North Country Family

“Happy N-New Year,” he repeated.

The boys moved around, eager to tap their glasses against everyone else’s. That was how Cassie ended up next to Rick, despite her best efforts.

“Happy New Year, Cassie,” he said softly.

It was only their glasses that made contact, but the effect was the same as if his lips had touched hers. She spilled a few drops of punch on her fingers as she tried to find her voice.

“Happy New Year,” she whispered.

His eyes held hers for a long timeless moment. Finally he turned toward the boys and led them in singing “Auld Lang Syne.” Cassie forced herself to breathe in and out slowly, causing her heart rate to eventually return to normal by the end of his short but fervent prayer asking God to bless each of them in the year ahead.

“Let’s share our resolutions,” Rick said.

“What’s a resolution?” Rod asked.

“Grab your snacks. We’ll sit in the family room,” Laurel said. “Rick can explain.”

Cassie sat on the arm of the sofa beside Noah and waited until everyone had settled, curious to hear what Rick would say.

“Resolutions are plans we make to accomplish specific things in the coming year,” he explained in a solemn tone. “It’s a goal to focus on. For example, my resolution this year is to serve God with all my heart, even when it means sacrificing my own plans.”

Cassie frowned. The way Rick said it made it sound as if he was trying to make up for something. What was her resolution?

“What about you guys? Any idea what you’d like to accomplish in the new year?”

Rod grimaced. “My resolution is to figure out math.”

“That’s a good one,” Rick encouraged. “Hard, but good. Anyone else?”

“Mine is to get another saxophone,” Michael said, his blond curly head tilted to one side.

“You play sax? You and I could brainstorm on that maybe,” Rick offered.

“I’d like that,” he said shyly.

Cassie was surprised Michael had answered at all. According to the file she had on him, he was suffering from depression. He certainly hadn’t volunteered any information previously. It must be Rick who was helping him find his place.

“I’m going to get along better with others this year,” Laurel said.

Soon Rick had coaxed each boy to talk about some plan for the future—everyone except Noah, who’d said only that he’d think about it. Cassie’s heart was still aching from Noah’s withdrawal, so she was not prepared when Rick called her name.

“What’s yours, Cassie?” Rick’s gaze pinned her.

“My resolution?” She blinked in surprise, though she knew she should have expected the question. But what to say?

Like a giant wave, the hurt rolled over her, lending a sharp edge to her voice when she said, “I’m going to rebuild my life this year.”

Rick studied her for several moments. Was that pity in his eyes? Cassie did not want pity from this man. She shifted uncomfortably, aware that the boys were now staring, too.

“Well, you’re in the right place, Cassie, because that’s what we do at Lives Under Construction, right, boys?” Laurel said, kindly drawing the attention away from her.

“Thank you all for sharing,” Rick added. “I’ll pray God will help each of you fulfill the desires of your hearts.”

In the clamor of the next hour of games, Cassie often felt Rick’s eyes on her. She studiously avoided looking at him, forcing herself to join the fun, suppressing all that she was feeling. But when her eyes accidentally met his, she knew she wasn’t fooling him.

When the boys could no longer hide their yawns, Laurel said it was time for bed. She convinced Rick to sleep in the family room because of the storm, and then Cassie persuaded Laurel to leave the cleaning-up to her.

She’d just snapped off the kitchen light and was about to go to her room when Rick’s touch on her arm stopped her. She shifted so his hand dropped away. “Yes, Rick?”

“I wanted to wish you the very best with your resolution, Cassie.” His green eyes swirled with something she couldn’t define, something that made her knees weak against her will. “I hope God will bless you and Noah as you start a new life here. I’ll pray you find what you need in Churchill and at Lives.”

“Thank you. Happy New Year to you, too, Rick,” she said quietly. “Thanks for coming to our rescue.”