Chapter 5
Chapter Five
A small group devoted to grief recovery? Hard pass. Tried that. Didn’t help.
Tisha crumpled the flyer she’d found tucked inside the church bulletin and tossed it into the trash can on her way out of the sanctuary. She couldn’t bear to be surrounded by strangers trying to heal from their losses.
Besides, she’d agreed to spread Chase’s ashes soon. Wasn’t that a giant leap forward in her grieving process? So a small group was hardly necessary. Sighing, she turned back toward the crowded foyer.
Melinda’s gaze pinged between her and the trash can. “Are you all right, honey?”
Tisha nodded. “Not interested in group therapy, that’s all.”
Pain flashed in Melinda’s eyes.
“I mean, I think it’s great that the church offers a support group for people going through loss. It’s…I’m…I don’t need it.”
“I understand. If you change your mind, please know that there are people here who can help you heal.” Melinda slipped her purse strap over her shoulder. “Do you have a few minutes to stay for coffee? I’ll get Sadie from children’s church so you can visit with folks.”
Tisha hesitated. Tom and Melinda had been so welcoming, inviting her to church today and helping her get Sadie plugged into the proper class. She scanned the people mingling near the coffee station. It wouldn’t hurt to say hello to a few faces she already recognized from their visits to the café.
Except weariness clung to her. Tempted to sleep in this morning, she’d almost skipped the service.
But sitting in the sanctuary, where the music washed over her like a soothing balm for her weary soul, she’d leaned over and whispered her humble thanks to Melinda for bringing her along.
She’d even dug a pen and highlighter out of her bag and made notes about Job’s suffering in her Bible.
But now all she wanted was a quiet afternoon spent by the fireplace in their cabin, watching a movie with Sadie.
As she scanned the crowded room, she spotted Luke McGuire walking toward her. Her breath caught in her throat. Memories of him and Chase standing together on the dock, their laughter echoing across the lake, flooded her mind and threatened to bring tears to her eyes.
“Oh, wow.” She blinked quickly and tried to smile. “I wasn’t quite prepared for the way seeing Luke would stir up thoughts of Chase.”
“I’m sure Luke will want to chat and catch up.
I’ll get Sadie.” Melinda squeezed her arm and headed down the corridor, leaving Tisha alone.
She locked eyes with Luke. He hesitated, his brow furrowed, then he worked his way toward her, pausing to speak with people as he passed them.
When he finally stood in front of her with open arms and a wide grin on his face, she couldn’t help but smile back.
But as they hugged, more memories rushed in.
Luke had spoken at Chase’s memorial service and been by her side throughout that whole nightmare. She’d never be able to thank him enough for all he’d done for her and Sadie. Despite the warmth of their reunion, she couldn’t shake off the sadness.
“McDowell, what’s up?”
She leaned back and looked into his familiar face, trying to read any hint of the pain she had seen before. But all she saw was the same carefree, adventurous Luke she remembered from their last Christmas visit with Chase. He seemed genuinely happy to see her.
“Hey, Luke. It’s so good to see you.”
“It’s great to see you too, Tisha. Welcome back to Redemption.”
“Thanks.”
His smile faltered. “Sorry it’s taken me a whole week to say hello. I popped into the café a couple of times, but you weren’t there.”
“No problem. I hit the ground running as soon as I got here. I’m sure you’re busy too.”
“Yeah, we’ve been slammed with new clients this month, which is a huge blessing.
It’s great for business, but Ethan and I have been flying skiers and snowboarders into the backcountry almost every day.
” Luke tucked his hands into the front pockets of his vest. “Have you had a chance to meet my older brother yet?”
She nodded, hiding her frustration behind a forced smile.
“Oh, right.” Luke’s mouth twitched. “Brody and Sadie.”
“Hey, why are you trying not to laugh?” She playfully nudged his shoulder. “What’s so funny?”
“I heard about the…scuffle,” Luke said. “Don’t stress. My brother’s got a lot on his mind. He’ll settle down.”
“Tisha Binford?” A young woman with an edgy pixie cut and a buffalo-plaid scarf wrapped around her neck interrupted. She wore a gray sweater, jeans, and short black boots. Tisha didn’t recognize her, but her friendly smile and bright green eyes put her at ease.
Thankfully, Luke stepped in. “Tisha, have you met Chloe Sullivan yet? She chairs the committee planning our Love Is in the Air festival.”
“Which is coming up in less than a month,” Chloe said. “I overheard someone in the coffee shop talking about your pies, Tisha, so that’s why I wanted to speak with you.”
“Uh-oh.” Tisha pulled a face at Luke.
“Only good things, I’m sure,” he said, smiling reassuringly.
