Leaving Oxford Read online

  He turned to walk back down the steps of the gray wooden porch. A howl and then a thud came from inside. Caught. He picked up his pace. The door creaked open, and the dog scampered behind him. Gingie hit the back of his legs with her paws.

  “Hey. Sorry. Get back here, Gingie,” the deep voice called.

  Jess turned to face the dog and the man. “No problem. She’s friendly.”

  “You’re Jess McCoy.” The tall, dark-haired man looked to be in his thirties. His smile looked familiar. “Come in. Sarah Beth told me about you.”

  “I don’t want to interrupt. I was...in the neighborhood.”

  The man laughed. “Practically all of Oxford is in the neighborhood. I’m Mark, Sarah Beth’s brother, here with my family for a surprise visit.”

  Jess let out a deep sigh. “Oh.”

  Mark took a firm grip on Jess’s shoulder. “Actually, I’ve been wanting to talk with you. Privately.”

  “Okay.”

  “Hang on. I’ll put the dog up.” He corralled Gingie back inside the front door, then pointed down the sidewalk. “Let’s walk.”

  Jess let Mark set the pace and waited for him to explain.

  “How is our Sarah Beth? I can tell by her voice when she talks about you that y’all are close, and she was very happy about your decision to give your life to the Lord.”

  She talked to her brother about him? “She was a big part of my decision. And she seems to be managing. She’s talented and giving and kind.”

  Mark stopped, his brown eyes probing. “How do you feel about her?”

  The question hovered between them like a Hail Mary pass toward an end zone. “She’s...special. I care for her. A lot.” It was obvious Mark was sizing him up like a protective FBI-agent brother would. Maybe he should dig deep and come clean. “I know she’s been through so much. I’m willing to wait until she’s ready to care for someone again.” He met Mark’s stare. “As long as it takes.”

  There. He’d said it. Out loud. Everything he never dared to admit, even to himself.

  The lines on Mark’s forehead flattened, and one side of his mouth lifted. “I don’t mean to scare you off, but I’ve been praying—for many, many years.”

  “I don’t scare easy.”

  “I didn’t know your name or anything about you, but I have a gut feeling, you’re the answer.”

  ~~~

  Such an unexpected string of events. But in a good way. Sarah Beth glanced out the window. She’d been floored when Mark, Holly, and Drew arrived. Then Jess. Now, a couple of days later, Mark and Jess had invited all the CSU students to have family night at her house. They worked together to set up a net across the pool for volleyball. Strange how normal the two of them looked to her—like they’d been friends for years.

  Her precious nephew, Drew, played out back, while his mother, Holly, painted on a canvas in the dining room. She’d missed them so much. If only she could visit them in Atlanta.

  Around dinner time, students arrived. Mark flipped burgers. Holly pulled out baked beans and homemade potato salad while Sarah Beth swam with Drew. Everyone sat outside to eat. When they finished, Mark rose to his feet. “Let the games begin.”

  Jess hit his chest with one fist. “I’m captain of team one. Mark’s captain of team two.” He counted out every other person as one or two. Sarah Beth was a two.

  Letting out a ghastly laugh, Mark elbowed Sarah Beth. “Glad you’re on my team this time.”

  Jess shot him a puzzled look.

  The teams climbed in the water on their separate ends. Nick served first on Jess’s team. Gingie darted up and down the side and howled at the players in the pool until Sarah Beth called a time out. “Sorry, y’all. I’ll kennel her.”

  The game resumed with Sarah Beth at the net facing Jess. Nick served again. Right to Sarah Beth, and instinct took over. She slammed the ball down on the other side of the net. Into Jess’s face.

  He rubbed his nose. “Ouch.”

  “Oh, Jess, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hit you.”

  Amusement crinkled his eyes, and he let out a small laugh. “You spiked the ball at me in a Christian volleyball game?”

  Mark pointed at her. “You’ve obviously never met my sister’s alter ego, the scary beast that rears her ugly head during competition of any kind. You should play cards with her. You’d really be crying for mercy.”

  “A wee bit competitive, are we? I can be competitive.”

  “Don’t do it, Jess.” Mark shook his head. “You’ll be sorry.”

  Nick tossed the ball across the net. “I could play some cards tonight. But I want to be Sarah Beth’s partner so we can beat the pants off my old friend Jess.”

  Mark served it back. “Now, he’s a smart guy. I guess I could be Jess’s partner. I’m used to losing spades to my baby sister.”

  “I’m not sure I’d admit that, man.” Jess returned the serve.

  Sarah Beth jumped up and slammed the ball over the net.

  Mark laughed. “What were you saying?”

