Shirlee McCoy - Die Before Nightfall

His finger skimmed across her stinging flesh. Gentle, tender. Just as his touch had been with Abby.

But Raven was caregiver, not invalid, and she shifted away, uncomfortable with the gesture. “It’s nothing.”

“It’s something and I’m sorry it happened. Now, I’d better get her home.”

This time Raven waited at the door until the car disappeared from sight, wondering about the man who drove it. Shane seemed both gruff and caring. Devoted to his aunt, yet already burdened by her care. Would he be the kind to turn his back when the already rocky road got rockier? Would he stick it out until Abby didn’t know him anymore? Until she didn’t know herself? Or would he be one of the few that stayed until the last breath?

Raven wouldn’t even try to guess. Shane and Abby were family, and family was something she had little experience with, something she’d come to Lakeview, Virginia, to learn about. If she dared.

Her hands trembling just a little, she walked to the phone and picked up the phone book that sat beside it. She didn’t need to read the circled number. She’d memorized it earlier, had fought with herself about whether to call. Was still fighting with herself.

Had he changed much? As a scared eight-year-old, she’d seen Ben as a father, not a brother. It wasn’t until years later that she’d realized how young he’d been. Perhaps to him, being taken from their home had been a blessing. Perhaps he wanted nothing more than to put that part of his life behind him. If so, did Raven want to know? She’d been disappointed so many times in her life. Each time had hurt just a little more. Now she wondered if it would be better to forget the idea of reconciliation with her brother. Leave things as they had been so many years ago when she was too young to know that knights in shining armor were as tarnished as the rest of the world.

But it was too late to back out. She was here. All she had to do was work up the courage to reach for what she so desperately wanted—family.

Muscles tense with anxiety, she picked up the phone and dialed the number. Then closed her eyes as the phone rang. Once. Twice.

“Grace Christian Church, Penny speaking. May I help you?”

Raven swallowed hard and forced words past the fear in her throat. “Yes, I was wondering if Pastor Ben Avery is in today.”

“He is. Would you like to speak with him?”

“No. Well, yes, but I’d prefer to speak to him in person.”

“I’m sorry. His schedule is full. Would you like me to take a message?”

“Will you deliver it to him now? It’s very important.”

“Yes. Of course.”

“Tell him Raven called. Tell him I’m on my way to the church.”

“I—”

“Thank you.” Raven hung up, grabbed a sweater from the closet, slid her feet into clogs and walked out the door.

She didn’t think, didn’t plan. What good would it do? Life had a way of happening in exactly the way it was meant to. No matter how hard one fought against it.

The church parking lot was nearly empty, the man standing in the center even more noticeable because of it. Faded blue jeans, a dark sweatshirt, sandy hair just a bit long, he watched Raven’s car as she parked near the church. Watched as she got out. Even from a distance she could see his eyes—startling blue in a tan, handsome face.

And she knew. Knew before he took the first step, before he sprinted across the area that separated them. Ben. Older, broader. A man now, not a boy, but still it was Ben running toward her, pulling her into his arms. The embrace so familiar, yet completely different.

“Raven.” No shout of joy. Just a whisper against her hair.

She pressed her cheek against the thud of Ben’s heart, wrapping her arms around his waist, pretending for just a moment that twenty years didn’t separate them.

They stood that way for several minutes. Then Ben pulled back, loosening his hold but not letting go. “Do you know how long I’ve been praying for this?”

His gaze skimmed her face, her hair, the flowing dress she wore. “You’re all grown up. And beautiful.”

“Not beautiful.”

“Yes, beautiful. Come inside. We’ve got a lot of catching up to do.”

And as easily as that, he accepted her.

Raven allowed herself to be led through the church hall and into an office. A slim blond woman looked up as they walked in, her green eyes narrowing as she caught sight of Ben’s arm draped across Raven’s shoulder.

“Penny, this is my sister, Raven.”

“Sister?” Penny’s face relaxed and she stood, her hand extended in greeting. “I had no idea you had a sister, Ben. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“A pleasure to meet you, too.”

“Are you in town for a visit?”

“I—”

“No third-degree today, Penny. I’m going to grab my things and head home. Can you call Jim Ross? See if he minds filling in on visitation today.”

“Of course.”

Ben nodded, then ushered Raven into a small room. “This is my office, such as it is.”

She imagined him sitting behind the old wood desk, his brow furrowed in concentration as he worked at the computer. Imagined him standing in front of a congregation, preaching, teaching, ministering. It fit.

Her brother the pastor.

“You’re smiling. What are you thinking?” He spoke as he grabbed a briefcase and led her back out of the office.

“That this fits you. The church. The office.” They stepped into the hall, and Raven leaned close. “Even the jealous receptionist.”

“Jealous? Penny?” He laughed. “She’s got bigger fish to fry. Last I heard she was dating a doctor. You still like pink lemonade?”

“It’s my favorite.”

“You’re in luck, then. I always keep a pitcher of it in the fridge. My house is right through those trees.”

Decorated in neutral tones, the small, one-level house didn’t seem to reflect anything about the owner. No photos. No knickknacks. Just clean white walls, a few tasteful prints and comfortable furniture.

“Have a seat. I’ll be right back.”

Raven did as she was asked, easing down onto the sofa and trying hard to look relaxed. Ben was both brother and stranger to her. That made things awkward.

“You’re sad.” He handed her a tall glass of lemonade and sat beside her.

“A little. You’re not the big brother who gave me piggyback rides to the grocery store and bandaged my scraped knees.”

“I know. And you’re not the little girl with braids and ribbons. But we’re still siblings. Still family.”

“That’s why I came.”

“Then there’s nothing to be sad about.”

“We’re strangers, Ben. Not family.”

“Families are built. One day at a time. One experience at a time.”

“You seem so…accepting about this.”

“I guess I’m too happy for anything else. When I got your letters I thought—”

“Letters?” Raven felt the breath catch in her lungs.

“Six or seven years ago. You said you’d contact me if and when you were ready.”

“I didn’t write you.”

“I kept the letters. Come on, I’ll show you.” He led Raven down a short hall and into a room that was almost a replica of his office at the church. “Take a look.”

There were four letters, each dated more than six years ago. Each typewritten with Raven’s name scrawled across the bottom.

“I didn’t write these.”

“Sit down. You’re pale as a ghost.” Ben pressed her down into a chair and crouched in front of her, his vivid eyes filled with concern. “Tell me. If you didn’t write the letters, then who?”

“My husband.”

“I’d wondered.”

“Did you?” Raven ran a hand through her hair, felt the tangles and wished she’d tied it back prim and proper, the way she’d worn it for so many years. “I didn’t. I just assumed what Jonas told me was true. That you’d forgotten all about me. Gone on with your life.”