Homecoming Hero (11 page)

“No.”
Making a sound of anguish deep in his throat, Wolf rose from the table and yanked her into his arms. “You can't die. Not on my watch.”

Hearing the fear in his voice, she pressed her cheek against his chest and sighed. “Oh, Wolf, don't you see? If I stay here, I'll die a slow death of the soul, from a life of superficiality and meaninglessness. Short-term trips to places like Jamaica and Haiti aren't enough. I have to make a bigger commitment.”

“I don't buy that.” He shoved away from her. The rush of hostility on his face chilled her to the marrow. “There is nothing in the Bible that says you have to climb on an airplane to serve the Lord. You can serve right here, in Savannah. I know of several soup kitchens and at least one homeless shelter that could use your help tomorrow, if not sooner.”

Technically he was correct. But in Hailey's case “climbing on an airplane” was the only way for her to achieve her goal, the only way to honor Clay's sacrifice.

She had to make him understand. “Wolf, please, let's sit back down and start this conversation over.”

His expression darkened. “We've both said enough for one night.”

He spun away from her and left the kitchen without another word.

Oh, no. He wasn't getting off that easily.

“Don't run away from me,” she said. “We had too good of a time today to end on this harsh note.”

He stopped, unmoving, practically frozen in midstep. “You're right. We did have a good day together.” He heaved a sigh. “But I need time to think about everything you've said. Give me that, Hailey.”

She reached up to touch his back, but stopped short, her fingers hovering just shy of making a connection.

“Okay, I'll leave you alone.”
For now,
she added silently to herself.

Keeping his gaze averted, he shrugged into his jacket. “I'll call you tomorrow.”

In the next heartbeat, he was gone.

H
e didn't call.

Not the next day, like he'd said. Or the next. Or even the next. Nearly an entire week passed without a word from Wolf. Hailey tried not to take his silence personally. After all, she'd given him a lot to think about. Nevertheless, she couldn't help wondering…

Why hadn't he called?

She felt her eyes go a little weepy as she watched him conduct the second half of their weekly survival class. He hadn't looked at her once in the last thirty minutes. In fact, he hadn't looked at her at all since she'd arrived. Coupled with his authoritative tone and systematic manner he'd adopted for tonight's lesson, Wolf might as well be a complete stranger to her.

More than a little irritated, Hailey abandoned all pretense of paying attention to his detailed explanation on how to build a fire and moved to the back of the classroom. She felt better, more in control, now that she was standing rather than sitting.

Perched against the wall, she followed Wolf with her gaze. Her heart tripped at the sight of him moving casually through the room as he spoke. He was almost
feline in his movement, like a big jungle cat on the hunt. As if to add to the untamed picture, he wore all black tonight—black jeans, black shirt, black leather jacket.

Talk about fighting dirty.

Why did the man have to be that attractive, and that appealing, when all Hailey wanted to do was ignore him?

She deserved to be angry at him. She had that right. Or so she told herself. But all she really felt was sad. And maybe a little lonely.

She'd opened her heart to Wolf, and she'd thought he'd opened his as well, at least a little. He wouldn't have shared the story of his painful childhood if he didn't have feelings for her. She knew him well enough to know he was too private of a person to open his soul to just anyone.

But she wasn't sure their relationship would ever progress beyond an awkward friendship.

Not with his promise to Clay standing between them.

“You're scowling.”

Hailey jerked at the sound of the softly spoken words, barely audible but discernible all the same. She hadn't heard J.T. join her. Then again, he was another one who moved with catlike grace, despite his disability.

Sighing over the interruption, she rolled her gaze in his direction. “I'm not scowling. I'm just paying very close attention to the lesson.”

J.T. didn't look convinced. “Okay.”

“I am.”

“Sure. Sure.” He had the audacity to smirk. “Whatever you say, Hailey.”

“J.T. I—” She slammed her mouth shut. This was ridiculous, carrying on an argument in hushed tones.
Especially when Hailey had far more important matters on her mind, like how to break through the invisible wall Wolf had erected between them.

She wanted to be left alone to think. Although…

Given his history, maybe J.T. could shed some light on Wolf's recent change in behavior.

She motioned him to follow her into the hallway.

Once they were out of earshot of the class, J.T. broke the silence first. “What's wrong, Hailey?”

His question took her by surprise. “Who said anything was wrong?”

