Courting Hope by Jenna Mindel

Author:Jenna Mindel
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Steeple Hill
Published: 2013-10-17T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

Hope scooped a pile of greasy potato chips onto her plate next to a charred hot dog topped with mustard. Sheer bliss. She scanned the people lined up for a hamburger or hot dog at the grill. With half the church families in attendance, plus a dozen or so stragglers picked up from the LeNaro Fourth of July parade, Hope figured the picnic could be hailed a success.

“I think Pastor Sinclair has started a new tradition with this Fourth of July picnic.” Dorrie Cavanaugh stood behind her and balanced three plates on her forearm.

“You might be right on that one.” Hope reached out when one of the plates almost took a tumble. “Do you need help?”

Dorrie laughed. “I’ve got it. Been doing this forever.”

Hope spotted Hannah and Grace ogling the dessert table.

“Thanks for keeping an eye on the girls. I don’t like leaving them home, but I don’t know what else to do.”

Hope smiled. “They’re a big help around the office.”

“They love to help, especially Hannah. Sometimes she’s too old for her age, you know?”

Hope nodded. She wasn’t sure what had happened to the girls’ dad. Dorrie didn’t talk about him, and neither did her girls. He was out of the picture. Out of their lives.

“How’s it going with the building project?” Dorrie munched a chip while they perused the potluck table.

“Getting there.” Hope glanced at Sinclair manning the gas grill like a pro, charming everyone with a kind word or joke.

Dressed in a T-shirt, tropical print shorts and flip-flops, he didn’t fit the image of a typical pastor. He looked far too young and vibrant, but that’s probably what drew people to him.

Even some guys she remembered from high school popped into line. A couple of them were married with kids, but they still teased Sinclair about becoming a minister and wearing glasses to play the part. One of them dubbed him Pastor Four-Eyes. Despite the good-natured ribbing, Hope heard respect in their voices, and a couple of the guys agreed to Sinclair’s challenge to come and check out a service.

Dorrie noticed where Hope’s attention had wandered, and she joined in staring at Sinclair. “He’s doing a good job here. The girls love him.”

Hope’s gut clenched. Dorrie wasn’t much older than Hope, and she was very attractive. Was she interested? “Yeah. He’s great.”

“I think your preschool is in good hands.”

Hope looked at her then. “I hope so.”

Dorrie smiled and then lowered her voice. “You like him, don’t you?”

“I—” Hope felt her cheeks blaze. There was no denying the truth, but she wasn’t going to announce it. Stealing Sinclair’s term, she managed to say in a wobbly voice, “We’re buds. We grew up together.”

Dorrie only grinned wider. “Yeah, right. Don’t worry. Your secret is safe with me.”

Not much of a secret, if it was so easy to guess. Hope gave an awkward laugh. “Thanks.”

Dorrie gave her shoulder an encouraging pat. “He couldn’t find a better woman than you, Hope. If he can’t see that, he’s not worth your time.

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