Tess shot him a “you sure are naive” look, green eyes shining with mischief, before filling a bowl with wonderfully fragrant stew and setting it in front of him. Then she opened the oven and pulled out a loaf of French bread, slicing it, placing it in a basket on the table.

She sat down with her own bowl of stew and nodded for Oliver to say grace. He reached across the table, gripping her hand, loving the warmth there. He closed his eyes. “Thank you, Lord, for the blessings you give daily, the food we’re about to receive, and the hands that prepared it.”

He opened his eyes, glad to be gazing on Tess again. “It was a blessing that Pete allocated the funds. Landslides and mudflows would have compounded the damage from the fire,” he said as he helped himself to a slice of steaming bread.

“I know that. The work crew was a necessary evil. I’m just glad they’re almost finished.”

“Not a moment too soon. Big, cold storm is forecast in a couple of days.” He tasted the stew. “Ah, this is wonderful. I’ve been blessed by a lot of home cooking—”

“Playing the poor pastor card?” she teased.

He loved the playful sparkle in her eyes. “Of course. I’m not ashamed. If people want to bless me, I graciously accept. But this stew is the best I’ve had in a long time.”

“Thanks. Talk like that will get you a second helping of dessert. I tried my hand at blackberry pie, made with fresh-picked berries from my own property.”

“Mmm, that’s my favorite.”

They settled into a familiar routine, enjoying the meal and discussing events of the day.

“Besides the thief, any other issues I should be aware of?” Oliver asked.

“You mean have I heard anything more from Bass?” She shook her head. “The fight is in the courts; Beck’s attorneys are doing everything they can to get the charges thrown out. How is Chevy?”

“She’s quiet. Which worries me more than angry tantrums. It’s almost as if she’s plotting. Still seeing Dr. Peel, but quiet.”

In the one controversial event surrounding Chevy so far, Oliver himself had spoken to Bass about her mental state and forced the issue of counseling. He knew Emma Peel, a trauma counselor and member of his congregation, and he wanted to let her in on the situation and bring her to speak to Chevy.

Bass had been vehemently against it. “The more people know she’s there, the more likely the wrong person will discover her.”