Trust in the Heart: Rock Creek, #6

By Sarah Harris

In the sixth book of the Rock Creek series, Cade Bradley is jaded about life. Jamie Daniels is divorced but wants what everyone around her seems to have—love. Will Cade and Jamie learn to

trust, and when they do, find love?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sarah Harris
• Release date: Nov 15, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386444107

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’s the Saturday before Labor Day, and I am at the ranch just outside Rock Creek, Texas spending some time with my sister, Kylie, and nephew, Timothy. Tim and Susan—my ex-husband’s parents—invited me here tonight, but this is the last place I want to be. I don't want to see my ex-husband, Ty. We've been divorced six months, but the wounds to my heart are still raw and bleeding. Ty and I were married less than two years. We never had a good marriage, but I thought we could work out our problems. However,  I was wrong. I left Ty a year ago after he abused me. I just couldn't stay with him anymore. My friends have great marriages, and I guess I was naive in thinking I would too. Kylie even has a pretty good marriage. I thought I had found a new friend in Aidan Taylor, but he recently moved back to Scotland. I guess the Texas Panhandle was never home for him.   I am in Kylie's house playing with Timothy when Kylie comes into the living room. Timothy is so cute and always makes me smile.

Hi, Jamie, Kylie says and hugs me.

Hi.

How are you?

I'm okay, but it's kind of awkward being here. I hope I won't run into Ty.

I know, but you might.

Yeah.

You don't have to stay if you really don't want to.

I know. Tim and Susan invited me, and I wanted to see you and Timothy.

Oh. Okay. Are Seth and Shannon coming?

No. Shannon told me they are having a quiet evening at home with Seth.

I saw him the other day. That boy is going to break girls' hearts when he grows up. He's so cute. 

Yes. He looks just like his daddy.

Yes. Seth really is a good man even if my husband doesn't think so.

Yes, he is. Clay is so judgmental.

Yes–at times. Are you ready to go outside? Everyone will be arriving soon.

I guess so.

Hang in there. God will send you someone who will love and treat you like you deserve.

I know, I say and start to cry. It's just so hard sometimes. I mean, it seems everyone around me has a good marriage, and mine was a failure. What did I do wrong?

I don't think you did anything wrong. If anything, I'm the one to blame because I thought you and Ty would be a good match. I guess you were kind of thrown together on that flight from Austin. You would have met eventually, but maybe you wouldn't have ended up together. Who knows?

Yeah. What should I look for if I meet someone else?

It's not if, but when. Write a list of all the qualities you would like in a spouse. That's what Ashley did after her divorce. You know God cares about every detail of our lives, so why would He not care about a spouse for you? Your spouse also needs someone.

That's a good idea. I think I'll start writing it tonight.

Good. Speaking of writing, have you written anything lately?

No. Writing used to bring me such comfort, but all I seem to do now is cry. The last thing I want to write is romance. However, I enjoy editing Shannon's books.

You'll write again. Give your heart time to heal.

Okay. You're right, I say as Kylie, Timothy, and I walk outside to greet our friends. I need to try to have some fun.

The party is in full swing. I have just sat down after getting too much food at the buffet when Susan says:

Jamie, it’s so good to see you, and hugs me.  

Thank you, and it’s good to see you too.

You are always welcome here.

I know, but I don't feel at home here anymore.

I know. How have you been?

Okay, I say with a sigh.

Good. We'll get together some time for lunch if that would work for you.

Yes.

Great. I need to greet more people, so  I'll see you later.

Okay.

The band has started playing Country music. They are good but not as good as my friends who are musicians. It seems like everyone is having fun except me. I should just leave.

Hi, Jamie. You look so pretty tonight. It's Ty. I was hoping to avoid seeing him tonight but don't know how that would have been possible since he lives on the ranch unless he just decided not to show up to his parents' party. The band is playing a slow song. Dance with me. Ty didn't want me for months before I left, and now he wants to dance with me? I don't think so.

No.

Oh, come on. You don't want to cause a scene here, do you?

You didn't care about that when you hurt  Shannon. Ty assaulted Shannon twice before Shannon married Seth and almost paid for it with his life.  

Yeah, well. She deserved it, Ty says and glares at me.

