Undercover Bride by Margaret Brownley Page A

smiled. It seemed the boy had an answer for everything. “Worshipping with others also helps us grow stronger in our faith. Just like spending time together makes a family strong.” That last thought caught her off-balance. Since when had she become an expert on families?
    She set the brake and straightened her hat. “Come along, children.”
    Church bells began to ring and a raven flew out of the bell tower, squawking in protest. With a child on either side, she walked up the graveled path to the carved wooden doors. People greeted them warmly as they threaded their way down the center aisle to the empty pew in the middle row. Sun streamed through the stained glass windows, bathing the giant cross in front with bright rays of light.
    The church was packed and only a few empty pews remained. Mrs. Higginbottom and her friends waved from across the aisle, and Maggie acknowledged them with a smile.
    “There’s Aunty,” Elise said, pointing to a front pew occupied by Aunt Hetty and several other women.
    “Shh. You can talk to her after the service.”
    No sooner had they settled into their seats than the choir director turned to the congregation. “Please stand and turn to page one fifty.”
    Maggie reached for the hymnal and flipped through until she found the right page. Standing, she held the book so the children could follow along. The organ ground out a few mournful chords, and the choir director turned to the choral group, arms raised. Right on cue, voices lifted in song.
    “Rock of Ages, cleft for me. Let me hide myself in thee…”
    For once Toby stood perfectly still. He seemed mesmerized by the choir and never took his eyes away from the altar. Today he looked more like his father than ever. For once his shirt was tucked into his waistband. His hair fell neatly from a side part, except for the cowlick that resisted all efforts to tame it.
    Elise coughed, and Maggie reached into her drawstring purse for a piece of hard candy. Elise woke her up coughing last night, but she seemed perfectly all right this morning.
    “Here, suck on this.”
    The last chords echoed away and the congregation was told to sit.
    Reverend Holly took his place behind the pulpit. Today he was dressed in a black robe that afforded him a commanding presence that his short stature otherwise failed to provide.
    “Let us pray.”
    The reverend didn’t lack for words. On and on he went, asking for God’s help with every possible affliction known to humankind—or at least known to Aunt Hetty.
    Elise tugged on her arm and whispered something. “Shh,” Maggie hushed. “Tell me later.”
    “Amen,” the minister said at last, and a collective sigh rippled through the sanctuary.
    The moment Maggie opened her eyes she noticed the empty pew next to Elise. “Where’s your brother?” she whispered.
    “I don’t know.” Elise looked up with a worried frown. “That’s what I was trying to tell you.”
    Maggie gave her a loving pat on the leg. “Don’t worry. I’m sure he’ll return any minute.” Despite her confident tone, she shot an anxious glance to the back of the church, craning her neck to see around the tall feathered hats blocking her view. The doors were closed and an usher stood on either side.
    Toby had probably left to use the facilities. No reason for alarm. Still, she worried. Garrett trusted her with his children’s care, and she felt responsible for their well-being.
    Reverend Holly launched into his sermon, his voice rising and falling as easily as the tide. Minutes passed and still no sign of Toby. Where was he? During the five years she was an operative, she had tracked down some of the most difficult outlaws. And here she was having trouble keeping track of one young boy.
    Elise grew increasingly restless, and Maggie couldn’t blame her. The minister seemed to think that God’s eternal words required an everlasting sermon. Anyone taking note of the number of nodding heads might surmise that the congregation was