Heart of Hope Read online

  “Jenna,” he called, noticing their closed bedroom door. He sincerely hoped she hadn’t changed her mind. If she had, he would have to take one very long, very cold shower. Steeling himself for what he would find, he turned the knob, surprised by what greeted him when he pushed open the door.

  Jenna had been busy while he was at the barn, lighting several candles and putting on some soft music. She reclined across the bed wearing the little black number she bought for their anniversary. Josh didn’t know how she could have looked any more alluring. The smile she gave him caused his heart to race. So entranced by the sight of her, he couldn’t move or speak as he stood in the doorway, gaping.

  “Babe,” he finally whispered, walking toward the bed as he peeled off his shirt and kicked off his slippers. “You’re so beautiful, you take my breath away.”

  “Buck.” Her voice was low and enticing, making him forget everything but her right at that moment. When she held a hand out to him, he took it in his and slid next to her on the bed, holding her palm to his heart where she could feel it pounding wildly in his chest. Jenna placed her other hand on his cheek. “I’ve missed you so much, missed being in your arms. You know this is my favorite place to be.”

  Josh offered a slow, sexy smile, opening his arms to her. “Then what are you waiting for?”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Josh stepped out in the early morning light, relieved to see the sun cresting the horizon. If the good weather held, he planned to finish his wheat harvest before the day was through. Anxious to start, he’d been promised extra help since it was a Saturday. As Jake pulled into the driveway, Josh waved a hand in greeting and motioned him into the house.

  With the one combine and truck he owned, Josh could complete the harvest over the course of several days, as long as the weather held out. To speed things along, Steve and Clay generously offered the use of a combine, along with three trucks to haul the grain into town to the grain elevator. There, it would be weighed and graded before shipping out to wholesalers.

  Josh and Steve would each run a combine while Clay, Jake, and Tyler Johnson drove the trucks. Callan planned to help Jenna prepare food for the men who would be starving by the time they took a break for lunch. Bobbi relished the opportunity to keep Audrey and Emma at her house, so they weren’t underfoot.

  One of Jake’s buddies volunteered to drive the fourth truck, but he was unexpectedly called in to work. Desperate for a driver, Josh called his dad and asked if he’d like to drive the truck.

  “Boy, would I, Joshie! What a way to spend a day. I haven’t driven a grain truck in years. You might have to give me a refresher course, but I’ll be there in just a bit,” Big Jim said with his characteristic enthusiasm when Josh phoned him that morning. True to his word, he was at their door an hour later, raring to go.

  Steve thought they could work in the same field, finish it then move to the next one, so they both started cutting on opposite ends of the field, the trucks falling into line behind the mammoth machines to catch the golden kernels as they spewed out. While one truck filled, the other drove to the grain elevator in town, unloaded and returned.

  Mid-morning, Josh’s combine broke down and he tinkered with it hoping it would be a quick fix. Wishful thinking got him nowhere as he worked to find the problem.

  Finally, Big Jim got out of his truck and asked Josh a few questions before he started poking around. He spent forty years as a farm equipment mechanic and was one of the best during his working years. Retired for the last ten years, the equipment had changed, but the fundamentals were the same.

  “Well, Joshie, looks to me like you just need to get these two wires working together.” Big Jim was oblivious to the cringe crossing Josh’s face when he used the nickname.

  His dad had called him Joshie for as long as he could remember and he hated it. Absolutely hated it.

  “I assumed that much, Pop, but I can’t exactly bring a soldering iron out here.” Josh tried to keep the irritation out of his voice. Not only was his dad annoying him, he lost precious daylight with the breakdown. “Let me see what I can find in the toolbox,” Josh said, walking around to the other side of the combine and lifting the lid to the toolbox.

  Big Jim walked over to his truck and leaned against the side for a few minutes before an idea struck him. He opened the door and pulled out the cigarette lighter. He hustled over to the wires on the combine and fused them together.

  “Hah! I knew that would do the trick,” he said, admiring his handiwork. He warmed the lighter up again, just to make sure the wires were good and tight. As he stepped out of the truck with it, he stumbled, dropping the lighter.

