Lightning and Lace by DiAnn Mills

recommendation.”
    “Why?”
    He smiled. “My Christian duty.” He glanced around the room as though toying with his next words. “I’d like to help, Bonnie. That’s all.”
    She doubted if the offer sprang from his relationship with God. “And what would you want from me in return?”
    “Why do you question something Sylvia and I want to do for you?”
    “Because I know you better than most people. You always have a reason for doing things, and it always benefits you.”
    He opened his mouth to speak, but a knock at the door silenced him.
    “My, what a busy afternoon this is,” she said. Whoever stood on the opposite side of the door was welcome.
    She stood. “I’ll see to the door,” she called to Juanita.
    Her heart pounded. Let it be Thomas. He’ll be able to tell that I’m uncomfortable. She swung open the door and silently thanked God.
    “Brother Travis, how good to see you. Won’t you come in?” Her relief in seeing him caused her to relax. “I’ve been wanting to speak with you about Zack.”
    He stepped into the hallway and turned toward the parlor. The autumn wind had whipped his unruly hair and bushy beard every which way. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Kahler. I see you have a visitor. Afternoon, Lester.”
    “Afternoon, Brother Whitworth. How’s your charge?”
    “Doing fine. I left him working on arithmetic.”
    Bonnie wanted to throw her arms around the wild-looking preacher’s neck.
    “I can come back at another time,” Brother Travis said.
    She shook her head. “Nonsense. Mr. Hillman was just leaving.” Swinging her attention to Lester, she offered her most pleasant smile. “Thank you so much for your generous offer, and please thank Sylvia for me. I am grateful, but it won’t be necessary. Morgan and Grant are handling the situation.”
    “I understand. Once I’m back in town, I plan to see Morgan. We might be able to do some business together for the bank. I’ll mention our conversation to him, too.”
    Bonnie wanted to throw him out on his ear. She refused to be obligated to Lester, even if Fishburne was the finest school in the country. She picked up his hat and walked into the parlor. He tossed her a superior look and followed her to the door.
    “Please tell dear Sylvia that I missed her today, and I’ll chat with her on Sunday about Rosie.”
    Once Lester left, she realized that she never wanted him in her home again without Sylvia accompanying him. His words today had reinforced her sentiments about him. She neither trusted nor respected him.
    “Kindly sit in the parlor, Brother Travis, and I’ll pour you a cup of coffee.”
    “It’s not necessary. I won’t be long.”
    “Nonsense. I would like to have a fresh cup. How do you like yours?”
    “Black.” He hastily removed his hat, and she placed it on the small hallway table in the exact location where Lester’s had lain. “I wanted to talk to you about Zack,” he said.
    “I see. Oh dear, I hope this doesn’t mean you are giving up.” She ushered him into the parlor. “Please excuse me for a moment while I fetch you a cup.” She could have asked Juanita, but Lester’s visit had shaken her, and she needed to regain her composure for Brother Whitworth.
    Once she had the silver pot in hand and had poured each of them a hot cup of coffee, she seated herself in the same overstuffed chair where she’d conversed with the despicable Lester. “How can I help you?”
    Travis rubbed his palms on his pant legs, then reached for his cup. “I understand this may be painful, but can you tell me about Zack’s relationship with his father? I took the liberty of asking the reverend and your mother, and they said the two were very close.”
    “Inseparable.” Emotion welled up inside her, and she fought hard to dismiss it. “Ben believed in spending time with his children. He loved teaching them—everything from the value of education to fishing.”
    “Does Michael Paul exhibit any of the same problems as Zack?”
    “Not