“Not at all. You’re trying to distract me. Do it. Okay? Don’t wait. Don’t let that opportunity pass you by because it will. I’ve regretted doing that for too long, you shouldn’t.”
She nodded. “I could start taking classes at the community college next quarter. I have a long way to go still. But maybe someday, if I do take the plunge and go back to school, I’d more than appreciate any of your guidance, advice and tutoring.”
He put his hand out. “Then it’s a deal. And I’m holding you to it.”
She shook his hand and smiled. “It’s a deal.”
Just then, Kayla entered. There was a small pause before he and Kathy released their hands. He shrugged and gave the girls a smile. “This might be kind of weird for awhile.”
Kayla nodded as she stopped and kissed his cheek. “Yes. Who’d have guessed the pastor would be the heartthrob that tore apart two sisters?”
“We were just talking about how it will sound to everyone.”
“Better ratings than any reality show, no doubt.”
He gave her a little glare. “An intelligent pastor coming between the sisters is an interesting and refreshing twist.”
Kayla quickly fake-shoved her elbow into his stomach and he laughed as he caught her in a little hug. Kathy gave them a once-over, studying their interaction. Kayla glanced at him and then at Kathy. Nervously, she asked, “What? Say it. You seem to have something to say.”
“I’m so glad to see you together. I wondered how it would feel but I’m so glad my friend has a woman to be himself with and my sister has finally found a guy she really cares about.”
They looked at each other and smiled. With his eyes sparking, he said, “Does it show?”
“Does what show?” Kayla evil-eyed him.
“How much I care about you. I try to temper it but…”
“It shows,” Kathy grinned as she added, “along with how happy you both are.”
Kayla bowed her head. “We are happy. If we can just figure out how to calm the minds of the parishioners despite all the juicy elements of two sisters and their sexy pastor.”
Kathy stepped forward and gave her a hug. “Expect the gossip. We are all about to become the stars of it. But if we show a united front, act normal and remain supportive of each other, hopefully, they will get the message. If they even bother to care.”
“I love your optimism. I highly doubt that will happen. But we can all hope for the best and plan for the opposite, huh? How does this work? Shall we make a church announcement? Act like it’s just another community event?” Jim teased.
“No.” Kathy had to let out a laugh. “Not exactly what we usually put in the announcements.”
“Maybe we should just keep it a secret,” Kayla suggested with a sigh.
“No.”
She blinked. Jim didn’t say anything else but no as he crossed his arms over his chest.
“You have more to lose. I didn’t realize how much and I don’t want you to lose anything. Not because of me. Or us,” Kayla said.
“I won’t give up one for the other.”
“Isn’t there some kind of morality clause in your contract?”
“Nothing enforceable. No one can specify who my girlfriend should or should not be.”
“But just losing their trust will erode and eventually ruin your job here. I get it now, and I don’t think it’s worth the risk.”
“I do because you’re worth the risk. We are. I’m not hiding who I am anymore. I shouldn’t have from the start. It caused damage to you and me. I’ve spent my life hiding too many things in my past. I won’t do it anymore and I especially refuse to hide you.” Kayla reached up and touched his face with a soft, tender smile and a nod.
The congregation would be surprised, shocked and yes, judgmental. Together, they’d weather the storm and come out of it.
Or not.
Jim shoved his shoulders back. There was the distinct chance that the church might not accept him. It wouldn’t be anything official, but perhaps an unofficial dismissal of his services. He wasn’t sure he’d want to stay if they didn’t accept him with Kayla.
That might be the worst outcome of the entire ordeal. His past wouldn’t be the culprit this time. His present might be. And damn right he would choose who he loved. He’d waited his entire life for it, he’d never let it go.
Kathy and Jim were sort of in it together. If it became too much for the church members to tolerate, he’d have to leave. The last thing he intended to do was cause more strife or contaminate his message and the good works they did. If it were a problem, which Jim now expected it could be, they would make him leave the church.
When Sunday came, Jim’s stomach started jumping with nerves. The morning ritual went like clockwork, soothing his ragged nerves until Kayla came in. She kept her head down, and her smile at him was subdued as she slipped into the pew beside Eric.
Eric was sitting in the front pew and not serving as Kathy’s bodyguard this time. As he stepped out, Jim made eye contact with him, and they shared a nod and a wave. Jim made his way to the back of the room to welcome his worshipers. He hoped nothing was lost, not after all he’d gained. But if he were not welcomed here any longer, Jim was prepared to find another church if necessary.
Jim still had to enjoy his life, which he hoped included a wife, kids and family… maybe. Someday perhaps with Kayla. No matter what, Jim would make sure it was his choice.
His relationship with Kathy made them feel like mascots to the entire church. He understood how people regarded them. Unlike her own family, the congregation found them sweet, adorable, and something to applaud. Their breakup would stun everyone at first. And the knowledge
