Stealing the Preacher's Heart

by Mildred Colvin

  “It’s perfect.” Grace stepped back and met Lily’s eyes in the mirror. ‘Your hair is beautiful. I wish mine was as full.”

  “Thank you.” Lily couldn’t remember anyone complimenting her appearance before and wasn’t sure how to respond. “I’ve always had a thick head of hair but wished for the sleek styles I’d see when I went to town.” She smiled at the girl in her mirror. “Like yours. I guess the good Lord knew what we each needed. Maybe we wish for what we don’t have because we haven’t learned yet to appreciate what is best for us.”

  “Now you sound like my father, and speaking of him, we’d better be going.” Grace stepped back as Lily rose.

  She turned, holding her skirt out to the sides. “Do I look presentable for all the eyes who will look me over?”

  “Oh, yes, wait until Daddy sees you. I’m sure you don’t have a thing to be nervous about. Everyone will love you.”

  If she had her way, she’d crawl back in bed and pull the cover over her head, but that wouldn’t happen. With a deep breath for courage, she followed Grace to the door.

  Elliott stood in the sitting room as if eager to go. But when they stepped into the room, he turned and stared at her with an intensity that thrilled and scared her all at the same time. Slowly, a smile crossed his face, and he shook his head. “I’m not sure but what I’m dreaming. Please, tell me if this gorgeous woman is truly my wife.”

  Grace giggled, but Lily couldn’t have uttered a word if she’d tried. Even the appreciation in his eyes was more than she could bear, and she lowered her gaze to the floor. No man had ever looked at her in such a way. Her pulse quickened, and her breath came quickly. Was this what being married was like?

  “You’re beautiful, Lily.” He stepped closer. “I don’t intend to embarrass, only to enjoy the gift God has given. Are you ladies ready to go?”

  She slipped her hand around his offered arm and tried to ignore the way he made her feel. She loved the attention from both Elliott and Grace, but almost wished they weren’t so open with their feelings. They had accepted her almost immediately, but they didn’t know. If she could help it, they would never know the true Lily. Yet even the thought of keeping such a secret smote her conscience. She’d never realized someone she didn’t know could hurt her. They’d been nothing but an idea when she’d started down this road, but now they were real and wonderful. Already she cared about them, and more than anything, she didn’t want them to get hurt either.

  Grace went ahead as they crossed the lawn to the fence that separated their home from the church property. She left the gate open for them, and Elliott closed it after they went through. He looked at her and smiled. “Please, don’t be nervous about meeting these folks. They’re all good people who work for a living. Most own farms, but a few will probably come from town. When we have a gathering such as this there’s always more than our congregation who show up. Maybe some for the food. Others enjoy the music and singing.”

  Some children played to the side nearest them, and the sound of instruments tuning up provided a nice background noise along with the hum of voices that grew louder as they rounded the corner of the church where a crowd milled about with men talking in groups and women fluttering around three long tables set out in the yard.

  Lily gasped and stopped.

  ~*~

  Elliott paused beside his wife to let her get her bearings. He couldn’t tell if the good turnout had surprised and pleased her or if the thought of meeting so many intimidated her. From the looks of those already there, and others coming, they would surely have close to a hundred in attendance. Having plenty of yard room for the crowds that showed up at their gatherings was a blessing. Often people they didn’t know came. The church in town had to use the city park for their outdoor events. He’d attended several of those, and was sure there’d be plenty from their church here tonight. They’d loaded the tables already with more goods coming in. There’d be more food than even this crowd could eat. But that’s the way it was at their gatherings, no matter which church sponsored them.

  When Lily looked at him with wide eyes, he sensed her fear. He covered her hand on his arm and patted it. “I’m sorry. I thought you understood the church congregation would want to meet you. From the looks of things, most of the town folks have come too, even if they don’t attend church.” He grinned, hoping to ease her shyness, and spoke for her ears alone. “I’m sure happy for the chance to show off my bride.”

  A faint smile touched her lips before she looked around again. “It’s all right. I guess I didn’t expect there to be so many.”

