Tristas chest puffed with pride. They are. Ive been trying to help a little with some of the legal stuff, but it gets very complicated and time-consuming. Not to mention how emotionally involving it is.
I can imagine. The agency has been a blessing to so many people.
Trista liked the way he put that. In fact, she liked Scott. His blond, green-eyed good looks aside, there was something very soothing and gentle about him that was so unlike her brother or Kevin.
She supposed being a pastor was the difference.
And being a pastor also made him off-limits.
That is, if she were looking for a relationship, which she wasnt. She couldnt imagine two people having more dissimilar perspectives on life.
Beside her Aidan stirred. She picked him up and snuggled him close as he awakened.
Youre very good with him, Scott commented.
The compliment made her heart swell. I cant imagine my life without him now.
She dug through the stroller bag and brought out a baby bottle with powdered formula in it. She turned to Scott. Would you mind holding him while I fill the bottle with water?
Scotts eyes lit up. Id love to, if you think hell do okay with a stranger.
Only one way to find out, she quipped and handed her son to him.
Scott handled the baby as if hed been doing it forever. He bounced Aidan on his knee and made faces until Aidan giggled.
Trista went to the counter to get water, her gaze straying to Scott and Aidan. She trusted Scott with her son, which was unusual. Again, the fact that he was a pastor must be the reason she felt so comfortable with him.
She watched them together, Aidans eyes bright with curiosity and Scott so animated. She felt a pang of sadness and anger for what Kevin had chosen to destroy.
Hed vowed to have nothing to do with their child if she chose to keep him. So far hed kept his vow.
But the disturbing message left on her machine earlier in the week nagged at her. Thankfully, he hadnt called again and she had no intention of calling him. She was done with that chapter of her life. She and Aidan would do just fine.
She thanked the girl behind the counter who handed her some lukewarm water. She quickly mixed Aidans bottle and went back to the table.
Scott reached for the bottle. May I?
Uh, sure. She watched as Aidan greedily sucked from the rubber tip, drips of liquid leaking from the corners of his mouth. She handed Scott a burp cloth. He dabbed at the corners of Aidans mouth and placed the cloth underneath the bottle to catch the dribbles.
Your sister must love to have you babysit, Trista commented.
Scott chuckled. I get asked to babysit a lot. Not only by my siblings kids but at church, too. He shrugged. I love kids.
It shows. Her heart twisted with yearning for someone like Scott to be an important part of her sons life. Maybe he could be, as their friend? That might require attending church, but more significantly, letting Scott into her life. She wasnt sure if she could do either one.
Chapter Three
Tristas attention was snagged by a woman and a young boy as they rose from a nearby table. If she wasnt mistaken, it was Lynda Matthewstelevision talk show star Douglas Matthewss wifeand their son, Logan. Trista gasped softly as the woman turned toward her.
A dark bruise covered one eye from the bottom of her cheekbone to the top of her eyebrow, masking the spattering of freckles on the left side of her face.
Trista jumped up and went to the woman. Lynda? What happened?
Lyndas pale-blue eyes widened in panic. She reached up and tugged at her light-brown bobbed hair as if to cover the mark. Her four-year-old son clung to her hand.
II, uh She tried to smile but it looked more like a wince. Logan has a great pitching arm.
Trista didnt buy the lie. No way could Logan, a little slip of a boy, throw a baseball hard enough to cause such damage.
Scott joined them, Aidan propped on his hip as though he belonged there, but his jaw had taken on a hard edge. Hello, Mrs. Matthews. Logan. Would you care to join us?
Lynda shook her head and clutched at the closed neckline of her button-up blouse with her free hand. We really should go. Douglas has an interview this morning with the paper and he wouldlike for us to be home when he gets home.
Trista had met Douglas Matthews on several occasions. She doubted the self-important man would even notice if his wife and son were home. At the Fourth of July barbecue in Winchester Park, Lynda had indicated she wanted to talk with Trista in a lawyer-client way.
But Lynda had never called.
Clearly something was going on, and Trista wasnt going to let it slide. Lynda, would you be interested in having lunch with me one day next week?
