by Terri Reed
Lynda’s gaze fell to the tabletop as she nodded.
“Lynda,” Scott said gently, “God loves you. You are His precious child. He has never given anyone permission to abuse you. The abuse is the sin.”
A tear slipped down Lynda’s cheek and fell on the table. Trista ached for her. She squeezed her hand. “Let us help you make a plan.”
Releasing Lynda’s hand, Trista dug out the journal she’d bought and tore out several pages. “First, if an argument starts make sure you move to a room with easy access to an exit.” Trista wrote down the words as she said them. “Then, go to a neighbor’s house and call the police.”
Lynda made a strangled noise.
“Or call me,” Trista amended. “We’ll have a code. Say…Can we go shopping? I can come to wherever you are. And you need to have an emergency kit ready.”
“Kit?”
“If you decide to leave, you’ll want a change of clothes, money and documents, like social security card, insurance, extra medications for both you and Logan. Also, make sure you know right where your car keys are at all times.”
Trista met Lynda’s wide-eyed stare. “Have you talked with Logan about any of this?”
“No, I couldn’t,” she uttered. “He doesn’t know.”
Trista doubted that. Logan was smart; he probably knew very well what was going on. “You at least need to tell him how to call 911 if you’re incapacitated.”
Lynda’s hand covered her mouth. “It won’t come to that.”
Trista held on to her patience. “It could. And you need to equip your son.”
Lynda shrank a little. “Douglas wouldn’t…”
“Promise me you’ll do this.” Trista folded Lynda’s hands over the sheets of paper.
“I don’t know.” Lynda abruptly stood and tucked the papers in her coat pocket. “I need to leave now.”
Trista’s shoulders slumped as she watched Lynda walk to a shelf of books, grab a few and hurry to the checkout counter. Scott reached out and took Trista’s hand, his touch warm and com forting. “She’ll never leave him,” she stated.
“That’s not our call to make,” he countered softly.
“Why not? Why couldn’t you tell her to leave him?”
“Trista, she has to come to decide that for herself. If she leaves because we’ve told her to, then she can fall back on that as an excuse to go back. She has to be in control of her decision.”
“It’s just so frustrating.” Anger burned in her gut. “I have half a mind to call in a complaint myself.”
“That would only put her and Logan in more danger.”
She sighed, hating how helpless she felt. “I know that. It has to be her decision. But when will enough be enough?”
“At this point we can offer our support and our prayers.”
She slipped her hand away from his. “True.” She rose. “I have to get back to work.”
They left the library together. Scott walked her to her car. “How are Kelly and Cameron?”
She smiled. “Kelly will be released tomorrow. But I don’t think she or Ross will leave the hospital much until Cameron can come home.”
“That’s understandable.” Scott hesitated, hating to pry, but as her friend and as a pastor he felt compelled to ask, “Have you worked things out with Kevin?”
Trista’s eyes darkened. “Not by a long shot.”
“Would you like to try mediation again?”
She gave a derisive laugh. “Oh, we’re going to be mediating. Only it will be in court.”
“What?!”
Trista opened her car door, her eyes troubled and the line of her jaw rigid. “Long story. It’s too cold out here to get into it now.”
Seeing how upset she was tightened a knot of compassion in his chest. “Why don’t we go grab a cup of coffee and talk?”
She shook her head. “I have to get back to work. I have a case I’m behind on, but thanks.”
“Maybe this weekend?”
“I’ll think about it.” She climbed in. Before shutting the door she said, “Thanks for your help today with Lynda.”
“You’re welcome.” Confused and concerned for her, he said, “I’d like to be able to help you.”
“You’re sweet. And you may be called upon to give a character reference for me. As my pastor and my friend,” she said before closing the door and driving away.
Scott stared after her, hating the dejected and helpless feeling invading his soul. He wished she’d have confided in him. She was trying so hard to be strong and he was afraid for her, afraid she’d eventually break.
And against his better judgment, he wanted to be there for her.
Chapter Eleven
“So how do you like living here?” Rita, a mom Trista had met at the MOPs program, handed her eight-month-old son a pair of plastic toy keys from the bookstore floor after wiping them on her sweater. “It can’t be easy trying to start your life over again.”
“No, but it’s worth it.” Especially once Kevin’s lawsuit was resolved. Next week was the hearing date. What a great Thanksgiving present, having to go to court to fight for her child. “I made the right move.”
“Well, I’m glad you’re here. And so is Jacob.” Rita smiled softly. “It’s always nice to make new friends.”
Trista agreed. Since she’d moved to Chestnut Grove, she’d made many new friends. Scott included.
Sunday morning, however, he wasn’t waiting for her at the church door, much to her disappointment, which was ridiculous. She couldn’t expect him to wait for her every week.
She hustled Aidan into the nursery. An older woman with kind eyes greeted him with open arms. “There’s our big guy!”
Trista’s heart squeezed tight to see how loved he was and how comfortable he was with the ladies there.
In the sanctuary, she spied the Matthewses in the same spot they’d been in the last week and wondered if that was normal for people to sit in the same spot week after week. The place she’d sat was occupied so she had to sit farther back beside the Nobles. They formally introduced themselves as Beatrice and Charles Noble.
