Page 124 of Hometown Girl

The sky outside flashed with the kind of lightning that didn’t have to pause for effect. Thunder followed immediately.

“I’m fine,” she said, assuming he meant physically. “You’re drenched.”

“It’s raining out,” he said dryly. He watched her for a long moment, and she saw the relief loosen his shoulders. “You’re okay.” He took another step toward her, cautious, as if asking for permission.

“I’m fine.” Beth stared at the floor. “Are you okay?”

He must’ve felt the distance she put between them. He dropped onto the back pew and rubbed his temples, eyes closed. “I will be.”

She wanted to help him—to let him off the hook for not telling her everything right from the start. Any shred of suspicion or anger had been pulled out of her and replaced with understanding.

Outside, the sound of wood cracking and splitting drew them both toward the window. Drew got there first and quickly shoved Beth behind him. “Get back.”

More cracking wood, more vibrations from the thunder.

He stepped back from the glass. “I think we just lost a tree.”

Beth paced. “Tornado?”

He turned. “I’m not sure. But it’s not safe in here. This is the oldest building on the property.”

Roxie barked.

Fear rose inside her. “What do we do? We can’t leave.”

“I know. We have to wait it out.” He strode back toward Beth. “Move to the center of the room, away from the windows. Back under the pews.”

Beth did as she was told while Drew tried to calm Roxie down, pulling her underneath the wooden benches.

When he settled in, he was lying on his side, facing her, one arm propping his head up off the ground. He took her hand, and somehow that simple gesture made her feel safe. As if he’d just pledged to keep her that way.

Outside, the storm raged, but Beth’s fear had faded. She’d given her life, this farm, Drew—all of it to God. That meant He was in control of whatever happened.

She’d spent too long being angry with Him; it was time to let it all go. To lay it down. To find her “why.”

To rest in the peace that He promised.

Drew had a faraway look in his eyes—so close, and yet still just out of reach. She studied his face, his ice-blue eyes, the scar on his chin. She wanted to know how he’d gotten it. She wanted to know how often he shaved and if he used an electric razor. She wanted to know how he celebrated Christmas and when his next birthday would be. She wanted to know everything about him, and she’d wait as long as he needed her to.

Because words weren’t easy for this man.

But loving was. He was good and safe and kind.

She never should’ve implied otherwise.

Lying on the floor of the old chapel in the woods, it was as if God was giving her a picture of the lonely life Drew Barlow had led, carrying a guilt that was never his to bear.

She saw that ten-year-old boy in the man at her side, and she knew what he needed was unconditional love. He needed the reassurance that when the storm that raged inside him finally ended, leaving the grass greener and the flowers a shade more vivid, she’d still be there. No judgment. No questions.

The same kind of unconditional love she’d been given. It was a gift—and she wanted to learn to give it freely.

To be known and still loved without question.Isn’t that what we all want?

Beth had been staring at Drew’s chest, aware he wasn’t avoiding her eyes. She felt his gaze on her. Another crash of thunder shook the chapel, but she barely noticed. Slowly, she lifted her eyes to meet his. She reached out and let her hand rest on Drew’s stubbled cheek, certain that somewhere within him was the heart of the boy who’d lost hope all those years ago.

And she loved him. Deeply and without strings. Even if it made her weak. Even if he didn’t love her back. Even if he hadn’t told her every single secret he kept.

And she left the rest in God’s hands.

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