Page 318 of Cold Case, Warm Hearts

She didn’t think she should have to give Jerry her life history, but maybe if she was upfront, he’d leave her alone. “It is.”

“Already?”

“We have a history.”

“I didn’t realize that.”

“Now you know.”

“I won’t stand in the way.” He smiled again. “So, you switched churches to be near your boyfriend.”

“Something like that.”

“I hope he knows how lucky he is.”

“He’d say he’s blessed.” But would he? After losing Jamie to the serial killer, would he still think himself blessed? Emily knew she was blessed to have found Wade again after so many wasted years, but she knew those years weren’t truly a waste. God had been preparing them both. If they’d stayed together after high school, they might’ve split up by now. Neither of them had been ready. They hadn’t understood what commitment truly meant. She glanced up at Jerry as he stuffed another forkful of food in his mouth.

“I’d better get going. Pete asked me to help him put up more game cameras.”

“He did?”

“Yeppers. I’m headed to the park to meet him now.”

She frowned. “We already surrounded Boulder Field with them.”

“He wanted some at the ranger station.”

She sighed. “Interesting.”

She waved to Jerry as he headed to the door, and Gavin followed him. Gavin rejoined them a few minutes later and approached their table. “Thanks for the heads up, Sandra. I assigned Clint to stick with Jerry.”

“Sounds good.”

“Shall we go?”

“I’m ready when you ladies are.”

Emily glanced at the food she’d barely touched. “I’m ready.”

“Shouldn’t you eat something?” he asked.

“I ate a little.”

That nightwhen the youth group went outside to burn off some energy, Emily stayed on the red team with Sandra. Gavin joined the blue team, and the game of kickball was underway. She hadn’t expected to be joining the youth group when Wade was off following leads, but when Gavin asked them to join him, she saw no reason to refuse.

Spending time with the young people had given her mood an instant boost, and she was actually enjoying herself. She kicked the red ball toward Sandra, but one of the blue team boys intercepted it. He shot it toward their goal, and their goalie tried to block it, but it sailed in and scored.

The blue team beat them ten to two, but she had a blast playing.

A few of the older women were in the kitchen dishing up ice cream for the youth when they made their way in for snacks after a game of kickball. One of the women handed her a bowl. “Thanks, but it’s for the kids.”

“Oh no. We get to eat it, too.” She pointed to the head table. “Sit. Eat. I’ll join you after I finish handing out bowls.”

Emily grinned. “Who am I to argue?”

A few minutes later the white-haired woman settled in across from her and Sandra. “I’m glad to see someone finally attracted the attention of Pastor Brunner. He’s an excellent youth pastor, yet he always seemed a bit lonely to me.”

Emily met her gaze. “What makes you think I have his attention?”

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