Free If Wishes Were Horses by Robert Barclay

they entered St. Andrew’s, the organist was already playing and the congregation members were on their feet, preparing to sing the first hymn. After greeting the ushers, Gabby guided Trevor toward the left side of the sanctuary where she found vacancies in the fourth row. On her immediate left stood two wealthy dowagers who were dripping with diamonds and wearing large, floppy hats.
    The imperious women took little notice of Gabby, but regarded her oddly clothed son with blatant disapproval. Soon they were whispering to each other in that condescending way that some elderly women do so well. Trying to ignore them, Gabby took up a hymnal and found the first selection listed in the program. As the congregation sang, she turned to search out Wyatt.
    Doing her best to be discreet, she looked past the women and toward where Wyatt always sat. She found him in his usual row singing among the other parishioners. He was dressed in a tan suit, a crisp white shirt, and a green-and-beige regimental tie. She couldn’t know whether he had seen her and Trevor come in, but that didn’t matter. If Wyatt held true to his habit, Gabby knew when he would leave.
    As the service progressed, Trevor fidgeted, slumped, and scowled even more. Gabby didn’t care, provided he proved to be polite toward Wyatt—an outcome that was far from certain. Although she had coached Trevor on what she wanted him to say,she remained nervous about how things would go. But first she had to be sure that Wyatt didn’t drive off before she and Trevor caught up with him.
    Thirty minutes later, Reverend Jacobson finished his sermon. It had had something to do with respecting other religions, but Gabby had been so busy eyeing Wyatt from time to time that she remembered little of it. Then she double-checked her program. She was right—the blessings were next.
    His voice tired and hoarse, Reverend Jacobson left the pulpit and walked before the gleaming white altar. He raised his hands in a gesture of welcome.
    â€œWill anyone wishing to celebrate a birthday, an anniversary, or other special day please come forward for the blessings?” he asked.
    As people started rising from their seats, Gabby turned and again gazed past the pair of old Boca dragons sitting on her left. By now, they had become even more disapproving of this strangely searching woman and her even odder son. Sure enough, Gabby watched Wyatt rise from his seat and start heading toward the rear of the church.
    Gabby nudged Trevor with one elbow. “Come on!” she said. “We’re leaving!” As they hurried out, the two old ladies shot more disapproving glances at them.
    â€œWell, I never!” one announced.
    â€œNor I!” the other answered harshly. “The nerve of these young people today!”
    Ignoring them, Gabby quickly ushered Trevor away. Gabby hustled Trevor outside to see that Wyatt had already crossedthe parking lot. She quickened her pace, but already his tie was undone, and he was unlocking the door of his Jaguar. She didn’t want to shout at him, but there seemed to be little choice.
    â€œWyatt!” she called out. “Wyatt, wait!”
    Wyatt turned in search of the person who had called out his name. When his eyes met Gabby’s, he stiffened.
    Oh, God, she suddenly realized. Have I just made a terrible mistake? What if he thinks that I’m bushwhacking him again?
    But the die was cast, and so she bravely led Trevor onward. Wyatt remained still as Gabby and Trevor walked up to him.
    â€œHello, Gabrielle,” he said politely. “I saw you come into church.” He turned and looked at Trevor. “This must be Trevor, right?”
    Gabby suddenly felt even more flustered. The last thing she had wanted was to seem like some desperate widow, but there was no going back now.
    â€œPlease call me Gabby,” she said. “And forgive me for calling out to you that way! I wanted you to meet my