by Paula Mowery
“Miss Jenna, we need you to attend an important meeting tomorrow morning.”
That was it. He left it at that. What was this all about? She thanked God for her little siesta, especially since she’d probably have trouble sleeping tonight thinking about this meeting.
On her way home, she called her dad.
“Hey, honey. How was your Sunday?”
“Pretty good. I was exhausted from the Fall Festival but caught a good nap before church tonight.”
“But the festival went well?”
“Seemed to.”
“I’m sure you’re being modest.”
“Dad, would you keep me in your prayers? The deacon chairman informed me of an important meeting tomorrow morning. He didn’t say what this was all about. I’m nervous.”
“Jen, I will pray, but don’t borrow trouble, as my granddad used to say.”
Jenna chuckled. “You’re right, of course.” She asked about her mother and got a good report. When the call ended, peace settled into her heart again.
As she entered the apartment, Shawna met her. “Is something up?”
“I’m not sure. I have to report for an important meeting with the deacon chairman tomorrow morning. I was freaked out at first, but my dad helped me calm down.” She shrugged. “I just have to wait and see.”
“I’m praying for you.” Shawna smiled. “The festival was a big success.”
“You think so?”
Shawna’s eyes widened. “Yes. I heard a lot of compliments. Maybe they will commend you tomorrow morning. Could be something positive.”
“You’re right. Why is it we always think negatively?”
“Human nature, I suppose. I’m popping popcorn for supper. Want some?”
“Sure. How often did we have popcorn for supper while we were in school?”
“A lot.” Shawna laughed.
They chomped on popcorn and chatted then headed off to bed.
Jenna hopped into bed and slept hard until her alarm sounded. Praying through her whole morning routine, she drove toward the church early.
She shuffled papers on her desk, straightening it from its neglect. But now the Fall Festival was behind her, and she could attend to the mess.
As she organized the last stack of pages in a folder, her phone buzzed. Time for the meeting. She marched to the conference room down the hall and chose a chair near the Youth Minister, who exchanged pleasantries with her.
From the expressions around the table, no one had a clue as to the topic of this meeting.
The deacon chairman stood and cleared his throat. “Thank you all for coming. I wanted to let you know that we have a possible candidate for pastor. He will be here the Sunday after Thanksgiving to preach. Then, of course, according to our by-laws, the church would vote on calling him the next Sunday.”
Everyone nodded agreeably around the table. Jenna was stunned at the speed at which they had located and narrowed the search.
“The other reason I called you together was to give you a heads-up so you won’t be caught off guard. We are unsure if this candidate, should he be voted in, would keep the current staff members or bring in others.”
“Excuse me?” The Senior Adult Pastor waved his hand. “What are you saying? That this new pastor might mean we all lose our jobs?”
All eyes riveted back on the deacon chairman. “Well, yes. In some instances, a pastor might prefer to create his own staff-team.”
Jenna sat dumbfounded. Should she cry or be angry?
“So those of us who have held this ministry together and kept it going, we could just be dumped.” The Youth Minister’s voice held an edge of disbelief and sarcasm at the same time.
The deacon chairman shot his hands up in surrender. “Don’t get all upset. It’s not a done deal.”
The music minister spoke up. “George, you can’t expect us to be okay with this. You’re talking about our livelihoods. Are you telling us this so we can circulate resumes?”
George shook his head. “No, no, don’t overreact.” He plopped into a chair and sighed. “Look, I felt you all had the right to know this. Looking at the history of this guy, he has brought in some staff with him before to other churches. I had no intention of upsetting you, but as I told the other deacons, I thought it unfair not to mention this to you.”
From the agonizing expression on his face, George, the deacon chairman, didn’t like this any more than the rest of the staff.
The music minister patted George’s back. “Then we pray God’s will be done and right decisions to be made.” He smiled at George and jumped to his feet, strolling out the door.
