As the woman continued down the aisle, Jack scanned the throng of people shuffling toward the vestibule, where the minister was greeting congregants. Short of escaping through a side door, they’d have to join the queue.

“You seem in a hurry to leave.”

At Christi’s comment, he angled back toward her. “Not in a hurry—but the service is over.”

She gave the space a slow sweep, her countenance serene. If she felt as awkward as he did about their enforced pew sharing, she gave no indication of it. “I know—but it’s peaceful here. I think I’ll linger for a few minutes.” She bent down to his daughter. “I’m glad I got to see you again, Hannah.”

“Me too—and you can have a piece of our cake if that lady bakes it like she said she would.”

“Thank you.” She straightened up and addressed him. “Enjoy the rest of your day.” With that, she picked up her purse, left the pew by the side aisle, and moved to a spot closer to the front.

He stared after her. Even in his most devout days, he’d never hung around church after a service. He was always out the door and on to—

“Are we going?” Hannah plucked at the sleeve of his jacket.

“Yes.” The line was dwindling, and he maneuvered them out of the pew, keeping her in front of him.

A number of people peeled off in the vestibule rather than wait around to talk to Reverend Baker, but before he could follow their example, the minister flagged him down.

So much for an inconspicuous exit.

He guided Hannah toward the man.

“Jack! What a pleasant surprise to see you here today. I’ve been hoping you’d join us one of these weeks.” He gave his hand a firm shake. “And who is this young lady?”

Like Eleanor, the pastor didn’t show any surprise or shock as Jack introduced his daughter.

“Welcome to Grace Christian, Hannah.”

“Thank you.” She offered the man a tentative smile.

“Hannah’s why I’m here today.” Jack tucked the trailing sleeve of the purple sweater into the bundle of yarn in her arm. “Her mom took her every week.”

“Ah.” The minister gave a slow nod. “God works in mysterious ways, his wonders to perform.”

“The services are finished for the day, Paul. You can cut the Bible quotes.”

As a new voice joined the conversation, Jack turned toward the front door.

Father Murphy hustled over, his usual cheery grin in place.

“You better bone up on your Scripture, Kevin.” The pastor gave his Catholic counterpart a stern look, but his eyes were twinkling.

Jack tamped down the twitch in his lips. This ought to be fun. The two clerical golfing buddies’ banter was always entertaining.

“You mean that’s not from the Bible?” The priest’s feigned surprise was comical. “And here I thought it was from the book of Cowper.”