Chapter 40

© Copyright 2006 by Kendra Cornell



Paul dressed for church that morning with extra care. This looked to be a very special morning, and he wanted to look his best even if he sounded completely tongue-tied. There was nothing he could do about the ill-colored bruise that trailed down his face, but it was what it was.

The sun shone that morning as though the glory of the Lord was behind it. And perhaps it was. Spun-silver clouds floated lazily in the sky. The trees stretched leafy green branches over the streets of his neighborhood, forming lacy green canopies. Flowers bloomed with a vibrancy that Paul had never before experienced.

He entered the newly repaired door of the church, and sent a prayer towards heaven. Thank you, Lord, for this day. He wasn’t a minute early. Praying for strength and the right words for the morning, he spent a short time in the chapel. Soon, he knew, his congregation would begin flowing in the doors.

Miss Rose was among the earliest today, helped up the stairs by Steve’s wife. She wore a lovely pink dress and a matching wide-brimmed hat. The little woman reached up to pat Paul on the cheek.

“I’m so glad you’re okay. I prayed like a crazy woman for you.”

“I covet your prayers, Miss Rose. It’s a blessing to see you this morning.”

“Yes, well, you missed your visiting day, so I’m expecting chocolate chip cookies and an extra long visit next time!”

With a hearty laugh, he bent down and gently hugged her shoulders. “I don’t know what I’d do without you Miss Rose.” Paul shook hands with Steve and his wife as well, feeling grateful for good friends and this church family.

Several minutes later, newly elected Mayor Andrew Dade came through the doors with a lovely woman that Paul assumed to be his wife. Paul had known they’d be here and looked forward to meeting this man who’d handled all the difficulty with kindness and grace.

“Pastor, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’ve heard so much about what you’ve done and we’re truly honored to worship with you this morning.”

Paul shook his hand firmly.

“Likewise, Mayor. Thank you for coming, and may this morning be a blessing to you both.”

Andrew moved through the doors and into the meeting hall. The next visitors, however, were rather unexpected.

To Paul’s surprise, Ellen Delaney escorted by her son Jeff Delaney came up the walk. This was the woman he had spoken to less than a week ago, although he hadn’t recognized her then on the sidewalk in front of that house. Gone were the tears and despair, and in its place was a radiance that glowed from deep within her.

Instead of shaking hands, Ellen reached out both arms and encircled Paul with a hearty hug.

“Pastor, my name is Ellen Delaney. I’m not sure if you remember me?”

“Most certainly I do. Although I must admit, I didn’t recognize you that night I’m afraid.”

“I’m so glad you didn’t! The Lord used you Pastor. I wanted you to know that. I just…” Tears formed in her eyes, but rather than give in to them, Ellen turned and drew her son forward. “This is my son, Jeff Delaney. Jeff, Pastor Paul Coburn.”

Jeff stepped forward and shook Paul’s hand, his grip tentative. Jeff gulped and said, “It’s good to meet you Pastor. I… I’m sorry about the trouble we caused, and I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive us someday.”

“Already done, Mr. Delaney. And I must commend you on the courage it must have taken to come forward like you did.”

Jeff shook his head dismissing the comment. “If I had never caved in like that…”

Ellen cut in, “There will be no more of that. Pastor, I want you to know that I was informed of the situation regarding the financial issues of your church. I wanted to assure you that from this point on, there will be no such issue again.” Realization came slowly and as it dawned, Paul struggled to keep from unattractively gaping in shock.

“Mrs. Delaney, that’s… that’s wonderful. But how?”

“Well, my husband finds himself in rather dire straits after the events of last weekend. There are a number of people in this community who are rather upset with him, and he needs help right now.”

She paused, struggling to get the words out, “I’m staying with him, Pastor. I’ve never felt the Lord’s call so strongly on my life. My husband needs me right now… My husband is disbanding all business ties with the late Mrs. James. I’ve asked for and received disclosure about a number of those issues, and as it specifically relates to your church, I believe it’s the only option we have. Pastor, it’s the right thing to do.”

Smiling, Ellen handed Paul a manila envelope. “The deed to your church is in there. I want you to have it. There must be some good to come out of this mess.”

He was momentarily speechless. Finally, he extended his hand and took the envelope. “Mrs. Delaney, if there’s anything I can do…”

“You’ve already done more than you’ll ever know,” said Ellen, squeezing Jeff’s arm. He stepped away for a moment to study the large mural on the wall. “Jeff isn’t sure what he wants to do now. He’s not facing any charges yet, although of course, he lost his job.” She sighed, and with a slightly disgusted tone said, “He’s been offered a book deal if you can believe that. But it turns out, he has an interest in horticulture. So perhaps he’ll go back to school to pursue that.” Paul nodded thoughtfully.

