Arizona Pastor

by Jennifer Collins Johnson

  “I’ve grown up,” Mel retorted. “I have responsibilities now.”

  “That’s right. You do. Now you get to go to school and raise a baby, just like your mama did.”

  “I said I wasn’t going.”

  Carrie shook her head. “I’ve got half a mind to leave Noah with you more than just one night. How would you like to try a week?”

  Mel jutted out her chin. “I can take care of him. Even if Mom isn’t with me.”

  Carrie snorted. “You’re right about that. You’re gonna learn firsthand what it’s like to be completely responsible for another human being.”

  Mel sucked in her breath and turned a glassy gaze toward Kristy. Her child’s lower lip quivered, just as Noah’s had only moments ago. She wanted to kiss away Mel’s boo-boos, to make everything all right. And everything would be all right, but not without a lot of work.

  “This is why I didn’t want to tell her,” Mel mumbled.

  “What? You were gonna wait until the kid got here? I’d have found out eventually.” Carrie crossed her arms in front of her chest. “Honestly, Mel. You’re too smart for this.”

  “I can’t get unpregnant, Carrie.”

  Kristy squirmed at the lilt in her child’s voice. The mama bear within her wanted to protect her cub from the mean auntie bear.

  Carrie lowered her voice. “Of course not. But you need to think about this marriage business. Are you ready for that? And school?”

  Carrie took Mel’s hands. Mel tried to pull away, but Carrie held tight. “I know that in your heart you want to go to school. You love to learn.” She smirked. “And argue. You get it from your aunt Carrie.”

  Mel chuckled through her tears, and Kristy had to look away. Wade smiled at her, and she saw something she couldn’t quite decipher in his gaze. Instinctively, she glanced down at her sweet nephew. His tiny fist gripped her shirt collar. He sucked his pacifier and looked up at her with big inquisitive eyes.

  A new maternal urge washed over her. What would Wade’s baby look like? Did he want to be a father? She relished the comfort of cuddling a newborn and dreamed of what it would be like to share the blessing of a baby with a man who loved her and the child as much as she had loved Mel.

  She sucked in her breath at her wayward thinking. Her daughter was going to have a baby. She was going to be a grandmother. The last thing she needed to think about was having a baby with Wade. A man she wasn’t dating. Her brand-new pastor, at that.

  “I love you, Mel Bell,” Carrie crooned her personal nickname for the girl.

  Kristy glanced up at the ceiling and blinked several times to keep tears from streaming down her cheeks.

  “I know,” Mel mumbled.

  “Come on. Let’s go call Grandma and Grandpa and tell them. Then we’ll Skype Kaitlyn in Japan.” Carrie wrapped her arm around Mel’s shoulder. “No one is going to be as hard on you as me.”

  Mel huffed. “That’s for sure.”

  “Just promise me you’ll pray about the marriage and college.”

  “Fine. I promise.”

  Kristy closed her eyes, lifting a silent prayer to God that her sister had got enough through that Mel would consider He might have a different plan. A sudden thought occurred to her. Maybe God had a different plan for the rest of Kristy’s life, too. And could it possibly include a handsome single pastor?

  Chapter 11

  Kristy sat behind the large wooden desk at the community college, opened her laptop and logged on to the class. She clicked on the electronic Dropbox storage and checked that everyone had submitted the latest writing assignment. She frowned when she saw neither Hannah nor Curt had submitted their papers.

  Curt’s first assignment had been poorly done, and she wasn’t overly surprised he might be late with the next one. But Hannah had done an exceptional job. Her paper had been well researched and insightful. Opening a new tab, she logged on to the class rosters. She noted that Curt was no longer listed and must have dropped the class. Not a shock. But Hannah was still there.

  Kristy jotted a reminder on a Post-it note to speak with Hannah, and then she uploaded the presentation for the day. While she straightened the handouts, students filed into the classroom. She greeted them with a nod, then realized she’d forgotten to silence her smartphone.

