Wind on the Sand (The Winds of God) Read online

  "He's said so." She walked out of the room, laughing.

  Later that day Ryan came by her office and tapped on the door. "Hey gorgeous, who sent the flowers? You and Peter hit it off after you left us?"

  Lauren's skeptical look caused him to pause.

  "What? What did I say?"

  "The flowers are from Jack."

  "Ah-hah. Sue won again. Wait till I call her."

  "What do you mean?"

  "When Sue saw the way you two looked at each other on Friday night, she bet me that you and Jack would be together before the weekend was over."

  Lauren grinned. "And what did you bet?"

  "I said it would be Peter. The loser has to wash the dishes and give back rubs for a week."

  "Hah! She knew she'd win!"

  "Why?"

  "Live and learn. When a woman bets dishes and back rubs for a week, she knows she's going to win."

  "Good to know for the future. However, this week you've caused me dish duty and nightly back rubs."

  For the next few weeks, Lauren and Jack spent as much time together as they could. The warmer weather made it enjoyable to take long walks near the water. Long walks gave way to long talks. Jack shared his hopes and dreams, how he felt about what God had done for him. He talked about how he felt compelled to teach God's truth to anyone who would listen.

  Lauren listened, but she still had questions, hard ones. Sometimes Jack didn't have a perfect Scripture so he shared his faith.

  "This is how I feel about my walk with God. I believe the Bible is true, every part of it. It says that men think they don't need God when they have all the answers. God doesn't want us to have all the answers. That doesn't mean we stop trying to understand God. But when something happens that is completely unfair...has no explanation whatsoever, faith and trust have to come in. Bad things always happen, even to good people. I have to believe that God has an ultimate purpose that I can't see or understand. He is working on my behalf, no matter what I see. All things work together for the good of them that are the called according to his purpose. I have to believe that. When life becomes difficult for me, I choose to trust. It doesn't always come easily. Sometimes my mind wars with God's truth. When that happens, I ask myself...Do I believe God? Yes. Has anything changed about God? No. Then I choose to trust, no matter what."

  "Jack, what about when people die? My parents loved God. He didn't protect them."

  "But Lauren, don't you see, He did. They have the presence of the Father. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. You said yourself that your parents were older. They were always afraid they would leave you alone with no way to take care of yourself. But they didn't. What was the last thing your mother said to you? Trust God, he will take care of you.

  "It seems to me that God prolonged your parents' lives until they knew Him, then He let them come home. He even provided for you, but you didn't listen. Instead, you were withdrawn and angry. So, God sent me. I know why God brought me here. We needed to learn things from each other. Can't you see? He has worked it out for your good. Before your parents left, you always let them take care of everything. Now, you have to think for yourself."

  "What about you? What if you die?"

  "It's that faith and trust thing again. I have to do what He puts in my heart without fear of the outcome. Though He slay me, yet will I serve Him."

  "It seems hard."

  Jack put his arm around Lauren's shoulders and squeezed. "I know, but He promised, I will never leave you or forsake you."

  Chapter 6

  During Jack's spring break, Lauren was able to take off early a few days so they sailed or swam in the pool.

  By lunchtime one day, Lauren had finished enough work to leave the office. She stacked a pile of paperwork on her desk to take with her and hurried out the door.

  As she reached for the handle of her car, her stomach growled. She hadn't even paused for lunch. Maybe Jack hadn't either. Chinese take-out sounded really good.

  When she reached home, she let Skippy out, and they both ran down the beach toward Jack's cottage. Because she wanted to eat while the food was still warm, she hadn't even stopped to change.

  Without thinking, she flew through Jack's back door with a big grin on her face. "Jack!"

  As she took in the tableau before her, it was one of those moments where time stood still. Kitty Keller stood just inside the door of Jack's cottage with one hand to his face. Jack had both arms out as if to hold her.

  Surprise momentarily robbed them all of speech.

