Yes, it was—even if it had been a long while since he’d been the recipient of such kindness. Then again, he’d pretty much shut himself off from the town for more than a decade.
Despite his self-imposed aloofness, however, a friendly ear would be welcome. And perhaps Father Murphy had sensed he was in the presence of a floundering soul in need of guidance.
Martin took a deep breath.
It was possible he’d live to regret this. Sharing his doubts and concerns with anyone felt like a sign of weakness.
But his secrets would be safe with Father Murphy, and it was possible the man would offer a thought or two that would help him sort through his dilemma.
“If you’re certain you can spare a few minutes, I’d welcome the company.”
The pastor motioned down the path. “The best seat in the house awaits.”
Martin took the lead, reclaiming the bench he’d occupied earlier as the other man settled in beside him.
Silence fell between them as the dove continued cooing in the background. If there was a good place to jump in with his story, it was eluding him.
As if sensing his dilemma, Father Murphy spoke. “I saw Diane Tuesday night.”
That would do as an opening.
“Where?”
“At theOklahomarehearsal. You know about the show, I assume.”
“Yes. She told me she’d gotten involved, and I overheard a few people at work talking about it. Why wereyouthere?”
“I’m in the cast too.”
Martin did a double take. “Can priests do that sort of thing?”
“There’s no rule against it, if that’s what you’re asking, although I expect it’s raised a few eyebrows.” Father Murphy grinned. “But I like mingling with the people in town. I think some clerics feel they have to maintain a distance from their congregation, put themselves on a different level. But that can turn people off and lead to a lonely life, don’t you think?”
“I suppose so.” Whether you were a priest or a mill owner.
“In any case, Diane seems to be having a grand time. And she’s quite the dancer, as I’m sure you know.”
“Yes. She and I used to love dancing to big band music. We took lessons and were always on the lookout for dances to attend. Once we drove all the way to Eugene for a big band event. Made a weekend of it.” He sighed as that happy but distant memory surfaced. “I miss those days.”
Father Murphy angled toward him, his expression kind. Understanding. “Is it too late to recreate them?”
At the quiet question, Martin filled his lungs. “I don’t know. At the moment, we’re living apart, as you’ve probably heard.”
“I assumed as much. When Diane and I chatted at the last rehearsal, she mentioned she was staying in the annex at Anna Williams’s house.”
“Yes. She left a couple of weeks ago. Out of the blue.”
Father Murphy’s eyebrows rose. “There were no clues she was thinking about leaving?”
“None that I picked up on. But I think they were there, if I’d been paying more attention.” He leaned forward. Linked his fingers. “We’ve had issues ever since I took over the mill. The business sucked up all my energy and attention during the first few years, and by the time I could have slowed down a bit, I’d fallen into the habit of putting work first. That was bad news for my relationship with Diane—and with my son.”
“How is Lucas these days?”
“Doing okay, I think. Going to college in Texas. Making his own way. He and I haven’t talked in quite a while. I did reach out to him a few days ago, but he hasn’t returned my call or responded to my text. And I can’t blame him. I made a lot of mistakes while he was growing up—and I didn’t handle it well when he told me he didn’t want to be part of the mill.”
The priest gave an understanding nod. “That had to be disappointing for you, given the long Fisher heritage there.” He tipped his head. “Didyouever think about doing anything else career-wise?”
“No. I like the lumber business. Lucas never did.”
