Free Flash Flood by DiAnn Mills Page A

refused to lie, and the truth bordered on more than she cared to confess. “For some of them, that fact doesn’t matter. In any event, I’m committed to finishing strong.” She forced a chuckle with the cliché. “Fred needs to take it easy, and I’ll do all I can. I’m sure this week will be easier. Ryan is not demanding at all, and he could be under the circumstances.”
    “Fred likes him and says Ryan comes highly recommended from Neon.”
    “I can see why. I suppose he told you Ryan joined the Tuesday morning Bible study.”
    “Right, and he came to a Friday night men’s study at our church. That’s a positive step no matter how you look at it. I have to believe Ryan is praying for things to smooth out.” Marta pulled off one of her gloves to allow a drop of rain to fall into her palm. She frowned. “I’m ready for lots of sunshine in more ways than the weather. Say, have you updated your résumé?”
    “Sure have. Even made a couple of inquiries, but I need to work on it a little more.” Alina wanted the topic to change—to anything but work and Ryan.
    The two moved their horses to a ridge overlooking a clump of barren trees where they could see through the limbs. In the distance, the Ohio River, swollen from the thawing snow, flowed lazily. With the sky a tinge of gray, the water reflected the same gloomy tint.
    “No matter what the season,” Marta said, “I always have to look at the river, study it as though I’m checking the temperament of an old friend. Not sure why, except the river symbolizes that no matter what crisis plagues us, life continues its ebb and flow.” She turned to Alina. “Some things were put here to show us the majesty of God’s creation.”
    “I find it hypnotizing.”
    “I love the river and fear it at the same time, all that tremendous power within the banks of Ohio and Kentucky. No wonder the Native Americans revered it.”
    Marta’s calm reflections soothed Alina’s restless spirit. She welcomed the change of pace and the insight.
    “Can you imagine paddling a canoe way out there?” Marta asked. “I’d be petrified, and I’m rather daring.”
    Alina pointed to a barge making its way downstream, most likely with a load of coal. “One of those or a ferry is more my style.”
    The two laughed and watched the barge inch its way along.
    “Alina.”
    She turned to face the woman of wisdom. “God has a plan, and His purpose will unfold just like the river rises and falls. He will see you through the next few months with blessings far more than you could ever dream. I feel this so deeply that I had to share it.”
    “I have to believe those very same things,” Alina said. “Without His promises, I’d give up.” She blinked back a few tears. The urge to tell this wise woman about Ryan nibbled at her heart, but it was best that her secret stay intact. Fred and Marta were concerned about the decision they’d made regarding Flash, and Alina loved them dearly. If they learned the truth, they’d feel even worse.

    Monday, 4:00 a.m
.
    Ryan stared at the clock. The large numbers glared in red.
Why am I awake at four in the morning?
He recalled his mother’s words. “If God wakes you in the middle of the night, it’s a direct line. Better listen to what He has to say.”
    Okay, Lord, I’m listening, or am I supposed to be praying for someone?
For the next few moments, Ryan prayed for everyone he could think of. Still, sleep evaded him.
    Lord, is this about the job offer in Columbus? Am I supposed to take it? Decline?
As good as the promotion sounded, he feared jumping into a new position. His parents would love having him around, although they traveled a lot since retiring. He chuckled. All of this could be so he’d keep watch on his parents’ home and feed the dog when they were gone. He ought to seek out their advice, or at least run the idea past them.
Never hurts to gather wise counsel
. Ryan switched on the light above his nightstand and reached for the