Page 27 of To the Moon and Back
Ashley had nodded. “Of course.” She smiled, feeling the hurt in her expression. “I wouldn’t joke about that.”
“Hey.” He hugged her and ran his hand along her back. “I’m sorry. Really, Ash.” After a minute he’d looked at her again. “Let’s pray for the guy. Then you can let it go.”
Ashley had agreed, and together they prayed for Brady. That he’d find God and peace and yes, one day, that he’d find Jenna. Whoever she was.
The next morning, though, Landon had looked at her with the slightest bit of humor in his eyes. “I can’t believe you took his letter off the fence.” He shook his head. “And took a picture of it.” He came to her and kissed her cheek. “That’s my wife.” His smile had been genuine. “One in a million, baby. No one like you.”
He’d meant the words as a compliment. Ashley knew that. He always said he admired her courage. How she could have a tough conversation with anyone or help a complete stranger. But this time his attitude frustrated her. He’d seemed to be making light of the whole thing.
What if she wasn’t supposed to dismiss the situation so easily? She had thought about asking Landon if he minded if she looked up the stranger. If she at least tried to help the guy. But she didn’t ask. Mostly because she didn’t want his disapproval.
Now it was Saturday morning and they were out on their rented houseboat, the culmination of the spring break trip. Landon and Ryan took turns driving the boat around the lake and then they headed for the quiet side of the shore, so the kids could swim. Everyone wore life jackets—even the adults. Landon’s suggestion. So they’d set a good example for the children.
For now, the cousins were on the top deck with the men, in the observation area. And Kari was on a phone call with Ryan’s mother, getting caught up with his side of the family. Ashley assessed the situation.
There couldn’t be a better time.
She pulled her laptop from her bag and found a table near the back of the boat. They’d been so busy having fun she hadn’t opened her phone, let alone her laptop. All she had was maybe ten minutes. And since the boat had Wi-Fi, it couldn’t hurt to look. Guilt rattled her heart as she signed on to Facebook and typed in his name. There were several Brady Bradshaws but only one of them who could’ve been the man at the fence. She opened his page and saw she had the right one.
Firefighter. Oklahoma City.
A little snooping and she realized he’d been on the show Survivor. No wonder he looked familiar. He was also the June photo in a calendar of firefighters. Ashley looked at the image for a few seconds. There had to be a clue here somewhere. Then just as quickly she moved on. Never mind that. She searched his friends, typing in the girl’s name: Jenna.
Nothing.
Of course nothing . She sighed. If Jenna was his Facebook friend, Brady wouldn’t be looking for her at the memorial. She thought for a moment. It took no time to realize Landon was right. She had no leads, no last name. No possible way to find the girl.
Not unless she contacted Brady for more information.
She opened her photos and called up the picture of the letter again. His phone number was right there. All the information she might need was a mere text away. Then she could at least help the guy. Ashley stared at the number, and as she did she felt a hand on her shoulder.
A quick turn and her regret was immediate. “Landon!”
He looked from the laptop and phone to Ashley. Confusion clouded his face. “Didn’t you hear me cut the engine?”
“No.” She forced a laugh. “I was just . . . checking Facebook.”
“Okay.” Landon wasn’t one to doubt her. Not ever. Their marriage was something other couples dreamed about. But as he stared intently at her computer screen, the slightest hurt filled his eyes. “Brady Bradshaw?”
Ashley closed her laptop and clicked off her phone. She stood and faced her husband. “I’m sorry. I should’ve told you.” She felt terrible. Landon didn’t deserve this. “It’s just . . . Honey, I want to help him.” She took hold of his hands. “Is that crazy?”
For a while, Landon just looked at her. He seemed slightly irritated. “I don’t know if it’s crazy, Ash.” He leaned in and gave her a quick kiss. As if he wanted to show her how much he trusted her. Like he was determined not to be angry. “How about you come swim with the kids?”
“Okay.” She felt her muscles tense. Good thing they were alone. They didn’t need an audience for this. “I might just reach out to him first.”
“Now?” He still wasn’t mad, but his patience was clearly unraveling. “The kids are swimming. We’re on vacation.”
“Exactly.” Ashley tried to smile.
“I guess my question is why? Why look him up?” Landon worked the muscle in his jaw. “I thought we agreed to pray for him. Leave it at that.”
“I know. But the more I think about it . . . Landon, listen.” Ashley shifted so she could see him better. “If I can do something to help him, I should do it. Now.”
“No.” Landon let go of her fingers and took a step back. “Look, the guy’s not exactly unattractive. That’s kind of obvious.” No question he was trying to stay calm. But frustration sounded in his tone. “You reach out to him, and . . .”
“And what?” Heat coursed through her body and her heart pounded. “What, Landon?” She uttered a single laugh, but there was nothing funny about it. “You can’t be serious.” Her anger took root. “You think I’m hitting on him?”
“Of course not.” He lowered his voice. “But . . . those things start somewhere.”
