Mammoth Secrets by Ashley Elizabeth Ludwig Read Free Book Online

set his mouth to watering. Or was it the thought of her slightly crooked grin? The way she cocked her head, looked into his eyes, and really listened to him. Movement across the street caught his attention.
    An older woman in pink walking shorts rounded the corner of the chapel, wire-framed glasses and a grin on her crinkle-lined, slender face.
    He’d seen Naomi Dale, but had yet to become acquainted with her.
    “Well, hey there, Pastor Gibb.”
    “Hello.”
    “You’ve met the rest of my family.” She beamed, waited a beat. “I’m Naomi Dale. Earl’s wife, Edie and Lilah’s grandma.”
    “Right.” He clasped her outstretched hand, along with a cloud of plaster dust. His hands were grimy, and he wiped them on his jeans. “Sorry. Working today.”
    “Hard work’s good for the soul.” She handed him the container. “Brought you a bite of lunch. Eden figured you’d be wantin’ something about now.”
    “Be sure and thank her for me.” He opened the container to a fully loaded cheeseburger and kettle-cooked chips, surprised at the sudden longing for Lilah’s fresh fish sandwich. He closed the box and looked up at the woman who measured him so openly. “Incidentally, how is Lilah adjusting to coming back home?”
    “She’s still suffering from a case of bad marriage. Until that divorce finalizes.” Mrs. Dale’s pale blue, rock hard eyes studied him like a bug to swat. Or step on.
    “Those things take time.” He offered a sympathetic smile. “Even when they’re fixing a wrong thing.”
    “Mm. Time, and a toll.” Nana nodded, sharp. “On all of us.”
    “Thank you for thinking of me, ma’am.” He crunched the fried potato chip, hoping for a change of subject.
    “They say you’ve got some plans for this ol’ place.” She waved toward the faded white structure.
    “We’ve gotta keep moving forward, don’t we?”
    Her thin-set lips showed Naomi Dale obviously didn’t agree. “I was married in this church. Baptized here, same as Earl and the girls. Been to countless funerals here, too.” She turned on her heel, heading to the little rose garden and plucked a few curled brown, fading leaves. “It’d be a shame to change much when this here’s the glue that holds Mammoth together.”
    “I’ll try and remember that.”
    With a curt nod, she headed home, up the hill.
    Lilah had been right. Folks in town didn’t want change, her grandmother most of all.
    Lord, tell me what to do. He stared at the white, ivy-covered steeple against the bright, spring sky, heart full of ideas and longing. I didn’t come here to do what they wanted, but to give them what they need.
    Is that why you came, Jake? Really?
    Thoughts speared back to the day he left, the way his father squeezed his shoulder, told him they’d take him back in a heartbeat, get him on target for a larger, growing church, should he change his mind. If all else failed, his dad would fix things for him. Again. The knowledge was oil in his gut as a greedy vine of wonder grew in his thoughts. Would he want to go back?
    His gaze took in the trees, their new, bright green leaves rustled in a slight spring breeze against a vivid, cloudless sky. The roses announced blooms would soon return with tight buds and purple leaves. From the dry and the dead, new leaf buds transformed the thorn-covered stalks into something beautiful. In the back meeting area, a large plot of grass sat, poised and ready to be covered by Revival tents and chairs.
    Revival. What were they reviving exactly? Would the existing parish sing, pray, and congratulate themselves on their piety while true revelry went on as always over at the fairgrounds? Carnival folk hawked rides, ring tosses, and feats of strength, and in turn hosted an array of clandestine activities in the tents and trailers.
    Both Tom and Naomi said the church and town needed a change of spirit and funding. He’d been fishing for ideas with Lilah on how to involve the younger set. Maybe this was a good time