by Cindy Kirk
“I guess Muddy Boots gets the nod.”
“You’re not taking her there either.” Oaklee shook her head vigorously. “The entire town will be there, buzzing around your table. Another couple—or two or three—will probably ask to join you.”
That wasn’t far from the realm of possibility. “But—”
“Don’t worry. I took the liberty of making a reservation for two at Sombreros in Egg Harbor. Gladys told me they have the best Mexican food.”
“I know Katie Ruth likes the food at Muddy Boots.” Dan puffed out his cheeks. “What if she doesn’t like Mexican food?”
“Of course she likes Mexican food. What kind of person doesn’t like Mexican food?” Oaklee shot back. “If Katie Ruth doesn’t like Mexican food, you should just go ahead and dump her. You need a woman who enjoys a little spice.”
Dan only smiled. “I appreciate the clothing advice. I promise to do you proud tonight.”
“You are such a dork.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment, from one dork to another.” When Oaklee’s laughter mixed with his, Dan realized just how much he was enjoying getting to know his sister. “And I appreciate you making the reservations at Sombreros. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it myself. I’ve been there before, and Gladys is right, the food is fabulous. Muddy Boots could have been a problem.”
Looking very much like Gladys at her regal best, Oaklee made a rolling gesture with one hand. “So you bow before my wisdom.”
“On everything except dumping Katie Ruth.” Dan grinned. “Even if the woman doesn’t like Mexican, I’m not giving her up.”
Chapter Ten
In the past two weeks, Katie Ruth spent time with Dan at a variety of church functions, but actual dates had been in short supply. Though they’d gone together to deliver a baby gift to Beck and Ami last week. James Thomas “JT” Cross had arrived the last day of February.
The baby, with his strawberry-blond tufts of hair and chubby cheeks, had everyone in the family mesmerized.
Katie Ruth and Dan hadn’t stayed long. Beck’s parents had been visiting from Georgia, and Dan had to get to his men’s Bible study.
Tonight, well, tonight, it would be just her and Dan. Katie Ruth dipped a chip into the salsa on her plate and smiled, feeling completely and utterly relaxed.
Sombreros, a popular Mexican cantina in Egg Harbor, was just far enough down the road to ensure some alone time. “How did you know I like Mexican?”
“Wild guess.” Dan smiled slowly, and she felt her insides go to jelly. He lifted his tumbler of iced tea in a mock toast. “To an enjoyable evening.”
“I’m sorry you have to skip the alcohol.”
Since he was the designated driver, Katie Ruth had ordered the pomegranate margarita she’d been craving.
“It isn’t a sacrifice. I’m not much of a drinker, anyway.”
Katie Ruth clinked her glass against the tumbler and took a sip. The margarita hit the spot. She let her gaze linger on Dan. He looked positively yummy this evening. “Is that a new shirt?”
Surprise widened his eyes. “Relatively new. Do you like it?”
“Very much.” There was something about the colors in the plaid that made his eyes look like pools of milk chocolate. Her heart stumbled. “It’s very stylish.”
“That’s what—” The sound of raised voices had both of them turning their heads.
At a nearby table, the servers sang Happy Birthday at the tops of their voices to a boy wearing an oversize sombrero.
Katie Ruth picked up her margarita glass. “This is nice.”
“It’s a great restaurant,” Dan agreed.
“Well, yes, it is, but that isn’t what I meant.”
He inclined his head.
“I love all the places to eat in Good Hope.” Katie Ruth searched for the right words. “With you being the minister and me living there my entire life, we know so many people. It’s impossible to eat anywhere in town without someone stopping by the table.”
“The increased privacy is one reason some ministers prefer larger cities.” Dan smiled and thanked the server who’d brought their food—enchiladas for her and a chimi for him.
Katie Ruth forked off a bite of enchilada. “More privacy and more opportunity, right? Is that how your parents see it? If you were in a big city, you would have more opportunities for success?”
Dan nodded and swallowed his food. “Yes, that’s how they see it.”
Katie Ruth pushed a bit of enchilada around on her plate. “So then, are you considering a move?”
