by Cindy Kirk
“But you’re active in the church now.” Oaklee’s gaze grew puzzled. “What happened?”
“Pastor Schmidt retired and moved away. A minister named Dan Marshall took his position.” Katie Ruth turned to Dan, and this time her smile came easily. “I realized that Pastor Schmidt’s words and actions did not reflect God’s grace and mercy.”
Tears filled Oaklee’s eyes. “I’m sorry, Katie Ruth.”
“I believe everything that’s happened to me in my life—good and bad—helped mold me into the person I am today.” Katie Ruth hoped Oaklee’s experience with the professor would end up being a positive force for change in her life, as well.
“Thanks for sharing what I know was a difficult period in your life.” Dan reached over and placed a hand over the ones Katie Ruth had clenched in her lap.
“Now I really want to hear what you’re proposing,” Oaklee blurted, and they all laughed.
“I’ve done quite a bit of research on what works with kids this age.” As Katie Ruth continued, she felt herself relax. “The general consensus seems to be that starting each session with icebreaker questions works best. These questions may seem silly, but they’re innocuous and don’t cross any boundaries.”
Katie Ruth paused and glanced at her notes. “Some examples are, ‘What song do you play the most on your phone?’ Or, ‘What’s your favorite sundae topping?’”
Oaklee thought for a second, nodded. “I’d answer those.”
Katie Ruth glanced at Dan.
“Go on.”
“Each week, we’d also touch on one way to show interest and build friendships.”
Katie Ruth pulled out three sheets of paper. She handed Dan and Oaklee one each and kept one for herself. “Listening carefully may seem basic, but these are kids, so we can’t assume they know these things.”
“I see something I don’t always do.” Oaklee looked up and met Katie Ruth’s eyes. “This says once you ask a question, you should let the person responding talk uninterrupted.”
“That’s a difficult one for us all,” Dan agreed.
Katie Ruth’s gaze dropped to the paper in her hands. “I like this part, how spending time with someone, especially while engaging in outdoor activities, often gives you a good indication of their temperament.”
“This silent-observer one is good, too.” Oaklee studied the page. “Body language and a person’s actions speak more loudly than words. Sort of the old, ‘If a person shows you who they are, believe them.’”
“This sounds interesting, Katie Ruth.” Dan steepled his fingers. “But where does God come in?”
“You and I have discussed the importance of creating a welcoming environment where the kids can be themselves and build friendships.” Katie Ruth’s eyes locked with Dan’s. “We’ll start each week with prayer and the discussions will focus on how God works in our lives.”
Dan settled back in his seat and seemed to consider her words.
When he nodded, Katie Ruth let out the breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding.
“It hurts me to think of all that kids face on their journey to adulthood.” Dan shook his head. “I want to do more to help.”
“You’ve done so much.” Katie Ruth took his hand. “Since you took over as pastor, attendance is up across all the programs. Kids and adults alike know you truly care.”
Dan laced his fingers with hers. As if forgetting that Oaklee was in the room, he brought their joined hands to his mouth and kissed them. “Thank you for that.”
Katie Ruth caught Oaklee’s wink. A second later, the girl yawned. “I’m going to video-chat with some friends on the new phone my brother bought me. Then I’m heading to bed.”
Dan glanced at the clock on the mantel. “At this time?”
“Get a clue, Daniel.” Oaklee lifted her hands and cupped them around her mouth like a megaphone. “The chaperone is leaving the living room.”
Katie Ruth choked back a laugh even as her mind swirled with possibilities.
Dan relaxed against the back of the sofa. “I know why Oaklee really made a quick exit.”
Katie Ruth’s gaze turned mischievous as she slid closer to him. “To give us a chance to be alone?”
“That’s part of it.”
“What’s the other part?”
“She knows I still need to put the finishing touches on my sermon for this week.” He chuckled. “I believe she feared I might ask for her help.”
“Oh, Dan. I’m sorry.” In a single fluid motion, Katie Ruth was on her feet. “I didn’t even ask if you had things to do once we finished with our meeting.”
