by Cindy Kirk
Would he? Katie Ruth thought of the pink-haired woman he’d been with at Muddy Boots. Even from a distance, she’d sensed a connection between the two and found herself fighting a twinge of jealousy.
Would the mystery woman be with him at the pancake supper? She supposed there was only one way to find out. “You make a good point.”
“Plus, what about all the teens from the youth group? Won’t they expect to see you there? How will they feel if their leader didn’t think spending time with them was important?
Katie Ruth knew she didn’t stand a chance against such logic. She nodded. “I’ll be there.”
That evening, Katie Ruth made the mistake of waving a little too wildly and rushing to greet Dan the instant she spotted him. She skidded to a stop when she saw the pink-haired young woman step to his side.
Schooling her features, Katie Ruth extended a hand. “I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Katie Ruth Crewes.”
Now that she was closer, Katie Ruth noticed the stone in the girl’s nose matched the pink in her hair.
“I’m Dan’s sister, Oaklee.” The girl, more girl than woman, smiled brightly. “I’ve heard all about you from my brother.”
Sister. Katie Ruth expelled the breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. She slanted a quick glance in Dan’s direction.
“We nearly met at the café,” Oaklee continued before her brother could speak. “You and your friend scurried out like your toes were on fire. Why didn’t you come over to our table and say hello?”
Though Dan said nothing, Katie Ruth watched him shift from one foot to the other.
Katie Ruth met Oaklee’s gaze with an equally direct one of her own. “Izzie and I didn’t want to interrupt your meal.”
“I suppose that’s a good enough excuse.” With an ease Katie Ruth envied, Oaklee shifted gears. “You’re seriously cute. Blond hair, big blue eyes and a killer figure. Are you currently dating anyone? I saw that hot guy approach you in the café. Are you interested in him?”
“Oaklee.” Dan’s warning had his sister grinning.
“Wow.” His sister lifted her hands. “You should have told me there’s a rule against asking a few simple questions.”
“No rules.” Katie Ruth liked Dan’s brash sister. Something about the girl reminded her of Gladys. “I don’t have a boyfriend. The guy in the café is just an old friend from high school. And no, I’m not interested in dating him.”
When Oaklee opened her mouth, Katie Ruth rushed on. She much preferred to be the one doing the interrogating than the one on the hot seat. “I had a friend in college with hair your color. It’s very pretty. The tats are interesting.”
In addition to one on the girl’s ankle, Katie Ruth spotted another on her arm. “Do you have a boyfriend?”
Oaklee’s smile vanished. “No.” Her voice had gone flat.
There was a story here, Katie Ruth thought, but she didn’t press. She shifted her gaze to Dan. “You didn’t tell me your sister would be visiting.”
Once again, Oaklee didn’t give him a chance to comment.
“He didn’t know. I showed up on his doorstep.” The smile remained on Oaklee’s lips, but the light in her eyes dimmed. “I’m not visiting, I’m staying. My parents kicked me out.”
This was a minefield. Katie Ruth went with as neutral a reply as she could muster. “You came to a good place.”
Dan slung an arm around his sister’s shoulders. “I’m looking forward to having her here with me.”
He sounded sincere, but Katie Ruth knew having a sister living with him would be an adjustment. Dan lived and breathed the ministry. Being willing to take on the additional responsibility of a college-age sister spoke to his character.
“You’re going to love Good Hope.” Katie Ruth hoped that would be the case. Though she couldn’t imagine living anywhere else, whether life on the peninsula would be a good fit for Oaklee remained to be seen.
“I’m super excited to get acquainted.” Oaklee met Katie Ruth’s cheery smile with a sly one of her own. “I’d like us to be friends.”
“I’d like that, too.” Out of the corner of her eye, Katie Ruth saw Dan’s ex-fiancée and her husband strolling their way, fingers linked.
She tried to think of a way to warn Lindsay and Owen, but they were too busy gazing into each other’s eyes to notice the shark-infested waters ahead.
“Owen. Lindsay.” Dan’s voice might have been a little too hearty, but it sounded genuine and welcoming. “I’d like you to meet my sister.”
