by Cindy Kirk
“Pleased to meet you, Oaklee.”
“Your sister can be scary.”
Katie Ruth nearly groaned aloud at Oaklee’s comment.
Ethan laughed. “True, but she’s a marshmallow on the inside.”
Oaklee appeared skeptical. “If you say so.”
“I’m ready for you, Ethan.” Marigold appeared to be fighting a smile.
“Go bold or go home,” Oaklee called back as they left the salon.
“I wish I’d known you in high school.” Katie Ruth slipped her arm through Oaklee’s. “I think we’d have been good friends.”
“I’m glad we met now.” Oaklee lifted a hand to touch her shiny, sleek hair.
“Why is that?”
“Because I got through high school okay, and so did you.” Oaklee met Katie Ruth’s gaze. “When I really needed a friend, I met you. If you ever need a friend, I’ll be there for you.”
Dan had his plans for the day firmly in place. Once he finished with the interview at the church, he’d head to his parents’ house for dinner. Tomorrow morning, he’d drive back to Good Hope and Katie Ruth.
As he waited to be ushered into the conference room where the interview would take place, Dan found himself wondering how Oaklee’s hair appointment had gone. For someone who came across as brash and bold, Oaklee could be surprisingly unsure at times.
He was glad Katie Ruth was with his sister.
“Pastor Marshall.” A man whom Dan recognized as the senior pastor at Lincolnshire Christian stepped out of the conference room and extended his hand. “I’m Ted Martelle.”
“It’s good to meet you, Pastor.”
“Please call me Ted.”
“Dan.” He gave the man’s hand a firm shake.
For the next three hours, Dan sat at an oval table with Ted and the six men who comprised the search committee, answering each question, real and theoretical, tossed his way.
They started with the theological. They felt that his beliefs would shape everything he did with the church. After a break, they moved on to his philosophy.
After a series of questions, a stern-looking man with a well-trimmed goatee leaned forward, resting his forearms on the shiny tabletop. “What are some of the most important ideas and practices that you think cultivate health in a church?”
Dan smiled. “One of my passions is building a sustainable youth ministry.”
He went on to describe many of the changes he’d made at First Christian since becoming the pastor four years earlier, then followed up with the plans for more involvement from middle schoolers and even tossed in the Christian rock concert that would be done in conjunction with other area churches. “I’ve also done research and plan to work with our volunteer youth director on coming up with five key documents, starting with a directory of youth, volunteers and visitors; an annual events calendar; job descriptions and—”
“That’s very interesting,” Ted waved him silent, “but we have a very well-organized youth staff here. The youth pastor is in charge of that area. Why don’t you give us ideas and practices that would be relevant to your duties as an associate pastor in a larger congregation?”
Dan answered the question easily—and, it appeared by the head nods, to their satisfaction—but it stung that he would be so far removed from the youth ministry he loved.
After another break, which had Dan realizing just how weary he was, they reconvened, fresh water and steaming coffee on the table.
Ted folded his hands on the table where he sat directly across from Dan. His sharp eyes had remained fixed throughout the interview process. If he, too, was growing weary, it didn’t show.
“As I’m sure you’re aware, most of the biblical qualifications for pastoral ministry relate to a person’s character.” Ted’s expression remained serious. “Our final set of questions will be more personal.”
Dan answered the questions easily, until they got to the one about family. “Although my father wanted me to be an engineer, they’ve been supportive of my being in the ministry. I have one younger sister, who has taken more of an interest in her faith since moving to Good Hope.”
“How would your sister feel about you moving to Lincolnshire should the position be offered to you?”
The question was an easy one to answer. “The plan is for Oaklee to go back to college in September. Since my parents live in Lincolnshire, the location couldn’t be more conducive to family time.”
Peter, a younger man with a mop of blond hair, glanced down at the papers in front of him. “You’re not married.”
“No, I am not,” Dan confirmed. “I’ve never been married.”
“Are you dating anyone steadily?” Peter asked.
For the first time, Dan hesitated. What existed between him and Katie Ruth was new. He knew where he thought he wanted the relationship to go, but his experience with Lindsay had taught him that there were no guarantees.
Still, to say he wasn’t dating anyone steadily would be a lie and a betrayal of what he and Katie Ruth shared.
“For the past month, I’ve been dating a young woman in our congregation.” Dan kept his tone easy. “Katie Ruth is our volunteer youth director.”
Ted nodded approvingly. “I realize it’s quite early days, but do you know how she’d feel about being a pastor’s wife?”
“Katie Ruth would make a wonderful pastor’s wife.” Dan’s voice warmed the way it always did when he thought of the perky blonde with the generous, caring heart.
He took a moment to briefly describe her actions recently in the maternity waiting room. “She was a comforting presence to everyone there.”
A chorus of approving nods rippled around the table.
Dan answered a few more questions. He waited for the question Is there anything else you feel we should know? but it never came.
When preparing for this interview, he’d carefully considered what he would say if that question was asked. Did they have the right to know about Katie Ruth’s parents? It didn’t seem so, considering he and Katie Ruth had been dating for only six weeks.