  “Pop, I think I’m going to have to run to the shop,” Josh said as he walked back around the combine in time to watch his dad stumble and drop the cigarette lighter in the dry, ripe wheat. It immediately sparked and ignited. So surprised by what happened, Big Jim stood watching the tiny flame grow bigger and bigger instead of getting away from the fire.

  Josh ran up and tugged his dad back behind him. “Pop, get back!”

  By now, the fire was about the size of a campfire. In the dry wheat, the whole field could be aflame in a matter of minutes. Frantic but trying to hold back his panic, Josh pulled his water jug out of the combine and dumped it on the flames. It sputtered then roared back to life.

  Yanking a shovel off the combine, he started digging around the fire for all he was worth, dumping the dirt on the flames and trying to keep it from spreading. Big Jim recovered from his initial shock enough that he jumped in the truck and backed it up then pulled out a shovel and began helping Josh throw dirt on the fire.

  When Jake pulled into the field on his return trip from town, he barreled out of the truck, grabbed Big Jim’s shovel, and worked with a fury nearly matching Josh’s. By the time they had the fire out, a spot about the size of one of the trucks had burned. The smell was awful and made their eyes water.

  Gasping for air, Josh leaned on the shovel and mopped at the sweat running down his face with his arm. What could have been a disaster ended much better than he expected. He was thankful Jake showed up when he did.

  Jake bent over trying to catch his breath with his hands on his knees.

  Josh reached over and clasped Jake’s shoulder.

  “I can’t thank you enough for jumping in to help,” Josh said, hoping Jake knew exactly how grateful he was for his efforts.

  “You’re welcome,” Jake said, still waiting for his breathing to return to normal as he grinned up at Josh. “Here you’ve gone and got your pretty face all dirty.”

  “Well, you won’t be winning any beauty contests today, either,” Josh teased.

  Josh gave Jake another thump on his back then straightened just as Big Jim collapsed on the step of the truck.

  Josh ran over to him, followed closely by Jake. “Pop, are you okay? Pop?”

  Big Jim’s face looked pale and his skin felt clammy when Josh touched his forehead. Jerking off his ball cap, he fanned it in front of the old man’s face, stirring the air and hoping it would help revive his dad.

  “Pop, don’t you do something dramatic. We’ve had enough fun already today.”

  “I won’t, Joshie, just need a breather.” Big Jim’s voice came out in a weak whisper, but he opened his eyes and tried to smile reassuringly at his son.

  Josh dug his cell phone out of his pocket and called Callan. “Cal, can you come get Pop? We’ve had a little excitement and I think he really needs to go back to the house now.”

  “Sure, Josh, is he okay? Do I need to take him to the doctor?” Callan asked, worried.

  “No, I think he just overdid and needs to rest.” Josh watched the color return to his dad’s face. “If I asked nicely, would you be game for driving a truck for a while?”

  “Um… I… well…” Callan stuttered, then released a sigh. “Just give me a minute and we’ll be there.”

  “Bring some water with you, please?” Josh begged before Callan hung up.


  Jenna and Callan pulled up in Josh’s pickup a few minutes later. Jake and Josh stood beside Big Jim where he slumped on the truck step. The sight made them both concerned.

  “Hey, girls,” Big Jim said when they got out of the pickup. “You missed the show.”

  They stared at the scorched spot in the wheat field and looked at Josh, openly curious as to what transpired.

  “I’d say we did, Daddy.” Callan held onto her father’s arm to help him balance as they walked to the pickup. “You know, I’ve been wanting to drive this ol’ grain truck and the boys are holding out on me. Would you mind if we traded spots for a while? Jenna and I have lunch all planned, but she could still use your help while I play out here. What do you say?”

  “That sounds like a deal to me, sweet daughter. I was about ready for a break anyway,” Big Jim said as he climbed into the passenger side of the pickup. Callan dug out a couple of water jugs, two wet towels, and some sandwich bags filled with cookies.

