Hope Springs

by Kim Cash Tate

  “It’s been a long time,” he added.

  “It has.”

  Same penetrating gaze under thick eyebrows. Same deep brown complexion. She averted her gaze as she moved aside for others to pass, including Libby. Her cousin hugged Kory—and it struck Janelle that she herself hadn’t.

  Kory gestured to her. “Should we step outside, out of the way?”

  She followed him onto the walkway, watching as people got into their cars, powered headlights, and lined up for the short drive to the cemetery.

  “I heard about your husband,” he said. “I wanted to call you, but . . . I was praying for you.”

  She looked at him. “I appreciate that, Kory. Thank you.” Should she say she’d heard about his wife?

  Janelle waited as a few family members stopped to greet Kory and ask how he’d been. When they’d left, she asked, “So how well did you know Pastor Jim?”

  “Not well. I’ve only been to Hope Springs a couple of times, as you know.” He cleared his throat. “But both times I had great conversations with him—Todd too. When Kevin said he was coming, I wanted to pay my respects.”

  She nodded, glancing away again, aware that they were lingering. She saw Al’s car drive by and join the lineup. “We’d better be going,” she said.

  He hesitated. “Kevin said everyone’s heading to your grandmother’s house afterward?”

  Janelle smiled slightly. “Hope so. If not, there’s enough food to last a month. You know how they do.”

  “We’ll finish talking there, then?”

  About what? She wondered if he had some of the same questions she’d had all those years ago. Or maybe he simply wanted to catch up. Either way, she wasn’t sure how she felt about it.

  She rubbed her arms through her dress, feeling a chill. Was it the setting sun? “Sure.” She began backing away. “I’ll be there.”

  Emotions tumbled inside as she headed to Al’s car—and saw a taxi pull up in front of the church. Becca emerged, looking harried. The cabdriver set her luggage on the curb and drove away.

  The back door to the limo opened, and Todd got out. Janelle didn’t want to stare, but the scene was playing out right in front of her. Her dad stepped out of his car and put Becca’s suitcase in his trunk. The exchange between Becca and Todd seemed a little uncomfortable, short though it was. They got in the limo and it drove slowly off.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Becca’s face was red with embarrassment. How could she have arrived the very moment all the cars were lined up, ready to go to the cemetery? Everything had gone so smoothly with her travel plans—until her plane sat on the runway for more than thirty minutes, waiting for a gate. Now she’d missed the wake and the funeral service. And the look in Todd’s eyes confirmed what she’d been hearing over the phone—he was hurt.

  “And you know what else, Mommy?” Claire said.

  Becca leaned in, her arm around her daughter. “What, honey?”

  Claire had launched into a monologue the moment Becca got into the limo, which held Becca, Todd, and the kids, as well as Todd’s aunt and uncle and their spouses. Claire couldn’t fully appreciate her granddad’s death, but she couldn’t wait to catch Becca up on all the activity and people. In a way Becca was thankful for the distraction.

  “I saw Miss Janelle and Tiffany,” Claire continued, “and Tiffany is four too, and she lives right next door—”

  “She doesn’t live next door, sweetheart.” Todd sat on her other side. “She’s visiting, like we are.”

  “—and we get to play after . . .” Claire’s brows bunched up at her dad. “Where are we going again?”

  “To the cemetery. That’s where they’ll bury your Grandpa Jim. But we know where he really is, right?”

  “With Jesus!” Claire stuck her hands straight up in the air.

  Two-year-old Ethan’s hands shot up too. “De-sus!”

  Todd and Becca shared a slight smile, their first since she arrived. When he’d gotten out of the limo he’d said, “Glad you made it,” but she wondered if he was really acknowledging that she’d barely made it at all. As a rule he was easygoing, but she couldn’t presume on that. Becca caught herself—maybe she already had.

  “You’ve got some precious kids, Todd.” His aunt had been playing patty-cake with Ethan. “Wish we could see them more often.”

  “Me too,” Todd said. “Seems like we live the farthest from everybody.”