They weren’t engaged, hadn’t spoken about marriage. Yet, Dan knew that if he were to leave Good Hope, he would ask Katie Ruth to come with him, as his wife.
“I believe that’s all our questions.” Ted offered a warm smile. “Is there anything you would like to ask us?”
Dan had compiled a list of questions. As he could tell everyone around the table was getting tired, he led with his top three. “How are decisions made?”
Over the past four years, Dan had enjoyed the freedom given to him by the congregation to try new programs, even to tinker with worship times.
“We’ve recently set up a task force in an effort to streamline our committee/church council structure.” Ted gave a little laugh. “When it took months to address some simple repairs on the church structure, we realized we had a problem of too many fingers in the pie.”
“We’re confident the task force will come up with workable suggestions to improve our dysfunctional governance structure,” Peter added.
Dysfunctional governance structure.
The description made Dan think of a corporation, rather than a church. He reminded himself that a large church needed an effective structure to be able to serve the members and the community.
“Thank you. I appreciate your forthrightness.” Dan glanced down at his sheet of questions. “What kind of pastor do you tell your friends your church needs?”
He made notes of the answers, then ended with, “What is the best thing this church has done in the last five years?”
By the time his questions were answered, it was nearly seven. He made it to his parents’ home in twenty minutes, another plus for accepting the position if it were offered.
His mother had kept dinner warm for him, and they sat around the small table in the kitchen, he with his plate of lasagna and vegetables and his parents with their decaffeinated coffee.
“You said it went well,” his father reminded h
im once Dan had gotten in a few bites of food. “Do you think they’re going to offer the position?”
“If I had to guess, I’d say yes.”
His mother clasped her hands together. “That’s wonderful news. Isn’t it, John?”
“It’d be good to have you close,” his father agreed. “Not to mention this would definitely be a step up for you.”
“If I take it.” Dan took a bite of garlic bread and wished he’d thought to call Katie Ruth on the drive over. In the past month, she’d become his touchstone, centering him in a way he hadn’t expected.
“If you take it?” His father frowned. “Why wouldn’t you accept the position?”
“Is it your girlfriend?” his mother asked. “Oaklee told me you’re dating someone.”
“That doesn’t make the woman his girlfriend.” John shot a sharp glance at his wife, then narrowed his gaze on his son. “Even if he did have one, if she wasn’t willing to move with him to support his career, she’s clearly not the right sort of woman for him.”
Dan’s spine stiffened. Something in his father’s tone said he’d already dismissed Katie Ruth as of no consequence. “Katie Ruth is very important to me.”
John inclined his head. “What does ‘very important’ signify?”
“I like her,” Dan said simply, knowing that didn’t begin to express what Katie Ruth meant to him.
“Enough to factor her thoughts into an important life decision?” The chill that wove its way through his father’s words told Dan his views on the matter.
Then again, what had he expected? In his family, his father’s business moves had dictated where they lived, though his mother also had a career.
Dan stabbed a piece of broccoli. “Yes. I will factor in her preferences.”
“That’s ridiculous.”
“John, it’s his—”
“Sandra.” One word from his father was all it took to silence his mother.
“While I appreciate your input, this is a decision between me and God.” Dan met his father’s gaze with a steely one of his own. “And between me and the woman I love.”
Chapter Fifteen
Dan left his parents’ home right after breakfast on Saturday. He made the four-hour trip to Good Hope in three and a half hours. On the road, he replayed the interview in his mind and considered his conversation with his parents.
By the time he stopped in front of his house, the only thing he wanted to do was see Katie Ruth. His call went straight to voice mail before he noticed she’d sent him a text.
At Y. Playing b-ball. Join me.
After grabbing his gym bag, Dan headed there. He used to get together regularly with several guys for a pickup game over lunch, but had gotten out of the habit.
Right now, running on a court sounded heaven-sent.
When he stepped onto the basketball court, he stopped. Katie Ruth was the only woman on the hardwood.
Dan recognized Beck, Max, Cade and Jeremy immediately. Then Clay and David Chapin. Finally, Ryder and Ethan.
They hadn’t yet noticed him, so he studied the teams and listened to the G-rated trash talk. Katie Ruth appeared to be on the team with five, while the other team was making do with four.
Even in gym shorts and a Packers T-shirt, with her hair pulled up in a tail, she was beautiful.
She was also a good ball handler. He noticed the other team had chosen not to guard her. Probably none of the guys wanted to be the one to block her.
Katie Ruth ran down the court, never taking her eyes from the ball in Jeremy’s control, setting herself up in a corner. When Jeremy passed the ball to her, she took the shot.
“That’s three, count ’em, three points,” she taunted, doing her own version of a boogie dance.
While the other team groaned, her teammates gave her high fives. Ryder slung an arm around Katie Ruth’s shoulders and gave her a squeeze. Dan discovered jealousy was an unfamiliar, yet strong, emotion.
As he watched, Katie Ruth lifted his arm from her shoulders and took a step back, an easy smile on her face.