Jenna’s stomach knotted. She refused to cry in front of her peers. Retreating back to her office, she closed the door and plunked into her desk chair. Her dam of tears released and streamed down her cheeks.
Her cell phone buzzed and she jumped. The screen indicated Ben. She swiped at her wet cheeks and sniffed before answering. “Hello. Ben? Everything okay?”
“Honey, what’s wrong? You sound like you’ve been crying.”
His use of honey consoled her. “I just got out of a disturbing meeting.” She spilled the details.
“My word! That’s ridiculous. Look, I’m working late tonight. Can I pick you up for supper tomorrow evening? Just me and you.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m very sure. You need cheering up. Besides, anyone who meets you would never give you up.”
Warmth spread through her chest.
“I’ll pick you up at six. Okay?”
“Thanks.”
* * *
Ben jogged up to Jenna’s apartment door and knocked. The door swept open immediately. Jenna stood with her light brown hair falling in soft curls around her shoulders. She wasn’t sporting her usual smile, but worry lines etched her brow. He reached his hand toward her and pulled her into an embrace.
He whispered into her hair. “Everything’s gonna be all right.”
Her shoulders relaxed a bit.
“Come on. How about we get some local seafood?”
Jenna nodded. “That sounds perfect.”
As he maneuvered out of the complex and down the street, Jenna spoke up. “So what are Avery and Dakota up to tonight?”
He glanced at her and back to the road. “My parents took them for pizza, and then they will get them ready for bed. I don’t know what I’d do without them.”
“They’re fortunate to be able to spend time like that with their grandparents. Mine were already gone before I was born.”
Ben eased into the gravel lot of his favorite seafood restaurant. “I know it doesn’t look like much, but this place has the best local seafood.”
They stepped inside and sat at a table near a back window with a view of the inlet water. As Jenna studied the menu, Ben stared at her. His pulse stirred when he was near her. Was it right to have these strong feelings so soon after losing Alyssa?
“How’s the grouper?” She peered over the top of her menu.
“Let’s just say I’ve never had anything here that I didn’t like.”
She folded the menu. “Well then, I’m going for the grouper.”
After placing their order, Ben leaned over the table. “Tell me again about this horrible meeting.”
“Like I said, all of the staff were called into the conference room and told that should this pastoral candidate be voted in, he has been known to bring in some of his own staff.”
“That doesn’t seem right.”
“No, but since my father is a pastor, I know this does happen. He never thought it right to do that.” Jenna curled a lock of hair behind her ear. “He always felt God had called those staff members there, and just because he might come in as the new pastor didn’t mean he had the right to take over.”
“I agree.” He laid his hand atop hers on the table.
“It’s just…if something like that happened, I would have to move back home to Tennessee. I couldn’t mooch off Shawna.” She massa
ged her forehead with her fingertips. “Losing my job here would really mean a world of change for me.”
Ben’s chest tightened. Surely God wouldn’t allow that to happen.
She heaved a sigh. “But enough about that. How are things going for you? Have you heard from your in-laws?” She wrinkled her nose.
“Nope, not since that day he called. And now I’ve got a few weeks that I’ll have to work later. They do this around the holidays. Beef up the security, so to speak. I hate it has to happen now with us just moving into the house and all. But it can’t be helped.”
Jenna sat up straighter. “Why couldn’t I bring them home and get supper started?”
“You’d do that?”
“Of course. Unless you think it will cause problems. I would never want to do that.”
He squeezed her hand. “You’re special, you know that?”
Pink rose to her cheeks and she lowered her gaze. “I don’t know about that.”
He lifted her chin with his finger and looked her in the eyes. “Jenna, don’t ever doubt it. Your tender care for my children and your willingness to help me… You blow me away.”
“I love Avery and Dakota and I…I care about all of you.”
Had she almost spoken of her love for him? His heart thudded a smidgen faster. He was almost certain he could admit he loved her, too.
He regretted the hour getting later and tucked her reluctantly back into the passenger seat and headed to her apartment.
