She smiled, small but real. “Thank you, Joe.”
“Anytime,” he said. “Now text me Natalie’s number and I’ll call her, give her some peace of mind, and get things started.”
“I will. Immediately. I owe you.”
“How about dinner tonight then?”
“You got it. But my treat, okay? I insist.”
“I won’t argue.” He laughed. “I’ll save that for court.”
She laughed, too. “I’ll text you right away. Thanks again. Bye.” Cece ended the call, staring at the bright light spilling across her kitchen floor. The weight she’d felt was still there, but now it felt shared.
What a difference that made. What a difference a good man made.
She texted Natalie about Joe, then sent Joe Nat’s number. With that done, Cece did a quick search on her phone for the best local restaurant. Nothing was too good for Joe.
Chapter Nineteen
Essie stood in front of the bedroom mirror, tying the sash of her pale-blue dress. She’d add her gold hoop earrings, her new diamond bracelet, and tan wedge sandals, but she’d carry her white cardigan. Sometimes the sanctuary got a bit chilly.
Sundays were always such a good day. Happy, hopeful, grounding her for the week ahead. Church had that effect on her. And on Frank.
Afterwards, they’d go out to eat. Sometimes with another couple from church, sometimes by themselves. She wasn’t sure what today’s plan was.
Behind her, Frank finished buttoning his dress shirt and tucking it into his khaki pants. He maybe wasn’t as trim as he’d once been, but he looked as sharp as ever to her.
She caught his eye in the reflection and smiled. “You look very handsome.”
“Flatterer.” He stepped closer to see his own reflection and put his hands on her shoulders. “And you look beautiful. As always.”
Essie leaned into him for a second, breathing in the familiar scent of his aftershave, clean and warm, like cedar. And, for her, a sense of safety.
They finished getting ready and were halfway to the front door when Frank stopped, keys in hand.
“Did you forget something?” she asked.
He shook his head. “Essie,” he said quietly. “Before we go…I want to talk about something.”
She faced him, pulse ticking up. He only used that tone when it was something serious. Had there been news about Sophie overnight? She braced herself.
“I think we should speak with Pastor John today,” he said. “About Sophie. And the lawsuit. Before he hears anything secondhand.”
Essie’s stomach tightened. She loved Pastor Timmons. The idea of sharing this with him made her stomach knot. He would be kind and understanding, as he always was, but it was still not a great feeling. “That’s probably a good idea.”
Frank reached for her hand. “I know it’s uncomfortable. I know you’d rather keep this private. So would I. But the pastor is bound to hear something eventually. Especially with how quickly rumors travel.” His thumb brushed her knuckles. “Better that he hears the truth from us, don’t you think?”
“Of course.” Essie looked down at their joined hands, at the gold band that never left her finger. She wanted to shield Frank from every ounce of stress. She wanted the church to remain a place untouched by Sophie’s petty nonsense and the ugliness of lawyers and accusations. A sanctuary.Hersanctuary.
“I just…” Essie swallowed. “Church is the one place I didn’t want this following us.”
“I know,” he said gently. “I didn’t either. But we can’t pretend nothing is happening. And we shouldn’t make our pastor feel shut out. He cares about us.”
Essie lifted her gaze, meeting Frank’s soft brown eyes. There was no fear in them. Only love and that reassuring Holt steadiness she’d fallen for.
She nodded. “You’re right. It’s better to tell him ourselves. Not easier, but better.”
Frank’s shoulders relaxed, relief visible in his smile. He leaned in and kissed her forehead. “We’ll do it together,” he promised. “Right before service so we can get it out of the way.”
