?Lynn:
‘Glenda the Good Witch’
and turning your mistake
into something wonderful?
?Beth:
I’m trying…?
She stared at the last message for a moment, chewing her lip. Trying was the key word.
Eventually, Beth set her phone on the nightstand after sending one last text for the night and crawled into bed. Sleep came swiftly and she never heard her phone buzz with Bryce’s message.
?Bryce Jensen:
I hope this doesn’t wake you,
but I got called in to cover for
Dr. Gibson again. I should still
be able to make it to church, but
I might be a little late. Love you?
CHAPTER 17
As Sunday school let out, Beth was surprised to see Lynn coming down the church hallway. Beth’s last text of the night had invited her to join them for church and lunch, but when she checked her phone this morning, the only message waiting was from Bryce.
Tami, the pastor’s wife, stopped Lynn to say hello, and Beth turned at the sound of her name. Three older church ladies waved her over, and with a nod in Lynn’s direction, Beth made her way toward them.
Jackie, as always, was polished to perfection—bleached blonde hair freshly styled, manicured nails flashing as she gestured. Jodi, in contrast, was all soft angles, her dark-rimmedglasses emphasizing her pale complexion and brown hair cut like a mushroom. Then there was Darla, the sweetest and most genuine of all three of them. Her Texas roots were evident in her big brown hair always teased and sprayed in the shape of a football helmet—without the face guard.
She had known these women most of her life. They were the pillars of the church, the ones she’d always looked up to as the “older, wiser, women” the book of Timothy referenced. They had a way of always being there—celebrating joys, offering comfort in hardships. After the whirlwind of marrying Bryce, Beth had been looking forward to seeing these familiar, friendly faces.
“BETH!” Jackie exclaimed, pulling her into a lavender-scented hug. Jodi and Darla followed suit, each smelling of a different floral perfume.
“It’s so good to see you!” Jackie cooed, her tone just a little too bright.
Beth smiled. “It’s good to see you, too. How were your weeks?” She looked at all three expectantly.
“Not as busy as yours!” Jackie spoke for the group, her voice laced with something Beth couldn’t quite place.
Beth blinked. “My week?” She was genuinely surprised they had already heard—especially since the service wouldn’t start for another 20 minutes. Pastor Steve had only just asked if he could mention their elopement during the announcements this morning.
Jackie gave a slow, knowing smile. “God must have laid
you on our hearts, dear.”
Darla patted Beth’s cheek. “We all need extra prayers from time to time.”
Beth relaxed slightly. “That’s so true.”
Jackie’s smile sharpened. “Especially when we’ve stepped out of the will of God.”
The words hit like a slap. Beth’s breath caught, head lowered in shame, tears stinging her eyes. She barely noticed the way the three women exchanged glances, a silent message passing between them.
