Wanted: A Family by Janet Dean Page B

to Elise. “How are you feeling, dear?”
    “Fine, Mrs. Thompson.”
    “You’ve got that glow about you. It won’t be long now.”
    “Marlene, I’d like you to meet Jacob Smith, who’s doing some work around my place. Mrs. Thompson is Peaceful’s postmistress.”
    The woman shook his hand like a long-lost friend. “I hope you’re staying for the meal, Mr. Smith.” She glanced toward the door. “Speaking of which, I’d better get going. I’m in charge of setting up the tables.” She darted off.
    Mrs. Thompson appeared nice enough, but that didn’t ease the tension knotting inside Jake. Like a greenhorn on a cattle drive, Jake trailed the women toward Callie’s basket, meeting a few friendly parishioners along the way. For a man who’d been misjudged, he’d been quick to do the same. Perhaps he’d been wrong about these folks.
    Carrying Callie’s basket in one hand, Jake ushered the ladies toward the door where the pastor stood shaking hands. Callie introduced Jake.
    Pastor Steele greeted him and Elise with warmth, then took Elise’s hand. “Good to have you back.”
    “Thank you,” she said softly then hurried to Callie’s side.
    “I’m looking forward to a slice of your pie, Callie,” Pastor Steele said. “What did you make this time?”
    “Cherry with a lattice-top crust.”
    The pastor all but smacked his lips. He turned to Jake. “Lots of benefits to this calling. Eating the ladies’ fine cooking is one of the best. Now don’t go tattling to my wife.” He winked, then shook Jake’s hand. “Good to have a new face in the pew, Jacob. I hope you’ll come back.”
    Jake merely nodded. No point in telling the preacherhe wouldn’t. They descended the steps, turning toward the tables set up in the side yard already loaded with food, and into the path of a couple blocking their way.
    Jake recognized Elise’s father and was immediately struck by their resemblance. Except Mark Langley’s eyes reminded Jake of thunderclouds before a storm.
    Callie laid a hand on Jake’s arm. “Would you mind putting the basket on one of the tables?”
    Obviously, she wanted to protect Elise from the embarrassment of facing her father in front of him. Jake didn’t like leaving them alone with this angry man. He shot Langley a scathing look, then did Callie’s bidding. Wishing he could punch the good barber in the nose. The man was another example of a Christian’s lack of clemency.
     
    As Mr. Langley glowered at Jacob’s retreating back, Sarah put a protective arm around her daughter.
    “That guy was in my shop yesterday. Is he the father?”
    “No! He just arrived in town. You know who the father…”
    “Who’s to say that scum didn’t come here?” He leaned toward Elise. “How could you shame us by flaunting your condition at church?”
    Elise’s eyes glistened. “I’m shaming myself. Not you.”
    “Elise came for the same reason we all do, Mr. Langley. To hear God’s Word, worship and have the support of the church family.”
    “God’s Word is clear. Honor your father and mother. By insisting on keeping your child, Elise, you’re defying my authority.” He pointed a finger at Callie. “You’ve made that possible, Mrs. Mitchell, by inviting her in. I don’t know how you live with yourself.”
    Callie reached a hand, then pulled it back. “What’shappened can’t be changed, but that baby you’re disgraced by is your grandchild.”
    Color drained from Mr. Langley’s face, as if she’d struck him. “We’re not staying,” he said. “I’ll fetch your basket, Sarah.”
    Eyes brimming with tears, Sarah wrapped Elise in a hug. “I’ve missed you, sweetheart. How are you? What does the doctor say?”
    Elise’s father pivoted back. “Are you coming?”
    Mrs. Langley didn’t answer, didn’t move. Her silence lengthened—a mutiny of sorts. Then she heaved a sigh and followed her husband.
    “It’s almost time to eat.” Callie ushered Elise toward the tables. “You can help