Page 1 of Blessings in Disguise

Prologue

“As you heard in this passage, God is constantly with us, watching over us. Today, we may not feel that way.” He gave a sympathetic look to Mr. Simons, who was scowling.We aren’t safe, Reverend. Cancel services immediately.

But Caleb refused. He had faith God would be with them today and always. “In light of recent events, I’m veering from the lectionary to a different passage. I know you’re probably afraid after the fire in Lutheran West and the vandalism of five churches in town.”

His own parish, Community Christian Church, had been defaced with yellow spray paint on the siding, and the message scrawled,God is dead!

From the lectern, his wife Marlena read the passage “Paul’s Letter to the Corinthians”, then took a seat on the altar.

Caleb took her place. “As the reading shows, God is here in our midst. Even though our friends the Lutherans and the three other houses of God are shuttered this morning, we aren’t. I believe—”

The blast came with the power of Satan.

Caleb was knocked backed. He hit the chairs behind him and slid to the floor.

A gray cloud filled the sanctuary. And a vile stink with it. Gasping for breath, he managed to stand.

And through the smoke, he saw that all the pews and the people in them had been demolished.

Chapter 1

1 year later

Caleb fingered the cards in his Rolodex. He still used one and his sister Maisy had called him a Luddite. He chose to think that he was just a simple man. Ah. There was her card.Gemma Kendrick.

He reached for his phone. Stared at it. Then set the cell down again. She’d offered to talk to him five months ago, when they met at a foster care seminar but he hadn’t called. Mainly because he’d felt a spark of attraction for her. He noticed those long legs in ridiculously high heels and the way her prim suit didn’t hide her curves. No, he wasn’t ready for romance then.

He wasn’t ready for it now, either, but he did know he needed to take his work to the next level. Maisy and he had fostered a boy together and when she married, Freddie had gone to live with her and her husband. Though he still spent time with him, Caleb needed more in his life now. More work. Not more women.

To hell with it. The phone beeped as he punched in her number.

“Gemma Kendrick.” Over the phone, her voice had a husky quality.

“Hello, Dr. Kendrick.” He cleared his own throat. “This is Caleb Shepherd.”

A pause. Then, “Hello, Dr. Shepherd. I’m surprised to hear from you.”

“It’s Caleb, please.”

“And Gemma on my end.” Now she sounded amused.

“I didn’t call six months ago because I wasn’t ready to pursue more counseling work then. But I’m ready now. And you said you had advice on my options.”

“Yes. I’ve worked in large practices in New York and there are many pros to it. But cons, also.”

“I’d like to hear about your experiences. I can come to you, whenever it’s convenient.”

“Let me check my schedule.” The phone clicked. “I’m free for lunch tomorrow. After that, I’m slammed.”

“I can make it tomorrow.”

They set up a time and place.

“Thank you so much. I appreciate it.”

“See you then. Goodbye, Caleb.”

“Goodbye, Gemma.”

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