Page 31 of Rocky Mountain Devil
It wasn’t a complete truth either, but at least her face didn’t give her away.
Times like this she had difficulty thinking of the man beside her as her father. He was soPastor Dave, sympathetic and yet solemn. Wanting the best for one of the people in his care.
He nodded, understanding in his expression like she’d expected, but also concern. “So, I take it some of those issues you’re working through involve the church?”
“Not with you or mom.”
“Oh, Laurel. Your mom and I are not the church, and we’ve never said we were.” He rested a hand on her shoulder. “Everybody has doubts at times. It’s easier to deal with them if you talk about them with people who share your beliefs.”
That was the trouble. She didn’t knowwhatshe believed anymore.
She struggled for a way to share that wasn’t going to hurt him. There had to be a way to balance what she’d been taught, and what she completely disagreed with, and still have faith.
Faith in what, though, she wasn’t sure.
“Just something for you to think about,” he offered quietly. “There are some good, solid people in the church if you’d feel more comfortable talking to them. Or I understand you know Jeff Lawson from school. You could always talk to him while he’s here.”
It was a good thing she’d turned away before her father said that last bit, or it would’ve been impossible to keep her feelings hidden regarding Jeff.
She covered her dismay with a cough before asking, “How long is he staying to candidate?”
“He’ll be here for just over a week.”
Ugh. Hopefully he’d change his mind and decide things were better out East. MaybeJessicawouldn’t want to move to a small Alberta town after living in the big city. Anything, as long as she didn’t have to face seeing him at church every week. Or accidentally bumping into him in town.
“I’m surprised his wife didn’t join him. Isn’t it typical for them to candidate together?”
Her father glanced at her quickly. “Jeff’s not married.”
Suddenly she wasn’t breathing very well. The air seemed far too thick. She opened her mouth to say something then realized she had no idea what to say.
Fortunately, her father hadn’t noticed her shock and carried on without her.
“I’m quite impressed with Jeff.” He rose to his feet, straightening his shirt and tie as he waited for her to stand as well. “I’m encouraged by his enthusiasm, and he has a genuine heart for the youth. Just like you always did.”
This whole conversation was like being stuck in the middle of a field full of hidden landmines. There was nowhere safe for her to step. “I have enough on my plate. I don’t think I should add anything right now.”
Again, thankfully, that wasn’t a lie.
“I understand.”
Jeff was single. Jeff hadnotmarried Jessica.
Her mind was reeling, and she was barely aware of her father anymore. So it was another surprise when they were nearly at the door and he paused. “I understand you and young Rafe Coleman have reconnected.”
Drat. They’d been so close to avoiding this topic.Soooooclose.
Not that she was ashamed of Rafe, and she certainly wasn’t going to apologize for him. She never had before.
It was a conversation she wasn’t ready to deal with for other reasons, like the relationship was new and shiny, and she wasn’t sure exactly where it was going…
She tried to keep her answer as brief and positive as possible. “It’s been good to catch up with him.”
“Strange that I didn’t see him around even once this summer. Since you got back,” her dad pointed out.
“He was out of town a lot working for his family. You probably knew that, though, since his mom comes to prayer meetings.”
Pastor Dave hesitated then nodded. “You’re right, I remember now.”