“Please don’t go.” He grabbed her hand and tugged her back onto the sofa. “Not yet.”
“You have work to do.”
“You could help me.” Dan offered what he hoped was an enticing smile. “It could be fun.”
“You really think I could be of help?”
She appeared stunned by the thought.
“Of course.” There was no doubt in his mind. “It shouldn’t take long. The sermon is done and would be fine delivered the way it’s written. But it feels as if there’s something missing. I think I’m too close to it.”
“I’d be honored to help.”
“I appreciate it.” He pushed up from the sofa and retrieved his sermon notes from his briefcase.
Instead of reading the sermon, he hit the highlights. “You can see I went back to the beginning, to Adam and Eve. Anything jump out at you?”
Katie Ruth paused, appearing to give the question careful consideration. “I like that you’re starting the Lenten series with Adam and Eve.”
When she didn’t continue, Dan found his fingers tightening around the notes. “But…”
“It’s all good.”
“But…” he prompted again when she didn’t continue.
“You may be missing an opportunity. Perhaps you might consider hitting a little harder the temptation we all face.” Katie Ruth spoke quickly, as if wanting to make sure she got the words out. “Everyone can relate to being tempted. Or to having a friend who encourages you to do stuff you know is wrong.”
Her expression darkened, and he found himself wondering if she had such a friend.
“Of course, ultimately it’s our responsibility to say no. That’s what you might stress.” Katie Ruth lifted a shoulder and let it drop. “Maybe it’s because we were talking about kids earlier. We both know it isn’t just middle schoolers who face temptation.”
Dan started writing, realizing that emphasizing this thread would take the sermon to a different level.
When he looked up several long seconds later, he found Katie Ruth staring, wide-eyed.
“It helps? What I said?”
He held up his hand for a high five. “Spot-on.”
“Well, maybe if I helped you, you could help me.”
“Anything.” Dan found he couldn’t pull his eyes from her face.
“It might be good to carry the temptation theme into youth group.” She chewed on her lower lip. “Have one question after the icebreaker that deals with temptations kids face. What do you think?”
Dan grinned. “I think you and I make a great team.”
Chapter Nine
Oaklee glanced at Gladys as they strolled down the street. When she’d shown up at the Living Center and received her assignment from the front desk, her entire afternoon had been blocked off with “shopping companion to Gladys Bertholf.”
Gladys was a queen bee with plenty of drones, er, friends buzzing around. Oaklee was surprised she needed her. Unless…the older woman simply wanted someone under the age of eighty to carry her purchases. That was fine with Oaklee. She’d spent the entire morning inside, so being outdoors on this unusually warm and sunny day was a treat.
“Where are we headed?” Oaklee glanced around as they walked at a surprisingly fast clip. There were any number of businesses on this stretch of road. It didn’t matter to her where they went, but she was curious.
&nb
sp; “The Daily Grind.” Gladys slanted a sideways glance at her. “How does a mocha latte sound?”
“Sounds delish.”
“Have you had a kouign amann since you’ve been in town?”
“I don’t even know what that is,” Oaklee admitted.
“Oh, my dear, you are in for a treat.” Gladys cackled. “They’re a pastry so sweet and rich, they’re positively sinful.”
“Are you leading me into temptation?”
For a second, Gladys appeared puzzled. Then she cackled again. “Good one.”
Oaklee hurried to open the door to the Daily Grind, and Gladys swept inside, her brightly colored caftan swirling around her lean frame.
After following her to the counter, Oaklee hung back, knowing Gladys liked to run the show.
Oaklee understood the need. She was the same way.
“Cassie.” Gladys flung out her arms as if greeting someone she hadn’t seen in years.
“Gladys. Hello.” Cassie, Oaklee decided, was a pretty woman who would be stunning with more makeup. Still, the woman had some really fine highlights.
Pink, Oaklee had quickly discovered, was a difficult color to maintain. She wondered how she’d look as a blonde, or maybe a brunette with caramel highlights.
