Quakers of New Garden

by Claire Sanders

  Chapter 8

  Perhaps I should warn you before we go inside,” Catherine said. “Our worship meetings aren’t the same as your church services.”

  “Okay.” Jaidon leaned back against the driver’s seat, his left wrist resting on the steering wheel. How different could their service be that she felt the need to warn him? Perhaps that was why she was persistent in having her mom drive separately. And to think he’d hoped it was because she wanted him to kiss her again. The possibility still existed—as long as he drove her home. He smiled. “Okay, fill me in on what I should expect.”

  “You know how when you go into your sanctuary and everyone is talking and greeting?”

  Jaidon nodded.

  “We don’t do that.”

  “You don’t talk to each other or greet anyone?” He pictured them to be friendlier, like Catherine and her mother.

  “No—I mean yes. We do that, but not until service is over.” Catherine sighed. “I mean our service begins the moment the first person walks through the doors. Everyone sits down and meditates or prays. It gives us a chance to listen to the voice of God within,” she said. “We don’t have music or a pastor who preaches. But if someone feels led to offer vocal ministry then they speak.”

  “How do you know when service is over?” With all the questions he had, it was likely to be over before they got inside. Making a good impression meant a lot to him; not to mention their future together hung in the balance.

  “A designated person stands and begins shaking hands with his neighbors.” Catherine bent to grab something from the floorboard then straightened, empty handed. She sighed. “I’m so used to grabbing my purse. At least I called and canceled my debit card and stuff this afternoon. Unless the police find my wallet, I’ll have to get my driver’s license renewed as well.”

  The police had found Catherine’s purse in a dumpster, but her wallet was missing. Jaidon hadn’t thought to ask Daryl about it when he was at the precinct questioning him. He made a mental note to call the lawyer he’d referred him to. “I’ll try to find out what Daryl did with it tomorrow.”

  Catherine took a deep breath. “Thank you. You’re too good to me.” She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. “We’d better go in now.”

  As much as he would have liked to kiss her back, he knew she was right. Several people had already gone inside. The last person he noticed entering the building had been at least five minutes earlier. Hopefully he and Catherine wouldn’t be the last ones to go into the service.

  He opened the Hummer door for her. The outside of the two-story building had plain white siding with black shutters. Inside her church, he felt like he stepped back in time. Three rows of wooden pews lined each wall and faced toward the center of the room; there was no stage or platform where a preacher might speak, just an empty space in the center.

  A couple of children watched as they made their way to a pew with empty seats. Thankfully they wouldn’t have to edge in front of anyone and disturb them. Jaidon was glad he’d chosen casual dress instead of a suit since several others were dressed casually, many in jeans, even some of the women. Perhaps their midweek service was more casual than their Sunday service, like at his church.

  Most of the congregation had their eyes closed and heads bowed. He looked at Catherine. She was already praying quietly. Normally the singing and music helped him unwind and focus on God. Jaidon closed his eyes and began giving thanks as he entered into prayer. God had kept Catherine safe, wounded but alive, and had blessed him by bringing her into his life.

  As the minutes ticked by, Jaidon relaxed and forgot about everyone else around him. A deep sense of peace engulfed him, like nothing he’d ever felt before.

  He wiped at a stray tear. When Catherine touched his arm, he opened his eyes and looked at her. A nonverbal connection passed between them as they stared into the depths of each other’s soul. Catherine’s peace came from her time of truly focusing on God, something that was missing in his life. He prayed daily, went to church regularly, volunteered, participated in some of the church plays, and was even a member of the deacon board. Yet he’d let busyness keep him from quiet time with the Lord.

  An older gentleman stood and shook hands with another person who sat on a pew three feet from him. This was the sign Catherine had mentioned that signified church was over. Time had passed quicker than Jaidon expected. It wasn’t like the services he was accustomed to attending. Even without a minister preaching, he felt a closer connection to God than he had in a while. Jaidon remained seated, waiting for the others to get up before he did. Yet no one moved.

