Chapter Twenty-Five #2
“The fire department and EMS are literally next door,” Rachel continued, her excitement building.
“When someone calls 911, Tobias and his kit can have them stabilized and in proper medical care within minutes instead of that terrifying forty-minute ambulance ride to Whynot. And the collaboration—imagine our firefighters training with medical staff, learning advanced first aid in the same building where they might use those skills. And when disasters hit, because they will, this same wing transforms into an emergency shelter.”
Rachel watched her dad’s face light up as she spoke. Maybe he was remembering the little girl who used to sketch house plans on napkins during dinner. Or her mother, holding Rachel on her lap, helping her trace lines, and color in the block houses.
Her dad cleared his throat roughly. “That’s my kid,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.
Rachel grinned and pointed to another section.
“And here’s the bonus… an onsite pharmacy with a drive-up window.
Picture Mr. Wanakee, in his vintage Cadillac Seville, pulling right up to collect his medications.
No more choosing between travel and prescriptions because someone can’t afford the gas to drive into Whynot. ”
Bethany’s eyes filled with tears, her hand finding the man who owned her heart. “We’re bringing healthcare home, Matt,” she whispered, her voice breaking slightly.
“The town mall administrative spaces are brilliant, too,” Amarie said, studying those renderings. “Open concept for collaboration, but private offices where needed. And this public meeting space could double as a public space with community meetings and our local fundraisers.”
“You thought of everything,” Bethany marveled, dabbing at her eyes with her free hand.
Amarie reached across the table and squeezed Rachel’s hand.
“I can see it… Noah’s vision, your vision for Service,” she said, unshed tears pooling on her lower lashes.
“The people will see it, too. So much of what we need… right here in town. Folks can stay close to home, surrounded by people who love them.”
At the mention of love, Rachel thought this might be the best time to discuss her decision about Noah.
“There’s something I need to tell you all,” she said, her stomach knotting. How did she tell her best friend that she was choosing love? That she might be committing career suicide with the firm for a second, real first chance at life with Noah?
Benji raised an eyebrow. “You’re staying, aren’t you?”
“I… don’t know.” She took a breath. “Noah asked me to move in while I’m here. The rest”—she sighed—“is more complicated. If I stay, Benji, what does that mean for my career? The connections and friends I’ve made in San Diego? What would a FriendFriend do without her bestie nearby?”
“Aw, FriendFriend,” he said gently, “no need to fret. I have an American Express card with lounge privileges. I gotta use those air miles for something. This is Service. My home away from… well, San Diego.”
He was right, again. When had she become the person who shouldered other people’s choices or consequences? Benji was a whole adult who didn’t require her intervention or oversight.
“No matter your decision,” Leah interjected, gesturing around the office and then at the renderings, “you win. A man who supports your ambitions, a community that needs your talents, and projects that could change lives. Whether here or there, all of us are with you.”
“Plus,” Amarie added with a mischievous grin, “you get to work in this gorgeous space instead of some sterile corporate box when you come home.”
“And,” Bethany said warmly, “you get to be close to family.”
Matt nodded toward the renderings. “These designs could be a model for rural development across the country, RJ. You’re not scaling back. You’re scaling up in a different way.”
Exactly. She wasn’t choosing Noah or her life in San Diego.
She was choosing a version of herself that got to experience it all—love, a career, and community.
But how? Therein lay the challenge. Could she build a successful career right here in Service with Noah?
This version of Rachel worked in the barn, designed in her home, swam in the plunge pool, and made love outside under the stars.
“We should head back, Matt. I need to finalize those floral arrangements,” Bethany said eventually, but her tone revealed her reluctance to leave.
“And I need to review the electrical specifications with the county inspector,” Benji added.
“Yeah,” Leah said. “Amarie and I were at the farm. We need to get back and then meet Eli at the vet clinic. I have a full day of grooming on my schedule.”
“Thanks for coming over.” Rachel hugged them goodbye, one by one. “Give me a minute to get my tablet, and I’ll walk back with you to grab my stuff.”
As they began to file out, Rachel lingered.
Alone again in the space Noah had created for her, she returned to the renderings spread across the custom table.
The afternoon light caught the details of each building transformation, and she could see her future together with Noah more clearly than any architectural plan she’d ever drawn.
This was their home. This was the life she never knew she wanted until she had the courage to reach for it.
The walk back reminded her of three kids trailing behind their parents. Her father, Bethany, and Leah laughed about tomorrow’s committee meeting while Rachel, Amarie, and Benji joked about sex.
No sooner had she exited the house with her essentials stuffed in a shoulder duffel than Noah exited his truck and headed for where they all stood on the front porch, her dad and Bethany cuddled up in the swing.
Rachel’s eyes widened. “You’re back.”
“What’s up, fellas? Afternoon, ladies. Mama,” Noah said, his long strides bringing them face to face.
Here he stood, the man of her dreams, his broad shoulders wrapped in sunlight.
The image warmed her insides. Rachel searched his eyes.
Though he wore his usual cocky grin, he could never fool her. Something hadn’t gone his way.
“Rachel invited us over to see her in-house studio,” Amarie teased. “Nice work, Noah.”
Noah nodded in acknowledgement, not the usual gloating Rachel had come to expect. “Thanks, lil’ sis. Mind if I steal my lady away?”
“Not at all” was followed by a chorus of giggles and awws.
Noah took her bag, grabbed her hand, and led Rachel away.
The large barn doors split open, and sunlight spilled into the wide entryway, built to shelter two John Deere tractors during inclement weather.
Noah bypassed the entry, instead leading them behind the barn.
How many summer nights had they spent exploring second base away from watchful eyes?
A shrieking “Paaa caw” had her grasping his hand tighter, ready to retreat.
Pretty Ricky stood there, his crown jerking robotic movement as if he questioned her presence. “Dang it, Ricky. Can you warn me next time?”
Noah frowned. “I think that was it.”
“So, what are we doing again?”
When her back hit the wood, she immediately wrapped her arms around his neck. His relying on her, needing her touch, was another turning point for them. For Noah to seek her out for comfort, showing her that they were partners, meant more than the words I love you.
“It’s been a minute since I’ve played doctor behind the barn, mister.” A reference to them exploring each other as teens.
Noah didn’t laugh. Instead, he wrapped her up in his arms and held on. The depth of emotion, the raw honesty on display, this was the Noah she adored. Real. No audience. Just the two of them.
“Noah,” she whispered, genuine concern, amping up her emotions.
“Shh,” he said, “just let me hold you.”
So she did. She held on tight for both of them, afraid to let go.