An Ordinary Love (A Christian Contemporary Romance) (Sidney's Sanctuary Book 1)

by Tina Bustamante

  Dr. Kellen nodded.“I don’t mind waiting on the porch.”

  Sidney exhaled.“Fine. Wait on the porch. Are you worried I might drop to one knee and propose or something?”

  Dr. Kellen didn’t look her in the eye.“I don’t want to intrude.”

  “You knock on my door at 7:00 o’clock in the morning, demand to see one of my guests, and you’re worried about intruding?”

  He rubbed his cheek.“You may have a point.”

  She left the door open.“I’m going to change clothes. Help yourself to a cup of coffee. I’ll be right back.”

  She went to her room and grabbed a hoodie and changed into a pair of yoga pants. She pulled her hair back, shoving it into a bun-like knot. She didn’t even bother to look at herself in the mirror. She went back to the kitchen, aching for a cup of coffee. He handed her a full cup.

  She raised one eyebrow.“Thanks.” She took the mug and their fingers brushed up against one another. He brought his hand back to himself so quickly she wondered if she’d stung him. He was strange.

  She grabbed the milk from the fridge and poured a splash into her coffee and took a long big gulp. She closed her eyes for a moment, feeling the caffeine move into the upper reaches of her mind and push back the lingering fog of exhaustion. She leaned against the counter and stared at Dr. Kellen. She decided to try some small talk.

  “So, you’re a doctor?” She tipped her head.“Geriatrics?”

  He raised one eyebrow and gave her a faint smile.“Family practice.” He sipped his coffee. Both of his hands gripped the coffee mug, which were clean, well kept, and seemed strong. He stood opposite her at the other side of the kitchen.“And you?” he asked.“What did you do before you arrived here?”

  “High School English teacher.”

  Understanding dawned on his face.“So, that’s how you knew what to tell Jake?”

  She cringed.“Sorry if I was too forward. Reading is such an important thing– for every subject, for the whole of a person’s life. If you can read, you go places. If you can’t or don’t read, well, you’re stuck. I should have minded my own business.”

  He shook his head.“It was helpful. Just telling him to read slower made a difference. I’ve been telling him that for months, but I think he got tired of hearing it from his dad.”

  “Sometimes a different voice is all it takes.”

  He checked his watch, then studied the kitchen.“You’ve done a lot with the place. I saw the carpenters from a distance, but had no idea you would be changing so much.”

  “It needed some upgrades.”

  “It’s all very modern now.” His face didn’t change, but Sidney could hear the condescension in his tone. It annoyed her. He had a consistent tendency toward arrogance. One of the things she most disliked in a man. Maybe it was his age.

  “Yes, it’s all very modern now,” she said.“As opposed to what?”

  “Simple, charming.”

  She stood up straighter.“It’s still charming. It’s not like I put in an elevator. There are showers in the bathrooms instead of only bathtubs, there’s a dishwasher instead of having to hand wash every item by hand, there’s more cupboard space. I freshened it up, made it easier to live in. I gave it a newness. There’s nothing wrong with that.” She reached over to the coffee pot and poured herself another cup.“If you’ll excuse me. For some reason I find conversation with you exasperating.”

  “What about Betty?”

  “Betty can hold her own. Hopefully, she likes you well enough to talk. If not, I suggest you go back home, especially if she’s got her blow dryer with her.”

  “Nice talking with you,” he said.

  She kept walking out of the kitchen and waved, muttering under her breath.“I wish I could say the same.” She went down the hallway to her office, hoping to get some work done. She shut the door and paced back and forth a couple of times. She undid her hair and put it back up again. That man was definitely dealing with some sort of suppression. Maybe he was a closet gay who had repressed anger toward women? She had no idea how she was going to avoid him for the rest of her life on this island, but would certainly try. Maybe if she were rude enough to him he’d move away. She sat down at her desk and goggled“How to get rid of one’s horrible neighbor?” just to see what would come up.

