LITMIR.BIZ

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leave the area…Her chest tightened on that thought

      She would not think about the confrontation that had forced her from the only home she’d ever known, forced her into working the way she was. Through her trials, though, she’d come to appreciate money. All her life she’d had everything. It was good for her to find out what it was like to have nothing.

      Or at least she kept telling herself that

      Deep down inside, though, she felt lonely. God seemed so far away, as if he didn’t care. She couldn’t understand why He’d let everything happen to her that had.

      Seeing that the meat was thawed, she opened a can of tomato sauce and then, thinking that both Tyler and Jake were big men, decided to open two. She’d find a way to buy more groceries.

      She’d find a job.

      At the thought of a job, she wondered what job Jake had in mind for her. Without references, no one would look at her résumé. If the job was in Baton Rouge, well, she might as well forget about it right now. Her parents controlled a huge business in Baton Rouge and were very well known in the business world. That was why she didn’t work there now. They’d put the word out that she was being a problem and rebelling. So of course no one wanted her. And if she did get hired, her parents would hear about it and make sure she didn’t keep the job.

      She was too much of an embarrassment to them.

      Maggie turned abruptly away from the sauce and went to the cabinets, where she pulled out a pan. After filling it with water, she dropped the noodles in to cook.

      Looking around, she wondered what Jake would think of where she lived. The trailer had come furnished. A small, checked, broken-down couch sat against one wall; a chair across from it, with a coffee table in between.

      She hurried across the room and snatched up her nightgown, which was lying on the couch. The shag carpet was clean. Though she didn’t have a vacuum, she’d used a broom yesterday to sweep it out.

      The linoleum in the kitchen was cracked in places but had been mopped.

      A small table sat in the corner with two chairs. On it was one place mat and a napkin holder—and a dead bug.

      Yuck!

      She hated the bugs. She’d never had bugs at her old house. Maggie went over and used a paper towel to sweep it into the garbage. One spray, maybe two more, and the place would be devoid of vermin.

      A knock on the door sounded just as an engine started up. Maggie hurried over to answer it.

      Jake stood there.

      “Where’s your friend going?” she asked, seeing the other man driving away.

      “He said to tell you thank-you, but he had to get home.”

      “Oh.” She shifted uncomfortably; then, realizing she was keeping him outside, forced down her fears and stepped back. “Come on in.”

      He nodded, a gentle smile on his face. “Thank you.”

      He sniffed, and his mouth shifted into a wide grin. “That smells good.”

      Maggie actually blushed. She was glad she’d gone to the trouble to add meat “Thank you. It’s not much. But I hope you like it”

      Jake smiled at her. “I’m sure it will be delicious.”

      She returned his smile. She couldn’t help it. Despite her wariness around men, she liked Jake. He had a warmth about him that she hadn’t seen in other men before.

      Old bitterness reared its ugly head. After everything that had happened, she had at least expected her church and her family to support her. Yet they hadn’t Not one person had had the guts to stand up with her. Nor had a single person comforted her. Every single one had blamed her for what had happened, believed her a liar, a Jezebel, a Mary Magdalene….

      “I’m sorry. Come on in. I have juice, milk and water to drink. I was just about to make up some tea, though.”

      He smiled. “Tea sounds fine.”

      “It’s herbal,” she warned, a hint of defiance creeping into her voice.

      He frowned and walked forward. She stiffened, not sure what he was going to say. He floored her when he took her hand and stroked it

      “I’m really sorry about my surprise out there. My only excuse is that I was so captivated by your face I never looked lower.”

      She burst out laughing. “Now, there’s a line I’ve never heard.”

      His smile returned, his eyes sparkled. “Be that as it may, I can only beg your forgiveness.”

      Ruefully Maggie shook her head. “I’ll forgive you if you set the table.”

      She pulled out two plates and silverware and handed them to him.

      Jake easily arranged the table, noting the layout with a discerning eye. This woman was low on funds. He’d been in enough houses before to tell. The cabinets were bare, with nothing hanging on the wall to hint at permanence. And her clothes were probably secondhand since they didn’t fit her very well.

      He felt guilty eating a meal she had prepared. He wondered if she had enough food. But he wouldn’t ask her. Jake didn’t know her well enough and wouldn’t stick his nose in unless he felt directed by God.

      Besides, he still had the idea for a job that might work. But first, he had to put her at ease. He didn’t know why she was so worried, unless pastors just made her nervous.

      “Have you lived here long?” he asked, taking the hot pot of noodles from her hands and setting it on the table.

      “Thank you,” she said, and turned back to the stove to finish the sauce. “No. I moved in here two months ago when I came to this area.”

      He nodded. “Here, let me help you,” he said, lifting the pan with the sauce in it from her.

      “I’m pregnant, not helpless,” she muttered.

      He grinned. “Consider it chivalrous. As long as there’s someone here to lift for you, why do it yourself?”

      “I don’t want to turn into a lazy housewife,” she returned, sitting down.

      He smiled, but his eyes were serious as he said, “I doubt that’d ever happen.”

      She put her napkin in her lap.

      “Do you mind if we pray?” he queried.

      Surprised, she lifted her eyes. “Not at all.”

      He watched her wariness finally fade, and she bowed her head.

      After a quick prayer, they served up their plates.

      “So, what about this job?” she asked.

      Jake felt guilty for keeping her in suspense when he saw how interested she was, though she tried to hide it. “It’s here in town.”

      “Not in Baton Rouge?”

      He shook his head. “No. My secretary just quit….”

      “Your secretary?”

      Jake saw he’d surprised her again. “I guess I didn’t explain enough earlier. That’s why I inadvertently splashed you. I was talking on the phone and had just found out Shirley quit. I have no replacement and no idea who to hire. I need someone who has good bookkeeping skills, as well as secretarial skills. The person would also need to know about lumber and building and things of that nature, if possible. You see, we’re undertaking a major building project for the inner-city youth and I’m the one who is spearheading the project.”

      “What project?” she asked.

      “A large recreational center, a place where kids can go and be safe.”

      She nodded. He could see the cautious hope in her eyes. “I think I could handle the job. But

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