  Jenna leaned near Josh and whispered, “You can fill me in later.” She and Big Jim waved as they took refreshments over to where the rest of the crew worked on the other side of the field before returning to the house.

  Jake and Josh both kissed Callan’s cheek when she handed them the cold, wet towels. They wiped the refreshing cloths across their faces and necks, removing soot and dirt. They wasted no time in consuming the water and the cookies before observing Callan’s outfit.

  She’d traded her shorts, tank top, and sandals for a pair of Josh’s jeans, one of his shirts, and Jenna’s boots.

  Unaware she’d be called into service as a truck driver, Callan dressed to be inside the air-conditioned house. Being a good five inches taller than Jenna and a size or so larger, she couldn’t wear her clothes, even though their feet were the same size. There was no way Callan would drive the truck wearing anything less than jeans and a long-sleeved shirt. She’d seen the men in her family itching like mad from the wheat chaff and dust on numerous occasions.

  “Aren’t you the Miss Farmer of the Year fashion plate?” Jake teased, tugging on Callan’s borrowed ball cap.

  “Don’t you get lippy with me, buster,” Callan warned, pushing the hat back up. “You can take me like this or I’ll go back to the house.” She studied the ground where there had most certainly been a fire and pointed her hand to it. “What happened?”

  “Pop.” Josh ran a hand through his hair, shaking out some of the dirt and soot covering him from head to toe. “I broke down and was digging in the tool box to see what I could find. When I walked back around the combine, Pop stumbled and dropped the cigarette lighter in the wheat. It literally burst into flame. I dumped my water on it and then started shoveling like crazy. Pop was trying to help. He may have had a heart attack if Jake hadn’t jumped in when he did.”

  The three of them walked over the charred area and found the cigarette lighter. Josh picked it up in his gloved hand and set it on the dash of the truck. He’d worry about fixing it later.

  “You know what the best part of the whole thing is, Cal? He fixed the problem.” Angry at the destruction of the crop his dad almost caused, Josh also felt pride that Pop managed to make the needed repairs.

  “Yep, that’s Daddy.” Callan tugged her borrowed jeans up and tightened the belt. “This looks like it’s going to be a very long day, so if you want me to help, let’s get the show on the road. Just so you know, the first load I drive into town, I’m stopping by my house so I can change. Now somebody show me what to do.”

  Callan rode with Jake while he filled his truck. He gave her detailed instructions on what to do when she got to town before he turned her loose in the truck Big Jim had been driving. She fell in line behind the combine and did just fine. Before she knew it, her truck was full and she drove down the highway toward town.

  She stopped on the way to Tenacity to change, unable to make herself appear in public looking like she was dressed for some hillbilly costume party. When she arrived at the grain elevator, the guys working it were surprised to see her instead of Big Jim. After giving them a brief explanation, they helped her unload and soon had her on her way back to Josh’s.

  She and Jake got into a good rhythm of alternating loads. Just when she thought she might die of heat and thirst, Josh declared it time for the noon break.

  They sat around the big farm table in the dining room enjoying the air-conditioned coolness of the house as well as a lively lunch conversation. Big Jim was back to his normal jovial self and Jenna seemed to be holding out well. She would have to take a nap before thinking about preparing dinner, though.

  Everyone pitched in to do the dishes and Callan suggested they put a roast in the slow cooker so Jenna wouldn’t have to worry about the main dish. That left Jenna free to rest for a few hours. Big Jim sat down in Josh’s recliner and fell asleep.

  The crew gathered plenty of cold water bottles and snacks before heading back out. Jenna stood on the porch giving Josh one last hug when they heard Jake yell and watched him fly out of his truck, jumping around excitedly. Clay broke into uproarious laughter, removing his hat and slapping it against his leg.

  “Got ya!” he hollered at Jake, pointing a finger his direction.

  White as a sheet, Jake glared daggers at Clay. “That is so not funny, man. Not funny and not cool,” Jake grumbled, growing angrier by the second.

  Josh walked over to Jake’s truck and spied the rubber snake Clay had wound around the gearshift.