  The limo turned into the cemetery and wound through the grounds. Behind them was another limo with more of Todd’s extended family, and a long trail of cars. When they pulled up near the burial site and parked, the family filed out and walked toward three short rows of chairs that faced the coffin. Becca sat with Ethan in her lap and Claire beside her, along with Grandpa Jim’s siblings. Todd remained standing, talking with people as they made their way over.

  Becca watched as Wood and Denise Sanders walked with Grandma Geri across the grass. Todd directed them to the first row of chairs, and Wood paused, gazing at the casket.

  “I knew Jim all my life,” Wood said. “Loved him like a brother. What you did in that service, making it a charge to live for Jesus—” He gave a slow nod. “You captured Jim’s spirit perfectly. That was some message, Todd.”

  Message? Becca turned slightly, listening.

  “Didn’t know he had it in him.”

  A youngish black man had walked up, black-suited, Bible in hand.

  Todd gave him a wry smile. “You’re the one who encouraged me to do it.”

  “Good for you, Travis,” Wood said. “You know Todd’ll stay in the background if he can.”

  “Yeah,” Travis said, “but I told him he should ‘say a few words.’ Didn’t know he would go ahead and preach.” Travis had an engaging manner about him. “I hear Calvary members are already whispering about drafting you.”

  “Drafting me? For what?”

  “To replace your dad.”

  Becca nearly choked on the mint she’d put in her mouth. The thought hadn’t occurred to her. Jim Dillon had returned to Hope Springs and taken over as pastor of Calvary Church after his father died. Could there be even a remote possibility? She couldn’t imagine . . .

  “I ain’t the least bit surprised,” Grandma Geri said. “You’ve got a shepherd’s heart like your daddy. If I had a vote, I’d second it.”

  “Thanks, Grandma Geri,” Todd said, “but whoever made the comment was just being nice. The line of senior pastors ended with Dad. That’s not my calling.”

  Becca let out a sigh of relief.

  Travis turned suddenly. “This isn’t your wife, is it, Todd? She’s way too classy for a guy like you.”

  “Oh, that’s right, you haven’t met Becca yet.”

  Becca felt funny that this was their first opportunity to meet, here at the graveside. She set Ethan down, guiding him to his great-aunt, and stood. “Is this the Travis I’ve heard so many stories about?”

  Todd put an arm around Travis’s shoulder. “Yes, this is Travis. The guy who always found trouble to get into and tried to drag me with him. Travis, my wife, Becca.”

  “So that’s the version he’s been telling you?” Travis gave her a warm hug. “Pleasure meeting you, Becca.” He stepped back, positioned between them. “I’m glad I can set the record straight. We lived on the same street, so on any given day I’d be minding my own business when Todd would knock on the door with some scheme. Now, Todd, I would tell him, you can’t do that. Your father’s the pastor, it wouldn’t look right.”

  “Y’all were both bad,” Grandma Geri said.

  They all turned around and laughed.

  “Don’t take it personally,” Wood said. “Momma likes to say Jim and I were bad too.”

  “That’s ’cause you were.” Grandma Geri was matter-of-fact. “Thank the Lord you all got some sense when you grew up. Travis, I never would’ve thought you’d turn out to be a pastor, but you’re doing a right fine job at New Jerusalem. And I did have a vote for that one.”
/>   “So did you vote for me, Grandma Geri?” Travis was grinning.

  “You know I did, boy.” Grandma Geri started coughing, and it got progressively worse fast.

  “Momma, I told you I needed to take you back to the house after the service,” Wood said.

  “I’ll . . . be . . . fine.”

  Denise reached in her purse. “Momma Geri, I don’t know if this throat lozenge would help. I wish I’d brought that bottle of water.”

  Wood extended his arm to help her up. “I think we should go, Momma.”

  She waved him away, the cough subsiding. “This’ll be over in no time.”

  Janelle walked up then and gave Todd a long hug. “I was trying to encourage you when we talked earlier,” she said, “but you were the one who encouraged me with that message. I’m still thinking about it.”

  Why is everybody talking about this message?

  “You did encourage me, Janelle, more than you know,” Todd said.

