The pastor directed them to the dining room off the mainliving area. The wood-paneled walls gave the room a darker than necessary look, but the table was set with crystal glasses and silver that caught the light quite nicely and brightened the room. Alongside those were delicate china that bore a beautiful flower print and drew Pearl’s attention.
“What beautiful dishes,” Pearl commented.
“Those were given to my wife and I upon our marriage,” the pastor explained. “A gift from her aunt and uncle.”
“They’re Haviland, if I’m not mistaken.” Pearl looked to the pastor for an answer.
“They are. You’ve a good eye.”
“Aren’t they lovely, Addie?” Pearl asked.
She nodded, ignoring Isaac’s nearness. “Yes, I was just noting how they catch the light.”
“I’m going to see if I can help Selma,” Pastor Jenkins said. “You folks be seated and make yourselves comfortable. I sit here at the head and Selma at my right, but you can feel free to have any of the other places.” He headed off through the far side of the room.
“What a sweet little house,” Pearl said as Otis helped to seat her at the table. “In all the time I’ve attended our church, I’ve never been inside.”
Addie nodded. “Nor have I. It is quite roomy and stylish.”
“Well, Mr. Hanson,” Otis began, “I’m pleased to meet you. I think I’ve seen you in the shop at the expo.” He assisted Addie into a chair opposite Pearl’s.
“Yes, I’m a teacher and have been in there more than once to pick up class photographs.” He wasted no time claiming the seat next to Addie. “And Addie and I have known each other since our time in the Yukon. I’m sure she must have told you as much.”
“I believe something was mentioned.” Otis looked at Isaac a moment, then moved back around the table to sit beside his wife. “How is it you came to be in Seattle, Mr. Hanson?”
“Please call me Isaac. I’m originally from Seattle. My sister and brother-in-law live here. They have two little girls of whom I’m very fond. Addie has met them.”
“I have,” she said, not knowing what else to do. “They are quite charming.”
“They are. Such dear girls.” Isaac’s smile lit up the room. “Anyway, my sister invited me to live with the family. The house is quite large, and it’s been wonderful getting to know everyone better.”
“Here we are.” Pastor Jenkins reentered the room carrying a large platter with baked salmon and rice. Mrs. Jenkins followed behind with a couple of bowls containing vegetables.
“I hope you don’t mind our boardinghouse fashion,” she said. “It’s just easier to pass around the bowls and plates when you don’t have servants to wait on you.”
“It’s hardly a problem for us,” Pearl replied. “We live quite simply and have no servants.”
“My sister has a houseful of staff, but I prefer it this way,” Isaac said, taking one of the bowls from Mrs. Jenkins.
“We will return right away,” she promised, setting the other bowl on the table. “There are just a few more things to bring out.”
Pastor Jenkins positioned the salmon platter in front of his place setting, then followed his wife to the kitchen. When he rejoined them, he had a basket of dinner rolls in one hand and a sauceboat in the other.
Mrs. Jenkins brought a berry salad and took her seat while the bowl was still in her hands. “There, I believe we’re all put together.” She gave a light laugh as though amused with herself.
“Let us pray.” The pastor bowed his head. “Father, we thank You for this food and for the friends who could come to share it with us. Bless all who enter this house in Your loving care. Amen.”
“Amen,” Isaac murmured.
Addie tried not to think of Isaac sitting beside her. She tried not to think of him being there at all. For the past few days, she’d done her best to put him out of her mind altogether but had done the job very poorly.
The food was passed from person to person. Addie found the salmon platter rather a challenge to balance, and so Isaac took it from her and waited while she served herself. She took a portion of the salmon and some of the rice concoction, then gave him a nod.
“This is a wonderful enticement that my wife makes,” the pastor told Addie as he handed her the sauceboat. “The rice and salmon alone are quite delicious, but when you add this sauce, something quite magical happens.”
Addie smiled. “It sounds intriguing.” She poured some of the sauce as instructed, then passed it to Isaac.
With plenty of food on her plate, Addie sampled the sauce and rice. She couldn’t keep the smile from her face. The lemony sauce seemed to draw out the herbs Mrs. Jenkins had used to season the salmon and rice.