  “It’s a little funny.” Unsuccessfully, Josh tried to hide his snickers. Jenna pinched his arm, making him laugh aloud.

  “Score!” Clay gave Josh a high-five as he winked at Callan.

  “Be warned, you’ve just started a war.” Jake leaned inside the truck and used a screwdriver to dislodge the rubber snake. He tossed it Clay’s direction before climbing in the truck and heading back to the field.

  Josh picked up the snake and threw it in the garbage. He knew if Jenna came across it later, she’d scream her head off, forgetting that it was a fake.

  As Callan walked out to her truck with Clay, Jenna heard her say, “That was so mean, Clay. Funny, but mean. You know he’s terrified of snakes.”

  After everyone left for the fields, Jenna retired to her bedroom for a rest. She awoke from a two-hour nap refreshed and energized. When she wandered out to the kitchen, she spotted Big Jim sitting in the recliner watching television.

  “Hi, Pop. Did you get some rest?” she asked, leaning over to kiss his weathered cheek.

  “I sure did, honey. Do you need some help in the kitchen? I’m pretty handy at peeling spuds.” Big Jim got out of the recliner with a few creaks and cracks in his joints.

  “I’d love some help.” Jenna hooked her arm through his. She enjoyed spending time with Josh’s dad. Although she didn’t know Josh’s mother well, Margo took joy in making cutting remarks and being unpleasant. The woman passed away not too long after she began dating Josh.

  Jenna often wondered how Big Jim stayed married to such an unhappy woman for more than fifty years. He was one of the most sincere, kind people she’d ever encountered and he lived to make someone else’s day. However, she did think his name was somewhat misleading. Even with his shoes on, he wasn’t quite as tall as her five-foot six-inches. What he lacked in stature, though, he more than made up for in heart.

  “If you can tackle the potatoes, I’ll work on putting together a salad or two, and whip up some biscuits. How does that sound?” she asked as she got out a large bag of potatoes and a big pot.

  “Sounds dandy to me.” Big Jim slid onto a barstool and accepted the peeler she handed him.

  They kept up a friendly conversation and soon had the meal nearly ready. Big Jim helped her unload the dishwasher from lunch and they set the table for dinner.

  “Just think, this time next year, you’ll have two high chairs pulled up to the table,” Big Jim mused as he laid down silverware at each place setting.

  Jenna stopped and stared at him. She hadn
’t thought that far ahead, but his observation was correct. As she started to look forward to the arrival of the babies, Jenna wondered if they’d be boys for Josh to train in all things farming or girls for her to pamper like princesses. Maybe they’d have one of each. That would be fun.

  “You’re right. Next year everything will be different, except you’ll be right here keeping them entertained while I cook.” Jenna smiled at her father-in-law and gently patted him on the back.

  “I certainly hope so, honey. I can’t wait to meet these two very special babies.” Big Jim sounded wistful. “You know, I never expected to be blessed with my sweet daughter and Joshie. They were both wonderful surprises. Then when Clay and Callan couldn’t have children, that was a disappointment, but it worked out so well with them adopting Audrey and Emma. Now, you and Joshie are going to give me two more babies to love. I don’t think it can get any better than that, can it?”

  “Not when you put it like that, Pop.” Jenna gave him an impulsive hug, surprised by how frail he seemed. She supposed that was to be expected, considering he was eighty.

  “Where is everyone? I’m about ready to belly up to another good meal.” Big Jim pushed aside the kitchen curtain so he could look out the window.

  “They should be in soon. Josh planned to be done by six so they’ve got a few minutes yet,” Jenna said noticing the clock read a quarter before the hour.

  Josh grinned as he watched Jake and Clay pull out of the field to haul the last two loads into town. After climbing down off the combine, he walked over to Steve and shook his hand as he stood next to his own combine.

  “I don’t know how to repay you for this.” Josh waved his arm at the newly harvested field. “It would have taken me all week if not longer to get done what we accomplished today. Thank you so much.”

  “You’re more than welcome, Josh. You help us all the time. The least we can do is give you a day of our time and a few pieces of equipment to use.”