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Ian lowered his gaze. What should he say to his dad? The truth might be a good idea. Taking a deep breath, Ian looked up at his dad. “I came here to pray.”
Jordan smiled. “That’s good to hear. Would you like to share your prayers with me, so I can pray for those things, too?”
“Let’s go to lunch. We can talk about them over our meal.” Ian turned toward the door. “I can drive.”
“Okay. I’ve got to grab a few things from my office before we go. I’ll be out in a minute.”
Ian wasted no time getting to his car. He got inside and pressed the buttons to lower the windows. While he waited for his dad, he figured he had a few more minutes to pray, but he barely had time to get into his vehicle before his dad appeared. “That was quick.”
Jordan chuckled. “I may be getting old, son, but I’m not that slow. Where are we headed today?”
“How about that mom-and-pop place just down the road?” His dad was still young at fifty-eight. He had a little gray hair at the temples and a few more smile lines than he used to have, but he could easily be mistaken for a man at least a decade younger. Folks were often surprised to know that Jordan had a son Ian’s age and even more surprised that he had two older brothers. “Suits me. I had a light breakfast, so I’m hungry and ready for lunch.”
Ian didn’t say a thing. He usually would have agreed, but today his stomach was tied in knots. He wasn’t sure how much he could eat. With the hope of limiting any conversation, he turned on the radio, tuned to a Christian music station. That did the trick. His dad started singing along.
When they reached the restaurant, they walked in silence across the parking lot. Inside the hostess led them to a corner table covered with a red-and-white-checked tablecloth and laid the menus on the table. Ian settled on the Windsor chair and picked up a menu. He looked it over, but all the choices swam before his eyes. He couldn’t focus because thoughts of Annie consumed his mind. The waitress took their drink orders and returned momentarily with them and took their meal orders.
Crossing his arms, Jordan sat back in the chair. “Are you ready to tell me what you were praying about?”
“Not really, but I suppose it has to be done.” Ian wondered whether he should start with Annie or the budget crisis at The Village. Neither topic was something he wanted to mention, but he wished to talk about Annie the least.
A frown furrowed Jordan’s brow. “Have you fallen off the wagon?”
Ian laughed halfheartedly and shook his head. “No, Dad, nothing like that. I need to talk to you about what happened at the board meeting on Monday.”
Jordan grimaced. “Sorry I asked that question. I should’ve known better.”
Ian hated that his dad had asked that question, but he understood his father’s rationale. He’d missed the signs of substance abuse before, and he wasn’t going to do it again. “I don’t fault you for asking. My former addictions are something I’ll always have to live with.”
“So what happened at the board meeting?”
“The board is threatening to close The Village because donations are down and the financial situation is critical. You know how much that place does for people and how much it means to me.” Ian gave his dad a recap of the board meeting.
“So they asked you to tap us for more money?”
“Yeah. I know you already give, but is there any way you could see clear to increase the amount and have the congregation become more of a partner with The Village?”
Jordan steepled his fingers under his chin as he continued to lean back in his chair, his elbows on the armrests. “You know we’ve had our disagreements over the years about your work there, and we usually steer clear of the subject.”
“Yeah.” Ian prepared himself for a lecture from his dad on how giving money to The Village was to spend more money on something that ultimately would never succeed. His dad was probably going to say he agreed with Bob Franklin.
“You know that it isn’t really up to me. The church elders are the ones who allocate where money goes, but I can certainly call for more volunteers.”
“You will?”
Frowning, Jordan nodded. “Why does that surprise you?”
“I thought you weren’t sold on what we do at The Village.”
Jordan nodded. “In the beginning, I was skeptical that the concept would work, but I’ve had a change of heart. I’ve seen what you do and how much the center helps people.”
“Why didn’t you ever tell me?”
Jordan shrugged. “I thought the fact that my congregation agreed to support the work spoke for itself. Guess you needed to hear that.”
Ian nodded, realizing God had affirmatively answered one of his prayers. He hoped that boded well for his prayers concerning Annie. “What do you suggest I do to gain more support from your congregation?”
“Talk to the elders.”
