The Way of Grace (Miller's Creek Novels)

by Bryant, Cathy

  Musical laughter floated from the pretty attorney. “Sarcasm doesn’t suit you, Mr. Tyler.”

  “Yet it drips so easily from you. If you’ll excuse us, we were on our way out.” He made an attempt to move around her, but she latched onto his arm with a well-manicured hand. “You haven’t introduced your friend.”

  “Sorry. This is our newest attorney, Gr—”

  “Grace Soldano.” Grace smiled broadly and interrupted before Andy uttered the dreaded schoolgirl name. “Thrilled to meet you, Ms. Delgado. I’m a big fan of your work.”

  Elena looked temporarily taken aback, but returned the smile. “Nice to meet you, Grace. Are you still in law school?”

  “Actually I just took the bar exam in July. And passed.” Don’t sound so stupid, Grace. Elena would know she took the bar in July, just like all Texas law school graduates. And she wouldn’t be here if she hadn’t passed. She somehow managed to keep her smile pasted in place and resisted the urge to check her appearance in a nearby mirror.

  “Congratulations . I’d be happy to show you the ropes on this side of the legal fence some time.”

  “I’d love that!” Grace ignored the sour look that descended on Andy’s face. “I’ve always dreamed of being a prosecutor.”

  Andy’s expression changed from sour to sober. “See you in court, Elena.” Without a chance for Grace to protest, he steered her toward the door and out into the overcast fall day. “What was that all about?” he groused as they strode toward the car, the air still scented with recent rain. “I’m your biggest fan, Ms. Delgado. Let me kiss the ground you walk on, Ms. Delgado.” He donned a prissy look and raised his voice a few notches.

  Grace couldn’t help but giggle. “Was I really that bad? I was more than likely distracted by the fact that you tripped me.” Oh man, she’d just made a colossal fool of herself in front of Elena.

  Andy opened her car door without a smile. She scrambled inside, while he moved to the driver’s side. Her boss was clearly miffed. He climbed in, started the car, and pulled out into traffic. “So you really wanna be a prosecutor?”

  “I enjoy working for you.”

  “But?”

  How did she say it without sounding ungrateful or hurting his feelings? “I’ve dreamed of being a prosecutor my entire life.” At least ever since Mama died.

  The ensuing silence was suffocating. Finally, he spoke. “Just so you know, Elena’s not the saint you made her out to be. Not going into specifics, but watch your step.”

  Grace fingered the seat belt strap to keep it from rubbing against her neck. “You’ve been so good to me. I would’ve never made it through my undergrad work or law school if it hadn’t been for you. That’s why I decided to at least start my career with Tyler, Dent, and—”

  “Don’t feel obligated. The scholarships came with no strings attached.” His words were curt and clipped.

  “I appreciate that.” She pressed her lips together while she gathered the courage to continue. “Honestly, I don’t see how someone as nice as you can represent some of the people that come into your office.”

  His eyebrows ratcheted up. “Well, that’s an interesting observation coming from an attorney. I’ll admit some of ‘em are guilty as all get out, but that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve fair treatment under the law.”

  “You think David Simmons is innocent?”

  “You don’t?”

  She shook her head. “He puts on a good act, but I don’t buy it.”

  “What happened to waiting until you’ve examined the evidence?” His green eyes bored through her momentarily.

  Her muscles tightened. Was he making a commentary on her legal skills? “Granted, I haven’t had a chance to study the case in depth, but I just have a feeling about this guy.” A defensive edge crept into her tone.

  Andy pressed the accelerator, causing the car to shoot forward. “Sorry to burst your bubble, Princess, but that ain’t a feeling. It’s a prejudice.”

  It took most of the ride back to Miller’s Creek for Grace to gather the courage to break the chilled silence, but as they entered the city limits, she took a deep breath and went for it. “So what did you want to talk to me and Jason about?”

  He steered the car into the parking lot of Tyler, Dent, and Snodgrass and braked to an overly quick stop. Without looking her way, he intoned, “I thought about having you two help with the Simmons trial.”

