 
MINISTRY TO THE SHEPHERDS

By

Annie Pelle

SMASHWORDS EDITION

******

Published by

Annie Pelle at Smashwords

Ministry to the Shepherds

Copyright 2012 by Annie Pelle

Cover by http://lisabrowningphotography.com

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**Table of Contents**

The Beginning

Middle of the Book

End of the Book

About the Author

Coming Soon
Chapter 1

"Thank you for calling Ministry to the Shepherds. How may I help you?" asked Rachel Hale

"I'm calling for information on your ministry." A strong male voice asked.

"Certainly. We are a ministry to those who minister or in other words The Shepherds of God's people. We provide a place of resource such as counseling help in other communities, a place for the minister to share his prayer requests in case he doesn't want to share with his congregation."

"Interesting. Do you help pastors with relocating issues, such as a reputable realtor?"

"Not usually unless you are relocating to Albuquerque, New Mexico, then I could help you out."

"I may take you up on that. Anyway, thank you for the information. I may be calling back." He said as he started to disconnect.

"Wait. Anyone who calls get added to our prayer list even if they don't use our service. Will you tell me your name?"

"My name is Ethan Hayes."

"Thank you. Call again if we can be of service."

"And what is your name?"

"Rachel"

"Thank you for your help Rachel. Have a good day."

"You too Mr. Hayes."

Rachel hung up from the call and spoke into her voice operated document search program. "Prayer list" she said and then heard the sound of the document opening. "Please speak name to add to prayer list." She heard a few seconds later. "Ethan Hayes" Rachel spoke into her microphone. "Ethan Hayes has been added to the list Rachel."

"Thank you" replied Rachel "Document close."

Rachel returned to the study of the book of James that she had started that morning. She had just started to run her fingers along the page to find the first verse again when her sister, Robin came downstairs. "Hi Rachel. Ready for lunch?"

"Sure, are you burning the cheese sandwiches or am I?"

"Funny." Robin growled "I could let you starve. You wouldn't eat if I didn't remind you it was time."

"And you are any better?" Rachel laughed "Who reminded you it was time to eat?"

"Martha" Robin answered "Mom sent her over here with food. She found me in the workshop before she found you in the catacombs down here."

"Did I forget to turn the lights on again?" Rachel asked as she stood up from her chair

"Yes, but since you don't need them, why would you turn them on?"

"So my sister won't think I'm entombed down here." Rachel answered

Robin laughed as she watched her twin sister climb the stairs to the kitchen. Rachel Hayes had been injured in an accident at the family farm about ten years ago. She had lost her sight and received several very noticeable facial cuts that had left her face scarred. "Am I turning the computers off?" Robin asked as she walked past the switch.

"No. I'm going back down after we eat." answered Rachel then turned to greet Martha. "Hi Martha. How are you?" she asked hugging their mother's cook and housekeeper

"I'm great." answered Martha "God loves me."

Rachel and Robin agreed with Martha. "Mom sent you to check up on us?" asked Rachel

"No. She wanted me to feed you. That's all." Martha grumbled

"Sure. What did she want to know that she couldn't pick up the phone and ask?" Rachel queried

"Nothing, she just wanted to remind you that the possible new preacher is coming to preach on Sunday and that she expects you for dinner tomorrow night."

"We remember, Martha." Robin laughed "She doesn't have to send you to remind us."

"Eat your lunch. I'll see you tomorrow." Martha said as she left the kitchen

Rachel and Robin waited until they heard the car start then they burst out laughing. "How old are we again?" Robin asked

"Either two or twenty-five, depending on who you ask." answered Rachel as she bowed her head to pray.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for all your provisions and most especially your son, Jesus Christ. Nourish us with this food and your word so that we might be of service to you.

In Jesus name

Amen

Robin and Rachel went back to work after their lunch and forgot about the dinner with their mother. Their mother, Pearl Hale, was a strong, capable, independent woman who loved her God, her husband and her kids in that order. She taught her four children the values that God values and she taught them her independent spirit. She just still tried to un-independence them a little too much.

Then next evening, Robin drove the girls out to the family farm for their weekly family dinner. The farm was several thousand acres of crops, mountains and livestock. Their father, Jacob Hale, was one of the wealthiest men in the state of New Mexico but also one of the humblest. He loved his God, his wife and his kids in that order.

As Robin pulled in front of the house, she looked for any obstacles that would be in Rachel's way. "The gardener is still working and his tools are still out. Wait for me to come around the car."

"Thanks" Rachel responded graciously

Robin came around and walked Rachel to the front door without mishap. Jacob opened the door as he saw them walk up. "Hi" he said as he hugged them. "Hi Dad" they responded

"Hi girls" their mother said as she descended the stairs. "You both look very beautiful."

"Thank you mother" they responded in unison "So do you. New outfit?" asked Robin

"Yes" her mother answered hugging them both "Go with your father, I need to check on Martha."

"Yes, mom" they replied indulgently. Jacob took hold of Rachel's hand and placed it on his arm to lead her into the living room. He started to ask them about their day and their projects when his sons came. "Hi, we're late but we are here." Jeremy said as he and Paul entered the house.

Pearl came to announce dinner was ready and the family walked into the dining room. Jacob prayed a short but meaningful prayer and the dinner was served. Jacob asked each of his children what they had been studying in their Bible daily devotions. Rachel was the last to answer "Count it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds." "I started a study of James yesterday and got to studying this verse. It applies, don't you think?" Rachel asked and her family answered with "yes". Jacob and Pearl were proud of all their children, but Rachel had overcome adversity to minister to others in such a unique way.

Robin and Rachel left their parents home several hours later with a reminder from their mother about the possible new preacher coming on Sunday. "We remember. But we are always there anyway, why do you keep reminding us?"

"Because I just do." Pearl answered and they laughed and kissed her goodbye.

Sunday morning, Robin led Rachel into the worship center after morning Bible Study and helped her find a seat near the back of the auditorium. Rachel had trouble navigating around people and she didn't want to hit them with her cane so she chose to sit close to the back of the room. "I'll see you after the service." Robin said heading to the choir room to practice.

"Hey Sis" Jeremy said sitting down beside her "Hi Jer" Rachel responded

"Have you met the preacher yet?" asked Jeremy

"No, and don't point me out if he comes this way."

"Why not?" asked Jeremy

"Just don't."

Jeremy was just about to respond when the music minister began the first song and the choir entered. As the song service ended, the chairman of the personnel committee introduced their speaker.

"Ethan Hayes is our preacher today; included in your bulletins is his background and education qualifications. We are honored you are here with us." He said welcoming Ethan to the podium.

Rachel was momentarily stunned. She had talked to an Ethan Hayes earlier in the week and had been praying for him ever since. Ethan thanked the church for allowing him to speak and then began his sermon. Rachel didn't remember much of the sermon because his presence had caught her off guard. She didn't understand why but she couldn't concentrate on his topic.

After the service, Ethan was greeting church goers in the foyer but Rachel never went out that way. Robin always led her out the side and around the building to the car so that Rachel wouldn't have difficulties running into people.

"Well, did you like him?" Rachel asked as they started home

"Yeah, he was very interesting. He seems to know what he is talking about."

"Good, maybe he'll be our new pastor." Rachel commented. Her words were proven true a week later as the church voted to call Ethan Hayes to be their new pastor.

"Thank you for calling Ministry to the Shepherds. How may I help you?" Rachel said in greeting.

"Hello. I spoke with someone a couple of weeks ago about relocating and if they knew a reputable realtor."

"Yes, I remember."

"Rachel?"

"Yes, you remembered my name."

"Remembering people's name is my business." He laughed as he answered

"I thought preaching was your business."

"You know me?"

"Yes, you are the new pastor of the church I attend."

"Wonderful. I guess you figured out that this is Ethan Hayes."

"I did. You are the only one who asked about a realtor. I know of several, I will email you the names if you would like."

"That would be fantastic." Ethan gave her his email address and thanked her for her assistance "I'll see you when I get to town then."

"I'll be praying for your safe arrival." She said as she hung up. Rachel voice activated her email program and sent the information to Ethan. His response came back right away that he looked forward to meeting her.

"Not likely." She said to the quiet room. As she went back to reading and studying, another message from Ethan came. He a dozen questions that he sent throughout the day and Rachel began to be amused by his disorganization at sending multiple emails instead of asking all his questions at the same time. Rachel patiently answered his questions but didn't get much studying done in the book of James.

Chapter 2

Several weeks later, Ethan stood at the podium of the church he was the new pastor of and looked at the crowd trying to see if he could guess who Rachel was. She had patiently answered his questions and helped him with his move here, he wanted to thank her personally.

"Good morning. I'm so glad to be here with you. Thank you for all your help since my arrival and my preparations for my arrival." Ethan continued with his opening remarks then asked them to turn to the book of James.

Rachel was thrilled he was going to be preaching on this topic. She pulled out her tape recorder and pushed record so she could listen to it again when she got home. Rachel enjoyed his insight and found out that some if it matched hers and some of it was new insights to her. As the sermon and the service ended, Robin came to direct Rachel out the side of the church.

Ethan was learning people's names as they shook his hand but he didn't ever meet a Rachel. He was a little disappointed; he really wanted to thank her for her help and prayers on his behalf.

Monday morning, Ethan sent an email to Rachel. "Did I meet you yesterday?" he asked Rachel.

"No, you may have met some of my family members though. We all attend there. I really enjoyed your sermon."

"Thank you" he wrote back "I'm sorry to have missed you. I really appreciate all your help on my move here."

"You are welcome, but all I did was answer a few questions." She responded "That's what the Ministry is all about."

Ethan responded that he was still very grateful and he hoped to meet her next week. Rachel didn't respond but she thought that is was very doubtful.

Rachel went back to work and studying as Ethan went on with his day. Rachel was reviewing a message from another church member about organizing a prayer team for the new pastor. Rachel volunteered to host it and she would round up about five more people.

"Rachel?" her sister called from upstairs

"Yeah" Rachel answered

"Can you email Tom Green and get the details on the Christmas pageant scenery? I need to get started on it but I'm in the middle of a project."

"Sure, I'll do it."

"Thank you." Robin said escaping back to her workshop. It was only August but she needed to be working on the sets for the church's Christmas program soon.

Rachel wrote the email that Robin had requested and then went back to studying. She was transcribing the notes from the sermon on Sunday. She learned more the second time she listened to his sermon but she had a question. She decided to email him and see if he would answer.

"Email program on." She said into her microphone then waited for the signal that it was open. "New email." She stated next then waited for the signal that a new email page was available. She read off his email address and then told the computer program the subject. After dictating her question into the body of the message and telling the program to send she went back to her studies. Shortly, her email program told her she had a new email. "Received new email open." She commanded and then waited for her program to read the message to her.

First it read off the name of the sender and she was surprised to find that it was from Ethan already. "Good question. At least someone was listening to my sermon." He joked and Rachel laughed at him. He answered her question but that lead to another question from Rachel.

"I'm sorry to bother you. But I have another question now." She stated before she asked her next question. Ethan's reply came back just as fast as the first one. "Another good question, are you spying for the personnel committee to see if I really know my stuff?" he asked jokingly before he answered her question then told her at the end of his message that she wasn't bothering him. Rachel laughed at his reference to the personnel committee but didn't respond to him other than to say "thank you for your help."

_He seems to have a sense of humor anyway._ Rachel thought to herself as she went back to reading James. Rachel closed her Bible and went in search of her sister. She carefully opened the door to her sister's shop but didn't venture in past the first step. Rachel knew from experience that it was a bad idea, she had no idea where things were on the floor of Robin's shop.

"Hey" Robin called to her "don't move from that step"

"Got it." Rachel responded "What are you working on?"

Robin answered bringing Rachel an example to "look" over. "It is a miniature rocking horse." Rachel could feel the designs that Robin had carved in the face and body. "They will love them." exclaimed Rachel.

As they were finishing their lunch the phone rang "Hello?"

"This is Tom Green."

"Hi Tom, its Robin. Did you get Rachel's email?"

"Yes, I need to talk to Ethan before I can give you many details. I'll show him what I was thinking but he may have some changes. Will that give you enough time?"

"Sure, but the sooner the better."

"Thanks Robin. I'll see you Sunday if I don't talk to you before then."

"Bye"

Robin returned to her lunch. "Thanks for emailing him, he isn't ready yet. He needs to run his ideas by the pastor first."

"No problem. Glad to be of help."

Help was Rachel's middle name, she would help whomever and whenever she could. She could organize better than anyone Robin had ever known and she accomplished more than anyone could imagine.

Monday morning, Rachel was reviewing the sermon notes from Sunday when her front door buzzer sounded. "Hello."

Ethan was puzzled that someone didn't answer the door. "I'm looking for Robin."

"Stay there and I'll buzz her to tell her she has a guest. Who may I say is here?"

"Ethan Hayes"

"One moment." Rachel said. Rachel buzzed Robin in the workshop and told her that Ethan Hayes was at the front door. Robin said she would go see him and signed off. Rachel returned to the front door intercom and announced that Robin would be right there.

"Thank you." Ethan replied to the intercom box

"Hello" Robin said rounding the corner of the house "I'm Robin Hale." She said as she extended her hand to him.

"It's nice to meet you." He said shaking her hand "You sing in the choir right?"

"Yes. What can I do for you?"

"Tom wanted me to talk to you about the Christmas pageant set."

"He did? Why?"

"He said after I looked over his plans to bring them to you with my changes."

"Okay, come on back to the shop and let's go over your changes." Robin said leading the way to her shop. "Watch your step. I'm not a neat craftsman."

"Who cares when your work is the beautiful? I'm impressed." He said looking at the miniature horses she was creating.

"Thank you. They are Christmas presents for children around town."

"Here are Tom's plans." He said getting down to business "I only had minor changes. But I hadn't met you yet so I decided to make a pastoral visit at the same time."

"Welcome. Have a seat while I look these over in case I have any questions."

"Can I wander around and look at your work instead?" Ethan asked

"Sure" she smiled and went back to reviewing the plans "I think I understand what he is looking for" she said a few minutes later. Ethan asked her a few questions about her work and then started for the door.

"Can I ask you one more thing?"

"Sure." She answered

"Do you know a Rachel that attends our church? She was a great help to me when I moved here and I haven't met her at church yet. She answers the phone at a Ministry to the Shepherds."

"That would be my sister. She is in the house, I'll introduce you." She said pointing the way to the house

"Wonderful" Ethan said following her

Robin led Ethan to the door that went down to Rachel's office. She turned on the light and opened to the door to lead him down when someone knocked on the door. "Just go on down, I'll be right back."

Ethan walked cautiously down the stairs when he heard talking. As he was halfway down, he recognized his own voice and sermon. "Do I really sound like that when I preach?" he asked.

Rachel jumped and spun around in her chair. Her hand went to her face in surprise from his appearance. "What?" she asked stupidly

"Do I really sound like that when I preach?" he asked as he approached. Rachel reached over and found the off button and shut the tape off.

"Sorry. Pastor Hayes?"

"Ethan please." He said extending his hand but she didn't take it in hers.

"I'm Rachel Hale" she said extending her hand. He finally noticed she was wearing sunglasses inside in a basement. He grasped her hand in his and said hello. "You didn't answer my question?" he joked

"Well, I tape your sermons so I can listen to them again. I happened to be studying James before you started preaching on it, so you are helping me study."

"I'm glad. That explains the insightful questions you had last week."

"Sorry about that. I shouldn't have bothered you with those."

"Nonsense. That's what I am here for. And it wasn't a bother, it made me think too."

"Did you and Robin need something?" Rachel asked nervously. She was not used to strangers in her office space.

"No, I wanted to thank you again personally for helping me with my move. It was greatly appreciated."

"Anytime." Rachel shrugged

"You have quite a setup down here." He said looking at her computers and machines. "Can I ask an extremely rude question?"

Rachel laughed and said yes. She liked people who weren't shy around her handicap.

"How do you type on the computer without sight?"

"Watch and learn." She said joking with him. "Email program on" she said into her microphone. "New email" she said when she heard the signal that indicated the program was open. After she heard the next signal she began to spell his email address. Then she commanded the program to the subject line and said "Hi". She moved the cursor down to the body of the email with another voice command and then with one more voice command she activated the typing feature. "Hi Ethan. I am teaching you how I do my work." Then with a command to close typing program and then "Send email", he watched her send him an email. She couldn't sense where he was in the room so she stayed facing the microphone on her desk.

"I'm impressed." He said from over her left shoulder "Want to do my correspondence?" he joked

"No thanks. Long emails get very tedious." She explained

"I'm still impressed. Well, I'd better be going, I'll see you Sunday hopefully."

"I'm usually there." She stated as she turned to hold out her hand. Ethan shook it and wished her a good day as he left her office. Robin met him at the doorway and apologized for getting held up.

"No problem. I was just talking with Rachel. She has quite a setup down there. She showed me how she works on the computer, I'm impressed."

"She did? Wow, that isn't like her. I mean she usually isn't as forthcoming with people she doesn't know real well. That sounded rude didn't it. Forgot I said anything." She said embarrassed

"It wasn't rude. I think I know what you meant. Strangers are not something she is comfortable with."

"Exactly." Robin agreed as she walked him to the door. "Thank you for bringing the plans over. The sooner I get started the less my mother will fret over when they will be done."

"You have one of those too, huh?" he asked laughing

"Absolutely. You may have met her. My parents are Jacob and Pearl Hale."

"I'm going there for dinner tomorrow night." Ethan stated

"Well, amazing coincidence so are we. See you tomorrow."

Ethan said his goodbyes and walked to his car. The Hale sisters were extremely talented. He had to get back to his office, he had an email to answer.

Robin went down to see Rachel after seeing the preacher off. "Rach?"

"You couldn't have warned me he was coming down here?"

"I'm sorry. The doorbell rang just as I was about to bring him down here. I didn't even think about it."

"It's okay. Do I even have matching clothes on today?"

"Yes, little girl. I matched your pink tigers with your purple tigers as I dressed you this morning." Robin joked reminding Rachel of the way their mother used to dress them in matching outfits.

"Thanks mother" Rachel joked back. "What was he doing here anyway?"

"He brought me the plans for the Christmas scenery and then asked if I knew a Rachel who went to our church who answered phones for the Ministry to the Shepherds."

"I thought Tom has the plans, why did Pastor Hayes bring them by?"

"He wanted to meet me."

"Oh really?" Rachel asked

"Knock it off. We hadn't met yet at church and so he made a pastoral visit is all."

"Sure he did. Robin's got a new boyfriend."

"Goodbye. I'm done talking to you." Robin said climbing the stairs.

Rachel turned Ethan's sermon back on and went back to her studying. She was trying to memorize a verse as her email signaled that she had a new message. Rachel activated the programs necessary and listened to what the email said. "Thanks for showing me your work. Ethan"

Robin forgot to mention to Rachel that Ethan would be at their parent's house the next day until she pulled into the driveway and saw him exiting his car. "Rachel, I forgot to tell you something. Ethan is here for dinner tonight."

"Please tell me that that is a joke." Rachel stated

"No, it isn't. He is already here and walking up the front steps."

"Is this payback for picking on you?" Rachel asked

"No, I'm truly sorry. I completely forgot he told me he would be here. What do you want to do?"

"Pray that I don't embarrass myself. Kick me under the table if I spill food or something."

"Okay. Wait for me to come around and walk you to the door. His car is in the way."

Robin parked the car and went to walk around the car to get Rachel, but Ethan beat her to the door. "I parked in your way, Rachel. I'm sorry. May I walk you to the door?"

"Sure" Rachel answered trying to be happy about this. She maneuvered out of the car until she could stand up and then held her hand out for Ethan. He carefully and skillfully guided her to the front door. "You have done that before." She stated without thinking

"Yes I have. My grandmother was not able to see."

"Thank you for your assistance. I appreciate it." Rachel said as she turned to listen for Robin at the door. Thankfully Robin was quick to open the door and walked Rachel the rest of the way in. Once she was inside, she knew her way around and could go around by herself. Rachel excused herself and Robin took Ethan into see her father. "Dad, have you officially met Pastor Hayes."

"Yes, we met on Sunday. These are my sons Jeremy and Paul." He said indicating the two men that were standing around him.

"Hi again Jeremy. Paul, it is nice to meet you." Ethan said as he shook their hands

"Pastor Hayes" Pearl said as she entered the living room "We are so glad you could come to dinner."

"Please all of you call me Ethan. And I am glad to be here."

"Where's Rachel?" Pearl asked of Robin

"She is here somewhere. She is probably talking to Martha." Robin said with a meaningful glance at her mother.

"Oh yes, probably. Robin, I need your help, can you join me in the dining room?" Pearl said walking towards the room she mentioned. Robin followed and closed the door behind her. Pearl started talking quietly the moment the door closed "I completely forgot her reluctance to eat around strangers. Is she mad at me?"

"No, I'm not. But can you warn me or not invite me next time." Rachel said from the far side of the room.

"I'm sorry sweetie. I truly did forget." Pearl said going to hug her daughter

"It's okay. But we will be leaving as soon as we finish dinner. Sooner if I spill something which I probably will since we are having "messy" foods tonight." Messy food was Rachel's definition of Mexican food which was hard to eat gracefully and even harder to eat when you couldn't see it.

"I'm sorry. I asked Ethan what he liked to eat and he said he loved Mexican food."

"It's okay Mom, Robin's going to kick me under the table if I make a mess."

Martha stuck her head through the doorway and announced that dinner was ready. Robin directed Rachel to the chair as their mother went to call the rest of the crowd. Robin sat on one side of Rachel and Jeremy sat on the other but unfortunately Ethan sat across from her. Robin grabbed Rachel's hand under the table and gave her silent support as their father prayed.

Robin helped Rachel dish out the food as it was passed around the table. They had over the years worked at their own form of communications. Rachel could also tell that Ethan watched her as she ate. She ate slowly and carefully and Robin didn't have to kick her under the table.

A few minutes after finishing dessert, Rachel excused herself from the table and went to wash up. Rachel wandered around in the upstairs part of the house instead of venturing back down to the dining room. Rachel counted steps and doorways until she found her old room. She stepped inside and closed the door. She didn't move any farther into the room because she was unfamiliar with where things were located now. Mainly she just wanted familiar around her right then. Rachel let the pictures of her childhood play in her mind as she stood there.

Rachel remembered the night she had accepted God's gift of his son Jesus Christ. She had been about ten and finally told God she needed his gift. Her father had prayed with her and then stood with her as she was baptized in the same church she still attended. Rachel was still replaying memories when she heard footsteps in the hall. "Rachel?" Robin called softly

Rachel opened the door and stepped out into the hall. "Are you ready to go home?"

"Yes. Are you?"

"Is that a joke?" Rachel laughed

"No. I didn't know if you had changed your mind or not."

"I have not changed my mind. Go tell Mom we are leaving and maybe she will come to the door instead of me having to walk back into the dining room."

"Everyone moved to the living room already." Robin stated

"Oh great. Let's just go home." Rachel said as Robin directed her hand to the banister. Rachel gracefully and carefully walked down the stairs and turned towards the living room. "Mom, we need to be going. I'll call you tomorrow." Rachel stated "Good night everyone." She said turning for the door. Robin helped her down the front steps after her father and mother came to hug her goodbye.

Pearl and Jacob returned to their guest in the living room. "Your daughters are impressive." Ethan said to them. "Robin is a master craftsman and Rachel was a great help to me when I moved here."

"She was? How?" Jacob asked

"I called that Ministry to the Shepherds organization that she works for and she gave me information about Albuquerque."

"She doesn't work for them. She is the owner of Ministry to the Shepherds. It is an organization she formed and now runs from the basement of her home. She has lots of volunteers and three other employees that help her." Jacob clarified

"Then I'm even more impressed." Ethan stated "She takes her mission seriously. All I had to do was ask a question and if she didn't know the answer right away, she got back to me within a few hours."

Ethan talked to the Hale's for several more minutes before announcing that he needed to head home. "Thank you very much for dinner and for the opportunity to get to know your family even more." He said shaking Jacob's hand. "Jeremy, basketball next Monday right?"

"That's right. See you Sunday." Jeremy said shaking his hand.

Rachel wasn't talkative on the way home. Usually they had plenty to discuss after a night with their parents but tonight Rachel wasn't talking.

"You are awfully quiet. I thought tonight went well."

"Me too. I didn't embarrass myself. I felt like he was watching me the whole way through dinner."

"Who Ethan?"

"Yes, was he?"

"I don't know, I was watching you. Wasn't that my assignment?"

"I'm sorry. That wasn't fair to you. This whole night has been unsettling. I wasn't expecting him to be there, or to help me walk into the house."

"I thought you would be impressed by that. You hate it when people are nervous around you."

"That is true, but it was still unsettling."

"Rachel has a crush on her new pastor." Robin said teasingly

"Why in the world would you jump right to that conclusion? You are nuts. Me and a pastor? That would be a joke."

"And why wouldn't a match work between you and Ethan?'

"Well, overlooking the obvious" she said pointing to her long scar "Let's just pick one area where I would fail miserably to be the kind of wife a pastor would need. We are standing at the back of the church greeting church members, how would I know whose hand I was shaking?"

"The same way you do now. People tell you who it is when the walk up to you to talk to you now."

"Yes, but .."

"But nothing; and I'm not even discussing the scar issue. I think I see you and Ethan together perfectly well." Robin said getting out of the car and coming around to help Rachel

"Please don't." Rachel said almost sadly. Robin, however, was thinking that she actually could see Rachel and Ethan married. Rachel didn't see herself as being a help to anyone only a hindrance; but help is what Rachel did best. Robin decided to appoint herself as matchmaker for her sister and her new preacher. This was going to be fun.

Chapter 3

Sunday morning, Robin once again helped Rachel to find her seat in the worship center and then went to the choir room but all that was after she purposely led Rachel right by Ethan as he was talking to another member. Rachel was pulling out her tape recorder and preparing for the service as her brother Jeremy sat down beside her. "Hi Jeremy" Rachel stated.

"How did you know it was me?" he joked reaching one arm around her to give her a quick hug.

Rachel was just about to say something when Jeremy spoke up "Hello Ethan."

"Hi Jeremy, Hi Rachel"

"Hello Pastor Hayes" Rachel responded formally. Ethan was a bit surprised by her greeting but Jeremy was asking him a question so he paid attention. As soon as he finished answering Jeremy's question, he saw the music minister enter the auditorium so he went to the front row to take his seat. _I wonder what I did to cause that kind of a greeting from Rachel._

Rachel was too preoccupied to pay attention to the music being sung. It was all Robin's fault; she made her self-conscious in front of the pastor now with her teasing. _Pay attention to the sermon and remember you are here to worship God, not worry about the preacher. I'm sorry Ethan. Please forgive me Lord for giving my thoughts priority._

After the sermon, Ethan decided to stand outside the front doors of the church and greet people, it was a beautiful day and he wanted to enjoy it. As he was greeting people, he saw Robin lead Rachel out from the side of the building and to their car. _That explains why I never met them until I went to their house._

"See you tomorrow night Ethan" Jeremy said as he came up to say goodbye.

"I'll be there." Ethan returned

Monday evening found Rachel reading her Bible in the living room when her first guests started to arrive. Robin was the door handler and when everyone had arrived, she joined the other five people in her living room.

Rachel began to talk as soon as it was quiet. "Brenda Smith suggested that we have a prayer group for our new pastor. I agreed with her and thought the six of us could be that prayer group. We can take turns praying for Ethan when we meet together and then continue to pray for him each day on our own."

"Great idea, Brenda" Robin said to Brenda

"It was your sister who organized it though."

"Anyway, who would like to start?" Rachel asked and Brenda's husband Bob volunteered. "Let's pray." He stated and began his prayer.

At Pickles Park on Monday evening, Ethan spotted Jeremy talking to a group of males across the way. He walked over to them and Jeremy introduced him. They were a team from around the neighbor that started playing basketball on Monday nights just for fun. Ethan was glad it wasn't a league, he was an okay player but not outstanding.

There was a lot of ribbing and good natured teasing as the game progressed. Ethan's skills were about like all the others. Jeremy was the biggest jokester of the all. He loved to have fun. He didn't take the game or himself seriously. Ethan went up to block a shot and ended up getting hit in the head by Jeremy's elbow. Ethan was momentarily dazed and stumbled backwards a couple of steps. Jeremy was instantly apologetic and concerned for Ethan. "I'm sorry. Here sit down." He said leading Ethan to the nearest bench. "Are you okay?" Jeremy asked.

"I think so. I have a hard head." Ethan joked.

"My sisters live just down the block, let's go get you an ice pack just to be sure."

"I'm fine. I'll just head home and get an ice pack." Ethan said standing slowly

"I'd feel better if you didn't drive for a little bit. Let's go to my sisters' house." Jeremy said pointing down the block. Ethan walked a little slowly as his head did hurt. Jeremy kept glancing at him to make sure he was alright. "I'm sure I'm fine Jeremy. This isn't necessary."

"Humor me." Jeremy said seriously as he opened the back door to his sisters' house. He led Ethan in and fixed him an ice pack and told him to sit down at the table as he went to find his sisters.

Jeremy walked into the living room expecting to find Robin watching TV but instead found six people having a prayer meeting for Ethan. He quietly retreated back to the kitchen. "They are having a prayer meeting. I forgot that Rachel told me that. It is a prayer group to pray for you."

"Me? Seriously?" Ethan asked incredulously

"Yes, its Rachel's way to support your ministry here."

"Wow" Ethan responded unsure of what he should do now. That was what Robin heard as she pushed open the kitchen door. Rachel had been in the middle of her prayer when Robin heard the back door open. She knew it was locked so she figured out one of her family members had come in through the back. Rachel had finished her prayer for Ethan and then talked to the others as they were leaving for the night. Rachel told Robin good night and headed for her room. She apparently hadn't heard the back door open but Robin went to see if someone was in their kitchen.

"Hello?" she said suspiciously as she made sure the door was closed

"Hi" Jeremy said. "I about took the preacher's head off at the park down the street so I brought him here to get an ice pack. I forgot about her prayer meeting for him."

"She probably would prefer that he not have known about it." Robin said uncertainly

"Why not?" Ethan asked

"Rachel's ministry is to help ministers as you know from calling her work. But she prefers to work behind the scenes and without anyone knowing about it, especially the minister. It is her way."

"I guess I can understand that. I'm still very grateful."

"Can you be grateful without mentioning to her that you know? She would be so embarrassed." Robin asked

"I can be grateful without mentioning it to her if I don't have to lie about it. In other words, I won't bring it up to her."

"Thank you. Neither she nor I would want you to lie about it. Rachel will be much more comfortable around you if she doesn't know you know."

"I don't think she is comfortable around me anyway, Robin. Yesterday she called me Pastor Hayes when I spoke to her."

"That's because I was trying to be respectful of your position in our church." Rachel announced as she came through the kitchen door. "I heard voices and came to investigate. Robin shouldn't have told you anything. Jeremy shouldn't have either. Yes, Pastor Hayes, I was having a prayer group and it was about you. Now that you know, please share with us if you would like us to pray for something specific." She said turning to leave the kitchen. She made it to the stairs before Ethan caught up to her.

"Wait a minute." He said as she put her foot on the first step "I want to talk to you. Let's go outside onto the porch."

Rachel hesitated then turned in his direction. He took her hand and laid it on his arm to direct her through the door. On the porch he walked her to the swing and she sat down. Ethan took a minute to gather his thoughts. "First of all, you can call me Ethan and it will still show respect for my position in the church. I like to be friends on a first name basis with my congregation."

"I'll try to call you Ethan."

"Thank you. Now, why are you embarrassed for me to know you were having a prayer meeting about me? I'm very grateful."

"Oh, okay" she stated but didn't continue

"You didn't answer my question."

"And I'm not going too. My sister shouldn't have told you that."

"Well, she did. Now I would like it if you did too." He said coming to sit beside her on the swing

"Robin told you why."

"Technically, she told me you would be embarrassed, not why you would be embarrassed."

"I could stop the prayer group if you want me too." She offered hoping to distract him.

"No. I can always use prayer on my behalf." He said laughing slightly "Okay, I'll back off. But know this, I'm honored that you would pray for me. Thank you."

"It is my honor to pray for you." She replied quietly

Ethan smiled at her "Do you want me to walk you back inside?"

"No, I'm going to sit here for a few minutes. It is a nice night. What are you doing here anyway?"

"Your brother walloped me in the head during our basketball game and then insisted I needed ice on it."

"Oh no! How bad are you hurt?" she asked concerned

"I'm fine. It just dazed me for a minute."

"You're sure? Go back in and get the ice pack." She said pointing in the direction of the house.

"Relax Rachel" he chuckled "I have a hard head so I've been told, he didn't do any real damage. I'll go say good night to Robin and Jeremy though. See you Sunday."

"Good night Pastor Hayes" she said automatically

"Rachel" he growled

"Sorry" she laughed "Good night Ethan."

"That's better." He said going into the house. He went to the kitchen and said his goodbyes to Rachel's siblings then headed back to the front door. "Good night Miss Hale" he said as he walked past her

"Good night Pastor Hayes" she joked as he laughed walking down the front stairs

Rachel was still sitting on the porch when she heard the front door open. "Come on out. I can't see you but I heard you."

"I'm sorry Rachel" Jeremy said solemnly "I forgot about your meeting. After I clobbered him, I wanted to get him an ice pack."

"Did you have to tell him the meeting was about him?"

"I didn't know you would be this upset that he knew."

"Anyway, now he knows and I'll deal with the embarrassment. I'm going to bed, good night."

On Saturday morning a few weeks after his discussion with Rachel, Ethan was pulling a ladder and painting supplies out of his garage in preparation to paint his house when five cars pulled up in front of his house. He walked to investigate what was going on and saw about ten people from his congregation walking up to his front door. They were carrying paint rollers and brushes and some of them were removing ladders from the trucks.

"Hi" he said walking up to them. "What are you doing here?"

"We got an email that said to show up here today to help you paint."

"Who told you I needed help to paint?" he asked again "Who sent the email?" but everyone gave a different answer. "Thank you. I can use the help." He said showing them the side of the house where he had the supplies. He told them what he wanted done and they got to work. About an hour later more vehicles arrived and they set up lunch on his front lawn. Those that had been painting stopped and ate then went back to work. By end of the day, his house was almost finished. "I appreciate your help. It would have taken me several weekends. I don't know who told you I needed help but thank you to that person too."

"We will see you tomorrow, Ethan" Tom Green said as he headed for his vehicle. Ethan waved them off and went inside. They had even cleaned up the mess so he had his whole night to review his sermon for tomorrow. _Dear Lord in Heaven. Thank you for the person who organized my painting help. Bless them in a special way. In Your Son's Name, Amen._

On Thursday, Ethan's car didn't start so he ended up calling the church administrative assistant and telling her that he would be in tomorrow. She could tell whoever called to call him at home. He told her his car wasn't working and he needed to work on it. As he walked out the door to head to the garage, a tow truck service pulled into his driveway.

