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

by Tina Bustamante

  “I hope he nearly drowned in the ocean,” Betty said under her breath.

  ~

  A few hours later, Betty and Sidney stood in a couple of dressing rooms, trying to find the perfect dress. Candace was the final judge on their choices.

  Sidney came out wearing a knee-length conservative black dress. Candace shook her head, crinkled her eyebrows, and took a bite of a saltine.“You look like you’re going to a funeral. You need something that will bring out your nice curves.”

  Sidney peeked down at herself.“I have nice curves?”

  Betty popped her head out of her dressing room.“You’ve got great curves.”

  Sidney eyed Betty.“Speaking of curves, that dress looks amazing on you.”

  Betty twirled in the mirror. She had on a floor length black velvet dress that hid all her flaws, made her chest voluptuous, and gave her a tall, elegant appearance.“I want to buy something that will make Dan’s jaw drop.”

  Candace spoke first.“Well, that’ll do it. He won’t be the only guy noticing, either.”

  Betty blushed.“Okay, now for the heels and the make-up.” She turned to Sidney.“I’m going to ask the sales-lady to bring in a few options for you.”

  Sidney laughed and felt her face heat up. She wasn’t used to so much attention.“Remember, I’m going with an eight-year-old.”

  Betty glanced back at Sidney on her way to the sales lady.“Yes, but he’s not the only one who’ll be there. The banquet will be the first public event you attend. You need to make heads turn and be remembered.”

  “Okay,” she said, with hesitation.

  Sidney sat down next to Candace on the leather couch. It was pushed up against the back wall. Candace spoke under her breath.“How long do you think it’ll be before Betty goes back to Mr. Holberg?”

  “I don’t know. Right now, I’d say she might not go back. She’s pretty torn up about it.”

  “She’ll go back.”

  Candace’s assurance surprised Sidney.“What makes you so certain?”

  “She wouldn’t be working so hard to make him regret it if she didn’t want him back. Besides, Betty loves Dan.”

  “How come you sound so sure?”

  “I may be young, but I’m not stupid.”

  Sidney grinned at her and almost reached over to hug her, but Candace wasn’t the type who’d like being hugged. She was about to say something, but Betty returned with a sales-lady and four dresses for Sidney to try on.

  After a lot of oohhing and aahhing and forceful convincing, Sidney decided on an emerald green dress. Betty convinced her it would offset her hair and be stunning. Candace gave a quick nod to show she agreed. Candace didn’t give a lot of compliments and while she wasn’t exactly a stylist, wearing all black all the time, Sidney got the impression she knew what she was talking about.

  Afterwards, the women bought new make-up. Betty spent a small fortune at the Estee-Lauder counter, buying all the colors the woman told her she needed. Sidney bought a few shades of eye shadow to match her new dress.

  From there, the women carried their bags into the mall and started glancing into all the shops. They neared a maternity store and Betty took hold of Candace’s arm. She raised an eyebrow.“You want to go in there by any chance?” Betty asked.

  Candace’s face turned red. She stammered,“Why would I want to do that?”

  “Because you’re pregnant.” Betty put her arm around Candace and let out a loud laugh.“I had four boys.” She pointed to herself.“You don’t think I just got this round body by making pies, do you? It doesn’t take a genius to know you’ve got morning sickness. Besides,” she said, swatting Candace’s arm,“word gets around Perez like the bubonic plague. You can’t keep a secret there even if you wanted to.”

  Sidney pulled them off to the side, while people made their way around them. Candace bit her lip and turned to Sidney, her eyes full of sincerity.“I was going to tell you. I just wanted to show you I could do the work first. I didn’t think you’d hire me if you knew I was pregnant.”

  Sidney couldn’t help but see the fear in her eyes, and the uncertainty in Candace, and felt her throat tighten.“It’s okay. I’m glad it’s out in the air now and we don’t have to pretend like nothing’s going on.”

  “Who told you?” Candace asked, in almost a whisper.

  Sidney took a breath.“Pastor Matthew came over the other day. He thought I should know.”

  Candace crossed her arms and frowned.“I hate this island. Nobody knows how to mind their own business.”