  Grace’s heart rate rocketed upwards, partly from the opportunity to work in close proximity with Jason, mostly in excitement over her first case, not to mention the chance to hopefully impress Elena Delgado with her ability.

  “But that’s only if you can get past your prejudice.” Andy exited the car, grabbed his briefcase from the back seat, and started for the building.

  Grace slammed the car door and moved toward the pickup, rifling through her purse for the keys. “See you after lunch.”

  “Actually, could you come in for a minute first?”

  She frowned, but made her way to where he stood near the opened door. “Sure. You need something?”

  He smiled, an enigmatic grin that left her more confused than ever. “I need you downstairs for a minute.”

  Still puzzling over his strange request, Grace followed Andy, who now whistled a loud and cheery tune. As she reached the darkened basement, the lights came on.

  “Surprise!” People from all over the community laughed and applauded.

  Andy, his face lit with a big grin, pointed at her and mouthed the words “for you.”

  Her breath caught in her throat. A smile catapulted to her face as she gazed around the room at the people she loved more than life itself—Mama Beth and Big Bo, Trish and the Tyler kids, Steve and Dani Miller, the old geezers, and of course, Matt. Papa and Jason were even here! Grace brought shaky palms to her face.

  Her boss patted her on the shoulder and waved a hand to silence the laughter and cheers. “All right, folks, settle down a second, so I can explain all this to our girl.” He steered her through the crowd to a table in the back of the room, all decked out with lunch items, drinks, and a big cake. “This is to celebrate your passing of the bar and becoming a full-fledged attorney. Congratulations, Gracie. You always do Miller’s Creek proud.”

  The people once more erupted into applause and they pushed her to the front of the serving line. Throughout lunch, people stopped by to congratulate her on her achievement.

  The crew affectionately known as “the old geezers” gathered first. J.C. Watson, his clear blue-gray eyes kind and humble, patted her back. “Just wanted to say how proud of you we all are, Miss Gracie.”

  Right behind him was Coot, who would no doubt be a trumpet if this group ever became an orchestra. He hooked his thumbs under his suspenders, his pot belly protruding. “You make us pop our buttons,” he bellowed loud enough for everyone to hear.

  “No, that would be your daily slice of pecan pie at Granny’s.” Steve Miller, the town mayor, came up behind him and slapped him on the shoulder. The room erupted. Steve bent low to hug her neck. “Congratulations, sweet girl.”

  Next was Dani, the petite blonde who’d managed to capture the heart of Miller’s Creek long before she was known as Mama Beth’s daughter or Mrs. Steve Miller.

  Mama Beth followed, and her blue eyes sparkled with unshed tears. “Goodness me, Gracie, you never cease to amaze me with how smart you are. I remember you when you were just a little girl in pigtails. Now you’re all grown up.” She hugged Grace.

  There was no stopping tears now, and heat crept up her neck. She glanced across the table at Matt, who sent an encouraging and understanding smile.

  Mama Beth moved away, sniffling and wiping her cheeks, her husband, Big Bo Miller, a gentle giant at her side.

  At last the line ended with Trish and Andy, who both engulfed her in a hug at the same time. “You know we’re so proud of you,” exclaimed Trish. Andy nodded and beamed.

  A lump landed in her throat. She‘d be nothing without these
people. Here they were congratulating her when she owed them so much, especially Andy. Grace swabbed at her tears as she gazed into her boss’ eyes. “I can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done for me. Helping me through college and law school was enough, but now you’ve gone and done all this. Thank you.”

  “Helping you through school was my pleasure, Gracie, but I can’t take credit for this.”

  She turned her head to one side.

  “This was Matt’s doing.”

  Matt? Grace whipped her head around to thank him, but his chair was empty. Instead, Jason, who sat nearby, captured her gaze with his own.

  4

  Matt stood on tiptoe at the back of the church after Sunday morning worship and searched the crowd for Gracie. She’d been there earlier, but must have slipped out as soon as the service was over. To make matters worse, Jason Dent had been lurking around her all morning, and now he was gone as well.

