Her Small-Town Romance

“Will do. Au revoir.”

Jade pressed End on her phone and set it on the counter. She didn’t want to save the world. She just wanted to design some shirts. Was that so wrong?

Mom meant well. Truly, she did. And she had a point about helping society. Did the world need another gift shop? Probably not. But designing T-shirts all through college had been fun. More fulfilling than advertising. An entry-level job in marketing sounded awful, even if it was in Paris. And Mom and Gerald lived five hours away. Five hours or fifteen hours wouldn’t make a difference. Jade would be on her own in Paris or Lake Endwell.

Alone and lonely.

The past two months without Mimi clawed at Jade’s chest. She grabbed a framed photo of them off the floor and carried it into the living room. Using her sleeve, she swiped the dust off an end table, placing the picture on top.

Mimi, you would tell me to go to the park today. You’d encourage me to open the store. You’d tell me I’m brave. I won’t let you down.

She glanced at the clock. She had just enough time to meet Bryan.

Chapter Three (#ulink_939e67b0-376a-5929-94e2-7e3d9895268c)

“You made it.” Bryan waited for Jade as she approached the pavilion. Part of him had hoped she wouldn’t show up today. But the other part, the irrational side, had been searching the parking lot for her cherry-red compact car.

“I made it.” Jade’s pale face and jerky movements said it all.

If the forest was too much for her, Bryan could at least say he tried to help. He’d move forward with his class guilt-free. And if she did make it into the woods? She’d be one more student to add to his spreadsheet along with the hours and skills he taught each week. He’d typed and printed fliers after church this morning, and Dad and Aunt Sally promised to help distribute them to local businesses tomorrow. Next Saturday would be different. He’d have a full class. With or without Jade.

“I did some research about overcoming fears.” Bryan gestured for her to join him. She trembled beneath her puffy black vest. She’d pulled her hair back in some sort of braid. Black jeans and a pair of lace-up hiking boots completed her outfit. She looked cute. And terrified. “Have you heard of exposure therapy?”

“Yes. I’ve heard of it. One therapist wanted me to try flooding.”

“Then you’ve been through therapy? I read about flooding. Total immersion, right? That’s kind of extreme.” He pushed up the sleeves of his fleece pullover. The websites he’d skimmed last night had given him ideas how to help her, but he didn’t want to push her or accidentally make things worse. He wasn’t used to offering advice unless it had to do with an automobile. “I figured you were basically trying the exposure method by coming to my class, so you might try some gradual things I read about on a few websites.”

She wrapped her arms around herself. “Sure. I’ve read them, too. Step one, look at pictures of trees. Step two, watch a video of the forest. Step three, come to Evergreen Park.”

“See,” he said, smiling. “You’re already a quarter-way through the list.”

“Remind me again, what’s step four?”

“Honestly, I don’t know. I didn’t memorize them, and I forgot the printout at home. But if you want, we’ll go to the blue path.”

She blinked rapidly, and he heard her breathing quicken.

He straightened his arms, palms out. “We’re not walking on the path. Just standing at the entrance.”

Her fingertips fluttered to her throat. “Okay.”

They strolled along the grass. The weather was still cool, and the air hinted at rain later.

“Sorry my sister barged into dinner last night. My family can come on kind of strong.”

“I like Libby,” she said softly. “She’s welcoming. And Jake seems nice.”

“Yeah, he is. He’s good for Libby. Keeps her grounded. She’s good for him, too.” Bryan glanced at her. “Are you doing okay?”

“So far.” She moved stiffly. “How many times have you taught Outdoor Survival 101?”

“None. This is my first time.”

“Really? You’re good at it. You’re patient. And knowledgeable.”

The compliment filled him, made him stand taller. Helping Jade might be beneficial to both of them. His conversation skills could use a boost. Talking about facts and figures was easy. Random chatter was beyond him.

“Tell me more about your store,” he said. “It looked empty last night.”

“It is empty. I ordered a printing machine and an engraver. I’m still researching what furniture I want to use to display everything. The rooms need a coat of paint, too. I’m excited to get started.”

“How did you get into T-shirt designing?” Bryan enjoyed the way her face brightened when she discussed the store.

“I got a part-time job at a novelty shop right after I graduated from high school. I loved working there. My boss taught me everything—all the secrets to making quality designs. It’s the only thing I’m truly good at.”

“I know the feeling. I’m good at running my car dealerships, but this—” he stretched his arm out “—I’m best outdoors.”

“I can tell.” She smiled up at him, and he gulped. He’d known he was lighting matches over dry tinder when he’d invited her today. Her easy manner and open smile made him want to offer things he shouldn’t. Last night, Libby’s crack about God’s plan had hit a nerve. The more he’d thought about it, the more he was convinced helping Jade was God’s plan. At least for today.

He pressed forward. “Almost there.”

* * *

“I don’t like this.” Jade studied the path entrance, then closed her eyes. Impressions from twenty years ago flooded her. Clutching Charlie, her stuffed puppy. Being surrounded by trees, trying to keep up with the boys, but they ran too fast, their laughter fading. Branches and leaves had scratched at her cheeks, her hair, her clothes. Which way to turn? Where was the path?

She opened her eyes again. A wide paved lane stood before her, and a light gust of wind lifted the end of her braid.

This fear was too big. She needed more than an outdoor guide. She needed shock therapy or something.

Attitude, Jade.

Mimi would say nothing was too big for God. Until Jade turned twelve, she’d prayed every night for the Lord to cure her, but the panic remained, so she figured God’s answer was no, and she’d stopped praying about it.

“Let’s stay here a minute.” Bryan’s tall, athletic presence reassured her.

“We skipped about five steps on the therapy list.”

“You’re doing good.” His fleece-covered arm brushed her sleeve.

She physically restrained herself from clinging to him and begging him to take her away from this place. Why couldn’t she be normal? All the pep talks she’d given herself over the past weeks had been pointless. Anxiety ruled her outdoor life.

He touched her hand. “Jade?”

“Oh! What? Sorry, didn’t hear you.”

“I didn’t say anything.”

“Oh, you didn’t.” She shook her spinning head. The ground wasn’t as firm beneath her new boots as it had been near the pavilion. The opening of the path was close. Too close. Nausea threatened.