Giving Thanks for Baby. Terri Reed

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СКАЧАТЬ because some women didn’t take their husband’s names, he asked, “Are you and your husband enjoying our small community?”

      Trista’s expression closed. “I’m divorced.”

      “Oh. I’m sorry.”

      She gave him a tight smile. “Nothing for you to feel sorry about.”

      He acknowledged that with a nod. “Does your ex-husband still live in Richmond?”

      “Yes, thankfully. He wasn’t ready to be a father. The very idea cramped his style.”

      Anger stirred in Scott’s soul. “That’s just…” He was tempted to say a bad word but resisted with effort. “I’ll never understand how some men can be so selfish. Being a parent is the greatest honor God gives us.”

      She blinked, obviously surprised by his words. “I suppose that’s true. It certainly is the hardest job I’ve ever had.”

      “It’s good you have your brother and Kelly so close by. Are you adjusting to life here, then?”

      Her smile was warm. “Yes, thank you. The slower pace is perfect for Aidan and me. I love my job and Aidan seems to like his day care.”

      “Where are you working?”

      “Benson and Benson.”

      “Ah, are you a lawyer?” Scott said, wondering why that wouldn’t surprise him. She had a very strong self-possessed way about her, similar to Scott’s brothers. Only on them, it could, at times, come across as arrogance.

      “Yes. And you? What do you do, Scott?” Her interested gaze sought answers.

      Scott gladly gave one. “I’m the assistant pastor at Chestnut Grove Church.”

      She blinked. “Oh.”

      Scott could feel her retreat like the rays of the sun going behind a cloud. A disquieting sense of disappointment engulfed him, though why he didn’t understand.

      It shouldn’t bother him that this woman would put up a wall between them because of his call to follow God. So many other people in his life had, as well.

      He sighed. “I take it you don’t go to church?”

      She raised a brow. “Why would you say that?”

      He shrugged. “The vibe you’re giving off.”

      One side of her mouth rose. “Oh, really? I didn’t know pastors bought into vibes.”

      “Reading people is part of the job.”

      “Then you must be good at your job, because you’re right, I don’t attend church. My parents weren’t big on religion and I just never got into it, not like Ross has.”

      Scott considered her for a moment. “Now that you’ve moved here, maybe you should consider attending. You might be surprised.”

      She lifted one slim shoulder. “Maybe.” She fiddled with a napkin. “I read in the paper that the Douglas Matthews show will be filming at the upcoming food drive that the church is hosting. That must be exciting to have that kind of coverage.”

      “Yes, it is.” She didn’t fool Scott by changing the focus of their conversation. “The Douglas Matthews Show has brought Chestnut Grove a lot of attention. I think the food drive this year will be the biggest yet. And the Thanksgiving Day dinner for the homeless is sure to be a success.” He eyed her speculatively. “We could use more volunteers if you’re interested.”

      She seemed to consider his words. “I might be. I’ll have to get back to you on that.”

      “Call the church and ask for Naomi. She’ll be able to get you plugged in.”

      “I’ll think about it.” She took a sip of coffee.

      An awkward moment of silence stretched between them.

      “Did you grow up here?” she asked.

      He shook his head. “I was born here, but we moved to Richmond when I was a teen. I came back as soon as I left seminary.” He searched her face. “What about you? Where were you born?”

      “Brooklyn, New York. I went to college at Columbia, then moved to Richmond, where my ex-husband’s family is from.”

      Scott’s gaze touched on the sleeping baby. “How old is…Aidan?”

      Affection lit up her eyes. “Yes, Aidan. He’s seven months.”

      “That’s a fun age. They aren’t supermobile yet, but their personalities start to develop.”

      Both of her eyebrows rose. “You sound like you know kids. Are you married?”

      He laughed. “No. I just know from all my nieces and nephews.”

      “Ah. Learning secondhand. My big brother’s been learning from Aidan. I can’t wait to see Ross with his own little one.”

      “They’ll be good parents,” Scott stated. “Tiny Blessings has been through the wringer with all the scandals that have happened over the past few years. But your sister-in-law and brother seem to be handling it wonderfully.”

      Trista’s chest puffed with pride. “They are. I’ve been trying to help a little with some of the legal stuff, but it gets very complicated and time-consuming. Not to mention how emotionally involving it is.”

      “I can imagine. The agency has been a blessing to so many people.”

      Trista liked the way he put that. In fact, she liked Scott. His blond, green-eyed good looks aside, there was something very soothing and gentle about him that was so unlike her brother or Kevin.

      She supposed being a pastor was the difference.

      And being a pastor also made him off-limits.

      That is, if she were looking for a relationship, which she wasn’t. She couldn’t imagine two people having more dissimilar perspectives on life.

      Beside her Aidan stirred. She picked him up and snuggled him close as he awakened.

      “You’re very good with him,” Scott commented.

      The compliment made her heart swell. “I can’t imagine my life without him now.”

      She dug through the stroller bag and brought out a baby bottle with powdered formula in it. She turned to Scott. “Would you mind holding him while I fill the bottle with water?”

      Scott’s eyes lit up. “I’d love to, if you think he’ll do okay with a stranger.”

      “Only one way to find out,” she quipped and handed her son to him.

      Scott handled the baby as if he’d been doing it forever. He bounced Aidan on his knee and made faces until Aidan giggled.

      Trista went to the СКАЧАТЬ