Unlikely Praise by Carla Rossi Read Free Book Online Page B

wrinkles, so stop frowning. Why are you all tied up in knots?”
    “I don’t know. Two weeks ago, I didn’t know Shade and now he’s everywhere. This whole situation is running off without me.”
    Carol Ann stepped back with an exaggerated gasp. “Candace Camille Canaberry! You mean that little inner control freak of yours got loose and is out running wild again?”
    “Got loose? I don’t think I ever had her constrained.”
    Carol Ann laughed. “At least you know about her, and that’s half the battle.” Her smile faded. “Seriously, Candi, there’s no use worrying about what God has already set in motion. He’s got it under control and doesn’t need your help. You just have to go with it and do the right thing. It’s God’s business and you know He always has the best set aside for those who believe and are obedient.”
    “Then you better keep praying for me,” she groaned.
    “Always. Now, I’m going to go get Kevin and Max out of the doughnuts in the hospitality room so you can prepare us for worship and give us final notes and all that.”
    “Thanks. Make a pass through the foyer if you don’t mind. I saw Kelly and Rocky out there.”
    Candi returned to her keyboard and continued to sort her music. From the corner of her eye, she saw Shade leave the sound booth and make his way to the front left pew where the band sat after worship.
    He sat and stretched out his long legs. There was not one hole in his jeans. He pulled a thin black Bible from under his arm and leafed through it. The shiny silver edge of each page told her it was new, and the way he thumbed through several chapters at a time told her he was looking for something but had no idea where to find it.
    Her heart warmed.
    At least he was in the right place for the answers she hoped would help with the secrets she was sure he held.
    One by one, her team assembled. Like soldiers reporting for duty, they arranged their music, fine-tuned their instruments, and quietly prepared their hearts to worship God. Even Kevin seemed to have focused his energy on the task at hand and managed to not mention Shade or Dead Lizard Highway once.
    They gathered for prayer. Though he wasn’t playing, she motioned for Shade to join them. In the intimacy of their circle, Candi sensed it was going to be a great morning.
    And it was.
    Max stayed in tempo most of the time, Rocky added some licks she was sure surprised even him, and Kelly actually sang into her microphone and didn’t try to avoid it.
    By the time they left the platform, Candi knew they had achieved true worship. It was one of their finest offerings, and she was sure God was blessed by their efforts.
    She took a seat beside Shade with a satisfied smile. Kevin rushed Rocky down the ramp and rolled him to the end of their pew while the rest of the band dutifully filed down the row beside her.
    Pastor Charles approached the pulpit. “Bill, if you’ll go ahead and put up today’s scripture reading.”
    The congregation looked up at the large projection screen as the last of the worship lyrics faded away and the fourth chapter of Ephesians took its place. Amidst the rustling Bible pages, another distinct sound filled the sanctuary.
    It started with four drum clicks.
    A rollicking bass line soon followed.
    The squeal of a lone guitar string entered the fray and pierced the air.
    And the thump of techno sound effects screeched above it all.
    Pastor Charles looked her way and smiled. It was his fake “I’m not really smiling at you” smile. She, in turn, glared at Shade.
    His eyes widened. “I put that folder in a place Bill couldn’t accidentally open it.”
    “Obviously you didn’t,” she snapped. “Fix it.”
    He jumped from his seat. “Aye, Captain.”
     
     
     
     
     

3
     
    From: Pastor Charles Littleton
    [mailto:[email protected]]
    Sent: Monday, April 20 4:06 PM
    To: Candi Canaberry
    CC: Shade Blackledge
    Subject: