A Sheltering Heart - Terri Reed 4 стр.


She should be thankful.

Really, she should.

As she settled into a seat in the waiting area at the gate, she wondered if shed done something to offend him. She silenced a groan. Maybe shed seemed too forward or willing to be kissed last night and that had repulsed him. Maybe he did find her dull even though hed claimed the opposite.

She gave a sharp shake of her head as old echoes of worthlessness tried to rise. No. She was a strong independent woman who didnt need validation from anyone, let alone a man she barely knew.

Over the years, guarding her heart and her space had become as natural as breathing.

If she stayed prepared and in control, shed never have to be vulnerable again.

Derek leaned against a concrete pillar while the rest of the group sat in the stiff black chairs in the wide waiting area of the airlines boarding gate. He didnt see why theyd want to sit now when theyd be sitting for the next eight or so hours in the confining plane cabin.

He longed to get out and run off more of the relentless energy that buzzed through his system. The sprint from the morning had barely assuaged his need to move. Hed been keyed up ever since hed almost kissed Gwen the night before.

Man, what had he been thinking?

At least hed had the good sense to divert his mouth to the petal softness of her forehead and not touched the apricot-colored lips shed offered. That would have been a huge mistake.

He acknowledged he was commitment-phobic. Hed certainly heard it from every female in his life, including his mother. He accepted he was a love-em-and-leave-em kind of guy. It worked for him.

Gwen was not a love-em-and-leave-em kind of woman.

And if he did anything to hurt her, his father would skin him alive. Not what he was going for.

He had to stay focused. Life was an adventure that he fully intended to live.

Without the burden of a relationship.

He prayed, something he didnt do often, that hed find the will to keep from acting on the attraction sizzling between them.

Gwen decided not to spend any more time worrying about Derek and his mood. Shed had enough of that growing up, trying to determine when she was safe and when she should hide. Shed vowed never to be at the mercy of someone else again.

Their flight would be taking off soon. Once they reached their destination, shed fulfill her promise to her mentor and focus her energy on making this mission a success. Though her definition of success wouldnt match that of world opinion.

Success meant knowing shed made a difference in the world, demonstrated Gods love in a real and tangible way.

Hey, guys, lets pray before we board, she said to the group.

Good idea. Joyce stood. Craig and Ned followed suit. Gwen rose, took Joyces hand in her left hand and then waved Derek over with her right hand.

He pushed off the pillar and slowly made his way to join their circle. He frowned as his gaze took in their linked hands. Whats this?

Gwen pinned him with her gaze. Were going to say a prayer for a safe journey.

Cant we each silently say our own prayer?

Was Dr. Harper wrong about his sons faith? Hed said Derek had accepted Christ as his Savior as a teen, but that didnt necessarily make him a believer.

For where two or three are gathered, Gwen quoted Matthew 18:20 softly, then narrowed her gaze. Whats the problem?

Derek glanced around. I just dont think we need to advertise.

Uh-oh, murmured Joyce. She and Ned exchanged a knowing glance.

Fire erupted in Gwens belly. She raised her brows. Excuse me?

This whole public prayer thing makes us look like religious fanatics, he said.

There was a challenge in his eyes that grated on her nerves. When it came to the faith that had saved her life, she didnt cut any slack.

She dropped Joyces hand and moved in front of him. Would you rather we slinked off to some dark corner to pray? Are you that ashamed of your faith?

His eyebrows drew together. Im not ashamed. I just dont like public prayer.

Because of what other people, people you dont know or have any relationship with, will think?

I dont think its a good witness to nonbelievers to appear like fanatics.

She dropped her chin, remembering the way Claire and her aunt Denise had worn their faith out in the open and had taught Gwen the power of faith. Shed not understood at first. In fact, shed thought the two women were out to lunch for sure. Slowly, with time and patience, theyd softened her heart.

Claire had done that not only for her, but for a myriad of other teens with her teen shelter. Teens like Tyler. He wasnt Gwens brother but if she had to have one, shed choose him. He started out rough and pure rebel, but now hed made them all proud by graduating from college. Unlike Derek, Tyler would never shrink from showing his faith.