  Kitty was the first to respond. "Oops, Lauren, isn't it? You really should learn to knock. You wouldn't want to interrupt anything private."

  Lauren's gaze flew to Jack, and he shook his head. Before he could say anything, she considered whether she wanted to go running out like a frightened child or stand her ground.

  "Hi, Kitty. I doubt Jack would have anything too private for me to see or he wouldn't have given me my own key."

  Lauren held up the keys she'd forgotten to drop at home. There was no way Kitty could tell they weren't Jack's.

  Kitty's eyes narrowed. "Isn't that interesting. Thank you for the tour, Jack. Lauren…goodbye."

  She flounced out in a huff. Jack shut the door and locked it behind her then stood staring at it.

  Finally, he turned to face Lauren. "Lauren, nothing happened. She showed up here without an invitation. She'd been here about three minutes."

  Lauren wasn't sure how she felt, but she didn't want Jack to see how much she cared. "Did I ask for an explanation? It's none of my business what you do, but I wasn't about to let her snub me."

  She retreated to the back door, but he was across the room in three strides. "Lauren."

  He wrapped her in his arms and held her against his chest. "You have every right to know what I do. I've given you that right, and I hope you care."

  All the times in the past weeks when she imagined being held against Jack couldn't compare with the actual event. His hard chest and the scent of his body and cologne was intoxicating. She wanted to stand there as long as he would let her. One hand caressed her back while the other splayed through her hair. She wanted to sigh with contentment. Her face stayed hidden against his shirt.

  "Lauren," he said softly. "Say something."

  "I care." She leaned back and looked up at him, but she wasn't about to let this turn into a moment they couldn't get past. She broke away. "I came straight back. I haven't eaten, have you?"

  He stood stock-still, staring at her then shook his head. "No, I haven't eaten lunch. What did you have in mind?"

  "I'm free for the weekend, and I want to run away somewhere. Got any suggestions? And no running down the beach."

  "I'll take you anywhere you want to go."

  "Sailing. I want to feel the wind in my hair."

  Jack put his arm around her and pulled her close. "That's a wonderful idea, do you want to make sandwiches to go or eat here first?"

  "I got Chinese, and it's getting cold. Come on."

  After a couple of hours on the water, Lauren felt so emptied of anxiety she could have fallen asleep on the boat. Jack seemed content to let her lay back and rest. They rarely spoke, but it was a comfortable silence.

  When the wind shifted, her hair blew in her face so she pulled it back in a ponytail. Jack swung the boat around and turned for home.

  After they docked the boat and washed it down, Lauren went home to sit in a chair and sort through the files she'd brought from the office. Jack followed her and leaned back on the couch.

  When he tried to cover a yawn, Lauren was quick to look up. "It's almost 4 o'clock, Jack. Why don't you go home and take a nap?"

  "Would you mind if I crashed here on the couch? If I go home, I might sleep too long."

  "No problem. I'm just going to read for awhile."

  Lauren read over her notes until Skippy came dancing at her feet. She followed the dog outside and down to the beach. She felt guilty about neglecting the
ir runs lately.

  "Have you missed me, Skippy? Come on, girl, let's run."

  When Lauren was quite breathless, she dropped to the sand and watched the sun set over her favorite spot. Skippy settled on the sand beside her, panting.

  Though the water was calm and smooth, there were no boats out in the bay, a perfect time for crabbing. Serene and restful.

  Lauren leaned back and watched the slight wind on the sand. It picked up fine grains in a swirl of movement and placed them in a new location. A small, pale sand crab had chosen a hole in the ground for his home, and he wasn't particularly happy about the results of the wind. Every time a shower of sand trickled down his hole, he persistently pushed it back out.

  Lauren had been doing that all her life. Every time God allowed a little sand to blow in her path, she pushed it away. How am I to know what things to resist and what things to go through, God?

  She didn't know why she always felt close to God out near the water, but she did. Even when she was angry. The ocean cleared her mind and her heart.