  The man directed his attention to Jaidon and asked, “Would you please stand and introduce yourself?”

  Jaidon swallowed hard, rubbed the palms of his hands on his thighs, and stood. “My name is Jaidon Taylor. I want to thank Catherine Wall for inviting me here today. I hope that you’ll give me the opportunity to join your church.”

  What? Catherine stared at Jaidon and tried to contain her shock. It was too soon for him to ask about joining their church. The elders might contemplate his motives, especially since he came with a woman who was single. It wouldn’t take much to put two and two together and come up with the obvious conclusion.

  “You’re interested in joining our church?” Matthew Payne, the elder who stood to conclude services, asked gruffly.

  Jaidon nodded.

  “Hmm.” Matthew’s brows furrowed. He glanced from Jaidon to Catherine and back again. “And what is your sudden interest in joining?”

  Catherine swallowed hard, wishing she could shrivel down in her seat, away from watchful eyes. This was not how she expected this to go. She hadn’t even discussed Jaidon with any of her friends from church.

  “To be honest,” Jaidon said, “I had invited Catherine to my church in the hope of showing her how much we were alike, that it didn’t matter what church we went to. I silently hoped I could convince her to come to my church instead of me having to come to hers.”

  Catherine glared at Jaidon. Her cheeks warmed as his words simmered like coal in a fire. She wanted to get up and run so she wouldn’t have to face her family and friends after his humiliating revelation.

  “But then I learned of her family’s heritage and her promise to her father. After I got to know Catherine,” Jaidon continued, “I saw such a peaceful and forgiving spirit in her. I can’t expect her to change for me. She exudes the Christian faith in everything she does. It makes me hunger for the relationship she has with God.

  “I’ve grown up in church. Learned all the Bible stories and studied God’s Word. But when I came here tonight, for the first time ever, I felt such peace wash over me.” Jaidon looked away from Thomas momentarily and focused his attention on Catherine.

  She felt speechless. One minute she wanted to ream him about trying to get her to join his church, and then after his confession, she wanted to reach out and hold his hand.

  “I want more, and I don’t only mean an everlasting relationship with you. I want that, too.” Jaidon smiled sheepishly. “I can appreciate and understand your family heritage. It’s not something I can ask you to change, nor do I want you to. You are who you are, and that is good enough for me.”

  Catherine reached out and took his hand. Jaidon was kind and loving. He cared about others and was concerned about how she felt. Enough so he was willing to change churches for her. She loved him and wanted the opportunity to spend a lifetime getting to know everything about him. She stood next to him and leaned close, offering moral support.

  Jaidon turned to address Matthew. “Your church has helped contribute to the fine upbringing of this wonderful woman, and the peace I have felt here is something I have longed for and didn’t even know I was missing. I would very much like to be a part of your church.”

  “That is something we’ll have to think upon and take up at the monthly meeting.” Matthew’s expression didn’t betray what he may have been thinking or feeling. “Should you be considering ma
rriage with Ms. Wall, you would also need to write a letter of intent, and then we will appoint the clearness committee to review your request and make a decision at the following monthly meeting.”

  What if they didn’t approve Jaidon to join their church? Things were happening so fast. Did he even want to consider marriage? He did say an everlasting relationship. That meant marriage. Didn’t it? Catherine exhaled a deep breath.

  Jaidon squeezed her hand and smiled down at her. “Sounds good.”

  Catherine’s heart fluttered like a flock of wild geese let loose inside her chest. Her eyes were still locked with Jaidon’s. She hadn’t realized everyone had gotten up and started to mingle until people came to greet Jaidon and shake his hand.

  Her mother knelt on the pew in front of Catherine, leaned over, and hugged her. “Congratulations, sweetheart. Looks like you’ve got a keeper,” her mother whispered in her ear.

  “You’re blushing.” Jaidon grinned. “Your cheeks always turn so rosy. I like it.” He kissed her forehead.

