Arizona Pastor by Jennifer Collins Johnson Read Free Book Online Page A

expression full of innocence.
    Before Kristy could say anything more, Wade grabbed her hand and squeezed it. She jerked toward him. Her eyes flashed, and for a moment, he feared she’d unleash a flurry of angry words at him. He held tight to her hand as he said, “I have a few questions about the church’s monthly newsletter.” He looked around at expressions that seemed to fear her fury as much as he did.
    Looking back into Kristy’s glare, he willed back his confidence. Deep blue eyes screamed embarrassment and pain. “I hate to tear you away, but could I get your help for a half hour or so? I need to have it completed by tomorrow.”
    Kristy’s shoulders fell. “Sure.”
    Wade addressed Leah and Tim. “This shouldn’t take long. Would you mind if Bo stayed until I bring Kristy back?”
    Leah waved her hand. “Absolutely. The boys are enjoying their new playmate. We might have to borrow him from time to time.”
    Trying to quickly get her out of the house, Wade nodded as he stood. “We’ll figure something out.”
    Kristy took a step toward the door, then turned and wrapped her arms around Mel. She didn’t say a word, just hugged her child, then headed outside. Wade prayed for guidance as he followed the beguiling woman to the truck. He also had to think about what exactly he should ask her.

Chapter 6
    W ade tapped the top of the steering wheel and tried to focus on the contemporary Christian music filling the cab of his truck. Years had passed since he’d felt jittery driving with a lovely woman in the passenger seat. He wrinkled his nose. In truth, he hadn’t chauffeured any women for a very long time. Unless he counted his mom. Or his sister. But jitters never accompanied him when he rode with them. Unless they were driving.
    He sneaked a quick glance at Kristy. Her lips were pursed so tight that wrinkles covered her chin. She blinked several times, but he still spied the tears threatening to spill over her lids.
    â€œThanks for getting me out of there,” she whispered.
    â€œYou’re welcome.”
    The words proved too much for her because she gasped. Then tears streamed down her cheeks. Wade glanced around the cab until he spied an unused napkin from a fast-food restaurant. She nodded her thanks when she took it, and he again tried to focus on the road. One of his favorite songs about God’s amazing love wafted from the speakers, and he silently prayed she would drink in the words and allow them to be a healing balm to her heart.
    She sniffed. “Do you really have a newsletter question for me?”
    He did have one question, though he’d planned to ask Chad, the music minister, or Greg, the youth minister, but Kristy would be a better choice. “I do need some advice.”
    Sneaking a peek at her, he winked. The smile she gave him lit up her face and made her already-glistening eyes sparkle. “But I probably didn’t have to steal you away to ask it.”
    She giggled, and Wade’s heart flipped. He pulled into the parking lot of Paradise Bakery and Café.
    â€œSo what’s your question?”
    He parked, then shifted in his seat to face her. “I’m going to add a short devotional to the newsletter.” He cupped his chin with his thumb and pointer finger, then tapped his jaw. “Do you think I should do that at the beginning or end?”
    Kristy dipped her chin and narrowed her eyelids. “That’s your question?”
    â€œIt’s a question.” He motioned to her. “You’re the English professor. I was going to ask Chad or Greg, but you’d definitely have the most professional opinion.”
    She grinned, then tilted her head. “Okay. I’d say at the beginning. Put everyone in a God-centered frame of mind before they start reading.”
    â€œSounds like a terrific idea,” he agreed. “Actually, that’s perfect.”
    She furrowed