"Hi Mason." Ethan greeted the driver as he stepped down from his truck. "What are you doing here?"

"I heard you needed some help."

"You did. Did Amanda call you?"

"No. My wife called me. Told me to hustle over here."

"Well, I think it is just the battery but I hadn't gotten around to making sure."

"I'll look it over." Mason said as he followed Ethan to his garage. Mason determined that it was the battery and took Ethan to purchase a new one. After installing the new one and making sure the car would start, he told Ethan goodbye and went on his way. Ethan changed his clothes and went to the church.

"Amanda, who did you tell that my car wasn't working?" he asked when he arrived

"No one. I don't tell your personal business."

"I appreciate that. Mason showed up and fixed my car for me."

"That's nice. You had a couple of messages while you were gone." She said handing him the papers. "I'll talk to you tomorrow." She said leaving for the day.

"Bye." He said reviewing the messages. He went into his office and sat down behind his desk. _Dear Heavenly Father. Thank you for sending Mason to help me with my car. In Jesus' name, Amen_

Saturday morning, Ethan's phone rang at his house. "Hello"

"Hi Ethan. It's Jeremy Hale."

"Hi. How are you?"

"I'm good. Robin said you wanted shelves put up at your house, can we come over and get the measurements so she can make them for you?"

"How does she know that? I didn't mention it to her."

"I don't know; you'll have to talk to her. I'm just asking if you want us to come take the measurements."

"Let me call her and then she can let you know."

"Sure. See you later."

Ethan stared puzzled at his phone and then went to find Robin and Rachel's phone number. He dialed them up.

"Hello"

"Hi. It's Ethan Hayes"

"Hi, it's Robin. Is Jeremy meeting me at your house?"

"How did you know I wanted shelves?"

"I got a call earlier in the week that you wanted shelves. The payment was sent over the same day. I'm sorry I had to wait until today to have Jeremy call you. I've been swamped this week."

"Who called you?"

"Tamara Banes"

"I didn't tell her I wanted shelves."

"I don't know. Is now good for you if we come get the measurements?"

"Sure. I told Jeremy you'd call him once I talked to you."

"Okay, we should be there shortly."

Ethan hung up from talking to Robin and called Tamara Banes. She wasn't any help either. She was on a long string of emails that mentioned it in passing. He thanked her for the information and hung up. _Dear Heavenly Father. It's confused Ethan again. I don't know how these people know to come help me but I'm thankful. In Jesus Name Amen._

On the next Saturday, Ethan was getting out of his car at the church when lots of cars started to arrive. "Did I forget some activity?" he asked Pearl Hale as she got out of her car. "No, we got a phone call that the church was getting together today to do some extra cleaning for Sam. So here we are."

"Okay." Ethan said confused as he turned toward the building. Sam, the church's custodian, was just exiting as Ethan approached the front door.

"Hi Ethan. Why are all these people here?"

"I have no idea. Pearl said she received a phone call to come help you with extra cleaning today."

"I didn't ask for that. I told my wife that you and I had talked about it in passing. But she wouldn't have organized this."

"Well, put them to work." Ethan laughed "I'll be in my office if you need me."

"Sure" Sam said confused

Ethan walked into his office and sat down at his desk. _Dear Heavenly Father. I thank you for your answers to prayer. How does all of this keep happening? Please help me if I am to solve this puzzle. In Jesus' Name, Amen._

Monday afternoon, Ethan was in his office when he noticed an email from Rachel. He saw the sent time was three am. _"Why was she awake and emailing me at three am?"_ He opened it up and found a question from her about James and of course another apology for bothering him. As he was formulating his answer to the question, it came to him that she might be the one organizing all the help. He decided to go visit her and see.

As Ethan approached Robin and Rachel's house, he heard noise from the workshop so he decided to see Robin before tackling Rachel. He knocked on the workshop door and waited for Robin.

"Hi Ethan" she said as she invited him in. "Checking up on me to see if I'm done with your shelves?"

"No." he laughed "I actually just wanted to say Hi to you before talking to your sister. I need to ask her a question but somehow I thought I would get a better answer in person than over the phone."

Robin burst out laughing. "I'm sorry; I'm not laughing at you. How did you figure her out so fast?"

"I don't know. Am I right?"

"Yes. She doesn't lie to you on the phone but she can make it seem like she is answering your question and you like her answer until you have time to digest what she said after you have hung up from talking to her."

"That's sneaky. Is she here?"

"No. She went with my parents on vacation for two weeks. You'll have to try her later. She might return your phone call though if you left her a message."

"Might? I doubt it. I seem to have gotten on her bad side when it comes to conversing with me."

"No, you didn't. She isn't comfortable with people."

"I'd love to ask why but I won't. It isn't fair to her."

"True. It would be better if she told you but just know this, it isn't just you."

"Thanks for telling me that. I'll see you Sunday." He said leaving the shop more confused than when he arrived. He went back to his office and wrote the reply to her question and then sent the email. His questions to her would have to wait.

Friday morning, Ethan was in his office at church when Amanda showed Jeremy and Robin in. "Hi. What's up?"

"You tell us." Jeremy answered "We were asked to come here and measure your office for more shelves. Why didn't you mention it when we were at your house?"

Ethan thumped his head down on his desk "I haven't told anyone I wanted more shelves in here." He mumbled

"What?" Robin asked

Ethan lifted his head from the desk. "I have not mentioned to anyone that I wanted more shelves in here. It isn't something I need right away and didn't want the church to pay for. How did you know? Who called you?"

Robin took the envelope out of her pocket and handed it to Ethan. "That was in my mail for my business earlier this week."

Ethan opened the envelope and pulled out a piece of paper. As he did, a cashier's check fell out also. He looked from the check to Robin who shrugged then turned his attention to the note. It read _Please see the pastor about more shelves in his office._

Ethan rubbed his hands over his face in exasperation. He folded up the note and the check and handed it back to Robin.

"If you didn't mention this to anyone, who sent me this?" Robin asked holding up the note and the check.

Ethan shrugged and held out his hands in helpless surrender. "Honestly, I thought Rachel was behind these "things" that keep happening. I didn't know how she was doing it but now, I don't guess I was right."

"What things?" asked Jeremy

"People showing up to paint my house, you two calling to put shelves in my house, Mason showing up to fix my car, a crowd of people showing up to clean the church and now you two showing up to put shelves in my office."

"Our sister wouldn't know anything about doing those things. She can't see remember."

"I know that. And now she isn't even in town, she couldn't have sent you here today."

"Oh yes she could. My sister can organize the whole city if she wanted too. I didn't know about any of those things except the shelves or I might have put it together faster than this."

"You mean I'm right?" Ethan exclaimed

"It's possible." answered Robin "I can't prove it and I won't try. But it isn't out of the realm of possibilities."

"How would she do it?" asked Ethan

"Ethan, I won't answer that for you. I can't really. You'll have to ask her yourself."

"I will. When is she coming home?"

Jeremy started to answer but Robin stopped him. "Ethan, after the next time you see her at church, then come to our house. If you show up on our doorstep the day after she gets home, she will know I told you. Please don't put me in the middle."

"I apologize. It can wait until I see her again, but I will be stopping by for a visit at the first opportunity."

"Anytime. Now where do you want the shelves and then can it wait until after Christmas?"

"It can wait as long as it needs too." He said showing them where he thought he'd like the shelves. After they left he sat down and prayed again. _Dear Lord God. Did I figure out the mystery? If I need to ask questions, please help me to ask sensitive questions and not make Rachel more uncomfortable around me. She is a kind, caring sister in Christ and I suspect a wonderful friend. In Jesus Name. Amen."_

The next Sunday morning, Ethan noticed Rachel sitting on the back row next to her brother Jeremy. She was laughing at something he said and she glowed. Wherever she had been on her vacation, she must have spent lots of time in the sun. Ethan had a hard time turning away to focus on the other church members. His Monday schedule was just changed though, he had some questions for Miss Rachel Hale.

Ethan caught Robin's eye as he faced her from the front pew. He turned and looked at her sister and then back at her. She had a hard time not laughing but gave him a slight nod. Ethan had to look down at his Bible before he started to laugh also. After a short prayer, he lifted his head again but didn't look at either Robin or Rachel.

Monday morning, Robin helped Rachel get her clothes matched up as she usually did. Rachel could do it by herself but always wanted Robin's confirmation that she looked okay. Today she knew Rachel was going to want to look her best. She didn't feel it was necessary to warn her sister that Ethan would be stopping by. She just wanted her to look good in case he did. Robin didn't know if Ethan's schedule today would allow him to stop by but she anticipated him showing up.

Rachel was working at reading dozens of emails when the doorbell rang. She ignored it thinking that Robin would get it. After a minute, it rang again.

"Hello. Who's there?"

"Ethan Hayes"

"Robin is back in her workshop. She won't mind if you go back there."

"Okay thanks." He agreed. He needed to talk to Robin anyway. Ethan walked around and knocked on the door of the workshop. Robin was laughing as she opened the door. "Hi Ethan, amazing coincidence that you showed up today."

"Stop laughing at me." he grumbled and laughed at the same time. "She's beginning to give me an inferiority complex. As soon as I announced my name, she told me you were back here. Not "Hi. How are you?" Just "go see Robin in her workshop". So here I am. Do I go ask her now?"

"If you want answers, you are going to have to. I won't do it for you." Robin said. "I'll announce that you are coming in, but that's it. So, do you want me to call her?" she said walking to the intercom. Ethan nodded and Robin told him to head for the door and she'd announce him.

Ethan got to the top of the stairs for Rachel's office and stopped. _Help me be sensitive Lord._ He walked cautiously down the stairs since it was dark down there. "Hi Rachel."

"Hello" she said quietly "Did you need something?" she asked hoping he would be quick. She was so nervous in his company and she didn't like that feeling.

"Do you have a light down here?" he asked. He wanted to see her as he asked his questions.

"Yes, I'm sorry. It's at the top of the stairs though. We can go talk upstairs."

Ethan walked cautiously back up the stairs and waited for her to join him. Rachel walked to the living room and sat down in the chair. She invited Ethan to have a seat. "Did you need something?"

"If I asked for a flower garden at the church, it is going to be waiting for me when I return?"

Rachel's mouth dropped open in surprise then she caught herself and sat silently. She was really nervous now and didn't realize she was fidgeting in her chair. She had been caught.

"Will you tell me why?" he asked gently as he knew he had been right

"You'll have to ask a different question for me to answer why?" she said evading his question

Ethan burst out laughing. "I knew it. You are sneaky."

"I am not." She exclaimed "I don't know exactly what you are talking about."

"Okay, I'll ask how then?"

"Again, how isn't very informative." She hedged again

"Let's go for a walk." He said gently chuckling at her

"A walk? Why?"

"Yes or No?" he asked gently

"I'm sure this is a bad idea but okay. You are acting very strange today." She said rising to her feet. "We have to go by Robin's shop to tell her." She said turning towards the back of the house. Ethan followed her to the back door and down to Robin's shop. She just opened the door and yelled in that they were going for a walk. "Okay" Robin called back. "Have fun." She whispered to herself.

Rachel turned to where she thought Ethan was standing. "This is your idea, where are we going?"

"Do you want me to direct you or guide you?"

"If you want me to go with you, you'll have to take my hand and guide me."

Ethan reached for her hand and wrapped it around his arm so he could guide her. He instantly felt less nervous as she touched him. Rachel on the other hand was more nervous. She liked his gentle manner but she was not used to anyone guiding her but family members.

"So how was your vacation? Where did you go?" Ethan asked as they headed away from her house towards the park.

"We went to San Diego. We had a great time. I love the beach."

"Me too. I used to live in Panama City, Florida. I loved going surfing in my spare time."

"And you moved to New Mexico?"

"Sure, I like it here. The church members are wonderful. They seem to know when I need something and just show up to do it." He had her now. She had to admit she was behind it.

"That's nice. I have gone to that church all my life; I knew we had good people there that would help you out. I'm glad you are finding them helpful."

She got around him again so he decided to be a little more direct. "But what I can't figure out is how you knew to send them my way and the shelves in my office? No one knew that but me."

Rachel was silent as they walked along. She knew he knew but she wasn't going to admit it right away. "Rachel, thank you. But I'd still like to know how and why?"

"Why are you thanking me? You think I did something?"

"Rachel, please answer the question."

"Can't you just accept it happened and move on?"

Ethan helped her sit down at a picnic table in the park. He moved around to the other side and sat down facing her. He sat silently thinking about her question. She had mostly admitted he was right but not how. "I suppose I could but I get to make two conditions."

"Maybe. What is the first one?"

He laughed "Someday, I get to know why. Even if it is the last day I am the pastor at this church."

"Planning to leave already? That may be a record for shortest time at one church."

"Stop trying to sidetrack me." He laughed "do you agree?"

"No. What's your second condition?"

"You go out to dinner with me." he said

"No! No No. No to that condition definitely. No to the first condition and no as to how and why. I'll walk myself home. Goodbye Pastor Hayes."

"Rachel, wait. I'll walk you home." He said taking her hand. Rachel didn't have much choice but to go with him. She couldn't walk home by herself; she wasn't exactly sure where she was.

Ethan didn't really know what to say as they walked along. She had made her feelings pretty clear about him. He knew he wouldn't find out any answers to his questions today. Robin was coming out of her shop as they walked up the drive way. He was shaking his head as he approached her. She looked at the stiff posture of her sister and knew something had gone wrong.

"I know you're there. Stop the silent messages."

"He deserves to know Rachel. I do too since I was part of it."

"It just was." She admitted "That is all I'm telling either of you."

"And if we don't like that answer?" Robin argued

"It's okay Robin. I've upset Rachel enough today. Goodbye." He said handing Rachel off to Robin.

"Wait, Ethan." Robin stated "Stop being so stubborn and tell him."

"Just point me towards the house."

"Just walk straight and you will find the back door."

"Thank you." Rachel said leaving them alone. Fortunately she found the door without much fumbling around. She wasn't sure if Ethan was still there or if he had left, Robin was talking at the same time she tried to listen for his footsteps to be receding. Rachel went into the house and moved to sit down at the kitchen table. She was sorry she had overreacted to Ethan's invitation to dinner but it would be better if she didn't go with him.

Out on the driveway, Robin waited until the door shut behind Rachel before turning to Ethan. "What happened?"

"It doesn't really matter. She was behind it. I'll just wonder why."

"Something else happened? She is upset about more than that."

"She asked me if I could just let the subject go and I said I would on two conditions. One, that someday she would tell me why and two if she would go out to dinner with me. That one bothered her more than the first one."

Robin pointed to the street where his car was parked and started walking that way. She wanted to tell him something and didn't want Rachel to hear it. As they reached his car, she turned to him "I'm officially interfering now. She is uncomfortable around people when she eats. She thinks she is going to make a big mess. Dinner would be extremely nerve wracking for her. If you still want to ask her out, try coffee or a concert or another walk. Patience is your best bet."

"She won't talk to me again Robin; let alone go on a date."

"I think you are wrong. How patient are you?" she asked walking away

_Not that patient but maybe I'll learn_ he thought to himself. He had some praying to do. Ethan arrived back at the church office and wrote Rachel a quick email.

" _I'm sorry to have upset you._

Ethan"

Robin walked in and found Rachel sitting dejectedly at the kitchen table. Rachel had tears running down her face. "Rachel, what's wrong?"

"How did something good go so wrong?" she asked quietly

"It didn't. They were really nice things to do. He isn't mad at you."

"He is now."

"No, sister, he isn't. He said he asked you out on a date. Are you going to go?"

"I might have if he hadn't said dinner."

"Then you should have made a different suggestion. Coffee or a concert or a walk."

"If I had been thinking clearly I might have, now he won't ask again."

"Then you ask him and explain about why you won't have dinner with him and in time explain about the things you did for him."

"How did he find out I did those things?"

"He came looking for you while you were gone, then Jeremy and I went to see him about the shelves and he had suspicions that it was you. Then I confirmed that it was possible, but you confirmed it by your actions today."

"If I call him at the church and he can meet with me, will you drive me down there?"

"Absolutely." Robin stated happily. "I'll even hand you the phone and leave you alone."

"Thank you."

"Calvary Christian Church. This is Amanda, how may I help you?"

"Hi Amanda, this is Rachel Hale. Is Pastor Hayes available to speak to me?"

"I believe so, I'll transfer you to him."

"Ethan Hayes" he said answering the phone

"It's Rachel."

"Hi" he said amazed to be hearing from her

"Are you available to meet with me? I'll have Robin drive me down there." Ethan stared at the phone in amazement.

"How about I drive over there and pick you up and take you for coffee?"

"That will be fine. Anytime you are available."

"Give me an hour."

"Okay. Bye"

Ethan was dumbfounded as he hung up the phone. _She actually called me. She is amazing. Lord, please help me to do this the right way. Friendship or something more, we need you to lead us. Amen._

Chapter 4

Rachel was in the living room praying when she heard a car door close. _Please help me Lord to say the right things and to apologize. Where it goes from there, I'll trust in your leading. In Jesus Name, Amen._

The front doorbell rang a few seconds later. Rachel walked to the intercom and asked who it was. "Ethan Hayes" the voice answered. Rachel opened the door and stepped out onto the porch. "Hi"

"Hello Rachel. Are you ready to go?"

"Yes." She answered shyly as she held out her hand. Ethan took her hand and escorted her down the stairs. "Bye Robin"

"Bye Rach, Bye Ethan" Robin laughed from the side of the house

"How did you know she was there?" he asked incredulously

"She would have heard you through the intercom. I knew she would come to investigate."

Ethan laughed and helped her to settle in the car. He drove them to a local coffee shop then led her to the counter to order. She handed the clerk the money before Ethan could after placing her order.

"My apology, my treat." She said as they sat down after their coffees were prepared

"Are you a mind reader too? That's how you knew I wanted more shelves in my office." He joked

"Should I apologize first or explain first?"

"I'm not sure you owe me an apology so explain first. The painting at my house?"

"I overheard you tell someone as you walked past me."

"My car?"

"You were on my mind that morning so I prayed for guidance. Then I called Mason's wife. It seemed a relief after making that call. If you didn't need him, then no harm sending him to your house."

"The cleaning at the church?"

"Sam's wife mentioned it to me. She knew I had organized a cleaning day previously."

"The shelves at my house? I can figure that one out, I told your father."

"Yes."

"But you shouldn't have paid for them."

"I didn't."

"Who did?"

"My secret for all time."

"Fair enough"

"The shelves in my office at church?"

"Mostly a lucky guess. Jeremy and Robin mentioned you had tons of books at your house. So I assumed you would at church too. Or over time you would accumulate them. My father told me once that there weren't many shelves in there."

"Now, will you tell me why?"

"Ministry to the Shepherds. My calling. Whatever, whenever, however."

"How did no one know it was you? Each time I asked where the phone call came from or the email and I got dozens of different answers."

"Ministry to the Shepherds has dozens of different email addresses so I can remain anonymous. Most of the people at church know about the ministry, not that I am behind it. And I would like to keep it that way. The only reason you know is because you happened to call it, then move here. I wouldn't lie to you about who I was. The phone calls are the same way. I ask my volunteers to call. Mostly they leave messages on behalf of the ministry and people respond."

"Mason said his wife called him."

"Mason is a great mechanic and a fabulous friend, but when his wife tells him to help out, he doesn't ask questions, he goes. Can I ask you a question now?"

"How did I figure it out?" he guessed and Rachel nodded. "On the day of the cleaning, I prayed that if I was supposed to figure it out that the Lord would guide me. Then you sent me an email asking a question and I remembered the prayer group on my behalf and became suspicious that it was you. Then Jeremy and Robin came to see me and she confirmed it was possible but she wouldn't say anymore than that. If I wanted to know, I had to ask. So that brings me to today. When I asked about the flower garden, your jaw dropped and you started fidgeting in your chair. So, dear Rachel, you gave yourself away."

"I figured I had, but if I kept distracting you then you would drop the subject."

"Did that work?" he laughed

"No!" she growled

"So which one of us is more hard headed?"

Rachel blushed and skipped answering him "Now to apologize. I'm sorry about how I reacted to your dinner invitation. Maybe something else besides dinner and I would have said yes. I prefer to not eat in front of strangers or in public. I really am sorry about earlier today."

"And I'm sorry I upset you."

"I know. I got your email, it wasn't your fault."

"Anyway, I didn't even think about you being nervous about eating in public. I guess that was insensitive of me. I apologize."

"You didn't notice I escaped the dinner table as fast as possible that night at my parents?"

"Yes, now that you mention it. Robin kept a close watch over you too, what was your signal that you had spilled?"

"You're good. She was to kick me under the table. It is our standard signal if I do something embarrassing."

Ethan laughed at her description "As for me being a stranger, I'd like to get past that too if you are willing and the Lord leads us in that direction. What is your opinion on that?"

"I prayed about that too as I heard you drive up. I'll follow as He leads is the best I can give you right now."

"Do you mind if we start now?" he asked. Rachel didn't say anything but held out her hand and Ethan grasped it and started to pray. _Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for Rachel and her gifts to minister to me and to others. We ask that you guide us now in where you want us to go to be in your will. Friendship or something more, we will follow your leading. Help us to know clearly what you want from us and to put you first in any relationship we have. In Jesus Name, Amen._

"Thank you for being willing to listen to me." Rachel said as he ended his prayer "You had every right to tell me to not bother you again."

"I would never do that but you did catch me off guard. I was going to approach you again in a couple of days but you beat me to it."

"I was accepting responsibility for my actions and I needed to ask for your forgiveness. I knew I behaved like an idiot today, it wasn't something that made me proud. Robin told you about me not wanting to go to dinner and why didn't she? And she told you to suggest something else?"

"Yes, she did. How did you know that?"

Rachel held up her coffee. "Let me guess, her other suggestions were a concert or another walk?"

"Did she tell you that she told me?"

"No, she just casually mentioned to me that I should have suggested coffee or a concert or another walk instead of dinner."

"She's good."

"She's matchmaking."

"Seriously?"

"Want to run away now?"

"No" he answered "why and how?"

"You'll have to ask her. I blocked out her explanation when she started in on me after that dinner at my parents."

"No way. I'd just met you."

"Ask her not me. Until a few hours ago, I would have never even considered it. I'm basically a loner and very shy and handicapped."

"Robin is not a handicap." He joked

"Funny." She groaned at him "But seriously, _if_ ..."

"Don't." he growled at her "Adjustments have to be made in any relationship. Your being blind is not a stopping point for me, if it is for you then we need to make that a topic of discussion really soon."

"I do have concerns but whether or not we need to discuss them now if we are in the beginnings of maybe a possible relationship, I don't know."

"You just confused me. What did you say?"

"If the Lord doesn't lead us into a relationship that is more than friendship, then you don't need to know my concerns."

"I disagree but let's hold off on that discussion for another day. I don't mean to rush you, but I need to get to the church for a meeting."

Rachel reached to tell the time on her watch. "Oh no! I've taken up your whole day today. I didn't even realize, time passed so quickly."

"Wait a minute, hold on." He stopped her "Today was very important to me. Don't think that you have taken up my whole day, we needed to talk. Do you understand?"

"Yes, but I still apologize.

"No, you won't." he said taking her hand to lead her from the coffee shop

"I already did." She laughed "You are hard-headed."

"So they tell me." he groused "And so are you."

"So they tell me." she agreed. Ethan laughed again and helped her into the car. He dropped her off at her home and headed for his meeting.

Rachel walked down the stairs to her office. She had lots of praying and thinking to do. _Could I ever be a helpmate to him? Lord, I need a clear picture in this situation. I don't see myself as an asset to any man and especially not to a pastor. I will trust in your leading. In Jesus' Name. Amen._

"Did you stop being hard headed long enough to explain things to Ethan?" Robin asked at dinner that night.

"Yes, he knows the whole story. But the point was to do those things anonymously. He just had to be stubborn and keep digging until I confessed. If he had just accepted it, then I could have continued; now I can't do anything else."

"Why not? Who cares if he knows you helped out?"

"The point of my ministry is to help in the background; not to be noticed."

"He won't tell anyone."

"I know that, but he'll still know."

"You are giving me a headache. Anyway, as long as you two are speaking that's all I care about. I didn't like being in the middle.

Rachel smiled and answered "Everything is fine."

"Why are you smiling like that?" Robin inquired

"We had a nice time."

"You did?" Robin exclaimed.

"Yes, he is easier to be around than I would have imagined. I even got past being so nervous with him."

"And?" Robin questioned knowingly

"And what?" came the sheepish quiet reply

"You are hard headed!! Are you going to be more than friends?"

"If the Lord leads in that direction, we will be. We are going to be doing a lot of praying about it."

"As I am helping you get ready on your wedding day, I get to say "I told you so" and believe me I'll be very happy about it."

"Wait a minute, Robin. You are way ahead of us. We are thinking about it and praying about it."

"And I will too, but my point is that a few weeks or even this morning you would have never even considered the possibility. Right?"

"Do I have to answer that question?" Rachel asked as the phone started to ring

"Not anymore." Robin said getting up to answer the phone "Hello"

"Robin or Rachel?"

"Now wouldn't you like to know? I could be Rachel and then you would tell me everything I needed to know about this afternoon or I could be Robin and be kept in the dark."

"Hi Robin"

"Hi Ethan. You needed to talk to me about something?"

Ethan laughed. "I probably could but..."

"Yes, the shelves for your house are almost ready. Jeremy and I can plan a time to come install them."

"That's nice, make sure you bring your sister along with you."

"But Rachel doesn't usually come with me when I am working, it will probably be just me and Jeremy."

"Nice try. Can I talk to Rachel?" he asked hopefully

"When I find out what I need to know?"

"You can install the shelves anytime."

"That's great, but try again."

"Praying about it and waiting on the Lord to lead us or not."

"At least your stories match."

"Thank you Miss Matchmaker, I think we can take it from here."

"But I really enjoyed being stuck in the middle." She grumbled

"And I appreciate it. Now what is she doing?"

"Sitting here looking embarrassed and ready claim I'm not her loving sister."

"Before I encourage her in that, can you give her the phone so I can talk to her?"

"Bye Ethan" Robin sing-songed at him

"Bye Robin" He sing-songed at her. Ethan was chuckling to himself as he heard grumbling on the other end of the call. "Hello Ethan."

"Hi. This is Rachel this time right?"

"Yes, I will do her in later this evening."

"I'd help you but it might look bad in the headlines of the local newspaper. "Pastor suspect in Murder Investigation". I believe I might not have a job then."

"And the headline "Twin Murder Suspect" looks better?" she questioned laughing

"Then I guess she stays well."

"I'm afraid so. Are you prepared for the teasing that is sure to follow?"

"I can take it. Can you?" he asked seriously

"Yes. I can't see her, but I can tell she is gloating."

"I got that impression myself. Anyway, what kind of ice cream do you and Robin like?"

"Okay, I wasn't expecting that question."

"Keeps you on your toes. Are you doing anything tonight?"

"Chocolate chip and no we are not doing anything tonight. Would you like to come over?"

"Thank you, I'd really like that. See you soon." He chuckled

"See you soon." She chuckled at him as she hung up

"Three times in one day?" Robin asked

"What?"

"He is coming to see you three times in one day."

"Robin, you have to promise that this day and all that happened today stays between the three of us. No telling our family, No One!"

"I promise." She pledged "It will kill me, but I promise."

"I would really appreciate it and so would Ethan's reputation."

"I wouldn't do anything to hurt either of you. I'm happy for you."

"Thank you. Now, do I need to change clothes and comb my hair?"

"Do you want too?"

"Yes." Rachel said heading for her room.

Ethan parked his car and took a deep breath. _Lord, I need your guidance. Help us to talk about necessary things and about our faith in you. Prepare our words. Amen._ He grabbed the sack with the ice cream and went to ring the doorbell. Robin answered the door a few seconds later. "Pastor Hayes, what a nice surprise? Come in."

"Thank you Robin." He said as he entered and she shut the door "Laying it on a bit thick on aren't we?"

"Yes, she is." Rachel said from the couch in the living room "I'd get used to it if I were you."

"I have a brother and he would be doing the same thing. I can take whatever she dishes out. And speaking of that..." he said handing Robin the ice cream and then turned and went to sit beside Rachel. "Hi. You look nice."

"Thank you. How was your meeting?"

"Blessedly short." He said quietly then leaned closer "I wasn't exactly paying attention to them prattle on about color of the library walls."

"What color are the walls going to be?" she joked

"I have no idea. I wasn't paying attention."

"Why not?" she asked seriously "What was distracting you?"

"You were." He whispered

"What? Why? Wait a minute, hold on..."

"Calm down. I wasn't exactly interested in the subject matter so I let my mind wander. We had an unfinished discussion this afternoon and I was thinking about that."

"We have a potential postponed discussion. It shouldn't have been distracting you."

"It may be postponed for a short time period but it isn't potential. We are going to discuss these concerns."

"So tell me about your family?" she sidetracked him

"Robin?" he yelled into the kitchen "Does she always try to sidetrack you if she doesn't want to discuss something?"

"Yes, she does." Robin said bringing them the dishes of ice cream and turning to return to the kitchen. "I have to make a phone call for work. I'll be back shortly."

"You don't have to leave." Rachel said

"I really do have to call on my Christmas project. I'll be right back."

"Okay. What are your concerns?" He asked as Robin left the room

"Ethan, they have to do with a future that may never happen with us. Why do you want to know?"

"Because if it is a stopping point for you then let's stop it now not later. I don't want to go along getting to know you with a personal relationship in mind and you not be thinking the same way. Please let's talk about them."

"Well, my concern is a little presumptuous."

"Okay as in if we get married what then?"

Rachel nodded

"Okay, I'll assume for your scenario we are getting married. Now tell me."

"The easy one is, as a pastor's wife, I'd probably need to stand with you at the end of the service and greet people. How would I know who they were as they came up to me? And the hard one is, how would I ever be a helpmate to you? Wouldn't you be doing all the helping and I be doing all the accepting of help?"

"I'm not going to rush to answer those until I have thought them through thoroughly. Is that okay with you?"

"Yes but if we don't progress to that type of relationship then they don't need to be answered at all."

"Maybe yes, maybe no. That is part of what I have to think about. Now eat your ice cream, it is melting."

Rachel laughed softly. "This is your sinister plot to get me to eat in front of you isn't it?"

"Partially." He said laughing wickedly then sobered "I forgot about that actually. I just wanted to come over and see you. So I came up with ice cream as an excuse and an easy way to have fun."

"Well, if I end up a mess, don't say I didn't warn you."

"We need to practice being comfortable in those circumstances too. So, do I kick you or just kindly tell you that you are a mess?"

"I'll pass on the kicking."

"So, I have a mother and a father, two older sisters and an older brother."

"You are the baby of the family too?"

"You too?"

"By nineteen minutes." She answered then asked "Where does your family live?"

Ethan answered her and they went back and forth asking and answering questions. Robin joined them and the three of them had a lively discussion.

"Would you help me organize a movie night and pie social at church?" he asked Rachel later that evening as Robin went to answer the phone.

"Are you sure you want _my_ help?" she asked incredulously as she pointed to herself

"Why are you surprised?"

"Never mind. Sure, I'll help you. When do you want to have this social?"

Ethan told her his plan for a movie night two weeks from then on a Friday night. "Is that enough time to plan?"

"Yes. I'll take care of it. I have person on my staff that is good with designing flyers; I'll email her tomorrow and get her started."

"Thank you. Now back to my question, why were you surprised I asked you?"

"You are welcome."

"Rachel?"

"I was just caught off guard by the question."

"Are you sure?" he asked seriously

"Yes, I'm positive."

"Okay, I need to head home. I had a great day today, spending time with you." He said squeezing her hand. "I'll talk to you tomorrow."

"Probably. I'm sure I'll have questions to ask you."

"That's fine but that wasn't what I meant."

"Oh" she blushed "I'll talk to you tomorrow."

Ethan squeezed her hand gently again and told her good night on his way out the door. He was smiling at her reaction to calling her tomorrow as he got in his car and drove away. _Thank you, Lord, for making her more comfortable with me._

Early the next morning, Rachel emailed her staff member to get started on a flyer for the pie social. Her next order of business was to contact the hostess committee at church and ask for their assistance in the set up and organization of the event. She was finished with her pre-planning by mid-morning and sent Ethan an email with her plans. She was expecting an email response from him with his okay to the plans but instead her phone rang about five minutes after she sent the email.

"Hello"

"It's Ethan."

"Hi. I just sent you an email."

"I got it. You are one very impressive lady."

"No, it wasn't a big deal."

"Rachel" he grumbled into the phone "Take the compliment."

"Thank you Ethan."

"That's better. How are you today?"

"Well, except for some man grumbling at me over the phone, I'm good. How are you?"

Ethan laughed and answered that except for having to grumble at someone over the phone, he was fine. Rachel laughed with him and they had a pleasant conversation. He made it suggestions on Rachel's plan and she incorporated the changes into her plans.

"Will you go with me on an excursion on Saturday?"

"An excursion? What exactly does that mean?"

"You'll have to trust me, so will you go?"

"Yes" she answered

"Wear walking shoes and bring a jacket. It will be cool."

Rachel agreed and they hung up.

"New email" Rachel heard as she worked at her computer that afternoon. She opened the program and had an email from the person designing the flyer. Rachel read the email and then forwarded it on to Ethan for him to review the flyer. His response came a few minutes later with his only change being the title of the movie. Rachel played the go between on the flyer for the next hour until Ethan agreed with the flyer and told them he would get it ready to hand out in church the next Sunday.

Rachel went back to work when her program alerted her to another new email. "Open email" she instructed and was pleased to hear from Ethan again.

"Will you go for a walk with me?"

"Sure. When?"

"I'm on my way" was the next response she received.

"Robin!" she exclaimed into the intercom system

"What's wrong?"

"What do I look like today?"

"Excuse me?"

"Ethan is on his way over, what do I look like today?"

"You look fine." She said laughing "Jeans and a shirt. Go comb your hair and you'll be fine."

"Thanks" she said breathlessly as she turned to go upstairs. Outside in the shop, Robin was laughing as she went back to work on her projects. _She may drive me crazy but this is fun to watch. My levelheaded, never going to date, sister is falling hard and fast._

Robin was finishing up for the day and walking to the mailbox as Ethan parked his car in front of her house. "Well, well Pastor Hayes, what can I do for you?" she asked with a chuckle as he exited the car and walked up to her

"You are enjoying this way too much for my peace of mind."

"Count on it my friend."

"Oh man." He groaned

"Come in" she said as they walked to the front door. "Rachel, Ethan's here" she called as they entered.

"Hi" Rachel said as she slowly descended the stairs

"Hi" Ethan answered watching her closely. _She looks beautiful._

Robin laughed at them and told them goodbye as she went to the kitchen. Ethan glared at her and went to take Rachel's hand. "You look beautiful." He said as they walked out the door.

"Thank you. Why was Robin laughing at you?"

"Never mind." He chuckled

"UhHuh, I don't get away with that answer so tell me."