The couple were an odd match. Beatrice was tall and willowy with warm hazel eyes and short spiky hair, and flowing clothing. The balding Charles wore a plaid sport coat and looked as though he belonged more on a golf course than in church.
Again the sermon was very interesting and Trista found herself welling up with tears during several of the praise songs. The hope of God’s love that had budded in her soul began to blossom and she could feel His care.
After the service she picked up Aidan and then asked the way to the youth center. She told herself she really shouldn’t go search out Scott, but she didn’t want to leave without at least saying hello. And that was the only reason she wound her way to the youth center.
She found Scott and several teens loading wrapped toys in big bags and storing them in a trailer behind the building.
Staying inside where it was warm, she watched for several minutes before Scott noticed her. Her heart did a little hiccup when he smiled and broke away from the teens.
“Hi. It’s good to see you,” he said before touching Aidan’s cheek. “And it’s good to see you, little guy.”
“I just wanted to say hi,” she said, offering up the lame excuse to see him. Her cheeks flushed with heat. “What are you all doing?”
“We’ve been having a toy drive all month for needy children. We’re packing the toys away for safekeeping until it’s closer to Christmas when we’ll deliver them.”
“That’s wonderful.” She really admired Scott’s giving and caring nature. Along with a lot of other things about him that she found endearing, like his honesty and wisdom. She also liked how much he cared for Aidan. He made her think they were special to him.
Naomi Fraser came in to the youth center with a lively bounce to her steps. The woman’s blue eyes sparkled when she saw them, and Trista smiled, wishing she had half as much energy as Naomi.
; “Trista, it’s so nice to see you again,” Naomi said with a pleased smile.
“And you,” Trista replied.
“I just heard the best news,” she said to Scott. “Karla White is responding to her cancer treatment and may be able to come to Chestnut Grove for Christmas. And her husband, Mike, will be home on leave, as well.”
“That is good news,” Scott agreed. To Trista he explained, “Karla is Alex Donovan’s cousin. He has had custody of her two kids while she’s been at a cancer treatment center in Philadelphia and Mike’s been in Iraq. Naomi’s oldest daughter, Dinah, is engaged to Alex.”
Empathy grabbed at Trista. Her own problems seemed petty and not worth worrying about in the face of what this family had to deal with. “Praise God.”
Naomi beamed. “This Christmas will be spectacular. With my son living in town and Dinah engaged to Alex. Even Ruth, my youngest, will be home from her freshman year of college.”
Trista envied this woman’s children. She envied the pride in Naomi’s voice and the excitement in her eyes. A ribbon of sadness unfurled inside of Trista. It was too late for any of that with her own mother. But thankfully, not too late for her and Aidan
Still Trista held her mother’s declaration of love like an early Christmas present.
“Has Scott invited you to help with the Thanksgiving dinner here at the church?”
She nodded, remembering she had put off giving him a commitment when they’d first met. “Refresh my memory, please.”
Scott inclined his head. “We host a dinner for the poverty stricken and the homeless here on Thanksgiving day. We serve a hot meal, provide a blanket and scripture packets. So many people in the community come out to help. We get started around eleven in the morning and end around three so that people can go home to be with their families for the rest of the day.” His eager expression called to her. “We sure could use more help.”
It sounded wonderful, but also a bit overwhelming. How could she help and watch her son? “I have Aidan. I don’t—”
“Oh, honey. Bring him,” Naomi interjected as she made goo-goo eyes at Aidan. “We have lots of little ones around and plenty of teenagers to help watch them.”
She swallowed. “Teens?”
Naomi gave her a knowing glance. “All Red Cross certified babysitters. I promise.”
Since Kelly and Ross would most likely be at the hospital, and since she couldn’t take Aidan there, Trista saw no reason why she couldn’t help at the church. “I think I’d like that.”
“Great. We’ll see you on Thursday,” Naomi said before bustling away to supervise the kids.
“She’s a whirlwind,” Trista commented.
“She is. But she’s great. Her family is the best,” Scott replied.
Trista heard wistfulness in his voice. She wanted to soothe that hurt she sensed in him. She remembered what he’d said about being the black sheep of his family because he’d gone into ministry rather than a professional career like the rest of his siblings. She ached to think he didn’t feel loved or accepted by his family. “Do you see your family on Thanksgiving?”
“Yes. I go there after we’re done here. I’d never live it down if I didn’t go.”
“Well, it’s good they wait for you.”
He shrugged. “They don’t need to. I don’t enjoy it.”
His unappreciative attitude irritated her. “Take it from someone who didn’t have much of a home life growing up—you should cherish every moment you get with your family no matter how trying.”
He raised his brow. “So the tables are turned now, huh? You’re giving me advice?”
“That’s what friends are for,” she quipped.
“True. Thank you. I needed to hear that.”
Her irritation dissolved. “You’re welcome.”
“Have you told Ross about your mother?”
“Yes. He checked on her and she’s doing as well as can be expected. I plan to take Aidan for a visit on Thanksgiving morning.”
