Closer Than She Knows by Kelly Irvin

Author:Kelly Irvin
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Published: 2020-04-09T00:00:00+00:00

22

The crush of worshipers at Faith and Community Church’s early service Sunday morning felt like home. Teagan sank onto the pew after Rick’s benediction and listened to the Faith Band’s final playful notes of “How Great Is Our God” before she rose to join the flow of friends who’d become family in the two years she attended church here. No matter how dire the circumstances, a person went to church on Sunday morning.

Even after all these years, her mother’s voice echoed in her ears. “Teagan Catherine O’Rourke, I don’t care how late you sneaked around reading your book under the covers with a flashlight, get your buns out of that bed.”

Her scent of Dove soap and Charlie cologne wafted on the air, like a hug from the past.

Max had already left for church when she dragged herself down the stairs to the kitchen at six thirty. He and the other staff members gathered early for prayer before the first service. How had he slept in Billy’s old room down the hall from hers? Probably as well as she had. Fitful dozing and dark, broody nightmares between long bouts of staring at the ceiling.

“Hi, Teagan, how are you doing?” The elderly lady’s syrupy tone matched the curious look on her shar-pei face. “We heard about your trouble.”

Her trouble? This woman meant well. Teagan sent her irritation packing. “I’m fine. This too shall pass.”

“If we can do anything—”

“Pray. That’s what I need most. Prayers.”

The woman didn’t even try to hide her disappointment. “Of course. Our prayer group has you on the email prayer list for marriage and children. We know that biological clock is ticking. Tick-tock-tick-tock.”

“I’m not in any hurry. I have a great job and a wonderful family.” Normally she wouldn’t engage. She knew better. But exhaustion and shredded nerves opened her mouth before her brain could scream no-o-o-o. “Not every woman is destined to be a stay-at-home mom with her own children.”

The woman’s eyes widened until her penciled eyebrows touched the artfully arranged, silver-dyed curls on her forehead. “Oh, honey, I know it’s hard not to be sour when the years are passing you by and you hear that tick-tock-tick-tock grow louder and louder in your ears. Pray earnestly and God will give you the desires of your heart. Scripture says so.”

“According to His plan and in His time.” Taking Scripture out of context was one of Teagan’s pet peeves. Right now the desire of her heart was to flee. “Thank you. I have to see Pastor Rick. You understand.”

“Of course, of course. He is a good counselor.”

A good friend who wouldn’t push his agenda on her.

When she made it to the front of the line, she shook his hand, but Rick drew her into a quick, fierce hug. “How are you doing?”

“Hanging in there.”

“I was hoping the events of the past few days might encourage your family to attend church this morning.” Rick never ceased to hope or to pray for Teagan’s wayward love ones. “Did you offer an invitation?”

“As usual.

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