"She is still gloating."

Rachel was silent as they walked along. "Why is she gloating, she didn't really have anything to do with anything?"

"She thinks her persistence yesterday was successful matchmaking." He answered as they sat down on a bench at the park.

"Ethan, she has the wrong idea and maybe you do too. I didn't do any of those things to get a "match" going between you and me. And if that is what you think, I'm sorry. I was only trying to be helpful. How did this get so messed up? How did I screw this up so badly? Oh, I know, I did it, that's how it happened. It was just supposed to be a nice thing. I'm sorry, it won't happen again. Robin can walk down here and get me if you tell her when you go back to get your car. I'm sorry."

Ethan was stunned. "Are you finished?"

"Yes, I'm sorry. It won't happen again. The hostess committee has the plan for the social and you have the flyer. Everything can be handled by someone else."

"Stop talking and stop digging yourself a deeper hole."

"Yes I'm sorry, just tell Robin to come walk me...." she was saying as he clamped his hand over her mouth

"You don't take instruction very well." He chuckled releasing his hold on her. "Now, are you listening to me?"

"No. Goodbye Ethan. I'm sorry." She said strongly

"If you say that again, I will leave you here." He said with mock fierceness "Rachel, those were nice things you did for me. It was not messed up as you put it. I was.."

"I didn't mean for you to think I was interested in you. I was only..."

"Rachel" he interrupted "Stop interrupting, stop talking, stop explaining. Listen to my whole response."

"It isn't necessary. I'm sorry."

Ethan surged off the park bench and walked away. He stopped a few feet away and turned to look at her. She was sitting with her head down looking at her lap. He watched for a moment until she reached up to wipe the tears from her face.

"Rachel, don't cry. If you will just listen to me, everything will be fine." He said as he sat down beside her again.

"Go away."

"Why?"

"Because I feel stupid enough." was her sad response

Ethan wrapped his arms around her and hugged her close. "Until I tell you that you can, don't say another word. Promise?"

She nodded and sniffed again as she tried to move away. Ethan just kept her close as he began to talk again. "I don't think that you did those things for me to get a "match" going between you and me. I know you did them to be helpful and they were very nice. I appreciated them, did I tell you that?"

"I don't know."

"You broke your promise but I'll let it go this time." He laughed

"But you asked me a question." She justified

"And that's why I'm letting it go. Now, nothing is messed up or screwed up, we are friends and praying about something more. Although, if something more leads to more holding you like this, then I'm good with that. Anyway, Robin is probably gloating because she didn't have to do anything as a "matchmaker" because here we are doing it ourselves." He said releasing her and taking hold of her hand.

"She's still going to gloat and tease us."

"I know." He groaned and laughed at the same time. "Are we okay now?"

"Yes" she said softly as Ethan continued to hold her hand. After several minutes, Rachel spoke up. "I shouldn't probably tell you this secret, but I knew you hadn't left me here. My hearing is excellent and I heard your footsteps stop instead of fade away."

"And there was no way in the world I would just leave you here, you goof. I was giving myself time to resist hugging you to shut you up. I guess that didn't work."

"Should I tell you I liked it or just keep that to myself?"

"Let's tease Ethan some more today, just keep it to yourself." He growled

Rachel nudged him playfully. "I will."

Ethan let go of her hand and wrapped his arm around her as they leaned back on the bench. "Good, I prefer to be clueless. It is much more fun." He grumbled. Rachel laughed at him gently and leaned closer to him. "I liked it." She whispered

"Me too." He answered back squeezing her softly. They sat quietly for a few moments until it dawned on her she had no idea why he had wanted to go for a walk in the first place.

"Why did you ask me to go on a walk? Did you need something?"

"No, I just wanted to do something with you and went with the idea of a walk. I thought we could talk and get to know each other better."

"Okay, what did you want to know?" she asked

"Just stuff. Favorite color? Favorite flower? Favorite movie?"

"My favorite color is yellow. Pale or pastel yellow. I remember that color. Favorite flower, I guess I haven't tried to picture those as much. Probably roses. My mom had roses and I remember them. Actually, I remember my mom had a huge flower bed"

"She still does. That night at dinner, I saw it as the gardener had it prepared for winter."

"She still loves to garden but she has him to the harder things. Next spring though, she'll be out tending it again. We used to get in trouble if we kicked the ball into her flower bed."

Ethan enjoyed that. "How often did you get in trouble as a kid?"

"Lots. Jeremy and Paul would plan something and Robin and I joined right in. They could make us do anything. We adored our big brothers."

"Still do from what I've seen."

"Yes, we are close." She said fondly

"Favorite movie?"

"Used to be _Sound of Music._ "

"Chick flick" he joked "And now? What was the last movie you liked?"

"Uhh" she said stupidly

"I know you can't see it but do you listen to them as Robin watches them?"

"No."

"My grandmother used to have me describe scenes to her or she loved to tell me what she was imagining with the character dialogue and the background music. Sometimes she came pretty close to what was happening and sometimes her scene was better."

"Robin already has to do so much for me. If she is watching TV then it is her few minutes of down time and I'm not going to bother her unless absolutely necessary. She works so hard at her craft."

"And it shows. Her work is beautiful. Thank whoever is giving me those shelves."

"I will."

"Anyway, back to the movie. Pick one and I'll bring it over and we can watch it together."

"I'll think about one. Now you, favorite movie?"

"The old ones." He answered and then went on to tell her about his other favorites. He told her it was getting dark and they should probably head back to her house. He guided her home and saw her inside. "Staying for dinner, Ethan? Martha brought us food today so you are safe to eat the cooking." Robin said

"Please stay." Rachel urged "I'm sorry I didn't think of it first."

"Sure. I'd be glad too." He told Robin then waited until she walked away to talk to Rachel. He wrapped her in a headlock and rubbed his knuckles in her hair giving her a "nuggie" and growled "don't start that apologizing again."

Rachel laughed at his antics "Did you just give me a nuggie?" she joked

"Yes and you deserved it." He laughed back.

"Hey, I'm a blind person you know."

"Yeah, so?"

"Didn't you know that you are supposed to treat me differently? As if I would break if you joked with me?" she asked pretending to be appalled at his behavior.

"Yeah, that's gonna happen anytime now sweets. You may be blind, but you are just like the rest of us. Deal with it."

"Come here." She said motioning with her hand

"I'm right here in front of you" he said. She cautiously put her hand on his arm to find out where he was then she reached up and gave him a hug. "Thank you" she whispered in his ear. He returned her hug and asked "What for?"

She stepped back from hugging him and explained "For treating me like an almost normal person."

"I hate to be the one to break this too you dear, but you are a normal person." He whispered like he was telling her a highly classified secret.

"Not to everyone." She replied a little sadly

"Not to me. And not to your family. Who else matters?"

"No one" she answered as Robin called them to eat. Robin showed Ethan the downstairs washroom and Rachel went with them. As they were seated, Robin led them in prayer. _Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you this day you have made. Thank you for your Son, Jesus and the gift of his life. Bless those at this table that we will do your will. Help us to serve you humbly. In Jesus' Name, Amen._

The three of them talked as they ate and cleaned up. Rachel was self-conscious as she ate but didn't spill. He joked with her and she threw soap suds at him. "Don't make me give you another nuggie." He threaten

"You gave her a nuggie?" Robin asked

"Yes, and she deserved it. And I'll do it again if she apologizes to me again when it isn't necessary."

Robin had to turn away as the twinkle started in her eyes. Ethan would see her joy if she didn't watch it.

"Knock it off Robin. I can hear you thinking." Rachel stated as she rinsed the dishes.

"What did I do?" she tried to ask seriously "I'll leave you all to finish up, I have some work to do. By the way, Ethan, I should have your shelves done by the first of next week. Would the next Saturday work to install them?"

"Sure, I'll even fix the three of you lunch."

"It's a deal." Robin agreed leaving them alone.

"She's gloating again." Rachel stated

"I think she is just happy for you."

"Why? We haven't decided anything yet."

"Yeah, we may need to discuss that a little."

"Okay, are we done in here?"

"Looks clean and all the dishes are done." He said

"Let's go sit in the living room." She offered. Rachel led the way into the living room and sat down. Ethan sat beside her and took hold of her hand. When she didn't say anything, he began to pray aloud _Lord God, we need your guidance as to where you want us to go with our friendship. Help us to discuss things open and honestly. In Jesus Name, Amen_

Rachel sat waiting for Ethan to bring up a topic. She wasn't uncomfortable in the silence but she also didn't know what he wanted to discuss. After a few moments, he spoke up "How old are you?"

"Twenty-five. How old are you?"

"Twenty-eight. Have you dated a lot?"

"No. I was injured when I was fifteen. It took a long time to heal and then to learn to be blind took me a long time. And with my scars, I wasn't comfortable."

"What do the scars have to do with anything?"

"You're kidding. They feel ugly, they have to look that way also."

"In other words, you think you are ugly so no one would want to date you?"

"Yes."

"You are wrong." He said sternly

"No. I'm not." She said just as sternly

"Then why I am sitting here?"

"We aren't dating but to answer your question, I don't know why you are sitting here? It wasn't supposed to be that way. Yesterday morning, I was going about my business without any thoughts to you and I getting to know one another and now here we are."

"We are on totally different tracks of thought here." He said

"We are?" she asked

"Yeah to some degree. Let's go back and get on the same track."

"Okay, how do we do that?"

"We ask questions and we make things clear."

"Okay." She answered

"Okay, first of all, when Robin first gave me slight confirmation that you might be behind all these things that kept just happening, I prayed and thanked God for a wonderful new friend. Are we on the same track of thinking we are friends?"

"Yes. We moved into that pretty fast now that I think about it."

"In just a couple of days you mean?"

"Yes. Maybe I should explain something so you'll see my point of view."

"Okay, I'm listening."

"I'm used to being a voice on the phone. I help if I'm able, but I stay in the background. When you called me and asked for information on my work, I didn't expect anything other than that. Even when you were brought on as our preacher, I didn't expect anything. If I could help you I would. Once you mentioned something about meeting me at church or looking forward to meeting me I don't remember exactly what you said but I remember my response. It was not likely. It wasn't anything against you, but it was just my way to stay in the background. I never expected you to even care about finding a Rachel who answered a couple of questions for you."

"One day, I heard you talking to someone about how long it was going to take you to paint your house. I thought I can help with that. Organize a couple of people, no big deal. The same way with the other things. No big deal. Why did you care who helped you?"

"You're kidding?"

"No and I'm not done with my story. Anyway, I wasn't going to be friends with Ethan Hayes, I don't do friends. And I certainly didn't think I did male friends. I was just going to be a member of your church and help when I could. So yes, the past couple of days have sort of caught me off guard. I have to adjust some thinking to understand a friendship between you and I. Does that make any sense?"

"No it doesn't. How could you not know what a wonderful friend you are to me and to others probably?" he said strongly and fiercely as he surged off the couch to pace the living room floor.

"Wait a minute. Why are you mad at me? I told you my point of view." Rachel said loudly

"And I didn't like it." Ethan responded loudly

"What are you two yelling about?" Robin asked coming into the living room.

"Nothing" Rachel answered at the same time Ethan pointed to her and said "She's got a screwy point of view."

"Oh dear." Robin sighed

"Then leave and this discussion can be over." Rachel said standing up from the couch. "I don't need you for a friend Ethan Hayes. My life was fine before you came along wanting to know who helped you. You couldn't just leave that alone could you?"

"No, I didn't like that mystery."

"Fine. I'm sorry." She said misunderstanding his words she headed for the doorway. "Good night Robin. Good bye Pastor Hayes." Ethan captured her hand as she went by and stopped her flight. He wrapped his arm around her neck and gave her another nuggie "I told you to stop apologizing to me."

"Let go of me." she laughed

"Are you going to sit down?" he growled at her

"Are you two having fun?" asked Robin watching them wrestle around. "I am. You are very entertaining."

"Tell him to go away." Rachel stated firmly but still smiling "Tell her she's impossible." Ethan said still holding her in a headlock.

"Then leave. I told you to leave two times now."

"Ethan, let go of her. Rachel, sit down." Robin stated ending their battle of wills. "I'm taking a stab in the dark here.." Robin said as they were both seated "She gave you her convoluted point of view about friends and you didn't like it. I'm guessing that you even think it is as convoluted as I do."

"Yes, it is" he answered at the same time Rachel stated "It isn't convoluted."

"Yes, it is" they both shouted at her

"Why do either of you care? And since when are you on the same side?"

"There is no side Rach." answered Robin "And I care probably for the same reason as Ethan. We know you are a great friend and we want you to see that about yourself so you will experience the joy of having friends. Including the stubborn ones like Ethan."

"Hey" he laughed "You were doing good up until that point."

"And you were blowing it. Don't you know she has had years to perfect this convoluted idea and one day is not going to change her mind."

"What are you yelling at him for? He didn't do anything." Rachel growled

"Exactly. He reacted instead of calmly and rationally countering every silly idea of yours about friendship. Good night, I'm going to bed."

"I'm sorry." They both spoke at the same time a moment after Robin left the room.

"I don't even know what to say first and we can't possible cover all this tonight so here goes...I didn't like not knowing who was helping me out so I kept investigating or pushing until I found out. That's my nature. I do want to be friends with you and I think we may already be heading past that even in this short period of time. Maybe that's why I kept pushing, to find a way to get to know you. One simple question, then I'll head home."

"Okay, what is that?"

"Are we on the same track now?"

"That isn't a simple question. And I'm not sure we are on the same track yet but we are much closer." She stated quickly as she heard him start to speak. "I need a little time Ethan. Please!"

"Time to blow me off or change your ideas?"

"I hope to change my ideas."

"So give you a couple of days of space?"

"Not necessarily. We talk and talk some more. We learn about each other. You may find something objectionable about me and then those concerns I mentioned last night are still an issue."

"I'm not even touching those tonight. My head hurts bad enough as it is."

"Are you okay?" she asked extremely concerned

"Yes, just a certain beautiful lady has me so confused." He whispered in her ear.

"Knock it off. Go home and get some rest."

"I'm going but this discussion is far from over." He said helping her stand. "We will finish this on Saturday if not before. I have a busy couple of days, but I'll be in touch."

"Good night Ethan."

"Good night Rachel."

Ethan waited on the porch until he heard the door locks and then headed for his car. His head really did hurt from the confusion and pain he had seen on her face. She really believed she didn't have any friends. That was going to take some time to get her to see differently.

Chapter 5

Saturday morning, Ethan knocked on Rachel's front door. He expected to hear the intercom sound but instead Robin opened the door.

"Come in." she gestured

"Hi" he said stepping inside

"Where are you going with my sister today?" she asked quietly

"It is a surprise but you have my cell number in case you need us." He whispered back "Now go tell her to bring a coat."

"You are no fun whatsoever." She grumbled

"I hear that a lot in my line of work." He said as she walked away

"Hear what?" Rachel asked coming down the stairs

"She told me that I was no fun. And I said I hear that a lot."

"Why did she say you were no fun?" she asked laughing

"Because she wanted to know where we were going and I wouldn't tell her. But she can call if she really needs us." He said loudly for Robin's benefit.

"Where are we going?"

"It's a surprise. Grab your coat and anything else you need and let's go." He said anxiously

Rachel called to Robin for help in finding her coat and then they left in his car. They had talked frequently over the week but no more face to face conversations. She was still thinking and praying about where they were headed but she was beginning to think she already knew. Rachel enjoyed his company far more than expected. He was kind, gentle, playful and easy to be around. He didn't treat her as handicapped just someone who needed some extra assistance every now and then.

She had been daydreaming and not really paying attention to the distance they had traveled so was unsure how far they were from her home. Ethan pulled into a parking space and then went around to help her out of the car. "Trust me, I know what I'm doing. I promise."

"I wouldn't be here if I didn't trust you. Now where are we?"

"We are going to spend the day in mountains. We are going to ride the tramway to the top and then enjoy the snow."

"We are at the tramway to the Sandia Mountains! I haven't been here in years."

"I'm glad. Are you ready?"

"Yes" she said tucking her hand in his arm "Thank you"

"For?"

"Bringing me here, I don't have to see it to enjoy it and most people don't understand that."

"I understand that. My grandmother taught me that."

"Then I'm grateful to her."

"She would have loved you."

"Really, why?"

"The short list is that you are a wonderful, kind, loving, _helpful_ person."

"Thank you." She said shyly

"You are welcome. Sit here and I'm going to go get the tickets." Ethan said helping her take her seat.

"You don't get altitude sickness do you?" he asked as he returned with the tickets

"No. I loved coming here as a kid."

"Good, let's go unless you want to wander around down here first."

"Let's go on the tram." She said excitedly as she stood up. He tucked her hand around him arm again and they went to board the tram. Ethan positioned them near the back of the car. He stood behind her and whispered in her ear the things he was seeing as they ascended the mountain. She was picturing the images in her head and smiling at his words. "You are very good at this." She said after a few minutes. He wrapped his arms around her and leaned over her shoulder "I'm glad you think so. I'm having a great time."

" _MmmmHmmm"_

After the car reached the top, Ethan waited until everyone else had left the car before he directed Rachel out. It was cold outside. He was glad they had prepared for cold windy weather. He looked at her to see if she was too cold and found her smiling gloriously. "It's beautiful. I can feel the sunshine on my face."

"And it makes you look even more beautiful."

Rachel blushed and said a quiet thank you.

Ethan and Rachel walked and hiked some paths around the top of the mountain. He was still describing to her what he saw and she was appreciating the beauty even though she couldn't see it. They were walking along quietly when Rachel decided it was time to discuss something. "Ethan?"

"Yeah" he answered

"We need to talk about something."

"I know. We moved right past the friend stage, didn't we?"

"Yes, we need to slow down a little here. Don't we?"

"I don't know the right answer. I like doing things with you, even arguing."

"Well, I hate arguing."

"But you do it so well." He joked

"I know, unfortunately. I like doing things with you too, but are we doing what we should be doing? Are we taking the time to discover each stage of a relationship? Are we seeking answers from the Lord or just doing what we want?"

"I'm praying about what should happen many times during the day. Maybe something will come along as we progress, but I don't feel like the Lord is closing this door yet. What about you?"

"I don't think so either. But we need to be cautious. You have a reputation to think of and we have a witness to protect."

"You wouldn't hurt my reputation."

"Not for anything in the world would I want to do that, but we have moral code to live by and we don't want to harm your standing in the church or make it seem like you are doing something unseemly."

"We haven't done anything wrong."

"I don't think so either, but would the members agree with us? You have touched me and some people might think that is wrong."

"I have to touch you. What am I supposed to do, lead you around with a rope so we don't touch? Surely they would understand that."

Rachel stopped walking which pulled him to a stop "I know that you have to touch me, Ethan. Look, don't argue with me, listen to me. I don't think the Lord is closing this door either but it still might happen and we need to watch for signs that the church is unhappy with you. And take the steps necessary to fix that if it should happen."

"Why would they have a problem with you?"

"In case you hadn't noticed why I need to hold onto your arm, I'm blind."

"That isn't an answer to my question, you goof." He grumbled

"Okay, I'm presuming the same thing as before...assuming we progress to marriage, most people believe that the pastor's wife has to be perfect and without flaw. She is held to a higher standard; she steps in to fill any open position and basically has to be superwoman. I can't do all that."

"First of all, you are selling yourself short. You can do anything and before you argue with me, I don't want to discuss that right now. Secondly, people are wrong in the way they expect a pastor's wife to be, and I would tell whoever mentioned it to me. No matter what my wife's physical condition was, she can't be anything other than what God has planned for her."

"I'm not disagreeing with you but it could be an issue to some of the church members and we can't just be blind to that fact."

"I hear what you are saying; we need to be cautious and prepared."

"Yes, I'm not going to announce to everyone tomorrow that we had an excursion today. Robin is the only one who knows and I'd like to keep it that way until we are sure of God's plan and timing."

"For the most part I agree, if you want to tell the rest of your family, I don't mind."

"I haven't decided yet. I will not treat you any differently at church than I have the other weeks you have been here."

"So you are going to call me Pastor Hayes?" He groused

"Maybe." She joked "No, I probably couldn't pull that off now. I actually need to apologize for that. That day I called you Pastor Hayes partially was because of respecting your position and partly because I was nervous. It was rude of me and I didn't mean to be. Robin had already started in on me with her matchmaking and I let it get to me and reacted the wrong way. I'm sorry."

"I accept your apology." He said squeezing her hand and then tucking it back in his arm and continued hiking. "Are you warm enough?"

"Yes, I'm fine. Can I ask you a question?"

"Sure."

"What do you look like?"

"Oh man, I knew that would come up. Ask Robin."

"Believe me, I will eventually but now I'm asking you."

Ethan laughed at her comment but went on to describe himself in as few words as possible. "I'm six four, blue eyes, blond hair and I wear contacts."

"That's it, that's all you are going to tell me?" she laughed when rushed through his description.

"Yes." He hissed at her as she laughed at him. "I repeat, ask Robin."

"I was going to, but I couldn't take her gloating anymore."

"I think we better get used to it, I doubt she is going to stop." He laughed. Rachel agreed with him and they continued on their hike. When their legs got tired and cold, they headed back to the tram car and headed down the mountain. Ethan again stood behind her and whispered to her what he saw. As the reached his car, Rachel maneuvered to where she was facing him she thought. "Thank you for bringing me here, it was wonderful." She as she hugged him.

"You are welcome. I had a great time." He said returning her hug. Ethan helped her into the car and then joined her. He took her to a cozy, warm restaurant that wasn't too busy so they had plenty of time to talk and get better acquainted.

As they arrived at Rachel's house, Robin had a message that their mother had called and they were to go over to her house for lunch after church the next day and that Ethan probably had a message at his house with a lunch invitation also.

"Okay, sure. I'll call her when I get home." Ethan stated as he helped Rachel with her coat and all three moved to the living room. Ethan and Rachel finally filled Robin in on what they had done that day.

"Sounds like fun." Robin agreed. Robin and Ethan continued their conversation as Rachel interjected every once in a while. Robin invited Ethan for dinner again but he had to work on his sermon and needed to be heading home. He told Rachel goodnight and Robin showed him to the door. They were still talking several minutes later as Rachel walked downstairs to her office.

Thursday night, Robin and Rachel had a meeting at church. After the meeting, Robin was leading Rachel to their car when she remembered that she needed to ask Ethan a question. "I'll wait right here for you." Rachel agreed and sat down on an outside bench. It was several minutes later when Rachel heard some other church members pass by and overheard their conversation.

"Did you see Robin and Ethan talking just now? It would be so wonderful if they got married. They could do so much good here."

"They did look pretty cozy. But what about Rachel, doesn't Robin take care of her?"

"She could move back home with her parents if they got married. She won't ever get married, she couldn't take care of a household or a husband. Someone thought they saw Ethan and Rachel together earlier this week, I'm glad they were mistaken. Can you imagine her as a preacher's wife?"

"No, she can't do anything. She wouldn't be any help to him."

Rachel sat stunned on the bench as the voices drifted off. She recognized their voices and knew who had these thoughts about her. She had had those thoughts too but to hear them voiced by someone else hurt beyond anything she could imagine.

Robin and Ethan had gotten along rather well this week. It had all started as he had dropped her off last Saturday. And then on Sunday, Robin and Ethan had joked and laughed as he drove them out to their parent's house and all throughout the afternoon and again on the ride home. They hadn't excluded her but they had had plenty to talk about. Ethan had called a couple of time this week but not as much as the week before and each time it had been Robin who answered the phone. They talked each time for several minutes before Robin handed the phone to Rachel.

Rachel sat quietly holding back the tears as she waited for Robin, she wanted to be alone but was dependent on Robin. Those ladies had been right that she couldn't do anything for herself and would never be a help to Ethan. _Dear Lord, I understand your message, you have closed the door on Ethan and I. Thank you for making it clear. Amen._

"I'm back." Robin announced as she approached Rachel. "I'm sorry it took so long. Ethan was going to come say goodnight but he got a phone call. He said he'd see you tomorrow."

"Sure" Rachel responded. Robin helped her to the car and then drove them home. Rachel excused herself and went to her room. She fell on to the bed and let the tears fall silently down her cheeks. She had been such a fool, she had messed up everything. She hadn't let the Lord lead her, she had been selfish and done it her own way. _Please forgive me Lord, I did my will and not yours. Help me to know you more and to be restored to fellowship with you. Not my will but yours. In Jesus Name, Amen._

Rachel got ready for bed and crawled beneath the covers. She needed to talk to Ethan but it was going to take a couple of days to work up to that. Tomorrow she would make some arrangements but it was time to move and let Robin have her freedom.

Friday morning, Rachel was working down in her office early. Robin ventured down to see her. "Hi"

"Hi" Rachel returned "What are you doing today?" she asked

"I have a class all day, but I'll be back to get you for the movie and pie social."

"I'm not going. What would be the point?" Rachel stated "Don't worry about me, I have a lot of work to do here."

"But you should go anyway, you planned it. And Ethan would want you to be there."

"He'll know that I won't be there."

"Okay, I disagree but I'll see you when I get home."

"Sure. Have a good day."

"You too." Robin said leaving Rachel's office.

Rachel heard Robin's car drive away and then called her mother. "Hi Mom, It's Rachel."

"Hello dear. How are you today?"

"I'm okay. Can I borrow Martha today?"

"Sure, let me ask her." Pearl was gone from the phone for a moment and then came back to Rachel. "She said sure. When do you need her?"

"Most of the day and as soon as she can get here without rushing."

"I'll tell her. Is everything okay?"

"Yes. I just need her help. I'll talk to you later."

"Bye Rachel."

Martha knocked on Rachel's door and then let herself in. "Rachel? It's Martha."

"Hi. I'm in my room, can you come in here?" Rachel replied. Martha entered Rachel's room and saw her sitting at the window.

"Hi Sweetie. What did you need my help with?"

"Before I tell you, I need you to promise me confidentiality."

"From whom?"

"From everyone. And if you don't think that is fair, I'll understand."

"What is going on?"

"I've been doing some thinking and I need to leave here and let Robin get on with her life without taking care of me all the time. Will you help me move into a hotel tomorrow and then help me find an apartment and a housekeeper/nurse?"

"I don't understand; did you and Robin have a fight?"

"No. She isn't aware of what I am planning and I'd like to keep it that way. I'll stay here tonight but I want to be packed and tomorrow when she goes to Pastor Hayes house, I'll move out."

"I don't like this Rachel. You need to think about this very carefully. And why are we keeping it a secret?"

"Because my family will try to talk me out of it and I want it to be irreversible by the time they find out. I understand if you don't want to be involved. I'll can call Aunt Lil and go stay with her for a while."

"I'll help you. What are we doing today?"

"Packing up my room. I'll leave my office until I find a permanent home."

"How is Robin going to react to this?"

"I'm not sure, probably relief after she gets used to it."

"I disagree." Martha said sadly "I think she will hate it and be mad at me."

"I don't want to put you in that position. I'll get help from someone else. One of my volunteers will help me."

"Rachel, honey, tell me what is really wrong?"

"Robin has given up her life for me and I realized recently that is extremely unfair to her."

"She won't agree with you. Please think about this a little while longer.

"What if I am holding her back from having a personal life?"

"She has a life and you do not hold her back."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. Please change your mind about doing this today."

"Okay. But please keep this to yourself, I don't want to hurt anyone. I want to do the best thing for everyone."

"I won't tell. Now, since I'm already here, do you need me to fix you some lunch?"

"No. I'll take care of it. I appreciate you coming here for no reason."

"It wasn't for no reason. I got to see you, didn't I? I'll talk to you later at the social tonight."

"No. I'm not going."

"Okay. See you later." Martha said hugging Rachel goodbye.

"Bye Martha. Thanks again."

The crowd was quite large for the movie and pie social but Ethan hadn't seen Rachel yet. He had tried to call her today but was only able to leave her a message. He expected her to arrive with Robin anytime. Ethan got up to speak to the crowd and welcome them to the movie night. "I wanted to thank Rachel Hale for planning this for me but she isn't here yet. But I couldn't have planned this without her help." Ethan went onto introduce the movie and then queued the video and sat down in the back to watch the movie.

Robin came in late to the movie and ended up sitting next to Ethan. "Hi" he whispered as she sat down next to him. "Where's Rachel?"

"She told me she wasn't coming and that you wouldn't expect her."

"Why wouldn't I expect her?" he asked quietly

"She acted like you would know not to expect her."

"I'm going to go call her." He whispered as he snuck out. Ethan was back a moment later. "She didn't answer."

"She acted kind of tired this morning, maybe she is resting."

"Maybe. I haven't heard from her all day."

Ethan and Robin went back to watching the movie and then on to the pie social. Ethan tried again to call Rachel but again just got her voice mail. He asked her to call him as soon as possible, he was worried about her. But even as he was heading to bed later she had not returned his phone call. _Lord, please bless her and help her to be okay. Help us to continue to seek your will with our whole hearts. Help us to have the right heart. In Jesus Name Amen._

Saturday morning, Ethan opened his front door to Robin and expected to find Rachel standing with them. "Good morning Robin, Jeremy."

"Hey Ethan. Ready for your shelves to be installed?" asked Jeremy as he brought in one section of the shelving.

Ethan welcomed them in and as Jeremy went to retrieve the other sections of shelving, Ethan glared at Robin. "Where is she?"

"I don't know. When I knocked on her door this morning, she didn't answer."

"She isn't there or she didn't answer?"

"I don't really know."

"What's wrong lately? I haven't talked to her in a couple of days."

"Maybe she is really busy, I haven't talked to her either."

"Okay. I'm a little concerned though."

"I'm sure it nothing. Relax."

Ethan, Jeremy and Robin spent several hours putting up the shelves. Ethan fixed them lunch. After they were done, he followed Robin back to her house to see Rachel. "Rachel?" Robin called as they were in the house. "Rachel?" she called down to the basement.

"Rachel? It's Ethan. Are you here?"

Robin went to Rachel's room and opened her door quietly in case she was sleeping. Instead of Rachel sleeping she found a mostly empty room. She was stunned, most of Rachel's clothes were gone and her bathroom was pretty empty of personal items. She ran to the phone extension in that room and called her mother.

"Hello?" her mother said as she answered

"Mom, it's Robin. Do you know where Rachel is?"

"No. I haven't sent her. Isn't she there?"

"No and most of her clothes are gone."

"What? Where did she go?" Pearl asked

"I have no idea. I'll call you back when I find her."

"We are coming there."

"No, stay there until I call you. Bye"

Robin hung up and went to find Ethan. "Where is she?" he asked at the look on her face.

"I really have no idea. I don't even know where to look." Robin said worriedly "She doesn't carry a cell phone."

"She will from now on." He said fiercely. "Let's stop and pray before we do anything else. _Lord, please keep Rachel safe until we can find her and bring her home. Help us to find her. In Jesus Name, Amen._

Robin was trying to figure out a next step when the phone rang again.

"Hello" Robin said as she grabbed the phone "Rachel?"

"No honey, it's Martha. I have to tell you something. It's about Rachel."

"Do you know what is going on?"

"Possibly." Martha answered and went on to explain about her conversation the previous day with Rachel. As Martha talked Robin's face got paler and paler. Ethan helped her into a chair before she collapsed. She was crying steadily as Martha finished her story. "I thought I had talked her out of it. She mentioned your Aunt Lil, your dad is calling there right now. I'm sorry, Robin."

"Thanks for telling me Martha. Bye. Have Dad call me if he finds her."

"I will."

Robin disconnected from Martha and laid her head down on the table. She was crying silently as Ethan waited anxiously. "Robin, where is she?"

"No one knows. She is moving out according to Martha. Rachel contacted Martha yesterday and asked for help but Martha thought she had talked her out of it. Rachel was just planning another way I guess."

"Why is she moving out?"

"So I can have my freedom and not have to take care of her anymore." She sobbed again.

"Your freedom? What does that mean?"

"She told Martha that she was holding me back from having a personal life."

"Was she? Did you and Rachel argue?"

"No she wasn't and no we didn't argue. I need her here, she helps me out."

"Why ?" Ethan started to ask as the phone rang again.

"Hello" Robin snatched up the phone

"It's Mom. She isn't at Aunt Lil's."

"Thanks Mom. I'll call you if I hear from her."

"Do you want us to come there?"

"No. She may call there too. Besides Ethan is here."

"Why is Ethan there?"

"Uh" Robin stalled and grimaced at Ethan. She mouthed I'm sorry at him and he took the phone from her.

"Hi Pearl, it's Ethan. Rachel and I are beginning to have a relationship and I came over today to see her and found out she isn't here."

"What kind of relationship?"

"We were working on that. Now, I'm just confused."

"I think we all are. Okay, call us if you hear anything."

"We will." Ethan said hanging up. He had barely handed the phone back to Robin when it rang again.

"Hello" she rushed to answer

"It's Rachel."

"Where are you? What are you doing? Martha told me what you are doing, you can't do this."

"I just wanted to tell you not to wonder where I am. As soon as I find a permanent place to live, I'll get the rest of my stuff."

"No, why are you doing this? I don't need my freedom. I need my sister."

"No, if you don't have me to take care of you can get more done and I won't be a burden to you. I love you too much to do that to you anymore. I'm sorry I did it this long."

"You take care of me just as much as I take care of you. Please Rachel, come home. I don't want you to move out."

"I love you Robin. I'll call every once in a while and then I'll probably see you at Mom and Dad's sometimes. Here's the number of where I am, but I'm doing what's best for you." Rachel gave her the phone number then added "Until I can talk to Ethan next week, please tell him. "The door closed." He'll know what that means. Bye Robin."

"No, wait. He's right here."

"Bye Robin" she said hanging up

"Rachel" Robin screamed into the phone as the dial tone started. She slowly turned the phone off and looked at Ethan.

"Where is she?" he said fiercely

"I'm not supposed to wonder about that. I'm supposed to just wait until I see her sometimes at Mom and Dad's."

"She actually said that? You're not supposed to wonder about her. Has she lost her mind? Did something happen that we don't know about?" he snatched up the piece of paper where Robin had written a number and pulled out his cell phone. The phone rang and rang until he slammed his phone shut.

Robin started to speak as he put his phone away. "She has a message for you. She said she would call you next week but in the meantime I'm supposed to tell you "the door closed" and you would know what that means."

Ethan let the message from Rachel sink in and then his face fell and he nodded. "I do know what she thinks that means. She's telling me that the Lord has closed the door on our friendship or anything more. But she is wrong."

"Are you as confused as I am? What happened between last Saturday and yesterday?"

"Yes, I am as confused as you are, maybe even more so. Call your parents back."

Robin called her parents and told them about Rachel and gave them the number Rachel had left with her. Ethan sat silently at the table with Robin for a time until he decided he was not going to get any answers sitting there. "I'm going to head home but call me if you need anything. And if she calls back, have her call me immediately."

"I pass the message along, but somehow I think I'm done hearing from her."

