Chapter Fourteen #3
Rachel stopped pacing the length of the kitchen, which was so inviting. “You’re trying to make me laugh.”
Her dad smiled a lopsided grin. “Did it work?”
She walked over to the table and wrapped her dad in a hug. “Yeah, it did.”
He patted her hand. “That’s my kid.”
Turning, Rachel took charge of the situation, that being her emotions. “Bethany, do you mind if I take your notes and the blueprints up to my room? I need some alone time to revise the functional design.”
Bethany scrambled to her feet. “Sure,” she said without hesitancy.
Benji chimed in. “I know we’re focused on the community redevelopment grant. But…” He trailed off, rifling through a pile of printouts. “The fires have given me an idea.”
Rachel hoped it included a solution for the loss of farmlands and those whose homes and jobs would be impacted.
“Don’t keep us in suspense,” Matt rasped. “Did you uncover more money?”
“Maybe,” Benji said with cautious optimism. “Rachel, if you can redesign the clinic spaces to include a disaster relief hub, we could compete for the Environmental Protection Agency’s Community Change Equitable Resilience Grant.”
Bethany paused. “How is a hub different from a center?”
“Good question. It’s a long answer.” Benji flipped open his laptop, his fingers flying across the keys.
“Here’s what’s on the web page. A disaster hub is more than an evacuation shelter.
It serves as a food and water distribution site at the local and federal levels.
A backup communications center for emergency services and community engagement resources on ordinary days. ”
“Oh my goodness,” Bethany cheered. “This… this is amazing. I never knew any of these types of programs existed.”
Rachel had the sudden urge to hug Bethany. So she did. Service had an excellent new addition in Bethany Walker. Her father had found a wonderful woman who loved him and their home.
“There’s more.” Benji waggled his brows. “If we design with green infrastructure in mind—solar panels, hydropower—The American Rescue Plan has a Climate Resilience Green Infrastructure Grant specific for rural areas.”
“Hot dog,” her father yelled. “Service would be the one-stop shop for emergency planning, all ’cause my girls made it happen. And you, too, Benji.”
“Thanks, Mr. J., but Rachel will be the designing star. My job is to light the masterpiece to its full potential.”
Her dad laughed. It was hearty and warm and welcoming. “I said what I said.”
Benji, having officially been reprimanded, said. “Okay, then.”
“Benji, you should know, Dad’s I said what I said is reserved for family. You’re an honorary Johnson now. Next visit is here in the house instead of the barn.”
Benji, approving of his newfound family, grinned. “No, thanks, FriendFriend. I’ve already worked my way to the top. I’ll be sure to mention the adoption to my parents on their next visit to the country.”
Benji’s parents were indie film producers living wherever their interests took them. Rachel knew of his younger sister, Blythe. She assumed they were estranged, as Benji rarely mentioned her.
“Okay, I have work to do. I’ll wear a path across the old carpet in my room. Thanks to Dad and his tile-saving suggestion.”
“Be careful on your climb, RJ.”
“Ah, did I miss something?” Benji stood, gathering his laptop, notebook, and cell phone for the return to the barn.
Her father chuckled. “RJ’s got a clear view of the Calvary homestead from the roof.”
Color blossomed in Rachel’s cheeks. Benji said nothing.
Rachel blew out a breath. “Dad, snitches get stitches.”
Before things escalated, Bethany chimed in, “You don’t have to mount a defense, Rachel. How about you open the door and follow your heart? Wherever it leads… No matter what you decide, your family is in your corner.”
The confident look on Bethany’s soft features revealed that the opening she spoke of reached beyond a physical barrier.
Could Rachel open herself to Noah beyond his general well-being?
A better question, should she? Years had passed since her secret treks onto Calvary land.
In the silence, questions piled up like bricks.
What had been a cavernous space tightened her chest and crowded her thoughts with indecision.
Should she stay put and worry? Or be there for Noah?
Rachel waited for a second before hugging Benji, her father, and Bethany goodnight. Something had deepened in Rachel and Bethany’s connection. A growing sisterhood between women, with stories only they could understand.
“You’re no coward, Rachel Johnson. These boots were made for walking.” And that’s what she’d do.
Walk.
With purpose, if not a destination.
Rachel climbed the stairs, shoved her bare feet into her work boots, and then grabbed her sketch pad and tablet in one hand. This was probably her worst idea yet, but she appreciated Bethany’s advice where she’d expected judgment.
Tonight, she wouldn’t wrestle within. Maybe Noah would leave her waiting. Maybe her worry would be unappreciated. But she’d follow her heart… wherever the path led.