“You will not believe it. God answers prayers. There is so much to do. But do not worry. I will get everything taken care of—”
“Slow down, Juan. What are you telling me?”
He caught his breath. “Dylan Conner gave us enough to finish the church, and he is buying your condo. I will fax the paperwork to you.”
She smiled at his excitement. “I guess you better start packing. You’ll be moving to Honduras before you know it.”
“I know. I need to do so many things. I need to prepare sermons, and the kids need shots, and we must decide what to take and what to sell. I need to take care of the business here.”
“One thing at a time. Jill’s ready to move into your position, but you’ll need to let Bill know so we can hire a replacement for her.”
“I have done that already.” His voice hushed. “About Jill. I am worried for her. She has been sick all week and is not eating. She looks pale.”
A sense that something was wrong weighed heavy on Sarah Beth. “She hasn’t mentioned feeling bad. I’ll find out what’s going on.”
After ending the call with Juan, she dialed Jill.
“Hey.” Jill’s voice was barely above a whisper.
Sarah Beth’s stomach took a dive. “You sound terrible. What’s wrong? Juan said that you don’t look well. Are you sick? Have you been to the—?”
“I’m not sick. Not like you think, at least. I may as well tell you.” She gave a heavy sigh. “I haven’t been to the doctor, but I went to the drugstore and bought a pregnancy test.”
The air whooshed out of Sarah Beth’s lungs. “No, you can’t be.”
“I can be.”
A singular thought took over. She needed to be strong for Jill. “It’s going to be fine. We’ll be together through this.”
“I can’t believe it.” Jill’s voice broke. “I was with Dylan for one night. I haven’t been with a man in years.” She sobbed. “What am I gonna do? I don’t know if I can...”
“I’ll be here for you and the baby.” Please don’t let her think about ending the pregnancy.
Between sobs, Jill sniffled. “I just found a good man, and now I’ll lose him. What’s Nick going to say if he finds out?”
“I know this wasn’t planned, and the timing is rotten, but God knows and loves this baby. He will provide for you both. Trust Him.”
“Sarah Beth, I want to believe...I don’t know. Please don’t tell Nick or Jess. Definitely don’t tell Dylan. Promise me. I need time to think.”
“It’s not my news to tell.”
“Oh, and one of the VPs insisted his nephew from the mailroom be transferred into my old position. The kid could care less about anything I’ve tried to teach him so far.”
“I’ll clear my schedule to take up the slack. Maybe the assistant in my University office could help out more. I haven’t given her much to do besides my scheduling and the Foundation files.”
“Is that Cassie? I met her. She seemed competent.”
“Very. She’s part-time because she wants to be home with her son. I haven’t taken the time to get to know her. I’ve been so caught up in myself since I came back. I feel guilty, now that I think about it.”
“The work isn’t going to all fall back on you. I’m not dying. Women work in my condition. I just wish I didn’t feel so green—and achy.”
“I won’t teach Dean Latham’s classes in the fall, so I’ll have more time. He’ll understand, and it’ll work out. Don’t worry about anything but taking care of yourself. And the baby.”
Sarah Beth paced her office. She wouldn’t let Jill go through this alone.
~~~
Jess paced the hall in front of Coach Black’s office. What did his boss want? He was vague on the phone when he’d called and said to come straight over.
The door clacked as it opened. Coach Black’s mouth pressed into a thin line as he crossed the room. What was that expression? Good or bad?
Then he clapped his hand onto Jess’s bicep. “We got an early verbal commitment from your Memphis quarterback. Hitting the newspapers as we speak. Congrats.”
Jess’s shoulders loosened. “Gotta love it. Not that it’ll keep the other coaches from trying to change his mind before signing day, but still good news.”
“I was surprised to hear it. ’Bama was after him hot and heavy.”
“Maybe Teddy Conrad will get off my back. Until next time.”
Coach Black frowned. “You don’t think Teddy...?”