"I know but I'll be praying otherwise." He said letting himself out the front door. As soon as he arrived home, he went to his home office and began to pray. _Lord, have you closed this door? Are we not supposed to be friends or more? I need a clear message from you and I need to hear from her. Please Lord, help me to put you in priority. Amen._

Chapter 6

Sunday was a repeat of Saturday night, Ethan called and called the number Rachel had left. He even called the Ministry to the Shepherds number but only left a message. When he saw her parents at church, he graciously accepted Pearl's hug and encouragement. Monday morning he went to work at the church and hoped for some communication from Rachel. He checked his email every few minutes and called the phone numbers just as often. _Lord, I need your help with this situation. I don't believe you have closed this door with Rachel, if so then I'll trust in you. I'll trust in your perfect will and perfect timing. In Jesus Name, Amen._

Monday evening just as he was arriving home, his cell phone rang. The number displayed was not familiar to him but he answered anyway.

"Ethan Hayes"

"It's Rachel"

"What are you doing? Why are you doing this? Where are you?"

Rachel didn't answer and he was afraid she had hung up on him. "Rachel, please answer me." Ethan pleaded

"Ethan, I feel bad about doing this over the phone but .."

"Then tell me where you are and I'll come to you."

"And let me leave when I choose?"

"No, I'm taking you to Robin. She is hurt, Rachel."

"I can't change that right now. In time, both of you will understand I that had to do this."

"You did not have to do this. Just explain why you are doing this?"

"I told you the church wouldn't like the idea of you and me and I was right. This is best for everyone, I'm sorry. Goodbye Ethan." She said hanging up. Ethan dialed the number right back and there was no answer. Ethan knelt down on his knees in front of his couch, _Lord, help me to understand and trust in you. I believe she is just what I need and I believe she can be a help to me and this church. Help me to show her that. Amen._ Ethan was slow to rise from his prayers. He was sad and needed to talk to his Lord.

One Sunday morning about six weeks later Ethan and Robin were talking in the church foyer when one of the women in the church came up to them "You two make such a cute couple. I told Mrs. Harper that weeks ago, right outside the church here. We are so happy for you."

Ethan glanced at Robin and cleared his throat. "Mrs. Dillon, we are not a couple and never have been. We are friends."

"But that's why Rachel hasn't been around anymore isn't it? Robin got tired of doing everything for her since you two were dating."

Robin looked ready to give Mrs. Dillon a piece of her mind so Ethan directed both ladies to his office. "Please sit down Mrs. Dillon." He said pointing at a chair in his office. "In a minute, I'm going to let Robin explain a few things to you and I want you to listen very closely. But first, can you recall when you may have talked to Mrs. Harper outside the church?"

"It was a long time ago. Why?"

"Can you be more specific on the day?"

Mrs. Dillon thought for a moment. "It was after a committee meeting that we had here at church."

"Would it have been the day before our movie and pie social? Was Rachel on the committee?"

"Yes, she was at the meeting."

"Were you and Mrs. Harper talking before or after the meeting?"

"It was as we were walking to our cars after the meeting."

"Mrs. Dillon, can you tell me what else you may have talked about that night?"

"Well, I don't remember exactly. I know I mentioned that I thought you two made a cute couple. And one of us mentioned that poor Robin has such a great burden doing everything for Rachel and that we felt sorry for Robin."

"Anything else?" Ethan asked as she paused

"Well, Mrs. Harper mentioned that someone had seen what they thought was you and Rachel around together that week. And we commented that we didn't think Rachel was a good choice for a pastor's wife."

"Mrs. Dillon" Ethan began "I believe that you and Mrs. Harper hurt a very special young woman with your comments. Rachel was within hearing distance and took everything you said to heart. She left her family, she left her home and no one has seen her in six weeks. She missed Thanksgiving and Christmas with her family and we really have no idea where she is. Rachel and I had been around together that week and I hope we can be again. I'm going to let Robin talk to you now and explain to you about her wonderful sister."

"Mrs. Dillon, Rachel has never been a burden to me. In fact, it may actually be the other way around. I can't organize or plan at all. Rachel on the other hand can organize anything and everything. She helps me with my business and I have missed her terribly. She would make an excellent pastor's wife and I hope to see her and Ethan together as the pastor and wife of this church."

"She can really do all that?" asked a stunned Mrs. Dillon

"Yes, she can and does. She has her own business and is very successful. This church needs her and I need my sister back."

"Oh, I'm so sorry. I'll tell Mrs. Harper that we were wrong."

"I would appreciate that Mrs. Dillon" Ethan began "And if you hear anything discussed anywhere else about Rachel Hale, I would really like it if you told me and or stopped the gossip."

"I will. I'm so sorry I hurt her, she is a sweet girl."

"Thank you and if we can find her, I would like for you and Mrs. Harper to apologize. The Bible teaches that we should go to the ones we have wronged and make it right."

"We will. I'm very ashamed of my behavior." She said as she stood to leave

"Let me walk you out." Ethan offered

"No, I'm fine. Will you let me know when you find Rachel?"

Ethan and Robin agreed as Mrs. Dillon left the office. Ethan rubbed his hands over his face as he thought about the last few minutes. "Why did she believe them?" he asked finally

"Because she was unsure of herself and of you two together."

"Why? We had talked about trusting in the Lord and letting him close the door or keep it open."

"If I know Rachel, she was sure that was her sign from the Lord. As you know I'm sure, I was playing matchmaker between you two but it scared her to death. After that first dinner at our parents, we were talking about you and her second comment was about how she couldn't be a good candidate for a pastor's wife. And her first was about her facial scars. So she was running scared for a long time. But I don't get why she thought you and I would make a good couple. Or why all of a sudden she felt like a burden to me? I think Mrs. Dillon and Mrs. Harper must have mentioned that too."

"Probably so. They hit on every one of her fears and it added up to leaving her home and me as soon as she possibly could. Are you having any luck talking to her if she answers the phone?"

"No, I get a quick message every week or two that says she is fine. The only good thing is that she must not have found a permanent place to live yet because her office is still in the basement of the house."

"Well, I've resorted to calling her work and only on rare occasions does she answer and not her staff. She finishes our conversations extremely fast."

"How do we get her to listen to us?" Ethan asked a few minutes later.

"I'm going to call her this afternoon. I'll call you afterwards." She said moving to leave his office.

"Thanks Robin."

A few days later as Ethan was unlocking the door to his house after another frustrating day of trying to talk to Rachel. He felt uneasy about something and had continually prayed for Rachel throughout the day. He felt like needed to continue that praying and that was his plan for the evening.

"Ethan Hayes" he said as he answered his phone.

A very watery voice stated "It is Robin."

"What's wrong? Are you sick?"

"Can you come to University Hospital?"

"What happened to Rachel?"

"She was hit by a car while crossing the street. She is unconscious. She has a broken leg and cuts and bruises."

"I'm on my way." He stated and Robin told him where to come once he arrived. Ethan arrived a short time later and ran to find Rachel's family. They were sitting in the surgery waiting room while she was in surgery. Pearl jumped up to give him a hug and he shook her brothers' and father's hands before sitting down. "How is she?"

"She will be okay. She is in surgery right now." Jacob Hale answered

Ethan suggested that they pray together while they waited. _Lord, please watch over Rachel and her doctors as they perform the surgery. We ask for quick healing for Rachel. In Jesus Name. Amen._

The doctor came to tell them that the surgery had been successful and that she had regained consciousness in the recovery room. He told them she had been moved to a room and that they could go see her. Ethan followed the Hale family to the room but did not enter with them until Robin told him she was still sleeping. He entered the room and saw her bruises and her cast and was just so thankful that he knew where she was again. _Thank you Lord._

Much later that night after her family had left, Ethan remained at her bedside. Since he was a clergy, he was allowed to remain after visiting hours. He talked with God and prayed his thankfulness on her being alive and found. _Help me to make things right again._

"I don't know why you are here, Ethan. But since you are, you might as well talk to me." Rachel said wearily from the bed.

"How did you know it was me?"

Rachel was too tired to stop her next words "My heart knew it was you."

"You are going to hate yourself later when you remember that you admitted that to me. But I won't. I'm very glad to hear it." he said going to her bedside and picking up her hand in his. "Go back to sleep." He whispered to her.

"Ethan, I'm sorry." She murmured

"Everything is going to be okay." He repeated stroking her hair away from her lovely but bruised face. "Everything is going to be okay."

Rachel woke early the next morning and Robin immediately went to her bedside. "It's me."

"Hi" Rachel said quietly. "What happened to me?"

"The police said you were hit by a car crossing the street. If you had been where you were supposed to be at our house, this wouldn't have happened." Robin said fiercely.

"Please don't yell at me. I am doing what I think is best for all of us."

"Well, I'm not yelling yet, but when you get home we will have a very long discussion and I will yell then."

"Robin, if I go home with you, I'll just be a burden on you again."

"Listen to me my dear sister, you have _never_ been a burden on me. We will talk about this later, tell me where you have been living so we can go get your belongings and bring them home."

"But what about you and Ethan? I can't be there if you two are dating."

"We are not dating. You and he are dating."

"You and Ethan should be the couple, not he and I."

"I'm not arguing with you about this. I am just going to tell you this one time and one time only. I am not interested in Ethan that way. He is my friend only."

Rachel started to speak in rebuttal of Robin's statement when the doctor opened the door. "Good Morning, Miss Hale." She stated "I'm Dr. Peters. How are you feeling?"

"Sore" Rachel answered "This is my sister, Robin."

Robin and the doctor exchanged greetings. "You will be able to go home tomorrow as long as you will have someone to help you around the house. You will need to be off your feet for two weeks at least and then possibly a walking cast after that."

"She won't be alone. We live in the same house and we can get some additional help anytime we need it."

"Good. I'll see you tomorrow." Dr. Peters announced as she left the room.

"Robin, you are going to be stuck taking care of me again. I'm sorry."

"Ethan's right to give you a nuggie every time you apologize unnecessarily. I'd do it too but since you are all banged up it wouldn't be fair. I will not be "stuck" taking care of you. I have never felt that way Rachel. Please move back home with me."

"All right." Rachel agreed and told Robin where her belongings were.

"You have been living in a hotel for six weeks?"

"Yes"

"How have you been taking care of yourself?"

"One of my volunteers has been helping me."

"How is that different than me helping you? Aren't you burdening her then?"

"Yes, I didn't have much choice. I was interviewing candidates for a permanent housekeeper/helper job."

"We will finish this discussion at home. Go back to sleep, you need your rest." Robin said as she gently hugged her sister. "I'm glad you are back with me. I missed you."

"I missed you too."

Rachel had been home from the hospital a few days when Ethan stopped by. He went to see Robin in her shop. "Are you ready? Mrs. Dillon and Mrs. Harper are on their way over here."

"I'm ready. She is going to hate this but then we can sort through everything and get our lives back to normal."

Ethan had a huge smile on his face as he spoke "Speak for yourself, I think my life is going to change dramatically."

"And how do you feel about that?" Robin asked smugly

"What is better than fantastic?"

"She isn't sure about you yet, so be patient."

"After the last six weeks, I may have trouble with that. But, we still have lots to talk about." He said opening the door to Robin's shop so they could exit. They walked around to the front of the house and found Mrs. Dillon and Mrs. Harper walking up the walkway in front of the house.

"Good morning." Ethan stated as he shook their hands. "Robin, we will wait here for a minute so you can check on Rachel."

"I'll be right back." Robin said as she opened the front door. She found Rachel reading her Bible as she rested on the couch. "We have company." Robin stated heading back to the front door. Their guests were led into the living room and they took a seat.

"Rachel, it is me, Mrs. Dillon and Mrs. Harper also."

Rachel paled and looked down at her Bible. She put the bookmark in it and closed it as she tried to fight back tears. "Hello" she said very quietly.

"We came to apologize for our bad behavior several weeks ago. Our words were mean and hurtful to you. Pastor Hayes and Robin set me straight on several assumptions I had made and shared with Mrs. Harper. We are very sorry." She finished and Mrs. Harper echoed her apologies.

"Thank you." Rachel said quietly

"We won't keep you any longer and we hope you mend quickly." Mrs. Dillon said as she rose from her chair. "If you need anything, please let me know. I'm a pretty good cook."

Rachel thanked her and Robin led them to the door. Ethan followed her back into see Rachel. "Hi Rachel." He said going to sit on the coffee table beside her. Ethan reached for her hand and squeezed it.

"Why are you here?" Rachel asked Ethan

"You and me and Robin have lots to talk about, don't you think?"

"Is there when you finally come clean about wanting to date each other?"

"We can start with that topic then if you wish. Robin do you want to tell her how wrong she is or should I?"

"I'll start." Robin said fiercely "And you can join in when I'm done."

"You have the floor." He stated

"Rachel, I do not want to date Ethan and he does not want to date me. Why do you think otherwise?"

"Because you get along so well." Rachel yelled losing her temper. "Why wouldn't I think that? And why would he not want to date someone who is well and whole and not handicapped?"

"So what if we got along so well, he is a nice person. You are just scared of what you feel for him."

"That's right. But I am also blind. Why would he...?"

Ethan interrupted "Okay, I can't handle being talked about in the third person. Talk to me Rachel, I'm not going anywhere until you do. Robin is right, I don't want to date her. I want to date _you_." He emphasized.

"How did you all find out about what they said anyway?"

"I'll let you get away with that sidestep for right now." He said "Last Sunday, Mrs. Dillon told Robin and I that we made a cute couple and we set her straight on that. At the same time she mentioned that she had told Mrs. Harper "that very thing right outside the church building". Robin and I sat her down in my office and she told us the whole story of what they said. We assumed you were sitting outside and heard them talking."

"I did. They were right, I'm not a help to you. Either of you. I wouldn't make a good pastor's wife and you two probably do make a cute couple."

"Will you stop saying that? I don't want that getting around." Robin stated fiercely

"Why not?" Rachel and Ethan asked in unison.

"Because it might discourage others from asking me out." She said vaguely

"Like who?" Rachel asked

"None of that matter's right now." Robin tried to evade answering

"Like Tom Green?" asked Ethan

Robin jumped up from her chair and hurried to the kitchen.

"Where did she go and how did you know that?" Rachel asked

"She ran to the kitchen and it was a hopeful guess. He has been talking to me about her."

"Are you serious?"

"Yes." He answered Rachel. "Robin, we will table that discussion for now. Come back out here." He shouted towards the kitchen.

"My personal life is not up for discussion right now. We are discussing you, dearest sister."

"She is right again" commented Ethan "How did you even assume we would want to date? I thought I was pretty clear on my preference of Hale sisters."

"Why would you want this face when hers is perfect?" shouted Rachel as she pointed to her scars

"I'm not even going there sister dear." Robin shouted back. "How do you know his face is perfect? Maybe he isn't so handsome and you are prettier than he is?"

"She is prettier than me." Ethan answered

"I am not." Rachel countered "And who cares if you have a scar?"

Ethan smacked his head in his hand. "But it is supposed to matter to me that you do? How is that logical?"

"It just is." Rachel defended

"No, it isn't" Robin laughed at her. "I'm tired of that subject and I'm moving on. How and why did you think you had suddenly become a _burden_ to me and why did I need my _freedom_ from taking care of you?"

"They said they felt sorry for you and how you were always helping me."

"And you listened to them?" Robin shouted "You take care of me just as much as I take care of you. We are family and I love having you here. I need your help as I always have."

"What have I ever done for you?"

"You take calls for my business. You write emails to people for me. You find me business."

"So, big deal."

"It is a big deal. You keep me on track and I need that."

"You could do that without me."

"You are so stubborn." Robin stated exasperated. "Fine. But if I ever find out you are leaving me again except to get married, I'm trapping you in that dungeon you call an office and throwing you a scrap of food once a day." Robin shouted "I love you dear sister. Please stay here with me." she said calmly and sincerely "My personal life is not affected by you in anyway."

"I'll stay." Rachel stated

"Good. Now, is my part in this discussion over with? Can I leave you two here and let you have your discussion in private?"

"Ethan is leaving. We have nothing to discuss." Rachel said

"Goodbye Robin." Ethan stated firmly "Rachel and I have plenty to discuss."

"I'll pray for you Ethan." Robin spoke as she left the room.

"That's a great idea." He said taking Rachel's hand in his. _Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for bringing Rachel back and thank you for her injuries not being more severe. Help us to discuss things rationally and calmly and to remember it is your will not ours. If we are to take further steps in our relationship, help us to do it with you as our first priority. Thank you for loving us more than anything imaginable. In Jesus Name. Amen._ Ethan continued to hold her hand as he began to speak.

"I am so glad you have been found." He said with emphasis

"I wasn't lost. I left. And the Lord closed the door on you and me."

"I don't believe that anymore than you do. You are scared of not living up to some ideal of a pastor's wife and you _think_ the Lord closed this door."

"It looks pretty closed to me. The church would not be pleased with me as the pastor's wife."

"And if it comes to us getting married and the church is unhappy, I'll resign and go somewhere else. It isn't a church I would want to pastor if they could not see the real you."

"They do see the real me, helpless."

"You are not helpless and if you tell me that again I'll give you another nuggie."

"I have a broken leg remember." She said firmly

"And it has nothing to do with your head. Why do you insist on thinking you are helpless?"

"Because I can't cook, I can't clean house, I can't do other things around the house. I have to be taken anywhere I need to go."

"Not being able to do those things does not make you helpless. I can do those things or we can hire household help. Are you really thinking and listening to the Lord or are you worrying needlessly about the small stuff?"

"Isn't thinking about those things important?"

"Not really. God wants your whole heart and your focus to be on him. He is your first priority, I would be second place just as you would be second place for me if we get married."

"And how would I take care of you?"

"Don't you remember the painting, the shelves, my car, the cleaning at the church? You have already proven you could take care of me."

"That wasn't taking care of you. That was helping out with a few things."

"It most certainly was taking care of me."

"It wasn't either."

"Okay, then what do you consider taking care of me?"

"Things around the house, running errands for you, taking on things that you don't have time to do."

"Like a pie social? Or getting the painting done on my house? Or getting my car fixed?"

"Yes. No. Don't sidetrack me. You are not hearing me."

"I'm hearing you but I'm going to not argue with you anymore. I'm just going to say this, so ours wouldn't be a traditional marriage but even if you had sight it would not be you staying at home to "run the house". You have a business to run. I want you to expand that business and do whatever can be done to help other ministers."

"But what would people think if I didn't keep my own house?"

"Who cares? I don't. I want you to put God first in your life and allow him to direct your path. That's it; that is all I want. If that is happening for you, then all other things fall in the right priority including me. I have no doubts that you would do a wonderful job of taking care of me and if I don't have any doubts, why should you?"

"That is too easy, isn't it?" she conceded

"No, sweetheart, it isn't any more complicated than that. If it is our life, then how we run it is our business not the church members. You take care of me to the best of your ability and I would take care of you to the best of mine. There is no perfect picture of how our life should look. We will have ups and downs just like everyone else. But we put God first and trust in what he has for us."

"And if I'm still worried?"

"Confess it for the sin that it is and ask for help in clearing up your concerns."

"Why do you want to bother with me?" she asked sadly

"Rachel, will you do me a huge favor?"

"I'll try." She answered

"Lose the words "bother" and "burden" from your vocabulary."

"Why?"

"Because those words are hard on your self-esteem and they do not apply to you. You do not have the personality of someone who is a bother or a burden, so please stop thinking about yourself like that."

"I'll work on that." She agreed

"Good. Now on to the next subject..."

"Which is?"

"You and me. Honest answer, do you really think the Lord has closed the door on us?"

"No and I'm sorry I listened to those ladies' comments. It just seemed that they voiced all my fears in one conversation and it scared me. Instead of trusting in you and in prayer, I jumped to a big conclusion. I'm very sorry. Will you forgive me?"

"Yes, I will. I'm sorry if my getting along with Robin made you feel insecure. I should have been more sensitive."

"And I should have been less sensitive. I have some fears to confess to the Lord and work to resolve. I'll make that a top priority."

"Talk to me if those fears start to get the better of you again. Leaving was not a good solution, I missed you and your family missed you."

"I missed you too. And of course my family, but I _missed_ you." She said with emphasis.

"My prayer life was fabulous the last six weeks is the only thing good I can say about your absence. Now are we on the same thought wave, we continue to get to know each other until the Lord really tells us He has closed this door?"

"Yes, I'd like that."

"Me too." He said squeezing her hand again. "How are you feeling?"

"I am still sore and my head hurts some."

Ethan stood up from his seat. "I'm going to go talk to Robin for a couple of minutes while you rest. I also have a surprise for you in my car. I'll be right back."

"Get the story on Tom Green for me."

"That is going to be our topic of discussion, he has asked me to speak to her on his behalf."

"Really?"

"Yes, do you want me to drag her in here so you can hear the discussion?"

"No, that isn't fair to Tom."

"No, it isn't. I'll be right back." He said squeezing her hand. "Close your eyes and rest for a while."

Rachel nodded and moved to get comfortable on the couch. Ethan went out to Robin's shop. "Hi" he stated as he opened the door

"Is she okay? Are you all okay?"

"Yes, she is resting for a few minutes and we are back on track together."

"Did she explain why she did all of this?"

"You know why, she was scared. But that isn't why I came out here."

"Don't embarrass me." she said firmly as she assumed what the topic of conversation was going to be

"I'm not trying to do that. I have been asked to speak to you on someone's behalf."

"What exactly does that mean?"

"I'm going to assume you know it was Tom Green."

"Yeah, I assumed that too from your comment in the house."

"He has casually mentioned you to me several times in the conversations we have had since I moved here. However, he met with me last week and made it a little more specific."

"I have known him for several years, why didn't he just come to me?"

"He and I have become pretty good friends and he is fairly shy and a little old fashioned on his dating habits. And I'm not trying to be "high school" he wants to know what you think of him kind of a thing, I'm just mentioning him to you. But maybe I didn't need too?" Ethan asked

"No, not really." She replied embarrassed. "What now?"

"I step out of the middle and you two take it from here. If either of you needs me, you know how to contact me."

"What are you going to tell him?"

"That he didn't need my help."

"That's a little obvious don't you think?"

"No reason not to be, is there?"

"Only complete embarrassment." Robin answered hiding her face

"From a guy's perspective, he is going to be relieved that he doesn't need to be as nervous as I was trying to get Rachel to be interested in me. Asking someone out when you have no knowledge of their interest level is a little daunting and I'm not sure Tom would ever do it."

"Probably not." She smiled shyly "When are you going to tell him?"

Ethan reached for his cell phone and dialed Tom's number. As he heard the ringing, he handed the phone to Robin, "Personally, I'd rather you do it yourself." Ethan left the shop and headed for the house.

"Hi Ethan" Tom answered

"Actually, it is Robin Hale"

"Hi. Why do you have Ethan's phone?"

"Can't you guess?"

"Afraid to hope is probably more accurate. Did he talk to you?"

"Yes, but you didn't need his help. You had my attention already."

"Have I been that clueless?"

"No. I have kept it to myself too. And ever since Rachel disappeared, I have been a lot preoccupied."

"I guess I am surprised and embarrassed."

"Me too. But let's not be embarrassed, let's go on from here."

"When Rachel gets back on her feet, will you go out to dinner with me?"

"Yes, but we don't need to base the timing on Rachel. We can go anytime it fits into our schedules. I have any number of people who can help Rachel while I am gone."

"Are you comfortable with that?"

"Tom, have long have we known each other?"

"Three or so years."

"Were we ever this nervous before?"

"Yes, I was."

"I need to give Ethan back his phone so call me on my house phone or come pick me up for a coffee date."

"I'll be there in an hour."

"Bye."

Robin walked back into the house to find Rachel holding a huge stuffed puppy. "Wow" she said handing Ethan his phone. "Where did you get that?"

"Ethan said I needed some company while I lay here on the couch. Is he cute?"

"Yes, he is and he looks to be good company. Ethan, can I ask you a question?"

"Sure."

"Can you hang around with Rachel for a while?"

"I was planning too. Actually I took the rest of the week off."

"Good. Rachel, you okay with that?"

"Yes. We are going to watch a movie."

"Okay" she mumbled. "I'll have my cell phone if you need me."

"Got it." Rachel replied "I'm assuming we are about to have more company."

"I figured Ethan already told you."

"No, that is your business." Ethan answered

"Thanks. Yes, Tom is coming and we are going for coffee."

"Have fun." Rachel smiled

"Thanks. Martha sent me a text message that she was coming with dinner tonight. We should be back by then."

"Invite Tom for dinner if you feel comfortable with that." Rachel commented

"We'll see." Robin said turning to leave the room.

Robin went to change her clothes and returned to the living room a few minutes before Tom rang the doorbell. Robin went to let him in and led him to the living room.

Tom said "How are you feeling, Rachel?"

"I'm sore but I'll heal. How are you?"

"Nervous" he whispered

"I know the feeling." Rachel whispered back

"I'm ready to go if you are Tom." Robin interrupted and Tom moved to leave the room. Robin reminded Rachel that she had her phone with her and they left the house. Tom handed Robin into his car and then walked around to the driver's side. As they drove away he asked "Why was Ethan there with Rachel?"

"Well, it isn't a big secret but it isn't widely known either, but they have been working on a relationship for a while now." Robin answered

"That would be great to see them together at church. Your sister is as wonderful as you are."

"Thank you and can you tell her that about fifty times every time you see her? She won't see that about herself."

"That's why she hasn't been around in a while isn't it? I thought something was wrong with Ethan but he was quiet on the reason."

"Yeah, that's a long story for another time if she wants to tell you."

"It isn't my business anyway." Tom agreed as they reached the coffee shop.

Chapter 7

Ethan was watching Rachel sleep. She still had numerous bruises and cuts on her face and arms but he was just glad she was here with him. _Thank you again Lord they we are moving forward with our relationship. Help me to show her that the things she is worrying over are not an issue. Amen._

Ethan was still praying and reading when he heard the back door open, he saw that it hadn't disturbed Rachel but he went to investigate. "Hi Martha" he said quietly as he entered the kitchen

"Hi Pastor Hayes." She replied surprised "Where's Robin?"

"She went somewhere and I'm helping Rachel."

"How is she?"

"Sleeping finally." He answered "I put her to sleep watching a movie."

"Good, she will heal faster with rest. Isn't it great to have her back? I missed her so much."

"Me too." He agreed enthusiastically

"I heard something about that." Martha teased him "Personally, I think you make a fabulous couple."

"Thank you, so do I. Now I have to convince her." He said pointing over his shoulder

"I don't think that is the issue as much as it is how to convince her she isn't bothering anyone."

"I better not hear that word out of her mouth ever again." He growled and Martha chuckled "That's my Rachel."

"Robin, are you here?" Rachel called from the living room

"She is not back yet." Ethan answered coming into the living room "What do you need?"

"Well, to know if you were still here first of all and if you could help me up?"

"Sure. Martha's here too." Ethan said helping her to stand and get her balance as he handed her the crutches.

"Hi sweetie" Martha said going to Rachel's other side. "Can I help you?"

Rachel told her what help she needed as she headed towards to restroom to freshen up. They returned a few minutes later and Rachel's hair was combed. "It is good to be up for a minute" She said entering the room "but these crutches are brutal. Two weeks of these things is going to seem like an eternity."

"You are tough enough to handle it." Ethan joked with her as he helped her to settle back on the couch. "I have faith in you." He spoke quietly as Martha left the room with a smile at him.

"Thanks" Rachel replied shyly "Sorry I crashed during your movie."

Ethan wrapped her in a head lock and gave her a nuggie before she finished the apology. Rachel grabbed a pillow and started beating him with it. "Hey, I'm injured here, I get special treatment." She laughed

"Maybe, but what you don't get to do is apologize unnecessarily." He growled playfully at her. "I don't care if you fell asleep during the movie. I just don't care about those things."

"What do you care about? What makes you the most angry?"

"Good question." He said then thought about his answer "Petty squabbles in the church probably. Injustice to a child, like child abuse. A man not being the head of his family and properly taking care of them. Those are probably the biggest for me. What about you, what makes you the most angry?"

"Child abuse is a biggie for me too. I'm not sure how I'll be if I become a mother, but abusing them is abhorrent behavior."

"Let's talk about you becoming a mother." Ethan stated "Do you want to be a mother? And why are you unsure?"

"I want to be a mother if the father is able to take up some of the responsibilities that I won't be able to do."

"Like what?"

"Reading to them, helping them learn to ride a bike, stuff like that. Do you want to be a father some day?"

"Sure, if I have a mother for them that will teach them to be as strong and independent as she is and will love them more than they can imagine. And if she teaches them to read Braille."

Rachel was surprised for moment "Isn't that jumping ahead a few stages?"

"Yes" Ethan answered "Isn't that our end goal though? Are we working towards that until the Lord shows us differently?"

"I think so, I just was unsure of how much we wanted to talk about a possible marriage."

"I want to talk seriously about it. It will help to sort out our feelings, whether or not we are thinking in the same direction, and it will help us to know if it is a step we want to take together. We need to learn things about each other that you won't learn if you just date. Do you agree?"

"Yes, I think it will help me be more confident in you. I don't want to be insecure about you."

"I don't want that either. You are strong and independent about everything but me and that concerns me greatly so I am going to be upfront with you about what I feel. Are you ready?"

"Uh yes, I think so."

"Okay, sit up for a moment" he said lifting her head. He sat down on the couch and helped her to lie facing him with her head resting on his arm. Ethan gently took hold of her hand and kissed it then placed over his heart. "You know I would never lie to you and tell you half truths right?"

"Yes"

"So you will trust and believe what I am about to tell you?"

"Yes" she answered

"And this is not a discussion or an argument. I'm telling you from my heart what I feel. Understand?"

"I understand."

Ethan leaned forward and gave her a gentle kiss on the forehead "I care very much for you Rachel Allison Hale. I have spent much time in prayer over the last weeks and I don't have any doubts that we are heading towards a marriage. I don't really believe you have doubts about that either and I think that scares you. But anyway, at first when you ran away I was hurt and upset and angry. I gave the situation to the Lord though and I trusted in His timing. I had to because I didn't understand why you ran away. I didn't understand why you ran without talking to me but now I think I do. You were scared."

Rachel nodded. Ethan continued "I don't have a picture of an ideal wife in my head, I never have. I have qualities I want in a wife and values I want a wife to have and you exceed those. We have time to learn about each other and grow more comfortable together and put God first in our relationship." Ethan took her hand in his again and kissed it. "I love you."

"Oh Ethan" Rachel was crying as she reached her arm up around his neck and he pulled her close for a hug. Rachel eased back from their hug a moment later "I'm sorry I hurt you. I believed at the time it was best for you if I wasn't around."

"I know." He answered solemnly "But I don't want you to ever think that again or act on it. If we need to end our relationship, then we talk about it and decide that as adults. But even still, we part as friends."

"I promise." Rachel pledged

"I promise too." Ethan pledged also.

Martha came to tell Ethan how much longer dinner needed to cook and then she kissed Rachel goodbye and left. Ethan went to check on dinner and was in the kitchen when Tom and Robin came through the back door.

"Hi" Robin said as they entered "How's Rachel?"

"She is fine. I put her to sleep with my choice of movie and she slept for a while."

"I'm going to go check on her then I'll be right back to put dinner on. Tom you can come with me or stay with Ethan."

"Tom and I can handle dinner; we will call you when we are ready." Ethan volunteered

"Okay." Robin smiled as she left the kitchen.

In the living room, Rachel was lying quietly but not reading. Robin was unsure if she was sleeping. "I'm awake." Rachel stated as she heard someone approach.

"Hi"

"Hi yourself. How are you?"

Robin sat down close to Rachel and whispered "Am I dreaming?"

"Not unless I am too." Rachel whispered back "Did you get along?"

"Really well, he is staying for dinner."

"That's great. How long have you felt this way about him and why didn't you ever tell me?"

"I wish I had then maybe you wouldn't have disappeared on me."

"You didn't answer my questions."

"A long time and I was not sure anything would ever come from it."

"And now how do you feel?"

"Stunned. You are sure I'm awake." Robin chuckled

"Yes. And I am happy for you."

In the kitchen, Ethan was talking to Tom on the same subject. "How did it go?" Ethan asked

"Very well. We had plenty to talk about and the time went too fast."

"And what's next?"

Tom chuckled at the question "We get to know each other as something besides music minister and choir member."

"I'm glad for you." Ethan smiled at him

"And I guess I should say the same for you. You have been quiet about you and Rachel."

"Well, it was pretty new still when she disappeared and then while she was gone, I wasn't sure where I stood anymore."

"And now?"

"We are good again."

"Congratulations" Tom stated

"To you too" Ethan returned. Ethan called them to dinner as Robin asked how she was feeling. Robin and Ethan helped Rachel to stand and get to the table. Ethan volunteered to pray _Dear Heavenly Father, We thank you for your answers to prayer. Please help us to put you first in our lives so that our priorities are your priorities. Nourish us with this food. In Jesus Name, Amen._

The four were sort of quiet as they began to eat. After dinner Robin moved to clear the table. Rachel was getting tired so Ethan helped her back to the couch. "Can I get you anything, sweetheart?" he asked concerned "you look really pale."

"I hurt, I should have some pain pills around here somewhere."

"I'll find them." He said going to the kitchen to see Robin. "She needs a pain pill, do you know where they are?"

"Right here." She said handing him the bottle from the countertop. "Is she okay?"

"She is really pale, hopefully this will help." He said returning to the living room. "Here it is." He said handing Rachel the bottle.

"Just relax for a while until it starts to work." He said smoothing her hair off her face. "Tell me what to do to make you feel better."

"You are doing it." She said smiling. Rachel laid her head against his shoulder and thought about how good he was to her. Ethan continued to caress her face gently until the medicine began to work and her pain decreased. Rachel was getting sleepy and Ethan decided to head home.

"Can I come see you tomorrow?" he asked her

"Well, my schedule is pretty full with lying here on the couch all day, but I can squeeze you in?" she joked

"Then pencil me in for afternoon and beyond." He retorted

"With pleasure." She smiled at him. He kissed her forehead and stood to leave. "I'm going to go say good night to Tom and Robin then head out the kitchen door. Sleep well, sweetheart."

"You too." She said snuggling the stuffed animal he had given her.

As Robin and Rachel were finishing their lunch the next day, there was a knock at the back door. Robin went to look out the window and saw Ethan and Tom standing there.

"Hi" she said opening the door

"We checked the shop first in case you were in there, we didn't want to make Rachel get up to answer the intercom." Ethan stated to Robin. "Hi sweetheart" he said kissing the top of Rachel's head. "Hi" she smiled at him

"Hi Tom" Robin said shyly but smiling brightly

"I know I wasn't expected. I just wanted to drop these plans off." He said nervously

"And I refused to bring them so he had too." Ethan gloated

"You don't have to play matchmaker now Ethan." Robin groaned

Ethan continued to smile knowingly at her. "Come on in Tom" Robin said laughing "And unexpected or not, I'm glad to see you." Tom entered and came to see Rachel

"Hi Rachel"

"Hi Tom, how are you today?"