His eyes widened as if the question surprised him.
It seemed fairly straightforward to Katie Ruth. To keep from filling the sudden silence, she grabbed a couple of chips and stuffed them in her mouth.
“I’m happy in Good Hope.” Dan attacked the chimi that had been fried to golden perfection. “Though my dad’s arguments in favor of making a move make sense.”
The fork in Katie Ruth’s hand stilled halfway to her mouth.
“Of course, Dad views the ministry through the same lens as any corporate gig.” Dan chuckled. “The larger the congregation, the more the salary and higher the prestige.”
A sick feeling filled the pit of Katie Ruth’s stomach. “How do you see it?”
“I have a passion for ministry. I want to go where I can best serve.” Dan’s eyes blazed with conviction. “When a call comes—if one does—I’m praying that it will be clear where I can best serve. Whether that’s in Good Hope or in Lincolnshire or someplace else.”
Katie Ruth washed a piece of enchilada stuck in her throat down with a gulp of margarita. “Lincolnshire?”
“The same suburb where my parents live. A church near their house is looking for an associate pastor. On the surface, it looks like a good fit.”
Katie Ruth nodded as if him moving to Illinois made perfect sense. “You’re seriously considering the position?”
Dan set down his fork. “I haven’t been through a formal interview yet, but yes, I’m open to the idea.” Two tiny lines formed between Dan’s brows. “It seems that a large congregation would offer more opportunities for me to fully use my talents. As well as give me a more balanced home life.”
“Maybe.” Katie Ruth washed the chips down with the rest of her margarita.
“You sound skeptical.”
He’d opened the door, so she walked through it. “I think it all depends on church politics. If you’re hired as a senior pastor, you may be given more leeway. If not, you’ll likely be forced to follow the direction envisioned by the senior pastor and the board.”
Dan’s brow remained furrowed. “Are you saying you don’t think I should explore the option?”
“That isn’t at all what I’m saying.” Katie Ruth signaled the waitress for another margarita. “Your life. Your choice.”
“There are perks to living in a bigger city.” Dan’s tone remained easy, but his eyes had turned watchful.
“Like I said, it’s your choice to make. What I think, what your father thinks, doesn’t matter.”
“You talk about how hard it is for us to have dinner without being interrupted. That wouldn’t be an issue in a larger community.” Dan’s eyes took on a distant gleam. “Lindsay also hated the constant interruptions. Then again, she had trouble seeing herself as a minister’s wife. It’s not an easy road.”
“The road would be easier if you love the man behind the pulpit.” Katie Ruth liked Lindsay and considered her a friend. She didn’t, for one second, approve of how she’d treated Dan. “Lindsay never loved you.”
“I realize that now.” His fingers curved around the tumbler of tea. “I also accept I never loved her. Not the way a man should love a woman he pledged to marry.”
“I need to clarify one thing.” Katie Ruth smiled her thanks when the server handed her the margarita.
Dan’s gaze remained fixed on her.
“When I said it was nice to be here because odds are we won’t be interrupted,
I didn’t mean I hate it when people stop by to talk. I actually enjoy visiting with friends. But just for tonight, I want to be alone with you.”
“I appreciate the clarification.” He reached over and squeezed her hand.
For some reason, the sweet gesture had her blinking back tears. She was done with this subject. Katie Ruth forced a smile. “Is Oaklee still enjoying her job?”
“She loves it. I believe it’s taken her by surprise how much she enjoys being around an older generation.” He chuckled. “Oh, and Gladys Bertholf is Oaklee’s new best friend.”
“Told you.” Katie Ruth laughed aloud, grateful to have something to focus on besides the possibility of Dan leaving Good Hope. “Your sister is a Gladys-in-training.”
Dan winced.
“Oh, c’mon. Gladys is a wonderful woman. There are worse role models your sister could latch on to.”
“You’re right. It’s just—”
Recalling the discussion last week about listening skills, Katie Ruth resisted the urge to interrupt. Though her appetite had fled, she stabbed another bite of enchilada.