  Sidney set her hand on Candace’s shoulder.“That’s why I didn’t say anything. It wasn’t my place. I knew you’d tell me, eventually.”

  Betty gave her a quick side hug.“What nobody knows, and everybody is trying to figure out, is who the father is?”

  Candace’s face turned dark red and she stiffened.“I’m not telling anyone. That’s one secret no one is going to find out.” Candace paused for a moment, then she added,“But, he’s nobody special. Just a one night stand is all.”

  Betty nodded. Sidney watched Candace’s eyes when she spoke and couldn’t help but think, she wasn’t being completely honest. Despite her black clothes and body piercings, Candace didn’t seem the type of girl to have a one-night stand. Well, she might have a one-night stand, but she’d never have one without using birth control. She seemed too astute to let some guy have his way and just walk away. She studied Candace, but didn’t say anything.

  Betty pointed to the maternity store.“Why don’t we go inside and see what we can find.”

  “I don’t have any money to buy maternity clothes.”

  Betty pushed her through the door.“Let’s just go and see what they have.”

  Sidney walked in behind them.

  Betty browsed through the racks with her arm through Candace’s, pulling her along.

  “You’ll need a couple good pair of jeans, some shirts, and new bras. Your chest keeps getting bigger and bigger.”

  Candace raised one eyebrow.“I guess there’s one perk I can look forward to.”

  “I wouldn’t get too excited about that. Pretty soon, you’ll start spouting milk and feel like a fountain. I felt like one of the cows on the farm for years.”

  Sidney laughed, glancing at her watch.“Don’t scare her too much. No matter what happens to your body, babies are a blessing. She’ll figure it all out, at the time she needs to.”

  “And we’ll be here to answer any of your questions.” Betty said.

  “I’ll remember that,” Candace said, her voice quiet. She perused through the racks and pulled out a few pieces. To Sidney’s surprise, Candace picked out a blue shirt, a light purple one, and a colorful blouse that could go with leggings. What happened to the black?

  Betty took a few of the items Candace liked, picked up two pairs of jeans, and told her she was going to buy them.

  “I can’t let you do that.” Candace held up her hands toward Betty.“No charity. I need to save some money and then I’ll get what I need.”

  Betty went to the cash register and bought them on the spot. She shoved the bag into Candace’s arms.“This isn’t charity. It’s a gift. I’ve been pregnant four times. The first time, I was almost the same age as you, and one thing I can say was true for each one—at some point it’s nice to wear something pretty, and at some point all you care about is comfort. It’s not like I bought you a car.”

  Candace pinched her lips together.“Thanks.” Her voice cracked, betraying how touched she was.

  Betty handed her the bag.“This is sure better than coming after you with a broom!”

  Sidney gasped.“That was not funny, Betty.”

  Candace laughed.“Yes it was.” Candace’s face lightened up and they started to walk out of the store.“Speaking of brooms, how is Danny doing?”

  Betty shrugged.“He’s over at Washington State. He says he wants to be a veterinarian and work on the dairy farm. I just hope he’s keeping his hands to himself. The last thing I want is fo
r that boy to get some girl knocked up. He may look like his dad, but he better not act like him.”

  Candace grew quiet.

  Betty kept talking.“I’m not sure if he’s coming home next month for Thanksgiving. He and his brothers aren’t quite sure what to make of our recent marital problems.”

  Sidney spoke up.“I think I’d like to host Thanksgiving at my house this year. I’m going to try and get my mom to come. Betty, would you help me?”

  Betty clapped her hands together and her face revealed pure delight.“I’d love to. This year, we were supposed to go to Henry’s house for Thanksgiving. I already called him and told him his dad would be there, but I’d be staying on the island.”

  “You don’t mind?” Sidney asked.

  Betty put her arm around Sidney.“I’d love to help you with your first Thanksgiving on Perez. Besides, I don’t want to answer a lot of questions from my kids. That’s what would happen. My daughter-in-laws would corner me in the kitchen while the guys are lost in a football game, and want to know if I’m okay.” She gripped her shopping bags tighter.“I don’t want to answer that question.”