  “Hi, I’m Stephanie, Bruce’s daughter.” The woman extended her hand to Todd.

  “Oh, man, I remember you.” Todd hugged her. “It’s been a long time. Just saw the rest of your family this summer. And it’s a shame we don’t all get together in St. Louis.”

  “Daddy wanted me to tell you how sorry he is about your loss.” Stephanie smiled. “My cousins were telling me your grandfather was a preacher, and of course your dad was a preacher, but they didn’t tell me you were a preacher too.” She shook her head. “You got all in my mix, talking about living full-out.” She gave him an eye. “Thanks a lot.”

  Todd smiled. “I know Dad’s getting a kick out of all this. He liked to tell me I had more preacher in me than I wanted to admit, but who knew it would come out today of all days?” He shrugged. “Trust me, I got in my own mix.”

  Janelle’s cousin Libby hugged Todd next. Then Becca started her round of hugs and hellos.

  “The twins, back in town.”

  Janelle turned, smiling. “Travis!” She embraced him. “Haven’t seen you in so long. Weren’t you in Dallas or something?”

  “Went there for seminary and thought I’d never come back.” He smiled. “Never know what God’ll do.”

  “Congratulations, Pastor Brooks.” Libby kept her distance of a few feet. “Have to admit I was surprised to hear that one.”

  They locked eyes for a moment. “It’s good to see you, Libby.”

  Only a few more people were still making their way from the cars. With most everyone gathered, Travis whispered a few words with Todd.

  Becca sat back down, and Ethan wriggled away from his great-aunt and toddled over to her. She picked him up, Todd sat beside her, and they listened as Travis spoke final words over Jim’s coffin.

  It was the first moment since she’d heard of Jim’s death that Becca actually focused on her father-in-law, his life and legacy. He’d always been good to her. She wished all the more that there hadn’t been a conflict, so she could’ve spent more time here this week processing the loss and walking through the memories with Todd. She hadn’t even been to the house yet, or talked to Todd about what would happen to it. It had been in the family for three generations. Would he sell it? Rent it out?

  “O death, where is your victory? Where is your sting?” Travis spoke with fervor. “Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

  “Amen,” sounded all around her, including from Todd.

  Would’ve been nice to hear Todd’s message. He didn’t speak much at their church in St. Louis. Todd was the low-key assistant pastor, happy to serve as overseer of the church’s small groups ministry. His “main” job was as a mechanical engineer at an agricultural company.

  Heads bowed as Travis gave the closing prayer. People moved slowly afterward, conversing, many coming to say a few words to Todd.

  Travis raised his hands. “The Dillon family would like me to announce that the repast will take place at the home of Geraldine Sanders.” He smiled. “Most of you know her as Grandma Geri. If you need directions for how to get there—”

  “Boy, you’re back in Hope Springs,” Grandma Geri said. “Nobody needs directions anywhere.”

  Travis’s eyes twinkled with amusement. “For those who could not hear, Grandma Geri reminded me that nobody needs directions. I don’t know why I thought I could give them anyway. Does anybody know street names around here? Hang a left at the Main Street Diner.”

  “Hey, thanks for the plug.” A woman passed by in a black wraparound skirt, white cotton top, and flats. Her dress was plain, but she had a fresh-faced cuteness about her.

  “The diner doesn’t need a plug,” Travis called after her. “Place speaks for itself, largely because of you, Sara Ann.”

  “Yeah, yeah.” She turned only slightly as she continued walking, a pleasant smile on her face. “Flattery won’t get you anywhere, Travis. Now, a big tip? That’ll work.”

  He spread out his hands. “Don’t I always?”

  Becca was trying to recall if she’d met Sara Ann before, but her attention was drawn to two guys who’d cornered Todd a few feet away on the grass. They were older, and Becca was sure she’d seen them at Calvary Church on prior visits. It was clear they weren’t merely offering condolences. Todd was listening too intently.

  She guided the kids back to the limo, her curiosity peaking as they waited. Finally Todd opened the door and got in.

  The limo wound back through the cemetery toward the exit. Todd seemed lost in thought.

  “Well?” Becca’s voice was low.