  ~

  Kell drank his coffee and went over their conversation in his head. He sounded like a jerk whenever he got around that woman. Now, she hated him. She even hated being in the same room with him and it was her house. Why couldn’t he act like a normal person around her? Why had he made that comment about how the house used to be charming? The remodel was incredible. The house was beautiful. He felt old standing in such a kitchen. Sidney was young and vibrant, full of wit and sass. She had these piercing eyes that took him off guard. He sighed and sipped his coffee.

  A few minutes later, Betty came through the kitchen. She wore her bathrobe with her hair tucked up in a bun. Kell still leaned against the counter, feeling like a piece of old furniture when she walked in.

  She flew back against the wall.“My word, Matthew Kellen,” she said, putting her hand on her heart.“You almost had to revive me. Not that I’d mind.” She smiled at him.“What are you doing here? Trying to date the new owner already?”

  He cringed.“That woman hates me.”

  She gave him a look of disbelief.“Maybe it’s just a secret attraction she’s trying to hide.”

  “I don’t think that’s it, Betty. She had to leave her own kitchen to get away from me.”

  “I'm sure that's an exaggeration. Besides, you can’t act like you dislike all beautiful women forever, Matthew Kellen. At some point you’ve got to move on.”

  “You think she’s beautiful?”

  Betty leaned against the counter.“Yes. And so do you. I can tell by the way you’re shifting your eyes.”

  Kell waved his hand at her.“I didn’t come to talk about me. I came to see if you’re okay.”

  Her lip trembled. She batted her hand in the air as if she were trying to push her emotions out of the way like smoke.“Oh, I’ll be okay. I’ll bounce back. I’m just in shock, you know. Never really expected it of Big Dan.” Her eyes filled with tears. She swiped them away with both hands. Kell moved to her side and put his arm around her. He was quiet for a moment, letting her be still in her sorrow.

  “You can cry, Betty. No harm in that.”

  She rested her face in his shirt and wept for a few moments. The tension softened in her stiff shoulders as she leaned into him.

  Betty lifted her head and sniffled, wiping her nose with the sleeve of her robe.“Don’t you dare tell Dan where I am. And don’t have him over. I need some space, Kell.”

  “Can I tell him I talked to you?”

  Betty squinted her eyes and pursed her lips.“As much as I’d like to see him sweat it out, it would be better for him to know I’m alive.” Then her eyes flickered and she raised her hand, pointing at him.“But that’s all. I’m not ready to deal with Dan Holberg yet.”

  “Okay, Betty. Whatever you say. Are you sure you want to stay here? You could always go stay with one of your sons.”

  “Absolutely. Sidney is darling. I like her more than I can even say. She took care of me last night better than anyone else would have.”

  “Must just be me.”

  “What did you say to her? I certainly got the impression she doesn’t want anything to do with you.”

  “Jake said something about how she wanted to marry me, or how she and I should get married. I tried to straighten out any confusion.”

  Betty’s eyes widened. She leaned back against the counter.“Oh no. What did you tell her?”

  “That I’m not looking for anyone, or interested in dating anyone right now. I didn’t want her to think I put Jake up to it. I wanted her to know it was his idea, not mine. I think it came across like I thought she was after me and she made sure I understood, she isn’t.”

  Betty crossed her arms.“Well, good
for her. You probably don’t stand a chance with her, now.”

  “That’s what I wanted. I’m sick of everyone trying to marry me off. Ever since your announcement at the 4thof July picnic.”

  “The problem is Matthew Kellen, did you ever stop to wonder, even for just a minute if it might be good to make a new friend? You’re alone and could use a kind woman in your life. Now, you probably seem like a stuck-up arrogant jerk.”

  “Whatever I did or said, she thought I was rude. She doesn’t like me. I’m fine with it. I don’t need any complications in my life.” He spoke honestly, but there was a nagging feeling in the back of his mind.

  “Women might be complicated,but we also keep the world going round. Don’t blow us off forever. Like I said, you could use a friend.”

