29

Finn stood silent as Darcy rolled up the remainder of the batting. She didn’t look back as she disappeared into the vestibule behind the altar. Scrubbing his face, he returned to straightening the pews. The various papers and information sheets stuffed into the hymnal racks often looked like a kindergarten classroom after craft time. The team of custodians had a very strict schedule of what to clean and when to clean it. Organizing the shelves attached to each pew was a Monday afternoon activity. The task had already been checked off the list, and Finn was loathe to ask the gracious team of part-time staff to add any extra to their already burdened holiday schedule.

Stuffing the last of the “welcome cards” into the final row, he heard the click of the vestibule door into the frame. Darcy was finished. If he didn’t ask now, he would lose the nerve.

“I think that does it,” Darcy said, as she straightened the Advent wreath to the left of the altar. “The sanctuary should be fine if anyone wants to visit tomorrow.”

Finn walked to the front of the sanctuary, stopping at the three steps leading to the altar. “Darcy, we need to talk.”

She shook her head, but didn’t turn to face him. “There’s nothing to discuss. I’ve been under a great deal of stress in the last three days. I’m not making wise decisions. Even though I pride myself on making wise decisions. And yet, I have failed. I’m sorry you’re caught up in my…”

“Darcy, please look at me.”

“Nope. When I look at you, I seem to not be able to stop my lips from suction cupping themselves to yours.”

“I like when your lips are on mine.”

She pivoted, her palm raised, and faced him. “Stop. Please just stop. I can’t resist you. I admit it. I’m weak. I am. Who wouldn’t be? You’re dreamy. You’re kind. And you’re smart. Don’t think I haven’t noticed you’re smart. And smart might be the thing most attractive about you.”

“You think I’m attractive.”

“Ugh! Of course. Literally every human being on the planet would think you’re attractive. Maybe I should take the smart part back.”

“You like me?” He took the three steps in one stride until he stood directly in front of her.

“Duh.” Darcy laced her arms over her chest.

“I like you, too. But I think that’s pretty obvious.”

“But we can’t like each other.”

“Why not?”

“We have the play. Aunt Lulu. And I’m leaving. I’ll go back to my real life, Finn.”

Finn didn’t see it, but he felt an icy bucket of water splash over his entire frame.

What was he doing?

She was right. This was his life. Gibson’s Run. The church. Christmas pageants. Bake sales. Lunch on Fridays with little old ladies. But not hers.

Darcy’s life was in Columbus, or wherever her next step took her. She wouldn’t be here for Easter or the Spring Fling. She wasn’t meant to play hostess at a parsonage. She was destined for great things. His life was too small to be hers. He had to let her go and let go of the idea of what could be. “I’ll finish up. You have a big day with Lulu tomorrow.”

He stepped off the platform, and his legs gobbled the distance to the back of the sanctuary in under five steps. The faint sound of his name trailed in his wake.