by Gay N. Lewis
“Yes, but she caused a few sniggers and outright laughs along the way.”
“Why?” Sarah stared wide-eyed at the pastor.
“When she arrived at her destination, she glanced up at her husband, who had halted his preaching. He was staring at his wife in disbelief. When she noticed the silence from the pulpit, the wife looked up and sweetly said, ‘Sorry, hon.’
“That doesn’t sound so bad. Anyone can be late and interrupt a proceeding.” Beth’s comment caused a few nods around the table.
Bruce nodded. “True, but this dear wife’s appearance would have suspended any funeral procession. She wore an outlandish, low-cut red mini-dress, a huge red hat adorned with black feathers, and red high heels.”
CHAPTER THIRTY
When Mr. Sanford guffawed, guests from other table turned to stare. “You’re kidding, right?”
Bruce held up fingers. “Boy Scout’s honor. It’s a true story. People talked about that getup for years at the church.”
“What happened to her?” Beth’s voice sounded as a whisper compared to Mr. Sanford’s bellow.
“She eventually turned to Christ, learned a little decorum, and became an excellent pastor’s wife. My friend and his wife serve in a church in another state.”
“I’m not related to her, I promise, but I’ve done some goofy things.” Sarah covered her heart with her hand.
“Like what?” With lifted brows, Mr. Sanford gazed at Sarah.
“Oh, uh, nothing comes to mind.”
Beth grinned at Sarah. “I can think of one thing that was somewhat nutty.” She turned to face Bruce. “After we decorated the church for Christmas, we had lunch. I was taking Annie home when she suddenly jumped from my car and darted across three lanes of traffic. That sudden departure scared me to death.”
“I didn’t want to be a burden, and I saw my friend Bertha.” Sarah felt her face grow in color.
Beth patted Sarah’s hand. “Your friendship means a lot to me. You are spontaneous, and I need that in my life. Forgive me if I embarrassed you with that story.”
Sarah shook her head. “Oh no, you didn’t embarrass me. I do that on my own.”
“You frightened me that day, but after I thought about it, I found it quite appealing. I’m much too traditional.”
After dinner, several guests left their places to mingle and talk with each other. Hmmm. This might be a good time to withdraw and give Bruce and Beth a chance to chat.
“If you two will excuse me, I think I’ll find the powder room.” She stood, and so did Bruce. He pulled out her chair for her.
As soon as she found the ladies’ room, she entered a private area and disappeared. Now to return and listen to the conversation at the table. Maybe, just maybe, those two might find common ground. As far as she could determine, Beth would make a perfect pastor’s wife. That lady could never show up late nor embarrass a minister. The experienced woman understood how to handle attention. Why, my word! She knew how to dress in a chic, conservative style. The more she considered the idea, the more she liked it. Maybe this man would turn out to be the one for Beth, although she couldn’t rule out Bryan and Charles yet.
Wonder if Beth found the pastor attractive in a sensual way? Most females ought to consider him good-looking. The man stood at about six feet, sported black hair, and from the looks of him, he must work out daily. Surely a preacher wouldn’t be interested in a widow solely for her fortune. Would he? On the other hand, churches needed money. What if he wanted to build some monstrosity of a building and expected Beth to fund it? After all, Beth’s generosity had been on his mind when they decorated the church.
Poopty doopty! Another mystery to solve.
Walking invisibly, Sarah hovered beside Beth. No one remained at the table other than Bruce.
“A moment alone at the table. It’s nice.” Bruce glanced at the guests milling around as he spoke.
“Do you tire of always being in the spotlight?”
“Sometimes, but I realize it’s part of my calling. Everyone scrutinizes my words and intentions. It can be tedious.”
Beth nodded. “I occasionally feel that way too—mainly because I chair multiple businesses.”
“That’s too bad. You would be a beautiful, charming person even if you had the barest of essentials, or even none at all.”
“Thank you.” Beth smiled. “I suppose my position makes it easier to identify with yours. You are probably guarded much of the time—sort of like me. I’m never sure of one’s objectives. A lot of people seek me out to fund a project.”