  He looked at her. “Well, what?”

  “What was that about, the guys you were talking to?”

  Todd paused. “They’re elders at Calvary. They want to have a conversation about me being pastor there.”

  Somehow she’d thought it deep down, but it seemed too far out to be so. “You told them no, right? You’ve always said you’re not called to that.”

  His nod wavered. “I said no, but they asked if I’d be willing to talk about it. We’re meeting tomorrow at the church before we leave.”

  “I’m not understanding,” she said. “Why meet with them? We’re not moving to Hope Springs.”

  “I know.” He cast a glance out the window. “It’s only a conversation.”

  Becca brushed aside the possibility. “Todd,” she said, then hesitated. “I haven’t had a chance to apologize for not making the church service.”

  He watched his aunt give Ethan an animal cracker, then looked at her. “You couldn’t help the delay.”

  “Well, I should’ve asked to reschedule the meeting as you suggested. I should’ve . . . I should’ve been here.”

  Todd was slow to respond. “Dad always said a person could drive himself crazy wishing for what wasn’t, and we should just be thankful for the now.” He looked at her. “You’re here now.” A few seconds passed. “It’s an exciting time for you, Bec. I understand that. This is what you’ve been building toward.”

  He gazed out the window and Becca let his words settle, thankful for his understanding.

  A ding sounded in the limousine. She’d forgotten to turn off her phone. She wondered if the text was from her agent or someone from Worth & Purpose. What if she needed to respond right away before they left for the holiday? But no way could she dig her phone out and look at it. This was the time to focus on Todd.

  And yet . . . it was killing her. She had to see, and respond if need be. Becca sat tight. They’d be at Grandma Geri’s in less than five minutes.

  CHAPTER SIX

  Janelle checked the makeshift buffet table and saw the baked beans running low. She brought the aluminum pan into the kitchen, scooped several ladles from an even bigger pan into that one, and brought it back as people waited in line in the Sanders dining room. She decided the desserts could use replenishing as well, and headed back to the kitchen to slice more red velvet and lemon cake.

  Libby cut her off on the way. “What exactly are you doing?”

 
Janelle walked around her. “Serving.”

  “Yeah. For like, the last two hours.” Libby followed her into the kitchen. “You haven’t even eaten yet.”

  Janelle grabbed a stack of Styrofoam dessert plates and a knife and began slicing. “Why are you worried about whether I’ve eaten? I’m not that hungry.”

  “Really? On the way to the funeral you said you were starving and should’ve eaten something before we left. Now you’ve morphed into your mom and Aunt Gladys, making sure everyone else is well fed.” She put her hand to Janelle’s so she’d stop slicing. “Why are you trying to avoid Kory?”

  Their teenage cousin Jackie happened into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator.

  “Hey, Jackie,” Janelle said, “I need your help a minute. Could you start taking these plates to the buffet table?”

  Jackie didn’t appear thrilled at the interruption, but she carted off three plates.

  Janelle finally looked at Libby again. “Why would I need to avoid Kory? If you hadn’t noticed, there are lots of people here, and I thought it’d be nice to help.”

  “By slicing more cake? Al and I have been keeping Kory company in the family room, and I know he’s been waiting for you to come in there. I think you’re just—”

  “Janelle?” Her mom walked into the kitchen. “Why is Jackie putting more cake on the table? There’s plenty. Don’t slice up any more, baby, so we can keep it fresh.”

  Libby made an I-told-you-so face.

  “Well, I heard someone say the decaf was running low, so I can get that—”

  “Sorry to interrupt.”

  Kory. Janelle turned to face him. He had changed out of his suit and into a pair of jeans. “No problem. Did you need something?”

  “No, I’m good, thanks.” He glanced at Estelle and Libby and came a little closer to Janelle. “We’re about to leave in a few. Wondered if maybe we could take a walk, talk a little.”

  “Oh.” Janelle remembered the walk they took down the same country road years ago as if it were yesterday. She looked about the kitchen. “I don’t know. I was just about to—”

  “I got it,” Libby said. “Glad to serve.” She flashed a smile.