Free The Pastor's Wife by Jennifer Allee

offered. She didn’t want the council involved any more than was absolutely necessary. But her practical side stopped her. The man was sopuffed up he looked like his head was ready to pop. No point antagonizing him further. So she simply answered, “Yes.”
    Oren swung his gaze to Lainie. “Miss Waters, while I’m sure the youth could find better ways of spending their time, their participation will be left to your discretion. But absolutely no money is to be used from the youth fund toward this project. Are we clear?”
    “Absolutely.” For the first time that day Lainie's tone was less than bubbly.
    “Fine.” Oren gave a sharp nod. “If there's no more discussion, we can put it to a vote.”
    “Excuse me, but I have a few questions for Mrs. Shepherd.”
    Maura turned toward Pastor Chris. “What would you like to know?”
    “Mrs. Shepherd, there are some members of the board who are concerned about you and Pastor Nick living together in the parsonage. I was wondering if you could address that.”
    Something twisted in the pit of Maura's stomach. She didn’t know anything about the young pastor, but her first impression upon meeting him was that he would be fair. His question took her completely by surprise. She looked at Nick. It was clear from his expression he hadn’t seen it coming, either. And she was almost certain he was counting.
    Maura looked back at Chris. She wanted to ask him why he’d brought this subject up. She wanted to tell him to stop calling her Mrs. Shepherd. She wanted to run out of the room. But she knew her only option was to stay calm and answer his question.
    “One of the stipulations of the will is that I live in the parsonage during the next six months. Obviously, Miss Hattie watched one soap opera too many and decided to play matchmaker from beyond the grave.” Her nervous laughter bounced weakly against the walls of the hushed room. Apparently, noone else got the joke. Maura rushed on. “So, yes, I am living at the parsonage. I sleep in the spare bedroom. Nick—Pastor Nick—and I, are roommates, if you will. Reluctant roommates. And that's all.”
    She looked at each member of the council, daring them to say anything to the contrary. For once, it seemed they took her words at face value.
    Chris nodded. “I see. So after six months, will you continue living in the parsonage?”
    Thankfully, Maura already knew the answer to this question. “No. There's an apartment above the theatre. I plan to renovate it and move in as soon as I’m able.”
    Her smugness was short-lived. As soon as the words were out of her mouth, she realized she’d never shared this part of the plan with Nick. She glanced over at him, but his face was blank now, devoid of any emotion. She couldn’t tell how he felt about this newest bit of information.
    “One more question,” Chris said. “After the six months is over, how do we know you won’t leave town again?”
    Maura bit the inside of her lip. She’d really hoped to avoid this question. She didn’t know the answer yet, and admitting that wouldn’t endear her to the rest of the council. But all she could tell them was the truth.
    “You don’t know,” she said, “because I don’t know. If I choose to stay, I’ll live in town and run the Music Box. If I choose to leave, I’ll sell it and someone else will run it. Either way, Granger benefits.”
    Chris smiled. “Fair enough,” he said with a nod. “Thank you for being so honest and forthright with us. I think your theatre will make a wonderful addition to our community. Oren,” he said, turning to the man, “should we vote?”
    After all the worry, all the anxiety, and the unexpected grilling from Pastor Chris, it came down to a simple vote ofyeas and nays. In less than two minutes time, her plan was approved and the church council sent her on her way, with their blessing.
    Maura walked out of the church building and into the courtyard. She’d always found it a beautiful, peaceful