  ~~~

  The week with family ended too soon. Sarah Beth sank onto the guest bed and did her best to stifle tears as Holly packed their bags.

  “We’ll come again soon.” Holly offered a small smile with her promise.

  “Please. I miss you guys so much.”

  “I’m surprised you have time to think of us. You’ve got a nice bunch of friends here now. You’re making progress. Maybe you don’t realize it, but I can see a world of difference between where you are now and where you were last summer.”

  “I guess you’re right.” Sarah Beth blew her nose. Gingie plopped her big head on Sarah Beth’s knee.

  “You’ve got that horse you call a dog to guard you, not to mention Jess. He’s a keeper.”

  “What? We’re just friends.”

  “Don’t act like you don’t know what I’m talking about. He’s crazy about you.”

  “Jess?”

  “Are you really that blind? Mark sees it too. He had a talk with him.”

  “Why in the world?” Sarah Beth’s hands flew to her burning cheeks. “Oh my stars, how embarrassing.”

  “Mark’s protective. You know that.”

  “I’m going to pretend this conversation never happened.”

  “Whatever works, girl. I love you.” Holly gave her a big hug then looked down at the dog. “You take care of her too, Gingie.”

  Jess drove up as Mark put the last bag in their SUV, and then Mark squeezed Sarah Beth in a hug, picking her up off the ground. He gave her a little punch in the shoulder after he set her on her feet. “Remember. Baby steps. I love you, miss you, but God loves you more.” He turned to Jess. “And you. Thanks. Keep in touch.”

  Sarah Beth couldn’t stop the eye roll or the blaze searing her face even as tears threatened. “What are you thanking him for?”

  Grinning, Mark got in and shut the car door.

  Splinters poked her composure, and her throat tightened. She could hold off the tears until Jess left, couldn’t she?

  As if he could read her thoughts, Jess slipped his arm around her and pulled her to his chest. “It’s all right if you cry.”

  She tried not to get tears on his shirt, but it was nice to have someone hold her like this. A friend with a shoulder to cry on. He was just a friend. Wasn’t he? She couldn’t handle more than that. Not with her issues.

  He pulled back and pressed his thumb across her cheek to wipe a tear. “Maybe this will cheer you up. I’m having company, too. And I’m inviting you to dinner at my house to meet them.”

  That got her attention. “Who?”

  “My parents and my sister.”

  Heart in throat. Pounding. Meet his family?

  Chapter 25

  Sarah Beth accepted Nick’s offer to pick her up for the dinner with Jess’s family. From her booster seat in the back, Katie waved at her. “Hey, Ms. Sarah Beth. I can’t wait to see Pop McCoy and Sue.”

  In the front seat of the dusty old Dodge pick
up, Sarah Beth twiddled her thumbs. “I’m nervous, Nick. It’s crazy. I’ve met celebrities and wealthy businessmen and spoken in huge lecture halls. What’s wrong with me?”

  Nick smirked and shook his head. “If you don’t know, I’m not gonna tell you.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  He laughed. “Don’t worry. His parents are great. They practically raised me, too. You’ll love them.” He parked and gave her a pat on the arm. “And they’ll love you.”

  As they walked up the sidewalk, Katie led the way singing Tomorrow. Her latest favorite tune after seeing the children’s play in town. She ran up the five steps to the pale gray and white porch and burst through the door without knocking. “I’m here, Uncle Jess.”

  A tall well-dressed woman with short blond hair and big brown eyes scooped up the little girl. “Katie-bug. I’ve missed you.” The woman turned. “Hey, Nick. And you must be Sarah Beth. I’ve heard so much about you.”

  As Jess’s mother introduced herself, he strolled in from the living room.

  Sarah Beth massaged her temples. “It’s nice to meet you, but I’m scared about what he’s been telling you.”

