The Small Town Preacher's Fake - Lucy McConnell Page 0,52

all in a tizzy.” Terri pulled a lighter out of her purse and began flipping it.

Evie’s eyes were drawn to the movement.

“Oh, don’t worry. I just like to flick it. Soothing sounds and all that.”

Evie smiled, thinking of the fidget cubes she’d seen kids use. They’d been all the rage a couple of years ago. Maybe she should pick one up for Terri.

Terri readjusted her purse strap. “I’m making a decision this weekend about what to do with my husband. I’d be obliged if you’d pray for me.”

Evie was touched by the request. “Of course.”

“Maybe …” Terri looked up at the leaves over their head. Pretty patterns of light played across her forehead and cheeks. “I’ll try prayin’ too. I’m not a pretty speaker like you and the pastor, but maybe God doesn’t mind so much.”

“That’s the wonderful thing about God—He meets you where you are.”

“I’m gonna have to think about that one.” Terri suddenly wrapped Evie up in a hug and released her just as quick. “Thank you. You’ve been … a friend.” With that, she ducked into her rust-covered car and cranked the engine.

Evie smiled as she hugged herself. Terri certainly wasn’t the type of person she would have sought a friendship with; in fact, the whole thing had just sort of happened. But she was glad it did. Her mom used to say that there was beauty in every soul. Evie had always believed her, but she was starting to know it for herself.

All because she’d married a preacher.

Chapter Twenty-One

Seth

Midmorning was an excellent time of day to immerse himself in scripture, and Seth took full advantage of the quiet in his office. The Holy Spirit often spoke in a whisper, and it was difficult to hear when his thoughts were so full of Evie, the parish, and the general list of tasks needed to keep this place running smoothly. But in the neighborhood stillness after the morning traffic settled down and the kids were off to school, he found a connection to the divine.

He was reading in Exodus 17; Moses was always an inspiration. He loved how while Moses did the simple things, they had great effect on the people. Like holding his hands in the air to open the doors for angels to battle with the Israelites. His soul stirred as he closed his eyes and asked the Lord what small and simple thing he could do for his small flock.

The door flew open, hitting the wall behind it. Bang!

Seth jumped, his heart feeling as though it stopped completely before taking off at a racing speed. “Mr. White! You scared me half to death.”

Mr. White didn’t seem to care. His balding head was splotched with color, and his eyes were so wide the whites screamed. “I did my best to let this go. I did. I went home last night instead of confronting you, but I can’t abide it any longer.”

Seth half rose out of his seat. “Abide by what?”

“You and your wife, sneaking behind the board’s back and starting a youth group—after we specifically told you to table it for a week.”

“Whoa.” Seth held up both palms.

“Don’t try to deny it. I saw them in here last night.” He pointed down the hallway toward the kitchen.

Seth’s heart sank. “That was just a study session.”

“With cookies and talking about dances and dating? Do I look stupid to you?”

How long had Mr. White eavesdropped on Evie? The idea made him sick to his stomach and angry. “The girls needed help with English, and Evie offered to help them. There’s nothing wrong with that.”

“There is when she uses church property. One of those girls doesn’t even attend meetings.”

Seth narrowed his eyes. “All the more reason to invite her inside, wouldn’t you say?”

Mr. White huffed out like the Big Bad Wolf. “You’re missing the point. We specifically told you no on the youth group.”

“No. You said no. The rest of the board were undecided. And what my wife and I do with our time is our call—not yours.” He was treading a fine line here. Technically, the board was his boss and could fire him at any moment. But he couldn’t just stand there and let Mr. White run all over him and Evie.

“You don’t have to worry about that for very long. After I tell them how you went behind our backs, they’ll vote you out like that.” Mr. White snapped his fingers. “I’ll see to it. Mark my words, this will be your last sermon.” He spun