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“That silly young instructor got dismissed—apparently she yelled at one of the resort owners’ wives, who didn’t appreciate being embarrassed—and now we’re back to Francine, who led it before. She’s much more understanding. I hope you’ll come again.”
“That’d be good,” Sarah agreed. She probably should stretch more than her body wanted to. They settled on a Friday class, which ended up going so well she thought she might check out the Tuesday session as well.
Sunday’s service came, and Sarah did her talk, and apart from one moment when she needed to pause to clear emotion from her throat, she managed okay. Unlike the musicians, who played the songs at a dirge-like pace or in keys way too high for the congregation to sing. When John eyed her with upraised brows halfway through the last hymn, she nodded.
Later after lunch, a potluck affair that proved surprisingly enjoyable as she chatted with congregation members, John finally cornered her. “So you’ll join the music team?”
“What exactly would be involved? I don’t want to go stepping on anyone’s toes.”
“I think Doug and Enid would welcome some younger blood.”
“Would they really welcome someone five decades their junior?”
He chuckled. “I’m sure they will. And it’s onlyfourdecades, at least in Doug’s case.”
“Sorry, my mistake.”
“Sar, I’d love to see some newer music. I’m not expecting Heartsong quality—”
Just as well.
“—but if you could look at our folders and add to what we have, we’d really appreciate it. Don’t worry, I’ll chat with them. To be honest, I’m sure they’ll be relieved to have someone else take the reins.”
The way he said that, like he thought she would be staying forever, hastened her to say, “You know I haven’t decided yet when to go home. I don’t want you thinking I’m committing only to leave you in the lurch in a few months.”
“Sarah, we’ll gladly take whatever you can give, whether that be for a few weeks or the rest of the year. God has gifted you, and I know we’d be blessed by those gifts.”
Her uncle might be a minister, but he was also president of the Guilt Sarah into It Club. Yet even so, a tug within demanded she say yes.
A search through various files revealed a music ministry mired in last century, which wouldn’t be so bad if the songs were played in the key of singable. And judging from the congregation’s youthful age, it seemed her uncle might not be the only one to appreciate a change in repertoire.
Ange only confirmed this later at dinner when Sarah worried aloud about stepping into the role, suggesting that perhaps Sarah could perform an item. “Which would likely only reiterate just how much we need you.”
John saw the wisdom of this, and gave Sarah carte blanche to choose a song. “Or write one while we’re away,” he said, a twinkle in his eye.
Yeah. Right.
Guest speaking roles at a ministry conference drew John and Ange to Parry Sound the next day, a visit that would take until Saturday.
“You’re sure you can manage on your own?” Ange said with pleated brow.
“Thanks to you I now have a phone, and Dan let me borrow the bike, so I’ll be fine.”
“You can always drive my car if you want.”
“Thanks, but the bike is fine.” If she couldn’t always remember which way to look for traffic while bike riding, then driving a car was a potential disaster.
“Well, be careful.”
“What’s the worst that can happen? I might see a bear?” Sarah laughed. “I’m a big girl. Don’t worry, I’ll be fine. See you on Saturday night.”
“Okay then.” Ange stepped closer and wrapped Sarah in a warm hug. “Love you, Blue.”
“Love you too.” Sarah kissed her on the cheek. “Have a good trip.”
She stood on the front porch, waving goodbye until their sedan disappeared around the corner. She exhaled. The afternoon sun beat down relentlessly, stilling the breeze that made the pines sing. Five days on her own. Time to think. Pray. Play the piano. And maybe somehow figure out what she was supposed to do with the rest of her life.
And how to get over Dan.
