Love Everlasting by Tracie Peterson Read Free Book Online Page A

blessing. Fact is, I feel it’s probably more appropriate to ask the old ladies. Either way, I didn’t want to break with propriety. Abrianna knows that marriage is what I plan for us.”
    â€œI know you’ll get their permission, whether it comes from one or all. Militine tells me the old ladies and Mr. Cunningham have had nothing but elated joy when talking about it. Seems they can’t think of two people who are more perfectly matched.”
    Using a pry bar, Wade opened the crate. Inside were some of the tools he’d ordered to replace those lost in the fire. “I’m glad they feel that way.” He smiled at Thane and shook his head. “I don’t know if it would matter to me if they disapproved. I love her, and I can’t get her out of my thoughts.”
    â€œI know how you feel. I’ve felt that way about Militine for a long time now. I remember you once asked me how I could be sure it was love. I suppose you understand the answer to that question now.”
    Wade remembered the conversation. It seemed to have taken place years ago rather than just months. “I do, but I would be hard-pressed to explain it to anyone else.”
    Thane laughed. “Exactly.”
    â€œWell, I hoped I might find you here,” Brother Mitchell, the head elder of the church, announced as he entered Wade’s tent. “I’ve had to ask all over for directions. The city is in such disrepair, what with them widening and replatting the streets.”
    â€œCome on in, Brother Mitchell. It’s good to see you. What can I do for you? Need a wagon repaired?” Wade put aside the tools he’d been pulling from the box.
    â€œNo, nothing wagon related, but there is something I need to talk to you about.”
    Wade dusted off his hands. He couldn’t imagine what the elder wanted with him. “I wish I could offer you some refreshment, but I’m afraid I have nothing.”
    â€œNot to worry. I’m here on business. Church business.”
    As a deacon of the church, Wade often found himself brought into the confidences of the elders regarding church needs. “Is it all right if Thane stays?”
    Brother Mitchell looked to Thane and nodded. “Of course. Although I would ask you both to keep this conversation confidential until a formal announcement can be made.”
    â€œA formal announcement of what?” Wade asked.
    â€œWe elders met on several occasions and have spent a great deal of time in prayer on the matter of finding another pastor. We don’t want to feel rushed into a decision, as we did last time. But we have come to a decision. We would like to ask you to be our pastor in the interim while we search.”
    â€œMe?” Wade couldn’t fathom why they would come to him. “I have no formal training.”
    â€œBut I have heard you lead the men in prayer and Bible study. I was present at several of your studies with the friendless. I can tell you now that the purpose at that time was for extending a request for you to take a position as elder.” He held up his hand, seeming to expect Wade’s protest. “I know you feel that being young and unmarried disqualifies you for a position of authority, but we have searched the Scriptures and find that not to be the case. In every situation we have seen only support for your placement. With this new need, we believe you perfect for the job. Besides, others in the congregation have suggested you for the position.”
    â€œMe? But why?” This was all news to Wade. He looked to Thane, but he just shrugged.
    â€œFolks liked the way you dealt with Pastor Walker. They felt you were led of the Lord. Not only that, but they know you, know that you’re honorable. They feel that God has His hand on you and you need to answer His call.”
    â€œI have to say you’ve taken me by surprise. I have never thought of taking the pulpit as a profession or