“Instead of our usual cake walk, we’re thinking of doing a pie walk during the festival. It’s actually a fundraiser for the church. We’re raising money for new playground equipment for the preschool.” Chloe pulled her phone from her oversized berry-red handbag. “What do you think?”
Tisha rubbed at the tightness in her chest. “What do I think about the church preschool?”
Chloe’s manicured nails glistened as she tapped against her phone’s screen. “No, about baking pies for the fundraiser. We’d only need a dozen or so.”
Oh boy. The last thing Tisha needed was another commitment. “I just moved here a week ago, plus I’m a single mom with a part-time job. So I’m afraid I can’t serve on a committee right now.”
But Chloe didn’t even bother looking up from her phone. “We don’t need you to join the committee. We just need your pies. Twelve will work, but twenty-four would be even better.”
Tisha’s breath hitched. “Twenty-four?”
Luke leaned in, his voice lowered to a conspiratorial whisper. “You should know that Chloe doesn’t take no for an answer.”
“Sure don’t.” Chloe grinned, then waved her phone in the air. “If you give me your number, I’ll send you all the details.”
Tisha hesitated. It was hard to say no to a church fundraiser.
Especially one that raised money for playground equipment.
Besides, what were twelve more pies on top of what she’d already baked for the café?
“I-I suppose I could help out. Pies are my superpower. But I’m afraid twelve is my limit, and I’ll have to double-check with the Binfords first. It’s their café and their ingredients. ”
“Understood.” Chloe’s dangly earrings sparkled in the overhead light as she tipped her head to one side. “So what’s the best email address and number to reach you?”
Tisha sighed, then reluctantly gave up her contact information.
“Excellent.” Chloe dropped her phone into her bag. “Great to see you both. Have a wonderful day.”
“Oof.” Tisha shook her head as Chloe weaved through the crowd, then left the church. “She’s good.”
“Sure is,” Luke said. “We wouldn’t have a festival without her. My folks think she’ll be running for mayor before long.”
Before she could comment, Brody and Sadie came racing around the corner, both laughing, each with a paper in one hand and a coat in the other.
“Uncle Luke, look!” Brody thrust a piece of artwork in his face. “I made this.”
“Hey, big guy.” Luke sank to his knees and took the paper from Brody. “What do you have there?”
“Hey, you’re Mr. Luke!” Sadie stopped, smiling up at him. “My daddy’s friend.”
Tisha’s heart pinched.
“You’re right.” Luke patted her on the head, then offered Tisha a bittersweet smile. “It’s nice to see you again, Sadie. Welcome back to Redemption.”
“Thanks! Look, Mama. Me and Brody made these.” She held up her drawing, her eyes shining.
“Wow. Very nice,” Tisha said, studying the colorful picture. “Were y’all in the same class?”
“Uh-huh.” Sadie nodded. “And we both knew the Bible story our teacher taught us.”
“Well, that’s good.” Luke stood and looked around. “Brody, how’d you, um…how’d you get out of children’s church?”
“My dad’s here.” Brody pointed behind him. “See?”
Sure enough, Ethan stood in the hallway, chatting with someone.
Tisha eyed the exit. Did he have to be everywhere she went? She wasn’t in the mood to engage with Ethan right now.
Before she could guide Sadie toward the door, Ethan walked over and joined their group. “Good morning.”
“Hey.” Tisha’s hands grew clammy. She couldn’t help but stare at Ethan’s sharp jawline and the dimple that appeared in his cheek as he flashed a charming grin at his brother.
Ugh. A guy that arrogant didn’t deserve to look that good.
Their eyes met and she quickly looked away, pretending to be engrossed in the artwork Sadie had thrust into her hands.
She couldn’t let herself get distracted.
She’d moved here to focus on building a new life for herself and her daughter, not to get involved with someone new.
But it was hard when Ethan’s piercing green eyes seemed to bore right through her walls and elicit a feeling she couldn’t quite name.
Curiosity? Annoyance? Or maybe something in between?
“We were just telling Tisha here about the Love Is in the Air festival. Sounds like she’ll be contributing her pie-baking skills. What are you going to contribute, Big Brother?” Luke asked Ethan, a teasing lilt to his voice.
“Good question. I’ll have to get back to you on that.” Ethan’s gaze found hers again. Softer this time. “Tisha, I’d like to apologize for my behavior during our meeting at the school. I was rude, and I’m sorry.”
Oh. Her mouth drifted open. “I appreciate that, Ethan. Thank you.” She offered a bright smile. “Apology accepted.”
“Great. Thanks.” He reached down and ruffled Brody’s hair. “Ready for lunch, pal?”
“Yep.” Brody trotted toward the door. “Let’s go.”
“See you later,” Ethan said.