Lynda swallowed. Her gaze shifted around as if checking to see that no one overheard them. Timidly she nodded.
Do you still have my card? Trista asked, even as she stepped back to the stroller to find another one.
Lynda took the business card Trista held out with shaky hands. We should go.
Trista stopped her with a hand to her arm. Lynda shied away slightly. Promise me youll call. That has all my numbers on it.
Ill try, Lynda said softly.
If I dont hear from you by Thursday, Ill call you.
Lynda shook her head. Oh, no. Ill call. She scurried away, her son close to her side.
Did you believe that story?
Trista turned to Scott. Worry darkened his eyes. What do your vibes tell you?
A muscle ticked in his jaw. That shes hiding something. Something not good.
Trista nodded. That, Pastor Scott, is an understatement. Id say her husband did that to her.
Scott frowned. I wouldnt go advertising your suspicion unless you have proof.
She took offense to his warning to keep quiet. That wasnt in her nature. She took Aidan from him. What other explanation could there be?
Scott shook his head. I dont know. I can only pray that its not true and that she will get help if it is.
Hugging Aidan close to still the quiet anger running through her, Trista said, Shell get help. Ill make sure of that.
Scott smiled. Spoken like a true avenger. His expression turned cautious. Just remember that revenge and vengeance arent yours, hers or mine to take.
Trista refrained from rolling her eyes. You sound like my brother. He uses scripture on me all the time and hes not even a pastor.
Scotts expression looked so stricken that she laughed.
Dont worry, I know Ross is only trying to help me.
He loves you, Scott stated, his gaze still troubled.
Yes, she agreed. And I love him, so I tolerate it.
But you wont tolerate it from me?
She grinned. Not yet. Weve only just met.
Would you He had the sweetest look of indecision on his face that made Trista want to say yes to whatever he was going to ask just to put him out of his misery.
Would you want to go to a movie with me tomorrow night? he finished quickly
Warning bells went off in her head. She wanted to refuse, but her lips wouldnt let the words out. Wasnt she planning on going to the theater tomorrow anyway? Are you asking me on a date?
For a beat he looked stunned, then slowly shrugged.
Is that allowed?
His eyebrows pulled together. What?
I mean, youre a pastor. Can you date?
He chuckled. Yes. I have a special dispensation. He winked.
Oh. A date? With him? Not a good idea for so many reasons. Im not looking for a relationship, she stated firmly.
He looked relieved. Neither am I.
So it wasnt a date. A burst of irritation surprised her.
How about if we meet at the cinema, he continued. Then its just two new friends watching the same movie. Not a date.
Pushing aside her unsettling annoyance, she nodded, thankful hed come up with a doable plan. That would work. Ill meet you there for the last matinee. I think Ross and Kelly will watch Aidan for me. Could we go see that new thriller everyone has been talking about?
He grinned. Thats funny. Thats exactly what I was thinking.
A little shiver tripped down her spine. Was it coincidence or were they really in tune with each other? She wasnt sure she wanted to know the answer to that question.
As Trista pushed Aidan in the stroller back to her apartment, she couldnt believe shed agreed to meet a pastor at the movies. Ross was going to laugh until he cried. Shed just have to convince her big brother this was not a date.
Lynda Matthews pulled into the driveway of their large new mansion on the outskirts of town. She couldnt park in the garage because of her husbands many cars. Douglas collected vintage roadsters. Just one of many expensive passions.
Like the house. It was too big, showy and a bit garish. Lots of brick and columns and shiny accoutrements that screamed look at me. She didnt like the place, but Douglas had insisted they buy the house when they relocated to town.
It was his money, as he loved to remind her, so she had no say in the matter.
Come on, honey, she said to Logan. Lets go see if Kay has made something delicious for lunch.
The inside of the house was just as overdone as the outside. Cold marble flooring, a round marble table with an expensive vase filled with exotic flowers greeted them as they entered. Sometimes Lynda felt as if she were walking into a hotel rather than a home.
She took off her warm wool coat and then helped Logan out of his parka. She laid both on the table.
Where have you been?