"I'm great, how are you?"

"I'm great too."

"Did she play matchmaker with you and Ethan?"

"We are letting her believe that she did." Ethan answered laughing at Robin.

"You could just not tell him everything." She glared at Ethan "Tom, would you like to follow me out to my shop so I can look these plans over?"

"I really didn't come to interrupt you if you are working." Tom apologized

"You are not interrupting me." Robin smiled "Come on".

Ethan and Rachel moved to the living room as Tom and Robin left the house. "You refused to bring the plans over here?"

"Not technically. I knew he wanted to see her. He paced my office most of the morning without saying much. He would leave and then come right back and start sentences then stop midway through them. He called me Pastor Hayes three times and called Amanda "Robin" at least four times. He was a nervous wreck so I "forced" him to come over here."

"You are enjoying this, aren't you?"

"Oh, yeah. Very much so. But enough about them, how are you feeling?"

"My leg hurts. But I am paying attention to the medicine schedule today so it doesn't get as bad as last night."

"I'm sorry about that, I really didn't even think about it. I was just so happy to have talked things over with you and to be spending time with you that I forgot."

"It's okay." She said "How are you today by the way?"

"I'm fabulous. I had a call from my parents this morning. They are coming for a visit."

"That's exciting news. When are they coming?"

"In a few weeks, you should be off bed rest and be able to do things with us by then."

"Uh, do they want that?"

"Yes. They have been praying for us too. They want to meet you and get to know you and your family."

"What type of things are you going to do while they are here?"

"Sightsee some and I want to have big dinner with all of your family and my family. My father is coming for work and vacation."

"What does he do?"

"He is a United States Senator and he has to meet with some people here."

"A Senator? Tell me that was a joke."

"No, it wasn't. He is a Senator from Florida."

"Oh I'm sure that will make me less nervous.." she said sarcastically "How did I not know that?"

"I hadn't told you I guess. Is it that big of a deal?"

"No, I'm sorry. I would be nervous no matter who they were. I look forward to meeting them. They know about me being..."

"Yes, they know you are stubborn."

"Hey" she laughed "That wasn't what I was going to say."

"I know" he laughed "Yes, they know you cannot see. It will not matter to them; my father's mother is the grandmother I mentioned several times. She lived with us and I got to spend lots of time with her."

"That is so wonderful; you have great memories then to pass along."

"Yes, I do. She is the one who always taught me about Jesus Christ being our Savior and was with me when I accepted his gift of eternal life. I'll pass that along to our kids someday."

"Am I dreaming?"

"No" he chuckled "I said "our kids" just then."

Rachel reached to wipe the tears that had formed as he spoke about their kids. "I'd given up on ever being a mother."

"Sweetheart, you will be a great mother." He said putting his arm around her and gently hugging her.

"I'll try my best." She pledged

"I know you will, you do everything that way."

"How do you know that?" she asked puzzled

"I've been the recipient of your best, remember?"

"I keep telling you that those things were not anything special." She argued

"And I disagree with you." He laughed

"Why are you laughing?"

"Don't try to argue with me today. I'm in too good of a mood."

"I wasn't arguing, I asked why you were laughing."

"Because you wanted to argue about how special you are and I'm not going to do it. I hate to win every argument." He said smugly

"You wouldn't win this one." She grumbled

"Oh yes I would." He said smugly "So what do you want to do today?" he asked before she could argue again.

"Oh you." She nudged him at his change of subject. "I get to lie here on the couch. Yippee" she grumbled

"But you get to spend the afternoon with me though" he said in her ear

"Yes, I do." She said with an instantly changed attitude. "I like that part very much."

"Good. Stretch out on the couch. I'm going to go get Tom and Robin, we have something to discuss."

Rachel nodded and Ethan left to go to Robin's shop. As he approached the door to the shop he saw that Robin was showing Tom around her shop. He seemed to be watching her more than what she was showing him. Ethan opened the door and went in. "Am I forgiven for refusing to bring the plans over?"

Robin blushed and Tom watched her. "Who was mad in the first place? Certainly not me." Robin answered looking at Tom. "He is welcome anytime" she pointed to Tom then turned to point at Ethan "You on the other hand are just being mean because I teased you a little."

"Yeah, whatever." He said smiling "If you can break away from your shop, can you go into the house? I have something to discuss with you two and Rachel."

Robin turned to Tom and he nodded so she responded her agreement and they left the workroom and went into the house as Ethan ran to his car. He entered through the kitchen door a few minutes later and found all three of them in the living room.

"What are we talking about?" Rachel asked as he sat down next to her again.

"My family has a cabin in Colorado and I thought the four of us could take a couple of days and go stay there. There is a place nearby to ski and there is plenty to do at the cabin in the form of entertainment. What do you think? Would you like to go?"

"Can both of us be gone from church at the same time?"

"Sure, why not? Anyone who needed us could call us there. Robin, can you take a few days off from your projects?"

"Absolutely." She said enthusiastically

"Rachel, can you get away from work?" Ethan asked Rachel

"It is my company, I can do what I want." She smiled

"Tom?" Robin asked after Rachel answered

"Sounds great. When are we going?"

The four discussed dates and decided to go sooner rather than later. The next Thursday morning they would leave. Rachel would have a walking cast by then and would be off bed rest. Tom volunteered to drive since his car was a big vehicle with four wheel drive.

"That was a really good idea" Rachel stated to Ethan when they were alone again.

"I thought so too. We need time together and so do they."

"Robin seems different today, more lighthearted."

"She looks really happy. I'm glad for them."

"Me too."

"So when do you get your other cast?"

"Next Tuesday is the doctor's appointment."

"I'm glad for you."

Rachel smiled and him and leaned her head on his shoulder. He moved to wrap his arm around her and they sat talking quietly for a few minutes. Rachel's pain medicine made her sleepy and she went off to sleep as they were talking. Ethan eased away from her and covered her with a blanket as he left the living room.

"Where's Tom?" Ethan asked as he went to Robin's shop.

"He had an appointment. But he is coming back later."

"Rachel says you seem different today." He said smugly

"Go away you are just being mean." Robin grumbled

"No, I'm just teasing. I really just wanted to check on you and make sure you really were okay. Are you?"

"I'm sure I'm dreaming but I'm good."

"Why do you think you are dreaming?"

"Because I was sure Tom wouldn't notice me."

"God's timing is perfect. Trust in that. That is one of the things I learned again from Rachel's leaving me, I didn't believe God had closed that door but I had to trust in Him to bring her back."

"Thank you for the reminder."

"You are welcome. I'm going back in to be with your sister, I'll see you later."

"Ethan" she said stopping his retreat

"Yeah?" he asked from the doorway

"Thank you for talking to Tom and to me and thank you for taking care of Rachel."

"I love Rachel and it is my joy to take care of her."

"She is feeling better about you too."

"Good." He smiled as he closed the workshop door. _Thank you God for you timing being perfect and knowing what we need when we need it. Amen._
Chapter 8

Thursday morning was cold but the sun was shining brightly. Tom picked up Ethan then they headed to pick up Robin and Rachel. "How are you today?" Ethan asked as they started towards the Hale sister's house.

"I'm great. Thank you for inviting us along, I'm really looking forward to this trip."

"I am too. I think we are going to have a great time. And we get to learn more about each other."

"I am glad about that. I've known Robin for years but it wasn't the way I wanted it to be. This trip will give us a head start on digging deeper."

"Exactly." Ethan agreed as they pulled up in front of Rachel's house. Tom and Ethan walked to the front door and rang the bell. Robin opened the door a moment later. "Hi" she exclaimed happily. "Come on in."

Rachel was coming down the stairs as they entered, her progress was slow because of her bulky cast. "Hi Rachel" Ethan said going to the bottom of the stairs. "Do you need any help?"

"Yes, actually. My bag is in my room, can you go get it?"

"Sure" he agreed

"Follow me Ethan and I'll show you the way." Robin volunteered "Rachel, I have our coats and stuff on the chair by the door. Tom, will you help her? Hers is the red one."

"Certainly." Tom reached for the coat Robin had indicated. "Okay, Rachel, here you go." Rachel donned the coat as Ethan was coming back down the stairs. Robin quickly followed and they all left the house. Robin locked up and the gentlemen loaded up their luggage and got Rachel settled in the back seat. Ethan sat in back with her while Robin joined Tom in the front seat.

"Let's pray before we go." Ethan suggested and the other's bowed their heads _Lord God in Heaven, thank you for all you do for us. Please watch over us as we travel. Help this time to be a time of learning for all of us. Help us to serve you and put you first in our lives. In Jesus' Name Amen._

Tom headed out to the highway according to Ethan's directions. They all talked as Tom drove. Robin got to watch Tom as he drove and Ethan got to watch Rachel because he wasn't driving. They arrived at Ethan's cabin about six hours later.

"Oh my" Robin exclaimed as Tom drove up to the cabin Ethan had indicated "I thought this was a cabin, Ethan not a ski lodge. It is huge."

"There is plenty of room for us."

"Rachel, he is exaggerating. It is huge. Ethan, I'll direct Rachel if you get the door."

"Sure." He said exiting the car and going for the front door. He used his key to open the door and was greeted by the housekeeper as he opened it. "Hi Polly"

"Ethan" she greeted warmly "I'm so glad to see you."

"It is good to see you too. Where's Max?"

"He is in town, he is running an errand for me."

"Polly" he said turning to his guests "This is Rachel and Robin Hale and Tom Green. Guys, this is Polly. Polly and her husband Max live here and run the place for my parents."

"It is so nice that you could come here." Polly said welcoming them in.

"Thank you" Rachel replied "It feels huge in here Ethan."

Ethan came to take Rachel from Robin. "Well, it is. This is the hall entrance. I'll walk you around and sort of give you the floor plan." Ethan led Rachel and Tom and Robin followed. There was a warm and inviting fire blazing in the family/game room. Ethan showed them all the downstairs and then led Rachel to the master suite on the first floor. "This is your room Rachel." He said directing them inside. He helped her get acquainted with the placement of the furniture and bathroom that was adjacent to the room. Robin helped her get situated in the room and then followed Ethan to the room he had chosen for her. As Robin got settled in, Ethan showed Tom to his room.

Ethan went back to escort Rachel to the family room where Tom and Robin had already gone. "Make yourself at home. Watch TV, a movie"

"Ethan, this is some cabin." Robin exclaimed

"I guess I better explain a little."

"Might be a good idea." Rachel agreed

"My father is United States Senator Marcus Hayes from Florida."

"Wow" Robin exclaimed "Did you know that Rachel?"

"He told me last week." Rachel answered "I was surprised too."

"Were we the only ones who didn't know this? Does the church know this?"

"Some do." Ethan answered "I don't publicize it. I love my father very much and I agree with his politics on most things but I don't want his views affecting my work at the church. They are coming to visit in a few weeks and so it will become public knowledge shortly."

"That will be wonderful for you Ethan." Tom stated "I look forward to meeting them. I have read some on your father but I never connected the names."

"You will meet them. I am planning a big dinner with you and all of Rachel's family and my parents while they are here."

"Rachel?"

"I knew already." Rachel stated reading Robin's question

"They know about Rachel and all of you." Ethan interrupted "They were my biggest support while she was gone. They were about to hire a private investigator for me to track her down."

"Seriously?" asked Rachel

"Yes, if you hadn't sort of kept in contact with us, I would have let them."

"I'm sorry Ethan. I ...I'm sorry." She said sadly but not being able to speak the words to the emotions she was feeling. Robin read her sister and decided to give her and Ethan some time alone. "So, are there things to see around here if we take a walk?" Robin asked Ethan.

Ethan told them directions to town that was close by and Robin asked Tom if he would go for a walk with her. He agreed and they left a few moments later. "Rachel, you okay?" Robin asked as Tom went to his room to retrieve his coat

"Yeah, I'm okay."

"We'll be back in a while."

"Have fun." Rachel said smiling

As soon as Rachel heard the door close and Ethan came back into the room and sit down beside her, Rachel started to speak. "Can I hold your hand?" she asked shyly

"Absolutely" he agreed taking her of her hand

"Will you listen to my whole explanation before saying anything?"

"I'll try." He agreed solemnly

"I'm so sorry I almost cost your family that expense. I thought that if I stayed around Robin in our house that she would never have the personal life that she wanted. I can only be so independent and it will always be that way. I didn't know her interest in Tom and might have made a small difference. But I was escaping from you too. Those comments from Mrs. Dillon and Mrs. Harper broke my heart. I really liked you and in such a short time period, I knew I couldn't just stop seeing you and be okay with that. I had to not be around you so my heart would heal. It didn't while I was gone. And I know now it is supposed to be full of the love of God and the love I feel for you. I love you Ethan Hayes."

"Do you remember what you said to me in the hospital when I was there late that first night?"

"You visited me in the hospital?"

"Yes, I knew you wouldn't remember but what you said to me healed my broken heart in an instant."

"What did I say?"

Ethan raised her hand to his lips and kissed it gently. He began to tell her what she said and she was stunned. "I told you my heart knew it was you?" she asked incredulously

"Yes you did. And my heart knew in that moment that we were going to be together again. I had no doubts."

"Oh Ethan." She cried as she laid her head on his shoulder. Ethan dropped her hand and wrapped her in a warm hug. Ethan reached to wipe the tears from her face as he released her from the hug. "Why are you crying?" he asked

"Because you are so special to me. I am so thankful that I am here with you."

"Thank you for telling me that." He said "Can I give you a kiss?"

Rachel nodded and Ethan lifted her face to his and leaned over and gave her a soft quick kiss. Rachel smiled at Ethan as he settled her against him. "How do you feel?"

"Fabulous" she answered laughing slightly

Ethan laughed also "I wasn't actually asking about the kiss sweetheart, I was asking about your leg?"

"Oops, sorry." She laughed again. "My leg is okay, it throbs a little bit."

"Well, you just happen to be sitting on the recliner part of the sofa, so let's prop your leg up and see if it stops throbbing." Ethan helped her to recline and get comfortable as Max returned from town.

"Hi Ethan" Max called as he came into the room

"Hey Max" Ethan said going to shake his hand. "This is Rachel Hale. Rachel, this is Max."

"Hi Rachel"

"Hello Max" she said extending her hand. Max shook it and then looked at Ethan. "What is this beautiful creature doing with the likes of you?" he joked with Ethan. "She is too spectacular for you."

"Gee thanks Max." Ethan groaned as Rachel blushed "But yes, she is very beautiful but don't tell her that she is prettier than me, my ego couldn't take it."

"Yeah right" Rachel stated "Robin told me what you look like my friend."

"And she exaggerates, I already knew that."

"I do not." Robin exclaimed as she heard Ethan's comment.

"My goodness, two beautiful women in this room." Max stated as Ethan introduced Tom and Robin. "How did you two get these two exceptional looking females?"

"Max King, you are causing trouble again." Polly said as she came into the room. "Ethan and Tom are bigger than you and will drag you through the snow when they capture you."

"What did I do?" he teased kissing his wife's cheek. "All I did was ask how Ethan ended up with this beautiful woman" he said pointing at Rachel

"Don't pay any attention to him Ethan, he has missed giving you a hard time."

"I know." Ethan said laughing at him. "I missed him too. But stay away from my girl. She might find out some of my secrets."

"Like the fact that I can beat you in a sled race down the hill outside."

"One time, you beat me. One time. I challenge you to a race."

"Let's go. The sleds are all ready for you all."

"You are on." Ethan said. "Do you want to go outside with us?" he asked Rachel

"No" she laughed "I'll stay inside where it is warm. And besides, if he wins then you won't feel bad that I was outside and heard the whole thing."

"I'll beat him." Ethan laughed "Tom? Robin? Are you coming?"

"No, I'll stay with Rachel" Robin said

"I'll go referee" Tom agreed

"Good plan." Polly stated shaking her finger at Max. "Play nice"

"Yes, dear." He said kissing her again. He led Tom and Ethan outside to the shed and picked up the sleds. Tom stayed near the bottom of the hill while Ethan and Max climbed up. Ethan and Max climbed on the respective sleds and the race began.

Inside the cabin, Polly served Rachel and Robin some hot chocolate as they waited for the men to return.

"How was your walk? What is the town like?"

"We had a good time. It is a nice little town. There were some cute shops and we checked out some ski equipment and will probably go skiing tomorrow if you don't mind."

"Why would I mind? Go, have a great time."

"We will then. I really enjoy being with Tom."

"I can tell." Rachel said smiling "You seem much happier and I didn't really know you weren't happy before."

"I wasn't unhappy before. I didn't think about it very much because I didn't want to take the risk of showing my interest and having it be rejected. I was just living my life and praying that if something was to happen, then I'd be ready for it."

"At least you were ready for it. I wasn't and maybe that's why it scared me so much. I wasn't going to date or get married, I was going to run my business and help out that way."

"But aren't you glad that changed?"

"Yes, very much so. I love him."

"I can tell. Did you tell him?"

"Yes, while you were gone earlier. Thanks for going for a walk, I know you read me and knew I needed a moment alone with him."

"It's a twin thing. I knew his comment got to you."

"I have so much to make up to him. He kept believing in us when I couldn't."

"I don't think you should look at like you have so "much to make up to him". Ethan reminded me that God's timing is perfect and maybe the reason and how you went away wasn't right, but God's timing is perfect."

"Thanks, I needed that reminder too. Thanks for always being there for me Robin."

"Thank you right back, Rachel" Robin said hugging her sister. "Can you believe this cabin?" Robin said a few moments later. "It is huge. And his father being a senator? That caught me by surprise."

"Me too. He told me last week that they were looking forward to meeting me. Will you go shopping with me when we get home? I don't have the right clothes to wear for meeting his parents or for the big dinner he is planning."

"Sure, sounds like I need something to wear also." Robin stated "Have you told mom and dad and our brothers yet?"

"No, I don't know when he is planning this yet. I want him to ask them anyway, I think he would prefer to."

"Probably." Robin agreed. As Rachel and Robin sat and enjoyed the fire crackling in the fireplace, the men came back in from sledding. After shedding their coats, the huddled around the fire place to get warm. "Who won?" Robin asked

"I did." Ethan stated proudly then pointed at Max "Tom even beat Max."

"I let you win." Max teased "I didn't want you to look bad in front of your ladies." Ethan and Tom laughed at his teasing and then went to sit by their women.

"Hi" Ethan said taking hold of Rachel's hand

"Whoa, Ethan, that hand is cold" she said trying to shake his hand off

"So? I want to hold nice warm hand." He said teasing her

"Yeah, right." She laughed "I get the feeling this sudden urge to hold my hand is not purely motivated."

"Would I do that?" he asked teasingly

"In a heartbeat." she answered laughing at him "I'll let it go this time." She said quietly "Since I like holding your hand too"

"Even when it is cold?"

"Yes, even then." She agreed. Ethan kept hold of her hand but switched to talk to Tom and Robin.

"Tom tells me you all are going skiing tomorrow?" he asked to Robin

"Yes, we need to go back into town now and get the equipment."

"You are going too aren't you Ethan?" Rachel asked

"No" he answered surprised

"Why not? Isn't that why we came here?"

"Not the only reason we came here, we came for lots of reasons. I hadn't planned to go skiing this time though."

"Please go if you want too." Rachel urged

"But you would be here all alone."

"No I wouldn't. Polly would be here. I spend lots of my time alone. I can read or study."

"I'm not going to go this time."

"Okay, but don't not go on my account. Make it your choice."

"It is my choice."

"Robin, are you ready to go?" Tom asked

"Yes, let me get my coat." She said moving to the door. "Do you want to go with us to wander around the town?"

"I would love too. Ethan, will you wander around with me?"

"It would be my pleasure to wander around with you." He said helping her up from the couch.

Tom drove them to the ski rental store. He helped Robin down from the truck and led her inside leaving Ethan and Rachel at the sidewalk. "Ethan, please go skiing with them. I will be fine on my own."

"I don't want to go. I want to spend my day with you. And I need to work on my sermon for Sunday a little more."

"Are you really sure?" she asked one more time.

"Yes, sweetheart, I'm very sure." He said squeezing her hand with emphasis. "I know you would be fine on your own, but I don't want you to be on your own. I want to be where you are not out skiing. Sometimes when we come here, I'll ski; but not this time."

"Okay" she agreed "Now, will you walk me around? What kind of stores are here?" Ethan began to quickly describe the stores that were around. He told her of the craft stores, the mom and pop bakery, the antiques shops, the bookstore.

"Let's start at the bookstore."

"Somehow I thought you might choose that." He said placing her hand on his arm "You love to read."

"Yes, and listen to recorded books. How did you know that?"

"Every time I talk to you or see you, you have been reading or studying something."

"I guess that is right. I didn't even think about it."

Ethan led her to the bookstore and helped her look around. He read off titles of the recorded books and helped her make a choice of which one she wanted. Ethan picked up a couple of books that he had been wanting to read but hadn't had the opportunity to go shopping yet. They paid for their purchases and wandered back to find Robin and Tom. Ethan saw they coming out of the bakery and led Rachel over there. The two couples headed back to the car and returned to the cabin. After dinner, they talked with Polly and Max until everyone agreed it was time for sleeping. Ethan and Tom wished Rachel and Robin a good night and headed for their rooms. Robin escorted Rachel to her room and helped her around in the unfamiliar room.

"Good night." Rachel said after thanking Robin

"Sleep tight, Sweet dreams" Robin said as she shut the door.

The next day, Ethan told Tom how to get to the ski area and then wished them a good day. Rachel and Ethan spent the day talking or napping or reading. Rachel was studying her Bible but could tell Ethan was watching her. "What?" she asked after a couple of minutes

"I was just watching you."

"Why?"

"Because you are beautiful and I am enjoying looking at you."

Rachel blushed and said a quiet thank you. "I can't read with you watching me."

"Too bad. I guess you will have to learn. It isn't something I am going to stop doing."

"Oh really? Why not?"

"Didn't I just tell you? Because you are beautiful." He said hugging her

Rachel shook her head at him but didn't argue anymore. "I give up with you." She stated then Ethan laughed and kissed her forehead. "You can't win against my arguments can you?" Ethan joked

"I could but I'm not going to even try." Rachel answered laughing "If you want to believe I'm beautiful, I am not going to tell you any different."

"Finally" he whispered

"Finally what?" she asked

"It is just another block down from the wall surrounding you. A wall that needs to breakdown so we can move forward in our relationship. And you not arguing with me on how beautiful you are is a _big_ block down. Thank you."

"I don't want that wall there either, Ethan. I built it over time to protect myself from hurts. Mrs. Dillon and Mrs. Harper are not the first people to ever mention that I couldn't or wouldn't get married. I'm trying Ethan, do you believe that? Will you give me that time to remove that wall?" she asked almost pleading with him

"Hey, hey" he said taking her hand in his "Relax sweetheart, we have all the time you need. I'm not going anywhere and I'm not going to rush you. I know you have things you need to work through, I want to help you if I can. But God is your biggest help and I know you are praying about those things in the wall. I am too."

"I am praying about them and trusting in God's guidance."

Ethan gathered her in his arms and held her close. "I love you Rachel."

"I love you Ethan." Rachel responded

Ethan released her and then took hold of her hand. Rachel leaned her head on his shoulder and enjoyed his strength. "Ethan, what are we going to do about church when I am able to return?"

"Are you asking about how we should be around each other or something else?" He asked clarifying her question.

"Should we act like a couple or still keep it between us?"

Ethan responded "I'm ready for it to be public knowledge. And I don't mean an announcement, just if people see us together and ask then we will tell them. I don't want anyone else talking about us like Mrs. Dillon and Mrs. Harper did. And what would you like to have happen?"

"Not an announcement but not a secret either, just let things happen however they happen."

"There will be some people who will tease us, can you handle that?"

"Yes, I'll be embarrassed probably but it will be okay. I won't run away again, never again."

"Good, we can handle anything if we talk about it."

Ethan was watching a movie while Rachel was sleeping with her head on a pillow in his lap as Tom and Robin returned. "You two look frozen solid." He teased as they settled in the living room close to the fire.

"It was so cold up there." Tom stated "but we had a great time."

"Yes we did. He is a great skier." Robin said smiling at Tom "I was left in the powder so to speak. I am an average skier."

"I really didn't mean to do that. I sort of got carried away once I reached the top of the lift. I' m sorry."

"Don't apologize. I didn't care if you skied ahead of me."

"Next time we go, I promise to stick closer to you." Tom said solemnly.

"That is a nice thought, Tom, but it isn't necessary. If you ski at my speed, you won't have as much fun. I was just fine and I was impressed watching you ski."

Ethan interrupted their discussion. "I think you better give this one up Tom" he chuckled.

"Apparently" Tom agreed moving to the other couch to sit down. "She looks so nice and calm but she is a bit hard headed."

"Sounds familiar" Ethan agreed pointing at Rachel.

"I'm awake and I know you are talking about me." Rachel interjected

"Hey Rachel" Robin said as she moved to sit next to Tom

"Hi Robin." Rachel said sitting up

"What did you two do all day?"

"I worked on my sermon" Ethan answered

"And I read and slept and tried not to interfere with his sermon preparations."

"What?" Ethan exclaimed "You could never interfere, Rach. If you need me for something, never think that my sermon is more important than you. Yes, I need to be prepared when I step up to deliver God's message, but you will be my wife and that is a priority too."

"Wife?" Tom asked surprised "Did I miss something?"

"No" Ethan answered "You didn't. We have talked about marriage and are working towards that."

"That is great news" Tom exclaimed

"Wait a minute, Tom" Rachel stopped him "Don't jump the gun on us. This conversation stays between us for now. The church needs to become more familiar with Ethan and I as a couple before we jump into talking about marriage in a public sense. If they can't accept us, then we may have some decisions to make."

"Why wouldn't they accept you as a couple, Rachel?"

"Didn't Robin tell you why I ran away from home?"

"No, I didn't Rachel" Robin answered

"Before we tell you that story Tom, I need to clarify Rachel's earlier comment." Ethan interjected "I will leave the church and go somewhere else if the church doesn't accept Rachel as my wife. That is the decision we would need to make. The decision won't be to not get married."

"I agree and I said that wrong a moment ago. It will make more sense when you hear the story Tom."

"Good, because right now I'm a little confused." Tom stated

"Rachel, are you telling this story?" Robin asked

"Yes, it is my story to tell." Rachel agreed "Tom, do you remember the movie night just before Thanksgiving?"

"Yes"

Rachel began telling the story of what happened with the ladies from church and how that caused her to run away. "I felt that they were telling me what the church's perspective was and I ran away and would probably still be gone if not for the accident. I still pushed Ethan away even after I came home. I felt that he and Robin should be the ones dating not he and I. Of course that was prior to my having any knowledge of her interest in you."

"Yes, I set her straight real quick when I found that out." Robin interjected "I didn't want anything getting back to you about this. Actually, it was the same day as our first coffee date."

"Can I tell you something, Rachel?" Tom started

"Yes"

"As Robin and I were leaving that day, I asked why Ethan was there with you. Robin told me and my response was that you were as wonderful as she is and I hoped to see you and Ethan together at church. I haven't changed that opinion. In fact, it is even stronger now."

"Thank you Tom, but are the church members going to feel the same way? I know I have friends there but friendship is different than being the pastor's wife. Will they accept that I can't be a typical preacher's wife?"

"What is a typical preacher's wife?" Tom asked Ethan and Robin

"Beats me." Robin answered "Ethan?"

"Her definition" Ethan pointed to Rachel "is that she couldn't be a "perfect, superhuman, I can fill every open position at church" because I'm blind. My definition is that she can only do what God directs her to do."

"Rachel, Ethan is right. If you don't change your definition, you will never measure up even if you had sight. It isn't possible to please others, you have to put your priorities on God and He will direct you. I believe though that the majority of our church members will be glad to see you and Ethan as pastor and wife of our church. The funny thing may be when two single staff members marry twin sisters and the four of us lead our church. Now, that is quite a story."

"Uh Tom?" Ethan pointed to Robin "I think maybe you need to ..."

"Robin, what's wrong?" Tom asked suddenly at her pale face

"Tom, you said "when" we get married."

"Yes, I know I did."

"Are you thinking that far ahead too?"

"Yes" Tom answered then realized what she said "Too?" he questioned

"That is what I said." Robin said happily "Too."

"Uh..." Tom stuttered "I may actually be speechless."

"Why?" asked Robin, Rachel and Ethan asked in unison

"Why?" Tom asked incredulously "I knew I was jumping ahead in thinking about marriage, but I didn't know you were too."

"I'm not suggesting we get married tomorrow Tom." Robin argued

"No, I'm not either and neither is Rachel." Ethan commented "All four of us need to seek wise counsel on marriage but I believe we need to talk as couples with that goal in mind. If you are just "dating", it is too superficial and important issues don't get discussed."

"I agree." Tom said "I just don't want Robin to believe I was rushing her to the altar."

"I don't." Robin said "I was just as surprised to hear you were thinking marriage. Maybe I should worry that you feel rushed."

"I don't feel rushed." Tom smiled at Robin and he wrapped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her close. After a moment Tom asked "Were you done with your story Rachel? We jumped tracks on you."

"My story was just to let you know that I had big concerns that I am the best choice of a wife for Ethan. I acted them out improperly because of being fearful and not letting the Lord lead me. I still believe there could be some issues with the church members and only time will tell on that."

"But she also knows that she is my priority before any church members' opinions on our relationship. I will leave the church and find a new one if necessary." Ethan interjected

"Yes, I do know that now and I am more confident about us."

"I don't really think there will be a problem Ethan." Tom stated

"Me either, but we are prepared for the possibility."

Polly came to tell them that dinner was ready and all four moved to the table with Max and Polly. Ethan led them in their prayer _Lord God, I thank you for the people around this table and what they mean to me. I ask that you lead Rachel and I as well as Tom and Robin in our relationships. Help us with our priorities and help us move out of your way as you love others through us. Thank you for your Son Jesus Christ. In His Name, Amen_

Chapter 9

Rachel walked into the kitchen on Sunday morning after their trip to Colorado. "How do I look?" she asked Robin. "Is my cast real noticeable?"

"You look fine. Ethan will still love you even if your cast shows. You always look _perfect_."

"What's wrong Robin?"

"Nothing" she answered abruptly

"UhHuh and that's why you are snapping at me. Let's try again, what is wrong?"

"You will think I am silly."

"No I won't, tell me. Did I do something wrong?"

"No, it's me. I want Tom to like my outfit and I'm nervous about sitting with him in church and I'm nervous that he won't want me to sit with him at church and how his parents will like me when I meet them eventually and will our brothers tease us unmercifully when they find out and ..."

"Stop" Rachel interrupted "You are worrying over nothing. What is the underlying reason for all of this?"

"I'm nervous. This Sunday is the first time Tom and I will be at church together as a couple. I didn't go last week so today is the first time and I'm nervous."

"Okay, now I'm nervous too. You had to remind me of being with Ethan the first time as his girlfriend."

"I'm sorry."

"Sit down and let's pray about this and then you are going to call Tom." Rachel said listening for Robin to sit down. _Dear Heavenly Father, please calm our nerves about church today. We go to worship you and help us to not let the reactions of others take away from worship. In Jesus Name, Amen._ Rachel ended her prayer and then spoke to Robin "Call Tom"

"Why?"

"Because maybe he is feeling the same way."

"Are you going to call Ethan?"

"Yes, I believe I will."

"Okay, here is the phone to call Ethan. I'll use my cell phone to call Tom."

Rachel dialed Ethan's telephone number and waited for him to answer

"Ethan Hayes" he answered

"Hi"

"Hi sweetheart. Is anything wrong?"

"No, Robin and I are here stressing ourselves out about church today."

"Why?"

"It is kind of a girl thing, we are nervous about being with you and Tom as couples today."

"That isn't a girl thing. I'm a little anxious also. We didn't clarify how much we wanted others to know. Do you want to sit by me before I preach or do you want me to just walk you to your car or do you want to be seen leaving with me as I take you to lunch?"

"I need a little help to answer that, what do you want?"

"First of all, will you go to lunch with me?"

"Yes, I'd love too."

"Wonderful, then that answers part of the question. I would like it if you sat by me before I preach but that might really start the questions."

"I think I'd rather wait on that, I sit in the back so I don't have to walk through as many people to exit. Let me not do it today, and then after I find out if Robin is going to sit near Tom, then she can still walk me out."

"Okay. But if I take you to lunch, I'll be walking you out, won't I?"

"How about if Jeremy walks me to your office as the crowd thins out of the sanctuary?"

"Great idea."

"I'll talk to you at church then."

"Bye sweetheart."

Robin came back into the kitchen as Rachel hung up the phone. "How did your talk go?" Rachel asked Robin

"He was nervous too. What about Ethan?"

"He was anxious too."

"So what did you decide?" Robin asked

"I'm going to sit in the back today and have Jeremy walk me to Ethan's office after the service. Then Ethan is taking me to lunch. And what did you and Tom decide?"

"After the choir leaves the loft, I'll sit in the second pew and he'll sit beside me. And after church, I'll drive home and he will come get me and take me to lunch."

Rachel laughed gently. "Let's start over. Good morning my wonderful sister, how are you today?"

"I'm great. How are you?"

"I'm great too. We are completely nuts."

"Yes we are." Robin agreed going to the coffee pot. "I just had too much time to think and I didn't ask enough questions about what he was thinking. I'm sorry I made you nervous too."

"That's okay. I have one more logistical question. Where are you sitting in relation to where Ethan sits before he preaches?"

"I would sit in the row behind where he sits. Why do you ask?"

"He wants me to sit with him before he preaches but I needed to ask you first if it was going to be anywhere near where you were going to sit."

"I have an idea. Let's not think about it anymore today. And this week, you and I will venture down to the church and take our guys to lunch. And at the same time, talk about logistics like that and how to make this all work for everyone's comfort. Let's see how today goes and how many questions we generate."

"I'm wearing off on you, that is a great plan." Rachel smirked

Robin laughed "Being housemates and sisters for twenty-five years is bound to have an effect. But you know what sister dear?"

"What?"

"I think those days of us being housemates are numbered. Who knows how high a number it may be but they are still numbered."

"I hadn't thought of that. That will take some getting used to, won't it?" Rachel said

"Yes, it will. Are you ready to go to church?"

Rachel agreed and they headed out to the car after retrieving their coats. As they arrived at church they were met by their parents. "Hi Mom and Dad" Robin said as she opened her door. "How are you?"

"We are good." answered Jacob Hale "How was your trip?"

"Wonderful, we had a great time."

"How is your leg, Rachel?" Jacob asked as he helped her from the car.

"It is itching all the time, but other than that it is fine."

"Good and how is Ethan?" he whispered

"He is fine too. Ask Robin how Tom is."

"Your mother is."

"Are you okay with this Daddy?" Rachel asked suddenly unsure

"I'm fine with it. I will do my fatherly duty and have a nice chat with both of them though."

"Dad!" she exclaimed "We are not teenagers."

"No, you are my grown girls but I'm still going to talk to them."

"Okay. When? So we can warn them?"