  She stayed until Skippy got restless. "Are ya ready, girl? Let's go see what Jack is doing."

  By the time Lauren climbed the stairs to the beach house, it was already dark. Once she walked inside, she was glad she always left on one light over the sink. She could barely see to walk through the living room, and she strained her eyes to peer over the couch at Jack.

  He looked so cute, lying there asleep.

  She picked up her notes and sat where she wouldn't disturb him. Skippy curled up in a ball on the floor near Lauren's feet. The only sounds in the house were the tick, tick of the grandfather clock in the corner and Jack's rhythmic breathing.

  When the clock chimed once at half past seven, he stirred and turned over. That one rebellious lock of hair fell over his eye, and Lauren resisted the urge to smooth it back.

  He blinked several times, looking around for Lauren. When his eyes caught hers, his sleepy smile tugged at her heart.

  She gathered her notes and went to sit at the computer, and he walked into the kitchen.

  Jack stood at the sink, drinking a glass of water. He and Lauren had spent an entire day together without ever discussing the episode with Kitty or their emotional confessions after Kitty left. Someday they would have to.

  When Jack returned to the couch, he brought his textbooks. While Lauren worked in the corner, he tried to read but couldn't concentrate. His eyes continued to travel to Lauren in her pink pastel sweater and matching pink jeans with the light from the fire reflecting auburn against her hair.

  She had come to mean a great deal to him in a short amount of time, and the more time he spent with her, the more sure he became that she was the one for him. The Lord had directed his steps to Pensacola so that he would find Lauren.

  The phone rang, and she jumped get it.

  "Hey, Ryan, I'm working on those research files."

  "That's my girl. Do you think you'll be able to set up the new office within three weeks?"

  She thought about it, glancing at Jack. "Not unless we burn some midnight oil at the office. There's a huge amount of files to input."

  "If Peter and I help out with the heavy moving, do you think you could handle the data input? I'll pay you overtime, and Sue and I will take you out."

  "It's a deal. What's the rush?"

  "You know that banker in Destin, Donna Jones, the one Peter's been working with?"

  "Vaguely."

  "Well, she convinced her national chain to bring their southeast business to us. I want that research office in operation before our pitch to her higher-ups."

  "That sounds profitable. I'm happy for you."

  "This wouldn't have happened if you hadn't done all that work on the elderly housing crisis. One thing just led to another. It truly was a team effort."

  When Lauren hung up, she turned to find Jack watching her. "When's your birthday?"

  "August 10th...you'll be gone. When's yours?"

  "September 20th...I'll be gone."

  "You'll be gone." Lauren's voice echoed his words. "I'll send you something."

  "I don't know where I'll be. We might move around a lot. But there's a general address you can write. Will you...occasionally?"

  "Probably." Lauren smiled. "Will you drop a few postcards in the mail?"

  "You bet."

  "I'll be spending some late nights at work next week."

  "I gathered. What are you working on...the new department?"

  "Yes. Remember that report on the lack of housing for the elderly? It showed the trend of elderly and retirees entering our area and the other beaches, especially Ft. Walton and Destin. Luna Vista builds retirement centers and pre-fab homes. They needed an advertising firm that could make their name synonymous with exceptional housing for retirees and for the elderly.

  "Peter used the research to convince a banker on the beaches, Donna Jones, to get involved with financing for the retirees and for the new retirement center. She was so impressed with the way we handled Luna Vista's account that she hooked us up with her bank. It's a national chain.

  "The exposure for our firm would be sensational. Ryan wants to impress the regional directors at her bank with our research department since that's what got Donna Jones involved in the first place...exceptional research."

  Jack could tell she was excited. "It sounds like you finally found your passion."

  "I think so. I just fell into this job, but I really enjoy it."

  "I've been praying about it ever since you told me you didn't have a passion for your work."

  "Really? It wasn't until after I met you that all this started coming together. Are you saying God did this?"

