Do Not Forsake Me(52)
“If it doesn’t take a long story.”
“No. I just want to know how you would describe Randy if you could only use one or two words.”
A look of complete adoration and sorrow moved through Jake’s gaze. He quietly smoked, saying nothing at first. “The center of my universe,” he finally answered. “And the air I breathe. No man could ask for better.”
Jeff scribbled the words. “That’s a beautiful way to put it.”
“She’s a beautiful woman—inside and out. I have absolutely no idea how or why she puts up with me.”
“Pardon my forwardness, but I suspect it’s because she feels the same way about you, Jake. You are the air she breathes.”
Jake met Jeff’s gaze. “I had no right ever touching that woman, but I never wanted anything worse in my life than I wanted her the first time I saw her. Our eyes met and there it was. But the situation…hell, she shot me, and, by God, I wanted her even more. That little slip of a woman had guts.” He smiled rather sadly. “And I’m feeling really sleepy again.”
“Are you telling me to leave now?”
“I guess I am.” Jake put out his hand. “Thank you, Jeff. I’m alive because of your warning.” Jeff took his hand. Jake’s handshake was firm and genuine. “Don’t worry about what might happen out there on the trail. This trip will be pretty routine, other than maybe paying a visit to what’s left of the Bryants. I don’t want them coming back on us later. At any rate, you’ll be with me and Lloyd. We’ll make sure nothing happens to you.”
“Well, I’m…thank you. I look forward to shooting lessons. Not many men get to brag about Jake Harkner teaching them how to use a gun. I’ll be writing my father about this.”
Jake grinned and shook his head. “I’m hearing the word hero in that statement. Remember what I told you.”
“I will, sir.”
“Jake.”
“Yes, sir. I mean…Jake.”
“You come back Sunday, Jeff, for dinner. The whole family is always over on Sundays after church. We’ll talk some more then. I’ll have Randy set something up with Peter Brown, and we’ll get some paperwork started.”
“All right.” Jeff rose. “I should tell you, Jake, that I’m Jewish.”
Jake frowned. “So? The last I heard, Jesus Christ himself was a Jew.”
Jeff was surprised at the remark. “Well, some people have a problem with someone being Jewish, especially some Christians.”
“Jeff, I couldn’t care less that you’re Jewish, and I guarantee my wife won’t care either. And I judge a man only on his honesty and trustworthiness. You’re a good man, bright, and I can tell, loyal. That means a lot. Trust is everything to me.”
Jeff studied him a moment while Jake still had his eyes closed. “How in heck do you know that stuff—I mean, about Jesus being Jewish and all that?”
“Because for twenty-six years, I’ve lived with a woman who reads her Bible and who for many of those years read it out loud to our son and daughter. I have ears, Jeff.”
“But—you won’t go to church.”
“Jeff, if you’re going to get into things like that, you won’t get a story out of me. I don’t belong in a church and that’s that. Now get going. I’m tired.”
Oh, there is so much more to you than you let on, Jake Harkner.
Jeff rose, but before he reached the door, Jake called to Randy. She came into the bedroom.
“What is it?”
“Jeff here is Jewish. Do you have a problem with that?”
Randy shrugged. “He saved your life. Why would I have a problem with his religion?”
Jake threw up his hands. “There’s your answer, Jeff. No go home and let me sleep.”
Jeff turned to Randy. “Thank you, ma’am.”
Randy folded her arms. “I’m serious—call me Randy. And what are you thanking me for?”
“I…I don’t know.”
Randy put a hand on his arm. “Jeff Trubridge, my husband is alive thanks to you. You will always be welcome in our home. If Jake trusts you and likes you, then so do I. Nothing else matters.”
Jeff nodded. “Well, I’m glad of that.” He put on his hat. “I’ll stay away a few more days and let Jake get the rest he needs.”
“Thank you. You are always welcome to talk to Brian or Evie or Lloyd if you want. I’m not sure what they are willing to talk about, especially Lloyd, but they all know it’s all right with Jake. They are all very grateful for you warning Jake the day of the shooting. They know their father expects them to be good to you.”