Laura tucked into her chicken enchiladas with relish, thankful the moment had passed.
As they ate Laura told him about her job at the college. “It’s busy and fulfilling and I love the people I work with.” She sighed. “Alan wants me to quit when I get back, though. He wants me to take over a couple of areas in the church.”
Sam frowned. “They don’t have someone to do them right now?”
“Well, we do have a chairman for the women’s society, Marva Eggert. She does a good job but Alan wants me to do that.”
“What would your present chairperson have to say about that?”
Laura sighed. “She’ll probably be upset. She’s been in charge of the women’s group for five years.”
“What else does this well-organized pastor want you to do?”
“Teach a Sunday school class and oversee re-organizing the youth group.”
Sam rested his chin in one hand and studied her. “Sounds challenging. How do you feel about doing all these things?”
It was the second time someone had asked her that. “Sam, Alan knows I can do it. He wants me to be by his side, to help him.”
“He wants you to give up a job you love to take over jobs that other people in your church are already doing?”
His face was unreadable in the dim light, but his words struck her like a blow.
He knew. She wasn’t fooling anyone with her denials. Beth saw through it and now Sam.
“Ginny suggested we talk about that when I get back. I’m sure Alan will understand.”
His voice was flat. “Yes, I’m sure he will.”
He took put down his fork. “Changing the subject, have you heard any more from your cousin Deke?”
“No, not personally. My mother told me he came by the house and brought the picture of Aunt Estelle, Uncle Ray and their little boy that Uncle Ray had taken out of Aunt Estelle’s bedroom. Then, while Beth and I were at church, he helped Mother look through the house. I thought he’d gone back to LA but when mother and I were in town I spotted him getting in his car. I don’t think he knew we saw him. Mr. Howard told me he went back down the mountain Monday morning”.
She chewed on her lower lip. “Oh, the man Mr. Howard sent went all over the crawl space and couldn’t find anything suspicious under the house. I think the police have given up on the money being there at all.”
“Sounds like a logical conclusion to me. You’ve searched everywhere it’s possible to search and the house isn’t that big.”
“My mother says that Deke has a paper with a combination on it. That’s why he’s looking for a safe.”
Sam’s eyes widened. “He has the combination to a safe? Well that explains it. If I were a betting man, I’d bet you fifty bucks that Deke is the one that broke into the house Friday night.”
“Why do you think it was Deke?”
“Who else had the motive, and with what he thinks is the combination, he’s going to look everywhere he can in the hopes of sudden riches.”
“I feel sorry for him. He’s had such an unhappy life.”
He studied her a moment. “You’re more forgiving than a lot of people would be. I know you don’t have proof, but as I said, he’s the logical suspect.”
“He and my mother seem to have struck some sort of a rapport. I think they have some idea they’ll find the money and split it.”
Sam frowned. “Did your mother say anything about that?”
“No, I just believe that from some of the comments she’s made.”
He moved a bite around on his plate. “Do you think that your mother has given the idea up now?”
“What would be the point? The money isn’t there and I’m leaving Sunday afternoon to take her home to Los Angeles and get back to my job in San Diego. The house will be empty. If Deke or whoever it was breaks in again, the security will be there in less than five minutes. I just have to leave the house in God’s hands.”
He continued moving the bite around on his plate, his lips pursed. She had the feeling he wanted to say something else, but didn’t.
He looked across the table and smiled wistfully at her. “Leaving things in God’s hands is the right way to go about it, Laura.”
They switched topics and Sam began to tell her how he got into the electric business. “I started helping my dad when I was old enough to hold a screwdriver. He and my mother have been tremendously supportive of me. Especially these last two years.”
They continued with small talk, circling one another verbally and feeling each other out. She tried being objective and keeping her distance from Sam emotionally, but sensed a rapport between them. She just had to remember it was only to be a friendship.
On the way home Sam was thoughtful. Neither of them spoke and yet the silence was companionable. As they turned the corner onto Laura’s street, she suddenly gasped. A familiar car sat in the driveway behind her Camry.
“Looks like you have company. Anyone you know?”
She felt small and guilty. “Yes, it belongs to Alan McKay, my fiancée.”
As she started to jump out of the truck, Sam caught her hand.
“You haven’t done anything wrong, Laura.”
“Oh Sam, how is it going to look for me to come home from an evening with another man?”
“We just had dinner. Don’t worry. I’ll handle things, okay?”
She nodded, miserable.
“It’s been a nice evening. One of the nicest I’ve had in a long time, Laura. Just remember it as an evening with a friend.”
Laura opened the front door and put a smile on her face.
“Alan. What an unexpected surprise. How did you manage to get away?”
He unfolded himself from the couch where he’d been sitting with a cup of coffee. Gloria looked from Alan’s face to her daughter’s and raised her eyebrows, but remained silent.
He walked over to them, and bent down to kiss Laura on the cheek. His eyes flicked over Sam. “I took a day off. I hadn’t heard from you in several days. I was worried that you were all right.” His handsome face had a hard look. “Your mother said you were having dinner with a friend.” His eyes flicked over Sam. “I don’t believe we’ve met.”