  A wave of discouragement washed over him. He hadn’t seen Gracie since the surprise party, tied up with finishing a requested song for a guy in Nashville. A sigh escaped. He’d hoped to ask if she wanted to join him for a cup of hot chocolate at Granny’s.

  People milled past, and though he was no stranger to Miller’s Creek, no one spoke. Instead they chatted with each other, making him feel invisible. He looked the other way. Out of the corner of one eye, he spied Otis Thacker, the town grump, headed his direction.

  Matt quickly offered a hand as the elderly man tottered up. “How are you, Otis?”

  “Hmph.” Otis ignored his hand and leaned closer. “I’m fine, but you’re not doing too well by the looks of things.” His bad breath blasted Matt in the face.

  “I’m sorry?” His brow wrinkled as he shoved his fingers back into his jean pockets.

  The old man waved a crooked finger in the air. “If my father was alive—he was a clothes salesman, you know—but if he was alive, he’d drag you to the store and dress you in something more appropriate for church.”

  Matt’s mouth drooped open, but nothing came out.

  “And he’d give your face a shave while he was at it.” Otis tottered away, his parting words drifting behind him. “Young people these days have completely lost every lick of sense.”

  Mama Beth hurried up, wheezing and out of breath. “Heavens! I hope Otis wasn’t too sharp-tongued. I tried to get here as soon as I saw him headed your way, but I didn’t quite make it judging by the scowl on your face.”

  He attempted a smile, but the audacity of the other man had left a sour taste in his mouth. “Hey, Mama Beth.” He leaned forward and hugged her neck. “Good to see you again. I’ve been hoping you’d invite me over for some of your famous cooking.”

  Mama Beth cackled, her face gleaming with good humor. “You know you don’t have to wait for an invitation. Come any time. I’d enjoy the company. That man of mine is off with Steve on a hunting expedition right now.”

  “Deer hunting?”

  “Yep. Maybe by this time next week I’ll have some fresh venison for you.”

  His mouth watered at the thought. “Can’t I come for a meal now and later?”

  “Of course.” Her smile faded, and she cocked her head to one side. “Something tells me it’s not really my cooking you’re after.”

  He lowered his head, released a half laugh, and dragged the toe of his right shoe across the carpet. “Good old Mama Beth, perceptive as always. Is it that obvious?”

  “Probably not to anyone else. Do you have lunch plans?”

  His heart lightened. A good heart-to-heart with Mama Beth was just what he needed. “None that can’t be changed.”

  “Good, I’ll see you at my house in a few minutes.”

  After locating Andy to let him know the change in plans, Matt crawled into the Pinto and cranked her up for the drive to Mama Beth’s. Though often cantankerous, his 1976 pea-green car started on the first try. A few minutes later he perched on a stool in Mama Beth’s country kitchen while she hummed and bustled about with preparations for lunch.

  She raised her gaze to his while she stirred a pot on the stove. “Would you like a glass of sweet tea while you wait?”

  “Sure, but let me get it. You’ve got your hands full.” He moved to a nearby whitewashed cabinet to grab a glass and added a few ice cubes before pouring his tea.

  Within a few minutes, Mama Beth placed fried chicken, mashed potatoes, homegrown green beans, and homemade bread in the middle of the oversized farm table. “Would you bless it for us, Matt?” She wiped her hands on her blue-checked apron.

  “I’d be honored.” He bowed his head. “Lord, bless this meal and the one who prepared it. May we be better servants for You. In Christ’s name, Amen.”

  As they fixed their plates, Mama Beth jump-started the conversation. “So what’s on your mind, Matty?”

  He reached for a chicken leg. Did she mean in addition to downing a piece of her homemade fried chicken? “Not sure where to start.” He chomped into the meat, the warm juices trickling down his throat.

  “How about with Gracie?”

  He almost choked. Leave it to Mama Beth to cut to the chase. “How’d you know I wanted to talk about Gracie?”

  “You’ve been in love with her for a couple of years, right?”

  A heat wave crept up his neck. “Well, love’s a strong word—”

  She sent a “you’re-not-fooling-me” look.

  Matt switched his gaze to the plate. “I do care about her an awful lot.”

  “Then what’s the problem?”