  A wicked grin lifted Jess’s lips. “Don’t worry. I only told her the truth.”

  “And that’s the deeply troubling part.”

  Mrs. McCoy let Katie down, gave Sarah Beth a little hug, and winked. “It was all good. But if we play any games, I want to be on your team.”

  “Jess McCoy.” Sarah Beth shook her finger at him.

  Jess’s mom took Sarah Beth by the elbow, pulled her closer, and spoke barely above a whisper. “You’re a woman after my own heart. Do you play tennis?”

  “I’ve hit a few balls around.” Sarah Beth gave her a knowing smile.

  “We’ll go for doubles tomorrow. You and me against Jess and his father.”

  A hearty laugh came from Jess. “I heard you, and I’ll be looking forward to that.”

  Mr. McCoy, tall and auburn-haired, entered the room and bear-hugged Nick. “You’re looking better than I’ve seen for a while now. Oxford’s treating you pretty well, too?”

  “Yes, sir. Katie and I are loving the small-town life.”

  Turning to Sarah Beth, Mr. McCoy greeted her with a vigorous handshake. “I’m happy to finally meet you. I’m Sean Jessup McCoy the fourth, but you can call me Sean.”

  “I love that name. Irish or Scottish?”

  “Irish, back to the ship my great-grandfather crossed over on.”

  She looked at Jess. “So you’re the fifth?”

  “Yes, but do not try calling me Cinco.”

  Nick rubbed his arm. “I think I still have the scars from that one.”

  Sarah Beth surveyed the tasteful modern décor that was free of clutter. “I love your house, Jess. Stylish. Very clean, too.”

  Mrs. McCoy turned her attention away from Katie for a moment. “You’ve never been here?”

  “Never past the porch.” Jess glanced her way. “She’s got scruples.”

  “That’s a fancy word coming from my baby brother.” An attractive blond woman who looked to be in her late thirties entered, drying her hands on a dishtowel.

  “Hi, I’m Rachel. Jess’s favorite sister.”

  “Only sister.” Jess eyed her. “And I went to college, too. I know a few big words.”

  “With a sports management degree?”

  “Not everyone wants to be an ambulance chaser.”

  Rachel gave Jess a little push. “Don’t listen to him. I’m a corporate attorney.”

  “Yeah, for Mom and Dad.”

  “I work hard. Don’t make me hurt you, baby Jessie.”

  “Now you did it, calling me Jessie. I’m posting that video of you singing.” He pulled out his cell phone.

  She grabbed at the phone. “You wouldn’t.”

  He swung away and turned to Sarah Beth. “She sings worse than I do.”

  Nick made a face. “One would think that would be impossible, but sadly, ’tis true.”

  “Et tu, Nick?” Rachel held her hand over her heart and laughed.

  Mrs. McCoy signaled. “Come to the table. Sarah Beth, you and Katie-bug sit by me. I want to hear the scoop on my boys from those who know and will talk.”

  Jess and Nick exchanged glances. After Jess brought the food to the table, they settled into easy conversation. The tension squeezing Sarah Beth’s shoulders relaxed, and the tightness in her abdomen disappeared. This felt...natural. Easy. Not to mention the Cornish game hens were delicious.

  After her second helping of bread pudding with rum sauce, she raised her glass. “Mrs. McCoy, the dinner was fabulous.”

  Laughter spread around the table.

  “What? What’s so funny?”

  Mrs. McCoy smiled and patted Sarah Beth’s hand. “First of all, call me Sue. Second, they don’t let me cook. My cooking is dreadful.” She gave a grand sweep of her arm. “Jess prepared all of this.”

  A grin lit up Jess’s face as he laid his napkin on the table. “I had to learn to cook. I like to eat good food, and until I started making the free-meal rounds with Sarah Beth, it was all up to me.”

  His sister nodded. “Cooking was never one of Mom’s talents. Jess and I are both gourmet cooks. I’m surprised he’s never cooked for you.”

  “Keeping it a secret, no doubt, or he’d never get rid of me.”

  Jess shot her a strange look.