“Oaklee has started quoting the woman. Worse, you know how Gladys can be. Oaklee has begun ‘suggesting,’” Dan made air quotes, “how I can better live my life.”
Now he’d lost her. “What kind of suggestions?”
“For example, taking you out tonight. She—”
“What?” Katie Ruth’s heart slammed against her chest wall. “Are you telling me the reason you made time in your schedule was because your sister suggested it?” Katie Ruth felt her temper inch upward. “Did she suggest kissing me the other night? Perhaps she’s given you instructions for how to behave tonight when you take me—”
“Stop,” Dan ordered in a commanding tone she’d rarely heard him use.
Katie Ruth blinked.
“My sister has nothing to do with tonight.”
“You said she suggested you take me out tonight.”
“That isn’t what I said.”
At her skeptical glance, he held up a hand. “I admit it may have sounded that way. The truth is, Oaklee has talked a lot about me not living my life to the fullest.”
“You’re a busy man.” Despite her hurt, Katie Ruth automatically rose to his defense. “I don’t know anyone in Good Hope who works harder than you.”
“That’s what I thought when she first said it. It was knee-jerk. But instead of protesting and listing the reasons why what she said wasn’t true, I kept my mouth shut and listened.” Dan’s smile turned rueful. “While it’s true I lead a busy life, I’m beginning to see I don’t have a balanced one. I rarely take time out for fun.”
Katie Ruth relaxed her death grip on her drink. “So tonight is about fun?”
“There isn’t anyone whose company I enjoy more.” Dan scooped up salsa with a chip. “When I’m not with you, I find myself thinking about you. I hope this is just the beginning for us.”
Katie Ruth’s heart swelled with emotion. She met his gaze. The time for playing it cool was over. “I’d like that, too.”
Dan took her hand then, his fingers playing with hers. In the dim light of the restaurant, Katie Ruth found herself falling a little more in love with him.
“Well, isn’t this a cozy scene?” Acid dripped from the woman’s tone.
Katie Ruth jerked her hand free of Dan’s with such force the back of it whacked her margarita glass.
Only Dan’s quick reflexes saved it from spilling.
Edna Peabody and her husband, Ronald, stood tableside. A hostess, clutching menus, paused several feet away.
Dan pushed to his feet and shook Ron’s hand. “It’s good to see you both.”
Disapproval rolled off Edna in waves as her sharp gaze narrowed on Katie Ruth. Scrawny with a long neck, Edna reminded Katie Ruth of the turkey vultures commonly seen in Devil’s Lake State Park. Even her hair had silver streaking the dark sides like wings.
“I believe you both know Katie Ruth.” Dan gestured to her, his voice pleasant.
Katie Ruth forced a smile. “Edna. Ron.”
“We’re not personally acquainted,” Edna clarified as Ron remained silent. “We know her by reputation.”
Dan appeared to be momentarily struck speechless by the woman’s rudeness.
Katie Ruth had more experience in such “polite” slights. “Wow, thanks, Edna. I’ve gotten quite a few compliments about my work with the youth group, but coming from you, that means a lot.”
When Edna’s eyes narrowed, Katie Ruth let her smile widen.
The older woman finally shifted her gaze to Dan. “I didn’t realize the two of you were involved.”
For a second, Katie Ruth wasn’t sure how Dan would respond. She tried to tell herself she would understand if he explained away this dinner.
When he reached across the table and took her hand, Katie Ruth nearly jumped.
“Katie Ruth and I are dating.” He gave her hand a squeeze, then released it.
“You know her parents…” Edna began, shaking her husband’s hand from her arm.
“I’m sure you’re familiar with the words ‘judge not.’” Dan didn’t need to say more.
Edna’s thin lips pressed together.
“Why are you standing there?” Edna said to her husband, jerking her head in the direction of the hostess. “Can’t you see the woman is waiting to seat us?”
Without another word, Edna whirled and strode off.
“Good to see you, Preacher.” Ron shifted his attention to Katie Ruth. “Sorry about that.”
