“We should do that now.”
Fred looked at Tiffany with a startled expression.He hadn’t expected that from her.He didn’t know why he didn’t expect it.It wasn’t like she shied away from talking about God all the times they had worked on things together.And yet, it surprised him.
“When two or three are gathered in His name,” she said in answer to his unspoken question.“Listen, I’ve tried to make things go my way in the past, and I’ve learned that my way isn’t always the best way.In fact, it’s never the best way if it doesn’t match with what God wants.Esther, Rosalie, Mandy, and I were just discussing that a couple of nights ago.”She held his gaze with what could only be called ferocity.As if he needed to know that last part for some reason.
“It’s not a bad idea,” Ava said.
“I agree,” Nate added.
“Then, before you give me your ideas of what I could list this place for as a rental – both short and long term – or for sale, let’s pray about it.”Fred put down his cup of coffee and held out his hands to begin forming a circle.“I’ll take any help in seeking God’s will that I can get.”Because he really hadn’t liked most of the answers he had gotten lately.
For the next ten minutes, they prayed around the circle.Then, they spent another twenty or so minutes putting together some numbers about how much the house would be worth.
“Are you working today?”Tiffany asked Fred when they were finished with their meeting and getting ready to head out.
He nodded.“I’m actually headed to Marydale.There’s a delivery that needs someone to be there who knows what’s what and Scotty couldn’t do it.It wasn’t supposed to arrive this early, but we have a deadline for opening, so I’m not going to complain about things being ready early.”
“Are you in a hurry to get there?”
He shook his head.“No.I’ve got time.”
She stood next to his car and looked towards where Eddie and Ava were driving away.“Okay, so this is going to be nosey, but I’m not asking just to know things.”
“Okaaaay?”To Fred, she certainly looked uneasy enough about whatever she wanted to know.
“Would things be more or less clear about what you should do if Esther wasn’t dating Steve?”
Fred wasn’t sure his eyes could grow any wider.He blinked.
“Look.I’ve heard a story about you having asked her out in high school.”She blew out a breath and plowed forward at a rapid pace.“And I won’t tell her that I’ve asked you this or what your answer is, but I’ve been praying for her – and you – ever since that day inTheBaked Applewhen you said you weren’t ever going to marry.”She gave him a sheepish smile.“I just suspected it had to do with Esther.I don’t know why I felt compelled to pray for you, but I did.Am I wrong?Have I been praying in vain?”
Fred drew and released a deep breath as a sense of calm reassurance settled in his heart.Why he felt at rest, he didn’t understand – no decisions had been made, nothing in his situation had changed, but it felt like mountains were about to move.He just hoped that they weren’t about to crush him when they fell.
“No, you’re not wrong.And yes, Esther dating Steve plays the starring role in me even giving the job in Marydale any serious thought.”
“Then, I’ll keep praying, and if you need help finding a place in Marydale, I can help you with that, too.”For a moment it seemed that she was considering leaving, but then, thought better of it.“Just one more thing to consider as you’re thinking about that job.I’ve heard that Marydale has an excellent elementary school and that there’s at least one teacher retiring either this year or next.Sandy has been helping her and her husband look for retirement cottages.”
“Why do I need to know that?”Was she saying that she thought he and Esther might still end up together?
“If God answers my prayers the way I hope He does, and you’ve taken that job in Marydale, that information might come in handy.”She laughed.“I adore a good romance almost as much as Ava does – but I don’t want it to be without God at the center.I tried things my way.Let’s just say I’m not an Ava.My story was a disaster.”
That was interesting.
“But I should go.Do you want me to mention anything about your house to Sandra yet?”
“No.I’m not sure what I’m going to do with it.”He turned to look at his perfect little home.He had been so excited to buy it.It had meant he had arrived as an adult.One who was ready to settle into life in Hatfield Falls in a permanent way.It was the fulfillment of a dream for him.He didn’t want to give this up any more than he wanted to give up the worship team or Esther.“But if God’s not in it…” he muttered to himself.
“Then, I’ll just proceed as if you’re going to move into your house as expected.”
“Thank you, Tiffany.For all your help in designing the house and for bringing God into the meeting today.”
“You’re welcome.Let me know if there is anything else you need.”
“Will do.”Fred watched her walk to her SUV.
“You know, I thought she was a bit snobbish and flighty when I first met her.”Will appeared at Fred’s side.“But she’s not.”
“How long have you been standing on the other side of my car?”
