Page 7 of Whispered Southern Secrets

“You’re right where you need to be, son. Even though you don’t believe in yourself, I have enough faith for the both of us. Your mother has enough faith for the town.”

That she does. “Might want to add them to the prayer list,” I tell him.

He looks at me with furrowed brows. “Who?”

“The town. And anyone who tells Mama I’m not fit to be the next preacher.”

“Nobody in town is foolish enough to say it to her face.” We both laugh until finally Dad says, “And you know, the only one who thinks you’re not fit is you. Stop worrying about trying to prove to everyone else and start focusing on yourself and what God wants from you. It’ll all fall into place.”

“You make it seem so easy.”

His eyebrows rise and he chuckles again. “It’s never easy dealing with the public. But if after forty-five years I don’t have the hang of things in a town I’ve lived in all my life, than I really do need to step aside. Son, I grew up in this church and within this community. I went to school with these people, worked as an attorney before leaving and becoming a minister. I’ve officiated over half the weddings in this town, baptized the majority, and officiated even more funerals. You’ll get there. But it takes time to connect with the people. Once you do, you can form that bridge between them; and, then helping them form their own spiritual relationship. It’ll be the greatest reward of your life.”

I have goosebumps from the passion in my father’s speech. There’s one part I wasn’t quite sure I agreed with. “I thought I was the greatest reward of your life?”

Mrs. Betty Gail brings a tray with two cups of coffee and a bowl of sugar and little pitcher of milk, and places it on the desk between. “He better say Mrs. Jinny is if he wants to sleep inside tonight. I still remember the time he slept in the church office for making her mad.”

I laugh and give her a nod in appreciation. “Thank you, ma’am.”

She’s right. I recall the time my father teased Mama about Mrs. Minnie Montgomery having the best sweet tea. Now, everyone knows Mimi’s Gasoline Grove has the best sweet tea. But no man with a lick of sense in Magnolia Grove would say it’s better than their wife's’ sweet tea. Speaking of Mrs. Minnie and her sweet tea, I check the time. I can’t remember the last time I was this nervous to see someone. I’m borderline desperate to see her again. Even though I know nothing can come of it. I can’t date right now. Not while I’m still trying to make a good impression and get the congregation to accept me. I still need to see her and clear the air; make sure we’re on the same page.

I still have a few hours before lunch. I tell my father I’m going to go get started on a few of the names on the prayer list. It’s time I step up. My father and I both grew up in Magnolia Grove, but the biggest difference is he took the time to get to know everyone. He is taking the time to go down a list to see what each person needs so he can pray for them, and if possible, personally help them to the best of his abilities. I want to help; I just have to do it.

Chapter Four

Honey

My heart is full of warmth as I enter Mimi’s Gasoline Grove.I’d had the best time visiting with Olivia at her bakery. I send her a quick text.

Me: I’ve missed you, Livy. It was great catching up!

I wish I’d thought to grab a coffee to go but lucky for me here comes Laney and Emma.

“I come to make a trade!” Laney says holding a cup of coffee.

“How’d you know I was wantin’ coffee?” I smile as I take the cup of coffee from Laney. Both ladies work part-time at Jitterbug Coffee, and Emma also works at the Twisted Tulip.

Emma is carrying a stunning floral arrangement. “I come bearing gifts.” She looks around and then asks, “Where’s Mrs. Minnie?”

“You know she’d give you sweet tea without the flowers,” I tell her. Emma is so sweet to always bring one of her creations to help decorate the place. She knows how much my grandmother loves flowers.

“I know. But I love her enthusiasm over my arrangements.” Emma takes a moment to admire her handiwork. It’s fascinating how she manages to pull these together on a whim.

Mimi’s voice calls from the kitchen. “And I appreciate you, sweetheart.” Quickly, Mimi comes rushing out with open arms to greet the ladies. “Aren’t you all looking pretty as a new penny.” She claps her hands together and then covers her mouth. “Look at this! Honey, have you ever seen anything so beautiful?”

“Every morning,” Pepaw’s deep voice surprises us coming out of the kitchen as well. “Every day I wake up and see the most beautiful face.”

“Oh stop it you.” She blushes.

Laney and Emma release an aww in unison. Mimi tells them, “No, no. He’s probably talkin’ about himself when he looks in the mirror.”

Pepaw winks at us as before he walks out the front door to greet a customer at the pump.

“I’m going to put these in the front window. Emma, will you help me?”

“Absolutely!”

“Honey, get these wonderful little dears some sweet tea?”

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