  Her mother went around to the edge of the pew. “Come on, you get a hug, too.”

  Catherine would have loved to hear what her mother whispered in Jaidon’s ear. He laughed and nodded in agreement. “Thank you.”

  When her mother went to greet one of her friends, Catherine nudged Jaidon. “Are you going to tell me what she said?”

  His grin widened. “No.”

  Chapter 9

  Hey Jaidon. You made it, amigo.” Roberto greeted Jaidon with a hug when he joined Roberto’s small group at the center. “Where were you last night? We missed you at church.”

  Nathan and Ariannah joined the men. Jaidon was a little hesitant to answer the youth pastor’s question. He normally didn’t miss Wednesday night service. “I went to church with Catherine last night.”

  “How is she?” Roberto stood with his arms folded across his chest. “I would’ve gone to the hospital to see her if I’d known they were going to keep her overnight.”

  “That’s okay.” Jaidon was glad his friend cared enough to follow up on Catherine’s progress. “She’s doing better. She really wanted to come, but I persuaded her to stay home tonight. I didn’t think it was safe. Not after what happened.”

  “I understand,” Roberto said.

  “What’s her church like?” Ariannah rolled her eyes. “Bet you’re glad that’s over with.”

  Jaidon was beginning to understand why Catherine seemed a little defensive when she first came to the center and everyone questioned her about her beliefs. Was she always met with negative attitudes? “It was wonderful. I liked it so much I’m considering joining.”

  “You’re what?” Ariannah squeaked.

  “No way.” Nathan, who was normally reserved, shook his head vehemently. “You belong at our church. There’s no way Dad’s going to let you leave.”

  It was hard not to laugh. He knew Nathan meant his father would do everything he could to persuade Jaidon to stay…by friendly persuasion. While Nathan’s father may have been the senior pastor, he didn’t have the ability to keep Jaidon from changing churches. Only one person had that ability, and she was the reason he was willing to change. If he planned to marry her, their children needed to be brought up in the church they attended, and if they attended different churches…

  Right now the only thing that was important was getting the clearness committee to approve his membership and marriage to Catherine. Then the two of them could work out their plans from there together.

  “I appreciate all of your concerns.” Jaidon could tell by the strained look on Roberto’s face that he wasn’t happy with his revelation either. “But it’s my decision. And it’s not like you won’t ever see me again. I’ll still volunteer at the center, and I’m sure Catherine would agree to visiting our church from time to time.”

  Ariannah pointed a finger at him and glared. “See. You still consider it your church. You’re only changing because that no good—”

  “That’s enough, Ariannah,” Jaidon said sternly. “It’s obvious you never liked her from the beginning, but stooping to name calling is way out of line.”

  “Mr. Taylor.” Jaidon turned when he heard his name shouted.

  Tanesha.

  She hadn’t been to the center in at least a month. The last time he saw her was at the hospital when Daryl had been shot. She ran over to him. “Bruno’s going after that woman to make sure she doesn’t say nothin’ about him.”

  “That woman? Do you mean Catherine?” Jaidon stammered.

  “I don’t know her name,” Tanesha said. “That woman.” She shook her hands frantically. “The one D-Dog robbed. Bruno has her wallet. He knows where she lives.”

  “Thanks, Tanesha.” Jaidon fumbled for his cell phone and dialed.

  “Hey, how are you?” Catherine’s melodic voice rang out.

  She was safe. For now. “Sweetheart, listen. You need to make sure all the doors and windows are locked. I’m calling the police. I’ll see if they’ll send a squad car by your mom’s.”

  “What’s wrong?” He heard the panic in her voice, mirroring his own.

  “Bruno has your wallet. Was there any information in it, or in your purse, that might give away your mom’s location?”

  There was a pause.

  His heart quickened. “Catherine?”

  “No,” she replied. “Not that I can think of.”

  “Good.” Jaidon breathed a sigh of relief as he headed toward the door. “I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

  “We’ll be praying for you,” Roberto called.

