Seeking His Love by Carrie Turansky

his iced tea. “I didn’t change jobs until after the accident. I couldn’t go back to my old way of life. It all seemed so pointless. Finally, my uncle Ken hauled me down to his frame shop and put me to work. He told me if I kept my hands busy it might help me work through everything.”
    “He taught you about framing?”
    “Yes, and he probably saved my life in the process.”
    His words settled over her heart, bringing new compassion and clarity. No wonder he struggled to see the cup half full. He’d lost his father, wife and son in a few short years, and now he faced losing his sister as well. She started to reachfor his hand, but the waitress returned, bringing them their meals.
    He cleared his throat. “Sorry, that was a little heavy for dinner conversation.”
    “No. I’m glad you told me.” She looked down at her plate. “Would you mind if I prayed?”
    “No, go ahead.” He bowed his head.
    She closed her eyes. “Thank You, Father, for this meal and for helping us find so many great things for Kayla’s room. Please watch over Shannon and Eric as they travel to Mexico. We ask for Your healing hand to be on Shannon, and we pray for Kayla, too. Amen.”
    “Thanks.” Cam smiled at her across the table. They ate in silence for a few minutes, then he asked, “So did you go to college in Seattle?”
    “Yes, Seattle Pacific. I majored in theater with a teaching emphasis.”
    “Did you move up here to teach after graduation?”
    She took a bite and chewed slowly. Her situation was complicated, but she didn’t want to mislead him. “I taught in Seattle for six years. But for the last three summers I came up to Bellingham and worked as assistant director of N.C.Y.T.”
    He cocked his head. “So how long have you been the director?”
    “Since January. I took over for my friend Suzanne. She and Josh are having a baby, and it was the right time for me to make a move.”
    Cam’s eyes widened as he looked past Rachel’s shoulder. “Oh no,” he muttered and ducked his head.
    Rachel turned and looked across the café.
    Melanie walked toward their table followed by Lilly. “Well, this is certainly a surprise. What are you two doing here?”
    Rachel sucked in a breath and almost choked on her sandwich.
    “We’re having dinner.” Cam’s tone was cool and even.
    “I can see that.”
    A nervous laugh escaped Lilly’s mouth. “We just had dinner, too.”
    An awkward silence settled around them. Someone had to say something. “Cam’s niece is arriving tomorrow, so we were out shopping for some things to fix up her room,” Rachel said.
    Melanie’s eyes flashed. “Shannon’s daughter?” Cam nodded. She hiked her purse higher on her shoulder. “How long is she staying?”
    “I’m not sure.”
    Apparently Cam hadn’t told Melanie or Lilly his sister had cancer again, or that he’d be caring for his niece this summer.
    “Well, bring her by the shop, and I’ll let her design a piece of jewelry while she’s here.”
    “Okay.” Cam’s answer didn’t carry much enthusiasm.
    Lilly laid her hand on Melanie’s arm. “Well, Mel and I are on our way to do a little shopping. We’ll see you later.”
    Melanie shot them one last heated glance then strutted out of the café with Lilly.
    Cam focused on his plate and took another bite of his sandwich. His face definitely looked a shade or two darker than it had earlier.
    Rachel suppressed a smile, but a giggle worked its way up her throat. She lifted her hand to stifle the sound, but it was too late.
    Cam looked up. “What’s so funny?”
    “Sorry. I was thinking about the way Melanie’s eyes just about bulged out of their sockets when she saw us sitting here.”
    He gave in with a grin, which soon turned into a chuckle. “I don’t know why, but she doesn’t want to let go of the idea that we ought to be more than friends.”
    Rachel couldn’t resist pushing him just a little further. “So, you two aren’t dating?”
    “No!” He shook his head