“I know you well enough to know when something's bothering you.” He gave her one of his shrewd pastor looks. “Or maybe I should say…
someone.
”

By the practical no-nonsense tone of his voice, it was clear J.T. was firmly entrenched in the role of pastor. Under the circumstances, that worked for Hailey. “You're right. I am upset.”

“Is it Wolf?”

She answered truthfully. “Yes.”

“What has he done?”

“He's done nothing.
Nothing
at all.” And wasn't that the real problem here?

That Wolf was allowing his promise to Clay to overshadow everything else between them, to the point of completely shutting Hailey out now that they'd come to yet another impasse?

Although Hailey admired Wolf's commitment to her brother, she sensed his guilt was the driving force behind his actions as much as his inner sense of integrity.

J.T. shifted next to her, the movement drawing her eyes to his injured leg. A silent reminder of his own tragic past. “You and Wolf have been hanging out, right?”

“A little.” He shoved his hands into his pockets. “We've had a few lunches together, discussed the survival classes, stuff like that.”

Oh, they'd talked about more, Hailey sensed it by J.T.'s professional manner. He was in pastor-mode and wasn't going to reveal anything else on the matter.

We'll see about that.

“How much do you know about Wolf's days in Iraq?” she asked.

“Enough to know I've been where he is now.” He didn't have to elaborate. Although Hailey wasn't privy to the particulars of J.T.'s time in the military, she knew he'd been blown up with his men. Just like Wolf.

Hailey knew she could dance around what she most wanted to discuss with him, or she could be direct. Since she had never been one to avoid the tough issues she pressed on. “Wolf blames himself for his men's deaths.”

As soon as she blurted out the words, she realized his guilt was really the crux of the matter. If Wolf could accept the fact that he was the victim of a random act of violence rather than the cause, he would begin the healing process.

But how to get him there? Maybe J.T. had some ideas.

“By missing the signs of the IED he thinks he caused the accident,” she added when she realized J.T. hadn't responded to her earlier remark.

Still maintaining his silence, he gave her a noncommittal nod, neither confirming nor denying whether this information was news to him.

“On the other hand,” she continued, holding his gaze, “I don't blame him for Clay's death.”

“That's good.” Yet again, the pastor tone and distant manner revealed nothing of J.T.'s thoughts.

In her blazing frustration, Hailey wanted to shake the man for his lack of cooperation. She resisted. Barely. “How can I make him see the truth?”

“You can't.”

That was not the answer she was looking for. “But surely there's something I can do.”

J.T. shook his head. “I'm sorry, Hailey. You can give him your patience and understanding, but the rest is up to Wolf.”

She slammed her fisted hands against her sides. “I hate feeling this helpless.”

“Waiting is hard for all of us, but this is between Wolf and the Lord. Trust that God is already at work in him. He'll bring your soldier to healing. In His time, not yours.”

As much as Hailey wanted to argue the point, she knew he was right. Like it or not, she had to wait on the Lord.

“Thanks, J.T. That's not really what I wanted to hear, but I can't deny the logic in your words.”

“Not just logic, Hailey. Truth.”

“Of course.”

“Now that we've settled that.” He offered his arm in a gallant gesture still common in the South. “Let's get you back to class so you can learn how to light a fire.”

Sage words if ever she'd heard them.

 

Wolf noticed the exact moment Hailey and J.T. returned to the classroom. Both looked lost in their own thoughts. Whatever they'd discussed in the hallway must have been heavy stuff.

He expected Hailey to look up any minute and scowl
at him, like she'd done all evening. But she quietly returned to her place against the wall and proceeded to stare at her feet.

He'd never seen her that subdued. He started to go to her, to find out what was wrong, see if he could help, but then he realized he was in the middle of teaching a class.

Fortunately, he'd covered enough for one night.

“And that's how to build a fire under the best and worst conditions.” He shifted his weight back on one foot then shot a quick glance over the assembled group. “Any remarks, questions, complaints, concerns?”

Several hands shot into the air.

He smiled at the obvious enthusiasm in the room. After only two lessons, Wolf was growing to respect these people and their commitment.

They weren't misguided do-gooders with more heart than sense, like he'd first thought. They truly wanted to serve their God, for all the right reasons, and with a fiery passion that humbled him.

Their dedication made Wolf long to have his own calling. But why would the Lord use a man like him, when there were so many out there who hadn't made his colossal mistakes?

Unhappy with the direction of his thoughts, Wolf forced his mind back on task and began fielding questions.

As he spoke, his gaze shifted in Hailey's direction.

