Courageous Love: A Christian Romance Novel (The Hawaii Love Series, #1) (15 page)

“What about your family?” Michelle asked as they began strolling along the tree line separating the forest from the pasture behind the house. “I know you shared a little at lunch, but do you have any relationship with your father?” These questions would be considered very personal under any other circumstances, but there was something about the relationship between Michelle and Daniel that felt honest and open. They both felt so safe and comfortable sharing intimate details of their pasts with each other.

“Well,” Daniel said, walking with his hands in his pockets. “My father and I were very close until I became a Christian. We used to go fishing, go-kart racing and hiking. I loved spending time with my dad. I’m a bit younger than my brothers, so when they got older and left for college, my father enrolled me in martial arts and devoted all his time to me. It was only when I became a Christian at the age of 19 that we grew apart.”

Michelle walked next to Daniel, listening quietly as he opened his heart and his past to her. “You see, my father is a science professor and he believes in facts, not faith. Despite the fact that my mother and my brothers and I all came to Jesus, my father didn’t. He believes that we are foolish to believe in anything like religion, anything that can save a man’s soul. I’ve tried to explain it to him and it always ends in an argument.”

“I know how that feels,” Michelle said softly. “But maybe God will soften your father’s heart someday and you will be reunited.”

“I hope so,” said Daniel. “I really miss my father and miss the good times we had.”

Michelle didn’t want to upset Daniel so she changed the subject. “So, what are your dreams as a stuntman?”

“Oh,” said Daniel, glad to talk about something else other than his father. “Well, I want to be an actor. Not just a stuntman,” Daniel went on, the excitement in his voice was apparent. “I want to be a lead actor and act in my own movies.”

He looked down at Michelle’s soft face. “And what about you?”

“Well, I want to eventually settle down and move back to Hawaii. But I don’t want to do it my way this time ...” she laughed as she patted her belly. “I’m ready to do it God’s way.”

“Tell me more about your family,” Daniel said. “I learned a bit from the concierge at the Corinthian, and a little more from your friend Kaiko. But I’m sure there’s a lot more to your family history.”

Michelle filled Daniel in on the rest of her family’s legacy. “Trinity Ranch has been in my family for almost 100 years. Queen Lili’oukalni granted the land to my family back in 1917 and it has been a cattle ranch ever since. Like my father said, my grandfather, my great-grandfather and my father have made it the most profitable ranch in Oahu. Well, up until the last few years anyhow.”

Daniel kept quiet as they walked, listening to Michelle’s melodic voice and the sound of the ocean in the distance. “The drought of the last several years has made it very expensive. Farms have to ship their cattle back to the mainland for finishing and fattening before having them returned to Hawaii for slaughter. The costs are outrageously expensive. My mother told me that my father is experimenting with a pilot irrigation program to produce grass fed cattle on Hawaii so they don’t have to be sent to Murphy Ranch anymore.”

“Murphy Ranch?” Asked Daniel, trying to absorb everything Michelle was telling him.

“Yeah,” Michelle continued. “That’s the name of the ranch in Coalinga County in California that Trinity sends cattle to for fattening and finishing.”

They walked along the edge of the woods and found themselves on the cusp of a small hill overlooking the ocean in the distance. Stopping momentarily, they took in the sight before continuing along the perimeter of the property.

“So when will you be leaving tomorrow?” Michelle asked, trying to sound casual.

“Probably at the crack of dawn. I don’t want to miss the morning bus and need to get to the airport early to be on standby for the next flight back to Los Angeles.” Daniel went on, not wanting to talk about leaving. “Kimberly,” he paused and looked at Michelle as if to explain what she already knew, “my fiancée,” he turned forward again and continued. “She’s waiting for me to return so we can continue planning the wedding.”

“What’s she like?” Michelle asked innocently.

Daniel thought about that for a moment and tried to focus on her good points. “She’s, well, she’s blonde, petite, has blue eyes ...”

“I didn’t ask what she looked like,” said Michelle. “What is she like?”

Daniel swallowed hard, realizing he was having a hard time coming up with positive things to say about the woman he was planning on marrying. He knew she had some good points but wasn’t entirely sure that she and he were compatible. He was attracted to her in the beginning. But over time, her charm wore off and was replaced by her domineering personality. And yet, he figured there were still things he loved about her or he wouldn’t be contemplating marrying her.

