folded sheet of paper with activity ideas in her handwriting on the corner of his desk this morning. But she wasn’t here tonight, even though she’d helped with the last two youth suppers.
Concern sat like a weight on his chest. She’d been her usual bouncy self—maybe even bouncier than usual—during the bowling party last Thursday, but on the drive to Kenzie’s apartment, she’d become what he could only define as aloof. Had he done something to offend her? Or was she not feeling well? He hoped the minister’s wife, who seemed to know everything happening with each member of Beech Street Bible Fellowship, would shed some light on the problem. If a problem existed.
Sister Kraft was at the sink washing the baking sheets used for the kids’ ham-and-cheese turnovers. Jase snagged a dish towel and stood close. “Fun dinner. The kids are enjoying it.”
She glanced at him, her eyes glinting with humor. “You didn’t say anything about last week’s lasagna, but you praise the glorified sandwiches?”
He shrugged. “You put pimento cheese with plain ol’ ham inside a garlic bread wrap. I’m impressed.”
Her laughter rolled. “Well, I’m glad you enjoyed them. And I’m glad we made extra.” She handed him the pan. “Looks like the group grew by a few.”
He nodded, peeking out the serving window while drying the pan. “Yep. That’s what y’all wanted, right? To expand the program?” Funny how, despite his feelings of inadequacy, the kids were responding to him. At least the girls, Raul, and Zack were. He wasn’t sure about Cullen and Brent yet. Especially not Cullen, even though he’d stayed put through all of the service Sunday morning. Thank goodness. Jase laid the pan aside.
“That’s what we prayed for.” Sister Kraft scrubbed the second pan, her gaze aimed at him. “But you didn’t come in here to dry dishes or even to praise the addition of pimento cheese with the ham. What’s on your mind?”
His eyebrows shot up.
She nodded. “It’s plain as the nose on a clown’s face that something’s eating at you. Are you worried about Merlin?” She lowered her voice and sent a glance around the kitchen at the other workers. “His blood pressure’s coming down since he started his new prescription, so things are looking positive.”
Jase’s arms drooped. “He’s having trouble with his blood pressure?”
Sister Kraft frowned. “He didn’t tell you?” She rolled her eyes, grabbed him by the sleeve, and led him out of the kitchen and into the narrow entry, out of sight of everyone else. “He and I agreed not to alarm the congregation, but I thought he’d at least mention it to you.”
Jase’s heart began to pound. “What is it?”
“The doctor diagnosed him with congestive heart failure.”
Jase’s entire frame jolted. “Are you kidding me?”
Sister Kraft patted his arm, creating a damp patch. “He’s on medication and a special diet, and the prognosis is good. That’s why he didn’t want the congregation to know. No sense in unnecessarily scaring everyone. He did, however, promise to tell the deacons in confidence. Since you’re his associate, I presumed he’d tell you, too. I’m sorry he didn’t.” She growled under her breath. “I’ll let him know I spilled the beans.”
Jase’s worry about Lori fled in light of this information. “Are you sure he’ll be okay? I mean, hearts are kind of important.”
A sad smile formed on her lips. “Yes, they certainly are. Even though they aren’t meant to tick forever, we’re doing what we can to keep Merlin’s ticking. While we wait for these lifestyle changes to take effect, we’re trusting God to bring healing as He sees fit.”
Wait and trust God. Isn’t that what he’d told Kenzie to do? He shook his head. “I’m sure sorry y’all are dealing with this. If I can do anything to take some of the stress off, have him let me know.” Had he really offered to take over some of the preacher’s responsibilities? His mouth was getting ahead of his brain.
Sister Kraft grabbed him in a hug. “Thank you, Brother Jase. Your arrival to Bradleyville couldn’t have been more timely. I’m so glad you’re here.”
“There you are.”
Sister Kraft released Jase, and they both looked toward the voice. Ruby frowned at them from the opposite end of the entry. “Are you paying attention to the youth? They’re done and getting restless, Brother Jase. Time to shoo ’em out of here.”
Despite his worry for Brother Kraft, a bubble of laughter formed and found its way from Jase’s chest. “Yes, ma’am, I’ll see to