"I'm not telling you and they don't need to be warned either. I'm sure they are expecting it from either me or your brothers, so who would you prefer?"

"Definitely you."

"I thought so. See you later sweetie."

"Bye Dad." Rachel said turning to go to the Bible study she attended

"Hey you." Ethan called as he walked up on her

"Hi!" Rachel answered recognizing his voice. "What are you doing over here?"

"Just looking for someone interesting to talk to." He joked as he took hold of her hand to help her into her class. "Thanks for calling me this morning by the way. It was a great way to start the day."

"Yes it was."

"Hello Ethan" Robin said as she sat down next to Rachel

"Hi. How are you today?"

"I think you already know the answer to that question."

"I probably do. I'll see you two later." He said exiting their class room.

"Well, that should start the questions flowing." Robin whispered to Rachel

"Why?"

"Has he ever walked you into class before? And the look on his face was very easy to read."

"Don't make me nervous again. What was the look on his face?"

"He looked like he was talking to the most important person in the world to him."

"Okay, now you are going to make me cry."

"Rachel?" a voice asked "What is going on with you?"

"Hi Beth. What do you mean?"

"You have been gone for weeks and now all of a sudden Ethan is walking you to Bible study class."

"Yes and?"

"Are you and Ethan seeing each other?"

"Well, he sees me but I don't see him." Rachel stalled

"Oh, that was bad." Robin laughed "Very bad"

"It was awful. Okay friend, spill the details." Beth grumbled

"Later. But the answer to your question is yes."

"That is fabulous!" Beth said hugging Rachel "I want details later." She said moving back to her seat

"One down, four hundred to go" Robin whispered as the teacher stood to begin the class. Rachel smiled her answer back to Robin.

After Bible study class, Robin began to walk Rachel to her normal seat in the sanctuary but was stopped by everyone welcoming Rachel back. Ethan saw them and decided to rescue Robin. "I got this, Robin. Go to choir."

"Thanks Ethan"

"Hi again" Rachel said as they walked along "Thanks for rescuing Robin."

"Not a problem. You wouldn't happen to know why was I enthusiastically hugged by Beth Cameron a moment ago as she said she was so happy for me?" Ethan asked as he helped her to find her seat.

"I'll tell you later. Go do whatever it is you do before the service starts." She said smiling and shooing him off

"Yes ma'am" he laughed "I'll see you in my office after the service. Hang on to these keys so you can get in." he said placing his keys in her hand and giving her hand a gentle squeeze "Bye"

"Hi Ethan" Jeremy said walking up to them "We need to have a nice _long_ talk."

"No you don't Jeremy. Go away Ethan, I'll handle this."

"Anytime Jeremy. Anytime." Ethan laughed walking away

"Stay away from him Jer" Rachel said as her big brother sat down next to her "It isn't any of your business."

"I'm the big brother, it certainly is my business. I just have to make sure he knows a few things."

"Jeremy" she growled

"Oh, I won't torture him too bad." Jeremy said hugging her "Actually, I'm very happy for you two. Same for Tom and Robin."

"Thanks Jer. Will you walk me to Ethan's office after church?"

"Sure"

After the service ended, Jeremy began to escort Rachel to Ethan's office but they were stopped by a half dozen people asking where Rachel had been and how her leg was healing. Jeremy tried to keep them moving but wasn't very successful. Eventually Ethan came to rescue Jeremy. "I'll take over Jeremy. Call me about that talk."

"I will." Jeremy laughed as he kissed his sister goodbye and headed out the door.

"Hi again." Rachel said as they walked along. "How many times have you rescued me today?"

"Who cares" he laughed "You have my keys?" he asked as they reached his office. Rachel handed him the keys and he opened the door and walked her in and helped her into the chair. "This office is a mess so don't venture around much. Someone has been too busy to make my new shelves."

"Hi Robin." Rachel said suspecting Robin was nearby.

"Hi. I wanted to make sure you got here okay. Jeremy sometimes leads you in circles just for the fun of it. And your shelves will be ready next week, is that _soon_ enough for you?"

"Yes, thank you." He smirked "Are you ready to go sweetheart?" he asked Rachel

"I'm starved." She answered

"See you at home later. Have a nice afternoon." Robin said turning to leave. "I have my cell phone if you need me."

"And I have mine if you need us." Ethan returned as he took hold of Rachel's hand and led her from the office. As he walked her to his car, he noticed several people noticing them. "Well, there are about ten cars full of people watching us walk along. I think our relationship is out in the open now."

"Let the questions begin then." Rachel said confidently as she buckled her seat belt.

"And that reminds me... Beth Cameron?"

Rachel laughed and told him about her conversation with Beth in Bible study class. He groaned at her joke too. "I thought it was funny." She laughed "And she opened the door for it so I took it."

"It was still bad." He laughed again. "So what details are you going to tell her?"

"None whatsoever. Our relationship details are just between us."

"That is my opinion too. As preacher, most people think my life is open to the public but it isn't. We will have to be careful about that."

"Most definitely." Rachel agreed

Ethan was quiet as they drove along. "Ethan?" Rachel asked a moment later.

"Yeah?"

"Could you see Robin as she sat with Tom? Did she look really nervous?"

"I didn't really notice too much. When I'm preaching, I can't focus on one person or they might think I am preaching directly at them and accusing them of some sin. I have trained myself to look but not _look_ if you know what I mean."

"I hadn't thought of that. I guess I have lots to learn about your profession and how to be a preacher's wife."

"Don't start on that again." He grumbled

"I wasn't really. I need to learn how best to help you and not ask you silly questions. Like how nervous did my sister look?"

"I apologize for jumping to conclusions. First of all you can ask me anything and second of all, I can't look at you or any of your family members when I am preaching."

"Why not?"

"I get too distracted and forget what I am preaching on. That first Sunday you were gone, every time I looked at your mother she gave me a sympathetic smile and made me feel worse, so I practiced skipping right over them. And looking at you might give away all my feeling for you."

"Uh, now that you mention that...Robin said it to me this morning."

"Said what?" he asked as he parked at the restaurant

"When you left me in Bible study class she mentioned that the look on your face was going to start the flow of questions about us."

"The look on my face? What was my look?"

"Are you sure you want the answer?"

"Yes, absolutely."

"She said you looked like you were talking to the most important person in the world to you."

"Well, that is true but I hadn't realized I showed it that much. Did anyone else notice it?"

"Ethan that would be a little hard for me to know." She joked with him "And other than Beth, no one said anything. And Beth just mentioned you walking me into class."

"I guess I did ask a dumb question." Ethan laughed as he exited the car. He walked around and helped Rachel out of the car and into the restaurant. As they were seated and decided on what to order, Ethan noticed a table full of church member's sitting over about five tables. "I'll be right back." He said leaving the table. He went and joked and laughed with them and then returned to Rachel.

"Who is here?"

"Your parents for one and about three other couples. If we wanted to be outed, we picked the correct restaurant. I hope your parents know what to say."

"My father will and my mother will let him do the talking."

"He cornered me today and wants to meet with me, should I be scared?"

"Maybe." Rachel laughed "No, he said it was his fatherly duty to talk to you and to Tom also."

"That's okay then." Ethan responded happily

"But Jeremy is another matter, you don't need him giving you a hard time."

"It's okay. It is payback time actually, I picked on my sister's boyfriends and husbands so it is my time to receive the same treatment. I can handle it."

"Just tell him no."

"I don't think that will work sweetheart. Jeremy is a great guy and seems to be a fabulous big brother, I can take whatever he dishes out."

"Ethan, I'm sorry."

"Will you relax? I can't give you a nuggie here in the restaurant but I would if I could. There is nothing to apologize for."

"Okay, I take it back." She said laughing at him

"So, how are you today? How are you feeling?" he asked taking hold of her hand.

"I feel great. My leg is starting to itch all the time now but other than that everything is good. Those headaches finally went away too."

"What headaches?"

"My head has hurt every day since the accident until the day before yesterday."

"I didn't know that. Why didn't you say anything?"

"I don't know. I didn't even think about it. I'm just glad they are gone now."

"I'm sorry if I did something to make you think you couldn't tell me."

"You didn't do anything and there is no need for you to apologize. I just didn't tell you, I just really didn't even think about it. I knew they were there but it wasn't bad enough to make it worth mentioning."

"Okay but tell me in the future."

"Ethan, I always have some type of headache. I'm not going to tell you every time."

"Why do you have headaches so much?"

"From my injury ten years ago. You never have asked me about that."

Ethan cleared his throat "Well, I sort of looked you up on the internet and read the newspaper articles on it and while you were gone, your mother told me the rest of the details."

"You looked me up on the internet? What does it say about me?"

"It says, beautiful but hard headed next to your picture." He joked

"You are nuts." She laughed "What does it really say?"

"The newspaper article just gave the facts of you accident. But like I said, you mother filled me in on the details."

"Did you ask her or did she just tell you?"

"On New Year's Eve your mom and I were talking about you and the topic came around to you and she ended up telling me the details."

"You spent New Year's Eve with my mother?"

"Yes and Thanksgiving and Christmas. I kept hoping you would show up to be with your family, then I could kidnap you and we could have a long talk."

"Wow, I didn't know that. I couldn't be there, I knew I couldn't leave on my own and if I stayed I knew I would have to explain things. And actually I was afraid you would be there with Robin."

Ethan squeezed her hand in sympathy. "I know that now and you now know I love you, right?"

"Yes I do." She smiled at him. Rachel was about to respond when their food was delivered. Ethan watched her to make sure she was okay and then went on eating his meal.

"You are getting better." She joked as she finished eating a few minutes later.

"About what?" he asked puzzled

"Not watching me when I eat."

"Oh, you knew I was doing that?"

"Yes, I appreciate it but it makes me more self-conscious."

"How about if I look at you because you are beautiful?"

"That's different but don't do while I am eating."

"Sometimes I can't help it. You captivate me and I like to look at you."

Rachel blushed and said thank you. She decided to change the subject "Can I ask you a question about the sermon?"

"Sure" he answered

Rachel asked him her question and they discussed the answer for many minutes. They were wrapping up their discussion when Rachel's parents stopped at the table. Ethan invited them to sit down and they agreed.

"My parents are coming to town next week and they want to meet Rachel and you. We are planning a big dinner on Saturday night at the hotel they are staying at, will you be able to come?" Ethan asked

Rachel's father smiled before answering "So the Senator is coming to check out my little girl?"

"No" Ethan answered at the same time as Rachel's "You knew?"

Jacob Hale laughed "That his father was US Senator Hayes, yes I knew. I actually knew the Senator years ago. You didn't know?" he asked Rachel

"No, not until last week." Rachel answered

"Ethan's father and I served in the same military unit a long time ago. I followed his career in the military and then as he progressed in politics."

"I didn't know that. I'll ask him if he remembers you."

"He probably won't, it was a long time ago."

"Anyway, will you be able to come?"

"I'm sure we will." Pearl answered

"Great. I'll call you with more details when I know them."

"Okay, enjoy your afternoon."

"Wait" Rachel said stopping her parents from leaving "What did you tell your dinner companions about Ethan and I?"

"I told them that our preacher had very good taste in lunch companions."

"And?"

"And that our preacher and my daughter were entitled to privacy just like everyone else. I mentioned that if they had true concerns that Ethan would be glad to discuss them after they had spent considerable time in prayer discussing them with God first."

"Thank you sir." Ethan replied

"Yes, thank you Dad."

"Anytime. We will talk to you later, enjoy your afternoon."

"Bye Mom, Bye Dad. I love you."

"Bye sweetie" Mom replied

As her parents left, Rachel asked Ethan how they were going to respond to questions about their relationship.

"I think we should make it simple and short."

"Like we appreciate any prayers on our behalf?"

"Good answer. I like it."

Chapter 10

Monday morning, Rachel was able to navigate down the stairs to her office. She hadn't been down there in almost two months and now had to relearn the placement of things. Rachel found her keyboard and got settled into work. As she opened her email, the program told her she had two hundred emails. She worked her way through them until she came to the more recent ones. One of the emails was from Beth Cameron. Rachel laughed as the computer read her the email. The response back to Beth was very simple just as they had discussed. "We would appreciate your prayers for us." In fact it got really easy to answer back that to everyone who asked a question about her relationship with Ethan.

"Hello" Rachel said as she answered the phone about mid-morning

"Hi beautiful."

"How do you know it isn't Robin?" she asked recognizing his voice

"Because I know your voice now. And even if it was Robin, she is beautiful also. You are twins remember."

Rachel laughed at his logic "Good morning Ethan."

"Good morning babe."

"What are you doing?"

It was Ethan's turn to laugh "Fielding phone calls and answering emails. What are you doing?"

"Answering emails. I have answered at least ten about us. I don't know how many more there are."

"Ten is low. Try forty emails and ten phone calls. What are you telling them?"

"Exactly what we talked about. It makes it really easy to answer."

"Yes it does. Anyway, that isn't the only reason I called."

"What's up?"

"My mother called and gave me the details on the dinner." Ethan explained the details of his parents visit and asked Rachel which things she wanted to do with them. She answered him and asked questions of her own. Ethan told her he loved her and would call her back later and wished her a good day.

"I love you." She said as they hung up.

Robin came in to fix lunch and called Rachel to come eat. "How was your morning?" she asked Rachel.

"Busy. I had two hundred emails to wade through and ten of them were about Ethan and I. What about you, how was your morning?"

"Busy. I finished Ethan's shelves in between phone calls about Tom and I. Boy, we sure stirred up the church didn't we? I guess we better get used to living a little more publically. Being married to leaders in the church opens your life up to more questions. Are you ready for that?"

"When Ethan is the man I get to spend the rest of my life with...yeah, I'm ready for that." Rachel said happily. Robin agreed with her sister and they sat down to eat lunch.

Tuesday morning, Robin and Rachel decided to go shopping for clothes for the dinner with Senator Hayes and his wife. They finished about lunch time and decided to take Ethan and Tom out to lunch if they were available. As they pulled into the church's parking, Robin gasped "Oh no!"

"What's wrong?" Rachel asked

"Dad's truck is here."

"He planned to talk to them, didn't he tell you?"

"Yes, but I didn't know it was going to be this soon. He will scare Tom off."

"No he won't. Tom loves you and wants to marry you."

"He can change his mind."

"You are crazy. Tom will not change his mind."

"I hope not." Robin replied glumly as she helped Rachel from the car. As they walked up to the church, their father exited. "Hi Dad. What are you doing here?"

"Talking to the two gentlemen who are in love with my daughters."

"Did you scare them off?" Rachel asked laughing

"Yep" he teased "I wouldn't go in there if I were you. They are thinking of ways to break up with you. Would you blame them when they realize Jeremy could be their brother-in-law?"

"Did he talk to them too?" Robin asked aghast

"I'm afraid so Robin. He told me he cornered them last night after the men's Bible study."

"And told them what exactly?"

"You will have to ask your gentlemen. Bye sweeties, Mama is expecting me home."

"Bye Dad" Rachel stated as he kissed them goodbye.

"Come on, we have damage control to do." Robin said tugging her sister along.

"Will you stop? Jeremy was very happy for all of us, he wouldn't say anything awful."

"When did you get so confident?" Robin asked

"That is a very good question and I'd like to hear that answer myself." Ethan said as he leaned against the wall inside the church door.

"Hi Ethan" Rachel said lovingly

"Where is Tom?" Robin asked panicked

"He is in his office. It is a surprise to see you ladies here today." Ethan said to Robin's retreat "Why is she panicking?" he asked Rachel

"She thinks Tom is going to break up with her because Jeremy talked to him and because Dad talked to him."

Ethan laughed and took hold of her hand to lead her to his office. As they past Amanda, she spoke to Rachel.

"Hi Rachel"

"Hi. How are you?"

"I'm busy fielding hundreds of phone calls. The four of you had to go and stir up trouble all at the same time." She joked

"It just sort of happened that way." Rachel answered

"It has certainly livened things up around here." Amanda joked

"Bye Amanda, see you tomorrow." Ethan grumbled as he directed Rachel into his office. "It is a surprise to see you here, what's up?" he asked as he helped her to the chair

"We planned to take you guys to lunch if you are available."

Ethan answered that he was available. Rachel smiled at him and they talked until there was a knock on Ethan's office door. "Come in." Ethan said expecting Robin and Tom

"Are you ready to go to lunch?" Robin asked avoiding looking at Ethan

"Are you better now?" Ethan asked noticing Robin wouldn't look at him. Robin blushed and answered "Yes."

"She came and knocked timidly on my door and then asked me if I was breaking up with her before I could even say hello."

"Apparently you are not breaking up with her right now?" Ethan teased

"Maybe later." Tom joked back "After lunch" then laughed as Robin turned on him. He grabbed her in a big hug.

"Come on let's go before Robin decks both of you." Rachel chuckled as she stood up. The two couples walked out to Tom's car and headed out to lunch. "What did our father talk to you about?"

"Sorry, sweetheart. Your father asked us to not share our conversations with you. He promised to do it eventually." Ethan answered

"You are kidding?" Rachel asked before Robin could

"No, I'm not. All we are allowed to tell you is that it was a good positive conversation."

"And what did Jeremy say to you?" Robin asked Tom

"The same thing we said to our sister's boyfriends. Hurt her and you'll be sorry. And the usual, are you sure you want to get mixed up with her?" Tom answered

"I'm sorry." Robin stated worriedly

"Relax Robin. Neither one of those conversations was unexpected." Tom commented

"He's right. Jeremy loves you both very much and was just making sure we knew that we were involved with some very important people. But we already knew that." Ethan interjected

"Still, it isn't any of his business." Robin grumbled

"Just think of the payback we can do when he gets involved with someone." Rachel said trying to soothe her sister's temper. "I suppose." Robin relented.

The restaurant wasn't crowded so the four of them stayed and talked for a couple of hours. They worked out the logistics of Rachel getting to and from the front of the church as she sat by Ethan before he preached. As they returned to the church, Ethan helped Rachel into her car as Tom talked to Robin by his.

"Will you go out to dinner with me tonight?" Ethan asked when they were alone

"Yes." Rachel agreed then asked when and where. Ethan answered her and said he would see her later. "Bye Robin." He said as Robin opened the driver's door. "See you Ethan." She responded quiet and shyly.

"Hey, are you okay?"

"Yes" she said still not looking at him.

"It's okay, Ethan." Rachel stated before Ethan could respond "I'll handle this one."

Ethan agreed and stepped back to shut the door. He watched them drive off then headed to his office. The sooner he finished working the sooner he got to see Rachel again.

Ethan laughed as he drove up to Rachel's house because Tom's car was already sitting there. He rang the bell and Robin let him in. Rachel was walking down the stairs as he entered so he didn't have a chance to speak to Robin. She wasn't saying anything to him anyway so he let it go until Rachel was in the car with him.

"Why is your sister not talking to me?"

"Because you saw her when she was acting silly and now she is embarrassed."

"Everyone has doubts when they are in a new relationship, she wasn't being silly. Do I need to talk to her?"

"No and even if you tried, you wouldn't be successful. Tom has it taken care of. He is reassuring her every five minutes that he loves her and is not breaking up with her. I think she is convinced, now just has to get over being embarrassed."

"Did you think we were going to break up because your brother and father talked to me?" Ethan asked after they had eaten dinner and were just relaxing at the restaurant.

"No"

"Robin asked you earlier today when you became so confident, I'd like to hear the answer to that question."

"I became more confident when several things solidified in my mind."

"Such as?" he asked wanting details

"First off, you kept telling me with words and actions that you had chosen to be with me. You came back after I ran away. You hung around after I tried to push you off on Robin. You were honest and open about your love for me. You believe in me and encouraged me to believe in myself and now I finally do."

"And your concerns about not being able to take care of me?"

"I will do my best at it and we will work around the rest. I love you and I want to take care of you to the best of my abilities but it may not be just as "Mrs. XYZ" down the street takes care of her husband."

Ethan was silent as she finished talking. After a moment she started again. "Okay, I wasn't expecting complete silence. Did I say something wrong?" Ethan still didn't say anything. "Ethan?" she asked but still didn't hear a response "Well, this is unexpected. I guess I know how Robin feels now." Rachel started to scoot out of the booth.

"Wait" Ethan said very quietly. He cleared his throat and tried again. "You caught me off guard with what you said."

"I'm sorry. I'll just go call for a ride home." She said starting to stand again.

"No. No. I'm sorry, I didn't mean that in a bad way. I forgot for a moment that you can't see my face and know how I was affected by what you said. I'm sitting here in a public place with joyous tears in my eyes. We preachers are a wimpy bunch."

"You've confused me now."

"I'm overwhelmed with happiness over what you said."

"You scared me to death, Ethan." She hissed at him

"I'm sorry. I couldn't speak without being emotional over your words. And I had to say a very heartfelt thank you prayer."

"Next time can you maybe say or do something like hold my hand if you need a minute."

Ethan chuckled "Yes, I'm sorry."

"Thank you." She groused "I'm sorry, I didn't know I was going to upset you. I thought you wanted an honest answer."

"I always want an honest answer to a question." He said taking hold of her hand "Let's backup a minute...I love you and I love what you just told me. I am happier than I have ever been in my life."

"And you'll understand if I can't run to the dry cleaners to pick up your suits or I can't carpool our kids to soccer games or I can't do a bunch of other things a sighted wife can do?"

"Do you love the Lord your God with all your heart?"

"Yes" she answered happily

"Then I don't care about the rest. I can pick my own suits up at the cleaners and I can shuttle the kids to soccer games and anything else you think you can't do. But you know what I really believe?"

"What?"

"I believe you would find a way to pick up my suits at the cleaners or shuttle the kids to soccer games."

"Well, actually, I know of a dry cleaner that delivers and I can afford to hire a car and driver if necessary that would take us to the soccer game."

Ethan burst out laughing "I knew it. See Rachel, about the only thing I haven't seen you accomplish is to tell me if I have matching socks on. And if necessary I'm sure you would devise a way to do that even. You are impressive sweetheart and I believe in you."

"Thank you." She whispered since she was now the one that was overwhelmed. Ethan reached over and caressed her face with his finger. "Hey you, Miss Hale?"

"Yes, Mr. Hayes?" Rachel said back to him

"I love you." Ethan said still caressing her face

"And I love you." Rachel responded as she touched his hand that was caressing her face.

"So what's this about you being able to afford a car and driver?" Ethan asked after several minutes of quiet.

"Yeah, well..." Rachel stuttered "My grandfather was very well off and has left us all well provided for."

"Now there is an amazing coincidence." Ethan stated

"Why?" Rachel asked

"My grandfather was very well off too and has left my family well provided for. Do you pay much attention to the church budget?"

"Some. My father helps me. Why do you ask that?"

"I draw a salary from the church but then turn around and donate it back to the church anonymously through a trust fund. My house is paid for, my car is paid for and my monthly distribution from my trust funds is more than enough to cover my expenses. I don't really need to work but I love my job."

"This is too funny. Does my father know this?"

"Yes. As treasurer and chairman of the deacons I told him. Why?"

"I think we have been set up by my father."

"What does that mean?"

"Remember when I wouldn't tell you who paid for the shelves at your house?"

"Yes."

"Well, I believe it is safe to tell you now. You could probably guess this but my business paid for those shelves and my business is funded by one of my trust funds. My father suggested very strongly that you really needed those shelves at your house and office. He knows I find joy in helping those who minister and he set me up to help you. I can't prove it but he may have been trying to get your interest up about who helped you."

"Well, that would explain his question today."

"Which was?"

"Did I ever figure out who helped me with the "things" that kept happening to me?"

"No way. He did set us up."

"I believe you are correct. He is crafty, I'll give him that."

"Are you mad at him or me?"

"No!" he said confidently "He was showing me one of his greatest treasures and how much I needed her in my life."

"You didn't need me to set Robin up to make those shelves."

"Maybe not the shelves but I do need you in my life."

"I'm very glad about that." She said happily "So very glad."

"Come on. Let's get out of here."

"Okay, why the sudden rush?"

"I'll tell you in a minute." He said helping her with her coat and guiding her out of the restaurant. He drove her home silently and as quickly as possible and was very glad to see that Tom's car was gone. "We are back at your house, Tom's car is gone."

"They were going to a movie or something." Rachel said as he opened her car door and helped her out. "Are you coming in?" she asked as she opened the front door.

"Yes, for a few minutes." He answered.

Rachel removed her coat and placed it on the coat tree and Ethan did the same. He led her into the living room and sat her down on the couch. "Now will you tell me why we rushed out of the restaurant?"

Ethan cupped her face in his hands and said "I'll show you why" and kissed her gently. "I couldn't kiss you at the restaurant and I really needed to kiss you." He said as he hugged her.

"Oh Ethan" Rachel gushed "I love you, thank you for not giving up on me."

"I told you, I need you in my life."

_Thank you God._ Rachel prayer reverently.

_Amen_ Ethan echoed.

Friday morning, Ethan walked up the driveway of Rachel's house and found Robin in her workshop. He knocked on the door and she motioned him in.

"Hi Robin"

"Hi. Rachel didn't tell me you were coming by today."

"I'm surprising her."

Robin nodded and continued to work.

"Are you still not speaking to me?" Ethan teased

"That depends...are you going to tease me about how stupid I was the other day?"

"Never. Robin, every relationship has those kind of days. Did you really think Tom would stop seeing you?"

"I hoped not but we didn't know what Jeremy said to you guys. Or what our father said to you?"

"Both of those men love you and Rachel very much and their conversations with us were expected and very nice."

"I know. We cornered them last night at dinner and they told us."

"Both of them?"

"Yes"

"Good. Now you can relax and enjoy your time with Tom?" he asked

"Yes" she said a little embarrassed "He still wants to marry me."

"Somehow I thought he would." Ethan smirked "Now if you will excuse me, I'm going to go see the woman I want to marry."

"Hey wait." She said as he opened the door to leave "Your shelves for your office are ready, when do you want me to install them?"

"Just let me know your schedule and I'll work mine around it."

"Monday morning?"

"Perfect" he agreed waving goodbye to her

Ethan walked into the kitchen and heard music coming from the living room. He thought Rachel must be upstairs listening to music instead of working. He wandered into the living room and stopped dead in his tracks. He had seen the piano in the corner of the living room on his first visit to the house but had never seen anymore play it, now he was surprised at who was playing it.

"Hi Ethan" Rachel said as the song ended

" _Uh..._ Hi." He said coming closer to the piano.

"This is a surprise." She said about his visit

"That is an understatement."

Rachel chuckled at him "I meant your visit."

"Oh, yeah." he said as he sat down next to her on the piano bench "I think you need to explain this to me."

"I had piano lessons as a kid and played fairly well for a teenager. After I lost my sight, I went away for about a year to learn Braille and how to function without sight. At the school, I was taught the Braille Music Code. It came easy for me and so I kept playing. I play a great deal of songs from memory, especially the old hymns that my mother made me play over and over again for my grandmother. I have some music written in the Braille Music Code and I love to play."

"You didn't tell me you played."

"There are probably lots of things we haven't discovered about each other; the piano is just one of them. Is it a big deal?"

"No, it isn't. You play really well. Play something else."

"Thank you." She said shyly "What do you want to hear?"

"Surprise me"

Rachel nodded and then thought for moment about what to play. She wasn't used to someone watching her play. She decided on playing her grandmother's favorite hymn. As she played the memory of her grandmother also played in her mind until she forgot to be nervous with Ethan watching her. As she finished, he leaned over and kissed her cheek. "That was beautiful."

"Thanks. _Amazing Grace_ was my grandmother's favorite. I remember her love for God and the grace that she said she couldn't do without every day. I didn't understand that as a kid but I do now."

"The Lord told that to Paul about his "thorn in the flesh". _My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness._ " Ethan quoted.

"Anyway, I'm glad you are here but why are you here?"

"Because you are here."

"That's a nice thing to say."

"I just wanted to come see you. And I'm even more glad I did now, I learned more about you."

"Let's go sit on the couch." Rachel suggested "Okay, it's my turn now. Tell me something about you that I don't know." Rachel urged as they got comfortable.

"I have a beautiful woman that I am in love with and want to marry."

"Another one? Because I already knew of one so it doesn't count as something I don't know about you."

Ethan wrapped her in a headlock and gave her another nuggie then kissed the top of her head.

"Hey, I did not apologize unnecessarily; you can't give me a nuggie." She joked

"You still deserved it." He growled back and Rachel laughed "Okay, let me think... something you don't know about me." Ethan paused while he thought "Along with being a preacher, I wanted to have the opportunity to help underprivileged kids.

"How would you like to do that?"

"After school tutoring programs, sports programs, a safe wholesome place for them to gather after school."

"That is a great idea. Have you started planning?"

"Sort of. I have looked at couple of warehouses that could be converted into a multiple use facility. But that is as far as I have gotten."

"Are you going to run this place yourself and give up preaching?"

"No, I'll hire someone to run it. I love to preach."

"It shows too."

"Thanks, I didn't know that." He said kissing her hair

"Yes, I can hear it in your voice each Sunday. There is a passion in the words you want to convey to us, the message God wants you to tell us."

"You could possibly be a slight bit biased sweetheart." He said slightly embarrassed at her comment.

"I am a lot biased but what I said is still true." She grumbled at him "Now tell me more about this project."

Ethan chuckled at her and then went on to discuss his plans. He had thought these plans out pretty thoroughly but just hadn't had the time to implement them. Rachel asked questions and gave him her unconditional support and help if he needed it.

"Are you ready for more questions?" Robin asked Rachel as they arrived at church Sunday morning.

"Sure, I have my speech down pat...We appreciate any prayers on our behalf."

"Good answer."

"You can borrow it if you like."

"I may."

Robin was walked beside Rachel when she spotted Ethan walking towards them. "There is an extremely handsome man walking towards you with a very big grin on his face."

"Hi Ethan." Rachel said joyfully

"Hi. May I walk you two ladies to your Bible study class?"

"Actually, you can walk her. I have someone to go see."

"He's in his office." Ethan answered

"Thank you. How did you know I was speaking of Tom?"

"Lucky guess." Ethan laughed and placed Rachel's hand on his arm as Robin walked off. "Beth gave me another enthusiastic hug this morning."

"She is a good friend and seems to be very happy for us."

"Are you sitting with me before I preach?"

"Yes, as long as it won't distract you. Will it?"

"No, I don't think it will." He said opening the door to her class. Ethan guided her to a seat and told her that he would see you later. He gave her hand a squeeze as he left. Robin came in and sat down a couple of minutes later.

"How's Tom?"

"Wonderful. Apparently the four of us are going to dinner tonight?"

"Okay with me." Rachel responded and Robin agreed as the teacher started the teaching time.

After class Robin helped Rachel into the worship center and seated her in the row where Ethan would sit before he preached.

"Hi Rachel"

"Hi Dad."

"How's my girl today?"

"Good. Did you and Mom get the message about the dinner next weekend with Ethan's parents?"

"Yes. We will be there. Are you worrying about that?"

"A little. What if they don't like me because of what I did to Ethan? You know leaving without much explanation."

"Rach, I'm sure they have heard the explanation from Ethan. But ask him sometime before they get here just so you are prepared. Here he comes, I'll call you tomorrow."

"Bye Dad."

"Hi Ethan."

"Hi Jacob, how's my girl doing?"

"The whole church shifted since she sat on the front row."

"Yes, I'm sure it did. But maybe we need a little shake up once in a while."

"Well, between my girls and you and Tom, I think we have a bit of a shake up. And I for one couldn't be happier." He said smiling and patting Ethan on the shoulder and walked to sit with his wife.

"I think that was his blessing for us." Ethan said as he sat down next to Rachel

Rachel nodded and then asked quietly "Are we being watched?"

"Only by about four hundred pairs of eyes." Ethan smart-mouthed

"Oh well, if that's all then we are okay."

"We are the hottest topic in months around here."

"Stop that."

"Yes, ma'am." Ethan said as Rachel gently squeezed his arm. Ethan bowed his head and began his prayer _Thank you Lord for the new opportunity to speak to your people. Help the words to be only what you want me to say. Prepare the hearts of those who hear this message that they will be changed. Thank you also Lord for the support of love of this wonderful woman beside me. Help us to put you first in all things. In Jesus Name. Amen._

Rachel's prayer was similar _Thank for this time to worship you Lord. Prepare Ethan to speak to us and share what we need to hear. Thank you for Ethan's love and how special he is. In Jesus Name Amen._

The song portion of the service had ended and it was almost time for Ethan to preach. He found Rachel's hand that was resting on the pew and squeezed it gently as he stood up to go preach. Rachel knew Robin was already seated behind her since Robin had patted her on the shoulder as she sat down. Tom did the same thing as he sat down and Ethan began to preach.

After the service Robin helped Rachel through the crowd and into Ethan's office as they had planned earlier in the week. Robin actually needed to take another look at Ethan's office before the next day anyway when she came to install his shelves. Tom made it before Ethan and helped Robin. Ethan joined them a moment later and Robin reminded him that she was coming in the morning to install his shelves. He told her he would have the space cleared for her by then.

Monday morning, Ethan called Rachel's father.

"Hello"

"Hi. It is Ethan."

"Hi. How are you?"

"I'm good. I was wondering if I could take you to lunch today."

"Sure. I'll meet you somewhere."

Ethan and Jacob agreed on a time and place and then hung up. Ethan was at the restaurant first and motioned Jacob over to the table.

"Thank you for coming on such short notice."

"Not a problem."

They placed their order and then Ethan got down to the reason for the visit. "Jacob, I love and care for Rachel very much. I asked you to lunch today to gain your permission to marry her."

"I kind of figured as much. Will you answer some questions first?"

"Certainly. Anything."

"Rachel's blindness... I am assuming that you are prepared to handle that and the extra responsibilities that it will mean for you. She may not be able to do some of the things around the house that you would need her to do and it will frustrate her to no end."

"We have talked about that. That is partly why she left last fall. That was a big hurdle for her but I'll tell you what she told me." Ethan described their conversation from last week about Rachel's confidence in their relationship. "I believe Rachel can do anything she wants to do. She impresses me with her abilities."

"And her work with Ministry to the Shepherds? What do you think about that?"

"It is a great mission and I hope she can expand it. I will help her in any way that I can."

Jacob nodded then spoke "You have our permission to marry Rachel."

"Thank you. I will take care of her to the best of my ability."

"You already do from what I've seen."

Chapter 11

Early Thursday afternoon, Rachel was dressed and waiting for Ethan to come but she was very nervous. They were going to Ethan's parent's hotel suite so that they could get better acquainted with Rachel and she with them.

"How are you doing?" Robin asked as she entered from the kitchen.

"Do I look okay?" Rachel asked again

"For the fifth time, you look very nice. Relax. I just saw Ethan pull up out front."

"I want to get this over with."

"Rach. Say a prayer and relax. They will love you as much as he does." Robin stated as she went to open the front door. "Maybe you can calm her down." She said as a greeting

"Why are you nervous, sweetie?" he asked Rachel as he came into the room and saw her already standing waiting for him.

