8

The elegant wrapping of guilt Lulu layered around her niece made Finn grin inwardly. In less time than it took the church to pass the collection plate, Darcy agreed to direct the program, build and organize the set construction, and curate costumes. Where was Lulu when the government was negotiating the end to the conflict in the Middle East?

Having played his part in the guilt-shaming of Darcy Langston, Finn should excuse himself, but he was loathe to leave the company of one of his closest friends in Gibson’s Run, and her beautiful niece. With the two ladies deep in pageant discussion, he was able to drink in Darcy Langston.

From her light brown hair scraped back into a neat ponytail to her wide set amber brown eyes, she was the most stunning woman he had seen in…well, long before he decided to scrap his fast-paced career in sports management. For the last four years, he had been so determined to prove to his parents, his entire family, and his friends his decision was correct, he hadn’t taken the time to notice women. But he definitely noticed Darcy.

Scrubbing his face with his hand, he stretched to stand. “Ladies, I believe you’re well on your way to handling this conundrum without my guidance. I’ll leave you to it.” He reached for Lulu’s uninjured hand and gave her a gentle squeeze. “I expect to see you power walking the town square by mid-January.”

“My goal is New Year’s but you know the body isn’t quite what it used to be. Thank you for visiting, Finn. Don’t be a stranger once I go home.”

“Never.” Draping his down coat over his arm, he turned to Darcy. “You take good care of this lady. She’s awfully special to me.”

Darcy nodded.

“Darcy darling, why don’t you walk Finn out and you two can set up a time to plan for the program rehearsals?”

Darcy’s cheeks flamed bright pink. “Aunt Lulu, I’m sure you can fill me in on the details I need.”

“Oh, but you’ll need to decide with Finn on the timing. He’s the pastor in charge of all special events at the church.”

“You’re a pastor?” Darcy’s pink blush went to stark white.

Finn sighed. “You don’t need to sound so shocked.”

“How’s the patient feeling today?” A nurse asked as she scrubbed her hands with disinfectant and walked into the room.

“Oh, just wonderful, Julie. My niece is here for a visit. She’s helping Pastor Finn with the Christmas program. My biggest worry now is who will make the chocolate mint brownies and decorate my blanks for the Christmas cookie sale on Saturday.”

“Well, if that’s your biggest worry, I think you are living a pretty good life, Miss Lulu.” Julie said. “If you’ll excuse us for just a minute, I need to check Miss Lulu over and I think she might appreciate the privacy.”

“I was on my way out.” Finn said. “Lulu, I’ll swing by to visit once you’re resting at home.”

“Thank you, my dear. Darcy darling, go ahead with Finn and pull together the schedule. The children’s parents need to know as soon as possible.”

“Yes ma’am.”

Finn walked into the hallway. The midmorning bustle of the hospital had nurses and orderlies shuffling from room to room. Doctors’ rounds were completed hours before most visitors thought about sliding out of bed or drinking their first cup of java. Except for rounds, the nurses were in charge. Leaning his shoulder against the smooth wall he waited for Darcy to meet him.

Her surprise over his profession of choice was not unique. Most people, including his parents, couldn’t understand why a single man in his early thirties would choose to pursue seminary and a career in ministry. He was used to the shock and disorientation, but somehow Darcy’s reaction to his choice stung. His feelings were silly. He’d known Darcy for less than twenty-four hours. Yet, he was drawn to her in an inexplicable manner. He couldn’t explain his desire to know Darcy Langston. But know her he would.