“I’m sure she’d appreciate that. I’m proud of you for making the effort.”
Warmed by his praise, she admitted, “I’ve spent so many years resenting and hating her, that I’m not really sure what to feel about her now.”
“Forgiveness would be a start,” he said gently. “She was wounded and acted out of that wound.”
It hurt to imagine what horrors her mother may have endured. “I know. I’ve been praying about that. Praying that she finds peace. That I find peace.”
“That’s great.”
The look of approval and joy in his eyes, sent her pulse fluttering. She thought he was great.
He studied her face. “Tell me what’s happening with Kevin?”
Ugh! Talk about a mood killer. “I don’t need to burden you with that,” she replied.
Every time she thought about the possibility of losing Aidan, her heart clutched and her breathing tightened.
“Let me help. That is what friends are for,” he coaxed.
It would be a relief to let some of her anxiety out. And Scott could help her process through her emotions and thoughts. “You’re right.” She looked around. “Where could we talk privately?”
“How about we go to the nursery room. You can set Aidan up with some toys.”
“Perfect.”
Scott led her to the now-deserted nursery. He spread a blanket on the floor while she pulled out some toys from the bins. Sitting cross-legged on the floor next to Aidan she watched Scott stretch out his long legs and lean back on his hands.
“What did you mean the other day when you said you were going to court?” he asked.
A flash of anger followed closely by fear shot through her. “Kevin served me papers. He’s going to try to sue for full custody.”
“You’re kidding! I thought he gave up custody in the divorce?”
She gestured her bewilderment with one hand. “He did.”
“That’s insane,” Scott said, his voice laced with anger.
Trista pushed a toy train with her finger, making the little engine move toward Aidan. His chubby fingers reached out and grasped the toy. “Kevin doesn’t really want Aidan. He’s doing this out of spite.”
“How can you be sure?”
“I know him.” Her mouth twisted with resentment. “He claims to want our marriage back, but not once has he apologized, not once has he said he loves me or Aidan. He wants control back.”
“Good thing you’re an attorney.”
She gave a wry smile. “I’m in litigation. Besides, I’m not arrogant enough to represent myself. I’ve retained the best family law attorney in the state of Virginia.”
“That was smart. What do you think the court will do?”
“The judge will do what’s in the best interest of the child.” She stroked Aidan’s head, her nerves somewhat soothed by the downy softness of his dark hair. “They’ll look at the fact that Kevin left his family and has had little contact since. They’ll interview family and friends. There will be home visits by court-employed social workers and a Guardian Ad Litem, which is a court-appointed attorney that will advocate for the child.”
Her voice hitched with dread. “If they think that it’s in the best interest of the child to take Aidan from both of us, they will until this is settled.”
“The court could take Aidan?”
His horrified expression matched the horror the thought produced inside of her. “Worst-case scenario, but yes.”
She rolled her tense shoulders. “I’m glad Aidan isn’t old enough to understand what’s going on. But someday he will be. And if Kevin doesn’t win custody now, he could come back and try again at any time. This is a threat that will hang over Aidan and me until Aidan turns eighteen.”
Scott shook his head, his eyes wide. “I had no idea. What about joint custody?”
She scoffed. “I told you. This isn’t about Kevin wanting to be with Aidan. I’ve offered visitation rights. He refused. This whole thing is about him wanting to hurt
me.” As if he hadn’t already taken his pound of flesh before. But thankfully, now she was stronger and no longer emotionally vulnerable to Kevin.
“I will be praying about this,” Scott stated with determination.
Grateful for his support and knowing that his prayers lifted up with her own would be more effective, she said, “I’d appreciate that.”
His eyes lit up. “I’m so glad to hear that. Prayer is a powerful thing. God loves for His people to pray.”
She was one of His people. The thought brought a sense of welcomed peace. “You said I should try church and…I have. I’m finding myself very drawn to God and what I’ve been learning.”
A young teenage boy stepped into the room. “Pastor Scott?”
“Hey, Jeremy. What’s up?”
“We’re done loading the trailer.”
“I’ll be right there.”
The boy ducked out and Scott rose. “I better go.”
Trista picked up the toys. Sad that their time was at an end, yet grateful for the relief of sharing. “Thanks for listening.”
“My pleasure. That’s what I’m here for,” he said and reached for a toy just as she did.
Their hands met, and the contact sent pulsing sensations up her arm. She lifted her gaze to his. His blue eyes stared at her intently. She could lose herself in his clear and inviting gaze.
Okay, not good. He was her friend, her pastor.
But at the moment she wanted him to be more. She wanted a man to lean on and be open with in all aspects of her life. She wanted her dream of happily-ever-after. Unfortunately, Scott was off-limits.
He’d already established that fact when he’d qualified their relationship as friend and pastor.
She released her hold and stepped back. “I’ll finish up here.”
He swallowed, the strong cords in his neck visibly working. “Okay. Let me know if I…uh, can be of more help.”
“I will, thanks.”
“See you Thursday,” he said and bolted from the room.
Picking up Aidan, she muttered aloud, “Why am I always attracted to guys that don’t want me?”