Jess’s stomach sank as if he’d just thrown an interception, leaving a bitter taste in his mouth. “I warned him not to. He knows what a booster violation is.”
“If there’s any chance, I’ll need to report it to the NCAA.”
Jess rubbed his fingers across his forehead as a headache started. “I’ll talk to Sam and see if he knows anything. If there’s a violation and someone has to take the fall, I won’t let you be the one.”
~~~
Sarah Beth sat on the edge of the aqua wingback chair beside Cassie’s desk. “I’m sorry I haven’t tried to get to know you better, Cassie. The past year has been...”
“A tough year for you.” Cassie gave her a sympathetic smile. “Dean Latham explained. I can only imagine how difficult things have been. I went through a nasty divorce a year ago, so I’ve had my own adjustments.”
How could she have been so self-consumed? “I feel terrible I didn’t know.”
Cassie’s smile faltered. “Don’t waste time feeling bad. I’m making it. Did you have something you needed today?”
“I wanted to ask if you’d be willing to work some extra hours here for me? You know, for my real job? In L.A.?”
She nodded. “As long as I can be available for my son. Teens still need their mothers—even if they won’t admit it.”
“Not a problem.”
“Great. I’m not sure I have the creative juices like you for marketing. They didn’t teach that in law school.”
“Law school? You’re a lawyer?”
Cassie’s blue-green eyes twinkled. “Dean Latham told you nothing about me?”
“Apparently not.” The phone in her hand vibrated, and she checked the screen. “I’ve got to catch this.”
Sarah Beth slung her bag on the conference table and answered. “Is everything okay, Jill?”
“Fine, boss lady.”
“I don’t love when you call me that, but I’ve got an idea.”
“Not surprised.”
“I’ve been thinking about this a lot, and I hope you’ll agree. Why don’t you move here? We’ll have the lines forwarded. You could stay the rest of your pregnancy, and I’ll help you, especially when the baby comes.”
“You can’t be serious?”
“I’m totally serious. I’m sure Nick misses you, too. He’s so gloomy, I can’t stand to look at him.”
The line was silent.
“Jill? Are you still there?”
“Um, I told him I couldn’t be involved with him anymore.”
Sarah Beth let out a sigh and thought of the long-faced Nick she’d seen around campus. “I knew something was wrong with him. Did you tell him why?”
“No.”
“We’ll worry about that later, but think about moving here. At least for a while.”
“I’ll think about it.”
~~~
Jess trekked up the sidewalk toward Sam’s house. This would be a tough conversation. Sam was a friend. And the man was honest to a fault. But no one wants their parent accused of unethical behavior.
The wood bit into his knuckles as he knocked, the way the sick feeling bit into his gut. He brushed his fingers over the doorknob. No. He would wait for Sam to answer this time.
The door flung open. “Since when do you knock?” Sam studied Jess’s face. “What’s wrong?”
“Let’s talk inside.”
Sam waved him in. “I’m getting a beer. I know you don’t want one, but I always offer. It’s the polite thing to do.”
>
“And I always say thanks, but no thanks.” Jess followed him into the spacious designer kitchen and slid a chair out from under the dining table. He sighed as he sat. “I need to know about Teddy and Zach Garcia. Word is that Zach’s committing to us. He’ll sign a letter on the early signing date.”
Sam shrugged. “That’s great.” He took a sip of his beer. “But you think Dad might have offered something to swing him your way?”
Jess ran his fingers across the cherry finish of the table. “I want to make sure he didn’t. My job’s on the line.”
Sam sat down, his expression hard. “I’ll find out. I’ll turn him in myself if he violated recruiting rules.” He clenched his fist. “I’m sick of his meddling in every minutiae of my life. And now he’s meddling with yours, too.”
“I’m sorry to ask this of you.”
“No, man. It’s the right thing to do.” He smirked, but his blue eyes were kind. “That’s the way you roll, right, Coach?”
At least Sam was okay with this. “I try. But, let me ask you. Teddy claims you’re distant cousins with this Garcia kid?”