"What if they don't like me? What if they are mad at me for running away last fall?"

"Love, we talked about this." He said hugging her close "They are not mad at you. Everyone has issues and how they react to them is different. You were scared and did what you thought was best."

"I know. I'm just nervous."

"Never met future in-laws before have we?" he joked

"Oh dear." Robin exclaimed at Ethan's joke "Rachel, you just turned white as snow. You are going to be fine. Ethan will be there and he knows what he is talking about. They are going to love you."

"I'm sorry sweetheart. I thought a little humor would help you relax."

"Normally it would have. Let's just go so I can meet them and get past this nervousness."

They told Robin goodbye and headed for the car. Ethan drove them to the hotel but before they exited the car he suggested that they pray. Rachel had fidgeted the entire trip and answered his questions with one word. _"Dear Lord, Please be with us this afternoon that our nerves would be calm and our words will glorify you. The four of us will be part of a bigger family someday and we ask that you use this time to prepare for then. Amen."_

"Thanks, that helped." Rachel said as he ended his prayer.

"Prayer is very powerful."

"I'm ready."

"And you look very beautiful. Is that a new outfit?"

"Yes. Wait until you see my dress for Saturday, Robin says you will be impressed."

"Oh, I was impressed at our first phone call sweetheart."

"What first phone call?"

"The first time I called your ministry you impressed me."

"I didn't do anything for you; just put you on my prayer list."

"Just? You didn't know me at all but you prayed for me. Most people don't have the gift of prayer but you do."

"You think so?"

"I know so sweetheart." He said leaning over to kiss her cheek. "It makes you a perfect preacher's wife."

Ethan ran around the car to help her out but she stopped him when he went to walk. She reached up and gave him a hug. "I love you Ethan."

"I love you Rachel." He said as he gently kissed her. He led Rachel through the hotel and up to his parent's suite. His mother answered his knock

"Ethan! I'm so glad to see you." She exclaimed as he hugged her. "Mom, this is Rachel Hale. Rachel, this is my mother, Jessica Hayes."

"Rachel, I'm so thrilled to meet you." Jessica said as she hugged Rachel.

"I'm thrilled to meet you also." Rachel answered

"Come in and meet Ethan's father, Marc." Jessica took Rachel by the arm and walked her into the seating area. Marc was just finishing a phone call.

"Ethan, how did you get such a beautiful woman to be interested in you?" Marcus Hayes exclaimed

"Hello to you too Dad" Ethan said hugging his father

"Rachel, this is my father Marcus Hayes."

"Hi Rachel. I'm so glad to finally meet you."

"It is my pleasure to meet you to Senator Hayes." Rachel said holding out her hand to shake hands with the Senator.

"My daughter-in-law is allowed to call me Marc." He said shaking her hand. Rachel blushed and said thank you.

"Marc, you embarrassed her." Jessica scolded

"No, it's okay." Rachel explained. "I wasn't aware of how much Ethan had told you about us."

Ethan guided Rachel to the couch and sat beside her and put his arm around her shoulders. "My parents and I are really close and I have shared with them my hope to marry you."

"And we are thrilled. Especially now that we have met you." Jessica gushed "Part of why we came here is to get to know you better and ask you some questions and maybe do some marriage counseling at the same time."

"That is a wonderful idea." Rachel stated "We haven't had that opportunity yet and actually I'm not sure when couples begin marriage counseling. We've never talked about that Ethan."

"No we haven't. We have begun our couples Bible study but we haven't planned out the marriage counseling yet or who we would go to. I was hoping that your parents would guide us also along with mine."

"I think they would." Rachel responded

"I understand that your father is Jacob Hale, is that correct?"

"Yes. He says you served in the same military unit. He doubts that you will remember him though."

"His bunk was two over from mine in basic training and we have climbed many obstacle courses together. I remember him. He impressed me also with his faith."

"He impresses me too Dad. Rachel, tell them about your weekly dinners with your family."

"Each week we have a family dinner and at that dinner, Dad asks all of us what we are studying in Scripture that week. Then he shares with us what he has studied."

"That is wonderful." exclaimed Jessica. "Are you going to continue that tradition with your own family?"

"Yes, I'm stealing it from him." answered Ethan.

Everyone laughed. Marc asked Rachel another question and that was how the afternoon was spent. There were many questions to learn about Rachel, many questions put to Rachel and Ethan and his parents were impressed with her love for their son and the Lord.

Saturday evening, Tom knocked on Robin and Rachel's front door. Robin answered a moment later and Tom was speechless.

"Hi Tom. Come in." Robin invited. Tom entered but didn't speak. "Are you okay?" she asked when he didn't say anything. Tom nodded his answer.

"What is wrong with you?" she asked gently

"If you expected me to have a rational conversation, you picked the wrong dress. You are stunning." He finally said as he opened his arms to her. Robin blushed and returned his hug. "Then you like my dress?" she whispered as he held her.

"I love you and I love your dress." He said just before he kissed her.

"I love you." Robin answered "And you look extremely handsome also."

"Thank you. Where's Rachel?"

"She'll be down in a minute. She is stressing over wearing a dress with her cast."

"Rachel" Tom yelled "Ethan isn't going to care about your cast. And if you don't hurry, we are going to be later than Ethan." Ethan had called to explain that there was an emergency with someone at the church and that Tom was going to take both Rachel and Robin to the hotel.

"So speaks a man who is wearing pants and doesn't have a big bulky cast on his leg." Rachel grumbled as she started down the stairs. Tom laughed at her grumbling.

"You look very nice, Rachel." Tom said as he helped both the ladies into their coats.

"Thank you Tom. And how does Robin look?"

"I was speechless, what does that tell you?"

"That you love my sister very much."

"You got that right." He agreed wholeheartedly. Robin handed Tom her house keys and guided Rachel out to his car. Tom locked up and then drove them to the hotel. As they arrived, they saw Jacob, Pearl, Jeremy and Paul Hale arriving. Jeremy went to escort Rachel and they all went to the dining room that was reserved for them. Ethan was waiting for them went they reached the room.

"See Rachel, I told you that Ethan would beat us here." Tom joked

"Jeremy, take care of him." Rachel joked back.

"What are you talking about Tom?" Ethan asked having heard Tom's statement

"Don't you dare tell him Tom Green." Rachel interrupted fiercely

"She was stressing over her outfit." Tom replied ignoring her threat.

"Jeremy, take care of him." Rachel repeated.

"I can't do that dear sister, Robin would have my head on a platter."

"So, who is your favorite sister, me or Robin?"

"Children, play nice." Pearl scolded.

"Yes, mother." They all replied

"You look very beautiful Rachel" Ethan whispered to her "Robin was right, I am impressed by the outfit."

"Thank you. Are you sure your parents can handle this crew? We are a disreputable bunch."

"A few family dinners with my brother and sisters and their families and you'll see that my parents are used to a ruckus."

"My children are going to be on their best behavior. Right children?" Pearl scolded

"Yes, mother." They all saluted.

"Come on" Ethan urged laughing at them all. Ethan helped Rachel in and she was swamped with hugs from both of his parents. "Mom, Dad I'd like for you to meet some very important people to me. This is Jacob and Pearl Hale. Their sons, Jeremy and Paul and their daughter, Robin. And this is my friend Tom Green who is also our music minister. Everyone these are my parents Senator Marcus Hayes and Jessica Hayes."

It was like a receiving line at a wedding as they all shook hands and greeted one another. Ethan helped Rachel into a chair to get her off her broken leg. The service staff brought the appetizers and drinks in and began to serve as everyone took a seat. Jacob and Marcus reminisced about their boot camp days. Pearl and Jessica compared stories on raising four children. Ethan was watching Rachel. And Rachel gently nudged him under the table.

"Sorry" he whispered

"I appreciate it but you are making me crazy and I'm nervous enough."

"My parents love you. Why are you nervous now?" he asked quietly

"He is a United States Senator."

"But I'm Ethan's father first and foremost." Marc answered

"How did you know that I said that?" Rachel asked

"I read your lips. Relax Rachel, we couldn't be happier for Ethan that he has found you and that you plan to make a life together. The Hayes family will be better for having you in it."

"Thank you sir" she whispered around the lump in her throat. Ethan wrapped his arm around her shoulders and hugged her close. "See, I told you." He whispered "I love you."

Sunday morning, Robin again walked Rachel in to sit on the pew where Ethan sat prior to preaching. "Hello Beautiful" Ethan said quietly as he sat down.

"Hi. Are your parents here?"

"Yes, they are a few rows behind us with your parents. Do you want to go sit with them?

"Do you want me to?"

"No, I like you right here and I can't feel your quiet strength from that far away."

"What does that mean?"

"It means just that, love."

"Later, I want an explanation for that."

Ethan agreed as Tom led the choir in and the service started. Ethan said his silent prayer and Rachel said hers. Ethan squeezed her hand and went to preach. "Good morning. I hope you will allow me some indulgence this morning. Two very influential people in my life are here with me this morning. I would like to introduce my parents, United States Senator Marcus Hayes and Jessica Hayes. I am so glad they are here this morning. For those of you who are stunned, I apologize. Yes, your crazy preacher is the son of a Senator. Go figure." Ethan's congregation laughed with him and then he began his sermon.

Ethan's parents stood with him at the back of the worship center as he greeted the church members after church. They heard all good things about him. After the crowd left, he directed them to his office where Rachel waited for him.

"We wanted to say goodbye, Rachel." Marc said after they talked a moment. "We have to go get on a plane to California. I have a speech at a fundraiser there."

"I am so glad you came to see Ethan and that my family got to meet you too. I want you to know that I love your son very much and that he is special because of you."

"Marry this girl, Ethan." Marc stated

"I plan to, Dad." Ethan responded hugging Rachel. Rachel exchanged hugs with his parents and Ethan walked them out to the waiting limousine. "I love you." He said as he hugged them.

"When are proposing to that girl?" his father asked

"I have the ring in my pocket and we are going to a very special place after lunch."

"Your grandmother's ring?" his mom said through her tears

"Yes, Mom. Granny's ring."

"Who knew that your help with Grandma all those years ago was preparation for your future bride?"

"God knew mama." Ethan responded

"We love her, we love you and now we have to go. Bye son. Call us with good news."

"I will Dad."

Ethan waved them off, took a deep breath and went to get his girl. "I'm back, are you ready to go to lunch?"

"Absolutely." Rachel answered. Ethan drove them to a nice restaurant and helped her with her order. As they waited, they discussed his sermon and the events from church. "Did Beth hug you today?"

"Yes, she did. And told me again, how happy she was for me."

"She is so excited about us. She emails me every day to check on us."

"No way" Ethan exclaimed

"Yes, everyday. "Hi, how are you and Ethan doing?" is usually what she asks. I just reply that we are doing just fine." Ethan laughed.

"Did your parents have a good time here this weekend?" Rachel asked after they had eaten their lunch.

"Yes they did. They enjoyed meeting your family and Tom."

"Dinner last night was lots of fun. And your father surprised me with his blessing."

"My parents are as enthralled with you as I am."

"Enthralled? That is two things you have to explain to me now." Rachel stated.

"Which do you want first?"

"Enthralled"

Ethan held her hand while he explained "I am enthralled with you. Your beauty holds my attention quite well but who you are has me captivated. When I think about you, I forget the time, what I supposed to be doing, if I am watching a movie and I start to think about you, I lose all track of the movie and have to shut it off. And believe me that happens a lot lately."

Rachel smiled at him and squeezed his hand with hers. "Now, the quiet strength."

"I draw strength from you. It isn't that you build me up with words, you do that too don't get me wrong, but when you sit near me I can feel your prayers, your encouragement, your confidence in me, your love for me and your hopes for me and I love that. I know you prayed for me when you sat in the back also, but I can feel it when I'm sitting right there beside you."

"Oh Ethan, I'm so glad to hear that. I have prayed for you every day since that first phone call. Even when I was gone, I prayed for you. I want to give you all the strength I am supposed to give you. I want to always be there whenever you need me and I pray that I always can give you what you need to be the man God wants you to be. I love you."

"Will you change clothes and go with me somewhere?"

"Sure, where are we going?"

"Can it be a surprise?"

"I suppose so." She agreed reluctantly. Ethan helped her into the car and drove her to her house to change clothes. "Are these clothes matching?" she asked coming downstairs again

"Yellow neon shirt, lime green plaid pants, orange neon shoes, looks perfect to me." he said taking her hand and hugging her.

"Ethan Hayes" she grumbled happily "So, do my clothes match?"

"Yes, blue jeans, pale yellow top and tennis shoes. You look gorgeous. Now, we need to go to my house so I can change clothes." He said turning to the door to usher her out.

"I've never been to your house." Rachel remembered as they had been on the road for a few minutes.

"Well, you had your chance last fall and skipped out on me." Ethan grumbled "I'm teasing. There is a tall row of bushes that separates my house from the neighbors. The house is off white with brown shudders or do you already know that?"

"How would I know that?"

"I seem to recall that you organized a painting party on my house." He joked opening the front door and guiding her inside.

Rachel cleared her throat to hide her embarrassment "I ...never mind." She conceded smiling

"Gotcha" he teased in her ear. Rachel felt him close by and reacted to give him a nuggie like he always gave her. Ethan burst out laughing and tried to fight her off. "Stop that" he said swinging her up in his arms. Rachel was caught off guard and stopped rubbing his head. "You gave me a nuggie."

"You deserved it." She answered back smiling at him

Ethan kissed her quickly "I did. But your face was priceless. You knew what color my house was?"

"No, I didn't. I didn't need to know the colors to send people here to paint. I..." Ethan kissed her again to stall her

"What was that for?" she asked

"Because I wanted too." He said urging her up. "Sit here and don't wander too much. I don't want you getting hurt by not knowing the layout of the house. I am going to go change." Rachel nodded and Ethan ran to change clothes.

"How do I look?" he asked returning to the living room

"Very handsome." She answered honestly

"Thank you."

"You goof." She laughed as he took her hand "You are in an exceptionally good mood today."

Ethan had a secret and wasn't about to give it away too soon. Ethan was still chuckling when he led her back to the car. He pulled out his cell phone and called the realtor to explain that he was running late.

"Where are we going?" she asked as he drove along.

"Remember my project, the youth center? I want you to do a walk through with me on the warehouse. I wouldn't do it today but someone else is interested in the building that I want."

"So what is it you like best about this location?" Rachel asked a moment later.

"Location. It is in the neighborhood I would like to target. Close enough to the church that we can bus them over each week to church. It is near enough to an elementary school, two middle schools and two high schools."

"Your target is all three ages of children. That is a big job."

"It is a huge warehouse. You can tell space right?"

"Somewhat. I could tell your house was pretty good sized and I could tell your cabin was very good sized."

"Anyway, if it works out, there will be space for a gym area, a study/learning area, a playground and a pool eventually."

"Oh my goodness, that is huge." She exclaimed "You can afford all of that."

"Do you know who Stanford Hayes is?"

"Hayes Hotels, that Stanford Hayes" she answered confused by his question

"Do you know who Malcolm Jones is? Or the name "Maisie Daisie" food products?"

"Yes."

"Stanford Hayes, Paternal grandfather. Malcolm Jones, maternal grandfather. Ethan Hayes, one of only four grandchildren. That answer your question?"

"Uh, yeah, but even still that is a lot of money."

"My grandfather's were best friends and had a great mission for their grandkids. If we came up with a way to reach others, actually, it is when we came up with a mission that reached out to the community we were to receive the funding necessary to fulfill that mission. The money is available believe me."

"And on-going funding?"

"Shouldn't be an issue." He answered honestly "I'll go over all the details with you when you want but I meant it when I said my monthly trust fund distributions are more than sufficient."

"You are going to need a huge staff."

"Somewhat. But what I'd also like to do is teach some of the high schools to mentor to the middle school kids and then the middle school kids mentor to the elementary school kids. And of course, lots of volunteers."

"And who is going to organize all of this?"

"We are going to hire a managing director but I'd really like it if you joined me on the board of directors."

"Are you serious?"

"Yes, absolutely. I need your help!"

"Okay, I'll do my best." She answered amazed at his goal "You are amazing!"

"No, I can't do anything without the Lord's help. And I feel Him leading me in this, that is why I took this appointment today, I believe this is the building we need." He said slowing down to pull into the warehouse parking lot. He was describing the acreage and buildings while he parked.

"Hi Ethan"

"Hi Stan. Stan, I'd like you to meet Rachel Hayes. Rachel, this is Stan Keltner."

"It is nice to meet you Stan" she said extending her hand

"It is my pleasure." Stan returned her handshake and turned towards the building. He led them in the door and Ethan helped her negotiate around. They toured the building and then asked for a couple of minutes to talk about some things.

"Well?" he asked Rachel when Stan left them alone.

"It seems huge."

"It is. What is your opinion?"

"Ethan, I'm assuming you have prayed about this?"

"Yes, constantly."

"Then I think you should find out the next steps."

Ethan hugged her and they went to find Stan. "What's the next step?" Ethan asked Stan. Stan had some paperwork for Ethan to sign and then the process could begin. After the paperwork was signed Stan excused himself to another appointment. Ethan took Rachel back inside the warehouse.

"Rachel..." Ethan began "I want you to be heavily involved in this project."

"How so?" she questioned confused.

"I know this is a big empty ugly warehouse now but I have big goals for this place. But I wanted you here today so that this can be our dream." Ethan pulled her close. "A romantic spot this is not but I hope you won't care too much.... Will you honor me by becoming Rachel Hayes and loving me forever and always and let me love you forever and always?"

"Yes, I would be incredibly honored to be Rachel Hayes and to love you and be loved by you forever and always. I love you Ethan." Ethan slid the ring on her finger and leaned over to kiss her.

"When did you get a ring?" Rachel said examining it with her hand. "What does it look like?"

"This ring is my grandmother's ring. My grandfather and grandmother were married for fifty-two years and when her and I spent all that time together she gave it to me to give to the woman I love and wanted to marry. It is a diamond engagement ring. I have something else for you too. Hold out your arm."

Rachel was crying but still held out her arm. Ethan fastened a fine gold linked chain around her wrist. "This bracelet is gold and the rings are linked together. There is a birthstone for your birthday and my birthday. We will add our children's someday and any other charm that we choose to remember something special."

"Ethan, I'm completely overwhelmed. I love you."

"I love you." He answered

"I have something to tell you."

"Okay"

"I hope I can do this without crying. That first time you came to my house and brought me ice cream, I told you some concerns about if we got married. Do you remember?"

"Yes, I remember your concerns."

"Well, I don't have those concerns anymore. I'm sure things will come along that will take some adjusting too but your love has given me confidence to know that we can get through those things together with prayer."

"We will have God as the priority in our family and that will help us deal with anything that comes our way. In fact, let's start now... _Dear Heavenly Father, We thank you for leading our lives and leading us to this place. Help us to always put you first in our relationship and lives. Please bless our family as it starts and through the changes to come. In Jesus Name Amen._ "

"So who are we telling first?" Rachel asked "And who is going to marry us since you are the preacher? And when are we getting married?"

"Your family, someone we decide on and I have no idea."

"What?"

"We will tell your family first, since my parents are on a plane. We will have to decide on who marries us and I have no idea when we are getting married because I doubt that the groom gets much say in that."

"Should we go to my parent's house now and tell them?"

"I'm ready for that. Let's call Robin and see if they can meet us there."

Ethan and Rachel were still walking over the property when they met a teenage boy.

"Hi" he spoke shyly "Are you lost?"

"No" answered Ethan "I'm buying this building."

"What for?"

"I plan to remodel it into a youth center."

"Yeah right." the teenage scoffed "We've seen those start up before and then they shut down."

"Well, I don't think this one will." Ethan answered truthfully. "I'm Ethan Hayes and who are you?" Ethan held out his hand to shake hands with the teenager.

"Malcolm" he said and shook Ethan's hand

Rachel choked and gasped while Ethan chuckled a little. "Malcolm, I can't tell you how thrilled I am to meet you. This is Rachel, my fiancée"

"Hello Malcolm"

"Hi" he said shyly

"Malcolm," Ethan started "do you live around here?" Ethan pointed in the general direction of the building

"Sure" he answered.

"If I come back tomorrow afternoon, can you meet me here about four?"

"I guess, why?"

"I may need to hire you. Can you give this card to your mom or dad and have them call me tomorrow?" Ethan handed Malcolm a business card

"Sure, my mom can probably call you."

"What is her name so I'll know who I am talking to?" Ethan asked

"Mary" Malcolm answered.

"Fabulous." Ethan answered "If you get tied up tomorrow and can't come, just call any of those numbers and someone can get me a message if I can't answer. Deal?"

"Deal" Malcolm answered then turned to walk away.

Ethan watched him walk away and then turned to walk Rachel back to the car. Ethan was chuckling hard as they got closer to the car.

"That was incredible Ethan." Rachel laughed also. "I'm simply amazed at God sometimes."

"Me too. I believe I will be hiring my first employee for this organization."

"Could be." Rachel agreed _"Thank you Lord"_

" _Amen"_ Ethan ended

"Will you go back with me tomorrow to meet with him and hopefully one of his parents?"

"Yeah, sure. We need to call Robin."

Ethan pushed the number for Robin and handed Rachel the phone. "Hi Robin. We are going to mom and dad's, can you meet us there?"

"I guess so."

"Great, bring Tom with you. We should be there shortly."

"Okay, we will leave now. Bye."

"See you." Rachel said as she hung up. Ethan took the phone from her and dialed her parents number then handed the phone back to her "Hi Dad. Are you busy?"

"Just reading the paper."

"Is it alright if we come to see you?"

"Sure."

"We will be there shortly." Rachel handed the phone back to Ethan "Do you think they guessed at why we are gathering them all together?"

"Probably" he laughed "Let's go and get the suspense over with."

"You're crazy."

"It's too late to back out now. I have your acceptance on tape and it is evidence in a court of law."

"When I first heard your voice on my business line, I never imagined that this short time later I'd be happily engaged to you."

"I told you...you impressed me from the first phone call. And when I found out you were a member of the church I had just been called too, I made it my goal to find you." Ethan kissed her again. "Come on sweetheart, we have some people to surprise."

Ethan pulled in from the Hale's house with his fiancée a short time after proposing to her. "Tom's car is here. What about your brothers?"

"They are probably here too." Rachel answered.

"Okay" Ethan helped her up the stairs at the front of the house.

Rachel opened the door and called out "We're here."

"We are in the living room sweetie." Pearl answered back

"Lead the way" Rachel directed

"And so it begins..." he laughed

"Oh you." She laughed with him. Ethan guided her into the living room. "Hi everyone." Rachel said "Who is here?"

"Your sister and brothers, Tom also and us."

"Good. We have something to tell you."

"Could this have something to do with the rock that is weighing your hand down?" Robin asked

"Yes, it does. Ethan has proposed and I have accepted."

"Congratulations!" Ethan and Rachel were mobbed with hugs and well wishes. Eventually they sat down so the wedding plans could begin.

"First of all, Jacob you are mighty good at keeping a secret." Ethan stated "I'm impressed."

"It was tough. A week is a long time to know something that no one else knows."

"Why did he know?" asked Rachel

"Because I asked his permission to marry you." answered Ethan.

"You did?"

"Yes, he did. I was very glad to give it. I asked him a couple of questions and received good answers and I gave my permission. Well, blessing is more accurate."

"Rachel?" asked Robin

"Yeah?"

"I told you so." Robin stated

"What?"

"I told you so." Robin repeated and Rachel blushed and nodded.

"What does that mean?" Pearl asked

"It means I knew they were going to get married after that first dinner we had here with Ethan."

"That may be sweetie, but you weren't doing anything about it so I did it for you." Jacob announced proudly

"I knew it." Rachel exclaimed. "We figured that out just recently."

"Ethan didn't do a very good job of hiding his attraction to you during that dinner. So, I encouraged a little."

"Jacob!" Pearl exclaimed "You are embarrassing Ethan."

"No, he is right, Pearl." Ethan stated and then squeezed Rachel's hand. "I did have a hard time hiding my attraction to her. She probably thinks I was just curious to see if she would spill but that wasn't it."

"That is what I thought. I knew you watched me that night. But, Dad, how did you know I would take the "bait" so to speak."

"I knew that once I mentioned that Ethan had a _need_ , you would do your best to see that it was met. It is what you do best."

"See, I told you." Ethan commented to Rachel as he kissed her.

"This is not pick on Rachel day." She joked "It is my engagement day."

"Well, actually..." Ethan stated watching Robin try to not show her left hand

"Don't you dare, Ethan." Robin exclaimed and Tom laughed

"We didn't plan it, Robin. It just sort of worked out that way." Ethan apologized

"No way." Rachel exclaimed "Why didn't you tell me on the phone?"

"Because I was still amazed." Robin answered "But yes, I have an engagement ring too." Robin showed her hand and was then mobbed with hugs too.

"This has been quite a week." Jacob announced proudly

"You were good at keeping secrets." Tom agreed

"Yes, I am. Between you two, I got lots of free lunches this week."

"People at church are going to think we do everything together. They will assume we are going to get married on the same day." stated Rachel.

"No, that won't happen. I want Ethan to marry us."

"I'd be honored too."

"We have two weddings to plan." Pearl announced "I'm calling for help. Someone bring me the phone."

"Mom, relax." Rachel said quietly "It will actually be easier, same florist, same caterer, two different days."

"That's my Rachel" Ethan announced proudly "Organized"

"Oh you." Rachel elbowed him gently

Ethan's phone rang and he checked the display and handed it to Rachel. "Just answer, Hi dad."

"Hi Dad" she announced happily

"Congratulations sweetie and welcome to the Hayes family." Marcus said "Tell Ethan, congratulations too. I can't talk to him right now, they are calling my name. I love you."

"Bye" she said handing the phone back to Ethan. "He had to go give his speech but he said Congratulations. I take it that they knew?" asked Rachel

"Yep, I told them after church as we said our goodbyes."

"Ethan?" Pearl asked "Do we need to work with your father's staff to plan your wedding?"

"Probably to some degree, yes. And it will be easier to find a date if you work with Mom and his staff. He will clear his schedule for the most part, but there are some things he can't change."

"I'll talk to them Mom, we will figure out some dates." Rachel said confidently

"I can't wait to go dress shopping with both of you. When do you want to go?" Pearl asked excitedly

"I'm not going shopping until this cast comes off which isn't until late next week." Rachel stated "Then I'll be thrilled to go."

"Do I get to go too?" Ethan joked

"NO!" Pearl, Rachel and Robin answered at the same time

"I was just kidding." Ethan replied squeezing Rachel's hand "I know the time honored tradition of the groom can't see the wedding dress. I have officiated at a few ceremonies."

"You are in big trouble." Jacob laughed at Ethan

"I know, but it was great fun to see their reaction." Ethan laughed "Anyway, I need to head to a meeting, are you ready to head home?" Once again, the couple was embraced by her family as they headed out the door as a newly engaged couple.

Chapter 13

"Ethan Hayes" he said as his phone rang Monday morning while he was at the church working.

"My name is Mary and my son Malcolm gave me this number to call."

"Hello, I'm so glad you could call me."

"What is this about?"

Ethan began to explain about who he was and the youth center he was going to open at the warehouse. He explained about how he'd met Malcolm the day before and what his plans were for Malcolm if his parents were amenable. Rachel and Ethan had agreed on some tasks they would like him to perform even before the center would be open.

Malcolm's mom agreed to come with Malcolm to the warehouse today and meet with Ethan and Rachel. "I'm so thrilled, I can use all the help I can get."

"Malcolm is a good kid. I know I'm his mother and I am biased but he is trying to stay away from the wrong crowd and do good in school."

"I got that impression myself. We will see you later today."

"Thank you Mr. Hayes."

"Call me Ethan, and you are welcome."

Rachel was working at home Monday morning when her phone rang.

"Hello"

"Hello, this is Jessica Hayes"

"Hi, this is Rachel"

"Honey, I'm so excited for you and Ethan."

"I'm more than excited myself. I'm glad you called, we need to talk about dates."

"Yes, and that is why I called." Jessica agreed. Rachel gave her the list of possible dates they had discussed last night and Jessica said she would talk to her husband's staff and narrow it down for them. Rachel and Jessica discussed a few more things then said their goodbyes.

Rachel's phone rang almost immediately after disconnecting from Ethan's mother.

"Hello"

"Hello fiancée"

"Hello fiancée. I just talked to your mother."

"And I just talked to Malcolm's mother, she is coming at four today with Malcolm."

"Great"

"I'll pick you up no later than three if I can wait that long."

"Wait that long for what?" Rachel asked confused

"Too see my future bride." Ethan responded lovingly

"Ohhh" she cried "You are going to make me cry."

"Nope."

"Ethan, something hit me this morning. Where are we going to live?"

"Is that something we need to decide now?"

"Right this second, no. But soon. I need a place that has specific requirements."

"Okay, how about this....we can have dinner or a picnic at my house with your family. They can look it over and see if it will work."

"That would be great. I'll check with my family but does a barbeque on Saturday work for you?"

"Fabulous. I'll talk to you later. I love you."

"Bye Ethan. I love you."

Ethan arrived at Rachel's house at two. He went around to speak to Robin then let himself into the house. "Rachel" he called from the top of the stairs.

"I'll be right up." She answered. Ethan heard her clomping up the stairs with her bulky cast.

"Are you ready to get that thing off your foot?"

"This minute would not be soon enough. It itches all the time and my leg is going to look hideous when it comes off. It is a good thing it is still cool and I won't be wearing shorts for a while."

Ethan laughed at her grumbling "Rachel, my love, you need an attitude adjustment and I have just the thing for you."

"What?"

"A little bird told me that you have a weakness for chocolate chip cookies."

"Martha squealed on me."

"Yes, she did. And I happen to love them myself so I stopped at the store..." he said leading her to the kitchen table. "Here" he said handing her a cookie from the bag.

"Yum" she said enjoying the cookie "These will change my attitude anytime."

"Good to know. When I screw up and forget to call you I'll bring cookies as a buffer."

"I like how you think. But really, I'm going to try not to be that kind of a wife. Sure, I'll wonder if you are late what's wrong, but I'll try really hard not to minutely follow your every move."

"Rachel, honey, listen to me. There will be times that I can't tell you who I am meeting with and if it is a person I'm counseling, I'll have to keep the meeting subject confidential but I'll always tell you where I'm going. There could also be times that it is vice versa and someone will want to meet with you and not me or maybe both of us together."

"I know and I'll learn as we go along. I want to be the best at supporting you."

"You already are sweetheart." He said cupping her face and kissing her. He hugged her tight then asked if she was ready to go. A few minutes later they were leaving her house after saying goodbye to Robin.

"So what did Mary say when you told her your plan?"

"She was silent for a while, then asked if I was serious."

"What else did she say?"

"Not too much. You know me, I asked her a bunch of questions and then we talked about Malcolm some."

"She said okay to hiring him?"

"Yes, if he is willing. I'll hire her too if necessary."

"To do what?"

"Assist him and me."

"Again, to do what?"

"I'll have to see what her skills are."

"You are such a softie."

"Yep, 'fraid so." He said softly

"That isn't a bad thing in this case sweetheart." Rachel said kindly "Just ask the right questions and be comfortable with your decision before you rush into anything."

Ethan was a little uncomfortable with this subject and decided to change it "Did you talk to your family about the dinner at my house?"

"Yes, but their schedules were not open this weekend, but would next weekend work?"

He agreed as he turned into the parking lot. The realtor had called earlier and told Ethan his bid had been accepted and that the escrow would close in sixty days at Ethan's request. Ethan relayed that information to Rachel and she was as excited as he was. "We are a little early, do want to wait in the car or walk around?" Rachel wanted to wait in the car so he agreed and filled her in on more of the plans. She, as usual, was good at asking the right questions and helping him clear up is plans. Ethan thought to himself _She is going to be a wonderful support to me._

"Here they come." Ethan announced as he opened the car door and went around to help Rachel.

"Hi Malcolm. This must be your mother?"

"I'm Mary." She answered holding out her hand to Ethan

"This is Rachel" Ethan introduced

"Hello Mary, I'm really glad to meet you."

"I'm glad to meet you too."

"How was school, Malcolm?" Rachel asked

"Okay, I guess." He answered surprised.

"So Malcolm, how would you feel about coming to work for me?"

"Doing what?" Malcolm asked surprised. Ethan laid out his plan for the center and the help needed Malcolm to start gathering. He wanted Malcolm to hire some local kids to design flyers to advertise for workers to help with the remodel. They could be men, women or high school age to learn to do remodel work. He was to recruit a group of kids to work on the design of the building and they would meet with Ethan and the architect. Ethan told him how much he would be paid and how much he would pay the different jobs.

Malcolm was stunned and kept looking at his mother for input. Ethan had already told her his plan so she had had time to think about it. Malcolm's first question was "Why me?"

"Why not you?" Rachel asked

"Because I don't know anything about this work." He answered

"You'll learn." Rachel returned

"It is okay if you don't want to do it." Ethan stated "But I believe you'll be great at it and will like it."

"Mom, what do you think?" Malcolm asked

"It would be good for you. Do you want to do it?"

"Yes, can my mom and dad help me?"

"Sure, I was going to ask about that too. What does your father do?"

"My husband is in construction."

"Wonderful, can you have him give me a call?"

"Okay." Malcolm answered after looking at his mother.

"So, do you want the job?"

"Yes" he answered shyly

"Great." Ethan cheered then turned to run to his car. He came back with a cell phone for Malcolm. "Here is your business phone. Call me anytime with questions, my number is already programmed in there and so is Rachel's. Call me when you have the flyer's design team ready. I'll come and pick you all up and we can work at the church to design the flyers. Give yourself and them time to think up some ideas. Then at the same time be thinking if these are the same kids you want on the design team for the facility. You are going to be mostly responsible for them doing their jobs. I'll help you and so will Rachel but we are relying on you to bring us the right kids for this project. Oh, and another thing, none of this interferes with your school work or theirs. Any questions from parents, have them call me. Any questions?"

"Tons" he answered stunned "I'm ..." he stalled

"Malcolm, Ethan will be just a phone call away and you and he can meet whenever you need too. If you have an emergency, call me and I'll try my best to help you. You'll be fine, just keep the lines of communication open."

"She's right. And your mom and dad can help you and then you tell me how much you want to pay them."

"My mom is a great artist."

"No, I'm not." She disagreed

"She is." Malcolm countered

"Good, then you draw me some sketches for some artwork for the inside of the facility. Do you have time to do that?"

"Uh, yeah. What theme do you want?"

"Just draw me something and I'll decide."

"Mr. Hayes..."

"Ethan, please."

Mary started again "Thank you for everything, we are a little overwhelmed by all of this."

"Me too" Ethan replied.

"Why are you having Malcolm do all this?"

"Someday I'll tell you the whole story."

"Malcolm, I have one more thing for you." Ethan reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a credit card. "This is for your business expenses. Keep all your receipts and I'll collect them weekly. I don't believe you'll have any trouble using it but you have my number in case you do. Also, the first few times, call me before you use it and tell me what you need it for."

