The Forest Ranger's Rescue. Leigh Bale

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СКАЧАТЬ welcome.” Jill sat there, stunned. Not knowing what to think about this odd situation she’d been thrust into. Thankfully, as a special-education teacher, her work with autistic and developmentally disabled children in the public school system had taught her patience. Now that Evie was out of danger, Jill knew what to do.

      “Why don’t we just sit here and catch our breath for a few moments?” she suggested.

      The man stepped past the island and leaned one broad shoulder against a gas pump. He towered over her in awkward silence, shifting restlessly, as though he didn’t know what to do. Finally, he sat beside her and leaned his elbows on his knees. He stared at her sandals and pink-painted toes for several moments. His handsome mouth quirked into a nervous laugh.

      “She hates gas stations,” he said. “I shouldn’t have taken her inside the store with me, but I couldn’t leave her out in the truck all alone.”

      Jill had no idea why a gas station would cause such an adverse reaction in a young child. For all she knew, Evie was throwing a temper tantrum after her father told her she couldn’t buy a piece of candy. But Jill sensed it wasn’t quite that simple.

      She turned her face toward the quivering child, speaking gently. “I hate gas stations, too. They’re usually smelly, dirty places.”

      The man shook his head, his beautiful blue eyes creased with sorrow. He opened and closed his mouth, as if he wanted to say something, but couldn’t quite get the words out. Finally, he spoke quickly. “Actually, her mother was killed inside a gas station convenience store. That’s why Evie doesn’t like them.”

      Jill’s brain stumbled to a halt and she blinked her eyes. “Oh. I’m sorry to hear that.”

      A surge of sympathy pinched her heart. Knowing this personal bit of information made her feel even more protective of Evie. At the same time, a barrage of questions pummeled Jill’s mind. The special-education teacher in her rose to the forefront. She’d like to know more about Evie’s problem but didn’t think it was her place to ask.

      “I’m Brent Knowles. Evie’s father.” The man thrust out one of his large, calloused hands.

      Jill lifted her right hand off Evie’s back long enough for Brent to shake it. “My name’s Jill. Glad to meet you.”

      “I’m sorry to impose on you like this, Jill.” Brent reached to take Evie again, his powerful fingers engulfing the girl’s thin arms.

      In response, Evie’s hold constricted around Jill’s neck and she shook her head. She didn’t want to leave yet.

      “Let her stay with me for a few more minutes. She’s still trembling,” Jill said.

      Brent let go and didn’t argue the point. Jill fought off a wave of discomfort. After all, these people were complete strangers to her. They were probably passing through town and had stopped to fill up their gas tank. But Evie’s behavior wasn’t normal for a child of her age. No, not at all.

      “How old are you, Evie?” Jill spoke against the girl’s warm cheek, trying to take her mind off whatever had upset her.

      No response.

      Jill tried again. “What grade are you in?”

      Still nothing.

      “She doesn’t speak. Not since her mother was killed last year during an armed robbery,” Brent whispered reluctantly.

      Oh, dear. It seemed Evie’s problem was more serious than Jill had first thought. And Jill couldn’t suppress a desire to help. This was a unique situation she found herself in. Without hearing any more details, she would have diagnosed Evie with post-traumatic stress disorder. Of course, Jill wasn’t a medical professional, but she was trained in how to help kids cope with difficult problems in their lives. Even if that didn’t translate to her personal life. With her skill set, she should at least be able to manage her own woes. But she hadn’t been able to. At least, not yet.

      “Did you see what happened to your mom?” Jill whispered to Evie.

      In response, the child buried her face deeper against Jill’s shoulder. That was answer enough. Jill had no doubt Evie was suffering from PTSD, brought on by witnessing her mother’s violent death. Something no child should ever see. No doubt the trauma had caused Evie’s selective mutism, too. The girl had been literally scared silent.

      It was bad enough for a kid to lose her mom, but to actually witness her mother’s death made it even worse.

      “Don’t worry. You’re safe now. We can sit here for as long as you like,” Jill told the girl.

      Evie’s hold on Jill’s neck relaxed just a bit.

      “You seem good with kids,” Brent said.

      She nodded. “I have a master’s degree in special education and teach for the Boise School District.”

      His mouth went slack. “Evie isn’t a special-ed kid. She’s very intelligent. She just saw something really bad.”

      He sounded defensive and Jill figured he’d dealt with people thinking Evie was mentally challenged because she wouldn’t speak. Because of his protectiveness toward his daughter, Jill liked him immediately.

      “I’m sure she’s very smart. She’s just experienced a terrible trauma, which is why she’s chosen to be silent.” Jill hugged the girl closer, wishing she could somehow shield Evie from being hurt again.

      Life could be so unkind.

      “Most people don’t understand. They think Evie should just get over it and start talking again,” Brent said.

      Jill shrugged. “Well, I understand. Many disabled people are very bright. They simply have a unique issue they have to work through. And sometimes that takes a very long time. But most people are impatient creatures. They want answers now and aren’t always willing to work for it.”

      His blue eyes crinkled at the corners as he looked at her with awe. “You really do understand, don’t you?”

      Jill smiled, thinking it all sounded so easy when she talked about it like this. But real life was actually a very messy affair. Not so easy when you had to wade through the muck and figure things out on your own. If God hadn’t abandoned her after the divorce, she might not feel so alone now. But He had and she did.

      “Are you from around here?” he asked.

      “Yes, I grew up here and still consider it home. My family lives in town. Since the school year ended yesterday in Boise, and I’m off for the summer, I decided to come back for a visit.”

      “Ah.”

      For another five minutes, she sat there with Evie’s very tall, muscular father hovering over her. She took a moment to study him without appearing to do so. Long legs sheathed in faded blue jeans and worn cowboy boots. He had startling blue eyes and saber-sharp cheekbones. Highly attractive. In his eyes, she saw his concern and anxiety—and all the love he had for his daughter. He was the kind of guy that made her think maybe love hadn’t passed her by after all. That maybe she should reconsider dating and give love one more chance.

      No! СКАЧАТЬ