  He glanced over his shoulder. “Thanks,” he said and jogged toward his vehicle while he dialed 911.

  Catherine paced, peered out the blinds, and paced again. She didn’t know whether or not to be glad her mother wasn’t home.

  Being alone right now scared her, but she didn’t want anyone else to get hurt either.

  “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind,” she reminded herself then flopped down in the recliner and started to pray.

  The doorbell rang and she jumped. She heard loud voices before she reached the door; more than one person was outside her house. She peeked through the living room blinds. Jaidon stood on the porch with his hands raised in the air. Flashing lights flickered. An officer was pointing a gun. Her heart pounded in her chest. Jaidon wasn’t the bad guy. The police must have confused Jaidon for Bruno—the last thing she needed was for them to shoot him. She opened the door.

  “Close the door!” Jaidon shouted over his shoulder. “And lock it!”

  She stood dazed a brief second before doing as instructed. Catherine ran into her old bedroom that faced the front of the house and peered through the blinds. She caught a glimpse of a dark-skinned man holding a gun, pointed at one of the officers. She glanced at the commotion on the curb and in the street. Her breath caught when she noticed the black Ford Explorer. Bruno. He really was after her. And for what? Catherine shook her head and sighed. Violence was senseless. Lord, please help them to settle this peacefully.

  “Put down the weapon!” the police yelled.

  Bruno hesitated then relented. His odds weren’t good if he put up a fight. He might be able to shoot one of the officers, but the other one would take him down. Chances were the police officers had backup on the way. As soon as the thought passed through her head, Catherine heard sirens.

  She rushed back to the living room and opened the door.

  This time she was greeted by Jaidon’s smiling face. She flung her arms around his neck. “My hero.”

  Jaidon squeezed her tight. “Don’t I wish.”

  “But you are.” She leaned her head back and looked at him. Pain etched his eyes. “What’s wrong?”

  “He followed me here.” Jaidon ran a hand along the side of her face, staring at her as if he’d never seen her before. “You could have been killed because of me.”

  “I wasn’t. God is faithful. He kept us safe.” Cath
erine kissed him on the cheek.

  “Amen,” Jaidon said and nuzzled her close. He lifted her chin and stared into her eyes then claimed her lips in a breathtaking kiss.

  The next morning Jaidon called his friend Harvey. “I wanted to thank you for taking Daryl Jones’s case. Any chance you’ve heard anything from the police about Bruno’s arrest?”

  “For a workers’ comp lawyer, you sure get mixed in with the wrong element,” Harvey said. “Are you sure volunteering your time at that center is worth all the hassle? You could’ve gotten yourself killed.”

  Or someone else. Jaidon closed his eyes. He’d talked with Catherine last night after the police left. She’d insisted she still wanted to volunteer at the center, even when he offered to quit and suggested they do something else together.

  Catherine was right. They were making a difference. Even though Daryl had messed up, he tried to do the right thing. Tanesha had even warned him. She’d cared enough to reach out and let them know Catherine was in danger. “It’s a thankless job, but somebody has to do it.”

  “Better you than me,” Harvey said. “Anyhow, the short of it is, I’ve gotten Daryl a deal in exchange for his testimony. Come to find out he witnessed several drug deals and can name some key players. Plus he saw Bruno kill a rival gang member who was trying to sell drugs in his territory. Bruno isn’t going to see the light of day for a long time.”

  “That’s good to know.” Jaidon exhaled a deep breath. That was one load off his mind.

  He just had to figure out how to transition his life to the upcoming changes. With time he knew his friends would be happy for him. Right now… He had to prepare Catherine for the resistance they might encounter in the meantime.

  He also needed to write a letter.

  Chapter 10

  Three weeks later

  New Garden Fellowship Monthly Meeting

  We have a couple of things to review today,” Matthew Payne announced to the clearness committee and to the congregation’s members who’d chosen to stay for the meeting.