No, she didn't.

Come on. Dance with me for old times' sake. Is he serious? 

I said no. We're not married anymore.

Yeah, thanks to you. How is being single?

It's better than it was being married to you. Ty glares at me again, and I shudder. He holds out his hand, and it seems like I have no choice but to take it. He leads me to the area reserved for dancing and holds me close but not like a lover. I try to pull away to no avail. Surely you can dance with me for one song.

I would prefer not to. To my horror, Ty holds me tighter, and I feel trapped. The song finally ends, and Ty abruptly lets go of me.

Thank you for the dance, Jamie, he says and walks away.

I really want to go home but find myself at the horse corral a few minutes later. Some of the horses look like they are ready to run, but others just stand by the fence. They all look so free, which is not how I feel. If only I could run like they do.  

You look like you want to escape, a tall cute guy says. I thought I was alone.

Yeah. It would be nice to ride one of these horses forever. There's a sense of freedom when riding.

Yeah. I'm sure you could get permission if you want to ride.

Yeah. I used to live out here but rarely took the time to ride.

Do you want to ride tonight?

No. I think I'm going home. I shouldn't have even come here tonight. I thought I could just come spend time with my sister and nephew and did for a while. Then, I had to see my ex-husband who is someone I was hoping to avoid seeing.  

It seems you did more than just see him if the look on your face is any indication.

Yeah. He forced me to dance with him. We've been divorced six months, and he thinks he can force me to do something. Well, I guess he did.

How long were y'all married?

Seventeen months.

And he let you go?

I left him last September after some things happened. I just couldn't stay with him anymore.

What things?

He assaulted a good friend of mine twice, and I'm surprised her husband didn't kill him. Well, he almost did. We all thought Ty wouldn't survive. Seth and Shannon weren't married then. Seth would probably kill anyone who hurts his wife and newborn son. The last straw was when Ty abused me, which is  when I knew it was time to leave.

You're still afraid of him, aren't you?

Yes.

Well, he won't hurt you again. That's a promise, sweetheart.

How do I know I can trust you?

You don't, but you will in time.

You're sure of yourself, aren't you?

When it comes to protecting you, yes. In other things, not so much.

Well, thank you. Are you new in town?

Yes. I'm the new part-time criminal-justice professor Kade Blackwater hired. He and my dad have been friends since they were children.

Wow. Where are you from?

I'm originally from Oklahoma, and my parents still live there. I've lived pretty much everywhere over the years other than up North. I wouldn't fit in there.

How do you know?

I've worked there, darlin', and it ain't the place for me. Where are you from?

Austin.

What brought you here?

My sister, Kylie, and I are close. She moved here right before she married Clay Lawson, who is my ex-husband's brother. Yikes! That kind of sounds like a soap opera. Anyway, I got a job here and stayed. I like it here. This area grows on you.

I guess. What do you do for a living?

I'm the editor for the local newspaper, a freelance writer, and have self-published one book.

Just one?

Yes. So far. I haven't felt like writing for some time now other than for work.

What genre do you write?

Romance.

What's your name? My mom has probably read your book.

Jamie Daniels. I've always used my maiden name when writing. I guess I somehow knew my marriage wouldn't last.

I guess that's why I've never been married. I can see the hurt in your eyes, and I think it's my job to make sure you heal from the pain.

That will take time.

Well, I have time, darlin'.

What's your name?

Cade Bradley.

Oh, my goodness. Another Kade?

Yes. You might say I was named after Kade Blackwater.

Oh. How do you spell it?

With a C.

Oh, okay. What's your dad's name? 

Chase, and my mom's is Terrie.

I've heard of your dad but have never met him. It's great he and Kade have been friends so long.

Yeah.

How old are you?

Forty-five. And you?

Thirty. Hopefully, that isn't too much of an age difference. Do you just work at the college?

No. I'm also an FBI agent, and have worked for the Bureau a long time.

Is your dad also an agent?

No. He's a police officer in Broken Arrow, and I don't think he will ever retire.

What does your mom do?

She's retired. She used to be a secretary at an elementary school.

Oh.

Do you still want to get out of here? Do I have to say goodbye to him already?

Yeah.

Where do you live?

I rent an apartment in Rock Creek. How about you?

