Helsinki Sunrise (14 page)

Adam first offered a prayer of thanks to God for allowing their paths to cross. He thanked God for bringing Eveliina to the place of understanding her need for a Savior.

Eveliina's sinner's prayer that followed was the most beautiful thing he'd heard. Even though she stumbled often over what to say, there was no doubt in his mind that her repentance was truly genuine. Adam completed their time of prayer, thanking their Father for the new life Eveliina had in Christ.

After he said “Amen,” Adam lifted Eveliina's head and gazed into her misty eyes. He was sure his smile would run out of face. “Do you know the angels in heaven are throwing the biggest celebration right now? If we listen really carefully, we'll probably hear their shouts of joy, right here in this room.”

“And I'm sure once Mikko and my grandparents know, we'll hear their shouts from one side of Finland to the other.”

Suddenly, the curtains they'd drawn before praying were pulled back and a nurse stepped inside.

“Mr. Carter. You have another visitor. Your brother has come to see you.”

Adam was about to correct her that he didn't have a brother when the thought crossed his mind that it could be Mikko sneaking in to see him. He was the only other person Adam knew in Finland. Perhaps Eveliina had contacted him and told him about the accident.

“Can only be Mikko,” he whispered to Eveliina.

Eveliina's face brightened to a smile. “Mikko.” She turned toward the open curtain.

Adam watched a familiar blond man step into his hospital room. On his right hand he bore a sun tattoo.

 

****

 

“Joel. Wh—what are you doing here?” How did he know she was here?

Joel closed the curtain behind him. “I came to see for myself what my girlfriend is up to.” He turned to Adam. “Or should I say your fiancée? You care to explain what's going on here, Eveliina?” Like ripples on Lake Sahajärvi, veins undulated the smooth skin of his neck.

“It's not what you think,” Adam offered.

Joel clenched his fists. He took a step forward and pointed a finger at Adam. “Don't. I'm not a fool.”

Eveliina clasped Joel's arm and spoke under her breath. “This isn't the place to talk about this. For goodness sake, we're in an ICU, have some respect.”

Joel shrugged Eveliina's hand away. “What else was I supposed to do? You won't talk to me. You're always in the middle of something. Now I can see why.”

This was like a bad dream. “How did you find me?”

“Does it matter? Point is, I did find you—in your lover's arms.”

Adam sat upright. Eveliina was sure he would have flown out of the bed if not for the IV line still connected to him. “You need to show more respect to Eveliina. What you're saying couldn't be further from the truth.”

“Really?” Joel's voice dripped with sarcasm. “I doubt either of you would know truth if it ran you over on the highway.”

“Adam's a missionary. He doesn't tell lies.”

Folding his arms, Joel sneered. “Oh, that's classic. The little missionary hater turned missionary lover. When did you decide to switch sides?”

She tipped her face at Joel in defiance. “I'll tell you when you tell me how you knew I'd be here.”

“I followed you.”

Her mouth dropped open.

“Yes. I followed you.” Joel made no attempt to hide the fact he saw no shame in what he'd done. “Imagine my surprise when I saw you getting into your car outside a cellphone shop this morning. So I followed you—all the way to ICU.” He tapped his left fingers against his right arm. “Knowing I couldn't just enter ICU, I went back to the office. But all morning the events of the last few days churned. Suddenly I put two and two together, and guess what?—I still came up with two. You and him. I returned to the hospital and inquired at admissions about Adam in ICU. ‘I'm his brother,' I said when told only family could visit. That's when the American told me she'd seen his fiancée go up not too long before. Adam and Eveliina would be happy to see me she said.” Joel's eyes narrowed. His lips thinned to a white line. “The rest, as they say, is history.”

“How dare you invade my privacy?” Eveliina resisted the urge to slap him. Instead, she clutched the sheet on Adam's bed.

“Oh, I'd say as your boyfriend, and your boss, I have every right.”

She rubbed her temples and let out a weighted breath. This was too much on top of all that had happened with Adam. “I told you what I'd do if you followed me.”