“OMG, you’re the former fiancée.” Oaklee stared, her mouth gaping open at the sight of Lindsay’s big belly. “You really are pregnant.”
Lindsay made a great show of glancing down. Her eyes went wide. “Why, yes, I guess I am.”
Owen’s gaze seemed fixed on Oaklee’s cotton-candy-colored hair.
Lindsay extended her hand. “I’m Lindsay Vaughn. This is my husband, Owen.”
Oaklee shook Lindsay’s hand. “Oaklee Marshall.”
“I’m pleased to meet you, Oaklee.”
Oaklee’s gaze turned speculative as it lingered on Owen.
It was, Katie Ruth thought, a bit like seeing a train wreck coming, but being unable to look away.
“You’re the guy who knocked up my brother’s fiancée.”
“Oaklee.”
Katie Ruth wasn’t certain if the name and horrified hiss came from Dan or from her.
“That’s me.” Owen’s hand settled possessively on his wife’s protruding belly.
Oaklee’s gaze shifted from Owen to Lindsay. “You’re happy about the baby?”
“Deliriously happy.” Lindsay responded, and she exchanged a smile with her husband.
“Good.” Oaklee appeared to be deliberately avoiding looking in her brother’s direction. “That’s how it should be.”
When Oaklee tapped a finger against her lips, Katie Ruth realized with sudden horror that the train still had some track to cover.
“I think the fact that you and Lindsay couldn’t keep your hands off each other bodes well for your marriage.”
Lindsay laughed as if having a young woman—someone she’d just met—comment on her sex life was an everyday occurrence.
It was Owen who steered the train down another track.
“My daughter was crazy about all things pink.” Owen’s lips curved. “She’d have loved your hair.”
“Your daughter has great taste.” Oaklee glanced around as if looking for a girl in pink. “Is she here? I’d like to meet her.”
Dan’s and Katie Ruth’s gazes locked.
Owen cleared his throat. “Mindy passed away last year.”
“She’s dead?” Tears filled Oaklee’s eyes. “How horrible. What happened? How did she—?”
Dan grabbed his sister’s arm and called over his shoulder as he pulled Oaklee away, “Great seeing you both.”
Katie Ruth nodded to Owen and Lindsay, before hurrying after Dan and his sister.
Once they were out of earshot, Dan came to an abrupt stop. “What the…what was that about?”
He ground the words out between clenched teeth, his eyes sharply focused on his sister.
If Oaklee thought her wide-eyed look was going to fool her brother, she didn’t know him well at all.
“Don’t give me that innocent look. You know very well what I’m talking about.” Dan closed his eyes briefly as he fought for control.
“I-I didn’t know his daughter died.” Oaklee held up her hands as if in supplication. “How could I know?”
Dan blew out a breath. “I’m not talking about Mindy.”
Katie Ruth couldn’t recall the last time she’d seen Dan this upset.
“I live here, Oaklee. I work here. Not just any job. I’m the pastor.” Hurt mingled with the controlled anger in his voice. “What are you trying to do to me?”
“Nothing.” Oaklee touched his arm and appeared genuinely puzzled. “I was making conversation.”
“Making conve
rsation would be asking about their jobs or the baby.” A muscle in Dan’s jaw jumped. “Casual conversation is not bringing up a couple’s sex life when you’ve just met them.”
Katie Ruth sensed Oaklee still wasn’t grasping the significance. She hadn’t a clue why her brother was so upset. “As Dan’s sister, your actions reflect on him.”
“I’m sorry.” Oaklee reached out and clasped her brother’s hand. “The last thing I want to do is tank your chances for a promotion. I want you to be able to move to that bigger congregation, if that’s what you really want.”
Katie Ruth tried not to let her shock show. This was the first she’d heard Dan might be considering a move.
It shouldn’t have surprised her. He was an excellent preacher and had stellar administrative and people skills. Still, she’d thought he was content in Good Hope.
“This isn’t about me.” Dan’s gaze never left his sister’s face. “Your questions—your comments—put Lindsay and Owen on the spot.”
“I’ll apologize. I’ll track them down and tell them I’m so, so sorry. I’ll throw myself at their feet and beg for forgiveness.”
