Peace in the Heart: Rock Creek, #4

By Sarah Harris

In book four of the Rock Creek Series, Brent Walker leaves his life as a professional musician and drives to Rock Creek to attend a friend's wedding. Will Brent find peace from the only true source of peace and even love?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sarah Harris
• Release date: May 17, 2016
• ISBN: 9781524260507

Sarah Harris

Sarah L. Harris is an Assistant Professor of Engineering at Harvey Mudd College. She received her Ph.D. and M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University. Before attending Stanford, she received a B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Brigham Young University. Sarah has also worked with Hewlett-Packard, the San Diego Supercomputer Center, Nvidia, and Microsoft Research in Beijing. Sarah loves teaching, exploring and developing new technologies, traveling, wind surfing, rock climbing, and playing the guitar. Her recent exploits include researching sketching interfaces for digital circuit design, acting as a science correspondent for a National Public Radio affiliate, and learning how to kite surf. She speaks four languages and looks forward to learning more in the near future.

Book preview

Chapter 1

It is the first Saturday in December. I am attending Clay Lawson and Kylie Daniels' wedding today. I recently sold my condo in Nashville and quit the music business. I bought a truck and started driving to the Texas Panhandle where I hope I will find some peace. Clay and Kylie have tried to contact me, but I have not wanted to talk to anyone. I have not seen Clay or Kylie since I rode back to Nashville with them in September. I'm not a good friend. Mike and Shane, Kylie's old drummer and keyboard player, have also contacted me, but I sure don't want to party anymore which is all they want to do. I'm getting too old for that, and having a new girl all the time isn't right. The so-called relationships have never lasted. It was always for one night anyway. I don't want that kind of girl anymore or be that kind of guy. I'm thirty-six, but some days, I feel older. I need to quit smoking and drinking. My lifestyle is taking a toll on my body. Clay and Kylie always say they are praying for me. I can tell. They don't know how much I appreciate their prayers.

I am in Heartland, Texas and almost late to the wedding. I can't sleep but knew better than to drive all night. Hopefully, I can sit at the back of the church. I've never been to church. My parents never took me when I was growing up and still don't go as far as I know. I've been invited a few times over the years but always refused to go until now. I was Kylie's bass player for three years and was not a good friend to her. She probably didn't know it, but I watched her. She and Clay live out their faith. Kylie went through a lot with her ex-boyfriend Justin but still had peace through it all. That's what I desperately need.

I am at the church, and the parking lot is full. Fortunately, I find a seat in the back row. It's strange. Now that I'm here, I just want to leave. I don't belong here. There's no way God would love or accept me despite what Clay and Kylie have told me, but I'll stay for their wedding. I did not respond to their email invitation but knew I would be here. I need to start trying to be a friend.

The ceremony begins. Kylie looks pretty. She and Clay are a good match. The Pastor speaks for a few minutes, and I am riveted to my seat. The band plays after the Pastor speaks, and they are awesome. They play and sing with heart like I've never heard before. My heart begins to soften. It would be fun to sing and play with them, but they probably would not want me as a part of their band. I'll enjoy their music while I can. The ceremony ends, and I stay where I am even though I would prefer to get lost in the crowd. Unfortunately, I think Clay and Kylie see me. Okay...here's to trying to be a friend.

Congratulations, you two, I say.

Thank you, Clay and Kylie say.

I'm so glad you could come, Kylie says. How are you?

I would prefer not to answer that question right now, but we can talk sometime since I'll be in Rock Creek at least for now. It took time to sell my condo. I have not contacted anyone since September, but thank y'all for trying. Keep praying for me, okay?

We will. Our friends are praying for you as well.

Thank you. Great ceremony by the way. It was different in a good way. I usually do not like weddings, but I liked y'all's. The band is awesome. Y'all play and sing with heart like I've never heard before. Well, I guess y'all need to take pictures or something, so I'll see you around.

Okay. You are welcome to come to the ranch for the reception, Clay says.

Thanks. I'll come for a while.

Great, Clay says.