“When’s the wedding?” Gladys asked.
“We’ve settled on May.” A blush traveled up Cassie’s neck. “Krew wants me—us—to have a nice ceremony.”
“He’s a good man.”
High praise, coming from Gladys, Oaklee thought.
“Yes, he is.” Cassie’s gaze settled on Oaklee.
Gladys gestured. “This is Dan Marshall’s sister, Oaklee. She’s helping me run errands today.”
Oaklee spoke in a conspiratorial whisper as she said, “Gladys is going to introduce me to sin.”
Cassie’s eyes widened.
Gladys laughed. “I love this girl. She’s never had a kouign amann. That ends today.”
“Oh, you are in for a treat.” Cassie glanced at Gladys as if knowing she was the decision-maker. “Two or one?”
“Two. I’m not sharing.” Gladys grabbed her wallet. “While you’re at it, rustle us up each a mocha latte.”
“You are living dangerously,” Cassie teased as she plated the pastries, then turned to make the drinks.
“I’m not going to get out of this life alive, so I might as well enjoy every minute.”
Oaklee grinned. Five minutes with the older woman and she’d already decided she wanted to be Gladys when she grew up.
Gladys brushed away Oaklee’s attempt to pay, the older woman’s attention firmly back on Cassie.
The way Gladys studied the ring and the woman wearing it told Oaklee that the pastries and drinks weren’t why they were here.
“I’m very happy for you and Krew.” Gladys’s eyes softened. “I know you’ll be happy together.”
“I have the family and the man I’ve always wanted.”
“The man you deserve. Will Clint be a problem?”
“Clint signed away his rights to Axl,” was all Cassie said on that. “Krew plans to adopt the three boys.”
“Wonderful news.” Gladys reached across the counter and patted Cassie’s hand. “Now if you can manage to keep that mother of yours from taking over the wedding, you’ll be set.”
“I’m hoping she and Len will get engaged and she’ll be too busy planning her own.”
“Your mouth, God’s ear.” Gladys turned and surveyed the dining area. After a second, she pointed. “That one, by the window.”
Taking the cue, Oaklee picked up the tray holding their order and headed for the table. It was a good spot, bright and sunny.
Once they were seated and Oaklee had taken a bite of the flaky pastry, she looked up at Gladys, wide-eyed. “OMG.”
“Told you so.” Gladys sat back in her chair and studied Oaklee with a smug smile that quickly turned speculative. “Is your brother dating anyone?”
As Oaklee had just bitten into the kouign amann, she took her time answering.
Gladys tapped the top of the table with a long nail painted bright purple. She beat a staccato beat with her nail while Oaklee savored the buttery goodness, then washed it down with a long drink of her latte.
Oaklee inclined her head. “Dating?”
“Do I need to define the term?”
Oaklee grinned. “I’m jacking with you.”
Gladys raised a jet-black brow. “I like your spunk.”
“I’m not sure how many actual dates he and Katie Ruth have been on, but he seems stuck on her. From what I observe, the feeling is mutual.”
“Excellent.” A pleased look filled Gladys’s eyes as she lifted the latte to her lips.
“What’s this about?” Oaklee jerked her head in Cassie’s direction. “Are you some kind of town matchmaker?”
The eyes that met hers were wide with astonishment. “I’m not sure what you mean.”
“Now who’s jacking with who?” Oaklee popped another bit of the caramelized pastry into her mouth. “You know exactly what I mean. You came here specifically to find out how Cassie and her guy are doing. Now, you’re asking me about my brother’s dating status.”
“You’re perceptive.”
Oaklee shrugged.
“I’m interested in people.” Gladys spoke carefully. “In their relationships. In what’s going on with their lives.”
“Bull.”
Gladys’s eyebrows winged up. “Pardon me?”
Oaklee studied her for a long moment. It hit her suddenly, and she couldn’t help but grin. She pointed. “You are a matchmaker.”