“And what’s next for you?”

“Well, my husband is facing several charges, but the prosecutor said he’d consider dropping some of them if Tom will cooperate against Detective Transom and Jack Jenkins. I am gently encouraging my husband to go that route. He might have to serve time in prison.” She looked down, struggling to get the words out. Her eyes met his again, her countenance brightening. “After which, I would love to sell off everything we own and retire to some obscure mountain town.”

Paul admired the woman’s grace, even through her obvious pain. “I’m so sorry, Mrs. Delaney. I can’t imagine what you must be going through.”

Ellen waved one hand dismissively. “The Lord had all this in his hand the whole time. Even if I can’t handle it, I know He will. You told me that Pastor- Isaiah 49:16. And if Tom has to serve some time in prison, then we’ll just pick up the pieces when he gets out. He’s my husband…”

Paul took her hand firmly between his own. “Thank you Mrs. Delaney. Please come in.”

Jeff took his mother’s arm and together they walked into the church.

Finally, a black Audi pulled up next to the curb. Paul watched Karen, whole again, step out and make her way up the walk. His mouth had gone dry. This woman was nothing like the disheveled vision that had been clad in his sweats the weekend before. Here was a professional, beautiful woman who strode with confidence. He hadn’t seen her since the night in the hospital.

But when she smiled, Paul saw the girl he had fallen in love with. Karen stretched one hand out to him and he took it between his own.

“Karen…” he breathed, not able to manage any more than that.

“Hi, Paul,” she said removing her dark wraparound glasses. Biting her lip she asked, “Did your mom tell you?”

He smiled, sensing her jubilance. “She did. Welcome to the family, Karen.”

“Is that all I get? A handshake and a ‘welcome home, sis?’”

“Karen, I…” he said helplessly, gesturing at the congregation who were making no attempts to hide their good-natured curiosity.

“I’m teasing you, silly,” she said underneath her breath. “So… What happened at the meeting last week?”

“Well, when the board found out who you were and why you were staying with me, they decided to drop everything. I’m really glad that God had that one in His hand. It seemed a little dicey for a while.”

“Tell me about it.”

Paul closed his eyes for a moment. “I’m so sorry. How are you feeling?”

“Better- in so many ways. Paul, there’s no way I can begin to thank you for everything you did for me. I feel like a new woman.”

“You are a new woman. Are you ready for this?”

“As ready as I’ll ever be. Thank you, Paul.”

He led her inside and she seated herself near the front, next to Glenda. Karen looked around this church, and realized that one of her questions was answered- the church did look beautiful in the daytime with the sun streaming through the stained glass.

“Good morning,” said Paul.

“Good morning,” the congregation replied in unison.

“This isn’t going to be our standard run-of-the-mill service this morning. We have so many things to be thankful for today…” Paul hesitated here, not knowing exactly how to proceed. “God called us to be His children- made in His image and made to conform to His ways. That’s why He sent his Son, Jesus Christ. Because He knew that in spite of every one of our best efforts, there was no way we could ever do it.

“This morning, through a series of events that are nothing short of miraculous, we have a new sibling. Karen Cook has accepted the Lord and will be baptized with us here today. “

A pleased murmur spread through the congregation and a little old woman in a wide pink hat leaned over to pat Karen’s arm.

“This morning, I want to really consider who Christ is and what He came here to do.” Paul paused, knowing that only through the Spirit could he ever do justice to the magnitude of this message. “Christ is love. Love is the willingness to extend yourself for the well-being of another. In the next days, weeks, and months, let’s as a congregation work on loving not only those close to us, but everyone around us as well.”

Trudy and Larry Wilkins were conspicuously absent this morning, but he had already heard the tide of favor moving against them. Paul knew that a lot of healing would have to occur in this church in the future.

“Now, let’s worship together…”



Later, over a wonderful lunch, Glenda, Paul and Karen discussed the events of the morning.

“Mrs. Delaney caught me afterward and apologized for Tom’s behavior. She was so mortified.”

Paul smiled, “What did you tell her?

“Not a lot of anything. I don’t blame Tom…” Karen cut off and bit her lip. “I guess I’m more confused than anything. I can’t understand what Jack did.”

Paul bit his cheek, knowing that Karen, like most people had heard of Jack’s bizarre behavior. He expelled a breath before replying.

“I think Jack was just a very sick man. And Tom and Jack played off of each other in a mad grab for whatever it is they wanted.”

“I know… but to kill someone. I just- I can’t.”

