Page 15 of A Surefire Love
“Such as?”
“Tomorrow’s her first day of middle school. She was nervous about finding her way around, but kids on crutches get a helper during hall passing, so she’ll have a guide.” That fact alone had taken Mercy’s anxiety about middle school from a nine down to a five.
“I’m glad it’s not serious.”
“Me too.” She pulled out her phone. “Dinner’s ready, so I’ll get going.”
He didn’t step off the path, so she did. Compliments of the hot, dry week, her heels didn’t sink into the grass.
“Thanks.” Quiet and gritty, his voice halted her.
She glanced over her shoulder at him.
A flash of apology crossed his face. “Thanks for coming directly to me when you had a problem, instead of … not.”
She hadn’tmeantto talk to him about the problem, only about her proposed solution.
His mouth settled into a tight line.
“You seem upset.”
The frown deepened. “Not everyone is as forthcoming as you. It’s easier to solve problems with direct conversations.”
She’d never seen him like this. What was she supposed to do? Try counseling a pastor? She rested a hand on a cocked hip and quirked an eyebrow. “You have problems?”
He laughed once. “I do.”
She ordered her curiosity to take a hike and lifted her chin with a teasing smile. “I didn’t think those kinds of shenanigans were allowed. You run a tight ship, Marsh.”
He shifted as though someone had poked him in the spine, and his line of sight fell to the dusty pavement. “I shouldn’t have said what I did the other day. You’re doing a great job with Mercy.”
“I shouldn’t have been so hurt. You don’t know us well enough to say one way or the other.”
He stole a sidelong glance at her.
The statement wasn’t fair. He could observe her and Mercy and guess whether she was a decent guardian. Why hadn’t she just taken the compliment?
“You still want to be a leader?”
That was one compliment she wouldn’t pass up. “Yes.”
He focused on her, forehead creased. “You think Philip can change The Signalmen’s schedule by next week?”
She had no idea, but next Wednesday was Rooted’sopening night. Philip could do without her one night if it meant proving her reliability to Anson. “I’ll be at youth group.”
“Sounds good.” He put his head down and continued toward the gazebo.
“See you at the show?” She was pushing her luck, but she’d come this far. “Since Rooted doesn’t start up until next week?”
He peered at her over his shoulder, then shook his head. “Probably not.”
The likely reason why—Sydney—rounded the gazebo from the direction of the community center. The woman smiled a kind greeting.
“Good night.” Blaze took her win and hurried away.
7
Anson had enough problems without stirring up dissension. Why had he been so tempted to complain to Blaze about the church drama at the park?
