Читать книгу Mommy Wanted - Renee Andrews - Страница 13

Chapter Five

After the town’s reaction to the two of them at the square this afternoon, Mitch hadn’t offered for Kate to ride with them to church. No need to add fuel to the gossip fire. So instead, he’d merely let her follow them to the building, and then when they entered the lobby, he curtly introduced her to Brother Henry. While the preacher welcomed her, Mitch explained that he needed to take the girls to their respective classes.

He ignored Dee’s tug on his arm as she tried to get him to wait for Miss Kate, and he ignored her complaint that she’d really wanted to show Kate her classroom. He’d also taken his time dropping the girls off at class so that his new employee would already be seated in the auditorium...and he could sit on the opposite side.

His odd behavior bothered him, but not as much as the events at the toy store this afternoon. And throughout Brother Henry’s lesson, his mind kept replaying that moment when he realized Emmie’s choice of stuffed animals was a tribute to her mommy. And that Dee’s toy choice...was a tribute to Kate.

By the time the Bible class ended, he’d glanced across the auditorium at least a dozen times at the woman who indeed resembled Dee’s new Snow White figure. Something about her captivated him, and Mitch had no idea why. Nor did he like the reaction. He didn’t want to be captivated. And as much as he wanted to deny it, he kind of hoped to catch her looking his way upon one of those glances. Didn’t happen.

He turned and exited the auditorium to go get the girls and noticed a small group of church members moving toward the new lady for introductions. Probably a good thing. He could pick up Emmie and Dee from class, get home and get a grip on the bizarre twist of spiraling emotions—a combination of guilt, fear...and infatuation.

That last one was the kicker, because he couldn’t deny that Dee’s infatuation with the lady had nothing on Mitch’s.

Lord, help me deal with this, he silently prayed as he went to the nursery to pick up Emmie. I can tell she’s a good person, and I know I need her help in the office—that’s what I asked You for, and You delivered—but I need help battling this pull toward her. You know I’m not ready for that, Lord, and I don’t think my girls are ready for it, either. Help me out here, God, please.

“Emmie seems to be feeling better,” Annette Tingle said, handing her over to Mitch. Mrs. Tingle worked in the nursery on Wednesday evenings. Mitch liked knowing the sweet lady was watching after his little girl. As his neighbor, she’d been around the girls almost daily since they were born and consequently treated them like granddaughters. “Tell Daddy who we talked about tonight, Emmie.”

Emmie grinned. “Je-sus.”

Mitch nodded, always happy to see the girls learning about their Lord while so young. “That’s great, Emmie. You can’t go wrong there.”

Mrs. Tingle reached for Emmie’s diaper bag, hanging on a peg near the door. Usually the pegs were all filled, but tonight only one more bag was present. “Only had three in here tonight,” she said. “Most of the town must be taking their summer vacations. Didn’t seem to be as many in the auditorium, either, from what I could tell.”