Free Finding the Way Back (Book 1 in the Forgiving Hearts Trilogy) by Erin Landy Page B

to help her.”
    Colton smiled at the word “people” – evidently his cooperation in her latest project was taken for granted. “Laurel, slow down a minute. Where is she going to live? We don’t have an extra bedroom at our apartment.”
    “Mom says she can stay in my old room.”
    “That sounds great, but what about a job?”
    “We’ll find something. That’s the least of our problems.”
    He laughed shortly. “What are our other problems? I’d like to know the worst.”
    “We have to figure out a way to get her here.”
    “That’s easy. I’ll get her a plane ticket. She can fly back with me. I hope you realize what you’re getting into here.”
    “How can we not help her, Colton? As Christians, aren’t we supposed to do something? She’s at the tipping point; we can’t let her end up in trouble when it’s in our power to prevent it.”
    “You’re right; I’m being selfish.”
    “Taryn thinks you’re the most wonderful man on earth.”
    “I only care what you think,” he said softly.
    “Do you need reminding? I love you – more than anything.”
    “I just like to hear you say it.”
    “I’ll never stop saying it. Be gentle with Taryn, Colton. The men in her life haven’t treated her very well.”
    * * * *
    Taryn’s transition to Charleston went smoother than Colton anticipated. Within a few weeks, she became as much a part of their lives as if she’d always been there. Laurel followed through on her offer to help Taryn find a job, but in the end it was Colton who recommended Taryn for a receptionist position in the x-ray department of the clinic where he worked. This solution also solved the transportation problem. It was during those daily commutes that Colton began to see Laurel’s influence on Taryn in everything from how she dressed to the way she talked.
    As he waited for Taryn to finish her conversation with one of her coworkers, he marveled at the change in her from the girl who’d burst into his hotel room. Once again, Laurel’s instincts had been right on.
    “Did your last patient cancel?” Taryn asked as came to a halt beside him. “You don’t usually get done before me.”
    “No, I must have been more efficient today.” Colton smiled down at her as they walked toward the side door leading to the parking lot. “James seemed reluctant to let you leave.”
    “He doesn’t seem to understand what ‘no’ means.”
    “Well, he’s persistent if nothing else. Laurel and I are leaving right after school gets out tomorrow to visit some friends in Orlando. We’ll leave you her car so you have a ride home and of course, you can use it over the weekend for anything you want to do.”
    “I won’t take it out any more than necessary, and hopefully it won’t be long before I have enough money to get my own car.”
    As he opened the car door for her, he said, “My offer to help you with a down payment is still open.”
    “You and Laurel have done enough for me already. I need to do this on my own.”
    He threw her a teasing glance. “You can always get married. I’ve been asked enough questions about you at the clinic to know there are a few interested parties in addition to James.”
    “I’ve had it with men. You’re the only one worth having, and you’re already taken.”
    Colton laughed. “There’s someone out there for you, Taryn, and in the right time, God will bring him to you.” He pulled into his in-laws’ driveway. “Don’t wear yourself out planting tulips with Dad.”
    “I won’t be doing the actual digging, but I have been given permission to suggest location. According to Laurel, that’s quite a concession on Dad’s part. Have a nice time in Orlando.” Taryn jumped out of the car and ran into the house.
    Laurel was in the kitchen when he got home. He dropped a lingering kiss on her lips.
    “Your dinner is in the microwave. We’ve got thirty minutes before we need to leave for the band concert.”
    “I have a better idea,” he said as he