  He shook his head.“No. Women and men don’t do friendship. Besides, she’s got wild and crazy hair. She’s not my type.

  Chapter Six

  Pastor Matt’s Predicament

  It had been months since Pastor Matt had spent an afternoon alone in his house. He putzed around most of the morning, reading the paper, reading some poetry and sermons by George MacDonald, a fine writer and preacher. He finally decided to have some tea and a few cookies.

  Outside his kitchen window, he noticed the new innkeeper, Sidney, raking the fallen leaves on the side of her house. Her long auburn hair was held together in a loose braid and swung around her face as she leaned over to pull the leaves closer to herself. She’d flip her braid over to her back and pull more leaves.

  He watched her rhythm and forgot his tea. There was something familiar about her movements, her hair, her frame—as if he was standing back in time, watching his mother rake the leaves in their yard. She used to braid her hair in the same way and it wasn’t in style then either. Nostalgia flooded his heart. He hadn’t thought of his mother in so long.

  Sidney paused for a moment and wiped her brow with her sleeve, gripping the rake with one hand. Leaves piled all around her. Matt opened the kitchen door.“Care for a break?” he called out.“I’ve got hot water for a cup of tea.”

  She eyed him questioningly, glancing about, as if she were looking for someone. Jake had told him he’d gone fishing with her, and he heard she met Kell, but Kell was being strangely quiet about his first impressions of the new innkeeper.

  Matt called out,“I’m home alone today and I’d love some company. I’m going over my sermon for tomorrow,but could use a moment to breathe.”

  Her face lit up.“Tea would be lovely.”

  A few minutes later, they sat next to each other on the porch glider, the one his wife had persuaded him to buy so many years ago. Sidney gazed out at the water.“It’s a beautiful island, isn’t it? It feels the way home is supposed to feel.”

  “It’s home to me. I hardly know any other.”

  “How long have you lived here?”

  Matt took a sip of his tea.“All my life. I left to go to seminary and moved back here to take over the church. I’ve been here ever since.”

  Sidney’s eyes brightened in surprised.“You’ve stayed here all these years? Pastored the same church? That’s amazing.”

  “Good amazing or bad amazing?”

  She tipped her head and bit the side of her lip.“Depends on if you’ve loved it or not, I suppose.”

  He sighed, shifted his teacup around in his hand, almost meditatively.“It’s been a good life. My wife and I loved it here. I treasured the simplicity of this island. I liked belonging somewhere, being a part of a place where I was known, loved, and could love in return. I’ve baptized babies and then baptized their own infants.” He paused. He wanted to say something to her about his retirement but didn’t know how to get it out. How does one tell a young woman in the prime of her life that everyone wants him to retire? He’d sound like a fool.

  She leaned back against her chair and breathed in.“I used to dream of that sort of life when I was young. The life where everyone knows you, knows your family, your children, your grandparents. It seems so story book.”

  “What happened?” he asked, forcing himself to look at the sea and not directly at her.

  “Life happened, I suppose. But I’m here now and that’s what’s important. No one is too old or too settled to change. Especially when life shifts unexpectedly.”

  “That’s true. Reminds me of the sermon I’m going to preach on Sunday.”

  “Oh really? What’s it about?”

  “Transition. How to muddle through change without losing our faith in God.”

  Sidney’s face lifted in interest.“What’s the prescription?”

  “To trust in God’s love.”

  Her eyes sparkled at him.“That’s it, huh? I wish it were that easy.”

  “Simple is at the heart of all true faith.”

  “Perhaps.” She stared off at the water and took a sip of her tea.

  “You’re welcome to join us tomorrow. Betty could probably take you. She usually goes.”

  Sidney rested her teacup on her lap.“I’m not going to ask my guests about their private comings and goings. Besides, I think I’ve already heard the message.”

  “So, you’re not a church goer?” he asked, gently—trying not to come on too strong.

