Jenna lay in bed Saturday morning, still sporting a smile. Maybe she could allow herself to fall for Ben Jacobsen. Their date proved to her he wasn’t simply being mannerly or nice.
She thought love was what she had experienced with Peter, but she was wrong. He was just safe and convenient. She shivered. How close she had come to settling for a life as Mrs. Callahan.
She stretched her arms overhead and glanced at the clock on her bedside table. Ten-thirty, Saturday morning. Shawna had grilled her well past midnight, desiring each morsel of her date divulged.
Her cell phone vibrated on the nightstand, jolting her. A text from the church secretary. Strange. She pursed her lips in thought. She sat up and read the text. Her stomach tightened at the message—she was to call immediately.
She crossed her legs and scrolled through numbers until she found Julia’s.
“Jenna, thanks for getting back to me. I didn’t want you to be caught off guard.”
Jenna’s pulse picked up. Had there been an accident? Was someone ill?
“Pastor Rick has left the church—actually everything. He’s left his wife and children as well. It seems he and another church member have been seeing each other, and now they’re gone.”
Jenna’s jaw dropped. Silence hung for several minutes. “Julia, I’m sorry. I’m in shock.”
“That’s the general consensus.”
Jenna ran her fingers through her tatted hair. “What can I do?”
“The staff needs to make sure the congregation knows they’re in good hands. Pastor Steve wonders if you might be available for a meeting this evening about seven.”
Pastor Steve was the associate pastor of Community Baptist Church. “Sure. At the church?”
“Yes, Steve’s office.”
The call ended and Jenna stood, stumbling into the kitchen in a daze. She trusted and respected Pastor Rick. He had so expertly counseled her about her mother’s cancer. He had prayed with her. Was it all a good acting performance?
“Hey, you. Are you feeling okay? You look a little pale.”
Jenna’s head jerked toward Shawna. “I’m not sure.” She shuffled to the couch and plopped down. “You better sit down for this.” Jenna proceeded to tell Shawna what she knew.
Shawna shook her head. “Wow. That man baptized me.”
Betrayal screamed in Jenna’s head. Her heart hurt for Rick’s family. How would she be able to assure the church congregation with the emotions rushing through her? Maybe her fellow ministers could bolster her so she might find a way. Her Christian education had not prepared her for this scenario.
* * *
Ben entered the church with a child clinging to each hand. They chattered back and forth. He preferred to be oblivious to what he’d learned last evening about the pastor. They neared the children’s wing. He caught sight of Jenna. Her gaze met his and the pain radiated in her eyes. She managed a small smile.
“How are you?”
She shook her head slightly. “I’m not sure.”
A tug on his hand distracted him from Jenna’s face. “Daddy, I need to get to my class. I know my memory verse.” Dakota’s voice shook with a hint of anxiety.
“Okay, buddy.” Ben glanced back at Jenna. “I’ll be right back.”
She nodded.
Word of Pastor Rick’s improprieties had spread. The atmosphere hung heavy like dark clouds. Small groups of adults huddled in the hallway, talking in low, dejected tones. An outsider might guess a death had caused all the downhearted expressions.
Returning to Jenna, her slumped shoulders and sad eyes made Ben wish he could take her in his arms. Instead, he positioned himself beside her and lowered his voice. “Join us for lunch?”
She nodded. “Where should I meet you?”
“My parent’s house.”
Jenna’s head whipped around, eyes wide. She shook her head. “I don’t want to intrude.”
“You won’t be intruding. And anyway, I already told my mother you were coming.”
She cocked an eyebrow. “You did, did you?”
He flashed a sheepish grin. “Um…yeah. She’s looking forward to it.”
A smile spread across her face. “Okay, for your mother.”
* * *
Jenna marched to the Jacobsen’s front door and knocked. She swiped clammy hands down her skirt.
The door opened to a smiling Ben and a bouncy Avery. “Miss Jenna, Miss Jenna.” Avery grabbed Jenna’s hand and tugged. “I want you to see my room.”
