“Oh?”
He nods.“I was kind of just taking life day by day.I didn’t see a future beyond active duty.So when the end came abruptly, I wasn’t really sure what to do with my life.Pastor Reeves actually recommended me for the job.He put in a good word for me.I worked at the center alongside the previous counselor while I got my degree.Then, as soon as I was ready, he retired, and I’ve been running the place ever since.”
“How long has that been?”
“Almost three years,” he replies.“I’ve been working there for just over six, though.”
“You have quite the reputation amongst the teenagers,” I tell him with a smile.“Thomas and his friends talk about the infamous SEAL team all the time.”
Garrison grins.“It definitely helped me earn the trust of some of the kids that came in.Since I come from a rough background myself—before my aunt took me in—it’s easy for me to relate to them.”
“It’s really honorable.Helping out the way you do.”
He shrugs.“It’s not me.God led me here, and He’s working in these kids’ lives.I am just humbled to be a small part of it.”
The way he speaks about God so candidly is a breath of fresh air.Thomas’ father wasn’t a believer.He’d mock me anytime I prayed.It got so bad that I would pray in silence, afraid of what he would do if he saw me.
Hiding that way is the first thing I repented for when I finally got the courage to leave.And it’s something I’ve vowed never to do again.
“How about you?How is it you came to live in our small town?”
How much to tell him?“Uh, after Thomas’ dad died, I needed a fresh start.We both did.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
“We weren’t together anymore, but thanks.Life doesn’t quite go the way we have planned sometimes, does it?”I glance up and immediately regret it when I find those dark eyes trained on me.As our gazes hold, I get the impression Garrison Holt sees far more than I want him to.
Far more than he should.
“No,” he replies.“It doesn’t.I can honestly say that I’m grateful God brought you here.I wouldn’t be alive if He hadn’t.”
“Sure you would.Your other neighbor could have found you.”
“Maybe.”His gaze locks on me again.“But I’m glad it was you.”
Heat spreads through me, beginning at my cheeks and spreading down my neck.Danger.I’m in danger around this man.Not the kind I’m running from, but the kind that could lead to my heart being absolutely shattered.
“Thanks again for this.I really do feel better.”Garrison starts to stand, but I beat him to it and take his bowl.
“Sit.I’ve got it.And it’s no trouble at all.I usually cook way too much for just Thomas and me.”
“I meant what I said before.I want to make this up to you.You’ve been too kind.”
“No need.I like helping.”
“Do you have some kind of medical background?”
My muscles stiffen, but I force a smile.“What do you mean?”
“I was in and out of it when you found me after I’d been stabbed, but I do remember you were proficient in saving my life.Then, after the whole pepper-spray incident, you knew just what to do and how to answer the questions of the paramedics.So it just had me curious.”
My pulse kicks up a notch, and my hands begin to tremble as the familiar panic sets in.Breathe, Katelyn.He’s just asking questions like you did.
“Uh, I was a nurse for a bit when Thomas was little.”
“I can see that,” he says.I can hear the smile in his friendly tone, but can’t bring myself to turn around just yet.
Not when the fear is likely plastered on my face.