Page 159 of Running to You

“I love you.”

“You still won’t drive me to Portland?”

The joy in his expression faded. “I can’t, Eliza.” He lowered his forehead to hers. “I can’t deliver you into danger. But I’ll be there to get you back out. I promise.”

“It’s a deal.”

He stood and pulled her to her feet, then walked her down the hall, down the stairs, and out the front door.

Michael was leaning against the porch railing, twirling the keys, Grant and Jon beside him.

Eliza looked up into Sam’s face and smiled. “I’ll see you soon, and introduce you to your son.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

The world passed by in a blur. Sam couldn’t concentrate on where they were going. He was too focused on what he’d left behind.

Back at the hotel, standing on the front porch and holding Eliza’s hand, he’d been almost too choked up to speak when Michael suggested they ask for the Lord’s blessing and protection. They’d all prayed, and then Grant had spoken a scripture about God’s promise to rescue children from tyrants. Sam had been meditating on that verse for most of the drive from Franconia to the campground, asking that God not only save Levi but Eliza as well.

Only prayer and God’s promises were keeping him sane.

Grant’s phone buzzed. He was driving, so Sam keyed in the code Grant had given him earlier and read the text, which sent a fresh spike of fear to his middle.

“News?” Grant asked.

“Bryan’s coming. Are you sure that’s a good idea?”

“He can handle it.” Grant had said as much already. “He’s got great aim, could’ve been a sharpshooter. He’s quick-thinking under pressure. Not sure if I’d be here—or if Summer would—if not for him.” Grant gave Sam a quick smile. “Trust me, you want him on your side. We’ll position him high where he can alert us to threats and…”

“Take them out.” The words left a sour taste Sam tried to swallow back. All of his brothers would be there. It was one thing to ask Grant and Michael to help. They were both trained. But Daniel had just overcome his own nightmare. He didn’t need another one, and his wife and kids didn’t need to lose the man they’d just gotten back.

Bryan was a college professor, and not the Indiana Jones type. And Derrick, the baby of the family, was more familiar with pulling pranks than pulling triggers.

But they’d all agreed to come. They were willing to risk their lives, possibly their freedom—if this went sideways—all to rescue his son and his…bride.

When Sam called Derrick to ask for his help, he’d been surprised at Derrick’s quick, “Dude, I’m in.”

“Really? Are you sure?”

That had only annoyed the carefree youngest in the family. “You’d do the same for me, right?”

“In a heartbeat.” Because Derrick was his brother. But…no. That made it sound like he felt obligated. He’d be there for Derrick—for any of them—because he loved them.

And they loved him back. Why had he let himself doubt that? His brothers loved him enough to risk their lives.

“We’re going to keep them out of harm’s way, right?” Sam asked.

Grant shot him a look, annoyance in the set of his mouth. “What do you think, I’m gonna suit ’em up and send them into battle?”

“Well, no, but—”

“Bryan’ll be high on the ridge with his rifle, watching the road and the front of the lodge. Daniel will be at our staging area, prepared to deal with injuries. He’ll also call the police when the time is right. And Derrick’ll be lookout on the opposite side of the property.” Grant turned onto a narrow road barely wide enough for his pickup. “We know what we’re doing.”

“I’m going in, though. You’re not putting me in some lookout position.”

Grant’s jaw tightened, but he nodded. “If it were Summer, nothing would sideline me, so yeah, that’s the plan.”

Grant parked behind Jon’s huge pickup. He’d left the hotel minutes after Michael and Eliza. Sam and Grant had followed after Sam had packed his things and checked out.