Paul didn’t know what to say and stared at his plate in consternation. Glenda however, reached over and covered Karen’s hand with her own.

“Karen, I heard on the news what that man said, same as you. But I have the luxury of being on the outside. Take comfort in the answers he’s given- like the fact that he got the police radio from that detective. Which means that it was isolated to those two men. You don’t have to be afraid anymore. None of this was your fault, Honey.”

“But Glenda, he said he killed Mrs. James because of me… to protect me. She thought that Tom and I were- I didn’t… I mean I never…” Karen could barely finish the thought.

“Look at me Karen. Paul is absolutely right. Jack Jenkins is just a very sick man. That woman may have threatened you to high heaven, but she was wrong too. You never had anything to do with Tom Delaney, did you?” Karen shook her head. “So you were just caught in the middle of a lot of sickness. Jack just thought, in a very twisted way, that he was relieving Tom of a difficulty and protecting you from whatever that woman could inflict at the same time.”

“Do you think Tom asked him to do it?” Karen asked quietly.

“I don’t know honestly. That’s ultimately something that he will have to answer God about.”

Karen nodded- that seemed to let Tom off the hook, but she knew there was a lot she didn’t yet understand about all this. And there might be a lot she never understood.

“Mrs. Delaney also said her son might face prison time, although the prosecutor is apparently inclined to be lenient in light of the fact that he came forward before any permanent damage was done. He returned my purse and keys this morning. This was the first time I’d seen him since… you know.”

Paul’s heart went out to this woman who continually proved to be brave and courageous and abundantly graceful.

It only took a moment of meaningful silence before Glenda stood at the table and with an exaggerated yawn, said, “You know you two… I could really use a nap. If you’ll excuse me…” She hugged Paul and patted Karen’s cheek before leaving.

Karen watched her go, and suddenly, her heart rate picked up. She felt as awkward as a teenage girl at her first dance, unable to meet Paul’s eyes.

Paul broke the silence, “Not very subtle, is she?”

Karen laughed. “Not so much.” She shifted and looked up.

“Would you like to go for a walk in my garden?” Paul asked suddenly.

“I’d like that, Paul.” He took her hand and without releasing it, led her into the backyard where a series of rosebushes were in full bloom. Paul selected a pale pink rosebud and cut it with a pair of clippers. He reached up and tucked it into the shiny knot of blonde hair at the back of her head. The unexpected intimacy of this act took her breath away. Paul reached down and took her hand again.

“Karen, there’s something I want to tell you.” She said nothing.

“Uh, well, I know that we haven’t known each other very long, but…” His heart pounded wildly. He had never done this before and knew he was coming across as a clumsy, inexperienced oaf.

“Karen, I like you. I like being around you. You are the strongest, most intelligent, beautiful, distracting woman I’ve ever known.” They strolled slowly, their fingers intertwined. After several steps, he stopped and looked into her eyes, taking her other hand. “And it would be a great honor if you might consider seeing each other, you know, socially.”

Her lungs felt like they were in a vice and Karen fought to breathe normally. “Paul, I’m a brand new Christian. And I’ve been on my own for a long time.”

Paul nodded, assuming rejection. “Oh… Well, that’s okay. I’m sorry…”



Karen reached one finger to his lips, smiling. “Would you let me finish? I’ve never known anyone like you. You give without thought of compensation, you are strong and kind, and you are a master of copper urns.”

Paul flushed, feeling silly. “There was nothing else I could find…”

“Hush. I like you… a lot. I just wondered…” she cut off, not knowing how to phrase her question.

“What?” he asked, feeling baffled.

“Hypothetically speaking, what exactly is expected of a pastor’s girlfriend?”

“I’m not sure I understand…”

“I mean, do they expect me to play the piano or bake or something?”

Paul threw back his head and laughed. “Karen, I think we’re just going to have to make up our own rules as we go.”

She smiled at him, causing his heart to race. “Then Paul, I’d be deeply honored to start seeing you. But I need to make it clear that I need to take it slow. I’m not used to this…”

Karen looked Paul deep in his eyes. Without thinking, Paul reached up and took her face in both of his hands. Slowly, their lips met and both of them knew their lives would never be the same again.

Glenda sat in an upstairs window, looking down on the garden. Lord, she prayed, You sure have a good imagination. And she got up and began to pack her bags.

Paul and Karen strolled in the garden, hand in hand, both knowing that their futures were in the Lord’s hands. And Karen… That night her prayers thanked the Lord for being there to catch her when she had taken that leap.




HEY! and don't forget to e-mail Kendra Cornell if you have a comment! She would really like to hear from you.





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