She hadn't moved from her spot on the wall, and she was still staring at her feet. She must really be upset with him. Who could blame her? He'd told her he would call and he hadn't.

Not because he'd been avoiding the hard conversa
tion, but because he hadn't known where to
start
the conversation.

Now he regretted his indecision. He didn't like hurting Hailey. It left an empty feeling inside him.

Holding his smile in place, he focused on answering the next question about waterproof matches. “Yes,” he replied. “Carrying a small box with you at all times would be wise. As to where to purchase them, any sporting goods or local hardware store should have a variety of choices. But if cost is a factor, you can make your own.”

“Really?” someone asked. “How?”

Wolf glanced at the clock mounted over the doorway. He'd promised J.T. he'd have everyone out of here by 2100. It was 2102. “You'll have to wait until next week for that answer. I'll bring written instructions for everyone to take home with them.”

Enthusiastic murmurs filled the room. They were actually excited about making their own matches.

This time Wolf's smile felt real as he ran his gaze over the group. “Anything else?”

No one raised their hand. Just as well. He was all talked out. “Okay, then. We're done for the night.” He gathered his materials and stuffed them quickly into his bag. “Everyone have a good week.”

He stepped to his left so J.T. could join him and say the final prayer of the night. But the pastor didn't move from the back of the room. Instead, he caught Wolf's gaze and said, “Why don't you close us in prayer, Captain Wolfson.”

Say what?

The muscles in Wolf's back immediately stiffened. J.T. wanted him to pray? Out loud? In front of all these people? Sweat broke out on his brow.

Was the man kidding?

Apparently not. J.T. hadn't moved off the back wall. Not one inch.

Torn between bolting and getting the job done, Wolf stood frozen in place, on the verge of panic like he'd never experienced before.

He'd faced enemy fire less terrifying than this room of eager, wide-eyed idealists waiting for him to pray for them.

He slowly bowed his head, but not before he looked desperately in Hailey's direction. She wasn't looking down anymore. And she wasn't scowling. She was smiling,
at him,
with a look of genuine encouragement in her gaze.

Feeling stronger, he closed his eyes. “Lord…I…”

He looked up again, feeling hopelessly lost. Hailey mouthed the words:
You can do it.

He swallowed and started again. His voice stronger this time, he said, “Thank you, Lord, for this time together. I ask that You send us out this week with courage and faith. And may we honor You in everything we do…in Jesus' name. A…
Amen.
”

Low chatter and the rustle of people leaving their seats filled the air. He must have done an okay job with the prayer, even if his words had been a bit generic. At least no one had laughed, or snorted in disgust. Needing something—
anything
—to make him feel less exposed, Wolf looked at Hailey again. She smiled at him. With the same sweet look in her eyes as before. He couldn't understand why she wasn't holding a grudge against him for not calling her.

She baffled him. But right now, as he stared at all that acceptance in her eyes, Wolf couldn't help himself. He smiled back.

That was all the encouragement she needed. She muttered something to J.T., then broke away from him and headed for the front of the room.

Wolf forced himself to remain where he was. Nonchalant. Normal. Nothing out of the ordinary here. Except…

His heartbeat had decided to kick into overdrive. And a trickle of sweat rolled down his back. Hailey O'Brien made him nervous. A completely new and terrifying sensation.

Fortunately, she wasn't the only one who wanted to talk to him. By the time she made it to the front of the room, Wolf was already surrounded by a handful of people asking him rapid-fire questions all at once.

He did his best to answer them, one by one. Patient. Smooth. In control.

Who was he kidding?

He couldn't make his mind work properly. Not with Hailey hovering just outside the circle of people, watching, waiting calmly for her turn to speak to him.

Once Wolf had answered all the questions, he turned his full attention onto Hailey.

Every muscle in his body tensed. There was something different about her tonight, a curious blend of patience and consideration.

“Hi,” she said, her eyes revealing nothing.

“Hi,” he said back, feeling like an awkward teenager in the throes of his first crush. The woman fascinated him in ways he hadn't begun to untangle in his mind.

He had a thousand things he wanted to say to her, now that they were face-to-face. But just like every time he'd picked up the phone this week to call her, he was stuck without an opening line.

First and foremost, he needed to apologize for not
calling her. Except…how did he do that? What could he say that wouldn't come off sounding trite?

“So, here's the thing,” she began, her eyes still unreadable. “We ended things on a pretty dramatic note last time we saw one another.”