  “Well, now that she’s finished with school and the bar exam. I hoped she and I could, well . . . ” He squirmed in the ladder-back chair. This was harder than expected. “I need to know how to go about this. How to . . .” Words failed him.

  Mama Beth’s face lit with amusement. “I’ve never known you to be at a loss for words. It must be love.” She patted his hand. “My best advice is to be yourself. You and Gracie are good friends. It’s not too much of a leap from there.”

  “But what if she doesn’t want a guy like me?”

  White wispy eyebrows furrowed over clear blue eyes. “Good gravy, Matt. What makes you say such a foolish thing?”

  Which reason should he give first? He forked potatoes in his mouth and chased it with a sip of tea. “Gracie’s a planner. I’m not sure I fit the image she has in that brain of hers.”

  “Image has nothing to do with true love.”

  “I know that, but I’m not sure she does.”

  “Hmmm.” Mama Beth gazed into space a moment then faced him. “You’ve got a point, but I wouldn’t change who you are to fit what she thinks she wants. She’s a smart girl. She’ll figure it out.”

  Matt released a sigh of relief. Mama Beth had a knack for discerning what was really bothering someone. “Glad to hear you say that. I can’t be someone I’m not.” Even if it was for the purpose of winning Gracie’s heart.

  “Nor should you. You both belong to God. If this is His plan, it’ll work out.”

  Mama Beth was right. He did belong to God, but what if God had other plans for both of them? Could he accept that possibility? “Well, it’s a little more complicated than that.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Jason Dent. He’s everything I’m not. Just the sort Gracie could fall for if given the encouragement.” Just the sort to break her heart and make her gun-shy for the rest of her life.

  Mama Beth’s blue eyes clouded. “Jason’s a wonderful man, Matt. Gracie could do worse.”

  “Are you sure?” If she had the same opinion as Andy, it proved he was way off base. He cast her a questioning glance.

  Her lips drew up tight. “That man has done so much for this community. I don’t doubt his integrity at all.”

  Matt nodded. “I’m sure you’re probably right.”

  “I know I’m right.” She lifted her chin ever so slightly. “So what are your plans over the next few weeks?”

  “Well, Andy asked if I’d help ou
t with the equine therapy ministry.” And he was still no closer to reaching a decision.

  She sipped her tea and looked at him over the rim of her glass. “I think that’s a perfect job for you.”

  Matt hoisted a shoulder. “Maybe for the short term.”

  “Short term based on how things go with Gracie?”

  The woman had a sixth sense. “Yep.”

  Mama Beth stood and bustled to the farmhouse sink to rinse her plate. Matt joined her. He placed his dishes in the dishwasher, and then faced her. “Thanks for all your advice and the meal. As much as I’d like to stay, I’d better git.”

  She reached up and hugged his neck. “I’ll be praying for you, Matty. You’re facing a lot of tough decisions.”

  They walked together, arm in arm, toward the front. As he let himself out the squeaky screen door onto the wraparound porch of her two-story charmer, Mama Beth tugged on his arm. “Come back anytime. Our door is always open.”

  On the drive to the ranch, Matt’s thoughts centered once more on Gracie. By the time he reached Andy and Trish’s house, he already felt the need for more advice. He glanced toward the garage. Andy’s car was gone. Maybe Trish had time. But first he needed to call Gracie. After parking, he powered on his smartphone and touched the number to her house.

  “Soldano residence.” The male voice let Matt know upfront his plan for time with Gracie wouldn’t come without a price.

  “Hi, Mr. Soldano. This is Matt Tyler. Could I speak with Gracie, please?”

  “What business do you have with my daughter?”

  Before he could answer, muffled talking sounded in the background. “Papa, please hand me the phone. I don’t need you to screen my calls. Hello?” A breathless Gracie answered.

  “Hi, Gracie, it’s Matt.”

  “Hey. Thanks for the surprise party. It was very thoughtful.”

  He lowered his head and chuckled, joy trickling over his heart. “My pleasure.” He paused to catch his breath. “Would you like to go for a cup of hot chocolate sometime this afternoon?”

  “Um, sure, I mean, I guess so.”