Read Online Second Chance Ranch by Audra Harders - Free Book Online Page A

long as they didn’t follow her home at night? That didn’t make sense. Frankly, nothing made sense about anything anymore.
    He began to rock back and forth, the porch boards creaking in an even rhythm as a knot tightened in his gut. How would he have felt if the responsibility of raising the child had fallen on him? He couldn’t see it, but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t have risen to the challenge. Resting his feet back on the railing, he crossed his hands over his stomach and tapped his thumb on his belt buckle.
    Something told him there was more to the story, but the obvious spoke louder. The hurt of Jen dumping him in college still stung, even though he’d managed to stuff that hit away and rarely gave the scar of heartache a passing glance anymore. Up in the sky the stars dotted the heavens, the picturesque scene lost on Zac as his mind struggled to grasp some sort of understanding of the situation.
    She’d given up their child. What had he done to deserve that?
    * * *
    “Enjoy the day the Lord has made!”
    Cheers rose in the recreation building as Patrick, the head camp counselor gave the closing to the devotion. The kids broke rank and ran out the door, Jen not even urging caution. She picked up a couple of stray napkins and threaded through the maze of chairs. God had granted the campers gorgeous days for this late in the summer. She hoped and prayed the mild weather held for another couple weeks.
    “We’ve had quite a crew through this session.” Patrick grabbed a couple chairs and clapped them into stacks. “You’ve had a great season running the camp all by yourself, Jennifer.”
    She couldn’t help but agree the first three sessions had gone well, and with this one wrapping up, her summer appeared emergency-free. “You just keep covering all those kids in prayer and winding them up for the day and we’ll have a terrific time. What are the plans?”
    “Cheryl and Janet had to leave early. Last year of college for them both. Wanted to get back to Denver and get settled in before classes started.”
    “Can’t blame them. I was antsy to finish, too.” She pushed the stack of chairs up against the wall. “Are we short-handed for the last group coming up?”
    “Not really. We’ve had forty-five campers the other sessions. This time we only have thirty-five. And with news spreading about this great program, I've got volunteers coming out of the woodwork. I think we’ll manage.”
    “I can’t believe families want to come up in September. The nights will be cold.”
    “It’s our prettiest time of the year, though.” Patrick indicated the group playing just outside the barn door. “The kids are sturdy, we’ll be okay.”
    “I’m ready for winter break.” Jen wiped her brow of mock sweat. “I’m worn out.”
    “You just need a spark in your life.” He nudged her on the shoulder as his infectious laugh filled the empty recreation hall.
    Five years older and a hundred times more energetic, Patrick Marsh held more optimism in his little finger than Jennifer could muster out of her entire five-foot-ten-inch frame. Not fair in the least. Where all Jen wanted was to drag home at the end of the day, he came alive and entertained at the campfire and then watched movies with the kids until lights out.
    Every summer camp needed a Patrick Marsh. She thanked God every night he’d been assigned to the Summit Camp at Trails’ End by the Mercy Life faculty. Between directing the health program at the camp, working with sponsors and developing a business plan, she barely had enough energy to glow much less to ignite sparks.
    “Sparks lead to fire.” She pointed out. “Fires burn forests and forest fires cause camp evacuations. How about we think more along the lines of water sports?”
    “Kill joy.” A hint of curiosity colored his voice as he glanced out the window toward the playground. “So, what’s the story with the cowboy?
    Heat raced through her so fast, Jen thought she’d ignite