  Pulling it out of her purse, she saw a text message with only one word from Mel. Thanks. Kristy’s heart swelled with gratitude. After Wade, Carrie and Noah had left, Mel had opened up about her fears concerning being a wife and mother. Despite Carrie’s rebuke, Mel remained adamant in her decisions. After really listening to her daughter and praying over her own heart, Kristy wasn’t sure what the best decisions were for Mel. Thankfully, Mel was open to heeding God’s instruction, which meant Kristy needed to have faith and get out of the way.

  “Good morning, Professor Phillips,” Hannah mumbled.

  Kristy took in the young woman’s messy ponytail, dark bags under her eyes and disheveled clothes. “Rough morning?”

  “Jonah has the chicken pox. He’s been running a fever and whining and trying to scratch at the sores. I finally got him to sleep at eleven last night. By the time I posted my assignment, he was up crying again.”

  “You posted your assignment?” Kristy cocked her head. “For this class?”

  Hannah nodded. “Yes, ma’am. It was eleven-thirty or later, but I got it in before midnight.”

  “Your assignment isn’t showing up.” She took the sticky note off her desk. “I’d even made myself a note to ask you about it.”

  Tears welled in Hannah’s eyes as she shook her head. “I know I sent it. I’ve been busy and tired, but I know—”

  Kristy placed her hand on Hannah’s forearm. “Don’t worry. Just resubmit it after class.”

  The young woman dug through her oversize blue-and-green tote bag. “I’ve got my flash drive right here. It’s saved on it. I can do it right now.” Her voice cracked. “I don’t want you to think I’m slacking.”

  Hannah’s fatigue was getting the best of her emotions. Kristy understood. She’d been there a few times herself. “It’s okay, Hannah. I believe you.”

  “I’d still feel better if I submitted it right now. Is the computer lab open?”

  Kristy pinched her lips together. The lab probably wasn’t open yet, especially since most of the school was on summer break. She remembered times of panic when things hadn’t gone as she’d planned. “Tell you what. I’ll log out of my account. You log on and turn in your assignment.”

  Hannah’s eyes widened. “Oh, no. I couldn’t do that.”

  “It’ll make you feel better, and I insist.” Kristy closed each tab on her laptop, then signed off. “Already done.”

  She turned the computer toward Hannah and watched as her student worked. Within minutes, Hannah had uploaded the assignment, and Kristy was again using her own account.

  “You’re the most understanding professor I’ve ever had. I try not to use being a single mom as an excuse. Try to do the best work I can and not ask for special treatment.” Kristy looked into sincere and hardworking eyes. She could have been looking into a mirror eighteen years ago. “You haven’t asked for special treatment a single time yet, and your last assignment was exemplary. You have nothing to worry about. I’m familiar with the challenges you’re facing.”

  Understanding wrapped the young woman’s features. “Really?”

  Kristy nodded. “And my advice to you is not to give up. You’ll get there.”

  Hannah smiled as she hefted her tote bag higher on her shoulder, then turned and took her seat. Kristy pulled up the presentation software once again and then distributed the handouts. As her gaze passed over Hannah, she couldn’t help but hope Mel would decide to take on the challenge of attending college.

  * * *

  Wade lifted his head and opened his eyes after leading the committee in prayer to begin their second meeting. Again, Freddy and Eustace sat on one side of the table, and Greg and Becca sat on the other. Kristy sat acro
ss from him. She looked especially beautiful tonight. Her tanned skin glowed beneath a short-sleeved, button-down white shirt. Short brown waves fanned and flipped around her face. Her blue eyes sparkled with a happiness he hoped to have the chance to ask her about after the meeting. He wondered if she and Mel had had a good conversation after the uncomfortable, unusual dinner he’d attended with her, Mel, Carrie and little Noah.

  Forcing his attention to the meeting, he opened the notebook on the table. “How did everyone do with listening to different kinds of music and reading different translations of the Bible?” He tapped the table. “You know what? Let’s start with one thing at a time. What did you think about different translations?”

  Becca crinkled her nose. “I had a really hard time understanding the King James Version.”

  “I don’t think the youth would relate to the King James if you read it from the pulpit,” added Greg.

  Freddy nodded. “I agree, Greg. I’m pretty sure my grandchildren would tune out.”

