Ryan's Crossing (7 page)

“Melissa’s got the night shift for the next two nights and Diane the next three days. Both know to call you if it gets critical.”

“Thanks, Nicole.”

Brittney heard the line click off, but she just couldn’t quite make her muscles work to return the phone to its cradle. She felt Ryan beside her, gently taking the phone from her hand. He sat beside her, putting a hand on the middle of her back.

“Your kid?”

Brittney nodded, struggling to control her emotions. “She’s dying.”

“Is there no hope?”

“Little.” Brittney sighed again and wiped the tears from her eyes.

“How long?”

“A week. Maybe more. Probably less.”

“So now what?”

Brittney took a deep breath. “She’s in good hands. I trust the ladies I work with, and I know the women assigned to her. They’ll call me if…” Brittney closed her eyes. “They’ll call me when she gets critical,” she finally managed to whisper.

“And then we’ll make sure you get the hospital,” said Ryan reassuringly.

“Even if it’s during the wedding,” said Amber, stepping forward from the doorway.

“Amber,” said Brittney in an attempt to object.

“No, Brittney,” said Amber. “We both know that little girl will need you. You keep your cell phone close, and someone will be ready to get you to Portland if the need arises.”

“Hey, if it gets me out of a tux…” said Logan.

Heather slapped Logan on the arm; his attempt at humor fell flat. This was no laughing matter.

Brittney smiled gratefully, looking at the collection of concerned family members gathered in the kitchen. “Thanks, everyone. I really appreciate it.”

Chapter 10

THE AFTERNOON SUN REFLECTED OFF
the snow-covered lawn. Michael stood tall at the roadside, looking toward the house. “The enemy will soon make himself a nuisance. Is the man ready?”

“Almost, sir,” said Matthew. “Ryan’s made great progress these past few days. He’s letting Brittney in and renewing relationships with his family. I will make a visit to see him in the morning and plant the final seeds of courage.”

“Good. He will need it. Do you still believe he will stay?”

“Yes. His heart draws him, although he does not yet acknowledge it.”

“But will it be enough?”

Matthew reached out to pet the brown neck of an elk that had wandered close. Two other elk stood nearby, gnawing on white aspen trunks. “Men have done more with less.”

Michael looked directly at Matthew. “And men with more have run.”

“Yes. But I still believe he will stay.”

Chapter 11

THE ROOM GREW BRIGHT, LIKE
the sun decided to rest on the bookshelf near Ryan’s door. He squinted and rolled over to see a man standing there. Casually dressed in blue jeans and hiking boots, his pale hair and blue eyes commanded attention.

“The Lord is with you, great warrior.”

“What? Who are you?”

“My name is Matthew.”

“What do you want?”

“I’ve come to tell you that you are being sent, great warrior.”

“Sent?” Ryan sat up in bed, rubbed his face, and ran his hands through his hair. “Who’s sending me?”

“The Father.”

Ryan looked at the man in disbelief. “The Father.”

“Yes.”

Matthew looked steadily upon him.

The man appears to be sincere, but how did he get in my room? And… is he supposed to be an angel? Ryan turned to look at the clock on the nightstand. It read 6:17am. It’s too early for anyone to be up. It’s even too early for the sun to be up!

“So, where am I supposed to go?”

“Being sent does not necessarily mean a change in location. Sometimes it simply refers to a destination.”

Ryan shook his head. “Okay, I’ve not had my caffeine yet this morning. Do you have to speak in riddles?”

“A challenge is before you, great warrior. You were made for more than you’ve taken hold of. Go in the strength you have, but remember Who sends you. Do not be afraid.”

Ryan rubbed his face again. “How do I know this isn’t just some weird dream?”

“Read, great warrior. Prepare for battle by learning what the Father does for those who obey. Go to the book of Judges, chapters six and seven.”

Ryan felt a heavy object hit his legs. He turned over in the dark room and sat up, wondering at the dream. The clock on the nightstand read 6:19. He flipped on the bedside lamp and, squinting against the brightness, looked at what lay against his legs. An open book? He pulled it closer. The top of the page read Judges 6. His breath caught in his throat, and his heart rate increased.

He looked around the room. No one was there. The door was shut, and everything seemed to be exactly where he’d left it last night. He quietly got out of bed, opened the door, and peered out. No one’s up yet. Now what?

He looked back at the Bible still lying on the bed. Is it possible? He walked over and sat down, picking it up.

The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD, and for seven years he gave them into the hands of the Midianites. Because the power of Midian was so oppressive, the Israelites prepared shelters for themselves in mountain clefts, caves and strongholds.

Ryan read on, curious. Then he realized he was reading some of the same words Matthew had spoken to him. He paused to think back to the conversation and then looked again at the words the Lord spoke to Gideon. He grabbed a pen and began to underline the similarities and then read them over again.

“Verse 12, ‘The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.’ Verse 14, ‘Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?’ And verse 23, ‘But the LORD said to him, “Peace! Do not be afraid.”’ Did I just experience what I think I experienced?”

Ryan read on. As Israel walked away with a great victory, Ryan shook his head. Now what? I don’t see me leading anyone to defeat a great army. I don’t understand. Maybe I am losing my mind.

A gentle knock on his door caught his attention. He looked at the clock for the third time that morning. Or is it only twice? 7:02. He walked over and opened the door to see his mom standing there in her robe.

“I saw your light on.” She smiled up at him.“Would you like some coffee?”