“Yes, you did. Break up with me and resign.”

Eveliina's gaze flitted to Adam. He'd reclined into the pillow, eyes closed. She hoped he was praying. He had to be—who could sleep with this whispered fiasco going on?

Joel's hand shot out. He grabbed Eveliina's wrist. She winced beneath his grasp.

“Let me tell you how this is going to work, my
pupu
. If you don't end whatever's going on here and leave with me right now, you can consider yourself fired. Without a good recommendation from me, you'll find yourself hard-pressed to get another job in visual effects in this city.”

 

****

 

All Adam could do was pray. Not because he was confined to his bed with a splinted arm and IV line, but because it was the way he fought, and won, battles. And this was war—Satan standing his ground on Eveliina's soul. Would she be strong enough to break this final stronghold?

The room was silent. Adam opened his eyes, afraid of what he'd see—Eveliina in Joel's arms, or Eveliina walking out of the room on his arm with not even a second glance at Adam. Or…

Eveliina, hands on her hips and anger in her eyes?

“How dare you threaten me?” She snorted. “How can you possibly think you could have a personal or working relationship with me again? Consider this my verbal resignation. You'll get a written one via email later today.” Her arm shot out and she grabbed the nurse call button from the edge of Adam's bed. “Now get out of here, before I get someone to have you escorted off the premises. I'm sure you wouldn't want the embarrassment.”

Joel turned and glared at Adam, before facing Eveliina again. “You two deserve each other.” He flung the curtain open and strode out of the ICU.

“I feel sorry for him.” Adam watched Joel venture one final hate-filled look toward the glassed room. Then he was gone.

“Don't. That was just the inevitable happening right now.” She released the nurse call button, tucking it safely back on the side of Adam's bed within his reach. “I would have broken up with him, anyway—we're unequally yoked now. Pity about my job though, I really loved what I did.” A smile lit her face. “Do you think God needs a visual effects artist in the mission world?”

“Are you saying you want to become what you've so long despised?” A grin spilled onto his face. Adam made no attempt to stop it.

Eveliina ran her fingers lightly up his arm and Adam knew the tingles he felt weren't caused by his concussion.

“You could say so, I guess. And why not? As the prodigal daughter returned, the lost sheep found, I've already broken one of my cardinal rules today.” She grinned at Adam. “What's one more?”

“Indeed.” He took her hand in his. “God needs people from all walks of life. He'll open the way for you and lead you to where He wants to use you. Jesus says we're not to worry about tomorrow.”

“I know, and I'm not worried.”

“That's my girl.” The words slipped from Adam's mouth before he could stop them. The look on Eveliina's face told Adam she didn't mind.

“Your girl?”

One of the nurses stepped through the open curtain and placed a plate of soft food on the over bed table. “Time for lunch, Mr. Carter.” She turned to Eveliina. “Would you like to help feed him?”

“Yes.” Without hesitating, Eveliina filled the silver fork with mash. “You know how I've longed to get something past your lips, Adam Carter.”

“Oh, I know.”

While Adam chewed on the mouthful, she filled the fork with squash. “So they have you eating?” Eveliina asked as he opened his mouth to take the next bite. “Looks like God decided your fast would only be as long as Mikko's.”

“Looks like it. Believe me, I tried to fight the nurses on this, but they would hear nothing of me continuing my fast. They said I needed sustenance.”

“I couldn't agree with them more.”

Adam stopped Eveliina before she could put the third forkful into his mouth.

She offered him water.

He took the glass from her. ”I have to tell you something,” he said when he'd finished drinking. He handed the glass back. “Before anything else interrupts us. Put the plate down. I want your full attention.”

“Is this what you've wanted to tell me all the time?”

“Partly…”

Eveliina returned the glass and plate to the over bed table near the foot of Adam's bed.

“OK. So the other part, will you tell me another time?”

He shook his head—slowly, carefully. “It's not relevant anymore.” No longer were they unequal, and Eveliina was unattached now.