Katie Ruth assumed the girl was speaking figuratively about throwing herself at their feet, but from what she’d seen so far of Oaklee, she couldn’t be sure.
Oaklee whirled and would have sprinted off, but Dan grabbed her arm.
“They’re visiting with friends. Enjoying pancakes.” His tone remained low and tightly controlled. “Please don’t make things worse by interrupting.”
Oaklee hung her head.
At that moment, Katie Ruth realized she didn’t belong here. This was a private matter between Dan and his sister.
Over Dan’s left shoulder, she spotted Kyle and Eliza at the refreshment table. “It was nice meeting you, Oaklee. I’m sure I’ll see you around. Right now, I’m off to do some mingling.”
“Can I go with you?” Oaklee was at Katie Ruth’s side in a heartbeat. Her smile wavered, and her eyes pleaded. “I think my brother could use a break.”
“Oaklee, you don’t invite—"
“It’s okay.” Katie Ruth waved aside Dan’s protest. He’d rescued her at the Valentine’s party. She’d return the favor. “I’m happy to introduce her around.”
Oaklee shot a triumphant look at her brother before linking her arm with Katie Ruth’s. “Who shall we target first?”
“Remember what I said,” Dan warned.
The jaunty wave she gave her brother seemed to do little to relieve his worry. His brows were still furrowed when Katie Ruth, with Oaklee now glued to her side, stepped away.
“We can start by saying hello to Eliza and Kyle Kendrick.” Katie Ruth gestured to where the dark-haired beauty and her husband stood getting more coffee.
“She looks like she could be a mean one.” Oaklee galloped—really it was the only word to describe the loping gait—toward the couple.
“Eliza is extremely smart.” The fact that the business owner and executive director of the Women’s Events League—commonly known as the Cherries—could sometimes be, well, stern, was an impression Katie Ruth kept to herself.
“Eliza. Kyle,” Katie Ruth called out over the din of conversation.
Other than the burnt-orange scarf looped stylishly around her neck, Eliza wore all black. It suited her fair complexion and dark hair.
“I wanted to thank you for the marvelous Valentine’s party the other night. The food and the atmosphere were amazing.” Katie Ruth realized she was gushing and pulled back. “I appreciated being invited.”
“I’m glad you and Dan enjoyed yourselves.” Kyle slung an arm around his wife.
Katie Ruth caught the startled look Oaklee shot her, but ignored it. She didn’t correct Kyle. After all, she’d spent nearly the entire evening with Dan. Most people probably assumed they’d come together.
Eliza settled cool gray eyes on the girl at Katie Ruth’s side. “Who is this with you?”
“Oaklee Marshall.” The girl extended her hand. “Dan’s sister.”
“I didn’t realize the pastor had a sister.” Eliza’s gaze took in the pink hair, the tattoo and the nose stud. “You’re very different from your brother.”
Oaklee flashed a smile. “I’m a limited edition.”
Eliza arched a brow. “Pardon?”
“I like to say I’m a Froot Loop in a bowl of Cheerios. Being unique makes life more interesting, don’t you think?” Not waiting for Eliza to respond, Oaklee continued. “It’d be boring if we were all alike.”
Kyle chuckled. “Very true. My sister and I are very different.”
Oaklee glanced around as if trying to spot the woman. “Is your sister here?”
“Lolo doesn’t live in Good Hope. She’s back in Kentucky with my parents.”
“Lolo.” Oaklee rolled the name around on her tongue. “I like her already. I believe if your sister lived here, we’d be friends.”
Kyle smiled. “A good possibility. Lolo is very artistic.”
Oaklee cocked her head. “You and your wife are solidly mainstream. That doesn’t mean we can’t be friends. We’re all unique and beautiful in our own way.”
“You’re forthright.” Eliza studied the girl as if she were an interesting specimen under a microscope. “You say what you think. I admire that quality.”
Oaklee brushed a strand of pink hair back from her face. “My dad says I lack a filter.”
“I’ve been told that, too, by my own father.” Eliza smiled briefly. “In my situation, I don’t believe it was meant as a compliment.”
Oaklee grinned.
Katie Ruth could tell Eliza had taken a huge jump in the girl’s estimation.
