Her Cinderella Heart. Ruth Scofield

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СКАЧАТЬ were young twentysomethings, a number were teens and a few were families with older children. Less were older, but Cassie and Pam cheerfully leant an arm to those who needed it up the stone-filled path. Thankfully, Cassie noted that many carried a blanket or throw against the chill.

      Cassie gazed up the hill when she heard the first chords of a keyboard. A lovely soprano voice began to sing a joyous song, and then an alto joined in.

      “We should go,” Pam said, her head turned toward the music. They couldn’t see the singers, but their floating voices sounded wonderful. “They’re starting.”

      Glancing downhill, Cassie saw the parking lot was not only filled, but overflowed. And there seemed no one left to arrive.

      “Okay. Go ahead,” she said over her shoulder, starting downhill. “I’ll be there just as soon as I get my blanket out of my car.”

      A low roar reached her as Cassie opened her trunk to pull out the old navy blanket she used for picnics. A moment later, a heavy black motorcycle drove up into the lot and stopped. The motor shut off.

      The rider wore a scuffed black leather jacket, jeans and boots that had seen better days. He settled the bike and swung off, his hands going up to his helmet.

      Cassie closed her trunk, hugging the blanket close to her chest. Was he here to join the worship service or had he stopped for another purpose? This was a public park and the rider might not know that it was in use.

      Perhaps he’d like to join the service anyway. She took a step away from her car. “Can I help you? We have a sunrise worship—”

      The helmet came off, and a mass of silver hair sprang free. The man glanced over his shoulder, showing her his profile. A strong nose, a defined mouth, a firm chin and a lock of gorgeous hair over a dark brow. Cassie felt the breath swoosh out of her. “Peter?”

      “Am I late?”

      “A bit.” She blinked like a starstruck schoolgirl, instantly glad she’d taken the plunge to have her hair stylishly cut and highlighted the day before. It fluffed on top, but clung at the neck. It made her look at least five years younger. “Did you have trouble finding the park?”

      “No. The map and directions Pastor Mike sent me were good.”

      Pastor Mike sent him a map?

      “Then you must have come a long way this morning.”

      “Actually, I did.” He gave a halfhearted grin. “Had some business to wrap up that kept me up till midnight two nights running, and then yesterday, I couldn’t leave before late in the day. Shall we go?” His attitude was as if it were nothing. He gestured toward the lit path as the sound of the entire congregation in song drifted down.

      What kind of business kept him until midnight?

      “Sure. I was just going up, but came back for my blanket.”

      “Let’s go, then.”

      He took her elbow as they climbed the dirt path. For a few delirious moments, Cassie imagined he did so because he thought her worthy of protection. That she was his to cherish. It was little enough to dream on, she reminded herself, a simple act of kindness. Yet she was a little old to let herself go nutty over so light a touch. And a gloved touch, at that.

      Still, she let herself enjoy it.

      Cassie pulled her swirling thoughts around to concentrate on the service and pointed out two empty chairs next to Pam at the rear of the crowd. They made their way to them.

      A finger of sunlight shafted over the horizon as they sat down, and she felt her spirit lift high with the light and celebration. Without thought, she spread her blanket over her cold legs, distributing the ends to Pam and Peter on either side of her. Peter gave her a sideways glance, his mouth slightly tilting as he accepted his end.

      Resolute, Cassie focused her gaze forward.

      Christ our Lord is risen today…. A quartet reminded them in the old, meaningful song, then urged all to join.

      Lord, how grateful I am to be here this day. To worship You on a hilltop. It is the greatest reminder….

      Pastor Mike began his sermon. Behind him, the sunlight slowly pushed back the night. For one brief moment, a single ray lit Pastor Mike’s face.

      A fitting picture, Cassie thought. There’s nothing more completely dreadful and altogether beautiful than the recounting of the resurrection story. That terrible black day, turned to three. Then glorious victory…Christ’s victory over evil when He rose from death, and His salvation made available for us all through faith….

      Cassie’s heart swelled with that hope and faith. Beside her, she felt Peter grow still. Listening. Taking it all in, every word. How long had it been since he’d heard the story? Had he ever, she wondered? Or perhaps never to the point of belief?

      She had no way of knowing what Peter believed. She didn’t know where he was in his own walk with the Lord, or if he’d even begun one, but she suddenly felt the need to offer up a silent prayer for him. Something about him stirred her in a way beyond the obvious attraction.

      Lord, speak to him now…. Let his heart be ready….

      She shouldn’t be so aware of him—but she was. It wasn’t fair that he distracted her when she didn’t want to be distracted. She barely heard the close of the service.

      They rose for one last song and Pastor Mike’s gentle benediction.

      “Thanks for sharing, Cassie,” Pam said, folding her end of the blanket into Cassie’s hands.

      “Yeah, thanks,” came from Peter as he, too, stood and stretched. His tone dropped to a low growl. “It was very nice of you. Excuse me, please. There’s someone I need to see.”

      “You’re welcome,” Cassie replied, trying not to watch him walk away. Trying not to let her disappointment of his quick abandonment show.

      Cassie admonished herself. How could she feel abandoned when she barely knew the man? Besides, she’d had his company for the whole service, hadn’t she?

      Pam stretched to her toes to scan the worshippers. “Now where did my boys get to? Can you see them? They promised to help carry chairs back. Then we’re off to see their dad’s parents. They don’t get out much anymore, and I try to get the boys over to see them about every week.”

      “I think they’re over there.” Cassie pointed to the outer edge of the crowd where a clutch of teens stood.

      “So they are. Okay. See you later.”

      Cassie finished folding the blanket, gathered her purse and glanced at her watch. It wasn’t even eight-thirty, and the whole day stretched before her.

      She could go to another Easter service. A more traditional one. Perhaps in the church where she and her father had gone. Yet that had little appeal.

      “Are you going for breakfast?” Cassie overheard someone ask another worshipper. A woman with a family in tow, she noted.

      “Yes, are you coming? We’re meeting at Chase’s, but we have to leave there СКАЧАТЬ