Those Sweet Words (Misfit Inn 2)
“We kept the whole thing quiet. A lot of people wouldn’t have understood the long-distance thing.”
“I’m sure it was extremely difficult.”
“It was,” Flynn agreed. Was hell a finite level of suck and torture or was he adding to his punishment with every additional lie?
“Well,” Reverend Hodgson lifted his coffee in a toast, “love will find a way.”
“To be sure,” Flynn agreed.
“I’m so pleased for you both. Pru’s a good woman, and it’s a wonderful thing to see her happy.”
“She’s the best woman I know. These past weeks with her have been the best of my life. I wouldn’t trade them for anything.” At least he could be honest about that.
“Many more good years to come. When is the wedding?”
“Oh, well, we haven’t discussed it yet. Our focus at the moment is on Ari and getting through all the necessary formalities for me to be approved as a foster parent. We don’t want to delay that process any further than necessary. Besides, Kennedy’s is only just past, and I think we could all use a little breathing room before we go down that path again.”
“My what is just past?” The woman herself strode into the kitchen. “Hey, Reverend.”
“Kennedy, my dear, welcome home. Flynn and I were just discussing his engagement to your sister. It’s so wonderful that two of you found happiness so close together. Joan would be so pleased.”
Kennedy’s smile looked a little forced. “I wish she could have been there for my wedding.”
“I know she was there in spirit.” He squeezed her hand.
Flynn sipped some of his own coffee and cleared his throat. “I was just telling the good Reverend here that Pru and I aren’t setting a date until after things are sorted with Ari.”
“That is the plan,” Kennedy agreed.
“Perfectly sensible. It’s so wonde
rful what y’all are doing for that child.”
“It’s what Mom would have wanted.”
“What about you, Flynn? Are you ready to be a father?”
Was he ready? Flynn weighed his words carefully. “I don’t know that any man is ever truly ready for that responsibility. But Ari is a bright, talented girl and an easy child to love. I’ll certainly make every effort to do right by her.”
Reverend Hodgson beamed. “That’s a good attitude to have.”
“Where is she, anyway?” Kennedy asked.
“I dropped her at the farm this morning. Logan’s teaching her to ride. I’m pretty sure she’s completely besotted with his chestnut mare. When I left, she was working on negotiating a trade of lessons for mucking stalls.”
Kennedy made a face. “She must be besotted then. What about Pru?”
“She went in for a ninety-minute massage with a client a bit ago. I’m sorry she’s not available to see you, Reverend.”
“Quite all right. I’m sure I’ll see y’all again Sunday.”
“Yes, sir. Were you okay with the piece I emailed you about for the next offertory?” Flynn figured he might as well do whatever he could to rack up some points with the Almighty.
“Oh absolutely. Everybody so loved what you played last week. We’re all looking forward to it.” The minister drained the last of his coffee and pushed back from the kitchen table. “I won’t keep y’all. I know you’ve got a business to run, and I’ve got other congregants to see. I just wanted to stop by and offer my congratulations.”
Flynn rose. “We appreciate it.”
“Kennedy, it’s good to have you home. Will we be seeing you and Xander on Sunday?”