“That story could take a while.”
“Save it. If we need it for the NCAA, you can write it down for me.”
~~~
Sarah Beth grabbed her chiming cell. Jill. Maybe she’d made a decision. “Hey.”
“Okay. I’m coming to stay with you.”
Relief enveloped her. “Oh, Jill. You won’t regret it.”
“I know deep down you’ve been scared I’d end the pregnancy. And I know how you feel about that.”
Sarah Beth traced the edge of her desk with her finger. “Are you going to raise the baby?”
“I think so.”
“What made you decide to come here?”
“Honestly, it was Dylan Conner.”
Sarah Beth gasped. “Did you tell him?”
“No, no, no. He came by the office today to talk with Bill. I could’ve died. Not only is it awkward, but he stops by my desk and says hello. Like nothing happened. I mean he’s never rude—he may even be trying to act nice.” Air whooshed across the connection. “What about when I start showing? He might put two and two together. And he comes and talks to Bill fairly often. I guess they’re friends.”
“I don’t think you can keep this from him forever.”
“Why not? It was one night. Can you imagine the life this baby would have if some gossip rag got hold of the news?”
Sarah Beth’s own experience with those papers was bad enough. The poor child. “I hadn’t thought of that. You don’t have to decide everything today. Just make the reservations and come south. We’ll pray that God will show us His plan.”
Chapter 37
This could work. Sarah Beth hung Jill’s clothes in the walk-in closet of the pool house’s only bedroom, while Jill emptied the rest into a small antique dresser on the opposite wall. The pool house wasn’t as small as a tiny house, but it was close. Three large windows allowed a good bit of light to flow into the combined living room and kitchenette. And at least, the bedroom was a nice size. Being in Oxford would give Jill the privacy she needed to figure things out.
And no worries about bumping into Dylan Conner.
With everything on hangers, the ample closet still had space. “Jill, do you have anything else?”
“That’s all I brought.”
Now that the clothes were unpacked, maybe they could talk. Really talk. Sarah Beth threw herself across the bed. “How’re you doing?”
Jill zipped the empty suitcase and set it aside. “I’m getting used to the idea. Finding out that I’m pregnant...was surreal.” She plopped onto the bed beside Sarah Beth. “My mother helped me pack. She was compassionate, even excited about the baby. She claims to be a deist nowadays. I was shocked. I think my little brother sent her into a panic. She needs a higher power.”
“Tell me more about what’s going on with your brother. I take it he didn’t fall in love with structure in kindergarten like you did.”
“If only.” Jill shook her head. “Because of the fourteen-year age difference, we aren’t close. All I know is that he’s spent time in juvie, and now he’s attending the alternative school.”
Sarah Beth studied her friend. Between Jill’s washed-out face and the way her clothes bagged off of her, the past few weeks must’ve been harder than she’d let on. “You’re pale. Why don’t you go on to bed, and we’ll finish this tomorrow.”
Jill rubbed her wrists. “That sounds good. My hands and feet are killing me. But I’ll join you for church in the morning.”
Church? God did work in mysterious ways.
~~~
Though Sarah Beth drove below the speed limit and took the curves as slow as possible, Jill’s expression worried her. Thank goodness the church building wasn’t far.
Jill sighed and hurried to exit the car. “Fresh air.”
“I’m sorry you’re so nauseated. I did some research last night. Ginger is supposed to help.”
The smile Jill struggled to give didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I’ll have to try that.”
Inside, as they neared the stairs leading to the balcony, Katie scampered up and wrapped her arms around Jill’s legs.
“Ms. Jill, you’re back.”
A somber Nick lagged behind. Jill gave him a weak smile and picked up her four-year-old friend. Katie sprang into a discourse about every memorable event she could think of since she’d last seen Jill. Then she opened her little purse and pulled out half a sausage biscuit. “Ms. Jill, you can have the rest of my breakfast if you want.”
Blanching, Jill gently set Katie down. “Thank you, sweetie, but I’m not feeling well.” Jill bolted down the hall leaving Katie and Nick behind.
