Page 29 of The Truth

But today Gunn was on a date.

It had been so long since Gunn had dated someone, he wasn’t certain how he was supposed to behave. He’d definitely never dated someoneseriouslywhile in his current position. Emerson had told him to just sit back and take thingsnaturally.

Like that was going to happen. Natural with a woman—well, even before he’d become a minister, he hadn’t quite known how to navigate the shark infested waters ofromance.

It complicated things a little. He understood—he’d have to be on his best behavior out in public. Not that he wouldn’t always, but… Gunn wanted to hold her hand. To touch her.

To show her that she wasn’t justanywoman he was taking out to lunch.

The hostess led them to a booth, chatting with Ayla openly. Ayla was recognizable, and he could see that she was well-liked. Of course she was. It was the open sweetness, the kindness in her face. She wasgenuine,in a world where far too muchfakewas the norm.

Then they were sitting, waiting for their drinks.

“So, tell me, Reverend Hiller, what was your master plan for luring me to this wonderful place?” Her skinny fingers drummed against the tabletop as she shot him that beautiful look of hers.

“To spend the day with you. I thought maybe when we’re finished eating… would you like to go to this little park downtown and feed the geese? They have a petting zoo there,too. Baby lambs usually. That kind of thing.” He had had the day free. Until at least four. Emerson was with the board of elders for the Hope Life Church Seminary. They’d moved the seat of the organization to Texas from Wyoming after what had happened before.

Emerson was the one the Church elders needed to talk to now. His friend had made it clear he hadn’t been looking forward to it.

The larger denomination organization were still trying to rebuild the church’s reputation after there had been that cult associated with it a few years ago—heavily tied to Emerson’s church. A cult where young women were being abducted and trafficked. Women younger than even the one across from him now.

When Gunn had first heard what members of his denomination had been involved in, it had sickened him. He hadn’t realized it wasEmerson’schurch specifically until a day later. He and his own board of deacons had discussed the Value Hope Life breaking from the main denomination and going non-denominational. But Gunn’s board of deacons had decided to stick with Hope Life as it really encapsulated what their beliefs were. Gunn was to guide his congregation, but respect their beliefs and wants and needs. They, together, every last person, were hisChurch.And now they were happy with what the church could accomplish.

His congregation was growing, and that was what he had wanted to accomplish all along.

“I think that would be really fun.” She was just looking at him, like she could see down to the heart of who he was. Gunn liked it. Felt like she was seeing thehimhe wanted to be. “So… tell me what it was like growing up with a twin? I’ve had Aubrey, but she is moremomsometimes than sister. And we weren’t always kept together. Or sometimes I’d be in care and shewouldn’t, or vice versa. Did you and your brothers cause a lot of trouble? I bet you were the wild one, weren’t you?”

His cheeks heated. “I was a lot more adventurous than Grady, and even Guthrie. Guth is only three and a half years older than we are—and he was pretty cautious. Big brother. Grady and I always played together. Gia did some as well. She’s three years younger. But then Genny came along and the girls did things together. Those two have always really gotten along well. Greer is three younger than Genny; Gia hovered over both of them growing up. It was like my parents had two batches of kids after Greer came along, but we were always mixed together every night. And when the girls got older, we had to do the whole big-brother thing. Keep them out of trouble and everything.”

“I haveheardabout your big brother code, you know. Hala and Greer have a lot to say about it. Especially Grady. He apparently takes it to the extreme. It’s driving Hala crazy right now.”

“I have my theories.”

“Tell me… why is he acting more ‘big brother’ with Hala than he actually is Greer? I strongly suspect I know… I just want to confirm.”

“Because my twin brother is not feelingbig brotherwith Hala any longer. He just doesn’t realize it yet.” Gunn was ninety-nine percent certain his twin was attracted to Greer’s life-long best friend. And he thought they would be good for each other. “He’ll figure it out eventually.”

“Genny says he’s even more clueless with women than… ” her cheeks turned beautifully pink. “Than… you are.”

“I’m not clueless with women at all.” Gunn deliberately wrapped his fingers around her hand. He brushed his thumb over her palm. She had the softest skin… “Not at all. I just… have to find the woman who means everything to me first. When I get involved with a woman, it’s going to be serious.”

Gunn alreadywasinvolved with a woman. He just had to wait until she realized it, too.

“Hala says he is always telling her what to do now. Like he thinks he has the right—but I think he’s just doing it to set her off, honestly. Her cheeks get so red and her hair practically stands on end. But have you ever seen his face when she laughs?”

“Grady just stops and smiles instantly. It’s like his entire world lights up when Hala laughs now. I know. I have noticed. Rather like how Guthrie looks at your sister.”

“That completely floors me. Well, not that he is attracted to her—but that Aubrey is not running for the hills. Guys really scare her, you know.”

They just talked. When the food came, they talked even longer. Charlie and Rory stopped by the table, and Ayla got to hold Charis, their baby girl. Gunn found his arms full of Chaz, Charlie’s son. Charlie was a very lucky man. He had three children—Charlotte was from a previous relationship, and near Giavonna’s age. Charlotte was around sometimes, and looked a great deal like Chantal. Charlie was building a beautiful life for his family, after the tragic loss of his son Jaden at seventeen.

Gunn had sat by Charlie’s side that day. He would never forget.

Gunn was a man who understood the power of miracles. And second chances. And love. Charlie was living his second chance now.

Gunn was standing up to give the baby boy back to his father when his phone rang. And then… seconds later… Ayla’s vibrated on the table.

Gunn recognized his twin’s ringtone. Grady hated telephones and technology. Grady would only be calling if it was important. Gunn answered quickly.

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