“Well, why don’t you get an inexpensive camera just for this purpose and put it there for this week?”
Pastor Connelly flattened his lips. “I’m going to go to the police with this. I just wanted you guys to know. But your idea of a camera is a good one, and I’ll have to take it before the board, since I can’t really do anything by myself.”
Nelly didn’t say anything, but her lips pressed down, and he knew she wasn’t happy. It was really sweet of her to be so passionate in defending him. It confused him a bit, though, considering that the two of them had never been great friends. Sure, he thought they were getting along pretty well now, but…after their history, he would have thought that Nelly would have at least been suspicious.
Pastor Connelly left and went down the hall to his office, closing the door behind him.
He finished blowing out the candles on his side, carefully carrying them so the wax didn’t drip on the floor as he walked around the back and started up the other side. He met Nelly halfway down as they blew out the last candle together. It was rather dark in the church after that, but he held the last three candles in his hands while the wax firmed up and pulled his phone out with his other hand, turning the flashlight on.
“That was a great idea about the candles.”
She laughed. “The kids loved it too. And I don’t know that it was ever my dream exactly to have the Christmas program practice by candlelight, but I’ve always loved candles, and there’s just something about lighting a candle that somehow makes the room feel more cozy.”
“I’ve never noticed, but…it was a fun practice.”
“Yeah, it really made a difference in the whole atmosphere. Funny how just something little can do that.”
“Yeah.” He was quiet for a moment, and she kind of stood there. Whether she was waiting for him to say something, or whether she had something of her own to say, he wasn’t sure. But he was kind of scrambling for words. Finally, he said, “I just wanted to thank you.”
“For the Christmas program practice? If I wasn’t doing it, somebody else would.”
“No. For defending me. I… I know that we haven’t exactly been friends over the years, and it surprises me that you are so adamant about my character.”
“I know we didn’t get along for a really long time, and as I look back, I can see that it was because of my misconceptions. My hurt colored how I felt, and I never allowed myself to get over it. But if I’m being honest, you’re really a nice person. I was the one who refused to see.” She lifted her shoulder and shook her head. “You have impeccable character. You’ve never been dishonest or stolen anything, and everyone who knows you believes the best about you. I’m not sure I understand why Pastor Connelly is so down on you.”
“I think he just feels like he has the evidence in front of him and there’s no other conclusion to come to, you know?”
“I thought of that. Also, he’s probably really upset that someone would dare take money from the church, and he just wants it solved, you know?”
“Doesn’t want to dig too hard, because where else can he dig?”
“Exactly.”
“Anyway, thanks. I appreciate it.”
Nelly nodded her head. “Anytime.”
As they walked out, Roland thought of something that he could do for Nelly—it was just a little thing, to kind of say thank you for the way she was defending him. He was determined to do it soon.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Supper was over, and her grandma sat napping on the couch.
Usually Nelly took a little nap herself, to get ready for meeting her Secret Saint partner, or she might correct papers in her chair, although she didn’t have anything to do today. She’d been going pretty light on the kids since Christmas was so close.
She felt torn though. She was definitely attracted to her Secret Saint partner. He was generous and kind and thoughtful and very much loved the Lord, and he was concerned about bringing glory to God and not about making himself look good.
And then the more time she spent with Roland McBride, the more she felt a definite attraction to him as well. And now that she knew the Secret SaintwasRoland…the feelings had multiplied. She had no idea how he felt about her, but…the confusion and uncertainty in her own heart was real.
She pulled out her phone and dialed the number of the one person who had always given her fabulous advice, her old college roommate, Kate Woolbert.
She hadn’t talked to Kate for a month at least, since both of them were teachers, and this time of year was crazy busy for any teacher.
Kate was probably working on programs at her school, if not at her church as well, and there were always extra activities in the classroom this time of year.
It wouldn’t have shocked her if Kate hadn’t answered, but the phone only rang three times before she heard her friend’s voice.
“Nelly! It’s so good for you to call me!”
