Jenna walked at a steady clip beside Shawna. She inhaled the ocean breeze. Her feet left indentions in the cool, damp sand. “This doesn’t even seem like exercise here on the beach like this.”
“Unfortunately, when you’ve lived here a while, you tend to take it for granted.”
“Mmm, I hope I won’t.”
“Your first whole week done. Do you think you’re gonna like it?” Shawna did an about-face, heading in the other direction.
“I love it. I love the children. I even enjoy the staff at the church. Seems too perfect.”
“It’s called being in God’s will.”
Jenna shoved her friend’s arm and dashed toward the parking area. She bent over, inhaling deeply to catch her breath.
Shawna unlocked the car and gazed at Jenna over the roof. “It’s Friday night. Let’s celebrate. I’ll take you to The Fish Shack. You like seafood, right?”
“Yeah, I love it.”
Back at the apartment, Jenna rushed through the shower. She brushed through her hair. Her normal Friday night would have been out with Peter. Wow, this was the first time she had thought of him since her arrival in Myrtle Beach. No guilt or longing. Her stomach knotted. How close she had come to marrying Peter Callahan. Obviously, he was not in God’s plan for her.
She grabbed her purse and met Shawna in the living room.
Shawna blasted Christian contemporary music during their ride to the restaurant. The friends sang along at the top of their lungs.
The restaurant hummed with people. They sat near a window displaying a view of the water and a sinking sun in the distance.
“Hey, ladies. What can I get you to drink?”
Jenna’s head snapped from the view outside toward the familiar voice. Her breath caught in her throat and heat rushed over her.
“Miss Jenna!” Ben leaned toward her. “Small world again.” He grinned.
“Yes…you’re right. Umm... Oh, this is Shawna.”
Ben pointed his pen at Shawna. “You’re the one that works with my dad.”
“Yeah, he’s great, and I’m not just saying that because you’re his son.”
Ben chuckled. “I believe you. He’s good at what he does.” He bent until he reached eye-level with Jenna. “Like someone else I know.”
Jenna sensed more heat rush through her, most of it stopping in her cheeks. She smiled and shook her head.
“Seriously, you’ve helped so much with Avery this week. I never thought she’d be excited about going to day care so soon. Thank you.” He patted her arm.
A tingle ran up through her shoulder. “You’re welcome. She’s really irresistible.”
Ben laughed. “She doesn’t lack for personality.”
After obtaining their drink order and recommending entrees, Ben sprinted into action, serving his other customers.
Jenna stared at him, admiring his outgoing manner with all his customers.
“I bet it didn’t take you the whole week to fall for him.”
Jenna jerked her head to face Shawna. “What? What are you talking about?”
Shawna smirked and held a questioning stare. “I’m right, aren’t I?”
More heat burned Jenna’s cheeks. She chewed her bottom lip and studied the silverware, afraid what her face might reveal. “Umm…” She glanced up.
“I knew it. Spill.” Shawna propped her elbows on the table and leaned closer, lashes fluttering.
“There’s nothing to spill.” Jenna shrugged one shoulder.
“Jenna Campbell, I know you, and when that man started speaking, the evidence was written all over your face.”
Jenna brought her hands to her cheeks. Was it that obvious to Ben too? Hopefully not. She dropped her hands into her lap and sighed. “He’s a nice man.”
Shawna rolled her eyes. “I’ll get the details later. Let’s enjoy our meal. It is a celebration.” She smiled and arranged her napkin in her lap.
How would she explain her feelings for Ben to Shawna when she didn’t understand them herself?
* * *
Ben slipped to the drink station, grabbing pitchers of tea and soda for refills. Had he imagined the pink tint in Jenna’s cheeks when he spoke to her? Down deep, he appreciated her for more than her help with Avery.
Stay focused. He was trying to build a life with his kids. Working here at the restaurant, attending classes at the junior college, preparing for his position on the police force, and caring for Avery and Dakota, left little time for anything else.
Was he attracted to Jenna because he missed Alyssa? Because that kind of relationship was gone? A shard of guilt pricked his heart. Were these feelings a betrayal to Alyssa?
He shook his head and plastered on a smile. Darting between his assigned tables, he strived not to linger at Jenna’s. Still, amid all the people he had met since returning to his hometown, no one drew him like Jenna did.
* * *
Today marked the beginning of her fifth week as Children’s Minister. Jenna sped toward the church, running late after her early morning call from her parents. Stopping at a traffic light, she recalled the heartbreaking news of her mother’s breast cancer. Tears filled her eyes. When the light turned green, she pressed the gas. Her little car responded, leaving the other cars behind.
The church entrance in sight, she pushed a bit harder, hoping to shorten her late arrival time. Suddenly, a burst of blue color and flashing lights caught her attention in her rearview mirror. Her pulse slammed into high gear. The lights shone from a police car, summoning her to pull over.
She eased the car into the church entrance and waited. A dark uniform shadowed her window, and she put it down to face her consequences. As the officer leaned down to peer inside at her, both their mouths fell open.
The officer’s mouth curved into a smile, and he leaned his forearm onto her car door. “Miss Jenna, in a bit of a hurry I see.”
“Ben. I’m sorry. Yes, I am in a bit of a hurry. I’m late for work.”
He leaned closer, studying her face. His smile faded and his brow knitted. “Are you okay? You’ve been crying.”
Jenna dabbed at her cheeks with her fingertips. Tears ran down her face, out of control. “I got some bad news from home this morning.” She paused. He probably had no time for explanations, but he remained silent. She met his gaze and felt compelled to continue. “My mother has breast cancer.” Her voice broke.
“Jenna, I’m so sorry.” He ducked his head and leaned in closer.
“Thank you. I’m not sure how much good I’ll do here today.” She gestured toward the church. “But I’m not sure I would do well sitting at home dwelling on it either.”
“You should talk to the pastor. He’s really great in these situations.”
“That’s a good idea. I’ll do that.” She grinned. “And, about the speeding…”
“Consider it a warning.” He winked and tipped his hat. “See ya later.”
Her heart could calm now. Had her pulse picked up due to being pulled over or because of who had pulled her over? She silently scolded herself for staring at his retreating form in her side mirror. He did look especially handsome in his uniform. She rolled her eyes and sighed at being distracted.