“Really?” Ian would rather stand in front of a judge and jury. They might cut him more slack than the elders of this church. His past behavior hadn’t made him any friends on the church board.
Jordan nodded. “I believe you’re capable of persuading them. After all, you’re a lawyer and good one at that. Plead your case.”
Before Ian could respond to his dad’s praise and pep talk, the waitress brought their food. Jordan said a prayer, and then they ate in silence for several minutes. The whole time Ian’s thoughts were centered on Annie. Telling his dad about her was his next big hurdle.
Jordan took a gulp of water, then looked at Ian. “Would you like me to put you on the agenda for the next board meeting?”
“If that’s what it’ll take.”
“I have confidence in you, son. They know you’re a good man.”
Ian tried to keep the surprise off his face. “I thought they didn’t think much of me because of my former behavior.”
“Not so anymore. They’ve seen how you’ve turned your life around.”
“They don’t mind that I don’t attend your church?”
Jordan shrugged. “Why should they? They know you work at The Village. It only makes sense that you would attend church there.”
“That’s good to know.” Ian could hardly believe how this conversation was working out. Even though he’d been having a lunch meeting with his dad every Friday for years, they’d never talked like this. Why had he doubted God could turn what Ian had termed a difficult conversation into a conversation that enhanced his relationship with his father? This outcome gave Ian the courage to talk about Annie.
“Then I’ll put you on the agenda for next week’s meeting.” Jordan took another bite of his sandwich.
Ian took a drink of water, then cleared his throat. “There’s something else I need to tell you about The Village.”
“You’re dating that pretty blonde who heads the women’s ministry.”
Ian chuckled. “No, Dad, but it does involve a woman. Annie.”
Jordan put down his sandwich and stared at Ian. “Annie? What does she have to do with The Village?”
Trying not to convey any emotion, Ian quickly recounted how Annie had come to be there. Then he held his breath as he waited for a response. Ian had no idea what his dad thought about her these days.
“You didn’t say how you’re feeling about Annie’s presence there.”
So his dad wasn’t going to say what he thought about Annie. Instead, he turned the question on Ian. “It hasn’t been easy. That’s what I’ve been praying about. Since she’s shown up, I’ve had to tell Melody about my past. At least, I haven’t had to explain to anyone else.”
“What did Melody say?”
“She was surprised. That’s all. But she thinks Annie can help us with the funding crisis because of her financial consulting background.”
“And you don’t?” Jordan narrowed his gaze.
“I have my reservations.”
“Why?”
Ian wasn’t sure he wanted to denigrate Annie’s image any further. Besides, the whole episode that sparked the deep distrust would make him look as bad as Annie. It was better left untold. “At this early stage in her residence at The Village, how can any of us really trust her? She’s been unreliable in the past. How can we begin to give her access to the financial dealings of The Village?”
Jordan wrinkled his brow as he raised his eyebrows. “I can’t answer that question. Sometimes, you have to step out in faith. Have faith that God will help Annie stay sober.”
Ian slowly shook his head. “The last time I saw Annie before she showed up at The Village she only wanted to use me. After that, I didn’t ever want to see her again.”
“Is that how you still feel today?”
“She’s a chapter in my life I’d like to forget. Now I can’t.” Even as Ian said the words, he wondered whether he was being completely honest with himself. He certainly wanted her to find her way to a substance-free life. He wanted her to succeed in every way. On a personal level, he couldn’t decipher his feelings.
“I’m sure this has disrupted your life, but I believe the Lord will use this for your benefit.”
“I wish I could see how.”
“You will.” Jordan cleared his throat. “I think Melody has an excellent idea about using Annie’s knowledge of finances to help The Village.”
“I can’t trust her.”
“Pray about it. I’ve been praying for Annie every day since your divorce. She and I became very close while you were recovering from your accident. It broke my heart to see her slip back into her old ways.” Jordan’s voice cracked.
Ian knew little about his dad’s real feelings. He’d refused to discuss these kinds of issues with the man for years because Ian feared disapproval. “How come we’ve never talked like this before?”
“I sensed that you didn’t want to discuss Annie. You were hurting, and I didn’t want to make you feel worse. I love you both.” Jordan nodded.