“Beth, I have no ulterior motive when I ask you for friendship.”
“I believe you.”
Sarah turned her eyes skyward. Oh, sure, Beth, trust everybody. Leave it to me to help you discover which one of these dudes could be the liar and scoundrel. Merciful heavens! What if all these men wanted to control Beth’s financial holdings and none happened to be the one God intended?
Sarah glanced around. Any other single guys in here? Should she ignore all three of these blokes and introduce Beth to someone entirely different?
“Would you have dinner with me next Tuesday night?”
“Yes, I’d enjoy dinner with you.”
“How about a trip to Galveston? It’s a nice drive, and if we hit it just right, we can enjoy Dickens on the Strand.”
“I’d love it. I haven’t been to Galveston at Christmas in years.”
Oh, my stars! Wonderful, fantastic. Another trip to Galveston. A chance to get lost or seasick with a necessary flight over the gulf. That journey she took with Cannon and Laney proved a challenge, but then, Cannon drove like a bat out of…well, never mind. Maybe this guy drove more sensibly.
And what or who is Dickens on the Strand? Dickens happened to be an old English euphemism for Satan. Was Old Scratch planning to promenade on the beach? That wouldn’t be something she’d want to see.
Beth turned her chair inward to face Bruce. “It must be difficult for you to escape into anonymity. Many more people know you by sight—especially since you’re on television. The general public may have heard about me or one of my undertakings, but they don’t recognize my face. I was in a restaurant the other night.” She spun her hand in the air for emphasis. “The bank holds the loan on the place, but I was happy the owner didn’t know who I was. He treated me as though I were merely a regular diner.”
“That had to be a nice treat for you.”
“It was. Do you hope to escape recognition from people in Galveston?”
Bruce shook his head. “No, and it doesn’t matter if I run across folks I know. I’ve learned to live in a certain way. It doesn’t matter where I go, I am the same person, a minister of the Gospel, and I act accordingly.”
“Good for you! Then there is no hypocrisy in your behavior.”
“I strive for that, anyway.”
“It will be lovely to go out with someone who will be a gentleman and have no romantic intentions.”
Bruce cocked his head and his eyebrows almost touched each other. “Did I promise that?”
Beth blinked several times. “Well….I just assumed as much.”
“My dear, you are a beautiful woman, and I’m a healthy man. We are both widowed, and we enjoyed happy marriages. Of course I’ll behave as a gentleman, but my objective is to make you fall in love with me and become my wife. This Tuesday night, I begin my mission.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
Beth stared at Bruce with her mouth open. Finally she rallied. “I don’t know what to say.”
“Honesty is the best policy, and I’m declaring my intentions right here and now. If you prefer me to get lost, tell me now. Otherwise, I have plans for you.”
My word, this guy worked fast. Reaching out to prop herself on a vacant chair, Sarah toppled over backward and banged her head on a table. “Ouch!” The word escaped before she caught it. How did that happen? If she’d employed her transitory state, she would have simply gone through the table. Forgetfulness br
ought trouble, and without the modification, her invisible body operated as though she possessed a solid frame.
Both Beth and Bruce turned around but saw nothing. Beth resumed her focus on the man beside her.
“Bruce, another love and marriage aren’t in my thoughts. I’m telling you that up front.”
“They weren’t in my mind either, not until recently. Grant has been gone three years, and my wife has been in heaven for two. We honored our vows while they lived, but Beth, God gives permission to remarry. Case in point: Abraham after Sarah died. He loved her intensely, but he was lonely and God provided him another mate. I could list other biblical examples, but you get the point. I’ve been watching you for a while now, and I see you as a dedicated Christian, mother, and grandmother. You are faithful and generous to church and to charities. You always conduct your affairs in a genteel way, and you are a lady in every sense of the word.” He grinned, cleared his throat, and leaned closer. “And besides all that, you’ve got gorgeous legs.”
Beth’s gasp brought attention from those nearby.
