Detour: Destination Abiding Love by JoAnn Carter Read Free Book Online Page A

me.”
    “So I noticed.”
    “Do you think it’s because of my past?”
    “That Smith family is in a rough place right now. Laura has put a tremendous amount of pressure on not only herself, but the entire family. She’s wrapped up and wound tighter than my granny’s stockings.”
    Sierra knew what it was like to be part of a family filled with stress and tension. “Is that why Cole works so hard, because his mother pushes him?”
    “No. Granted, his parents’ opinions are important to him, but he works hard because it’s who God made him to be. That boy has always put his all into everything he undertakes.” Mrs. Whitten lowered her head and looked over the top of her glasses. “And he’ll take that same care with the woman he gives his heart to.”
    An unfamiliar sensation quivered in Sierra’s stomach. “Why do you think he’s stayed here? I mean, not that Daviston is much different than any other small town, but I’ve noticed that not many people in our age group have stuck around these parts.”
    “That would be a good question to ask him directly. What I can tell you is that I’m glad he hasn’t left. This town wouldn’t be the same without him. Even though he’s young, he’s a pillar in our community. Take his store for example; it holds us together in a special way. I’m sure he could go somewhere else and make big bucks, but he doesn’t. He’s willing to stay, and I think those actions say more about how he feels for the folks in our little neck of the woods than words ever could.”
    “It’s more than a job for him.”
    What would it be like to have the type of relationships Cole enjoyed within the community? To care enough to stay and work through her problems, rather than run as she had? Lord willing, one day she’d love to find out—in New York.
     
    
     
    Cole only half listened to the sermon. His attention was on Sierra. Sometime during the church service, he came to a conclusion. If you can’t get the girl to come to you, go to the girl.
    As the service ended, Sierra made her way to the front to collect her violin.
    Cole ran his hand along the smooth wood grain on the pew ends as he made his way back to Pastor Bill, who stood outside of the sanctuary in the small narthex.
    The double wooden front doors were open. Fresh air and sunshine spilled into the church.
    With everyone milling around to greet Pastor Bill, now might not be the best time to initiate his plan, but he never claimed to be a patient person once he made up his mind to do something. Cole held out a hand and the pastor’s warm palm clasped his. “The congregation loved your sermon this morning.” He only hoped the pastor didn’t ask him what he found specifically meaningful, because he wouldn’t be able to tell him.
    Pastor Bill ran a hand down his blue silk tie and smiled. “Glad you enjoyed it.”
    A long line of people in all shapes and sizes were behind him.
    Melissa was standing beside her husband.
    He cleared his throat. “Uh, I was wondering... I mean, I thought I’d mention to you that I’m thinking about joining the worship team.”
    The pastor’s eyes widened.
    Melissa clasped her hand to her chest. “We’ve been trying to get you to do that for years, but you’ve always said you’re too busy.”
    “Yeah, well...”
    “Guess we didn’t have quite the right incentive until now.” Pastor Bill chuckled.
    “Perhaps it wasn’t God’s timing.”
    “Do you mean God’s or yours?” Pastor Bill lowered his voice. “I don’t blame you for your interest in a certain young woman, but that’s not necessarily the motivation the worship team is looking for in their members.” He raised his voice to normal speaking level. “Look, why don’t you give me a call later, and we can talk a bit more.”
    “I can do that. But I want you to know, it’s not just what you’re thinking. Something is changing in me.”
    Melissa chuckled.
    Cole face burned with embarrassment. Yup, they were reading