The hostess, as if sensing distance was best in this situation, seated the two at the far end of the dining room.
Though seconds earlier Katie Ruth had been nearly positive she’d opt for dessert, she felt that a pall now hung over the table.
“I don’t want to cause trouble for you.” Hot tears stung the backs of her lids, but Katie Ruth blinked them away. In a matter of minutes, her hopes of a future with Dan had been dashed. “I know we just said we want this to be our beginning, but maybe…” She took a deep breath and forced herself to get out the words. “Maybe we shouldn’t be starting something. I don’t want your association with me to damage your reputation.”
He stared at her for a long time, searching her face. “Is that what you want?”
“This isn’t about what I want.” Her voice rose, then broke. She took another steadying breath. “You’re destined for bigger and better. Anyone can see that. The congregation, your father, and I can see that, too. I don’t want to stand in your way.”
“I don’t want you to stand in my way either.”
Katie Ruth looked up and saw a small smile soften Dan’s otherwise serious expression.
“I much rather have you standing by my side. Katie Ruth, your parents’ actions are not yours.” Dan’s gaze remained steady. “I’m proud to be with you. That isn’t going to change.”
Katie Ruth thought of the message from Judd. She told herself that had been one weekend, so far in the past it barely counted. It had nothing to do with now. Nothing to do with the woman she was now.
“I was going to suggest we leave.” Katie Ruth spoke slowly and felt a smile lift her lips.
As if picking up on the past tense, he smiled. “Now?”
“Want to split some fried ice cream?”
“I came up with more questions for the youth group.” Katie Ruth scooped up the last bite of ice cream.
Dan supposed it was inevitable the talk would turn to business. They were both so involved in the ministry at First Christian it was difficult to keep from bringing up related topics.
He didn’t mind, but the memory of Lindsay’s long-suffering expression whenever he’d brought up church business had kept him from mentioning anything tonight.
The coffee he and Katie Ruth had ordered with dessert had been refilled. Dan sipped the rich Colombian blend, and contentment washed over him. “Do you recall any of them?”
“I have them with me.” She pulled her bag
to her lap and began rummaging through the contents. Heaving an exasperated breath, she set her phone, a slim wallet and a deck of cards on the table while continuing to search.
“Are these it?” Dan picked up the cards.
Katie Ruth lifted her gaze from the bowels of her purse and shook her head. “Cassie gave those to me. I was working on my list at the Daily Grind, and she asked what I was doing. When I told her that I was trying to come up with a list of questions, she hurried off and said that reminded her of something she needed to get rid of. She came back and dropped these in my bag.”
Dan began to flip through the deck.
Katie Ruth huffed out a frustrated sound. “I can’t find my list.”
“That’s okay.” Dan lifted the hand holding the cards. “We could see if any of these questions work.”
Katie Ruth’s expression turned doubtful. “I don’t think we’ll find anything appropriate for middle schoolers. Cassie mentioned these were for couples. When I tried to tell her my questions were intended for the youth group, she just waved me off and said I had to take them off her hands. She made it sound as if the deck had been passed all around Good Hope.”
Dan cocked his head. This was sounding familiar. He swore someone had mentioned the cards to him. “You can’t pass them along until you’ve answered three questions.”
Katie Ruth’s eyes widened. “You’ve heard about them?”
“I can’t remember from who, but yes, they’re rather notorious.” Dan studied her. “Apparently, some of the questions are mild, and others are,” he searched for the right word, “racy.”
Katie Ruth laughed. “Better not show this deck to Edna.”
“Good point.” He glanced at the cards. “If you’re feeling adventurous, I can pull one from the deck.”
She wrinkled her nose, and her tone turned teasing. “As long as I reserve the right not to answer.”
“Absolutely.” Dan set the deck on the table, then pulled a card from the middle and read aloud. “When you and your partner argue about an issue, what do you say to resolve it?”
“If we change the word ‘partner’ to ‘friend,’ we could use a question like this with the youth group.” Katie Ruth’s brows drew together. “Maybe have it read, ‘When you and your friend disagree about an issue, how do you resolve it?’”