Reaching out his hand, Sam smiled. “I’m Sam Matheson. My family’s known Laura’s aunt for many years. Your fiancé has been through quite an ordeal which I’m sure she’ll tell you about. I just thought I’d take her mind off things. She was kind enough to let me buy her dinner.”
Alan reluctantly shook Sam’s hand and put a possessive arm around Laura’s shoulders. “Yes, Laura’s mother has been telling me about some of the things that have happened. Well, I appreciate your gesture, Sam, thanks for bringing my fiancé home.”
Sam and Alan were both about the same height and they stared into each other’s eyes for a moment. Finally Sam stepped back. “Guess I know an exit cue when I hear one. I’m sure you two have a lot to catch up on.’
Laura had been listening to this exchange and found her temper rising. Alan was being downright rude. Before she could say anything, Sam gave an almost imperceptible shake of his head as he turned to Laura.
“Thanks for taking time out for dinner. My folks and I wish you a safe trip home and of course, best wishes on your coming wedding.” His face was bland.
He nodded to Gloria, “Mrs. Kingsley.”
“Sam.” She smiled and gave a slight shrug behind Alan’s back.
In a moment Sam was gone. Laura turned to her fiancée, her eyes blazing.
“Alan, you were rude. He was just being kind. He knows I’m engaged and was a perfect gentleman this evening.”
He folded his arms. “Laura, you’re more naïve than I thought you were if you think his intentions were just friendly. This evening was totally improper. What if someone had seen you?”
“What do you mean, what if someone had seen me? There was nothing improper to see.” She heard her voice rising.
He put his hands on his hips, his chin inches from her face. “
You’re going to be my wife. I was worried about you and drove all the way up here to find out you’re out to dinner with another man. What else have you been doing up here that I don’t know about?”
“Excuse me?” She stared at him with her mouth slightly open.
Gloria stepped in. “Really, Alan, this is getting out of hand. Let’s not make something out of nothing. Laura has had her hands full this week, as I’ve been sharing with you and of course I’ve been here. Now you two lovebirds call a truce and make up, hmmm?”
Looking from one to another, Alan waved a hand, “All right, I suppose I jumped to conclusions.” He turned to Laura and in all seriousness murmured, “I forgive you, darling.”
A plethora of emotions broke out in Laura. “You forgive me? You deign to forgive me?”
He stepped back. “I just wanted you to know that I understand.”
“Oh you do? You’re more worried about appearances than me. You can come up here and accuse me of, of whatever you’re accusing me of, yet when I needed you, you had meetings to attend.”
“Darling, you’re just distraught. Let’s both sit down and be calm.”
She knew she was being childish, and yet all the bottled feelings rose to the surface and stopping the words would have been like stopping a whirlwind.
“For your information, Alan McKay, I’m not quitting my job, I’m keeping this house and I don’t want to take over the women’s society and re-organize the youth group. You have people already doing that.”
He sat down suddenly on the couch as though her words were a force pushing him backward.
“Laura, what has come over you? We talked about the areas you were going to help me with in the church.”
Gloria rolled her eyes and slipped away into the kitchen.
Laura’s shoulders drooped, her balloon of anger suddenly deflated. “You talked about those areas, Alan. You never once asked me what I wanted to do. You just made all the plans and expected me to meekly go along.”
He was at once conciliatory. “Darling, of course you don’t have to do any of those things if you don’t want to.” He reached out and drew her down next to him. “I didn’t realize you felt so strongly about it.”
“I feel strongly about a lot of things, Alan. You seem to get so upset if things didn’t go the way you planned them and I didn’t want to create problems with your dad so sick and your new responsibilities.” At the mention of his father, she saw his face fall and compassion took the place of anger. “How is your father?”
“The doctors say it’s a matter of weeks, maybe less. The cancer as invaded his whole body.”
“Oh Alan, I’m so sorry. It’s so hard to lose someone you love.” As she said the words, she suddenly saw Alan differently. He’d grown up in the shadow of his father, groomed for the pastorate, a little boy desperately trying to please a man larger than life.
“Alan, how do you feel about being pastor of your church?”
He gave her a puzzled look. “What do you mean?”
“If you had to choose any occupation you wanted in this world, what would you be?”
“I’ve wanted to be a pastor all my life.”
“Your father wanted you to be a pastor, to take over from him one day.”
“Of course, and that’s what I’m doing. Really, Laura, this is a pointless conversation. I’m doing what I’ve wanted to do, what I’ve trained for.”
She saw the futility of the conversation and also in that moment, the futility of their relationship. The clock on the mantel chimed ten o’clock. She was tired in so many ways. They needed to talk, but not now.
“Mother has the guest room and I have the master bedroom so you get the couch. I’ll make up a bed for you. We’ll talk in the morning.”
“Of course, darling, we have lots to talk about. ou can finish telling me the rest of what’s been happening up here. With this business over the bank money, I’ll be glad to get you home and safely away from this place.”
This place. And she knew she didn’t want to leave, to go back to the life they had before, even her job. This was home. She opened her mouth to tell him, to get him to understand what had happened to her, when her mother walked quickly out of the kitchen carrying a mug for Laura and the coffee pot.