  “Oh, this isn’t everyone.” He motioned toward a section of land beyond the gathering where several buggies and wagons parked. “There are more coming.”

  She looked where he indicated. “I see. And I’ll be fine. So many people unnerved me is all.”

  At that moment, as the musicians finished warming up, they played one of his favorite songs, “I’ll Fly Away.” He noticed Mrs. Lewis, the woman who had stood up with Lily, coming toward them. “Well, here comes someone you’ve already met. She doesn’t attend church here, but I thought we should give her and her son a special invitation to the dinner since they helped us out. Of course, our church occasionally has joint meetings with the one in town. We’re all Christian folks and enjoy the fellowship, and I see several more have come from town. In fact, I believe the minister who performed our ceremony is standing over there to the right with his wife.”

  “Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Cooper.” Mrs. Lewis’s smile stretched across her face. “I’d like to be first to speak to the new bride. I hope you’ll enjoy living here in the country. It must be different from what you’re used to, being from New York and all.”

  “Oh, yes.” Lily’s smile seemed warm and friendly, with any trace of fear gone now. “It is different for me, but I expect to grow to love it here. Thank you again for standing up with me this afternoon.”

  As the women visited and the music shifted from one song to another, Lily’s grip on his hand lessened and soon slipped away. Danya and Gwynn Tucker quickly joined them while their husbands congratulated him. Before long, others gathered around, surrounding them. Before he realized it, he and Lily had drifted apart. When he finally had a moment to look for her, he saw two women she’d been with standing near the food tables, but she didn’t appear to be there. But where could she have gone?

  “Pastor Cooper, could you come pray for my mother?” Amy Greathouse, a middle-aged woman who attended his church, tugged on his sleeve. “She says she isn’t feeling well. I’d hoped we could stay, but if she gets worse, we’ll have to get her home.”

  “Yes, of course. I’ll get Pastor Gowen and be right there. Where is she?” It would be easy to lose someone in this many people.

  “To the right of the tables nearest the church.” Mrs. Greathouse pointed.

  “Yes, I see her. We’ll be right there.” If he could find the other pastor, that was. But Pastor Gowen was easier than his wife to find, and they, along with a few other men, soon gathered around the older woman.

  As they laid hands on her and prayed, he concentrated on touching the Lord for healing and rejoiced with the others when the woman declared she felt better. He spent a few minutes visiting with the others, as some of the men talked about repairs on the church building they’d been hoping to make.

  “We need to get that window replaced before winter catches up with us.” John Langdon had helped with the porch steps, and often stepped forward when there was a need. “It feels good out here tonight, but it won’t be long until the wind will have a bite to it.”

  “True enough. Let’s get Lewis in on this. He’s the man with the lumber.” Claude Williams called out as another man walked past. “Hey, Lewis! Come over here and tell us what we need to know.”

  Jim Lewis had stood up with Elliott that morning, and his eyebrow lifted in question as he joined them. “I thought you’d be with that pretty wife of yours instead of jawing with a bunch of fellows.�
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  Elliott laughed. “That’s exactly where I should be. In fact, I’ll let you talk to these men while I go find her. Let me know later if I need to come into town and pick something up.”

  He took advantage of the moment to look for Lily. Where could she have gotten to? He hadn’t taken ten steps before a woman called out. “Let’s gather around now. There’s food to eat and music to listen to. Pastor Cooper, would you come and pray now, then we want you and your new wife to be first in line.”

  He stood near the table and prayed a brief prayer, hoping when he opened his eyes, he’d see Lily standing beside him. But she wasn’t. This was not good.

  “Pastor, where’s your wife?” The same woman looked at him as if he should know. And she was right, he should. He held up his hand to get the attention again as people were moving around. “Before we eat, I’d like to thank you all for coming tonight. We’ve got some splendid music, and have already heard a sampling, but they’ll be adding voices to that after we’ve all had our fill. There’s plenty to fill us up tonight. I know you want to dig right in, but I’ve got a problem. I just got married today, but now I can’t find my wife. Does anyone know where she might have gotten to?”