  “I’ve gotten used to the NIV anyway,” said Eustace.

  Wade clapped his hands. “Great. What about the New International Version and the English Standard Version?”

  Eustace shrugged. “I suppose there isn’t a huge difference.”

  “That’s true.” Freddy tapped the table. “But I’d want to know what standard you were reading from, because I like to follow along.”

  “Fair enough,” Wade said.

  “I’ve been using the ESV with the youth for a while, so they are used to that translation,” said Greg.

  “I prefer ESV, too,” said Becca.

  Wade nodded to Kristy. “What do you think?”

  She glanced from Becca and Greg to Eustace and Freddy. “We believe all of these translations are accurate representations of God’s word, so I’m not sure why we’re discussing it.” She opened her palms. “Please don’t take my comment to be combative. I just think we’ve hired Wade to pastor our church. He should decide on the translation he preaches.”

  Warmth wrapped around Wade’s heart. He smiled and nodded. “Thank you, Kristy. I prefer preaching from the ESV.” He turned to Freddy. “It’s a great idea that I will be sure to communicate with our congregation.”

  “Oh, that reminds me.” Becca snapped her fingers. “I meant to tell you how much I enjoyed the newsletter.”

  Eustace nodded. “Yes. I liked the addition of a devotional.”

  “And it looked great at the beginning,” added Kristy with a sly smile.

  “Yeah,” agreed Freddy. “Kinda set the mood to read it.”

  Kristy lifted her eyebrows, and Wade offered a quick nod. “Thanks. Okay. Let’s move on to the music.”

  Eustace groaned. She leaned forward, cupped her cheeks with her hands and shook her head. “I tried to listen to the contemporary stuff. The words—when I could understand them—seemed good enough, but I just don’t see how playing guitars and beating drums is worshipful.”

  “Some of those old hymns are hardly worshipful.” Becca sat up straighter in her chair. “Chad played several for me, and I was so bored I practically fell asleep.”

  Greg looked at Becca. “I enjoy some of the hymns. We sang all of the old hymns in the church where I grew up.” He glanced at Wade. “I usually prefer contemporary, but I still get cold chills when someone sings ‘Amazing Grace’ or ‘Because He Lives.’”

  “Humph. Back in my day ‘Because He Lives’ was a contemporary song,” said Freddy. He clasped his hands. “I have to admit there were a few contemporary songs I’ve started to enjoy.”

  “Freddy,” accused Eustace. “You must be joking. What would Dortha say?”

  “Well, there was this one song about the oceans and having faith to keep your eyes focused on Jesus and not the waves.” Freddy pursed his lips and glanced at Eustace. “The song spoke to Dortha, as well. She sang right along when she was dusting the living room.”

  Eustace crossed her arms. Becca cocked her head. “You gotta be willing to give things a try, Eustace.”

  “Now, that doesn’t mean I don’t like the hymns, Becca.” Freddy’s already deep tone sounded more like a growl. “I wasn’t overly fond of most of the fast-moving music.”

  “Well, we could always go to two services,” said Becca. Eustace clicked her tongue. “I’d rather do that than have someone on stage, banging on drums.”

  “There are several churches that have done the same thing,” Greg said. “One traditional and one contemporary service.”

  Wade lifted his hands. “Wait a minute. I don’t want to talk about splitting up the church.”

  “Right,” Kristy said. “Our committee was formed for unity.” She motioned toward each of them. “That we could find a middle ground, then encourage our friends to buy in to what we’ve decided.”

  Wade’s heart pounded in his chest, and he found himself caring more for her. No. His feelings were beyond caring. He was falling in love with her. She would be the perfect helpmate, a terrific encourager. Someone he could come home to and experience reason and refreshment with after a taxing, spiritually draining day.

  He cleared his throat and forced his thoughts back to the meeting. “I want you all to hear something.” He opened his laptop and pulled up the song he’d downloaded earlier in the day. “This song blends a traditional hymn with some contemporary sound. Let’s listen, then tell me what you think.”