  Foot in mouth. Again. When would she ever learn? Brain first. Then mouth.

  ~~~

  The cool bottle of water hit the spot. Sarah Beth swigged it back. The set of tennis with Jess and his parents after church had been fun. Even though she and Jess’s mother lost, the game had been close.

  Jess joined her on the bench. “Sorry about bruising your leg.”

  “For the fifth time, it’s no biggie. I know you didn’t mean to. Remember who you’re talking to?”

  He pinched his nose. “Yeah, I think my nose is still crooked from that volleyball game.”

  “It wasn’t that bad. No blood.”

  “Now you sound like Dad.”

  Sean laughed. “I made a man out of you.”

  Sarah Beth smiled and studied the older McCoy. “My dad always said that, too.”

  After a moment of silence, Mrs. McCoy sat on the other side of the bench and tapped her leg. “Did Jess tell you that we’re opening another office in Los Angeles? We’re headed out there for a couple of months.”

  Icy fingers wrapped around Sarah Beth’s lungs causing her breath to catch. No words formed. She shook her head while the world began to spin.

  “We discovered a niche in the theme park industry a number of years ago and started our own business facilitating amusement parks in going green. We’ve been successful because we were one of the first companies to provide that kind of service. Recently, we decided to branch out, and we landed contracts in L.A.”

  Her breathing was shallow, but she needed to speak. “Y’all are welcome to stay in my condo in Malibu.”

  Mrs. McCoy patted her back. “That’s such a generous offer. We’d want to pay you rent.”

  “It’s vacant. I’d like someone to use it. ”

  “Fabulous. You should come with Jess and show us the best spots to go.”

  A fog clouded Sarah Beth’s brain. Thoughts shut down. She gripped the edge of the bench.

  Jess placed his hand on her back. “Are you all right? You look pale. Do you need some more water?”

  Staring at the concrete, she forced herself to speak. “I was dizzy for a second. I should go home and get something to eat.”

  Mr. McCoy rushed to help her to her feet and toward the truck. “Let’s get some ice cream. That always makes me feel better after exercise.”

  Mrs. McCoy wrapped an arm around her from the other side. “That’s why we never lose these extra twenty pounds, Sean.”

  ~~~

  The way his parents fawned over Sarah Beth warmed Jess’s anxious heart. They’d taken to her r
ight away, and hopefully nothing was wrong with her other than a bit of overheating.

  Or was it something more?

  “Feeling better, sweetie?” His mother rubbed Sarah Beth’s arm.

  “I’m fine now. Ice cream soothes many ailments—even losing the match.”

  “We have to let them win sometimes.”

  His father flashed a teasing grin. “I think that win was pretty clear cut with my last shot.”

  “We’ll have a rematch next time we’re in Oxford, or if you decide to visit us out West.”

  Without answering, Sarah Beth leaned forward and studied her ice cream as if it were a textbook.

  Something wasn’t right. Jess stole another glance. A piece of this puzzle was missing. “You know, Sarah Beth is a marketing whiz. Maybe she could give you some ideas.”

  The crease that drew Sarah Beth’s forehead together relaxed. She looked up. “I’d love to create some strategies for you.”

  His mother tilted her head. “We’re not a big corporation. I’m not sure we can afford you.”

  “I wouldn’t charge you to play around with some ideas. Jess is...a close friend, and I like what your company is doing for the environment. I’m not sure what that involves besides recycling. You’d have to enlighten me about the benefits your company has to offer and what kind of market strategy you currently have. I’d need your logo, mission statement, corporate vision, and those kind of things.”

  “I’ll have everything in an email to you tonight. This is very exciting. I can’t wait to see what you come up with.” She turned to Jess. “I like this girl.”

  Sarah Beth’s dark eyes met his, her cheekbones pink.

  His ribs rammed into his heart, which was already sprinting down the sidelines, while his eyes memorized the curve of her lips. “I do, too.”

  If she only knew how much.

  ~~~

  Jess paced the oak floors of his kitchen after his parents left. Sarah Beth had shared much of her story with him. Mark had, too. But there was something missing.

  He had to call her. Now. As he found her number on his phone, he slipped outside.

  “Hello.” Her voice was so sweet, that one word spread sparks through him.

  “My parents want to adopt you. They loved you.”