  Amid laughter and good-natured ribbing called out, Lily appeared from the back edge of the gathering and made her way through as folks stepped aside. Twin spots of color adorned her pretty face, but she held her head high and smiled the entire way.

  He looked into her eyes, wanting to ask where she’d been, but knowing this wasn’t the right time. The line quickly formed behind them, and he filled his plate, pointing out to her what he knew would be good. While everyone seemed to be busy with their own plates, they found a quiet spot at the edge of the gathering. He leaned closer to her. “I didn’t expect you to hide out from me.”

  Her eyes flashed wide as she shook her head. “Oh, no! It wasn’t that. Everyone here is so friendly. I don’t think I’ve ever talked so much. I asked some of the women if they ever get together and make quilts for folks who might need one, and they said they hadn’t been doing that, but maybe I could get it started. I’d like to, if it’s all right.”

  His heart swelled with delight in this woman God had given him. He truly believed she was a gift from God, one he didn’t deserve. “It’s not only all right, it’s a great idea. I’m proud of you, Lily.”

  Again, she looked down, as if embarrassed by his praise. When she lifted her eyes to his, she looked troubled. She opened her mouth to speak, then stopped.

  “What is it?” He spoke gently to encourage her. “If there’s a problem…”

  “No, not really.” She hesitated only a second. “It’s just that when I rode the stagecoach here, I met a man who said he has a horse for sale. I’ve wanted one for such a long time, and I’ve saved money. That’s where I was, Elliott, and I’m sorry. But he has the horse here tonight. He showed her to me, and she’s perfect. I can pay, and I won’t ask for anything else. I promise.”

  “Well, I don’t know.” He’d never felt such a loss for words. She’d been outside the group with a man looking at a horse? “Lily…”

  “Oh, please! I love this horse and really want her. She’s exactly what I’ve always dreamed of.”

  How could he resist the pleading in her eyes? “I would need to look at her. You’re a city girl. Can you ride horseback?” She was so feminine. A horse could hurt her.

  “Oh, yes, I can ride. I’ve ridden before, and I feel something special about this one. Her name is Sissy. Isn’t that a cute name?” Her eyes sparkled, and he couldn’t say no.

  “Oh, and I promised the man a plate of food. He’s waiting by the barn, but maybe he could get something to eat while we look at the horse. Do you think anyone would say anything?” She looked around at the milling crowd. The musical instruments had been silent while they ate, but a lone guitarist began strumming “Amazing Grace.”

  “I doubt anyone would know he wasn’t one of us as long as he gets his food and doesn’t make a ruckus.” Elliott stood. “Let’s go look at this horse.”

  They set their plates down and slipped away from their guests, allowing the darkness to cover them. He shrugged off any worries. Everyone seemed more interested in filling their stomachs than seeing what the newlyweds were doing. A few men had already headed back for seconds.

  A man’s voice lifted in the old song he’d been playing. “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me.”

  Lily looked up into his eyes with a wide smile brightening her face. “This is fun, isn’t it?”

  He relaxed as his smile matched hers. “It sure is.”

  As they neared the barn, he saw a man holding the reins to a beautiful Morgan. She shook her mane as they approached, then stepped forward and stretched her neck toward Lily as if wanting attention. Lily laughed and stroked the horse’s nose, then glanced toward the man who’d been waiting patiently. “You can go get a plate of food. Here’s the money you asked for in case you need to leave before we find you again.”

  “Thanks.” He took the money and stuffed it in his pocket then hurried away.

  She’d handed him what looked like three bills, but she’d done it so quickly he couldn’t determine how much it was. Did it matter? She seemed to know what she was doing, and it was her money. He wouldn’t interfere. The horse was probably worth more than she could’ve paid. Still, he wished she’d allowed him time to look the animal over before sending the man away. He checked what he could and found nothing wrong.

  “What do you think?” She looked at him as if his opinion was more important to her than anything else.