Only then did she notice him on the sidelines. A broad smile split her face as she crossed the court. When she reached him, she rose on her tiptoes to press her lips lightly to his.
“Welcome back.” Her eyes searched his. “I missed you.”
“I missed you, too.” His hands settled on her hips. “A lot.”
“Do the kissy thing later,” Jeremy called out. “We have a game to win.”
“Dan,” Beck called out, “you’re on our team.”
The next half hour passed quickly, with Katie Ruth scoring another three-pointer for her team. As he dribbled the ball down the court, Dan wondered why he’d quit playing.
Not only because of the exercise, which he sorely needed, but because he genuinely liked these guys. He was nearly in position, the ball in his hands, when Katie Ruth appeared from out of nowhere to block his shot.
Jeremy scooped up the blocked shot, made his way down the court to score.
“That’s game,” someone called out.
Katie Ruth wrinkled her nose. “Sorry.”
Dan slung an arm around her shoulders, much the way Ryder had earlier. With him, she didn’t pull away. “Great block.”
“Thanks.” Katie Ruth glanced at the other men. “I appreciate you letting me hang on the court with you.”
“Anytime, Katie Ruth.” Jeremy winked. “You’re our secret weapon.”
“Not anymore,” Ryder groused.
As the men headed for the showers, Dan and Katie Ruth crossed the court more slowly, his fingers linked with hers.
“Do you have plans for the evening?”
She smiled. “I do.”
His heart dropped.
“I’m spending the evening with my boyfriend. He just got back into town.”
Everything in Dan relaxed. “What are you and this boyfriend of yours going to do tonight?”
His teasing tone had her lips curving. “Since it’s a nice evening, I thought we could grill out at his house. Perhaps watch a movie afterwards, or maybe play a board game.”
Dan knew many contemporaries would label such activities lame or boring, but it sounded good to him. Better than good, actually. He couldn’t imagine anything better than spending the evening with Katie Ruth.
Katie Ruth touched his arm. When he shifted his worried gaze to her, she smiled. It was as if she could read his mind. “Oaklee will be glad you’re home.”
She didn’t need to say more. Oaklee would be their chaperone tonight, just like every other night.
Dan wished it could be different. He longed for alone time with her. There were so many things he wanted to tell her without his sister hearing every word.
For her part, Katie Ruth didn’t appear to mind that they wouldn’t be alone. At least that’s the impression she gave.
Until they reached the point in the hall leading to the locker rooms where he would go right and she’d go left.
Her fingers tightened around his hand when he attempted to release hers. “Perhaps after dinner, you and I could take a walk? Just the two of us.”
Dan grinned. The fact that the day suddenly seemed a whole lot brighter didn’t have one thing to do with the fluorescent lights overhead.
On the way home, Dan stopped at the grocery store and left with a cartful of food. He was fumbling with the lock at his front door while juggling two sacks when the door abruptly opened.
“Give me one of those.”
Dan blinked. The voice was familiar, but the young woman snatching a sack from his hand was a stranger.
“Oaklee?”
Already on her way to the kitchen, his sister turned. She lifted a brow. “Problem?”
“Your…your hair. It’s different.”
She flashed a smile. “Marigold did it. Do you like it?”
Dan studied the cut and the color. “I do. What made you decide to take the leap?”
“Not so much of a leap.”
He
followed his sister to the kitchen, setting his sack beside the one she’d placed on the counter. “It’s very different.”
“I believe you already made that clear.” Her smile flashed. “This is my natural color.”
“Really?” Dan frowned. He’d thought for sure his sister was a blonde.
She nodded. “It’s been a long time since you’ve probably seen it au naturel.”
“The cut suits you.”
Her hand rose to touch the strands. “Marigold is a genius with hair.”
That settled, they unpacked the sacks in companionable silence. It wasn’t until Dan had lit the grill on the deck that Oaklee brought up their parents.
“How’s Dad?”
Dan didn’t want to think of his father right now. Especially not when Katie Ruth would be at the house any minute. Perhaps it was best to get this conversation out of the way. “Same.”
“I bet he gave you an earful about me. After he lectured you on how you should be living your life.”
Dan wished he could disagree.
“What did he say about the new position? He’s all for it, isn’t he?”
The doorbell rang before Dan could respond.
“That must be Katie Ruth.” Oaklee whirled and was headed to the front door before Dan could take a step.
Moments later, his sister returned, Katie Ruth at her side.
Dan shut the hood of the grill, set down the spatula and drank in the sight of her. How could he miss someone he’d just seen?
“I brought a pie.” Katie Ruth held out the carrier. “Homemade.”
“Is it cherry?” Oaklee asked. “Cherry is my favorite.”
Katie Ruth set the pie on the counter. “It’s actually Dutch apple.”
“That’s your favorite.” Oaklee pointed to her brother.
A warmth rushed through him. Dan couldn’t believe Katie Ruth had remembered. On the drive back from Sombreros, they’d somehow gotten on the topic of favorite desserts, and he’d casually mentioned his fondness for Dutch apple pie.
“I hope we have ice cream to go with it.” Oaklee jerked open the freezer door.
