Page 29 of To the Moon and Back
Her thoughts kept her awake far too late.
Lord, is this from You? Is this something I should take on? She didn’t exactly hear a clear answer, but she felt a sense all the same. As if God had arranged for Brady to be there at that exact moment. So Ashley could help him.
The next morning they set out early for home, and all the while Ashley found herself thinking about the firefighter. At one of the stops, while Landon was getting gas, Ashley went to the photos on her phone and read his letter once more. What could it hurt to reach out to him?
Whoever Jenna was, the guy had only shared his story with her. No one else understood him. No one else had the same heart as him. At least that was what Brady thought. By the sounds of it, Brady and Jenna were both survivors of the Oklahoma City bombing. But in what way? Had they been in the building, too, when their parents were killed?
Ashley closed her photo app as they hit the road again. She looked at Landon, his familiar profile and the joy in his eyes. Should she tell him she was thinking again about the letter, about helping Brady?
Landon must’ve caught her looking, because he met her gaze and smiled. “Perfect day for a road trip.”
“Definitely.” Her smile was quick. “It’s been a great spring break.”
“It has.” He kept one hand on the wheel, and reached for hers with the other. “I love these years. While the kids are still young.”
Her heart lurched. Probably best not to tell him now. Why ruin the mood with something harmless? She could tell him later, when they were home. Instead they talked about his job as the marketing director for the fire department. He was second in command now, but the understanding was that when the fire chief retired in a few years, the job belonged to Landon.
He’d come so far since the days when he had a constant cough, back when it looked like Landon might have a lung disease because of the months he’d spent in New York City at Ground Zero. Now his breathing was great. He still went in for an X-ray every year, but last time the doctor had told Landon his health had never been better.
Ashley was grateful to God. She had resisted Landon in her earlier years, back when she had rebelled against everyone who loved her. Now she only prayed for a long, healthy life with her husband. That they could be a source of faith and hope for their family and friends.
And maybe even for the stranger from the memorial.
• • •
THEY’D BEEN HOME two days when Ashley couldn’t stand waiting another minute. She had to reach out to Brady. The idea of telling Landon first crossed her mind, but her husband was already in bed. He had an early breakfast meeting tomorrow. Once the kids were down for the night, Ashley settled into the living room sofa and stared at her phone.
Once more, she called up the photo of Brady’s letter.
It was only nine o’clock in Oklahoma City. He would probably still be awake, so should she text him? She tapped her finger on the phone and thought for a minute. Of course she should text him. How else could she help the guy? Why wait?
Ashley dismissed the subtle feelings of guilt. No reason to feel sneaky or awkward. She would tell Landon tomorrow, once she’d made contact with Brady. Ashley didn’t want anything weird here. Didn’t want Brady thinking she had any motives other than to help him. So she wrote her text very carefully. Then she read it back to herself.
Hi, Brady. You don’t know me. My name’s Ashley Baxter Blake, and I saw you at the Oklahoma City National Memorial on the anniversary. I watched you leave a note on the fence for someone named Jenna. I know this is strange, but I know you’re trying to find her. Don’t be angry, but I read the letter you left for her. I actually think there’s a reason I saw you. I think God is telling me I’m supposed to help you.
Ashley smiled. Yes, that was the right way to word this. She kept reading.
If you could tell me Jenna’s last name, I’ll see what I can do. I’m not sure why I feel compelled to reach out. But I’m very good at research and I have time to help you. I have a feeling I’ll find her.
She thought about Irvel and Sunset Hills Adult Care Home. Also, the situation last year when Devin’s teacher had mentioned she’d been trying to find her birth parents. The woman had tried everything. It wasn’t until Ashley stepped in and helped that she finally located them. She still had photos from the teacher of that happy moment.
Time and again she was drawn into the lives of other people to make a difference. Helping people was her specialty.
She stared at her phone. The text needed just a bit more explanation.
Anyway, if I can help at all, let me know. Just give me her last name and I’ll see what I can find. And if there’s anything else I can do, let me know. Until then, I’m praying for you.
The text was perfect. Exactly what Ashley wanted to say. When Landon came home tomorrow she’d let him read it. She already knew how it would go. He would smile at her and give a slight shake of his head. “You’re an interesting one, Ashley,” he would say.
Then he would pour himself a glass of water and watch her from across the kitchen. He would say something kind and understanding. Something like “I believe you’re right, Ashley. Maybe God is using this situation for His good.”
And if he didn’t . . . well, if not then she would let the whole thing go.
She hesitated a moment longer, then she hit send. For the next hour while she washed the kitchen sink and counters and got ready for bed, she kept an eye on her phone. With every passing minute, she felt more foolish. What had made her think Brady would reply to her? Why would the guy trust a complete stranger?
By the time she climbed into bed she was sure of one thing: Landon had been right from the beginning. The guy didn’t want her help.
Well, she told herself. That’s that. He isn’t going to answer .