“More coffee, anyone?” Gloria said, beaming at both of them.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Laura heard sounds of an electric razor from the bathroom and knew Alan was up. She scrunched up her face and looked heavenward. “Lord, what am I doing? What do I say? “She bowed her head in the silence. “I need your help, Lord. I can’t do this alone. I can’t marry Alan and I have to tell him.” She reached for her Bible and turned to a familiar passage in Isaiah. “You shall hear a word behind you, saying, this is the way, walk in it.” She wiped a tear from one cheek. “I’m counting on that, Lord.”
She dressed quickly and began folding Alan’s bedding from the couch. He came up behind her, his voice almost too cheerful. “Good morning, darling, how did you sleep?”
“I slept all right.’ I tossed and turned all night, anticipating this morning.
Alan put an arm around her shoulders, and tipping her chin up, kissed her soundly. At her half-hearted response, he frowned. “I hope you’re not still upset over last night. We both said some things we shouldn’t have. I want you to know I’m sorry, Laura“.
She glanced in the kitchen to see her mother dressed and pouring herself some coffee. Nothing like the prospect of being pampered in a beauty shop to get a woman going in the morning.
Laura went to give her parent a brief hug. Then she poured Alan a cup of coffee. He gave her a thoughtful glance as he sat down in the kitchen nook.
“Anyone want any breakfast?” She opened the fridge and reached for the eggs.
“I’m good. I have to be on my way. I’m sure you two won’t miss me.” Gloria blew them a kiss and breezed out the door.
“You make a great omelet.” Alan ventured.
She made an omelet with a little cheese and found four sausages left in the meat compartment. He watched her in wary silence.
She needed an opening gambit. “How did the meeting go at the church?”
“Oh, just as I said it would. It was a vote of approval, but, unfortunately, it wasn’t unanimous.”
She stopped beating the eggs. “Someone voted against you?”
“I think I know who they are, Peter Garcia and Silas MacArthur.”
“How do you know?”
“They haven’t been in favor of my becoming head pastor from the beginning. They feel we need new blood to take the church in a different direction.”
“Ah.”
He watched her in silence until she put the plates of food on the table. He bowed his head and asked a brief and perfunctory blessing but didn’t take her hand. She looked down at the hand Sam had held the night before and closed her eyes.
Alan cut into his omelet with the side of his fork, as he continued his conversation. “Their time on the board is up next year. I need the board’s full support and the sooner they’re gone, the better.”
“I see.” And she did, more clearly that she wanted to. “When do you have to get back?”
He frowned and took her hand. “I’m sorry, darling, I have to go back this morning. There’s just too much going on and it doesn’t help for me to be gone at this time.” He finished his breakfast quickly and glanced at his watch. “I’d better get on the road. I’ll see you Sunday.”
Now is the time. Now or never.
She put a hand on his arm. “Alan, I wish you well in your new job, really I do. I’m afraid I’m not going to be able to share it with you.”
He rose from the table and went to put his arms around her. “Darling, don’t say anything you might regret later.”
She gently pushed him away. “Alan, I can’t marry you.” She pulled the ring off her finger and put it in his palm, closing his fingers around it.
His shoulders seemed visibly droop.
“I see.” He opened his hand and stared at the ring. “Is it the man you were with last night?”
Her eyes widened. “Sam? No, I don’t know him well enough. He’s just been a friend.”
“Then why?”
“Alan, I do care about you, but I was caught up in the bigger picture, serving the Lord together maybe. I’m just not in love with you. I’ve finally realized that. You deserve the helpmate who is right for you.”
He took hold of her shoulders, and she heard the panic in his voice. “Laura, do you know what you’re doing? The board expects me to be married. They all approved of my choice…” he broke off, suddenly aware of what he’d said.
She stepped back, pity welling up inside her. “Oh, Alan, perhaps it’s for the best. Maybe there is a new direction the Lord wants to see you go. Not the direction your father planned for you, but one God has for you.”
He looked down at the ring again. “So this is final?”
Suddenly a weight rolled off her shoulders. “Yes, Alan.” She reached up and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
He stood for a moment as if unsure what to do next, then went into the living room and picked up his satchel. She followed him out to his car and as he started to get in he gave her a last look but said no more. In a few moments he’d driven away.
She watched the car until it turned the corner. I don’t know where I’m headed, Lord, but I believe I did the right thing. So where do I go from here?”
A bird trilled his song from high in one of the pine trees, a song of praise. She listened, standing quietly in the driveway and felt God’s love washing over her.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Sam worked with a vengeance, twisting the wire in the electric box. He was still fuming over his meeting with Laura’s fiancée the night before. What a stuffed shirt, full of his own importance. How did a nice girl like Laura pick someone like that?
He flung his screwdriver down and then looked around sheepishly to see if anyone had seen him. Fortunately he was working this job alone. He picked up the screwdriver and put it in his tool belt.
“Well, you’ve gone and done it, Sam old man, with all the girls you’ve dated up here, you fall for a girl who’s not only engaged to somebody else, but lives in San Diego.”
House of the Forest Page 17