An Unexpected Homecoming
Returning to her hometown to clear out her late motherâs house, Vanessa Donovanâs goal is to do the job quickly and escape. She refuses to get involved with Rory Sanderson, her handsome neighbor. And she canât let herself be dazzled by his smile and caring ways. Because if thereâs one thing Vanessa wonât do, itâs fall for a minister. While the pastor in Rory wants to mend Vanessaâs wounds, the man in him canât resist the beautiful woman. But while heâs helping her, Vanessa is doing the unthinkableâhealing his own deep scars and opening his heart...if he can convince her that love is worth the risk.
âYou donât have to be alone.â
âI donât need help.â She panicked as she imagined him being at the house with her every day, watching her.
As he walked away, he said over his shoulder, âI hope one day you stop seeing me as the enemy and let me be your friend.â
âI canât,â she said, tears burning her eyes. He was a minister. âI canât be your friend, Rory.â
âOr you canât let me be your friend?â Before she could answer, he turned back. âI came here today because I saw someone in need. Not as a minister but as a person.â
And then he was gone.
Vanessa wanted to run after him. But she had to be strong and fight the temptation. Sheâd taken care of herself for a long time now. Why should she believe a sweet-talking preacher who made her feel safe?
Her confusing thoughts about Rory had to stop. Because growing close to him would be a bad idea.
So why did she want to believe him?
With sixty books published and millions in print, LENORA WORTH writes award-winning romance and romantic suspense. Three of her books finaled in the ACFW Carol Awards, and her Love Inspired Suspense novel Body of Evidence became a New York Times bestseller. Her novella in Mistletoe Kisses made her a USA TODAY bestselling author. Lenora goes on adventures with her retired husband, Don, and enjoys reading, baking and shoppingâ¦especially shoe shopping.
Chapter One
He always noticed new faces at church.
As minister of the Millbrook Lake Church, Rory Sanderson had a birdâs-eye view of the entire congregation, including everyone from Mrs. Fanny Fitzpatrick in her fake-fruit-covered straw hat to Alec Caldwellâs aunt Hattie in her pearls and baby-blue pillbox.
But one person stood out today more than all the others.
Maybe because her discomfort could have shattered the rows of stained glass windows lining each side of the tiny chapel. The doubtful expression made her look a little lost, but her light brown hair shimmered with a luster that reminded him of sea oats at sunrise. He couldnât tell much about her eyes. She wore dark shades.
But he felt pretty sure those hidden eyes were staring straight at him. She must be one of those. Someone had obviously invited her to the service today. And she so did not want to be here.
Rory took that as a challenge. He accepted the womanâs distrust with a smile and a prayer. That was his job, after all. To turn that frown upside down. To bring the lost home. To make the backsliders and unbelievers faithful. Especially on such a beautiful spring day. A day full of rebirth and renewal. The best kind of day.
Easter Sunday.
The whole flock, maybe the whole town, had turned out in their Easter finery. And they all had smiles on their faces.
Except for that one, of course. The one in the pretty yellow dress that reminded him of picnics and wildflowers, wearing those dark Wayfarers and that shell-shocked expression. And Rory had to wonder. What had made this woman so reluctant to be here today?
* * *
âYou could try smiling,â Marla Caldwell said into Vanessa Donovanâs ear. âIt wonât break your face.â
âI told you I donât do church,â Vanessa replied, uneasiness making her fidget. Tugging her turquoise floral wrap over her bare arms, she glanced around. âI only came because you invited me. And because I want some of that good food your mother and Aunt Hattie bribed us withâI meanâpromised to usâfor Sunday dinner.â
âThey are not above bribery,â Marla said with a grin, her red-gold ponytail bouncing. âBut church will do you good, youâll see. It sure canât hurt you.â