Ben placed a hand on Avery’s shoulder. “Later, sweetheart. Nana has lunch ready.”
Avery’s bottom lip poked out. Jenna crouched to look her in the eyes. “I won’t leave until I’ve seen your room.”
Avery’s smile returned.
The jittery feeling in Jenna’s stomach subsided moments into their meal. Ben’s parents exuded an irresistible charm so like their son.
“Jenna dear, Ben told me about your mother. I’m a breast cancer survivor myself. Would it be all right if I sent her a card?”
“Yes, of course. I’ll make sure to leave you the address. Thank you, Mrs. Jacobsen.”
“Twila.”
“Twila?” Dakota’s head jerked toward his grandmother and his nose wrinkled.
The adults chuckled.
Twila glared directly at Dakota, head tilted. “That’s Nana to you.”
“You’re going back for the surgery soon, right?” Ben’s eyes held a sadness.
“Yes, I feel like I need to be there.” Jenna diverted her gaze to her plate. “With what’s happening at the church, it’s not the best timing.”
“Don’t let that get you down.” Mr. Jacobsen’s baritone voice chimed in. “This too shall pass.”
She looked up into his pleasant face and couldn’t help smiling at his encouragement.
“You won’t be gone long, right?” Ben said.
Jenna gazed into his blue eyes and shrugged. “I just don’t know. I’m not sure how much help she might need.”
A knock at the front door drew their attention. Ben excused himself and returned with an opulent couple.
Ben peered into Jenna’s eyes. “This is Mr. and Mrs. Anderson—Dakota and Avery’s Granddad and Grandma. This is Jenna Campbell, the children’s minister.”
Jenna extended her hand. “Nice to meet you.”
Mr. Anderson barely touched her hand, and Mrs. Anderson simply nodded. The tension thickened like fog over the Smoky Mountains.
“Are the children ready?” Mrs. Anderson’s tone was cold.
“I can’t go yet, Grandma. Miss Jenna hasn’t seen my room,” Avery said.
Jenna fumbled with her reply. “That’s okay. Maybe I can see it another time.”
Avery crossed her arms over her chest dramatically. “You promised.”
Jenna looked to Ben.
He met her gaze. “If Miss Jenna doesn’t mind, you could show her now before you go with Granddad and Grandma?”
Jenna looked back at Avery. “I don’t mind. Want to show me now?”
“Okay.” Avery hopped up and grabbed Jenna’s hand.
Jenna was happy to leave the dining room. The cold looks being exchanged were enough to send a shiver down her spine.
* * *
Ben was anxious for his in-laws to return to Florida. Their scrutiny unnerved him. Why couldn’t they visit the kids without belittling him? He didn’t need any help being hard on himself. He wished to make a life for his children and himself. Their rude reaction to Jenna made his blood boil. Were they trying to make him feel guilty? It’s not as if he had chosen Jenna over their daughter. Alyssa was gone. He’d give anything if she weren’t, but she would never return.
* * *
Ben and Jenna sat in his parent’s sunroom. He admired her as she settled into the cushioned settee across from him. She glanced up, catching his eyes on her. Was she blushing?
A cloud came over her face. “I’m sorry if I caused you trouble being here. I would never want …” Her voice trailed off.
Ben spotted a single tear sliding down her cheek. He stood and joined her on the settee. His hand cupped her cheek, and he wiped the tear with his thumb. “Please don’t let them upset you. I’m sorry for their rudeness. If it’s any consolation, they’ve always treated me with a coldness.”
Jenna’s brow crinkled. “Why?”
“I wasn’t good enough for their daughter, and on top of that, I took her all the way to California.” He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her near.
She laid her head on his shoulder. He sensed a warmth and comfort with Jenna tucked at his side. Despite the Anderson’s accusatory reaction toward her, a peace settled over Ben.
Yet, inside, his heart beat with a growing love he thought he would never experience a second time. Could he risk giving his heart away again?