Better materialize as Annie. Quick!
Walking briskly out of the powder room, Annie found her place. “Did I miss anythin’?”
Mr. Sanford held the chair for her. “Well, I thought Beth was choking, but I guess she’s okay.”
Beth smiled. “I’m fine.” With a red face, she turned away from the pastor.
Bruce sat perfectly still with a Cheshire cat grin on his face. He definitely looked as though he’d just consumed a bowl of cream.
Sarah leaned over Beth to gaze at Bruce. “Are you a-wantin’ to build a gigantic building—maybe cover the ground with concrete to park cars?”
Bruce performed a double take. “Why, no, I’m not. May I ask the reason for such a strange question that came out of nowhere?”
“I was just a wonderin’. Seems as though churches always need stuff.” Sarah picked up a stemmed water glass and sipped.
Mr. Sanford’s face twitched and his eyes sparkled. “If you need to purchase property, I can sell you the lot across the street from the church for a good price. It would make an ideal parking lot, and I’ll even volunteer to be on the construction committee.”
A female guest walking by the table overheard the building talk and stopped. “I can organize a fundraising committee for you, Pastor Bruce. I know several women who will help.”
Another guest suddenly appeared from across the room. “Perhaps we could hold a raffle. That always brings a lot of attention.”
“I can issue a press release.” A young, energetic female emerged with pen and notepad and began making notes.
A gentleman from another area joined the crowd forming at Beth’s table. “Bruce, what’s this? We need a parking lot?”
Bruce shook his head and raised his hands. “Hey, now, wait a minute. I don’t know how this talk got started, but the church isn’t planning any expansion, and we don’t need any erroneous rumors started about property, buildings, or grounds for cars.”
“I think Annie brought the subject up. What made you think of a church parking lot?” Beth, who seemed recovered from Bruce’s comment about her limbs, directed her question to Sarah.
“Just thought I’d see if the pastor had some new plans for the church in mind.” Sarah smiled at Bruce. “Sure am glad ya don’t.”
Bruce leaned in to Beth. “Ministers must endure a lot of weird things. I hope this inexplicable conversation from well-intentioned people doesn’t frighten you from spending time with me.”
His whisper reached Sarah’s ears, and she heaved a sigh of relief. This preacher dude might just be the one God planned for Beth. She would need to investigate three men now. The bizarre question just nudged the surface of Bruce’s purposes. He claimed no monetary building needs, but he could have some other personal monetary requirement. Wonder if she should throw in a surprise question about his private finances? Probably not a good idea.
Bryan and Charles probably wouldn’t think much of this latest development. Another competitor now existed for Beth’s hand in marriage, and none knew about the others.
* * *
As the evening wore on, various people stopped by the table to chat. Merciful heavens! Sarah’s gaze followed Laney and Cannon—they appeared to float over the floor as they visited with each guest. Such a beautiful couple and a perfect wedding. No doubt they found completion in each other.
The crowd grew thinner as people left the party. Sarah chewed her lip. Would the Commander allow Christian to come to her rescue? If he didn’t, Beth expected to take her to a home she didn’t have. Guess she could always just get out of Beth’s vehicle in front of some strange dwelling and walk to the door. But what if the homeowner saw her and reported her to the police?
Christian never materialized.
“Ready to go?” Beth stood, and Sarah followed her example.
“It’s been a lovely party.” Sarah offered her hand to Bruce. “Enjoyed visitin’ with ya.”
“This has been one of the most memorable nights of my life.” He grinned at Annie and then touched Beth’s shoulder. “For many reasons.” The smile he gave Beth would melt steel. “I’ll pick you up at six o’clock on Tuesday.”
As they left the country club, Beth sighed. “Annie, what in the world is happening to me?”
“What do ya mean?”
“Three men are interested in me, and it’s simply unreal. Grant was my only boyfriend when I was a teenager, and I married him. I’m not used to this attention.”
“What do ya think of the pastor?”
“He’s attractive, but he is my minister. He preaches to the multitudes each Sunday.”
