Seascapes Page 17

  Kate had laughed at him. He had given her a wry smile in return. “I think it’s hilarious. I’ve never seen you act like this.”

  “Well, welcome to the real me. I am human after all!”

  “You’ve always come across as so confident whenever you’ve shared your Bible stories with me. I’m not sure how I feel about human Peter versus Pastor Peter.”

  “First, you’re stuck with human Peter from now on.” Giving her a smile, Peter leaned forward suddenly sounding more serious than ever and continued. “And second, these are not just my Bible stories. They are stories for everyone. The Bible shares with us God’s words. Everything in the Bible is inspired by God. In fact, the book of first Timothy tells us that all scripture is ‘God breathed.’ Do you know what that means?”

  Kate shook her head as Peter continued. “It means that while God Himself did not physically write each word, He inspired each writer. The Bible in and of itself would just be words without that. Every word in the Bible was given to the writer by God. We are to use it for teaching, learning, and even rebuking or discipline. To believe one word of the Bible is true is to believe it is all true. There may be different authors attributed to each book of the Bible, but the overall author is God Himself.”

  “I’ve never heard that before. How is that possible? Didn’t Moses and Paul live at different times, even centuries apart? How did God inspire the authors?”

  “Well, in biblical times, the Lord spoke to people through dreams and visions. It’s recorded in the Bible several times. He also came and spoke directly to a few, such as Moses in the burning bush. Do you remember that story?”

  “I think so. Moses was supposed to go save the Israelites from the Egyptians and God came to him in a burning bush to give him his orders. Right?”

  “Essentially, yes, although you are missing a few key principles. Keep reading that Bible. God still speaks to people today, but just not usually in fiery shrubbery. While he could certainly do that since nothing is impossible for God, he typically uses other means and methods.”

  “You said if you believe one word of the Bible is true, you have to believe it’s all true. Why is that? I’ve heard people talking before about the Bible and they seemed to pick and choose which parts worked best for them.” Kate had been enjoying her time with her Bible. She had even skipped ahead to the books Drew had mentioned the other day.

  “Unfortunately, that can happen. God lays out His plan for how we are to live our lives clearly in the Bible. He tells us what a sin is and how to avoid it. Needless to say, it gets pretty uncomfortable if someone like God is telling you not to do something and yet you continue to do it. It can be easier to say it might work for other people, but not for yourself.”

  Kate nodded her head. She could understand that. No one liked being told they were wrong. She was beginning to understand more about why Drew had pulled away from her. She smiled as she thought of all their walks together lately. She was enjoying getting to know him better. She listened as Peter continued.

  “That is why I said if you believe one part of the Bible, for instance, that Jesus came to earth as an infant, lived and died, and yet rose to life again on the third day in order to pay the penalty for your sin, than the rest of the Bible needs to be true as well. Otherwise Jesus came for no reason at all. All the Bible must be true to give any credence to why God sent his Son here to earth.

  “Kate, what do you believe? Do you believe God’s word is true?”

  “I do. Did you know your mom had my old Bible after all these years? I’ve been reading it every day. I like it better than the Bible app I was using after you told me to start reading the book of John.”

  “I didn’t know that. What do you think?”

  “I think I’ve been missing more than just having you all in my life. I’ve missed having God there, too.”

  Peter grinned. “Fair warning, I’m coming in for a hug. You’d better be prepared!”

  Kate laughed as she stood to greet him in the middle of the room. She was getting used to all the hugging the Grants did.

  Peter pulled back and looked at Kate. “I’m so glad we found you. You’re our little lost lamb.”

  Chapter 38

  Kate arrived at Peter’s church earlier than normal. She smiled thinking how happy she was to be able to walk there on autopilot. She’d been spending enough time there that she no longer needed to concentrate on her destination once her mind knew where she was going.

  Looking up, she glanced off to the left. Standing at the corner of the building was none other than her father. She wasn’t sure why he was there but started walking towards him to invite him to come to the service with her. She supposed she needed to start somewhere in trying to repair their broken relationship.

  Suddenly, she glanced to the right. Standing on that side of the church was her grandmother! She stopped dead in the middle of the sidewalk.

  Her grandmother was so busy glaring at Kate’s father, she didn’t realize she had been noticed by others. Two police officers were coming up behind her. Kate just watched to see what would happen.

  “Do you think she’ll stop long enough to notice what’s going on?” A voice spoke in Kate’s ear causing her to jump and whirl around.

  Fiona was behind her chuckling. “Sorry! Wow, you should have seen your face!”

  The officers had almost reached their intended target at this point. She watched as her grandmother spotted the officers just before they reached her. She screeched and raced off. It was obvious the police didn’t want to tackle an aging woman, but when it became apparent she was going to outrun them again if they didn’t do something quickly, one tackled her to the ground.

  The panting officers soon had her handcuffed and hauled upright. They each grabbed an elbow and marched her towards their vehicle. Amazingly enough, Kate realized she felt pity for her grandmother.

