Page 104 of Still Afraid

“That’s understandable. I hope you found out what the trouble was. I can’t imagine this being the source. Unless the chronicles of my life are more treacherous than I even realized.”

Chloe laughed. “May I ask what kind of things you journal about?”

“I have no problem with that question. I’ve been attempting to write my memoirs for my grandsons. I completed my childhood and years of military service and was just getting to the good part of when I met their grandmother and the birth of my boys.”

“Unless you recorded secret military operations, it would be hard to believe someone would break in for this.”

“Break in?” Mr. Short raised an eyebrow. “They’d only know that if they read it, and that would beg the question of why they would then need to steal it if they already knew?” He winked at her.

She chuckled. “I’m glad we were able to find it and get it back to you.”

“As am I.”

“Were you at the campground when the tornado hit?”

“No, we were off adventuring, as my daughter-in-law would say.”

“I’m grateful you didn’t have to experience that.”

“The good Lord would probably have taken me home if I had been. But I’m grateful for the opportunity to finish telling my grandsons about their dads’ childhoods. It definitely makes one realize our days are numbered by the Father. Live them well.”

Chloe nodded. She felt that stronger than ever now. God had graced her with more days, and she had every intention of living them for Jesus and telling fear to get lost. Every day she’d choose faith over fear. She wasn’t naive enough to think she’d never struggle with anxiety again, but she’d repeat Psalm 56:3 over and over. “When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.”

God had proved Himself trustworthy time and time again. And even if she had died in any one of those tornadoes … even if Josh had died … God was good. She’d never take that for granted.

Chapter Forty-Two

The day had finally arrived. Today, Josh would marry his best friend. He straightened his tie in the basement bathroom mirror. He and the guys had been relegated to the basement so Chloe and the ladies could get ready upstairs.

He couldn’t wait to see her. Even though he had no concept of what her dress looked like, he knew she’d be exquisite. Her style was simple and elegant, and, without a doubt, her wedding dress and hairdo would portray that perfectly.

Jesse and Gabe appeared on either side of the bathroom door. Jesse said, “Dude, you look fine. Nobody’s paying attention to you today anyway.”

“Thanks for letting me marry your sister.”

Gabe laughed. “It’s about time.”

Josh shrugged. “You aren’t wrong. I wish it hadn’t taken us as long as it did, but at least we’re here now.”

Jesse glanced at his watch. “Speaking of time, we have to get you outside.”

The three guys went upstairs, out the front door, and down the steps. Many people were gathering in the white chairs set up on the lawn. Because the day had turned out so perfect, they had decided the wedding itself would be out in the open with the horses grazing in the background.

Amelia spotted him and came running, her mid-length dress blowing in the gentle breeze. He opened his arms and received his sister’s slamming hug.

“You’re finally marrying her!”

He chuckled. “Who’s happier about this?”

“I’m excited, but I suspect you’re happier. And by happier, I mean over the moon.”

“Where’s Caleb and the kids?”

“Seated. And I should join them. Looks like it’s time to start.” She pointed at the front porch.

Chloe’s dad had stepped out of the front door and pointed to his watch. Josh gave him an Eagle Scout salute and shooed his sister away.

Gabe and Jesse went to usher the mothers to their seats. Josh joined the pastor and, once the moms were seated, Josh and the pastor went around the side and took their places.