“Maudra, you know I’d fix it if it came to that.”
I glanced at him, expecting to see that familiar teasing twinkle in his eye. He looked dead serious.
“I mean it, Brooke. We’re talking.”
I sighed in defeat and let my head fall.
“Good!”
Maudra nodded her approval as well as she stooped over to pick up Thurston and place him on her lap.
Donnie’s face softened. “How are you?”
I started to shrug, then changed. “I’m okay.” The sound of my voice sounded strange.
He smiled. “I doubt that. You know I don’t believe anything they are saying, right?”
“I know that.” Then I realized how that sounded. “Thank you.”
“Well, I have news for you. I’m not sure if it will help or not, but I hope so.”
I cocked my head at him. I wasn’t sure if there was news that would be capable of helping, unless the world was going to explode in a few minutes and nothing would matter anymore.
Donnie glanced over at Maudra. “I didn’t see you at church yesterday.”
“I didn’t think I could hold my tongue if I heard people a’talkin’. Thought it better ta just stay here ’n’ keep outta trouble.”
“Well, then this will be even more news to you than it is to Brooke.”
He looked back to me and held my gaze. “I told everyone at last night’s service.”
I was puzzled for a couple of seconds, then my heart sank. How had he thought this might help? “You didn’t.”
“Yeah, I did.” He smiled. “Actually, I’m glad. I feel a lot better to not have to keep it a secret anymore. We told Tyler Saturday night, and he agreed that we should address it up front.”
“Well, what the hell’s the big secret you told ever’body? You gay too now?”
Donnie laughed loudly. He really did sound better, almost happy. “Oh, Maudra, leave it to you! Maybe I should have started with that. They might have responded better.”
“Well, what is it? Good Lord!”
“Oh, sorry, Maudra.” He inhaled. “Mandy and I found out the other day that she’s pregnant.”
“Oh Lord.” Maudra’s voice was soft. She took in the information before continuing. “I bet that didn’t go over too well.”
“Donnie, why did you tell them? Why now? You could have waited. You should’ve.”
“You know, Mandy and I talked, and it just seemed right. Get everything out all at once.” He shrugged. “You never know, maybe it will take the focus off you.”
“They’ll prolly jist say it was Brooke what influenced ya to sin.” Maudra chuckled at the thought. I guess I shouldn’t have been, but I was somewhat surprised she was taking the news so well. She didn’t seem the least bit reproachful.
“Poor Pastor Bron.” I felt sick to be a part of all the drama that was laid at his feet. “I bet Twyla and Pastor Thomas are loving every minute of this.”
“Oh, I forgot!” Donnie slapped his knee. “I forgot you didn’t know. They are on vacation for a few weeks, visiting their kids.”
“Oh, well, that’s a relief. Although it’s just a matter of time before they come back.”
“True, but hopefully some of the hysteria will have died down by then. You’re right, though, Tyler is so stressed out. All this happening only a couple weeks after he takes over. There are several people who are really upset. If they keep it up, I am sure there will be talk about asking him to leave, if there isn’t already.” Donnie’s face flushed, obviously struggling with guilt for his part in it all.
