“I didn’t know you had a girlfriend.”
A mild blush appeared on his cheeks. “It’s in the early stages.”
“I wish you the best. She’s a lucky girl.”
“Thanks.”
A door closed, followed by two pairs of footsteps.
Phoebe closed her eyes and whispered a brief prayer. “Give me guidance and wisdom to handle this situation in a manner pleasing to you, Lord.”
To her surprise, Deena walked directly out of the building without giving her or Cameron a glance.
Lynz stopped at the desk. “Deena has decided to retract her complaints. Have a Merry Christmas.”
Cameron stared at Phoebe after Lynz left. “Is it me, or was that weird?”
“I’d say we witnessed a Christmas miracle.” Her eyes remained focused out the window on the two women as they entered the limousine and rode away.
She doubted she’d ever see them again, and for that, she couldn’t muster an ounce of remorse.
Chapter Sixteen
Mac wound an arm firmly around Phoebe’s as they walked from the church to his truck. Despite the mens’ best efforts to clear the snow and spread salt, the parking lot remained an icy, snowy mess.
“I’m surprised the service had such a high turnout.” Phoebe took careful steps to avoid visible slick spots. “Bad weather usually keeps people away.”
“They all wanted to experience Pastor Gray’s last candlelight service in his official role as pastor.”
“At least we have six months until Elijah takes over, but Pastor Gray will be missed.” She stopped at the truck.
He opened the door and helped her in. On the way to the driver’s side, Mac hit a patch of ice and had to balance himself against the truck. He glanced inside, relieved to see she hadn’t seen his near fall.
Phoebe stared at her phone with worry etched into the lines of her face. Something was wrong—she hadn’t acted like herself all evening. Until they’d left the church building, she’d been abnormally quiet. He’d ask her about it once he started the truck, and they warmed up. If he could fix whatever bothered her, then he would. They’d waited too long to share Christmas as a couple.
Her frown disappeared the second he entered the cab, and she dropped the phone in her purse. “I’m starving. I can’t wait to eat your mom’s ham. That glaze she makes is to die for.”
“It’s an old family recipe.” An initial blast of cold air burst from the vents, followed by warmer air. The service hadn’t been long enough for the engine to cool down completely, and he was thankful they wouldn’t have to wait for heat.
He gripped the steering wheel loosely with one hand and looked at her. Should he let it go since she seemed fine now? Or had she only pretended to be for his sake? Considering how she’d abruptly stopped frowning when he’d gotten in the truck, he decided on the latter. “Can we talk?”
“What about?” Her even tone suggested she already knew.
“You’ve acted bothered all night. I can tell something’s bothering you.”
She sucked in a long gulp of air, releasing it after several seconds. “There is, but I don’t know if I should tell you.”
He shifted in the seat, clasped her shaking hands in his, worried about whatever upset her so badly. “You can tell me. I don’t want anything to come between us. Did I do something wrong?”
“No, you’ve been nothing but great.”
“Then what’s going on?” A million reasons for her worry flashed through his mind, and his imagination jumped out of control.
“It’s Deena.”
The reasons fled as quickly as they’d formed, and he almost laughed with relief. “What about her?”
“I overheard a conversation between her and Lynz today. It wasn’t pretty.”
