He bowed his head. “I thought I’d made the right decision to accept the position back home, but I’m not at peace with it now. Is it my nerves or are You telling me something? Give me clear direction, please … and let my choices honor You.”
How we wished God would appear before him and speak to him directly. Life would be much easier that way. He drew aimlessly in the dirt with his foot, only realizing when he finished that he’d drawn a heart. He hurried to rub his foot over the shape and cover it up.
After a while, he heard footsteps that he recognized as Trixie’s, then he saw the light shining from her phone.
When she came into view, he clucked his tongue, but smiled before speaking. “Breaking the rules I see.”
She put a finger to her mouth. “Don’t tell anyone, but I’ve had it on me all day.”
“Did you hear from Phoebe?”
Trixie smiled in the moonlight. “She’s texted me every hour with an update on Alice, including a picture.”
“Everything’s going well then?”
“Yes. Alice is such an easygoing child. I’m blessed.”
He pointed a hand toward the wooden benches, indicating for her to sit.
She followed his guide and crossed her arms. “I miss her dreadfully. I know this is good for her and I’m having fun, but I can’t wait to get home and see her.”
“You’re a great mom.” He lowered himself to the space beside her. “I appreciate your sacrifice to be here.”
“I’m glad I came.” She dropped her arms and crossed her hands in her lap. “After witnessing the impact on the youth, I see what a mistake it would have been to cancel it.”
“I’m proud of them. Each of them has grown, even if they don’t realize it.” His gaze dropped to the ground, and he drew the tip of his shoe through the dirt again. Nervousness continued to build.
Trixie reached out and laid a hand over his. “What’s wrong? You’re acting strange.”
He drew a long breath. “There are a few things I need to tell you.”
Her features tightened. “Like what?”
“I’m leaving in August.” He choked on the words, underestimating their weight.
“That was always the plan … wasn’t it?” Disappointment shadowed her eyes, hinting she may have held out hope he wouldn’t.
“Yes, but I’ve accepted a position at my childhood church. They need a youth pastor and they’ll pay my way through seminary.”
“That’s amazing. Congratulations.” Her cheer came out forced.
“Thanks.” He pulled his hand from under hers so he could wind their fingers together. “I didn’t think leaving would be this hard.”
Her throat constricted. “Do you have to? Couldn’t you stay here?”
“I wasn’t asked.” He rubbed the back of her hand with his thumb. “And this is a great opportunity to work, doing what I love, while attending school.”
“I’m happy for you.”
A cloud that had covered the moon floated away, providing more light. To his dismay, he saw a tear in her eye. He gently wiped it away. “Come with me.”
“What?”
“Come to South Carolina with me.” The offer was out, one he’d debated on, but putting it out there, he had complete peace about it.
“I—I can’t.” She breathed in deep. “I can’t uproot Alice like that, not after working so hard to give her stability.”
He grabbed her other hand, held them against his chest. “I can give you that stability.”