I rent a house in Rock Creek but haven't had much time to unpack–or maybe I'm just putting it off.

Well, um, would you like some help sometime?

Sure. What are your plans tomorrow?

I don't have any other than church tomorrow morning.

What time is church over?

Around 12:30 or so.

Okay. I'll follow you home tonight. Would 1:30 or so work for you?

Yes.

Okay. I'll pick you up then.

Do you go to church?

No. 

Why?

Life has a way of making you jaded.

I understand, but I don't know where I'd be right now without my faith in God. 

I'm glad that works for you.

Are you a Christian?

No, but my parents are.

I know. Your dad led Kade to the Lord.

Yeah. Did he try to reach his son? I hope so.

What will it take for you to trust?

I don't know. How about you?

Someone who treats me totally different than Ty.

Did y'all make love any time before you left him?

It had been a long time. Months, in fact. It was like he had no desire to be with me.  I think that rejection hurt more than the abuse. How long has it been for you?

A few months.

Was she a girlfriend?

No. I haven't had a girlfriend in a few years.

Why?

I could say work, but that isn't entirely true. One-night stands are easier because there's no commitment, you can forget her name the next morning,  and no one's heart gets broken when the inevitable happens. 

Oh. 

Is this the only place to ride horses around here? Cade asks when the silence between us has stretched too long. 

Um, no. You can ride in Palo Duro Canyon.

Good. We'll go there sometime.

Okay. When was the last time you've been horseback riding?

It's been years.

Ah, like everything else in your life, right?

Yeah. Do you want to go?

Oh, yeah. I'm sorry.

I'm not. I've enjoyed getting to know you.

Yeah. Me too. Maybe too much. 

The night doesn't have to end yet.

Really?

Yeah. What would you like to do?

I have no idea.

Sure you do. What do you do on Saturday nights?

Write, read, watch movies, and watch Texas Rangers games when it's baseball season.

That's all?

Pretty much.

Hmm. You don't like going out to eat or for ice cream?

I do. 

Good. Now, we're getting somewhere. What's the best ice-cream parlor in town?

Braum's, unless you want to drive to Heartland and go to Dairy Queen.

No, thanks. Come on, let's go to Braum's.

Okay.

We have just gotten chocolate ice-cream cones and are sitting at a table in a relatively secluded part of the restaurant.

So...what do you like to do for fun? I ask.

Let's see....I enjoy hunting, fishing, working out, and playing guitar.

You're a musician, so  you'll fit right in around here.

Why, are you a musician?

Oh, no. I just write.

Music?

No.

That's too bad. By the way,  does Ty attend the same church you do?

Yes.

Okay. I'll go with you tomorrow.

What?

Yeah. Someone needs to protect you from him, and it might as well be me.

You said you don't go to church.

I don't, but maybe it's time I start going.

Okay.

Give me directions, and I'll meet you there. What time?

Sunday school is at ten, and the worship service begins at eleven.

Okay. Let me see your cell phone.

Okay, I say and hand Cade my phone.

Here you go. All my info is in your contacts. You know, you should set up the touch ID feature.

I know. That's what Seth always tells me.

He's a wise man.

Yeah. He works in cyber intelligence but is not an agent. Oh, I hope it's okay I told you that.

Yeah. After all, we both work for the Bureau. 

Oh, yeah. Do you want my number?

I just added it to my contacts.

Oh, okay.

You can text or call me any time. Do you have a security system at your apartment?

No. I never got one since I'm  renting the apartment.

You should consider getting one. You live alone, don't you?

Yes.

I can install one for you, which would be okay with your landlord.

You know how to do that?

Yeah.

I don't know anything about getting one.

I'll take care of it.

Thank you.

Do you have a dog?

No, and I most likely can't have one where I live.

Do you know that for sure?

No.

Someone needs to protect you when I'm not around.

I'll think about getting one. Would I have to get a puppy?

No.

Good. I wouldn't want the responsibility of a puppy.

I wouldn't either.

How tall are you? I ask a few minutes later.

6’6. And you?"

5’5. Is your dad as tall as you?"

No, not quite. My mom is a little taller than you. How about your parents?

My mom was about as tall as me, and my dad was 5'9. My parents