“I’m glad you recognize that. It means you can change the pattern. So? What else interests you?”
Art, music, Bible studies, anthropology, sociology, biology, but she’d learned where her skills lay. “I’d major in business administration, marketing, accounting.”
“All very practical.” Aunt Elizabeth looked pleased. “Seems a perfect fit, too. You’re already in business. You could go back to UCLA. You finished that last semester on the dean’s list, didn’t you? You might even qualify for another scholarship.”
“Possibly, but I don’t want Samuel to grow up in Los Angeles. I’ve been doing some research online. Merced has a UC campus. The town has a population of less than a hundred thousand, and the rents are certainly lower than what I was paying. I could afford a one-bedroom apartment.” First thing she’d do was find a good church. “There’s another nice thing about Merced.” She gave her aunt a hopeful smile.
Aunt Elizabeth set her teacup back in the saucer, but didn’t raise her head. “What’s that?”
“It’s only an hour away from Fresno.”
“Oh.” Her aunt’s smile trembled. “Enough distance so you’ll have a full life of your own, and still close enough to be part of mine.”
“My thoughts exactly.”
Grace stayed two more days before heading north.
Saturday night, Grace made online reservations for an affordable Merced hotel and set up Monday appointments to see available apartments in her price range. She and Aunt Elizabeth attended the early service. Miranda had been by the house to visit twice, and declared herself in love with Samuel. She met them at the sanctuary door and took him from Grace’s arms. “He’ll be with me in the nursery. That way you can relax and enjoy the service.”
“Now, wait just a minute.” Aunt Elizabeth looked annoyed to have Rapscal snatched away.
Miranda just laughed. “I’ll give him back, Beth. It’s only an hour. Honestly, you could learn to share.” And off she went.
Grace hadn’t been inside this church since Patrick left her. She’d been embarrassed to face these friends after the collapse of her marriage. What must they think of her?
“You needn’t worry, Grace.” Aunt Elizabeth gave her an understanding glance. “The only difference between most of the people inside these walls and the outside world is we know we’re sinners. Chin up, my girl.”
My girl. Her aunt had never called her that before. She had the feeling if anyone did slight her, ask a nosy question, or make a cruel remark, that person would come up against Elizabeth Walker’s slicing wit.
Pastor Andrew greeted her with a welcoming hug. “Miranda told me you’re moving north to Merced.” He recommended an independent Christian church. “An old friend of mine just retired and turned the pulpit over to a millennial on fire to reach his generation. Give it a try.” He had written all the needed information on the back of his card. “And keep in touch.” He gave her a fatherly kiss on the cheek.
There were new faces among the familiar. “The congregation’s growing.”
“Trouble in one of the larger churches,” her aunt told her. “The new pastor swept house over the last two years. Anyone who questioned his authority and message was pushed out the door. They came and settled here. I went once to hear the man preach. Dynamic speaker, a leader of men, but Jesus had left the building. The lady over there, Charlotte, has started a women’s Bible study. And that gentleman over there, Michael, now teaches a couples’ class. Remember how they had to draft you to teach Sunday school? Well, we now have several seasoned teachers who delight in Miranda’s Sunday school program. What that congregation lost, God planted here. He gave us the people we needed.”
This church felt as much like home as the bigger, more charismatic one she’d attended in Los Angeles. She knew God would have a church home for her in Merced. She’d already packed the car, intending to leave early, until Aunt Elizabeth asked her to come to church with her. Grace hadn’t been sure she would be welcome after such a long absence and since her divorce. She should have known better.
“Thank you for making me go,” Grace said on the drive back to the house.
Aunt Elizabeth looked over. “The longer you stay away, the more excuses keep you away. There might be a few people who think they’re holier than thou, but the rest love you and wanted a chance to let you know.”
When Grace pulled in next to the curb and stopped, her aunt opened the door. “Have a safe trip.”