"Sure" he said accepting the card from Ethan "What kind of expenses?"

"Paper, pens, pencils, markers, paint, anything to organize your work, stuff for your mom to use to draw, items the design team may need to work on the flyers. No expenses for this project get paid by your family. None. Keep track of your time too."

"My mom is good at organizing, I'll ask her too."

"Then you keep track of your time too." He said to Mary and she nodded.

"Any other questions?"

Malcolm and Mary looked at each other and then he answered Ethan "I guess I'll call you when we do."

"Good, then call me tomorrow and let me know your progress. Thank you for doing this for me."

Mary choked out her laughter "Don't you have that backwards?"

"Nope, I'm unorganized and she's planning a wedding, we need the help badly."

"Is he always this crazy, Rachel?"

"Yes, he is. But he is also right, I have to plan a wedding, two actually. My twin is getting married also."

"Good heavens, are you crazy?"

"Yes, I'm beginning to think we are." Rachel answered happily. Ethan hugged her with one arm and laughed along with Malcolm and Mary.

"Any other questions, please call me. And if you would please have your husband call me?"

"His name is Mark."

Rachel hid her smile in Ethan's chest as he said he looked forward to hearing from him. "Can we give you a ride home?" Ethan asked

"No, we just live across a couple of streets." Mary answered "Thank you though."

"Malcolm, call me tomorrow and then we will schedule some time to meet."

"Yes, sir."

"It was wonderful to meet you Mary." Ethan said shaking her hand. "Call me anytime."

"Thank you Ethan." Mary said happily as she and Malcolm turned to leave.

Rachel and Ethan got back in the car and Ethan said a quick prayer of thanks. "Next time we meet with them, let's do it inside at a table and chairs."

"Yes, but I didn't want to worry either of them that we might be up to something."

"I know."

"I got the feeling he was stunned by this opportunity." Rachel said laughing

"His eyes got bigger and bigger with each assignment. But he looked thrilled too. He should do a good job with some coaching."

"And you are thrilled about this aren't you?" she asked laughing with him

"In more ways than one." He answered laughing. "How about some dinner before I have to rush off to Bible Study?"

"Do you have time?"

"Sure, if we are sort of quick" he answered. Rachel agreed and they headed out to eat.

On Friday, Rachel, Ethan, Robin and Tom went out to dinner then back to Rachel's house to have their Bible study together. After the Bible Study, the four plotted on how to make the engagement announcements to the church.

"Why don't you just announce it Ethan?" asked Rachel

"Ours or theirs?"

"Both" Robin and Rachel said in unison.

"Tom?" asked Ethan

"Let's have their dad do it."

"No" Robin stated firmly

"Are we really going to have to announce anything? When you two show up with engagement rings on your fingers in Bible Study, won't the news spread like wildfire and then all we have to do is confirm the story."

"We still need to have something to say. Do you want me to do it?" asked Rachel. There was stunned silence at her question. "Okay, I guess not." She said standing to move from the table after no one talked for several minutes. "I'll be back in a minute." She said excusing herself.

"Wait Rachel" Robin finally said but Rachel ignored her and walked out of the kitchen. She walked up the stairs to her room and shut the door behind her, thankfully there was a lock on it so no one could bother her for a while. _Dear Lord, Help me to have confidence and courage. I put my trust in you and I want to know and do your will. In Jesus Name Amen._ Rachel continued to think as she sat on her bed. Soon there was a knock on her door. "Rachel" Ethan called to her.

"I'll be down in a little while."

"Come back down now." He encouraged

"In a few minutes." She answered again. "I just need a couple of minutes, please."

"Are you okay?"

"Ethan, I'm okay. Please give me a few minutes."

"Okay, I'll be back in five minutes." He hesitantly left her door and returned to the kitchen. Less than five minutes later they heard her cast on the stairs. She walked back into the kitchen and sat down again.

"Rachel, we are sorry." Robin apologized

"No need for an apology. It's not necessary."

"Yes it is." Ethan stated next

"No, it really isn't." Rachel returned quickly. "You were right, we are not going to have to say anything, just showing up with engagement rings on will be enough. I'm sure Beth will notice it then the whole church can find out from her."

Rachel heard two chairs move from the table and so she stood up too thinking their evening was over but Ethan caught her hand and stayed her departure. Robin and Tom walked out the kitchen door to give them privacy.

"Rachel, we are sorry. We..."

"I told you it isn't necessary." She interrupted.

"You caught us off guard with volunteering to talk to the church."

"Ethan, I gathered that on my own thanks." Rachel said sarcastically "It was a dumb idea anyway and like I said, you were right. Beth will spread the word for us. Dumb idea..." she trailed off

"Knock it off." He said "It wasn't a dumb idea. It is actually a very good idea, you just took us by surprise. What are you going to say?"

"Nothing" she answered "You're right, I can't get up in front of the church to talk."

"Knock it off, I mean it." He said strongly "It is a great idea, I'll introduce you just after the opening prayer and you can give your testimony."

"No" she said stubbornly.

"It will be good practice for when you are a preacher's wife."

Rachel sat quietly for a while as she hoped Ethan would give up on this idea. She knew she could do it but they didn't seem to believe she could so now she was scared again. "Maybe another time." She said softly as she turned her head away from him.

"We made you doubt yourself and now you are scared." Ethan stated confidently. She always looked away when she was doubting herself "I'm very sorry." He said cupping his hand under her chin to turn her back towards him. Rachel took hold of his hand and brought it from her face before he could turn it.

"Let it go Ethan." She said quietly "Just please let it go."

"No, I'm not going too."

"Please! I'm begging you, please let it go."

"I can't Rachel. I hurt you and I have to make it right." He said gently but Rachel shook her head in rebuttal. "I screwed this up big time. I just set your confidence in yourself back months."

"It isn't your issue Ethan, it's mine."

"It is my issue and my fault. I do believe in you, you can do anything you want to do."

"Don't please. Your response along with theirs said differently, I'm just asking you to please let this go."

"And where does my stupidity leave us?" he asked afraid of the answer

"I'm not sure right now." She answered honestly.

"Are we still engaged?" he asked afraid again

"Should we be engaged if you've lost confidence in me? That appears to be a big problem."

"I have _not_ lost confidence in you. I made a big mistake, I believe that you can do anything you want to do. Anything God leads you to do. Please forgive me."

"I do forgive you."

"But?"

"Nothing. I forgive you, everyone makes mistakes. My forgiveness is genuine."

"And your confidence in yourself?"

"That is a little battered right now but it isn't your problem."

"It is my problem, I'm the cause of it."

"It is because I didn't get my confidence from God that it has taken a hit. I was relying on myself or you to give me confidence and maybe that is wrong. I shouldn't have worked that way."

"Rach, you are partly right in that thought, but I'm also in the wrong here. I shouldn't have done anything to cause you doubt. I'm to give you my unconditional love and support which leads to your confidence in us."

"And it probably will, but not right now. I just need a little time to think."

"Probably? That is too hard to take, I don't want to lose you. I love you and I want to marry you and I believe in you."

"Ethan..."

"No, listen to me. Not too long ago you were confident, why?"

"Because your actions showed me your faith in me."

"What actions?"

"You kept showing up time and again when I pushed you away. You never wavered in your persistence of believing there was an "us". You believed in me when I couldn't believe in myself."

"Well, I am still showing up, I have never wavered in believing in us. And I do believe in you, I made a big mistake with my reaction to your comment but I do believe in you. Please believe that I only made a mistake, I haven't now nor will I ever change my opinion or beliefs about you. Can you believe in that?"

"Don't you think you should think about that for a couple of days and see if you change your mind?"

"No, never."

"Ethan..."

"Do you believe I love you?" he interrupted

"Yes"

"Do you believe that I made a mistake in my reactions to your volunteering?"

"Uhh...."

"You can say yes or no."

"Maybe." She answered instead

"Do you believe that I have not changed my opinion of you?"

"Maybe"

"Do you believe I make mistakes just like anyone else?"

"Yes, of course."

"The first day you went out to coffee with me. How did you describe yourself?"

"Loner, shy, handicapped."

"Turn our roles around, I said that to you on our first date, then six months later I announce that I want to talk in church. Would you have reacted and made the same big mistake I did? I'm not justifying my actions, I'll admit freely that I screwed up. I never heard your changed opinion on being shy."

"I haven't changed that opinion."

"Okay, now I'm really confused."

"Let me rephrase that, I'm still shy but I know I need to work on that. I'm so happy to be engaged to you that I wanted to tell people."

Ethan thumped his head down on the table. He was muttering and she could only understand a few words. "Ethan, stop. What are you doing? I can't see you remember."

"I've exasperated myself even." He finally said

"Why?"

"Why? I, as the saying goes "shot myself in the foot" so to speak. I've been trying to encourage you to be less shy and when you tried, I blew it. I'm begging you please get up in front of the church and tell them whatever you wanted to."

"Ethan, you have turned into a basket case in the last two minutes."

"I'm desperate."

"Will you stand next to me?"

"Is that what you want?"

"Yes, I'll stand up in front of the church but not at the podium and tell my story if you stand next to me."

"Hallelujah" he said relieved

"Come here" she motioned with her hand and he knelt beside her chair. When she felt him take her hand she spoke again. "I love you Ethan Hayes, can I stay engaged to you?"

"Absolutely, most definitely, yes, you have too. I need..." he was interrupted by her kissing him.

Sunday morning, Rachel and Robin did not put their rings on until after Bible Study class which Ethan and Tom agreed with after reading and hearing Rachel's talk. Ethan came to sit with her as the choir and Tom walked in. Tom led the church in singing the first song and then Ethan led the prayer. After his prayer, he picked up the microphone and went to lead Rachel to where the whole room could see her. He handed her the microphone and stood beside her.

"Twenty-five years ago, I was blessed with an amazing gift; a gift of the most wonderful family and a gift of the most amazing sister. Except for the time I was away learning to be blind, Robin and I have lived in the same house. About a year ago, our relationship began to change and we were not even aware of it." Rachel felt Robin come to stand beside her "I still have the most amazing sister but I almost blew it because I didn't have confidence in myself and I didn't listen to what God was telling me. I ran away from home and stupidly put my family through a horrible ordeal."

"When I was found due to being hit by a car, I still tried to push my sister away because I thought I was keeping her from having a life where I wasn't a burden to her. I was wrong. I had made some very poor assumptions. Very soon after I was back home but still fighting being there, I learned that I had really made a bad error in judgment. But being from an amazing, but stubborn, family, I found my way back to the truth and finally believed in myself. And in finding that I found that I could be something more. And Robin and I found out that we needed others." Rachel felt Tom come stand beside Robin and the rest of her family come stand beside Ethan. "The thing I found out is that I believe God is calling me to be a pastor's wife. So it is my greatest honor to introduce you to the combined new Hale family with the addition of Tom Green and Ethan Hayes. Yes, it is coincidental in the timing, but Robin accepted Tom's proposal and I accepted Ethan's proposal one week ago today." The crowd jumped to their feet and clapped in celebration with Rachel and her family. As the clapping died away, Rachel's family went back to their seats and Ethan led Rachel back to their seat and Tom and Robin went back to the choir.

Tom got up to start the next song and the remainder of the service finished as normal. At the end of the service, Tom, Robin, Rachel and Ethan stood in the foyer and accepted the congratulations.

"You were spectacular, sweetheart" Ethan said as he and Rachel were alone in his office. He hugged her tight and she hugged right back.

"It was really okay?" she asked uncertain

"It was more than okay. You had the crowd spellbound and then crying with happiness. I couldn't look at anyone today, they all gave me a "oh that's so sweet" look."

"So what did you do? Preach to the top of their heads?"

"Pretty much or I consulted my notes a lot more than usual."

Rachel laughed at the picture in her head. "So my wonderful, handsome fiancée, can I take you to lunch? Do you have time?"

"Yes, my gorgeous, amazing fiancée, I do have time." Ethan answered just before kissing her quickly.

Ethan picked Rachel up for their weekly meeting with Malcolm, his father and his mother. Then they were headed to his house to get ready for the barbeque with her family.

"Hi all" he said as he met Malcolm's family at the restaurant.

"Hi" they returned and then followed Ethan into the restaurant. Malcolm's father, Mark, had called Ethan the day after he had hired Malcolm. Mark had had lots of questions for Ethan and vice versa. After learning his background, Ethan asked Mark if he would be the on-site supervisor of the construction. He had hired Mark already to begin some preliminary work.

As soon as they had ordered, Ethan began the meeting. "Malcolm, how do things stand?"

Malcolm began his report "I have the team members for the flyers and we can meet with you this week depending on your schedule. We are out of school Thursday and Friday. And only one other person's parent has to agree and I've picked the design team. My mom and dad talked to the parents so they wouldn't think I was joking with their kid."

"Good plan." Ethan pulled out his schedule and they agreed to meet on Thursday. "And Mary, how are things with you?"

"I'm good. I have some preliminary sketches done." She said handing over some ideas to Ethan. He looked them over and handed them back. "Beautiful. Can you meet with us on Thursday?"

"Yes, when the kids are out of school I'm also out of school."

"Perfect" Ethan returned "Mark, what about you? How are you?"

"Malcolm and I have been walking the neighborhood and getting some names of the construction vehicles that are around. I also wrote down some of the ones I wouldn't use again from past experience. I got the books you told me to get so I can study for the project manager job."

"Very good." Ethan commented "Malcolm, do you have your timesheets for this week?"

Malcolm handed over the timesheets from all three of them and Ethan looked them over. "Excellent job Malcolm." Ethan stated. Ethan took the checks out of his briefcase and handed them to Malcolm. "Here you go boss. The boss always hands out the paychecks and tells them "thank you" for doing a good job."

Malcolm very proudly handed over the paychecks to his parents and told them thank you.

Rachel heard Mary sniff as her son handed her a check. "Thanks boss" she replied.

"How's school Malcolm?" Rachel asked

"Very good. Word is out about this job and people come up to me and ask me if they can help. I did what Ethan told me to do, I ask them their skills, talents and then I write it down and tell them I'll let them know."

"Any good prospects for future projects?" Rachel asked again

"Yeah maybe. I have to organize some of that still. Mom and I are working on a chart of skills and stuff."

"That is excellent." Ethan agreed. Then talk switched to expenses and if Malcolm had been keeping good track of things. Ethan learned that Malcolm liked the accounting parts and decided to have his accountant work with Malcolm on a budget when school was out. Their meal was served about the time the business discussion was over.

"How are the wedding plans, Rachel?" Mary asked as they ate

"Hectic, trying to plan a wedding around the United States Senate is quite a job."

"And what does the Senate have to do with your wedding?" Mary asked

"My father is United States Senator Marcus Hayes." Ethan answered

"You're kidding?" Mark asked

"No, he is not." Rachel answered this time. "We finally have a date now though but it took two weeks of phone calls and emails."

"And your twin is getting married too?" Mary asked as Rachel finished

"Yes, her wedding will be after ours. Right now, my sister and I are roommates. I need to be married first and moved in with Ethan before Robin gets married and her husband moves into our house."

"Is your mother pulling her hair out at having to plan two weddings?"

"No, two is easier than one actually." Rachel answered "Especially now that we both have dates and can put down some deposits on things."

"I'm glad I had a boy." Mary said happily

Chapter 14

Ethan and Rachel spent the afternoon in preparation for the dinner with her family. She wasn't a lot of help unless he helped her move around in the unfamiliar setting. He didn't seem to mind but she knew he could do more without stopping to help her out. "I like seeing you in this house." Ethan said about early-afternoon when they were taking a break.

Rachel smiled sweetly at him "I like anywhere that you are."

"Ahhh, comments like that just may get you kissed sweetheart."

"And I would object to that for what reason?"

Ethan didn't answer he just kissed her instead. Rachel reached up to cup his face in her hands and even when the kiss ended she didn't let go. "Is something wrong?" he asked

"Not hardly." She answered happily "I, _uhhh_ ...."

"Yeah, me too." Ethan agreed. He was ready to be married to this woman and spend the rest of his life with her. Rachel let go of his face and he moved away.

"So, what wedding plans do we need to go over?" Ethan asked as he worked around the kitchen.

"We need to decide on who is going to marry us."

"I have an idea, tell me your opinion. I have a seminary professor that I still keep in touch with and he has given me advice and opinions in the past. I'd like to ask him."

"That is perfect. Why didn't you mention this the other day?"

"Well" he started a little embarrassed "I sort of crammed my last two weeks full of things to do and I actually forgot about him until I checked my email this morning."

"Ask him. I think it is a wonderful idea."

"I will, thank you. What other details?"

"Groomsmen and bridesmaids."

"I already asked my brother to be the best man. Are we going to have any other attendants than a maid of honor and a best man?"

"I'm asking you. What about your sisters, would they be bridesmaids with Robin as the maid of honor?"

"Honestly, they would but actually, I want a short simple ceremony and the more people who need to parade down the aisle delays my marrying you."

"Ahhh, comments like that will get you kissed sweetheart."

"Yeah, well, I'm not coming over there to get one. It isn't the smartest idea right now."

"I understand that completely." She agreed

"So, do you want two bridesmaids and Robin?"

"Not if you don't. Will they be expecting me to ask them?"

"No, I don't think so. They only had one attendant each."

"So what is your opinion on food at the reception?"

"As long as the reception is over in five minutes, they can eat whatever they want." He joked

"Five minutes?" she laughed

"Okay, maybe I can hang around for ten. There may be a football game on that day or something that I need to watch."

"Cross off reception as something to get Ethan's opinion on." She chuckled

"Rach" he started as he worked on food preparations "you are going to hate this comment but I may not even remember the reception. Yes, we need to have a reception. No, I don't want one. I want to marry you. I want to have the ceremony, have the preacher announce us as husband and wife then walk out the door of the church and not see another soul for a week. I want your undivided attention. So, will I remember the reception? Maybe. Will I enjoy the reception? Yes, I will. Will I be anxious for the reception to be over? I think you know the answer to that question." Ethan looked up from his speech and saw the look on her face. "What is that look for?"

"Ethan Hayes, you are crazy. You are such a people person, you need to have a reception at your wedding. Have you seen the first draft of the guest list from your parents? Robin read it to me. Six US Senators at least, one former president, shall I continue? You do remember that we are not even getting married at the church don't you?"

"Yes, and I hate it. Tom and Robin aren't either. I hate that too. It is a great church."

"Come here." She said motioning him with her hand.

"What?" he said sitting down at the table with her and holding her hand.

"Ethan, what makes it a great church?"

"The great people, how much love they have for us."

"Sweetheart that is the people, not the building. We are still inviting the people to the wedding."

"Yes, but I want to get married in the church. I want a small wedding, you, me, two witnesses and a preacher. And if I could be both the groom and the pastor, I'd do it."

"Then you should have been born into a different family." She chuckled

"Why are you so happy about this? Do want this big wedding?"

"No and Yes. No, I'll be a nervous wreck over the number of people who will be there. Yes because I want everyone to look at my face and know that that moment when we become man and wife is the happiest moment of my life. I'll have tears of joy and there will not be any doubts on _anyone's_ mind that I am thrilled to be your wife. It isn't about showing people that I showed them up and snagged me a great husband, it is about them knowing I love you with all my heart. I'd have our wedding televised worldwide if I could show the world that loving you is the best thing that ever happened to me and that you were given to me by God. He has given me the greatest treasure imaginable."

"Well, you have that backwards, He has given me the greatest treasure imaginable."

"Oh you." She said laughing "Did you get my point?"

"Yes, I did." He said gently "But can't one witness tell a few people and then spread the news from there."

"Oh Ethan, I love you. The ceremony will be short but there still has to be a reception and believe me, I'm not leaving your side for a minute. Actually I don't have much choice about that, but I would choose that option anyway."

"You are a goof." He said kissing her hand that he held. "I have one thing to say then this discussion can move on...I'd marry you tomorrow with no witnesses and spend the rest of my life with you. I will however wait six months, wait at the end of a long aisle and watch you walk towards me in a beautiful dress and pledge before God and hundreds of witnesses to love you the rest of my life. I will keep you very close as we enjoy the reception but the first opportunity I have, we are out of there. Deal?"

"Oh yes, we have a deal."

"Good, now can I have a kiss?" he asked moving closer to her

"Absolutely." She answered and then the doorbell rang. "Later" she said instead as he moved to answer the door instead of kiss her.

"Hi Martha" Ethan laughed

"I know you told me three times you didn't need any help tonight but I thought you might be shy about asking so I showed up early just in case." Martha explained as she walked in the door and straight to the kitchen as if she owned the house. "Hi, Rachel, sweetie." She said stopping briefly to hug her. "Now, what do you need my help with?"

"Hi Martha" Rachel greeted as she laughed with Ethan. "You might as well put her to work Ethan, she isn't a good sitter. She wouldn't last thirty seconds watching you work."

Martha and Ethan laughed then Ethan drafted Martha to help him. "So what other details do we need to work on?" Ethan asked going back to the wedding discussion.

"Logistical stuff...your family has their hotel reservations?"

"Yes, it happens to be a family hotel, we have first pick."

"Oh yeah, forgot about that."

"Tsk Tsk Tsk" he teased "Trevor has the manager blocking most of the hotel so just have your family mention the wedding so they know which block of rooms to assign them."

"How many people are coming to this wedding?" Martha asked

"You haven't seen the guest list?" Rachel asked

"No, should I have?"

"I guess not. Ethan's mother's list is a first draft of three hundred people. Mom's list is two hundred and the church members are about two hundred more. Not to mention security for the visiting dignitaries."

"What security?"

"Does the name Jameson Hayes ring a bell?"

"Yes" Martha answered

"Ethan, do you want to tell her why Jameson Hayes is coming to your wedding?"

"We don't know that he is coming."

"You're stalling, tell her."

"He is my father's uncle."

"The former president of the United States is your great uncle?"

"Yes" Ethan groaned

"And?" Rachel encouraged him to tell the rest

"You are such a brat." Ethan teased.

"And?" she encouraged again.

"Oh alright, he wants to sing if he is able to come."

"You're kidding?" Martha asked astonished

"No, he's not. Jameson Hayes called me himself the other day and asked if he could sing at my wedding. First of all, Robin had to pick me up off the floor from the dead faint, not really but almost. Secondly, he tells me his is Ethan's great uncle and I wouldn't have believed that except that United States Senator Marcus Hayes was on the conference call also."

"Oh my word" gasped Martha

"Oh wait, there's more..." Rachel began and Ethan interrupted "You are so going to pay for this drama queen."

"As I was saying, Jameson, which is what I'm supposed to call the former president of the United States now since we are relatives, tells me that he will bring his own accompaniment. That would be his grandson's little band known as the JD Miller Band, do you know who they are?"

"Yes" Martha answered astonished

"So, I said okay, nothing else came to mind. So then Ethan's father said that the security company would call me and he was right the next call I received was about security."

"Rachel..." Ethan groaned

"Wait, Wait I haven't even gotten to the good part yet. Since Uncle Jameson is only a former president the United States Secret Service would only send his detail of ten men to guard him if that was the only dignitary who would attend but since there will be other senators and celebrities there, the director of the Secret Service informs me that he is sending sixty."

"Sixty?"

"Oh and I have to have the guest list to him within thirty days."

"Why?"

"So the service can do background checks on all of us."

"Good grief Ethan." Martha exclaimed

"But there is some really good news too." Rachel went on

"What's that?"

"At the end of this three ring circus, I'll be Mrs. Ethan Hayes."

"Ahhh" Martha cooed and Ethan came to kiss her "You just redeemed yourself drama queen."

"And you couldn't have just told me there was a possibility that all these phone calls were coming my way?" she asked teasing him now. On the day of the phone calls she was too flabbergasted to ask him.

"I sincerely apologize. I had no idea that Jameson would want to sing at the wedding."

"How about a heads up that he even might attend? Although talking to the Director of the US Secret Service has always been on my to-do list for this wedding."

"Okay, you are back in trouble drama queen." Ethan said grabbing her to give her a nuggie then kissing the top of her head. Martha was laughing at them as she worked on her food assignment.

"Ethan, if your father's side of the family is in politics what is your mother's side like?"

Ethan groaned and Rachel burst out laughing. "Don't start again, you drama queen." He said warning her playfully.

"What now?" Martha asked. Rachel was too busy laughing to answer so Ethan sheepishly did "Have you heard of "Masie Dasie" food products?"

"Yes, of course."

"Mother's side of the family." He stated shyly

"Yes, I only heard from the Director of the Federal Aviation Administration on that side of the family."

"You did not. Carly just wanted to know if the regional airport on this side of town was closer than Albuquerque International."

"I don't even want to know anymore." Martha gave up. "I think you two should have eloped."

"See" Ethan said happily "I love you Martha."

"I love you too Ethan."

"Ethan, you know eloping wasn't possible. You just aren't a member of an unknown family. This wedding stuff isn't important to us, it is important to them. That's why we are doing it, it still gets us to the same place. Husband and wife. And that's what I keep remembering as the Secret Service calls me."

"Thank you for reminding me. I love you more than Martha."

"Well, I would certainly hope so." Martha exclaimed happily.

"I don't know. Martha is a pretty good catch." Rachel countered "We should fix her up."

"Bite your tongue. I'm too old."

"Uncle Jameson is single, how about I arrange it for you to be his dinner companion at the reception." Ethan said

"Yeah, you do that." Martha grumbled.

Rachel was about to respond when the doorbell rang again. "There is the rest of the crazy crew." Ethan went to answer the door and found Tom and Robin then saw the rest of the family pulling up in their vehicles.

As everyone kind of settled in the living room, Ethan announced why they were here for dinner. "Rachel and I need you to go through the house with us and decide if this is a house Rachel is safe in or if we need to look at selling this house and moving."

"I really need your eyes to point out true problems. Remember to look at the future too, being pregnant, children. We plan to hire a housekeeper/nanny but I'll still need to think of how I'll care for children in this environment. Are the stairs too steep? Stuff like that."

Ethan sent everyone off in a different direction and told them to look over every part. He and Martha continued to prepare dinner as they Hale family wandered his house.

"You are pretty brave to have Rachel's entire family wander through your house." Martha stated as they worked in the kitchen.

"For Rachel's safety, they can put rubber on all the walls for all I care. If this house isn't good for her, we will move." Ethan commented as he went to start the grill in the backyard. It was still cool out so they would cook outside but eat inside.

The tour of the house ended about the same time as dinner preparations were completed so they all sat down to eat then discuss the house. Ethan led in prayer _Lord, I'm blessed to be part of the family sitting around this table. Thank you for the love they have given me and the trust they have shown in me to take care of Rachel. In Jesus Name, Amen._

"Okay Pearl, let's start with you."

"It is a great house but I think Rachel will have some problems." Pearl went on to describe the areas she saw as problems. Jacob agreed with her and added a couple more. Robin, Jeremy and Paul agreed but didn't add any new ones.

"Well, then we need to go shopping for a new house then." Ethan stated to Rachel.

"Will you mind?"

"Nope" he said happily "You need to be safe sweetheart."

After some discussion on houses, Ethan changed subjects on them. "The second reason you are here is because we have something else to tell you about."

"Ethan's dream is to help underprivileged children. He is in escrow to buy a huge warehouse a few miles from here that he is turning into a youth center."

"Congratulations Ethan" Jacob announced

"As we looked at the property a few weeks ago, we meet a teenager named Malcolm. He impressed me and I have hired him to work for me. He is rounding up kids to design flyers to advertise for workers on the building. He is picking kids to work with me and the architect on the design team. I've also hired his father to probably be the project manager and his mother is a good artist and has drawn some sketches for the inside."

"You hired a teenager to run this project?" Jacob asked

"Yes. He is doing a great job so far. We talk everyday and he keeps me informed. I think his popularity has grown at school. Today he told us that kids are coming up to him to ask to help."

"Why this kid?" Jacob asked again.

"That's kind of a long story..." Ethan began as he reached for Rachel's hand. Ethan told the story of his grandfathers' mission for their grandkids. He told all the way through to picking Malcolm because of the questions he had asked and about his name.

"Are you giving up preaching to run this center?" Robin asked

"No. I'll hire a managing director. Rachel and I will choose a board of directors as an oversight group. We covet your prayers on this project, I think it has great potential."

"It certainly does." Jacob agreed impressed with the man who loved his daughter. "Rachel, what about your business?"

"Well, along with calls from former presidents and the Secret Service, I have received several calls from ministers nationwide this week and it seems word is getting around on what ministers would like to see us offer. I'll be praying and hopefully find a way to make those changes."

"Is funding an issue?" Jacob asked

"No, Daddy, time and talent partly. With wedding plans, I'm a little busy but also, I need to hire some other people with specific talents if I pursue these requests."

"You'll keep me informed." Jacob stated

"Dad, you help me with the bookkeeping, I think you'll know the answer before me."

Jacob agreed and the rest of the dinner and the evening discussions centered around the two weddings. Martha tried to help Ethan clean up but he told her he had it covered and drafted Jeremy, Paul and Tom to help him. After the guests left, he and Rachel talked a while then he drove her home.

"I'll see you tomorrow. I love you." Ethan said kissing her good night.

"I love you."

Chapter 15

Six months later

"Let's do this thing!" Rachel announced to Robin, her mother and her father as she waited in the room off the ballroom. "I've been dressed for an hour and my feet already hurt."

"We can't yet. You were too anxious to get dressed, the crowd isn't through security yet. And you've only been dressed fifteen minutes. Robin, distract her." Pearl instructed leaving the room

"How am I supposed to distract you? I'm as nervous as you are, my wedding is in three weeks. Thankfully it isn't quite this big."

"Maybe because I'm blind and can't see them, I am not worried about the crowd."

"You'll notice them in the receiving line though, sweets" Robin reminded her. But between the wedding and the start of the receiving line, she was changing shoes and wouldn't be in heels.

"Okay" Pearl spoke coming through the door "the crowd is seated and the music has begun. I have one minute to tell you that I love you and you look beautiful."

"Thank you for everything Mom. I couldn't have done this without you."

"My pleasure darling." She said gently hugging her daughter then rushing from the room. The wedding coordinator knocked a moment later and Robin, Rachel and their father left the room.

It had been a whirlwind six months. Ethan's house had to be sold and they found a new one pretty quick. The warehouse property had closed and Malcolm's involvement had become greater but he was thriving with the responsibility. The neighborhood had welcomed the start of the youth center. The architect's plans had been approved by the city and now the bids were being solicited for the work. Mark was advising Ethan when Ethan had questions.

"Okay sister, are you ready?"

"Yes, can you see Ethan?"

"Yes, he looks a little anxious but very handsome."

"Okay, Robin" the coordinator queued her to start walking the aisle then the door was shut to the ballroom. Jacob and Rachel took their place. "I love you Rachel and I'm very happy for you and Ethan."

"Thank you Dad."

The ballroom door opened and Rachel and Jacob began their walk and Ethan got the first look at his bride. He got a few tears in his eyes as he saw how happy she looked. Her gown was a strapless gown with embroidered bodice that elongated her frame. She looked stunning.

Jacob stopped at the spot he was told and the ceremony began. A short few minutes later, Jameson Hayes stepped up to sing. He had a great voice and the words made Rachel cry and Ethan squeezed her hands in empathy. As the song ended, the minister, Ethan's former teacher, pronounced them husband and wife. Ethan gave Rachel the most loving kiss and hugged her tight then turned to greet the crowd.

"May I present Mr. and Mrs. Ethan Hayes" the minister announced as Ethan and Rachel walked back down the aisle. Ethan and Rachel escaped into the room for a couple of minutes of privacy before the receiving line.

"I love you Mrs. Hayes. You look gorgeous."

"I love you Mr. Hayes." She said as he kissed her deeply.

Epilogue

Four years later

Ethan watched from the sliding glass door, Rachel play football with their sons. "Tillie, what is she doing?"

Tillie was the housekeeper/nanny they had hired several years ago. "She is playing football with James and Nathan."

"I see that. How and why?"

"They were really restless this afternoon and into everything. And with Malcolm here, she took them outside to play football. She throws, the boys chase the ball, try to throw it to Malcolm then he hands it to her."

"She's completely crazy."

"They are having a great time." She said opening the door and shoving him out.

"Daddy's home" Rachel announced and James and Nathan took off running to Ethan. James and Nathan were their two year old twin boys. Ethan bent down and caught them up in his arms. He kissed them and then they wanted down to go play with Malcolm again.

"How did you know it was me?" he asked kissing Rachel

"I told you a long time ago, my heart knows when you are around."

"Hey Malcolm" Ethan greeted after he kissed Rachel again. "Did I forget a meeting?"

"No, I have something to tell you."

"Okay, it is bad." The youth center had been operating for three years now and it was full to capacity every day, every class. Malcolm still held a position as advisor to the senior who had taken his place last year when he started community college.

"I got a scholarship to the University of Texas for next fall. I'll be moving away."

"I'm thrilled for you Malcolm." Ethan said hugging the teenager. Malcolm had done a fabulous job with his assignments and Ethan had been so glad he had given him a shot at the position. Now he could use his experiences for his future.

"Thank you for believing in my all those years ago and giving me this chance at a different future for me and my family." Malcolm's mom was coordinator of the center's _Learning Life Lessons_ and she taught them basic skills for life. Malcolm's dad was the managing director of the center.

"You are so welcome. You impressed me that first day and I've never been sorry I chose you or your parents to do their jobs."

Nathan and James mobbed Malcolm as he stood talking to their father. Ethan grabbed up James while Malcolm grabbed up Nathan and they are walked into the house to find Rachel. "I'll miss these little guys." Malcolm said solemnly "And you and Rachel. Will you email me sometimes?"

"Absolutely" Rachel answered "They'll miss you too. I'm not very good at football without your help. And I'll miss you very much." She said going to hug Malcolm. Malcolm announced he had to leave shortly thereafter. Ethan and Rachel took the twins to the family room to play with them.

"How was your day?" Rachel asked Ethan. He was still pastoring the same church. Rachel had stepped into the role of pastor's wife like it was made for her. Her concerns about not being able to help him were so far away from reality that it never was even mentioned anymore. "My day was good but now being home with you, my day is great!" he said pulling her into his arms and kissing her deeply. "I'm so glad you married me."

"The first time you called my business was the best phone call I ever got. Now I have you, the love of my life and the twins. I have been given so much by our Heavenly Father."

"Amen" Ethan echoed as he watched his wife and sons "I'm so blessed."

###

Thank you for reading my first ebook. I began writing about five years ago in my mid-forties to capture the stories in my head on paper and thereby removing them from the continuous loop replay in my dreams. I have read romance novels for nearly thirty years and my writing space in my home contains hundreds of books in boxes and bookshelves and stacks on top of boxes and bookshelves. I always have one or two books going at one time. I started writing to please myself and my husband kept up the pressure until I found a way to publish what I had written.

Please send your comments to me at mailto:anniepelle53@gmail.com
Coming Soon

Stage West

Dalton

Lindsay

David

Warm Comforts

Missed Signals