There are so many people at the ranch that I can get lost in the crowd. I think I have found a secluded place to smoke, but I am wrong. I have just lit a cigarette when someone stands beside me. This dude is tall, and I'm 6'3". He is American Indian, has a commanding presence, and is someone you immediately respect.  I wouldn't want to cross him even though I can usually hold my own in a fight.

Hi. I'm Kade Blackwater.

Hi. I'm Brent Walker. He holds out his hand, and I shake it. Would you like me to put out this cigarette?

No. That's fine. You are Clay and Kylie's friend, right? How does he know about me? Is he a cop?

Yes, but I guess I'm not a good friend.

You're here.

That's true.

You are from Mississippi, aren't you?

Yes, Sir. Jackson.

You don't have to call me Sir. Call me Kade. I lived in Jackson years ago.

I rarely go home. I guess you never lose the accent.

Yes. So, what brings you to Texas?

Clay and Kylie invited me here months ago. I guess you know I was Kylie's bass player. I need a change. I can't live the life of a professional musician anymore. It's taking a toll.

I understand. I needed a change years ago, and God led me here. He might have done the same for you.

I don't know, but I hope so. I can't go on like this much longer. It's strange, but I feel like I can talk to Kade.

How old are you?

Thirty-six.

Two of my sons are your age.

Oh. Your band is awesome by the way, I say a short time later.

Thank you. It's more than just a band. We are mostly family and good friends.

I can tell.

You are welcome to play with us at my home studio if you'd like to. Do you play any other instruments?

Yeah, guitar and piano. I also sing. I would like to play with y'all but am not familiar with that kind of music. I had never heard it until today but really like it.

You can learn it, can't you?

Yes.

Good. Do you have somewhere to stay?

I'll find a hotel not that I will sleep anyway.

You are welcome to stay with my wife Ashley and me.

You don't know me. I'm a stranger.

Yes, but I can tell that you need friends and that you need to know someone cares.

"Yeah, but you need to know I'm not a good friend to anyone right now.

That's okay. I was an FBI agent years ago and can still read people. As long as you never disrespect my wife or the rest of my family, you'll be fine. Especially my wife. Disrespect her, and you'll deal with me.

I understand. Was your wife the one who played piano and sang lead on some of the songs?

Yes.

She's awesome.

Yes, she is. My wife is also the most beautiful woman here. Wow, he must really love her. Most guys don't have anything nice to say about their wives when they are not around. Kade might be one to watch to see how a man should treat his wife.

Thank you for the offer to stay with y'all. This isn't like me, but I accept.

Good. You are welcome to stay as long as you would like to.

Thank you.

I need to go find my wife. You are welcome to sit with my family and friends.

I was hoping to get lost in this crowd, but I'll sit with y'all.

Kade finds his wife a few minutes later, and I sit beside a pretty girl who has shoulder-length brown hair.

Honey, are you okay? Kade asks his wife.

Yes.

This is Brent Walker, Clay and Kylie's friend. He's going to stay with us for a while.

It's nice meeting you, Brent.

You too, Ma'am.

You don't have to call me Ma'am. I'm Ashley.

Okay. Everyone at the table introduces themselves except the pretty girl beside me. Hmm.

Jessica, would you like anything? Amy asks. I think that's her name.

No. I'm okay, but thank you.

Mama, can we have some cake? Travis asks.

Yes, you may have some as soon as it is cut and Clay and Kylie feed it to each other, Jennifer says.

They feed it to each other? Yuck!

Yes. It can sometimes be a mess.

It wasn't when Kade and I got married, Ashley says. It was fun. Kade smiles at her.

Yes, it was, honey. Weddings always bring back memories of our wedding. She smiles at him.

Yes. They must have a good marriage. It's pretty cool watching them interact with each other. Ashley is blind, but that isn't even an issue. Their son Kade and friend Manuel are also blind, and everyone is accepted.

The cake has been cut. Y'all come on so you can see Clay and Kylie, Kade says to the children.

Grandpa, can we walk with you? Seth asks. I'm surprised I remember everyone's name.

Yes.