She struggled to contain her temper. So its a better witness to hide our faith? Like were doing something wrong and shameful? That doesnt make sense. Shaking her head, she stepped away. You can pray with us or not. Free will, thats what its called.

Retaking Joyces hand, she then reached over to take Neds, closing Derek out of the circle. Craig, would you, please?

Craigs stunned expression cleared and he nodded. Sure. Dear Father in heaven, we ask for a safe journey to our destination

Gwen tried to concentrate on the prayer and agreed with Craigs softly spoken words in her heart, but she was too aware of Derek standing just a few feet behind her. His presence like a menacing cloud.

Dear Lord, she silently prayed, soften his heart.

How was she going to show him the true good that Hands of Healing International did if he couldnt even demonstrate his faith in public?

Derek felt like an idiot as he stood alone outside the prayer circle. He hadnt meant to make such a big deal about the prayer.

Hed never been comfortable with public worship. Maybe it was pride. Or that to him communing with God seemed such a personal thing, reserved for special occasions.

He didnt get the whole God and man relationship jargon his father and mother preached. How could he have a relationship with Someone who wasnt there, at least physically?

Hed read parts of the Bible, understood the basic fundamentals. The Ten Commandments sounded like a good idea. If everyone followed them, thered sure be less crime and destruction in the world. He did get that God loved him, but hed never felt that love. Not like his dad apparently did.

As he watched his four travel companions, their heads bowed and their hands linked, he suddenly had the strongest yearning to be included.

Strange, since he wasnt much of a team player. He liked working and competing alone.

But hed signed on to be a part of this team. Time to act like a team player and honor the bond started the night before.

He forced himself not to glance around to see how the general populace was reacting to his companions public display. Moving to stand between Gwen and Ned, he slipped his hands between theirs.

Gwens delicate hand fit perfectly against his palm.

A little too perfectly for comfort.

She started, her amber gaze surprised, then pleased. Ned winked at him before returning to a humble posture of prayer. Derek closed his eyes and let the rest of Craigs prayer wash over him.

A little too perfectly for comfort.

She started, her amber gaze surprised, then pleased. Ned winked at him before returning to a humble posture of prayer. Derek closed his eyes and let the rest of Craigs prayer wash over him.

we ask for guidance and wisdom as we work together as a team to provide care to those in need. We thank You for this opportunity, Lord. In Jesuss name, amen.

Amen, Derek murmured.

Gwen squeezed his hand before abruptly letting go. A warmth spread through him. Oh, boy, he would be in trouble if her approval started to mean something to him.

No way was he letting himself go down that treacherous path. Approval was one step away from commitment. He never wanted to be in a position where he could disappoint anyone.

From now on, keeping his distance from the pretty redhead was priority number one.

Derek decided to walk off the sudden buzz of energy making his muscles ache. He needed another hard run. He wasnt looking forward to being cooped up on a second long flight.

Mind if I walk with you? Craig asked as he fell into step with Derek.

Not at all. They walked at a steady pace down the concourse. How many trips have you been on now?

This is my first with Hands of Healing. I spent the summer between high school and college in Mexico building houses with another organization.

Then you and I will both get to see what this is all about.

Craig nodded. I was looking forward to learning from your father.

Yeah, me, too. Disappointment was a bitter pill hed long ago learned to swallow when it came to his father.

But Joyce says Gwens great and will have everything running smoothly.

No doubt. He glanced back toward where Gwen and the others were seated.

Gwen struck him as super-detailed and organized. More than just her hair was braided tight. But he liked that she didnt need gobs of makeup or flashy jewelry to draw attention to herself. She had a natural beauty that the touch of lip gloss she wore complimented rather than distracted from, as it seemed to on other women.

Craig stopped to admire a flashy BMW coupe on display in the middle of the terminal. He whistled through his teeth as he inspected the sticker on the window. These things are steep.

Derek nodded, thinking about his own little sports car at home sitting securely in his garage. Hed bought the car with the money from his first endorsement check. Hed been so anxious to show it off to his father.