“Yeah, Mom. I think that would be a good idea.”

Ryan waited in a room near the church altar, watching his parents walk slowly forward to the piano music through a crack in the door. He couldn’t remember ever seeing his mom dressed up. The gold tea-length dress with empire ruched waist and lace bolero jacket complemented her, and he watched with admiration through the open door.

Next came Frank and Faye. Faye’s plum-colored tea-length dress was a nice contrast to Victoria’s gold, but the beaded trim added a touch of flamboyance that wouldn’t have suited his mother.

The piano music changed, and Ryan looked over his shoulder at Peter. “Ready?”

Peter simply replied “Yes,” his focus intent. He’s definitely ready, thought Ryan.

Peter stepped out of the room first, followed by Logan, Andy, and Ryan. The four men in their tuxes lined the front steps, turning to watch Heather send Emma and Taylor down the aisle. Emma’s navy blue satin dress rustled as she confidently walked down the aisle, but Taylor panicked, wrapping her arms around her crouching mother’s neck. Heather returned her little girl’s hug.

Logan stepped forward from the front of the church and crouched down as Heather pointed Taylor’s gaze to her daddy. Cautiously at first, then running at her top speed, she charged down the aisle, past her sister and into Logan’s arms as the congregation tittered. He scooped her up and whispered into her ear before handing her off to Faye and stepping back into his place.

As Heather stepped back into line, Ryan caught his first look at Brittney. Wow, he thought. The bodice of her strapless, navy blue chiffon dress fit snugly while the skirt flowed gracefully from a twist empire waist. Gentle dark curls were pulled back on one side with a simple pearl clip. Beautiful. Her eyes met his as she walked down the aisle, and Ryan didn’t want to look anywhere else. He almost forgot to breathe.

First Allie and then Heather followed Brittney down the aisle, lining up in their assigned places. Then Amber stepped into full view of the congregation. The pianist started The Bridal March, and everyone stood. Amber’s white dress, similar in style to her bridesmaids, included three simple beaded flowers at her waist and a chapel train. A simple halo of flowers rested on her head of long curls underneath the lace veil that hung to her waist. She loosely held a small bouquet of white roses, and while all eyes were on her, her eyes were solidly on Peter.

Before they knew it, the happy couple had exchanged vows, and the pastor introduced Mr. and Mrs. Peter Yager. The happy newlyweds led the way down the aisle, followed by Logan and Heather, Andy and Allie, and Ryan and Brittney. Ryan stood tall with Brittney on his arm, proudly escorting her to a small room just off the foyer.

The girls encircled the bride, chattering all at once while they worked to fasten her train up. Logan shook Peter’s hand. “Congratulations, Pete. I’m proud of you.”

“Thanks, Logan. I owe you quite a lot.”

“Yeah, I know.” He grinned at his brother.

“So, I’m guessing we’re not running in the mornings for a while,” said Andy.

Peter laughed. “Yeah, give me about a week, huh?”

“How long are you going to hang around the party?” asked Brittney.

Peter looked at Amber. “Do we have to go?”

She looked directly at him, smiling. “Nope.”

He walked over and drew her into his arms. “Don’t tempt me.”

“Cut the cake and get out,” suggested Heather. “No one’s going to mind.”

Faye knocked on the door and stuck her head in the room. “Everyone’s outside.”

“Okay, let’s get out there,” said Heather.

The bridesmaids and groomsmen all joined the group of people excitedly waiting outside in the chilly, late January afternoon. At last, Peter and Amber appeared at the top of the steps. Everyone cheered and threw rose petals as the couple made their way to Peter’s Jeep.

Frank and Faye’s home overflowed with people celebrating the wedding. Ryan headed out to the deck, pleased to see Brittney standing at the railing.

“The coat doesn’t quite match the dress.”

She glanced down at her light blue parka. “Colors clash?” She smiled up at him.

The mischievous smile that includes a twinkle in her eye. Her smiles were becoming irresistible to Ryan. “Yeah. Something like that.”

She turned to lean against the railing. “You’ve lost your tie and cummerbund.”

He stepped back and held his hands out to his side. “They weren’t all that comfortable, but give me some credit. I stayed in the coat, pants, and dress shoes.”

She laughed. “Too many people inside for you?”

He gave her half a nod. “A few. But your mom seems in her element.”

“Yeah, she loves a party. Did Peter and Amber leave?”

“I think they snuck out about an hour ago.”

“Good for them.”

“Any chance of the rest of us skipping out on the party early?”

She laughed. “You, maybe. I’ve got to fight through that crowd to get to my room!”

“Have you heard any more on Grace?”

She looked down, stuffing her hands in the coat’s pockets. “Melissa called early this morning before she left the hospital. Her oxygen saturation is continuing to drop.”

Ryan knew enough to know the oxygen deprivation was going to bring her organs to a critical moment. Either things turned around soon, or the child’s body would give up. “I’m sorry, B.”

She looked at him, a tear escaping. “Gracie calls me that.”

He reached out and gently wiped the tear with his thumb. The simple contact heightened his senses, and he looked her in the eye.

“Ryan! Brittney!” Faye threw open the dining room door and motioned to them, her face revealing panic. “We need you! Joshua just collapsed.”

Ryan rushed inside to find Chad lifting Josh onto the couch. “What happened?”

“He just fell down,” said Chad with anxiety in his eyes.