Ian wondered about his dad’s statement. “If you loved us, why did you suggest I give her that ultimatum?”
Jordan lowered his head and didn’t say anything for a moment. When he finally met Ian’s gaze, Ian saw the sorrow in his dad’s eyes. “At the time, I thought it was the best thing to do. I thought it would give her a wake-up call, but I was wrong. I didn’t mean to cause you hurt, but I didn’t think things could go on the way they were.”
Ian wasn’t sure what to say. They couldn’t go back and change things. They just had to move forward.
“The news that Annie is making a go of it does my heart good, and I’ll put in a good word to the board about more funding for this ministry. I want to see Annie and you succeed.”
“Thanks, Dad.”
“And maybe this opening with Annie will lead to bringing her family back into the church. You know they left after your divorce.”
“Annie told me she hasn’t seen them in three years. She said they didn’t want anything to do with her.”
“I wondered what happened with her parents. They showed up one day out of the blue about three years ago and blamed you and me and the church for Annie’s demise.”
“What’d you do?” Ian wondered why his dad had never said anything. Probably the same reason they’d never talked about Annie. His dad was trying to protect him. Today’s conversation put a whole new light on his relationship with his father.
Jordan grimaced. “I sat there and took their accusations. There wasn’t much sense in arguing with them. They said their piece, then left. I’ve been praying for them, too. So maybe you can talk to Annie about trying to reconcile with her parents.”
“Dad, I don’t think we can dump this much stuff on her all at once.”
“You’re probably right, but when you get a chance bring it up casually.”
“Go slow, Dad. Don’t rush her.”
Jordan grinned. “You still care about her.”
Ian shook his head. “Don’t get any ideas about me and her. Our relationship is history—ancient history.”
“Okay. I get the message, but I’ll be praying for you.” Jordan held up one hand. “I have one request. Instead of our lunch meeting next Friday, I want you to bring Annie to dinner at the house.”
Ian’s heart sank as he swallowed a huge lump in his throat. Was that really a good idea, but how could he refuse his father’s request. “What if she doesn’t want to come?”
“If you ask, I think she’ll come.” Standing, Jordan picked up the bill from the table. “I’ve got it today.”
“Okay. Thanks again.” Ian wasn’t sure whether he wanted his dad to be right or wrong about Annie accepting the invitation.
* * *
Almost two weeks had gone by since Annie had arrived at The Village. She’d already had her first job interview, and she could hardly wait to talk to Melody about it. All had gone well, but Annie didn’t want to be overconfident. Sunlight glinted off the windows as she approached the administration building. The trill of a robin’s call sounded from a nearby tree. The beautiful weather and surroundings put a spring in her step. Her excitement bubbled over as she entered the front door.
“Good morning, Lovie.”
“Good morning to you, too. You sound chipper.” Lovie smiled. “Your interview must have gone well.”
“It did.” Annie knit her eyebrows. “How did you know about my interview?”
Lovie wagged a finger at Annie. “There’s not much that goes on around this place that I don’t know about.”
“I’ll have to remember that you’re keeping tabs on everyone.”
“You might say that.” Lovie grinned. “Are you settling in okay—meeting lots of people?”
Annie stepped up to the counter. “I’ve met so many people. I’m beginning to lose track of everyone’s name. We should all be required to wear name tags like you.”
Lovie glanced down and rubbed a finger across the little gold bar pinned to her blouse that sported her name. “Well, you’ll never forget who I am.”
Annie chuckled. “Lovie, you’re the best. You always make me smile.”
“Now don’t go braggin’ on me. I might get a big head.” Lovie patted her silver hair. “Who are you here to see?”
“Melody and Ian.”
“The dynamic duo. Those two are the busiest people I’ve ever known. You best be on your way.” Lovie waved in the direction of Melody’s office. “Have a good meeting.”
“Thanks.” Annie shuffled down the hallway, nerves increasing the closer she got to the office. She didn’t mind meeting with Melody and wanted to share her news with her. Meeting with Ian was a different matter. His presence would make her nervous and uncertain. Annie knocked on the office door and, in a second, Melody opened it and ushered Annie inside. “How did your interview go?”