  While the song played, he studied his fellow committee members. Becca mouthed the words, and Greg silently tapped the beat with his pointer finger on the table. Freddy tilted his head. He didn’t make any gestures, but his expression seemed open to the new music. Eustace, however, scowled. Wade offered a silent prayer that God would show them a common ground.

  He looked at Kristy. Her chin was raised, and her eyes closed. Like Becca, she mouthed the words. Her entire person glowed with worship.

  He sucked in air, trying to breathe in the devotion she seemed to feel. Many times he’d told God he’d forgiven himself, that he’d moved on after Zella’s death. His heart was ready to love Kristy. His mind still battled, but he had to overcome it. He had to fight for the freedom God had given him. As soon as they closed this meeting in prayer, he was going to ask Kristy for coffee. This time not as a diversion from Mel’s wedding plans, but because he wanted to spend time with her.

  Chapter 12

  Kristy sat in a padded maroon chair and glanced around the obstetrician’s office lobby. A thirtysomething woman dressed in running shorts and an oversize T-shirt perused a magazine while rocking a car seat with her foot. A couple was seated a few chairs away from her. The woman appeared to have a month or less before her baby’s due date. Several more ladies and a few men waited around the room. Kristy glanced toward the front desk, and her stomach twisted at the sight of Mel and Joel signing in for her appointment.

  If their calculations were correct, Mel was eleven weeks. She blinked and swallowed the knot in her throat. Her grandchild would most likely be born before Kristy would be able to fully believe her baby was having a baby.

  Mel and Joel sat down beside her. He took Mel’s hand and held it in his. She leaned her head against his shoulder and then sat back up. “We should be able to hear the baby’s heartbeat today.”

  “Mom told me the slower the heartbeat, the better chance for a boy,” said Joel.

  Mel nudged his arm with her shoulder. “Are you saying you want a boy?”

  “Well, sure.” Joel scratched his head with his free hand. “I mean, a girl would be okay, I guess, but a boy would carry on the family name.”

  Mel stuck her nose in the air. “A girl can keep her family name if she wants.”

  Joel’s expression dropped, like a puppy who’d just been scolded for making a mess. “Are you saying you wanna keep your last name when we get married?”

  “Of course not.” Mel nudged him again. “I can’t wait to become Mrs. Joel Conners.”

  Kristy bit her bottom lip. Did that mean Mel had renewed her decision
to marry Joel? Her daughter had been more open with her, but she hadn’t shared any decisions she’d made after promising Carrie she’d think through her choices. The more time Kristy spent with God, studying His word and praying for Mel and Joel and the baby, the more unsure she felt about how to advise Mel about marrying her boyfriend. Or fiancé, I should say.

  They were young. Life would be hard. But they were both Christians. Naive. Immature. But they’d made a grown-up, outside-the-will-of-God decision to have relations before they married. They were in for a big shock when the end of January rolled around, but she had been shocked as well, when Mel had made her appearance into the world. She’d survived being a mom at eighteen. She was glad she and Tim had never married, but they’d had different life goals and had realized that early on. Contrasting ideas about God and family and what their future should look like. Joel and Mel, though young, were more in accord about what they wanted.

  And yet the thought of the two of them getting married... standing before God and their families and friends and pledging to love one another until death do they part? The idea was absurd. Kristy hadn’t planned on thinking about Mel’s wedding for several years to come.

  A red-haired woman wearing peach pants and an elephant-patterned shirt opened the door to the office. “Mel Adams.”

  Mel hopped out of the chair. Joel stood and grabbed her hand again. Feeling like the third wheel, Kristy followed a few steps behind them.

  “How are we doing today?” asked the nurse.

  “Great,” Mel bubbled.

  She pointed to a scale. “Go ahead and step on there.”

  Mel passed Joel her purse while Kristy tried to make herself small by pressing as close to the wall as possible. The nurse checked Mel’s temperature and blood pressure, then the three of them followed her to a room. Mel sat on the bed, and Joel squeezed between the bed and the wall. Kristy sat in a chair, again feeling very out of place.

  “Are you having any symptoms you’re concerned about?” The nurse flipped her hand. “Throwing up too much? Excessive cramping?”