“Will you tell the kids goodnight for me? And I’ll see them tomorrow after school?” Her voice sprang out laced with an eagerness.
“I’ll let them know you’ll be picking them up. I could bring something home for supper?”
“Do you like meatloaf?”
“Sure. I like about anything, and the kids are pretty good about eating too.”
She swiveled toward him. “Maybe we could make a shopping list so you’ll have the ingredients we need.”
“Okay. Tomorrow night we’ll make a list.”
As he slid the car into a vacant spot in her apartment building lot, movement caught his eye. A man emerged from a car parked two spaces over and stared in their direction.
Jenna gasped. “What is he doing here?”
Ben glanced from the man to Jenna. “Who?”
“It’s Peter. My ex-fiancé.” She rolled eyes. “Why is he here?”
“Stay there. I’ll come around.” Ben hopped out and jogged around to the passenger door and swung it open, offering his hand to Jenna. He continued to hold tight to her hand as they met Peter on the sidewalk.
“Peter. What are you doing here?”
“Hello to you, too. I’ve come so we can finally have that talk and work things out between us.”
“I told you there was nothing to talk about.”
Peter stepped closer with his eyes riveted on Jenna. Ben slid slightly in front of her. Peter glared at him. “If you will excuse us.” He glanced at their clasped hands and then met Ben’s gaze. “And you are?”
“I’m Ben Jacobsen, local police officer, and good friend of Jenna.” His jaw hardened and teeth gritted.
“Well, I’m Peter Callahan, Jenna’s fiancé.”
“No, you aren’t,” Jenna spoke firmly over Ben’s shoulder.
Peter acted as if he would step around Ben to Jenna. Ben’s reflexes kicked in and he blocked Peter with his arm. “Back off.”
Peter glanced around Ben. “This is really what you want? You would end the best deal you had.”
“Peter, I gave you back your ring and told you plainly that I do not want to marry you. It is really what I want.”
“You’ll be sorry.” He stomped to his car.
“Mr. Callahan, I’d be careful making any threats.” Ben narrowed his eyes.
Peter jumped into his car and spun out of the lot.
Ben turned to Jenna. “I’m sorry. I kinda took over there. I didn’t even ask if you wanted to speak with him.”
Jenna shook her head. “No, don’t be sorry. I’m finished speaking with him. He can’t let it go because he wasn’t in control.” She chewed her top lip. “I never thought he’d come here.”
Ben cupped Jenna’s shoulders. “If you spot him around here again, please let me know. I didn’t like his threatening tone.”
She nodded.
He wrapped his arms around her, and she fell into his embrace. “Hey.” Her head tilted up to look at him. “Don’t worry. Everything’s gonna work out fine.” He pressed his lips to hers. As they parted, he almost voiced “I love you.” But the thought shocked him that he would feel inclined to declare that. “I’ll see you at home…well, my house, tomorrow.”
A sweet smile spread across her face. “Okay.”
“Now, scoot. Go on in and lock the door.”
“Yes, sir.” She started to turn but paused. “Thanks for supper. And everything.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Jenna relished in the routine of bringing Avery and Dakota home and starting supper. When Ben arrived, they sat down to eat together like a family. But was Jenna getting too accustomed and even too attached? She couldn’t help the attractiveness of the warm security and belonging.
Thanksgiving neared, and the kids chattered on as she prepared the barbecue chicken for the oven.
Dakota tilted his head and gazed right at Jenna. “When you were little, did you put up Christmas decorations right after Thanksgiving?”
Jenna shoved the pan into the oven and shut the door. “Come to think of it, yes, we did start putting up Christmas decorations soon after Thanksgiving.”
Avery shook her head. “We won’t be putting any decorations up.” Her lower lip protruded.
“Why is that?”
“Daddy said we couldn’t put them up this year.” Dakota’s mouth drooped in a pitiful frown.