“Tell me what you think of Katie Ruth.” Oaklee gestured with one hand toward her. “No filter.”
Katie Ruth stiffened.
“You want to know what I think.” Eliza slanted a glance in Katie Ruth’s direction. “In what regard?”
“I’m thinking she’d make a good friend. Can you vouch for her character?”
“Why would you take my word?” Eliza’s expression turned cool. “Wouldn’t it be easier to simply ask your brother?”
“He’s a minister. He says good things about everyone. Back to Katie Ruth.” Oaklee gestured impatiently. “Thumbs up or down?”
“Thumbs up.” Eliza frowned. “I don’t believe this conversation is appropriate, considering the person we’re discussing is standing right here.”
“Better than talking behind her back.” Oaklee shrugged. “Besides, odds are you wouldn’t have invited her to your Valentine’s party if you didn’t like her.”
“Dan.” Relief skittered across Kyle’s face at the sight of the minister.
“We’ve been having the most delightful conversation with your sister.” Eliza cast a pointed look at Oaklee.
“Really?” Dan looked cautiously pleased.
“Eliza gave Katie Ruth the thumbs-up,” Oaklee informed him.
Dan’s gaze shot to Katie Ruth.
“Don’t ask.” Katie Ruth held up her hands. “Seriously, it’s all good.”
“There’s Lindsay and Owen. They’re finally alone.” Oaklee’s eyes lit up like a kid seeing presents under the tree on Christmas morning. “It’s apology time.”
“Oaklee. Wait. No.” As Dan started after his sister, Katie Ruth had to chuckle.
She might have spoken too soon. All good?
Something told Katie Ruth that his pink-haired sister was about to turn Dan’s life upside down.
Chapter Six
Though Oaklee seemed to have disappeared, Dan tried not to worry. He told himself his sister was here…somewhere.
He didn’t look for her, knowing she couldn’t go far without a car. The truth was, Dan was glad for the breathing room.
He ate pancakes and bacon. He chatted with members of the community and those from his congregation. Once he was through eating, he assisted the volunteers in charge of clearing the long rectangular tables of discarded plates and cu
ps.
He hadn’t caught her before she reached Owen and Lindsay. Thankfully, the two had taken her heartfelt apology, awkward as it was, in the spirit in which it was offered. He was grateful she hadn’t thrown herself at their feet, although for an instant that seemed a distinct possibility.
“How’s my favorite minister?”
A smile formed on his lips at the sound of Katie Ruth’s voice. He turned and leaned back against the table he’d just cleared. “We’ve had an amazing turnout. Not just members of the congregation, but quite a few from the community. When we put this event together, outreach was one of our top goals. Hopefully, some of those who don’t have a church home will now give First Christian a try.”
Dan realized he was rambling. She’d asked a simple question, and he’d given her a dissertation.
He hadn’t spoken with Katie Ruth since Oaklee had sprinted toward Owen and Lindsay with him in hot pursuit. Each time he looked for her, she’d been in deep conversation with someone. The last time it had been with Gladys. As he passed by the two women, he’d caught a few words. Kids. Theater. Trash.
“How’s your evening going?” Dan asked, forcing a casual tone.
“I’m enjoying the fellowship.” An elusive dimple he hadn’t known Katie Ruth possessed flashed in her left cheek. “I introduced Oaklee to Gladys. I think the two are headed down the Yellow Brick BFF Road.”
Dan pretended to shiver. “I can only imagine the schemes they’ll concoct.”
Katie Ruth laughed and thrust out a hand. “I thought you might like a cup of coffee.”
For the first time, Dan saw she held a white Styrofoam cup in each hand. He took the one she held out. “Thank you very much.”
That enticing dimple made a return appearance. “You’re welcome very much.”
Dan gestured with the cup, determined not to ramble. “This is nice.”
At her questioning look, he continued. “You and me. Together. I enjoyed spending time with you last night at the party.”
She smiled. “I enjoyed it, too.”
A companionable silence descended as they sipped their coffee. They stood close enough to touch, but not touching. Still, as Dan inhaled the sweet floral scent of her perfume, he remembered last night and how much he’d wanted to kiss her.