  He lowered the horse’s hoof he’d been looking at, then stroked her velvety shoulder. “She seems to be in fine shape. Someone has taken good care of her. Doesn’t appear to be too old.”

  “Only three years.” Her gaze flicked away before returning. “At least he said so, and she looks it, don’t you think?”

  He nodded. “Yes, and since you’ve already paid, why don’t we get her settled for the night and rejoin our guests before they miss us? I can only imagine what people might think we’re doing out in the dark alone.”

  “Oh!” Her eyes widened, and her mouth formed a circle. She turned away and led the horse into the barn.

  He chuckled and followed. He hadn’t expected it, and didn’t know how it happened so quickly, but in one day he’d lost his heart to a woman he didn’t know. Yet he felt he did. They’d written for the last three months, but seeing her still surprised him. He’d never dreamed of the attraction he’d feel toward Lily once he saw her, talked to her, and watched the expressions flow over her face. Her eyes were probably her most attractive feature, and the most revealing. But only time with her would give him the understanding of what was going on inside her heart. She was gentle and sweet, and had already taken on the reins of leading the women of the church. She’d be a wonderful influence on the women and the girls.

  He took her hand as they hurried back to the gathering. The very air vibrated with life as the trio of men played their banjo, mandolin, and guitar, bringing the songs to life while the people clapped and sang along. Grace stood a few feet away with her friend Bethany Langdon as they both sang along. Thankfully, no one seemed to know they’d slipped away for a few minutes. He didn’t see the stranger whose horse Lily had just bought. Not that he’d recognize him, anyway.

  By the time they reached the refrain, Elliott and Lily stood at the edge of the crowd as if they’d never left. He joined in singing the familiar words. “Only one narrow way. ‘I am the way.’ Only one open door, ‘I am the door.’”

  Lily looked toward him, her eyes bright with questions, but when he looked into her eyes, she shook her head and turned away.

  Something was on her mind. He’d give her time to trust him completely. Then they’d become the husband and wife God intended. They still had much to learn about each other. His heart leapt at the thought of learning all there was to know about the woman he’d married
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  Chapter 5

  Lily wore the next dress hanging in her closet. It wasn’t as if it mattered. They were all nicer than anything she’d ever owned. In fact, they might be nicer than she needed, but she couldn’t wear her old clothes to church, and she didn’t suppose Elliott had extra money to buy fabric so she could make a church dress to match the ones she’d seen the night before. She’d pretend the three dresses JD had insisted she’d need weren’t more elaborate than the other ladies. They hadn’t seemed to mind, so she wouldn’t either.

  But she sure wished her stomach would settle down. It was one thing to attend a party, but she didn’t even know how to act at a church service. What if she did something wrong, like sit when she should stand? She picked up her Bible and hurried to join Elliott and Grace for the walk across the yards.

  Her hand trembled as she slid it around Elliott’s elbow. He leaned toward her. “You look beautiful this morning, Mrs. Cooper.”

  “Thank you, Pastor Cooper.” She flashed a smile as her heart leapt at his praise, but even more because of using her married name. She didn’t feel married, and the new name would take some getting used to. Had she done the right thing? She’d pulled the wool over Elliott and Grace’s eyes. And not a soul in the crowded churchyard last night had questioned her right to be by his side. Only JD, when he took her to her horse, had asked if all was going well. That’s what bothered her. Everything was going so well, she wanted it to never end.

  “Well, here we are.” Elliott kept her beside him as they climbed the steps to the door. “We always come early so we’re here to greet each one. I’d like you by my side after the closing prayer, too, so we can shake hands as the folks leave.”

  “Oh! All right, I can do that.” She stepped ahead of him into the cool church building. At least she knew something she needed to do. And it was simple enough. “Will it be this cold when everyone comes?”

  “I don’t think so, but we’ll soon need to have a fire built ahead to warm the place up.” Grace stepped past them and went to the organ in front while Elliott continued. “By the time the church fills, we’ll all be quite warm.”