The expression of confusion Gladys feigned might have worked on someone less savvy, but Oaklee had a talent for seeing through bullshit.
“The hand to your throat is a nice touch,” she told the older woman. “Maybe you could suck in air, you know, like you’re really shocked.”
The smile that spread over Gladys’s face started slowly. “I’m not going to be able to fool you, am I?”
“Nope.” Oaklee finished off the last of the kouign amann.
“Then,” Gladys nodded as if making a decision, “I guess you’ll have to join us.”
Katie Ruth read through the interview Oaklee had approved, then hit send. Today’s version of the Open Door newsletter was now on its way to countless homes in the area.
She’d been the editor for five years. It was one more thing on an already overflowing plate, but Katie Ruth enjoyed the work. Because she kept it short, a few newsy articles, an occasional spotlight on a local business or a person new to the area, along with a few sentences of local gossip, it wasn’t a burden.
The gossip section was the most popular feature. Katie Ruth tried to include only what she could substantiate and never anything mean-spirited.
The section today included news that the search continued for Roy Davis’s heir. Roy, a local cherry grower and longtime Good Hope resident, had died recently after a fire swept through his home. On a lighter note, Katie Ruth added news that Good Hope’s baby boom showed no signs of slowing down. This time, it was the mayor and his wife looking forward to a baby this spring.
A baby.
There had been a time when Katie Ruth hadn’t been sure she wanted children. Heck, there had been a time when she’d thought she hadn’t wanted a husband. Or even a steady boyfriend. Then she’d gone to Vegas for the bachelorette party…
It was strange how, lately, memories of that weekend kept stealing into her consciousness at the oddest times.
Her phone dinged, and she picked it up, noting someone had contacted her on Messenger. Odd, since most of her friends preferred to text.
Her blood went cold when she saw the message was from Judd Stevens.
Katie Ruth. Need to talk with you asap.
“Speak of the devil,” Katie Ruth muttered under her breath. What could Judd possibly have to say to her after all these years?
She was curious, but not curious enough.
Before
she could change her mind, Katie Ruth blocked him.
Everyone made mistakes, and Judd was one of her biggest. She’d moved on and assumed he had, too.
Why did he want to talk to her now? And why make it sound urgent?
Not my problem, she told herself as she dropped her phone back in her bag. She was a different person now than she’d been when she’d known Judd. The last thing she needed was someone from her past screwing up her present.
Judd was history. That’s where he needed to stay.
Oaklee scrutinized Dan from her perch at the edge of the sofa. “The pants are okay, although brown chinos aren’t a fave of mine. But you absolutely are not leaving this house wearing that shirt.”
Dan glanced down at the black polo he’d put on for his date with Katie Ruth. “What’s wrong with it? This is one of my favorites.”
“I know it is, because I’ve seen it at every family gathering.” Oaklee closed her eyes briefly as if gathering strength.
“It’s stylish.”
“Look at the collar, Daniel. Maybe it was stylin’ in a long-ago decade before I was born, but not in any of the worlds humans currently inhabit.” Oaklee pointed to the hall in the direction of the bedrooms. “Put on the maroon plaid that Mom gave you for Christmas. I helped pick it out.”
Dan returned wearing the cotton button-up shirt. He had to admit it fit well.
Oaklee studied him for a long moment, gave a nod. “Did you splash on some of the cologne I got you for your last birthday?”
“Yes, Mother.” Dan’s droll tone made his sister laugh. He hadn’t planned to consult her on clothing—she’d just inserted herself—but there was an area where he could use her guidance. “I need your honest opinion about something.”
Oaklee straightened, TV remote in hand. “This sounds interesting. You have my total attention.”
“Dinner.” Dan held up two hands, pressing one forward and then the other. “Muddy Boots. Bayside Pizza.”
“Isn’t the pizza place where you proposed to Lindsay?”
“Yes, but Katie Ruth loves their goat cheese salads.”
“Doesn’t matter. It’s out. At least for tonight.”