Lynda froze at her husbands question. Then with a quick sweep of her hand, she pulled Logan behind her as she turned to face Douglas.
He stood in the doorway of the library off to her right. His six-foot-one frame filled the opening. He still wore the expensive navy suit hed worn for his TV show Afternoons with Douglas Matthews. He was a handsome man with his jet-black hair and piercing blue eyes. The camera and his fans loved him. At one time, Lynda had, as well.
We went to story time at the new bookstore downtown, she answered quietly.
He raised his eyebrows as anger sparked in his eyes. You went out in public like that? He made a sweeping gesture with his hand.
She stiffened, expecting him to berate her for showing her face in public. Showing his shame in public.
You know how important image is. Youre my wife and I expect you to dress the part.
Of course, her clothing was his main concern. Shed thought her trendy yet conservative long skirt and blouse were very pretty.
And it wouldnt have hurt to put a little more makeup on that eye, he added.
Im sorry. I should have thought it through better.
His expression relaxed slightly. Yes, you should have. Logan, come out from behind your mothers skirt.
Logan tugged at her and Lyndas heart squeezed tight. She wanted to protect her son from Douglass criticism, yet she knew if they defied him, criticism would be the least of her worries. She grasped Logans hand, giving him a reassuring squeeze as she gently pulled him forward, but keeping him within arms reach.
Douglas had never raised a hand to Logan, but Lynda still wanted Logan close enough that she could shield him if necessary.
Logan looked so much like his father. The same black hair and stunning eyes, but he had Lyndas disposition, much to Douglass annoyance.
Son, did you enjoy the story hour?
Logan nodded.
Speak up, Douglas snapped.
Yes, sir, I did.
Douglas bestowed one of his charming smiles on his son. Good. It is important to be seen in town at functions that promote learning.
Good for your image, Lynda thought but knew better than to put voice to her sarcasm.
Will you be having lunch with us? she asked.
He waved away her question. No. Im having lunch at the country club with Helene and Neal Harcourt. Theyve been big supporters of my show.
Relief swept over her like a cool breeze. Very well then. We wont keep you. Come, Logan, lets find Kay.
As they went in search of the housekeeper-cook, Lynda could feel her husbands gaze on her back. She stuck her hand in the pocket of her skirt and fingered the edges of Trista Van Zandts card.
Tomorrow she would call her.
That night at her brothers house, Trista watched with wry amusement as Ross laughed until his eyes watered.
Youre goingout with Pastor Scott? Ross asked for the umpteenth time.
Were not going out. Were meeting at the movies. Therell be a big group of people there.
Group? Kelly exclaimed. You joined The Kingdom Room, didnt you?
Sheepishly, Trista nodded.
At Rosss questioning look, Kelly explained. Its an online single friends group that Naomi started.
I think thats great! he managed to say between guffaws.
Then why are you crying? Trista asked, drily.
Kelly reached across Aidan to squeeze Tristas hand. Dont mind him. We think its great. Kelly gave Ross a pointed look before turning her gaze back to Trista. Scott is a very nice man.
Nice, as in wimp or nice, as in well mannered? Trista teased.
Kelly grinned. Definitely well mannered. I cant say about the other.
Trista shrugged. It doesnt matter either way. This is just two friends seeing the same movie. Its not going anywhere.
Ross wiped at his eyes. Never say never. He gazed adoringly at his wife.
Something akin to envy twisted in Tristas heart. Her brother and Kelly truly loved one another. Their union had come with a price, though.
Kellys biological mother, Sandra Lange, had hired Ross as a private investigator to find the daughter shed given up for adoption. Ross had found Kelly but also had uncovered a web of deceit that her biological fathers wife had woven over the years. The fallout had been steep. Sandra had ended up in the hospital in a coma and Kellys biological father, Gerald Morrow, then the mayor of Chestnut Grove, helped to bring his wife to justice.
So, will you be able to watch Aidan for me?
Ross sobered. Yes, on one condition. You come to church with us in the morning and then go see Mom with me.
Trista gritted her teeth. Thats two conditions and no to both.
Ross got that determined, Im going to have my way look she hated. Trista, its not okay for you to turn your back on Mom.