Janie would say trust was an action word. That Lizzy had to find a way to open up and let Chase sink or swim.
Her hands trembled and her gut churned.
Please let Chase swim, she begged heaven above.
She was becoming more attached to him by the moment.
Chapter
Eight
Chase was enjoyingthe unhurried pace along the beautiful mountain trail and being with Lizzy. Usually when he hiked, it was a trail run, or at least a determined stride up the mountainside. He’d never realized how enjoyable it was to hike slowly, to take in details like wildflowers, the thick foliage, to notice how ‘charming’ and ‘magical’ everything was. He savored the hike because Lizzy savored everything and helped him take note of things he never would otherwise.
He wanted to ask more about her past but didn’t want to pry. He’d love to draw her out about her attack last month and how she was dealing with it. In his unit, they’d nicknamed him ‘the therapist’. Everybody seemed to confide in him. They claimed it was his patient, kind nature, but Robbie believed it was his deep testimony of the Savior that ‘radiated’ from him. He’d had to develop a meaningful testimony as a teenager or he would’ve given in to the depression or drug abuse that he saw many in foster care get sucked into.
Praying for insight and understanding, he also prayed that he would do what was right for Lizzy and not for his own curiosity or his desire to be closer to her.
Lizzy was slowing down and not talking as much. He matched his pace to hers. Were her legs getting tired? Would it be offensive if he offered to carry her? His heart rate picked up at the idea of having her in his arms. Would that be appealing to her? He could swear her breath was coming in fast pants. Because she was tired, or maybe she was feeling drawn to him as well?
He snuck a glance at her beautiful face. She bit her lip and looked to be pondering something. Focusing on the dirt trail, he searched for the right way to show his support, to be her confidant if she needed that.
“Did Madelyne research me?” she asked suddenly.
Chase glanced over at her. Her face was tight, and she didn’t look at him.
“I mean, I know she researched me. That’s why she offered me this incredible trip and the money, but what did she share withyou,exactly?”
Chase wasn’t certain where to start. He didn’t know near enough about Lizzy, but Madelyne had told him about her children’s home and her being attacked by the elusive Grady Worthen four weeks ago. Was this his chance to get to know her on a deeper level?
“Did she tell you about my disability?” she demanded before he could say anything.
Oh.Thatwas where she was going with her questions.
“No,” he said. “Only about your children’s home and your … attack last month.”
Her entire body tightened. She shook her head and upped her pace a bit. Her knees bowed in more, but she kept plunging up the trail. Chase kept pace with her, thankful the trail was wide enough they could walk side by side.
“She told you about the attack so you could keep me safe?”
“Yes.”
She nodded. “Okay. That makes sense.” She stopped and turned to him, her brown eyes darker and intense. “But she didn’t tell you I have cerebral palsy?”
“No.” Chase was stunned by that revelation. Cerebral palsy? The few people he’d met with cerebral palsy were in wheelchairs. He didn’t know near enough about the birth disorder, but he supposed like with most medical conditions, there could be varying levels.
“Can I have a drink, please?” she asked.
“Of course.” He swung off the backpack and pulled out a water bottle, handing it over.
“Thank you.” She took a long drink and then clung to the plastic bottle.
Glancing around, he saw a fallen log. “Let’s sit for a bit.”
“The hike is almost seven miles round trip?” she asked.
He nodded, noticing Tony stopping ahead of them and glancing back. Chase motioned they were sitting, and the huge guard nodded.
Captain Macon tilted his chin to Chase from behind them and then eased back around the bend in the trail to give them some privacy but keep a lookout.