Dad had admired the car and congratulated him, but had declined a spin in the fancy ride because, as always, he had to get back to the clinic.

Always the clinic.

Derek had spent his whole life competing against the clinic for his dads attention. Maturity had taught him he would never win that race. Now, as CEO of Hands of Healing International, Derek hoped to share a common bond with his dad.

An overhead speaker announced that their flight would soon be boarding. They rejoined their group, boarded the plane and soon were taxiing down the runway. Derek settled back in his first-class seat, mentally preparing himself for the long journey ahead and for dealing with Gwens distracting presence.

The plane touched down without a hitch on the tarmac of Entebbe airport in Uganda. The darkness of night kept Derek from seeing much outside the windows of the plane as he stood, his muscles waking up from the long period of inactivity, and moved toward the staircase.

This would be his first time on the continent of Africa. Hed traveled most of Europe, the Caribbean, North and South America, and parts of Asia. He looked forward to this experience.

The minute he stepped out on the landing a chill swept through him. He remembered someone saying the nights were cold and the days hot. At the moment hed have welcomed the sun.

Walking down the portable stairs he tried to adjust to the strange scent of Africa: diesel, dirt and something unfamiliar. The heaviness in the air put pressure on his lungs. Drawing in a complete breath proved difficult. He could only hope that once away from the city the air would be fresh, less constricting.

He stepped onto the tarmac and moved aside to wait for the others. They trickled off the plane, looking tired and moving slowly.

Only Gwen seemed to have any energy. We all here?

Wondering where she stored such perkiness, Derek nodded. What now?

This way.

She glided across the tarmac, the others trailing along behind her, toward the building Derek assumed was the terminal. He ruefully shook his head. Looked as if Gwen was taking charge now. Just as long as she didnt try to take charge of him.

The end of the building that faced the tarmac had a huge roll-up door that stood open to reveal the stark tile-and-concrete interior. Before entering the building they had to stop at the tall tables manned by uniformed airport personnel.

After presenting their paperwork and having their passports stamped, they were permitted to enter. Derek noticed several armed military men patrolling the perimeter of the building. He wasnt sure if he felt secure or threatened by the show of force.

Up ahead, Gwen conversed with an African man roughly her own height, dressed in a bright yellow shirt and tan slacks. His smooth skin betrayed no hint of age. However, the concern on his face mirrored the expressions on Joyces, Neds and Craigs faces.

Im not worried about that, Gwen said, though her brow furrowed slightly.

I want to make sure you are aware of the situation, the African responded, his accented voice flowing evenly.

Guys? Gwens question included them all.

What did I miss? Derek asked.

Gwen turned to him. This is Moses, our contact with Family in Crisis. Moses, this is Derek Harper.

Derek held out his hand. Nice to meet you.

Mosess grip was strong. Welcome. We are sad to hear that your father hurt himself.

He was explaining that the Kony Rebels have moved into the province of Moswani. They want to liberate it from the Ugandan government, Gwen explained.

That didnt sound good. Which means?

It means we have to be careful and stick close to the clinic. War is a part of life in Africa. So, I say we go on with our mission and trust that God will protect us.

I dont plan on getting on another plane for two weeks, Joyce commented with a bit of defiance in her tone.

We stay. Were needed, came Neds reply.

Craig shrugged. Im game.

Derek didnt know how this new development would affect his agenda, but if the others were staying Im in.

Gwen gave a short nod. All right, then.

Come, we gather your bags. Moses led the way to the baggage claim area where they met up with another African.

Hey, Ethan. Ned shook the newcomers hand.

Glad to see you back in my country. Ethans deep baritone voice reverberated through the group.

Derek was introduced and immediately liked Ethan. There was something soothing about the mans demeanor. Though not as tall as Moses, Ethan had a commanding presence.

His dark hands were crisscrossed with small scars and one jagged scar slashed over his neck and disappeared into the collar of his shirt. Derek couldnt begin to imagine how different these mens lives were from his own.

They all helped to load the bags of supplies theyd shipped into the back of a dusty white minivan before piling inside. It was a tight fit and not everyone had a seat belt.

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