Page 84 of A Hard Habit to Break

Bethany laughed, pulling the glasses from her face. She sat back, her head relaxing on her neck. “Believe me, it’s not. The mayor… He’s tricky. I really can’t get a read on his problem with me pushing for a clinic in town. There’s a part of me that believes he wants this project to fail.”

That wouldn’t surprise Rachel. Pete Judelson would do anything for Pete Judelson. What did Noah need Pete’s help for? She knew Noah’s heart, and she wanted to understand his choice to share with Pete what he couldn’t or wouldn’t disclose to her.

“Why do you think that is?” Rachel quizzed. “Why wouldn’t he want a clinic here in town? I mean, Dad has to drive all the way to Whynot or Summit Hill for basic medical care.”

“I know, but he’s been finding little ways to slow down this particular project coming up for a vote. Duplicate document requests. Leaving the clinic off the agenda.”

“What else can we do?” Rachel asked.

“Well, I understand business after years of managing my first husband’s medical practice. Amarie has clinical expertise.Matt is a lifelong member of the community. And Benji can sell rain to a storm cloud. We will put our heads together and see if the family can develop a community-centric presentation that resonates with the families, seniors, women, and the disabled.”

Rachel stood there waiting before finally saying what she was thinking. “I can field any of the design questions from the council members.”

Bethany’s smile spread across her face. “Would you want to stand with me at the meeting… maybe explain our vision for the building design after I present the project summary? Explain how the clinic spaces can be utilized to support the town beyond medical care. I mean, we could finally have indoor rooms for community meetings, craft events, and health education fairs for the kids.”

Rachel chuckled. “You’re a part of this town. And this was your vision. You don’t need my help. But yes, I’ll stand with you.”

She guessed she’d have to get used to being included in a new family, because Rachel would never tire of this feeling—belonging, being a part of a team.

“Amazing.” Bethany sighed. “I’m so excited when I think about everything our town needs and the Johnsons making a difference in the lives of others. This mountain gave me a new life with the man I love. So many people find happiness here. Your dad loves it here, and I do, too.”

Noah wanted the same. Although his methods varied, and he valued commemorative trophies to an extreme, he did care for the community. Whether it was completing home repairs for a fraction of the cost, organizing a donation drive for fire victims, or hauling lumber after saving a life, Noah cared for the town and the people. Could she look past one little secret and give in to their happily ever after? And if she did, what would she sacrifice to share a life with Noah in Service?

Rachel could definitely contribute to a winning proposal. “We could look at the site… just connect with the space, now that we have the visuals.”

“Do you want to run over there again?” Amarie questioned.

“If it’s not too much trouble.” Rachel sighed, not wanting to stray too far. She thought of Noah and Pete. “Maybe.” She shrugged. No one questioned her hesitation.Be a blessing,Rachel, she chided herself.Stop looking for problems where there might not be any.

“Sure. Great,” Bethany said. “Let me grab my keys.”

“To go where?” Rachel’s father said, strutting into the kitchen, a bottle of water in his hands, his overalls dirty, a red handkerchief hanging in his back pocket.

“Hey, Dad. We were heading over to the high school.”

He raised a brow. “You mean, our state-of-the-art medical clinic?”

“There’s that,” she agreed. “I want to just take one more look at the site before we go to the council meeting tomorrow night.”

He looked her over, searching her features. She remembered he’d done the same when she was a kid. Back then, he could see her every thought, every motivation, in the span of seconds. Could he now? Please don’t let him see the crazy brewing in her brain.

“You okay, RJ?”

Rachel looked between her dad and Bethany, a thread of uncertainty knotting in her confidence. “I’m good. You?”

“More than okay, kiddo.” He came over and gave her a big hug.

“Oh, you’re so sweaty, Dad. Let me go.”

“That’s liquid love.”

“Liquid love? You are so hokey.”

“That’s what your dad’s supposed to be. If I’m too cool, I can’t keep the ladies your age off me.”

Bethany came up and patted his chest. “You better keep the ladies off of you, Farmer Johnson.”

“You got ninety-nine problems, but I ain’t one. I only have eyes for you, sunshine.”