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“Hmm.” She smiled. “I’ve never been the big sister, so that was kind of fun.” She sobered. “He didn’t look good, did he?”

“He’s obviously got some stuff going down.”

“Good thing we can take him in, and he can go with you on the camp this weekend.”

“You think he’ll be sober enough by then?”

“I think we won’t give him a choice.”

He pressed a kiss to her hair. He loved this woman. She was so good for him, and good for his family.

Just as Sarah predicted, Sam joined him and Boyd and a few others on the camp.

But whether it was the rain, or concern about precisely what influence Sam would have on impressionable teens, or the fact that Dan was just getting old, Dan found his usual enjoyment of camping with the teens wasn’t there.

It wasn’t because of Sarah’s absence. As she’d explained after her first camp, she had zero plans to do that ever again.

And even the lure of huge stars and marshmallows cooked over an open fire held zero appeal.

But even though the past few years he’d managed okay being away from her for a few days, this year felt different.

His body ached, reminding him that he only had a little more hockey in him before he should retire.

Or maybe it was missing his wife, with that profound sense of connection they’d started sharing again prior to Sam’s arrival.

But every time he thought about encouraging Sam to move on, something within him—he thought it might be the Holy Spirit—begged him to refrain.

After packing off the last of the campers he drove home, thankful he’d see Sarah, thankful that there’d be another person to intervene between Boyd’s rigidity and Sam’s looseness.

Boyd was a lot better than a few years ago, but he still held some judgmental attitudes, and hadn’t understood why Dan would want to bring Sam along when Sam was hardly living like Jesus.

Well, considering Jesus had hung out with sinners, Dan figured Sam was actually not doing too bad a job in some regards, but explaining that to Boyd was a step too far.

Dan turned into his drive, then glanced at Sam, slumped against the passenger door. “Hey, I’m glad you came.”

“I don’t think Boyd was.”

“It doesn’t matter now. The guys were glad for someone to bring the fun factor.”

“That’s me. Bringing the fun factor, even if I don’t bring much else.”

“Whoa.” Dan turned into his drive, then soon parked. “Hey, what’s that about?”

Sam shrugged.

“You were pretty quiet during the studies.” Dan opened the door. They probably had a few minutes before Boyd joined them. “Are you still going to church?”

Sam looked across at him guiltily. “Did I forget to tell you?”

“Tell me what?”

“I’ve started attending a Jehovah’s Witness group.”

“What?” His chest grew tight. “Why?”

Sam shrugged. “You got me sort of interested in God, and these guys who live next door invited me round, got me reading their bible, their magazine. It makes a lot of sense.”

No, this didn’t. How could his brother, whom he thought was this close to getting saved, suddenly do a backflip and start seeking law? They didn’t even believe in Jesus as God’s Son, did they?

Sam was looking at him in concern. “You don’t seem too happy. What’s the problem?”

Dan sighed. Lord, help me with this . “Uh, I really want to talk to you about this, but right now I need to check on Sarah. Give me a moment?”

Dan walked off, trying to release the tension, hoping he could talk some sense to his brother. JWs? Unbelievable. God, what are you doing?

Again he felt that strange sense, like God was talking to him: Rest in Me.

Dan hauled in a breath, tried to be still, but the questions swirling around his heart refused peace. He entered the house. “Sar?”

No sound.

He hurried up the stairs. “Sar bear?” She didn’t like that name, did she? “Princess?”

He opened the door, then halted. She was asleep on the bed. “Sar?” He stole over to her. “I’m back.” He pressed a kiss to her neck.

She shrieked, jerked, then slammed her head back, catching his nose.

“Ow!” What a welcome.

“Oh my gosh, Dan! What are you doing?”

He rubbed his nose. “I was saying hello to my wife.”

She exhaled, her fingers splayed across her chest. “My heart is thumping so fast.”

“I startled you. Sorry.”

“No, I’m sorry. I don’t know what happened. I didn’t plan to fall asleep.” She yawned.

“Is everything okay?”

“Yes, yes. I just dozed off. Anyway, how are you? How did it go?” She shifted to hug him. “I’m so glad to see you.”

The ache in his nose faded as he kissed her properly. Then her response made him realize they were in bed, and were married, and being away at the camp had felt a lot longer than three days, and—

“Ugh! Gross. Shut the door next time,” Sam called, before a thud suggested he’d done exactly that.

Sarah looped her hands around Dan’s neck. “Do you think he’ll stay away long enough?”

“Long enough for what?”

“For a proper hello,” she purred.

He kissed her, then scampered off the bed and locked the door. “He will now.”

She laughed. “Good.”