“She’s very assertive, she’s got a nice voice and she comes from a stable family. She’s very friendly, very smart. Did I say she was very intelligent?” He knew he was probably trying too hard, but he wanted to sound convincing. But who was he trying to convince that he was making the right choice in marrying her? Was he trying to convince Michelle, or himself? Either way, Michelle realized he was failing miserably.

She sensed his discomfort and decided to switch gears. “Hey, let’s go this way.” Michelle grabbed his hand and switched directions. The feeling of her touch sent a shock of electricity through Daniel’s arm and straight to his heart. His pulse quickened and his heart raced as she pulled him after her. Rather than head along the perimeter of the pasture, she took Daniel toward the valley along a small trail that held a beautiful view of the valley and a distant view of the ocean.

“I took this trail all the time when I was a little girl. I loved coming out here and just sitting and taking in all of God’s beauty. The ocean, the trees, the mountains, the valley, I could see it all from here.” Michelle rambled on enthusiastically. Daniel didn’t know where they were going, but loved their time together and followed along.

“I remember when I was in college, I came up here and dreamt about the big world out there. I sat up on that hill.” Michelle pointed to the highest spot on the trail. “And I would look over the islands to the world beyond. I couldn’t wait to leave Hawaii and explore what the world had to offer.”

Daniel was mesmerized by the beauty around him in God’s masterpieces, the mountains, the sea, the valley ... and Michelle. “This was my favorite place to run to when I was in trouble too. I remember one time I had to help my father herd the cattle. A rainstorm was coming and we had to gather up a couple hundred head of steer from that large pasture.” Michelle pointed to the far pasture in the distance behind the farmhouse.

“So I hopped on the horses with my father and we started sweeping the pasture collecting the cattle along the way. We pushed the herd through the corner gate that led to the pens where they would be prepared for transport to Murphy Ranch. We did this so many times without any problem. But this time I pushed my wing of the herd too hard and the lead steer jumped back and all the cattle scattered in different directions. My father was so mad. And to make it worse, it started to pour.”

Michelle took a breath, remembering the incident clearly. “My father said we should just go home, but I felt bad. I wanted to make a second run and get the cattle herded. My father wouldn’t do it so I did it myself. I made another round and successfully herded all the cattle into the pen without his help.” She looked off wistfully across the pasture.

“That was one of the few times that my father praised me for a job well done,” Michelle said softly.

Daniel looked at Michelle, wanting again to comfort her. “I’m sure your father is proud of you,” he said, unsure whether his words were helping or not. “He just doesn’t know how to express it.”

Michelle didn’t know whether she believed Daniel or not, but considered what he said. She started walking further up the trail. “So,” Daniel said. “When are you going to break the news to your parents about the pregnancy?”

“I don’t know,” said Michelle as the reality of her situation came rushing back. “I’ll probably tell my mother first, when the time is right.” Michelle thought of Lilo again. “I don’t think now is the right time, that’s for sure.”

“Well, stay strong. I’m sure your parents will be supportive of you. Don’t be afraid.” Daniel paused and then added, “I’ll pray for you and your family.”

Michelle looked up at his kind face. “Thank you,” she said.

They headed back toward the ranch, talking about everything and nothing. Michelle felt so comfortable sharing her fears and concerns with this man she barely knew. And Daniel was more willing than he had ever been to share his family history.

“My father pretty much disowned me when I became a Christian,” Daniel said with sadness in his voice.

“I’m sorry,” she said. “Really, I know how that feels.” The farmhouse was within sight, and they began to walk slower, neither one of them wanting to have the day end. “Being cast off from your family hurts.”

Daniel stopped and turned toward Michelle. “Would you mind if I asked you a favor?”

“Okay,” said Michelle, shrugging her shoulders. “What?”

“Can we pray together?” Daniel asked, feeling compelled to pray with this woman. He felt God had placed it upon his heart to hold hands and pray for restoration of their families.

Michelle was stunned. It had been years since she had prayed with anyone. But something about this felt so right. “Yes, I would like that,” was all she could say. Daniel held his strong hands out and Michelle placed her slim ones in his. He gently closed his fingers and his eyes and began.