  Fiona put a hand on her shoulder. “You okay?”

  “You know what, I really am. Let’s go get my dad and find a seat.”

  Kate recognized she hadn’t fared better than her father in some regards. While she didn’t have any obvious addictions, she’d lived a life full of pain and anger. Kate considered how the hurt in her father’s past had driven him to addiction and wondered what had happened in her grandmother’s past to make her who she was today.

  Kate suddenly realized how grateful she was. She could have easily turned out like her mother or even her father. She had been abused and neglected but hadn’t done either of those things to others.

  Instead she’d lived her life the best way she knew how and determined from this day forward, her past would no longer control the person she was. She was going to live a happy life, one without fear!

  Fiona reached over and threaded her arm through Kate’s. “Your grandmother must run marathons or something. I’ve never seen a sixty-something year-old woman move that fast before!”

  Kate joined her in laughter as they headed toward her father. The smile stayed on her face as she approached him, “Do you want to join us?”

  A slow smile spread across his face, “I’d love to.”

  The three climbed the stairs together. Kate was looking forward to hearing Peter preach. If she could catch his eye, she hoped to make a face or two at him as well, just to see if he were as nervous as he had seemed the night before. After all, what were sisters for?

  Chapter 39

  Fiona and Kate, with her father in tow, quickly found the Grants seated near the front on the left side of the church. Kate liked this side of the church the best. It was where she’d sat the first day she had come here so upset about the necklace. Now, all these weeks later, she still found herself coming to the church for solace and comfort.

  As she slid into the pew beside Jill, she reached over for a hug. This was becoming second nature as well. Kate had never been an overly physical person, but now she found she didn’t mind it quite as much as she’d once thought.

  “How are you today, sw
eetie?” Jill smiled as she sat back.

  Kate relayed to her all that had transpired outside. Chuckling, she shared how her grandmother had yet again tried to run off.

  Ken reached across to shake Kate’s father’s hand, “Nice to see you here, Bill.”

  “Thanks, it’s nice to be in church.”

  Kate realized that her father had changed, just as she had, through God’s amazing grace.

  Drew stepped to the microphone in front of him, caught Kate’s eye and sent her a wink. “Let’s all stand and sing together.” He strummed a few notes on his guitar and the congregation broke out into song.

  Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound

  That saved a wretch like me

  I once was lost, but now am found

  Was blind, but now I see

  Kate realized in that moment she had been like the wretch the song talked about. She had been lost and had needed God in a way she had never thought about before. She knew in that moment she had been a sinner who needed to be saved by God’s grace.

  T’was grace that taught my heart to fear

  And Grace, my fears relieved

  How precious did that Grace appear

  The hour I first believed

  Kate realized her fears were gone. It’s was the first time she could remember not having some fear hanging over her head. The peace it gave her was something she’d never felt before in her life.

  Through many dangers, toils and snares

  I have already come

  T’was Grace that brought me safe thus far

  And Grace will lead us home

  Kate knew that if ever a song was written for her life, it was this one. She had lived through all types of dangers and only through God’s grace had she survived.

  At this point, Kate realized she was crying. Tears were streaming down her face. She was shocked. She hadn’t cried in years. She had learned to stuff her emotions in order to protect herself.

  She stopped trying to sing and just listened to the lyrics. God had been good to her, so very good. He saved her from death as a child and from neglect when she was older. She had restored her to the Grants, and she was again part of a family that loved her. She couldn’t believe how fortunate she truly was.

  Glancing over, Fiona saw Kate’s distress. She quickly put an arm around her and whispered in her ear, “Are you okay? Are you upset about your grandmother earlier?” Her whispering caused Jill to glance over.

  Jill instantly became concerned as well and leaned in. She whispered a similar question, “Are you okay, sweetie?”

  “I am. I’m just realizing how truly blessed I am.”

  Everyone laughed softly as the hymn singing was ending. They knew they would need to wait until after the sermon to celebrate.

  Kate sat down as Peter stepped up to the pulpit. She smiled widely at him to encourage him. Maybe she’d forget about giving him a hard time after all.

  Chapter 40

  “How about a walk?” Drew had approached Kate at the store the next day.

  “I thought you’d never ask.” Kate laughed as she called out to Fiona. “Are you good?”

  “Yes, yes, yes. Get out of here you two. The new girl starts this afternoon. I can handle it. See you later!”

  Kate threaded an arm through Drew’s, and they headed out the door. He had started showing up every day around lunch and they would go for a walk. She would have to give Fiona a bonus for all the extra time she was putting in right now.

  “Three Cat okay with you?” Drew looked down and thought about how lucky he was to have found her.

  “Absolutely. I love Three Cat.”

  “Is that all you love?” Drew stopped on the sidewalk and turned to her. “Do you love anything else?”

  “Drew Grant. What are you doing?”

  “Just having a conversation. Why?”

  She shoved him gently as she laughed. “It sounds like more than just a conversation.”