Adam slipped his arm around her waist and pulled her closer. She felt good in his embrace. “Do you know how hard I've fallen for you?”

Eveliina touched his bandaged head lightly. “I think I have a pretty good idea,” she said before her lips met his.

Adam allowed himself to enjoy the moment with no feelings of guilt. When he pushed her back slightly, he held her gaze as he searched for the right words.

“My CT scan was clear. The bleed has healed itself.”

Eveliina's fingers brushed Adam's cheek as her face creased into a smile. “That's wonderful news.”

Clearing his throat, Adam continued. “The doctor told me what can go wrong because of this injury. It's a long list, some things aren't pretty.”

“I know. He told me everything last night when you were in a coma.”

“Then you know I could be…broken.”

“Adam, I'm broken, and yet you love me.”

“Yes, I do. With all my heart.”

She held his hand tight. “I believe God has healed you completely, Adam. But even if He hasn't, you know He'll give us the strength to face whatever trials come our way, together. I'm not afraid of the future.”

 

 

 

 

16

 

Adam loved Fridays. There was something enticing about the start of a weekend. But in thirty-two years, he'd never looked forward to one as much as he did today. This had to be the best Friday he'd ever lived. How wonderful to be outside again after days being cooped up in the hospital. He gazed at the azure skies, feeling the warmth of the sun on his skin. As Eveliina dragged him inside what she claimed to be the best coffee shop in Helsinki, determined he make good on his promise to treat her to blueberry pie, smells of coffee and pastries assailed him.

After his discharge from the hospital, with clear instructions on when to return for X-rays and physiotherapy, Adam asked Eveliina to show him a little of the city center before they returned to the summer cottage. He'd need rest and 24/7 care for a while—doctor's orders.

Eveliina volunteered for the job, at least until they could get in contact with Mikko.

“Are you sure you're up to walking around?” It wasn't the first time that week Eveliina had voiced her concern if Adam wanted to do anything remotely physical. He didn't mind though.

“I'm sure. I promise I'll let you know the moment I've had enough.” Sitting there sharing a coffee and blueberry pie with the woman he loved, Adam knew this was one thing he'd never get enough of.

“That's the best blueberry pie I've ever tasted.” He leaned back in his chair and pushed his empty cup and plate to the center of the table.

“Then you haven't tasted my blueberry pie.”

He laughed. “You're right. I haven't. But I'm certainly looking forward to you baking it for me again.”

Eveliina rubbed her nose lightly against his. “Again? Who says I baked the last one for you?”

Her lips close to his, Adam gave her a light kiss. His smile broadened. “You know very well you did.”

“Are you up to seeing one more thing?” Her question changed the subject. “I have something I want to show you.”

He nodded.

Hand in hand, they strolled from the coffee shop through a lush green park, lined with statues of important people—some bronze, others tarnished green. Heroes and heroines so foreign to Adam. Eveliina promised to teach him all she could about her country—its history, its culture.

“Is it much further?” He could do with a painkiller about now. Instead, he pointed. “What are all those striped canopies up ahead?”

“That's where we're going—to where the juiciest blueberries wait to be scooped out of their trays and where the sweetest, reddest strawberries lie, expecting to be picked, weighed, and eaten fresh.”

Adam licked his lips. “Sounds positively delicious.”

“Are you up to the walk?”

Adam felt weaker than he had all day. He was overdoing it.
I can do all things through Him who gives me strength
. “How can I resist after you've painted such a succulent picture? Then can we go back to Lake Sahajärvi? I'm missing the peace of that place.”

 

****

 

“Do you mind if I stop here at the grocery store? I need to get milk and bread. I won't be longer than a few minutes. You lie back and rest while I'm gone.”

Adam looked pale.

She should never have made him walk to the fruit stalls, but she'd so wanted to show him all the different berries.

“Don't mind if I do.”

He already looked half asleep. He'd slipped a painkiller into his mouth a short while ago.