  She chuckled, her laughter tightened, losing some of its freedom.“Oh, I don’t know. I was. Before. But not now. I might surprise you some day. For now, I need to settle in without getting pushed into any boxes or pre-conceived assumptions.” She moved her teacup and set it on the table beside the glider.“I loved the tea. Thank you.”

  “Would you care for another cup?”

  Sidney shifted her gaze toward her yard.“I should get back to the raking. It’s so sunny. I need to seize the time while I have it.” She got up, dusted herself off, and started down the steps. She paused, turned back around.“Oh, Matt, I’m looking for a housekeeper. I’d like to hire someone before the end of the year to help with the cleaning and everything. If you know of someone or would be willing to put my name out, I’d appreciate it.”

  He thought for a moment.“I don’t know anyone off the top of my head, but I’ll put the word out. We have a bulletin board at the church. I could put a notice up on it if you’ve got one? I’m sure someone will call you.”

  She gave a curt nod.“That’s a great idea. Thanks so much.”

  “Do you have a name for your bed and breakfast, yet?”

  “I’m still trying to figure it out. Betty and I were thinking that maybe for the grand opening, we could take ideas from some of the guests. Offer a free night to the person who comes up with the best name.”

  “Not a bad idea. Although it might be hard to do a grand opening for a bed and breakfast without a name.”

  “Good point. But I don’t want to give it the wrong one, you know? I’ll go type up a job description right away.”

  “I'll be over in about half and hour.”

  She went off to her yard and he sat a few minutes longer, thinking about Sidney.

  He liked her. He liked her very much. She let Betty, a perfect stranger, stay at her house before she opened her inn because she needed a place to stay. When he told her Betty attended his church she didn’t jump at the chance to learn more about her guest. She also talked openly about the disappointments in life—although he was almost sure there was some secret heartache somewhere. The more he learned of her, the more he liked. He liked that she didn’t meander around his invitation to church either, which meant she didn’t feel obligations to people based on social assumptions and expectations. She walked free and moved within her own conscience. She reminded him of his mother.

  His stomach tightened. He looked at his watch, batting the recollection of his mother out of his mind. He needed to get over to the church to make sure everything was ready for tomorrow.

  ~

  An hour later, Pastor Matt opened the doors of the small church he had served at for over forty years. Kell was a baby when he’d taken the job. Right out of seminary,he and his wi
fe, Jane, began their journey here. There’d been talk for a few years among the parishioners that it was time for him to retire, but lately it had become more than talk. His health was unstable, high blood pressure and some cholesterol issues. But every time he even considered leaving the church it brought absolute panic. It made him sick thinking about it. The problem was, the church and elders were thinking about it for him.

  After he and Grace moved back to the island, they’d tried to have more children. Their dream was always to have a house full of kids. It hadn’t worked out that way. Hope was finally born when Kell was ten. Hope now lived in England with her husband who was at Oxford. She taught at a local elementary school there. Kell kept encouraging him to go and see her, but he couldn’t muster the courage to get on a plane and go through customs and immigrations by himself. He and Grace had gone to Europe before she died and had a marvelous time, but after her passing he didn't want to go on a trip alone.

  Grace had been a meek woman, who never fought, never contradicted. She served everyone around her quietly, content to live a hidden life. Matt had loved her sweet nature, her tender soul. She was as different from his mother as night is from day. More than anything, that had been what attracted him to her. She wasn’t always questioning everything, wasn’t always speaking her opinion, wasn’t always drawing attention to herself.

  As a young boy he’d adored his mother, Eloise. She’d had gumption, courage. And a reputation. She stirred the waters everywhere she went and ridiculed his father for doing nothing. His mom made everything an issue. He was always afraid he’d marry a woman like his mother, but instead, he married Grace: a sweet, even-tempered woman who never had any conflict with anyone.

  A thought struck him: Had this weakened him as much as his mother’s strength had weakened his father? Had it made him more passive than he should have become? He was a gentle pastor whom people could count on. They knew he loved them and could depend on his kindness, but could they count on his courage and strength?