“Dear Father, thank you for the gift of this beautiful island, your majestic creations and the gift of this conversation. I know you know our hearts and our hurts God, better than we know them ourselves. And I pray that you give us the faith and courage to trust you will restore the relationships we value most. I pray that you will heal Michelle’s relationship with her family and especially her father. And I pray that you will soften my father’s heart so that he may begin to know you and your awesome love.” Daniel paused and lightly squeezed Michelle’s hands before he finished. “And God, thank you for the hospitality of the Clemens family and may your blessings pour down on them and Trinity Ranch. Amen.”

Michelle opened her eyes and lifted her head as she slipped her hands free. She looked at Daniel’s kind face as he smiled softly down at her, and then the two walked back to the ranch in silence as a light afternoon rain began to fall. They made it onto the front porch right as the sky opened up. Daniel stood still, watching the wet drops fall from Michelle’s cheeks.

“Well,” Michelle said, feeling like a silly schoolgirl again. “Thank you for the talk.”

“Thank you for the walk,” said Daniel.

“Thank you for the prayer,” said Michelle.

“You’re welcome.” Daniel stood still, not wanting the moment to end.

“Well, I guess you’ll be leaving first thing in the morning then.” Michelle brought Daniel’s fantasy to a crashing halt.

“Yeah, uh, right,” he said, forgetting completely about Kimberly. “Got a wedding to plan!” he said jokingly but feeling anything but jovial.

“Well, good luck, on your wedding and all.” Michelle hesitated, not wanting to part ways with Daniel. “And again,” she said, trying her best to let the feelings go and move forward, “thank you for everything.”

Daniel stood on the porch listening to the rain hit the roof. “You’re welcome. And good luck to you too,” he said, referring to her pregnancy.

Michelle smiled and turned to walk away. She took two steps and then turned back, ready to say something. After a long pause, she changed her mind and smiled again. “Good-bye Daniel,” she said as she walked inside.

Daniel let the door close gently and watched Michelle escape into the darkness of the house. “Good-bye,” he said quietly as his fingers instinctively went to the purity ring. After a few moments, he made his way upstairs. He packed up his few belongings and got ready to settle in for the evening. Looking at his phone, he noticed that Kimberly had called him four times. She can wait, he thought. After all, he didn’t have anything to tell her anyhow. He would call in the morning when he had his flight itinerary. Then he would move on with his life and put all of this, these feelings, these fantasies of a restored family, a paradise island, a happy life, all of these behind him. He touched the ring one more time and closed his eyes as he drifted off to sleep.

D
aniel awoke with a start to loud noises and voices in the hall outside of his bedroom. He couldn’t make out what the voices were saying but heard footsteps moving up and down the wood floor. Rolling out of bed, he glanced at the clock on the nightstand. Two forty-three. He had to be up in four hours to get ready for the bus back to Honolulu. He rolled back over and shut his eyes, hoping the commotion would die down, but after another minute, he abandoned any attempt at sleep and walked to the door to see what was going on. He opened the door a crack and saw Larry and Elizabeth putting on sweaters and grabbing boots. He saw Elizabeth head towards Michelle’s door and heard her call to Michelle. “Wake up Michelle, Bella is about to foal.”

Foal? Daniel had heard the word before but at this early hour in the morning, he couldn’t put his memory together. “Daniel,” Larry’s brusque voice came through the open door. “Grab your clothes and join us at the stable. Our prize mare Bella is about to give birth.” Larry turned away from Daniel’s surprised face and headed down the stairs. Elizabeth appeared at Daniel’s door smiling, her long gray hair pulled back in a casual ponytail.

“Hurry now, it won’t be long, and you don’t want to miss this!” Elizabeth giggled like a schoolgirl as she ran to catch up with Larry.

Daniel closed his door and shook his head awake. Foal? Oh, that’s right. He remembered the stories his friend Paul had told him about experiencing foaling when he visited his family on the island. Foaling was what it was called when a horse gave birth. Daniel looked again at the clock on the nightstand, unsure if he wanted to lose precious sleep to go witness a horse birth. And then he heard Michelle’s voice.