The Runaway Pastor's Wife by Diane Moody, Hannah Schmitt Page A

vacationed there.
Through the years, she’s renovated it considerably. Made a few additions along
the way. In fact, a few years back it was featured in some fancy magazine. What
was the name of that, MJ?”
    “ Southern Living. Four page color spread.
They did a beautiful job.”
    “It has a breathtaking view of the valley,” Doc
continued. “Quite a place.”
    “It sure is, and I’d say you’re in for a real
treat if you’re aiming to rest,” Mary Jean offered. “It’s pretty remote up
there, so you won’t have any traffic or neighbors bothering you. The only folks
nearby are the Swensons and they’re out of town. Had a death in the family up
in Minnesota .”
    Doc interrupted, “Well now, MJ, I reckon Annie
will get along just fine. Knowing Christine, she left a well-stocked pantry and
freezer. But with this storm coming in, we might want to get a few extras for
Annie here in case the power goes or she can’t make it back down the road for a
few days. Power’s liable to be off for several days if it goes. But she’s got a
good back-up generator, far as I know. You’ll be fine, I reckon.”
    “Happens a lot this time of year,” Mary Jean
added. “But never you worry. We’ll get you all fixed up.”
    The seconds ticked by. Other than an occasional
hiss or pop from the fire and creaking of the floor under the rockers, they sat
in silence. Finally, Annie took a deep breath then blew it out. She didn’t miss
the expression of concern that wafted across Mary Jean’s wrinkled face.
Thankfully, the moment was interrupted by the door creaking open.
    “Bob, how was Emma?” Mary Jean asked as an
elderly gentleman pulled off his knit hat and muffler. What was left of his
white hair fanned out in every direction.
    “Well now, that depends. If you ask her, she’s
on her death bed. If you ask me, she’s just enjoying all the fuss folks are
making over her. Though she was mighty interested in your chicken and rice
soup, MJ.”
    Doc shook his head, “Ah, Miss Emma. Weber
Creek’s resident hypochondriac. Hard to complain, though. She keeps me busy
when everyone else is well.”
    Bob turned to Annie. “And who do we have here?”
    Mary Jean patted down the wayward hairs on her
husband’s balding head. “Bob, this is Annie. She’s on her way up to Christine’s
place. We need to get her all fixed up in case this storm decides to stick
around when it hits. Oh, and Annie, if we forget anything or if you find you
need more, just give us a call and Bob here will run it up to you. Gets him out
of my hair, if you know what I mean, so don’t hesitate to call. As often as you
can.” Mary Jean snorted at her own joke.
    “Thanks, but I’m sure I’ll be fine.”
    Bob grabbed a shopping basket then asked, “So,
where is Christine these days? Italy ? Australia ? Never
seen anyone hop around the globe like that girl.”
    Annie finished her coffee and took the empty mug
to the counter. “She’s in Israel for several months. I’m not
exactly sure what she’s doing there. Some sort of photo shoot, I suppose. The
only way I connected with her was over the phone. She called me out of the blue
a while back, and . . . well, turns out it was a good time for me to get away.
We’ve been in touch ever since working out details.”
    Mary Jean looked at their newest customer.
“Don’t you worry about a thing. We’re a lot closer than Israel and
glad to help. Here’s a card with our number on it. Just a phone call away,
though you’re welcome to stop by anytime. Anytime at all. How long will you be
here?”
    Annie looked down at her hands as she put on her
mittens again. “I don’t really know. I haven’t actually decided, to be honest.”
She quickly looked up at Mary Jean then back at her hands.
    “Well, you just relax and enjoy that incredible
view up there,” Mary Jean said, patting her arm. “You’ll going to have a
wonderful time.”
    Doc Wilkins cleared his throat. “Some R&R, a
little peace and quiet,