Oslo Overtures by Marion Ueckermann Page A

to sing the well-known chorus in a low baritone. “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles…”
    Anjelica stopped. She leaned closer to him and whispered, “There’s no such thing as coincidence when it comes to God.”
    He had to steel himself not to turn his head and kiss those lips that lingered at his ear.
    The aroma of coffee wafted through the hall. On the opposite side of the room, friendly church ladies served refreshments. So like home. “Would you mind taking Erick and Luke for a cup? I really need to chat with this pastor.”
    “Of course, but let me introduce you, and myself, first.” She turned to Erick and Luke. “Wait right here. I’ll be back soon.”
    They crossed the room to where the pastor and, presumably, his wife chatted with a young woman. They stood to the side to wait their turn.
    The pastor immediately noticed them. Leaving the two women to continue speaking, he stepped forward.
    Anjelica stretched out her hand. “Hello, I’m Anjelica. My brother, Ralf Joergensen, attends your church. He’s told me so many exciting things about what’s happening here that I had to come and visit while in Oslo.”
    The pastor’s eyes lit up as he smiled. He had one of those faces that looked like heaven itself lived inside his head. “Ah yes, Ralf. You must be his crazy little wingsuiter sister. He’s told me much about you and your…interesting sport.” He stuck out his hand, grasped hers and shook it. “Adam Carter. And this is my wife, Eveliina.” He touched the blonde behind him lovingly on her arm. She turned around. “Honey, this is Ralf’s sister, Anjelica. You know, the one who jumps off buildings and mountainsides and flies.”
    “Really? It’s so nice to meet you.”
    Anjelica giggled. “And you, too.” Anjelica reached forward to touch her swelling belly. “May I?”
    Eveliina nodded.
    “When’s your baby due?” Anjelica asked.
    “Early August. Just a little more than two months, if I make it. Pregnancy and an approaching summer will not go well together. I’m already feeling it with this unexpected heat wave.” She rubbed her tummy. “That aside, I can’t wait for this little pupu .”
    Kyle cleared his throat. He was here to talk to this prayer warrior, not chit-chat about babies. Anjelica shot him a look. He returned a sheepish smile.
    Adam extended his hand to Kyle. “Are you the lucky one who has to put up with all her high-flying?”
    Anjelica shook her head, waggling her finger. “Oh no…we’re not… Kyle’s another wingsuit pilot. He’s from New Zealand. We’re taking part in the bigway on Friday—part of the National Day celebrations and a new world record attempt.”
    Adam laughed. “I’m sorry. You looked as if you were a couple.”
    “A handsome couple, too,” Eveliina added.
    Enough. This kind of talk wasn’t making things any easier. Kyle had to put a stop to it. “Pastor, would you mind if we spoke for a few minutes…privately?”
    “Sure. There’s a prayer room at the back of the hall. Let’s go in there.”
    “That would be great, Pastor.”
    “Please, call me Adam.”
    Adam closed the door of the small prayer room, separating them from the rest of the world. They sank into the armchairs facing each other. How many prayers had gone up from this room? How many had been answered? Lots, if the pastor’s reputation was anything to go by.
    “So, Kyle, what’s on your mind?”
    Kyle rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m not quite sure where to…”
    “Start? The beginning is normally a good place.”
    With a nod, Kyle began to share his concerns with Adam. He had no problem discussing his fears about falling for a woman who lived on the other side of the world and his disappointment at discovering she was already involved with someone else. Finally, he told Adam about his stupid agreement with Luke.
    Adam spoke little and listened much.
    “So, Pastor…”
    Adam raised his brow,