The Way of Grace (Miller's Creek Novels) by Cathy Bryant

just have a feeling about this guy.” A defensive edge crept into her tone.
    Andy pressed the accelerator, causing the car to shoot forward. “Sorr y to burst your bubble, Princess , but that ai n’t a feeling. It’s a prejudice . ”
    It took most of the ride back to Miller’s Creek for Grace to gather the courage to break the chilled silence, but as they entered the city limits, she took a deep bre ath and went for it. “So what did you want to talk to me and Jason about?”
    He steered the car into the parking l ot of Tyler, Dent , and Snodgrass and braked to an overly quick stop. Without looking her way, he intoned, “ I thought about having you two help with the Simmo ns trial. ”
    Grace’ s heart rate rocketed upwards, partly from the opportunity to work in clo se proximity with Jason, mos tly in excitement over her first case , not to mention the chance to hopefully impress Elena Delgado with her ability .
    “But that’s only if you can get past your prejudice.” Andy exited the car, grabbed his briefcase from the back seat, and started for the building .
    Grace slammed the car door and moved toward the pickup, rifling through her purse for the keys. “See you after lunch.”
    “Actually, could you come in for a minute first?”
    She frowned, but made her wa y to where he stood near the opened door. “Sure. Y ou need something?”
    H e smiled, an enigmatic grin that left her more confused than ever. “I need you downstairs for a minute .”
    Still puzzling over his strange request, Grace followed Andy, who now whistl ed a loud and cheery tune . As she reached the darkened basement , the lights came on.
    “Surprise!” People fr om all over the community laughed and applauded.
    Andy, his face lit with a big grin, pointed at her and mouthed the words “for you.”
    Her breath caught in her throa t. A smile catapulted to her face as she gazed around the room at the people she loved more than life itself—Mama Beth and Big Bo, Trish and the Tyler kids, Steve and Dani Miller, the old geezers, and of course, Matt. Papa and Jason were even here! Grace brought shaky palms to her face.
    Her boss patted her on the shoulder and waved a hand to silence the laughter and cheers. “ All right , folks, settle down a second, so I can explain all this to our girl.” He steered her through the crowd to a table in the back of the room, all decked out with lunch items, drinks, and a big cake. “This is to celebrate your passing of the bar and becoming a full-fledged attorney. Congratulations, Gracie. You always do Miller’s Creek proud.”
    The people once more erupted into applause and they pushed her to the front of the serving line. Throughout lunch, people stop ped by to congr atulate her on her achievement.
    The crew affectionately known as “the old geezers” gathered first. J.C. Watson, his clear blue- gray eyes kind and humble, patted her back. “Just wanted to say how proud of you we all are, Miss Gracie.”
    Right behind him was Coot, who wo uld no doubt be a trumpet if this group ever became an orchestra. He hooked his thumbs under his suspenders, his pot belly protruding. “You make us pop our buttons,” he bellowed loud enough for everyone to hear.
    “No, that would be your daily slice of pecan pie at Granny’s .” Steve Miller, the town mayor, came up behind him and slapped him on the shoulder. The room erupted. Steve bent low to hug her neck. “Congratulations , sweet girl .”
    Next was Dani , the petite blonde who’ d managed to capture the heart of Miller’s Creek long before she was known as Mama Beth’s daughter or Mrs. Steve Miller.
    Mama Beth followed , and her blue eyes sparkled with unshed tears. “ Goodness me , Gracie, you never cease to amaze me with how smart you are. I remember you when you were just a little girl in pigtails. Now you’re all grown up.” She hugged Grace.
    There was no stopping tears now, and heat crept up her neck. She glanced across the table at Matt, who