“I get the idea he wants to be your husband.”
“Yes, I did too.”
“Do ya think ya could fall in love with him?”
“I’ve never considered it.”
“Ya know, lots of people in the Bible married sight unseen and had happy marriages. In some cultures, parents still choose the spouse for their offspring.”
“Yes, I’m aware of that, but we live differently in our western culture.”
“We don’t choose our parents, and we love them. We don’t choose siblings, and we love them. Love comes from mutual respect…a common need…a joint goal. Actions can lead us to emotional love.”
Beth remained silent as she drove.
“I understand ya aren’t thinking of marriage, and you aren’t in love—not yet, anyway. But if you were interested in a man, which one do you think might be the winner?” Sarah fingered the belt thingy that protects humans. The doodad felt odd against her body.
“Bryan does well in business…so does Charles.” Beth hesitated, clearly considering Sarah’s probe. “In answer to your question, I suppose I’d have to say Bruce.”
“Why is that?”
“I respect and admire Bruce for his faith. If Bryan and Charles are devoted Christians, I don’t see it. Bryan’s success has given him funds at his disposal, but that doesn’t matter to me. I need Charles as my bank president, and I’d prefer to keep that relationship as is.”
“Who is most appealing to ya?”
“I find them all attractive, but I confess, Bryan has started to wear on my nerves a bit.”
“So are ya takin’ this guy, Bryan, out of the equation?”
“No, but I’m leaning toward it.”
Sarah gave a quick but subtle victory salute.
“How it is possible to be attracted to all three?” Beth entered the freeway.
“Perhaps it’s just the attention they give ya. It’s bound to be flatterin’. When a man notices a woman at this time in our lives, it makes an impression.”
“Yes, that must be it, I’m sure, but I never expected a man to get serious so fast, let alone three of them. I wish I knew if their motives were genuine.”
“Such knowledge would be helpful.” Sarah nodded in the darkness. “Bruce is handsome and charmin’.”
“Yes, he is. I’ve b
een near him at meetings as well as social occasions. I purposefully ignored his appeal, but now that he has expressed an interest in me, my imagination tells me we could be suited to each other.”
They continued in companionable silence for a few miles, and then Beth turned to Sarah. “My mind is on silly stuff. Where do you live, Annie?”
Merciful heavens! How should she respond? Well, Sarah, make up something. With no sense of direction, locations proved disastrous, but she at least she remembered street names.
“Do you know how to get to Mandly Lane?”
Beth laughed. “Certainly. That’s not far from my street.”
As Beth exited onto Mandly, she turned to Sarah. “Which house is yours?”
Could Beth hear her heart? To Sarah’s ears, the thing sounded as loud as a jackhammer.
“It’s down here a bit.” She waved her hand forward.
Seeing a dark house with no cars parked nearby, Sarah pointed. “There it is.”
Beth stopped at the curb. “Thank you for coming with me tonight. I didn’t want to invite Bryan or Charles, and Maria wouldn’t come. I was happy you agreed to be my guest, and you were the perfect one.”
“Well, thank ya, honey. I enjoyed it. It was nice seeing that young couple again, and the dinner was delicious, especially the cake. I’ll see ya at church. Drive safely now.” Sarah opened the car door and stepped out.
“I’ll wait till you are inside to make sure you are safe.”
Sarah shook her head. “Oh, no need. It’s late, you go on now.” With that, she turned and walked up the center sidewalk to a lovely white cottage with blue shutters. When she got to the front door, she turned and waved.
Beth drove away.
Whew! Escaped a near catastrophe.
Lights blasted on from various exterior locations, dogs barked from inside the house, and a near-deaf person could have heard the alarm that sounded. Porch lights from other nearby houses popped on.
Sarah let out a yelp as a huge Rottweiler rounded the corner. Just as he lunged for her, she vanished. With lips curled and eyes bulged, the bewildered dog stood on the porch with his head moving from side to side. In his gargantuan teeth, he gripped a dangling square of red cloth.