“Our wedding is in two weeks. How am I supposed to find another opportunity in that time frame?”
The pastor’s eyes twinkled. “Oh, ye of little faith.”
“I’m trying, but I’m a little beat up right now.”
“That’s when you need faith the most. You know this.” A serene smile curved the corners of Pastor Gray’s mouth.
“You’re right. I’ll go home and start searching and give Trixie a few hours to calm down. Maybe she’ll realize the truth in that time.”
Pastor Gray chuckled. “I wouldn’t count on that. I imagine she’s hurting bad right now. In fact, I wouldn’t recommend waiting long to go to her.”
A scream stormed from his gut to his throat, but Elijah cut it off before it left his mouth. “I’m supposed to present her with another opportunity, but I’m also supposed to go straight to her. Is God going to throw this new job directly in front of me?”
“Perhaps.” Pastor Gray’s smile widened. “I want to tell you something I’ve only spoken about with the board.”
“What’s that?”
“I plan to retire in the next few years. Susan and I have prayed about a new ministry traveling the country, and we believe God has saidgo.”
“That’s great, but the church will miss you.”
“We’re not leaving yet, but even once we do, we’ll be around on and off.” Pastor Gray leaned forward. “I’d like to bring an idea to the table. The board approved of it, but we never got the chance to ask because you accepted the position at First Coastal.”
Elijah’s ears perked. “Yes?”
“Stay on as our youth pastor. As a permanent employee, we can pay you slightly more. We can’t match First Coastal’s offer or pay for seminary, but you can remain at the house rent-free which should help. You’ll likely have to take many of your classes online, but I believe that’s workable.” Pastor Gray sat upright, stood, then walked to the front of his desk. “While you’re here, I’d like to mentor you and prepare you for taking over my position when I leave. If you’re interested.”
His jaw dropped. Could the solution really be that simple? He’d have to give up the seminary school he’d dreamt of attending, but that was a small sacrifice in the scheme of life. He’d have everything he wanted, and Trixie wouldn’t have to leave her family. “You don’t have a problem with Trixie’s past and her being a pastor’s wife?”
Pastor Gray shook his head. “Many of our best leaders have a blemished past. A look in almost any book of the Bible will show you that.”
“But you gave me that warning in the spring, and you were hesitant to let her be Mary in the Christmas play?”
“Trixie had just come home when her mom asked, and there were many factors to consider. Solutions aren’t always cut and dry, but if you recall, I allowed her in and welcomed her back.” He laid a hand on Elijah’s shoulder. “As far as that warning, that wasn’t to stay away from Trixie as you assumed, but rather not to hurt her. I saw how you looked at her, but she needed time.”
“All this time, I’ve thought you wouldn’t approve.”
“Au contraire.” Pastor Gray removed his hand. “I’ve watched both of you mature tremendously in the last eight months to a year, and grow into strong, confident leaders. Each of you is an asset to this church and I’d hate to lose you.”
“I believe this is God opening the door He wanted me in, but is it okay if I talk to Trixie first about it and pray?”
“Absolutely. I wouldn’t want a definite answer until you’ve prayed.”
He jumped to his feet, eager to find Trixie and tell her. He shook hands with Pastor Gray. “Thank you. For everything.”
He left the church in total awe at God’s beautiful intervention. Excited to tell Trixie, he called her unable to wait for a face-to-face conversation. Her phone rang once, then went to voicemail—a sign she’d hitignoreto his call.
Growling under his breath, he jumped in his car, prayed he’d find her soon. He sped out of town and down the roads leading to her parent’s house. Her car sat in the driveway, but she could have gone somewhere with her mom or sisters.
He knocked on the door. “Trixie, if you’re in there, please open the door. I need to talk to you.”
A minute passed, and he heard nothing. He pulled his phone and tried calling again, but it went straight to voicemail this time.
Dejected, he turned on his heel, but he wouldn’t give up. He took a step toward his truck and heard the door open. Turning around, he saw Trixie standing at the door with tear-streaked cheeks.
He ran to her, stood in front of her, hesitant to reach out and touch her. “I choose you, Trixie, and I choose God. He gave us each other.”
She crossed her arms and leaned against the door. “You say that now, but one day you’ll resent me for losing that position.”