Jenna propped her hand on her hip. The kids’ disappointment was evident. Maybe she would mention this to Ben. Could be a misunderstanding. “Do you have any homework, Dakota?”
“Spelling. I need to study my words for the test.”
Jenna provided crayons and a coloring book for Avery while she drilled Dakota on his words.
The garage door rattled open and closed thirty minutes earlier than expected. Ben sprang through the side door, sporting a smile. “Hey, gang. I got to scoot out early.” He sniffed. “Something smells good.” He looked Jenna in the eyes and winked.
Her knees wobbled slightly. “Barbecue chicken.” She hustled around the kitchen, finishing the side dishes.
The kids replayed their day for their father.
“Okay, we can set the table.” Jenna reached for plates.
Ben patted her arm. “Here, let me.”
Warmth spread up her arm from the point of contact.
They gathered around the dining room table and Ben blessed the food. As he scooped a piece of chicken onto his plate, he glanced at Jenna. “Trying to show me up with the chicken, huh?”
“No, I just thought…”
Ben guffawed. “You know not to take me seriously.”
She shoved his arm. “Eat your supper.”
After the meal, a buzz of activity began. Dishes rinsed and stowed in the dishwasher. Two kids herded upstairs for baths and tucking in.
Ben plunked onto the sofa next to Jenna. “Whew. I think I need a vacation.”
“Speaking of vacation, the kids had this notion that you aren’t going to put up Christmas decorations.”
Ben’s eyes turned steel-cold and his jaw muscles twitched. “That’s not a notion. I’m not putting up decorations.”
“But why? The kids…”
Ben jumped to his feet. “You don’t understand. That’s something they did with their mother.”
“But, Ben, they need to share this tradition with you.” Jenna lowered her voice and tried to sound compassionate and understanding.
He crossed his arms over his chest. “I won’t allow it.” His tone was harsh.
Jenna’s ches
t tightened. “Don’t punish them.”
He glared at her. “This isn’t your business. I am their father, and this is my house. I will decide about these matters the way I feel is best.”
Jenna rose and snatched her purse from the coffee table. She marched toward the front door and whirled back around. Ben refrained from making eye contact and remained silent. She slipped outside and dashed to her car. Tears blurred her vision as she backed from the driveway and drove the short distance to her apartment.
Was this yet another sign that she should pack up and return to Tennessee?
* * *
Ben’s heart ached. What had he done? Had he driven Jenna away? Sleep eluded him all night, and he steered the car to his father’s office after dropping the kids at school. He jogged up the steps and into the lobby.
“Ben.” The receptionist rushed over and embraced him.
“Miss Eva, how are you?”
“Can’t complain. Your father is free.” She gestured toward his dad’s office door. Miss Eva had been his father’s loyal receptionist for as long as he had been practicing his counseling. She was like a part of the family.
Ben eased the door open and stepped through. His father peeked over the top of his glasses from some papers on his desk. He smiled. “Son, come on in.”
Ben plopped into the leather chair. “Dad, I think I blew it.”
His father rose and eased into the seat next to him. “What did you blow?”
He related the scene from the night before with Jenna. He rubbed a hand down his face. “I shouldn’t have spoken to her so harshly. I don’t know where it came from.”
His father leaned closer. “I think I do.” He stroked his chin. “You haven’t allowed yourself time to grieve Alyssa. You just jumped right into your duty. And I think on most days, you can keep any reminders of her hidden or pushed to the side. But the thought of bringing out Christmas decorations would be like staring those feelings in the face. Am I close?”
Ben shifted in the chair. “I’d say you’re close.” He heaved a sigh. “But I feel like I really like Jenna. Dad, I think I love her. Is that hiding my true feelings, too? Am I just trying to replace Alyssa?”
“Son, I believe you have true feelings for Jenna. But to move on, you’re going to have to say goodbye to Alyssa. You have to recognize your loss. I’m not saying you will forget Alyssa. She was the mother of your children, and you loved her dearly.”