  “Well, since you asked,” Drew pulled her close. “There has been something I’ve been meaning to tell you.”

  “Well, I never!”

  The couple broke apart to see Agnes Johnson standing in the middle of the sidewalk glaring at them.

  “What type of behavior is this? And in broad daylight in the middle of the day. You should both be ashamed of yourselves. Why, in my day…”

  Drew cut her off, “In your day, Mrs. Johnson you would have been cuddling with your husband if you had the chance, too. I heard he was one handsome fella.”

  Kate stared at the sidewalk. Not because she was embarrassed, but because she was trying desperately to hide her grin. Drew was charming Mrs. Johnson and she found it hilarious.

  “Well, yes, yes, he was, but still.”

  “I promise we won’t do anything you wouldn’t have done, Mrs. Johnson.” Drew winked at the woman and saw a slight blush stain her cheeks.

  “I suppose that will be fine. Now, about the music at church…”

  “Mrs. Johnson, I would love to have that conversation with you at some point, but Kate and I are late for an appointment. Can we do this later?”

  “Of course, I’ll make an appointment with your brother and you can join us. Have a nice day.”

  “How did you do that?” Kate was duly impressed.

  “Do what?”

  “Get Mrs. Johnson to back down like that? She usually comes into my store and steamrolls me.”

  “It’s all about the charm. Now, I think we were talking about the things we love.”

  “Hey, Drew!”

  He groaned as he lowered his forehead to Kate’s. “Hold that thought.”

  Kate laughed lightly as they pulled apart again to see who had called out this time.

  Peter was jogging toward them down the sidewalk. “Did I interrupt something?” He raised an eyebrow at Drew.

  “Nope. What do you want, Peter?” Drew shot his brother a look that clearly stated that whatever this interruption was, it had better be good.

  “I wanted to let Kate know that I ran into Jordan Smith this morning while I was walking to church.”

  “What does the chief of police have to do with this, Peter?” Drew was starting to glare at his brother.

  Peter shot a glance back. “Well,” he drawled out the word since it seemed Drew was in a hurry for him to leave, “he wanted to pass on a message to Kate and asked me to give it to her. They found the person who vandalized your store.”

  “Really?” Kate was surprised. “I thought my grandmother had done it. If it wasn’t her, who did it?”

  “Lucy Reynolds.”

  “What?” Drew was shocked. His ex-girlfriend had done all the damage to Kate’s store? She was crazier than he had thought.

  “Who’s Lucy Reynolds?” Kate didn’t know the name. She had no idea who this person was, and why she felt the need to deface her store and break her window.

  “It’s Drew’s ex-girlfriend. The girl you punched outside the Three Cat Café. That is Lucy Reynolds.”

  “But she damaged my store before I punched her. Right? Why would she do that?”

  Drew sighed, “I’m pretty sure it’s because she thought we were dating.”

  “We are dating. Aren’t we?” Kate’s eyes had a sparkle of mischief in them. “Or are you just leading me on Drew Grant?”

  “We’re dating. Absolutely. But we weren’t then. She just thought we were.”

  “Well, no harm done now. Everything is fixed and we are now apparently dating. Will she have any charges against her?” Kate wasn’t sure how it all worked.

  “That’s what Jordan wanted to know. He asked me to have you swing by the police station and either press formal charges or drop them. Do you know what you’ll do?”

  “Not really. Any advice for me, Pastor Peter?”

  “You can certainly extend forgiveness. I think she’s pretty embarrassed to have been arrested and booked. It will show up in the paper.”

  “Forgiveness. I think I like that idea best. We
’ll head there now and do that. Thanks, Peter.”

  “Do you guys want to come over for dinner? It’s mom and dad’s last night. They’ve been here long enough and need to head out to the next visit before someone thinks they’re playing favorites.”

  None of the Grant kids ever felt like their parents played favorites. Ken and Jill loved all their kids equally, no matter how they were added to the family.

  “We’ll be there. Now scram. We were in the middle of something.” Drew smiled as he shoved his brother away.

  “I thought you said I wasn’t interrupting anything. Well, I can certainly tell when I’m not wanted. I’ll see you guys tonight.” He turned and headed back to the church.

  Drew pulled Kate close again. “Now, where were we?”

  “You were telling me about all the things you love, I think.”

  “Oh right. I love the Three Cat Café. And I love pistachio ice cream.”

  Kate pulled a face. “Blech! Pistachio ice cream? Really?”

  “No, but there is something else I love. You.”

  Kate’s eyes locked with his as his face lowered. “Are you okay with that, little lamb?”

  “Absolutely,” she breathed as their lips met.

  To the Reader

  Thank you for picking up my book and taking the time to read the words I wrote. I appreciate that. I hope you enjoyed the story. I hope it challenged you and inspired you. It certainly did me while I was writing it.

  I wanted to share with you the Bible references for the stained-glass windows. I encourage you to go read them for yourself.