For the Love of God by Janet Dailey Page B

at the pulpit.
    A few minutes later, they were following the people filing out of church. The line moved slowly as those ahead of them paused to shake hands with the minister on their way out the door.
    Her father leaned sideways to murmur, “Your reverend isn’t bad, Abbie.”
    “He’s not
my
reverend, Dad,” she corrected in an equally low voice, not liking the insinuation that she was somehow linked to Seth simply because she’d had lunch with him once.
    “If you say so.” He shrugged, letting her move ahead of him as it became a single-file line to greet Seth.
    Abbie waited patiently for her turn, a ripple of anticipation warming her blood while she watched Seth chatting with the couple ahead of her. The black robe seemed to make his hair look darker, more brown than gold, but the trappings of the clergy didn’t alter his male appeal.
    His glance strayed to her and lingered briefly in recognition. The vivid blue of his eyes darkened with a glow that made her feel special. The look tripped her heartbeat but Abbie refused to flatter herself into believing it held any significance. She was just a familiar face, someone he knew after meeting so many strangers.
    The exchange of glances lasted only a few seconds before his attention reverted to thecouple. Then they were moving down the steps and it was Abbie’s turn. Close up, Seth seemed taller, more commanding in his black robe. His hand reached to take hers in greeting and continued to hold it when Abbie would have withdrawn it.
    “What’s the verdict?” There was warm, mocking amusement in the downward glance that took in his preaching robes. “Will I pass?” He was teasing her about the way she had criticized him about his dress at lunch that day.
    “Yes.” The corners of her mouth dimpled with a responding smile. “And you
sounded
like a minister, too, Reverend.”
    His head was tipped back to release a throaty laugh. Its volume was subdued, but no less genuine. Seth inclined his head to her in mocking acknowledgment. “That’s the highest compliment I’ve received today. I thank you, Miss Scott.”
    “You’re welcome, Reverend.” She would have moved on, but his firm grip wouldn’t relinquish her hand. There was uncertain confusion in the look she gave him, but his attention had swerved to her parents.
    “Is this your father?” Seth inquired in a tone that prompted her to make the introduction.
    “Yes. I’d like you to meet him.” Only when she spoke to indicate her compliance with his unspoken request did Seth release her hand. “Dad, this is Reverend Talbot. Reverend, my father, Drew Scott. You’ve met my mother already.”
    “Yes, I have.” He nodded, shaking her hand.“It’s good to see you again, Mrs. Scott. And it’s a pleasure to meet your husband. How do you do, Mr. Scott.”
    “I’ve been looking forward to meeting you, Reverend,” her father admitted. “Enjoyed your sermon.”
    “I understand you’re a fisherman.” Seth didn’t mention that Abbie had been the source of that information, but her father guessed it. “Maybe you can point me to some good fishing holes around here later on.”
    “Be happy to,” her father agreed, then added a qualification, “as long as you make sure the next time you take my secretary out to lunch, she’s not late getting back.”
    “Daddy.” It was a low, impatient protest Abbie made. He made it sound like she was likely to have lunch with Seth again.
    But Seth wasn’t bothered by the implication. “You have a deal, Mr. Scott.”
    There were still more people behind them waiting to leave the church. Abbie was relieved when her parents moved past Seth to descend the steps with her. Not all the congregation had dispersed once they left the church. Some were scattered along the wide sidewalk, socializing in small groups. Her parents were too well known to go directly to their car without being stopped by someone. Since Abbie had ridden with them, she was obliged to linger on the