  Sidney put her arm on Betty’s shoulder and the three women walked out of the mall together.

  ~

  Pastor Matt peeked out his window, wondering about the comings and goings of his neighbors. It was sermon preparation day and he half-hoped he’d see Sidney working in her yard. What would she think of his new sermon series? He wanted to teach on fear. Ever since Sidney arrived on Perez, he couldn’t stop thinking about his mother. Sidney’s mannerisms, her voice, her hair—all reminded him of her. Eloise had been a courageous woman. His own lack of courage had plagued him most of his life.

  He decided the time had come to do a proper study on the subject and figure out the difference between courage and cowardice, fear and caution. He’d taught on the subject before, but he’d always managed to avoid the personal implications the subject held. Matt could only imagine the redheaded neighbor would probably have a few thoughts on the subject. She seemed the courageous sort. Just like his mother.

  Kell was upstairs preparing his banquet speech and Jake was at school with plans to go home with a friend for a sleepover. Kell came out of his room wearing his suit. It was a charcoal color and had served him well for many years. His face was irritated and his hair disheveled.“Do you think I need to buy a new suit?”

  Matt eyed his son from the top of his head to his feet.“Why would you do that? You hate shopping and always say the old suit fits, so why change it?”

  Kell shrugged.“I don’t know. This one looks old, doesn’t it? Sort of out of style?”

  “Isn’t the whole idea of a suit is that it never goes out of style?”

  Kell took off the jacket.“No. The idea of a suit is to look nice. I’m going to the city.”

  “Anacortes?”

  “No, Seattle.”

  “Are you out of your mind?”

  “I’m the keynote speaker. I need to look good. Besides, I haven’t bought a new suit since before Jake was born.”

  “You were the keynote speaker the year before last and that didn’t put you in any big need to go shopping for a new suit.” Matt eyed his son.“You sure you aren’t trying to impress anyone?”

  Kell’s head turned so fast Matt wondered if he’d get whiplash.“Why in the world would I do that? Who needs to be impressed with a new suit?”

  Matt shrugged.“Maybe a certain notable innkeeper who’s recently come into town?”

  “That's absurd. She’s going to the banquet with Jake.” He grabbed his keys and walked out the door.

  Matt watched Kell leave the house and smirked. It had been a long time since he’d seen his son out of sorts. He liked it. It made Kell seem more human, less frozen.

  He thought of his recent conversation about Candace with Sidney. He wasn’t sure what to do about everything. Even Kell didn’t know who the father was. No one knew. Astrid wouldn’t leave him alone. He should have told her right away he wouldn’t help her, but he had a hard time saying no to someone who asked for his help. It was his lifetime problem. It used to drive Jane crazy. He couldn’t just let people alone. If he could help them, he did his best. Sometimes it worked out and other times, it only made things worse.

  Where was the young man Candace had slept with? Why was he nowhere to be found, to take even a sliver of responsibility? This was all beyond him.

  On top of everything already going on in the church—with Betty and Dan splitting up, and Candace getting pregnant—his secretary, Mary, informed him that their maintenance man was saying that next year the church would definitely need a new roof. In fact, they may not make it through winter this year. The church did not have the financial reserves for a new roof. They were barely making enough to give him a small salary and pay the water and electricity. He’d bring it up in their next leadership meeting.

  A while later, he stepped into The Gypsy Cat Cafeand sat down at his usual table. Amanda waved at him from a distance. She finished taking the order from someone and came over to him. She put her hand on his back and handed him a cup with a tea bag in it. She filled his cup with hot water.“Why did Kell drive out of town like he was running from the police this morning? Max and I were both surprised. He usually stops in to say hello.”

  Matt poured milk into his cup.“He went off to buy a new suit. Left for the city, said he’d be back tonight.”

  She stepped toward the counter.“Why would Kell get a new suit? He’s never shopped a day in his life. What about work?”

  Matt glanced up at her, while pouring some milk into his tea. He grabbed the newspaper that was a few feet off to the side. Amanda was an attractive woman, even though her hair was unnaturally blond. One could see the dark roots if they looked closely.“He took the day off,” Matt told her.“He said he has to speak and didn’t think his current suit was up for the task.”