I will just follow you with Sam since our grandchildren are coming with you, Ashley says.

You can still walk with me. I always like having you beside me.

Okay. Ashley is walking with her guide dog but still takes Kade's hand. Soon, the pretty girl and I are the only ones at the table. Did everyone forget about her?

What's a pretty girl like you doing sitting here alone? I ask. Brent, those pick-up lines won't work with someone like her. Did your friends forget about you?

No. They are good friends.

Well, don't you want some cake?

I don't know if I can find the line.

Um, just follow the crowd.

Would you mind walking over there with me? I have not been here often and don't want to get lost.

Excuse me?

I'm totally blind. I use a cane, but crowds like this are sometimes a challenge. Oh, this explains why she didn't stare at the scars on my face.

Well, if you'll tell me your name, I'll walk over there with you. She laughs. She has a pretty smile that seems to light up her whole face.

Yes. I'm sorry. I'm Jessica Morgan.

I guess you know I'm Brent Walker.

Yes. It's nice to meet you.

You too. She holds out her hand, and I shake it. She has small hands. She needs someone to protect her and keep her safe, and for some reason, I think that should be me.

May I take your elbow?

Sure. I have worked with blind musicians over the years, so I'm familiar with what she's referring to. The line for the cake is long. Good.

How old are you?

Thirty-six. And you?

Twenty-four. You aren't from around here, are you?

It's that obvious, huh? Great. A blind woman even knows I'm an outsider.

You have more of a Southern drawl. I like your accent.

I'm originally from Jackson, Mississippi. Where are you from?

I grew up in Amarillo but moved to Rock Creek a few months ago. I work at the community college like most of us around here do.

Doing what?

I work part-time as a professional tutor at the Academic Readiness Center, which is often referred to as the ARC. It's interesting. I have the same position Ashley had when she and Kade met. I tutor students in writing, and Ashley tutored them in writing and math.

Hmm.

What do you do for a living?

Nothing right now. I recently quit the music business.

Wait, you are the Brent Kylie asked us to pray for last month.

Yeah.

Well, it's nice meeting the man I've been praying for. Do you have a specific request?

Do you want my whole life story?

Only if you want to tell me sometime.

I would prefer not to right now. Let's see....My life needs to change. Does that help?

Yes. You need God in your life and peace.

Yes.

Okay. I will continue praying for you until you receive the answers and peace you need. I am touched. Why do all these people care about a complete stranger?

Thank you. Why do y'all care about someone you don't know?

It's our job to care. God doesn't want anyone to be lost but all to come to know Him personally.

Okay. The wedding was the first time I've been to church.

Ever? She seems surprised.

Yes.

What did you think?

When I first arrived, I wanted to leave. I felt like I didn't belong there. I've done too many wrong things. However, when the Pastor spoke and the band played, something happened to me. I can't explain it. It's like my heart started to soften.

I'm glad. Maybe worship music is one thing God will use to reach you since music is a big part of your life.

Maybe. I've never heard music like that before played with such heart.

Yes. It's awesome and is often like that on Sundays as well. I do not want to leave when the service ends. Oh, did I say too much?

No. You actually explained some things. Thank you. I will probably come back to church.

Good. It's our turn. I'm surprised there is still cake left.

The only kind of cake available is chocolate.

That's fine. Chocolate is my favorite.

Yeah, mine too.

It's too bad they never have ice cream with the cake at weddings.

Yes. Is chocolate your favorite flavor of ice cream as well?

Yes.

We are back at the table. Everyone else is too.

Your chair is in front of you, I say and pull out her chair.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

Brent, here are directions to our house, Kade says and hands me a piece of paper.

Thank you.

Honey, are you ready to go? Kade asks Ashley.

Yes.

Okay. We'll see y'all at church tomorrow.

Okay. Good night, Dad, Mom, Kade says.

Good night, Kade says.

Jessica, Kade and I are also leaving. We need to get Kade and Amanda home, Amy says.

Okay.

Would you like a ride home? I ask.

You wouldn't mind driving me home?

No. I am new in town but have a GPS on my iPhone. Call