  "I believe so. He was moving people all around you, and you never realized He was setting things up for you."

  "That's amazing. I'll have to think about that."

  Jack ostensively went back to reading his college textbook, but inwardly, he was praying. Thank you, Lord. I had no idea You would show Yourself in such an obvious way. Continue to draw Lauren to You. Help me, Lord, to light the path.

  Lauren held the report before her eyes but didn't really see the paper. She was beginning to see more and more that God had been working on quite a few things in her life...even while she'd been angry with Him. What was she prepared to do about it?

  She walked into the kitchen and leaned against the counter, thinking about all she had to accomplish at work. Jack joined her and picked up a glass of tea.

  "Do you want to go for a walk?"

  "No, I've got to get back to the computer and have all my files downloaded. We're moving everything into the new office this week."

  "I guess I won't see much of you."

  "Probably not."

  "Well, if you need help, let me know."

  She smiled brightly at him. "Thanks."

  "I think I'll work on lessons while you type on your computer."

  "Great idea." She sat at the desk and started working.

  Lauren sneaked a peek at Jack and caught him staring at her. She blushed. "Stop watching me while I type. You're making me nervous. I know I'm not the world's best typist, but at least I don't hunt and peck."

  "I'm not watching you type. I was just staring into space, thinking. But, I'll look down at my books now."

  He made a concentrated effort to keep his mind on his lesson material, and Lauren was soon typing again. They worked for several hours that way before Lauren called a halt. She leaned back in the chair, twisting and stretching. "Ooh, I ache all over."

  "Are you finished?"

  "Almost. I could finish tonight if my neck wasn't so sore."

  She rubbed her neck and bobbed her head from side to side.

  "Here, let me."

  He started at the base of her neck, gently pushing and prodding with his fingers. Lauren closed her eyes. When he hit a tender spot, she jumped. "Watch it. I'm not a guy, you know."

  "Yes, I've noticed."

  He continued to massage her shoulders
and neck then he rubbed his fingers in a circular motion at her temples. Lauren's head rested loosely in his hands, and he was sorely tempted to bend down and kiss her on the forehead, but that would open a door to all sorts of problems. None of which they were ready to confront.

  Lauren opened her eyes at that second and saw the look on his face. She dropped her head, pulling away from him. "Thanks, Jack. Much better. Would you like to eat something now?"

  "I think that would be a marvelous idea. I'll make the sandwiches and you finish typing."

  Jack strode into the kitchen. Lauren was intuitive to every subtle change in their relationship. If he was going to convince her they belonged together, he would have to guard his heart more carefully. She needed to be relaxed around him, not nervous.

  "I've never made you a sandwich before. Let me guess what you like."

  "What will you win if you guess correctly?"

  He smiled to himself. Now that he was in the kitchen and a safe distance away, she was flirting with him.

  "What would you like to part with? Because I'm sure I can do it."

  "Let me think for a minute."

  "Don't take too long. I'll make my sandwich first. If you don't come up with something by the time I'm through, I pick the prize." He busied himself making the sandwich. He could feel her eyes watching him.

  He looked up and slid the paper plate to the side. "Done! What's my prize?"

  "It's not yours yet. If you win, you can pick the next movie."

  "Chicken, that won't cost you anything. Let's have something a little more enticing."

  Lauren got up and walked into the kitchen to stand before him. "Just how enticing would you like me to be, Jack?"

  "That's not what I meant."

  "Hah! Stop playing with fire. You're likely to get burned."

  "Pick any prize you want." Jack got out more bread and started Lauren's sandwich. "You like spicy, flavorful food, like anchovies on your pizza, but you also like creamy food. Sooo, I'm going to say you like mayonnaise and mustard on your turkey with lettuce and cheese. You hate tomatoes in your salad so I'll say no tomato. Well?"

  "You are so close, it's scary. You got everything right except for one. I hate biting into tomato in my salad, but I like it sliced thin on a turkey sandwich."