Page 21 of Hearts Aweigh
Was it wrong that envy flooded Spencer? If only they passed out hugs to the parents as well as the children. When was the last time someone had shown him affection without an underlying motive?
Abby popped to her feet. “Let me walk you both to the exit. If you need us to watch Maddie again, it will be our pleasure.”
They moved to the double glass doors. A group of people entered, and Spencer recognized the gray-headed posse his mother hung out with. Daisy was nowhere in sight. With them was a young man of medium height, dressed in gray cotton pants and a green-plaid shirt tucked in at the waist. He wore a pair of wire-rimmed glasses. His amiable countenance brought to mind a principal greeting visitors on the first day of school.
The ringleader took the stranger by the elbow and led him to the young woman. “Good afternoon, Abby. We have someone special to introduce to you. If you’re not busy.”
Spencer’s eyes narrowed. The matchmakers had chosen their first offering. He’d expected someone a little less … mediocre. Was this the best these so-called marital experts could offer? What a disappointment for Abby.
He glanced down to find a sparkle in her eye and an anything-but-disappointed smile on her lips.
CHAPTER 9
UP. DOWN. UP. DOWN.
Abby realized she was bouncing on her heels like an over-sugared preschooler and forced herself to remain still. It was difficult when the Shippers stood before her with a man who might very well be the love of her life. She approved of their choice.
An attractive face with glossy brown hair flopping on his forehead. A friendly, open expression that invited her to unburden her soul. The precise pleats in his cotton pants were geek chic at its best. Abby’s optimistic heart pounded at the possibilities. He resembled the appealing but overlooked nerd in a rom-com. Would she be the perceptive girl who gave him a makeover?
He held out a hand. “How do you do? I’m Reverend Boynton, the onboard chaplain, but you can call me Norville.”
“Hello, Norville.” Abby took his hand, careful not to grasp too hard or shake too vigorously.Must appear ladylike.
Emily nudged him. “We’ve told Norville all about you, Abby.”
He tapped his index finger against her skin. “Were you the lady in the beautiful ball gown on embarkation day? With that crown on your head, I thought a queen was on board.”
Throat clearing behind Abby reminded her of Mr. Masterson and his daughter. She stepped to the side and included them in the group. Even with her movement, the pastor kept hold of her hand. A promising sign. The Shippers must have really talked her up to him.
A spontaneous party broke out in the karaoke room as the music blared and colored lights flashed. Kids jumped to the driving bass that rattled the glass windows surrounding them. They hooted and sang at the top of their lungs.
Norville gestured with his head at the barely controlled enthusiasm. “I wish I could get that energy in my Sunday morning services. You think they’d come if I invite them?”
Abby mimicked their movement. “I don’t know about the kids, but I’ll be there with my dancing shoes on.”
A rumble like thunder sounded. Mr. Masterson’s throat clearing rivaled the pounding beat of the music. He held out his own hand.
“I’m Spencer Randolph Masterson.”
“Hello, Spencer.” Norville released Abby.
Spencer shook the man’s hand once and dropped it. “What brings you to the Kids Kingdom? Do you have children?”
“Oh no, I’m not married.” Norville turned to Abby. “Yet.”
Her inner thermostat shot up ten degrees. He didn’t waste any time. She valued the minister’s forthrightness but wished their first meeting wasn’t being witnessed by three senior citizens, an attractive father, and his child.
Norville clasped his hands behind his back in a posture more fitting for a grandpa than a man in his thirties. “Tell me, Spencer, will I see you in the chapel too?”
Althea tugged Spencer’s sleeve. “Yes, baby. Are you on speaking terms with the Good Lawd?”
A brief but genuine smile lifted the corner of his lips. “Let’s just say, he and I are getting acquainted.”
“Glad to hear it.” Emily elbowed Gerry, who scribbled something in her notebook.
“I’ll have a decent-sized congregation for my first service.” Norville bent and looked around Spencer to where Maddie stood. “If a beautiful young lady with golden hair came, I’d count myself doubly blessed.”
Abby appreciated his attempt to include the shy girl. Some adults treated children as if they were invisible. His acknowledgment of Maddie’s presence gave him extra points in Abby’s book.
