Angel's Peak (Virgin River #10)(31)

And there was Noah up front. He wore jeans, boots, a plaid work shirt open at the collar and rolled up at the sleeves, a powder-blue T-shirt underneath. No suit or vestments like he’d worn at Luke’s wedding. Beside him, patiently listening, was his border collie, Lucy. Noah was animated, talking about Simon the fisherman, the most stubborn man alive, who couldn’t make a commitment to Jesus even after he’d witnessed countless miracles! He clung so powerfully to his pigheadedness that he almost missed out on the most amazing, life-altering commitment of the millennium! He was a real holdout, that Simon. Noah started talking a little bit about his own years fishing the Pacific out of Seattle and he spoke about his own obstinacy, which he claimed was legendary.

And Sean’s mind wandered. I could have been softer, he thought. More sensitive to her need to have a family. I could have tried to talk it out; instead, I said mean things. I said, “Go, then—have a blast! You’ll never have it this good with anyone else!” Oh man! Small surprise she didn’t return his calls!

A small voice said, Try to imagine finding your father for the first time when you’re only four years old!

While Sean was daydreaming, Noah completed his sermon and then there were a few announcements before the benediction, a perfect time to scoot out before Luke saw Sean and wondered what he was doing in church.

“The Presbyterian Women’s Group will have their first meeting here on Tuesday night at seven—please come and bring a dessert to share. Someone suggested the need for a nursery during services so the parents of little ones can concentrate on my profound and memorable sermons.” There was a chuckle. “That means volunteers—anyone interested, give me a call. It’s time to start thinking about Thanksgiving baskets for the needy, and Jack Sheridan has offered to head up the committee. He’ll round up the volunteers and will work with them to get a list of people we’d like to share with. He will need a group of men and women to help out. And, finally, one last announcement. I have bent the church secretary to my will and Ellie Baldwin has agreed to marry me.”

Laughter and applause filled the church.

“She is a generous woman,” he added. “She might make something out of me yet. We haven’t set a date, except to say it will be as soon as possible, small, simple and—”

Ellie, who had been seated at the piano in front of the church, stood. “But we will invite anyone who wants to come, right, Noah? Everything else can be small and simple, as far as I’m concerned. Except the guests.”

“Absolutely, Ellie. Whatever makes you happy,” he said. “But the reason I’m making this announcement today…” Noah said, turning back to his congregation. “We’re looking for a house. No way we can fit two adults, Ellie’s two kids and a dog in my RV. So any suggestions would be appreciated! And with that final announcement, let’s bow our heads and—”

Sean left the church quietly before anyone could spot him. He went around the back side of the church and immediately thought how silly it was to even try to be scarce; Luke would spot his SUV and, within moments, Jack would tell Luke just what Sean drank for breakfast—it was that kind of town. Still, he waited around the back of the church until it had emptied of congregants and then went around to the front doors again.

Noah had the back of his old truck loaded up with the mountain boys and stood at the open door, ready to get in, but he still had an arm around his girl’s slim waist. Sean was used to priests; it threw him for a moment to see a preacher so openly affectionate with a sexy young woman. He thought it would be best if he just disappeared before he made a giant fool of himself.

“Sean?” Noah called. He’d not only spotted him but, of course, remembered his name. “Looking for someone?”

“Never mind,” Sean said. “I can see you’re tied up.”

“After I drop these boys back home, I have plenty of time. If you’re in no hurry.”

“Noah, I’ll take ’em,” Ellie said. “Go ahead, talk to Sean. I’ll see you at Jo and Nick’s a little later.”

“You sure?” Noah asked Ellie. “Because I’m sure Sean could just—”

“Come back,” Sean interrupted, finishing the sentence for him, because it had suddenly seemed like a really bad idea to talk to a preacher about his situation. “I could just come back.”

Ellie laughed lightly, gave Noah a kiss on the cheek, pulled the truck keys out of his hand and said, “Go on, Noah. I’m perfectly happy to drive the boys home.”

Noah grinned and gave her a squeeze. “You’re a flawless female.”

“Yes, I know.” She laughed. He gave her a boost into the old truck and, while Noah watched, away they went.

Noah walked over to Sean, hand extended. “How are you?” he asked.

“Got a few things on my mind,” Sean admitted.

“Can I help?” Noah asked.

Sean shook his head. “I have no idea. First off—I’d never take this one to a priest.”

“Well, now, I’m not sure if that’s a compliment or not.” Noah put a strong hand on Sean’s shoulder. “Tell me where you’d be most comfortable. There’s the church office, the RV, Jack’s. We could have coffee, breakfast or maybe even more of what you’ve been having. Your call.”