After a few eternal seconds ticked by, she gave a small, slow nod.

It wasn’t much, and there was zero enthusiasm in her response, but she hadn’t said no.

He could work with that.

And he’d live up to his promise to her every day for as long as he lived.

No matter how many challenges cropped up as he launched his new life as a rookie single dad.

12

“Christi! Nice to see you again.”

As she hesitated inside the doorway of Grace Christian Church’s fellowship hall, Charley lifted a hand in greeting and strolled toward her.

At least there was one familiar face at the special chamber of commerce meeting. Everyone else in the crowd was a stranger.

“Hi.” She returned his smile. “I’m filling in for Beth from Eye of the Beholder.”

“I know. Marci told me.” He indicated a woman with slightly frizzy shoulder-length red hair who was in an animated conversation with a man in clerical garb on the far side of the room. “She’s talking to Reverend Baker, the pastor here. Father Murphy—over there helping himself to a cookie—is his counterpart at St. Francis. If you’re a churchgoer, either congregation would welcome you with open arms now that you’ve decided to stay. I was happy to hear that news, by the way.”

“Thank you—and I do intend to check out the area churches as soon as I catch my breath.”

Marci glanced their direction, had another brief exchange with the minister, and wove through the crowd to join them. “Sorry. I meant to hang out by the door and watch for you, Christi, but I got waylaid. I recognized you from Beth’s description the minute you came in. Thanks for stepping in to welcome her, Charley.”

“My pleasure.”

“And thank you for representing Beth.” Marci touched her arm.

“Representing may be a stretch. I’m more of a scribe. New as I am to the job and to town, I won’t be able to offer much.”

“Considering the pickle we’re in, I’ll be happy to hear ideas from anyone who has a thought or two.” She twisted her wrist. “Time to get this show on the road.”

Marci moved to the front of the room, picked up the mic, and asked everyone to find a chair.

Charley indicated two seats in a row near the back. “Why don’t you sit next to me? I can brief you on the players—and answer any questions you have.”

Perfect.

She dropped into a folding chair and opened her notebook. “I already have one for you. What did Marci mean about being in a pickle?”

“That’s why this special session is being held. If she runs true to form, she’ll provide a concise recap of the situation up front. If she doesn’t, I’ll fill in the gaps.”