someone like me with Shane in the picture? I'm just glad
you're getting along with someone closer to you age.”

Hah. If he only knew.

“I'm so proud of him. He's been through a lot, and yet he was able
with the Lord's help to surmount tremendous odds and succeed.” He
leaned close. “I should think that would be real inspiring for
you.”

“Um, yeah. It is,” Faith said, thinking Merle sounded like a
cross between a proud parent and meaningful well-wisher. “You
know, it's been ages since I had you over for dinner. Are you busy
tonight?” She used to have him over about once a month. When had
that changed?

“As a matter of fact, I am busy,” Merle said slowly, his eyes
shifting away, “but you know, I bet Shane will be free after
work.”

“Oh, okay then, another time.”

The older man's bushy white eyebrows twitched. “Then you
will
have Shane over? I hate to think of him at loose ends, especially on
a Sunday.”

“Uh, well, I guess I could ask, but I'm not the only person in
town he knows. He might already have plans with someone else.”

“You won't know unless you ask.”

Faith raised her brows in surprise at his insistence. Had Merle gone
from worrying about her lack of friends to worrying about Shane's?
“You're right, I won't.”

He smiled broadly, then looked once more around the sanctuary as if
seeking someone.

She cleared her throat. “Well, if I'm going to meet him on time, I
should head out. I'll see you tomorrow, Merle.”

“Have a nice time, young lady,” Merle said, turning back to her.
“And don't get so caught up in the scenery that you don't realize
what's right in front of you.”

Faith widened her eyes, having no clue what he meant. Surely Merle
wasn't trying to matchmake. He was the polar opposite of one of
those busybody types. Maybe he just wanted her to enjoy the spring
weather? “Okay then. See you later.”

She puzzled over his words as she drove home. Maybe he meant that
she couldn't see the forest for the trees. She giggled a little. She
lived in Oregon. There were
a lot
of trees here—even in the
eastern part of the state.

It didn't take long to go from street clothes to her hiking
outfit—her hoodie, heavy-duty khakis and hiking boots. She stocked
her backpack with trail snacks, water, her camera, and made sure her
first aid kit was intact. It was a short drive to the ranger
station. When she saw Shane's Jeep, her pulse jumped.
Down girl,
it's a
car
.

Shane came out of the office, as if he'd been waiting for her,
looking all spiffy in his uniform. “All ready?”

She nodded.

“Okay, let's hit it.”

Glad for the lack of small talk, they clambered into the Jeep and
hit the road. Coffee Pot Trail was in Wheeler County so the trip
should only take an hour or so.

“So how was church?”

So much for quiet time. “Good.”

“What was Pastor Jordan's sermon on?”