All Roads Lead Home

Jack Hunter gave him a sharp look. “Dick told me the engineers are eager to see your design. If you wait too long, they’ll change their minds or find another designer, and the opportunity will be gone.”

Hendrick couldn’t tell him why he had to go to Montana. He’d promised, and Hendrick never broke his promises. “It’s just a few weeks.”

Jack’s wife, Darcy, who had been silent until then, chimed in. “Of course Hendrick has to go with Mariah. Jack, you’d do the same. After all, you followed me here rather than start up that Buffalo flight school.”

Jack groused, “That’s not the same thing.”

“It’s exactly the same. A woman has a way of convincing the man who loves her.”

Hendrick felt the heat creep up his neck. “This has nothing to do with Mariah. I need to take care of my sister. That’s all.”

“If you say so.” Darcy laughed as she leaned against the lower wing of the plane.

Jack rolled his eyes. “Show me a woman who isn’t a matchmaker. Sorry about that.”

“Sorry to disappoint you, Darcy, but we’ve already decided to stay friends.”

She shrugged, as if his revelation meant nothing. “You can’t blame me for trying.”

Jack sighed. “I’ll ask Dick to see if they’ll delay the interview a month. No guarantees.”

“Understood.” Hendrick knew the cost. He would lose his one chance to strike out on his own.

“Don’t worry,” Darcy said sympathetically, “if Curtiss wants the engine badly enough, they’ll wait.”

He hoped she was right.

On Friday morning, Mariah paced in front of the parlor windows, waiting for her car to arrive. Maybe she should have gone to the garage and gotten it herself, but Hendrick assured Gabe he’d drive it to the parsonage.

“Do you think he’s forgotten?” she asked Felicity, after checking the time. “They’re ten minutes late.”

Felicity chuckled. “I’m sure he hasn’t. Give them time.”

“I hope you’re right.” Mariah tugged on a lock of hair.

The fact that Felicity couldn’t know the reason for her trip made this parting more difficult. Mariah had to bury any misgivings and pretend the drive would progress without a hitch, but she knew Gabe was right. A host of problems could derail her effort.

By the time Hendrick parked the Overland in front of the parsonage, her anxiety level had escalated. It got even worse when he unfolded his lean frame from the driver’s seat. The sun accentuated his broad shoulders and muscular arms. She would have to be close to that, to him, every day for the next month.

“Doesn’t Hendrick look handsome?” Felicity said.

Mariah did not need her sister-in-law’s observations. The sight of him made her tremble. “He’s changed.”

Felicity nodded, a knowing smile on her lips. “He studied the last two years and received his high school diploma. Jack Hunter taught him drafting so he could make blueprints for his engine designs. Jack says he’s brilliant and could go far.”

Mariah couldn’t take another minute of Felicity’s glowing accolades. She grabbed her valise. “It’s time to go.”

“I’ll fetch Gabe and Luke.” Felicity headed for the kitchen.

Mariah wished she could leave without the heart-tugging farewells, but Felicity would have none of it. While her sister-in-law vanished into the kitchen, Mariah carried her valise onto the porch.

“Mariah, Mariah!” Anna leaned out the backseat window. “Can you believe we’re actually going? I can hardly wait. Will we see Lake Michigan? And Chicago? Hendrick says it’s a huge city with buildings so tall you can’t see the tops.”

Anna rattled off her questions so quickly that Mariah had no hope of answering, so she nodded and smiled and let Hendrick take her valise. Their hands brushed, and the same electricity coursed through her. Hopefully, he didn’t notice.

“Sis.” Gabe hefted a small crate down the porch steps. “Thought you’d sneak away, did you?”

“What on earth are you carrying?”

“Provisions. Tins of food, matches, a hatchet, everything you’ll need for camping.”

“But I already have supplies and a tent.” Mariah pointed to the half-full backseat. “There’s no room for more.”

“I’ll make it fit.” Hendrick lifted the heavy crate from Gabe’s arms like it weighed no more than a sheet of paper.

My, he was strong. Mariah fanned her suddenly hot face.

Hendrick unpacked the crate and somehow wedged the contents into the backseat without forcing Anna out.

Meanwhile, Gabe pulled her aside. “My prayers go with you.” He held her face in his hands. “Find the truth.”

His eyes looked tired, and the lines around his mouth had deepened.

She hugged him. “I won’t fail you.”

The dreaded round of farewells began when Felicity and Luke joined them in the yard. Mariah managed to say goodbye without shedding a tear.

“When are you coming back, Aunt Mariah?” Luke solemnly asked.

“Soon,” she said, praying that her return would not be to take him west.

Gabe gave her a bear hug. “Godspeed, sis. May He guide your every step.” Though he didn’t say more, both knew where they wanted the Lord to guide her.

“I’ll let you know where you can reach us when we arrive.” She pretended to smile even while choking back tears. “Call or cable if the baby comes early.”

“Of course.”

Then she had to walk away. How she loved them all. They stood together, Gabe’s hand on Luke’s shoulder, confirming to the world that Luke was his son. Felicity waved, and Mariah lifted a hand in response before heading to the driver’s-side door.

She reached for the handle at the same time as Hendrick. Their hands met, generating another jolt of electricity.

“Thank you,” she said stiffly, “but it’s not necessary to open the door for me.”

He flushed. “Uh, I thought…that is, I assumed…”

“Thought what?”

Felicity laughed and motioned her to the passenger seat. Apparently, she wasn’t supposed to drive. But this was her car. She always drove. Why must she turn over control simply because a man was in the car? She started to protest but then decided, in the interest of peace, to relinquish the wheel.