Free Raspberry Kisses (The Bakery Romance Series Book 1) by Cecelia Dowdy

dated Stan, she saw, firsthand, how some women seemed to idolize pastors. Why? Rhea had never been able to figure it out. But, as soon as some women heard that a pastor was single, they’d go crazy, wanting to get to know the pastor better, spend time with him.
    She’d often wondered if the women dreamed about becoming first lady, and that was their incentive for capturing the interest of a pastor. Or, if there was some sort of wonderful feeling, being with a man who led a congregation?
    She’d encountered determined women, like Zora, who wanted to be with a pastor so badly, that they made it their mission. Most weren’t as emotionally-distraught as Zora. However, she could imagine, if she were to ever date Martin, that they’d encounter other women, like Zora, who would be steadfast in pursuing a preacher.
    Was Zora upset because Rhea had entered the cabin with Martin? Ignoring Zora, Rhea found a seat near the back of the room.
    Mrs. Barnes, the conference director, stepped up to the microphone. “I’d like to introduce Pastor Martin Lane as our guest speaker this afternoon. If you want to know more about him, be sure to read the write-up in the brochure.” Smiling, Martin walked up to the podium as Mrs. Barnes went to her chair.
    His eyes swept the room, making eye contact with every attendee. Rhea swallowed as Martin looked directly at her. Her heart thudded, memories of Stan gripping her. Stan used to start his sermons just like this—complete silence for a few seconds as he scanned the room with his eyes, making sure he connected with every person. “Rhea, I want to make eye contact with everybody, let them know I care about their soul,” he used to say.
    Martin smiled at her and her face heated.
    “Let’s pray.” He bowed his head. “Dear Lord, thank you for this beautiful day. Thank you so much for this opportunity to speak at this retreat. Lord, help us to open our hearts and listen to your word, Father. I want to pray for all the needs for everybody in this room right now. In Jesus’s name, Amen.”
    Rhea opened her eyes and spotted Zora a few rows in front of her, turning to glare at her. She glared back and Zora quickly focused on Martin again.
    “I find that many single people feel unfulfilled and incomplete since they’re not married. I’ve never been married, but just from being the assistant pastor of my church, I can tell you that marriage can bring a whole set of problems. When you pray for a mate, be sure you know you’re praying for another whole set of problems that goes with marriage.”
    Martin continued his sermon, using verses cited from Corinthians, about singleness. Rhea listened to every word, mesmerized. Martin’s voice, his caring nature, the way he delivered his sermon made it seem like he really cared about every person in the room. 
    If Martin were married, what kind of husband would he be? Would he always place his congregation’s needs above the needs of his family? What kind of father would he be? What would it be like to see Martin every day, spending quiet time together talking?
    These questions buzzed in her mind like bees to honey. Her thoughts about Martin would not cease. She needed to pay attention to his sermon, and remember the real reason why she was attending this retreat.
    Raven, she needed to focus on her sister. Raven was giving her a loan so that Rhea would not be homeless. Raven’s feelings for Martin may be genuine, and Rhea needed to respect that. She bowed her head, staring at the floor, still listening to Martin’s words about singleness. Raven needed to hear this. Had Martin shared snippets of his sermon with her sister? Raven struggled with her singleness, and perhaps, Martin’s sermon could help her.
    Maybe Raven had fantasized about being married to Martin, just as Rhea had done moments ago. Lord, I’m struggling, right now. I feel as if my thoughts about Martin are making me dishonest towards my sister. After the retreat, what’ll happen?