Page 46 of Running to You

She lowered her hands. “I should just go, leave you to—”

“We’re staying together.” No way he was letting her go, not as long as she was in danger. Still, he didn’t mean the words to sound so harsh and regretted causing the flash of fear in her expression. She hadn’t been so sensitive when they were together. “The thought of you trying to deal with this on your own…”

“I could go to Jeanette’s.”

“She’s going to protect you? Fight off your enemies with crayons and blocks?”

“You’re not wrong. But neither am I. You don’t owe me anything.”

“I’d rather you stay with me. Please.”

Eliza’s small smile lit her face. “Thank you. I’d prefer that too.”

Good. At least that was settled.

“I can’t imagine how Jeanette became a children’s pastor,” Eliza said. “She had one of those families that was at church all the time, but as far as I knew, she hadn’t been in years. And you’re religious now too. It’s a weird coincidence.”

“Maybe.”

Sam had returned to church after the pain of losing Eliza had nearly done him in. He’d gone at first because his parents practically dragged him, worried when he started skipping family events and social events he normally would have enjoyed. He’d visited the family church the first time to placate them, but he’d continued going because they were right—there was peace in Christ. There was peace in being loved for who he was, forgiven for all his sins, and guided in his choices. He wasn’t great at asking, but when he did, God was always there for him.

There was also peace in the knowledge that, though he hadn’t known where Eliza was, God knew, and God cared.

Sam had been praying for her for years. Not that he’d ever thought he’d see her again.

“Maybe…what?” Eliza asked.

He was saved from explaining when one of the owners, the chef’s wife, delivered their meals. She was short and plump, wearing a red apron with the deli’s logo on it. “How you doing, Sam? It’s been a while since you graced us with your presence.”

“Hey, Molly. This is my friend Eliza.”

Molly looked her way and smiled. “Glad to see he finally got himself a date.”

Eliza looked about to set her straight, but Molly turned her attention to Sam. “Lemme know if you need anything.”

“Will do.”

Eliza waited until she was out of earshot. “She’s a friend of yours?”

“When the tourists are gone, it’s a pretty tight-knit community.”

“I’m glad you’re a part of it.”

“I needed to be.”

Again, Eliza seemed to wait for him to explain. When he didn’t, she picked up her fork.

He cleared his throat. “I’ll pray real quick.”

“Oh.”

She set the utensil down, and he uttered a short blessing over their meal, adding, “Bring Eliza’s memories back, Lord, and keep us safe. We need Your help.”

She echoed his amen, then tried the salad. “Mmm. It’s good.” She’d chosen one with lots of fruit, but also grilled chicken and feta cheese. A little protein, anyway.

He dipped his sandwich in the au jus and took a sizable bite. Salty and warm with enough horseradish to give it some zing. When he’d swallowed, he steered the conversation back to her past. “Could you call your old employers and get the couple’s names?”

“Did I leave on good terms?”