Page 86 of Relentless

Harper looked as though there were a million harsh replies threatening to pour from her lips. However, she wouldn’t dare compromise her reputation, especially when she was on the verge of regaining her status and notoriety.

Maeve checked in on those taking up floor space, bundled up tightly in unsuitably thin winter clothing. They might have been warm enough from where they came from, but they had vastly misjudged the extreme Montana weather.

The rumbling sound of a diesel engine came to a stop in front of the shop.

Dallas’ boots had hardly hit the ground before Maeve flung open the coffee shop door with a loud jingle. She practically leaped into his strong arms, melting into his firm embrace. Running her fingers through his beard, she pulled his soft lips to hers.

Maeve’spersonwas home.

Their moment together was far too short before they had to snap into action. Maeve sighed, seeing her frozen breath form a cloud in the cold air.

“Dal, we’ve got to figure something out.”

He glanced around them, considering their options.

“They’re here to see the church, right?” Dallas shrugged. “So let’s open the church.”

“I love you,” Maeve wrapped her arms around his neck, again pressing her lips to his. “You know that?”

Dallas’ smile pushed up the corners of his mustache.

“Well, I hope so,” he quipped. “You’re stuck with me.”

He released her, and jogged across the street to the church to start the generator and giant pellet stove. It was yet another thing Oakleigh had thoroughly researched, and insisted on installing — regardless of the expense. Thanks to her persistence, the new church building would be toasty warm.

Maeve returned to the shop. Pulling Oakleigh aside, she informed her of the plan.

Oakleigh’s brow furrowed at the news. “I’ve ruined it,” she sighed, throwing up her hands. “We’ve had this whole thing planned for like a year, and now it’s ruined.”

“The Lord just had different plans, Oakleigh,” Maeve replied. She placed her fingers between her teeth and whistled loudly, cutting through the raucous ambient noise of the shop.

“You’ll be getting the first look at the new church,” she announced. “It’s warm, and there’s plenty of space for everyone.”

She was met with relief from the mismatched crowd of young people who gave a few cheers and claps at the news.

Maeve opened the door, allowing their guests to shuffle past her onto the street.

Oakleigh pushed through the crowd, taking the lead with Crew by her side. When she had reached the front of the pack, she raised her bright phone in the air.

“Follow me, everyone.”

She guided them across the street through the blinding darkness and driving snow to the brand-new church building, that stood like a beacon against the terrible weather. Someof her fans pulled out their phones to record every moment unfolding.

“Now that’s worth going viral for,” Maeve proudly observed to no one in particular.

Arriving at the steps, she squeezed her way through the throng of guests. They were each bundled with their arms tightly across their chest, and keeping their heads down to shield their eyes from the driving snow. When Maeve finally reached the front of the church, she slipped her key into the lock, and propped the sturdy wooden door open with her boot.

Light and warmth poured onto the darkened street.

Harper slipped beside her. “You can’t be serious, Maeve,” she exclaimed in disbelief. “All this moisture and mud — just think about the hardwood.”

Harper shook her head.

“What would Dad say,” she muttered. “Using a house of worship like some cheap hostel.”

“Flooring can be replaced,” Maeve replied. “People can’t.”

Before Harper could respond, Dallas appeared and took Maeve’s hand tightly in his. He pulled her to his side to greet each person as they entered.

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