  “I’m sure he’ll look handsome in a new suit.” Amanda picked up a couple of cups from the kitchen window.

  Amanda made jewelry and sold it at the local farmer’s market in the summer. She wore most of it on her body as a walking advertisement—jangling bracelets, three sets of earrings, and large necklaces. She had been saying for years she wanted to get off the island—but as far as Matt knew—she never left, not even for a vacation.

  He figured she was another one of the women hoping Kell would come out of his celibate stupor and remember he was a man, and she was a woman. Matt almost wished he could tell her, Kell would no more consider her than a Hawaiian thinks about moving to the North Pole.

  Amanda meandered around the tables picking up leftover cups, a few plates, then picked up a full plate of food up at the counter.“How’s that new innkeeper?” she asked, pausing in front of Matt.“Betty’s staying with her, isn’t she? She seems quiet. I’ve hardly seen her. She hardly ever comes in for coffee.” She delivered the plate of food to the table behind Matt and came back smacking her gum between her teeth. She put her arm on the counter and rested her chin on her hand and looked at Matt, waiting for him to answer her question.

  “She’ll be at the banquet,” he said.“Sitting at our table. Come over and say hi.”

  Her face turned dark.“Is she going with Kell?”

  “She’s going with Jake. They’ve become friends over the past few weeks and he invited her.”

  “Oh that’s sweet. For a second I was going to have a heart attack. I couldn’t imagine Kell ever being interested in a redheaded woman.”

  Matt sipped his coffee and grinned.“She has beautiful hair. It reminds me of Ireland and my mother.”

  Amanda started to fold some napkins.“She seems pretty plain to me.”

  Matt shrugged and pondered the correct pastoral response. This was probably one of those territory things women struggle with. Even though Amanda had no claim to anyone, she was an islander and didn’t like outsiders moving in and stealing their men. In particular, Dr. Matthew Kellen.

  “She’s
a lovely woman,” he said.

  ~

  Sidney glanced at her watch again. Lunch had been an adventure. They sat in a booth at The Cheesecake Factory nibbling on a variety of desserts. Betty convinced them it was better to share, that way they’d all get to sample everything. Betty and Sidney’s mother, Lucy, had already solved most of Sidney’s cooking problems, and Lucy was explaining to Candace what it was like to be pregnant with Sidney.“She was my only child, Candace. Pregnancy with that girl was more than enough. I vomited the entire nine months.”

  Betty took a bite of the tiramisu cheesecake.“I’m so sorry to hear that. I never had morning sickness even once. I just felt like I wanted to die the first trimester from being so tired.”

  Candace’s eyes widened.“Is that why I’ve been so tired? I’ve needed like twelve hours of sleep a night and still feel like I could fall asleep at any moment.”

  Betty patted her on the arm.“Yep. Makes you want to crawl up in a hole and never have to lift your head. It’ll get better at about twenty weeks.”

  Sidney glanced at her watch.“I hate to eat and run, but I’ve got a coffee appointment I need to get to.”

  Betty raised one hand. Her mouth was filled with a bite of cheesecake.“Tell Iron Man we said hi.”

  Lucy, who Sidney hadn’t told about Jeff, raised her chin and looked at her daughter.“Iron Man? Are you meeting Jeff for coffee, dear?”

  Betty quickly glanced down at the table.“Oops,” she said under her breath.

  Sidney gathered up her jacket and purse.“Yes. He called the other day wanting to see me.”

  “And you agreed? Sidney, the man is a putz! He’s not worth the time of day.”

  Sidney rolled her eyes and scooted out of the booth. She stood at the head of the table, putting her jacket on and forced herself to look at her mom.“Mother, this is my life. I’ll do what I think is right.”

  Lucy took a sip of her iced-tea.“And you’re my daughter. I’ll tell you when I think you’re being ridiculous.”

  Sidney glanced at Betty and Candace, who were obviously nervous. Betty was playing with a curl at the top of her head, pretending to ignore the conversation, and Candace’s head was bowed, as she ate the last of the strawberry cheesecake.