Nick’s eyes followed her. “Is she all right? She looks thin.”
Sarah Beth bit her lip. “She’s been ill.”
His head whipped around. “Is it serious?”
Not going to break. I’m a vault.
“You should talk to her yourself.” She pointed. “Here’s Jess.” Saved by the handsome man in jeans.
Jess’s blue polo accentuated his light hair as he glanced at his watch. “Hey, I thought you guys would be seated by now.”
Nick boosted Katie into his arms. “I need to run my girl to children’s church.”
“I’m waiting for Jill,” Sarah Beth whispered. “They all just ran into each other. She’s in the ladies room.”
Jess leaned close, the citrusy scent of his hair distracting her. “Why are you whispering?”
She returned to her normal voice. “Just go save our seats. I’ll be there in a sec.”
Two songs ended by the time Jill and Sarah Beth made it to the balcony, and Jess lowered an eyebrow and pointed at his watch.
Sarah Beth put her lips near his ear. “Jill’s not feeling well, and I’m whispering because church started.”
“You’re not funny.” He peered down his nose, but a smile played on his lips.
On the other side of Jess, Nick sat with a stoic expression. Poor guy. If only he knew the truth. Wouldn’t it be easier for him to understand her rejection?
At the last amen, Jill clutched Sarah Beth’s arm. “Let’s go. Now.”
They were halfway to the car when Jess caught up. “Why are y’all running off?”
Sarah Beth bit her lip. “Jill’s still not feeling well.”
He motioned toward the front of the SUV. “Can you come over here for one second? I want to ask you something.”
“Okay.” Swallowing a bit of anxiety, she handed Jill the keys and moved to his side.
He shuffled his feet and ran one finger across the dusty hood. “Football’s going to consume my nights and days now that the season is starting.”
Sarah Beth gave a stiff nod. “I understand.” Was he trying to ditch her? It wasn’t like they were dating or anything. And if they weren’t dating, why did the idea of him ditching her make her want to cry?
His hand moved to clas
p hers. “Do you think, when I do get a break, we could go out on a date?”
Blood rushed to her face, and her heartbeat drummed in her ears. “Huh?”
His thumb inched up and down her hand, and his expression softened. “A date. Like when a man picks up a woman he likes and takes her to dinner and a movie.”
Sarah Beth stared at his hand holding hers. “I...I don’t know if I’m ready to date. I mean, I’ve been reading a book about purity, and it says that men and women should only date when they’re thinking about commitment.”
“Chris gave me the same book.” His gaze explored her face. “You don’t think you could ever consider making a commitment to me?”
Sarah Beth cleared her throat. “Yes. I mean...” She sighed. “I’m confused. I’ll give it some thought. Going on a date, I mean.”
Jess laced an arm around her waist. “That’s all I ask.”
Her world tilted, and she melted into his shoulder, brain foggy. He escorted her around the SUV and opened the door for her.
His confident grin returned. “See you soon, Sarah Beth.”
After the door closed, she released a weighty breath.
Jill perked up a wee bit. “Tell me everything.”
Sarah Beth’s hand still tingled where Jess’s had been. Between the hand-holding and the date invitation, she’d lost her ability to think. “He wants to go on a date.”
Jill snickered. “You’ve been dating for months, silly. You just choose to pretend otherwise.”
Chapter 38
The look on Sam’s face as he entered the coaching offices launched Jess’s stomach into a nosedive. He wouldn’t stall, though. Not about this. “What did you find out?”
Sam plopped down in the chair across from Jess’s desk. “We haven’t hired the kid or anything, and no money has gone his way.” He paused and sighed.
“But?”
“His father got a small promotion. Whether that was on the up and up, I don’t know. That’s all.”
The sick feeling in his gut told him to notify Coach Black, just in case. Better to be up front now than in the news in a few months for a recruiting violation. Maybe it was nothing. Maybe not.
~~~
Leaving Oxford Page 23
