Apprentice Father Read Online Free Page B

After I talk to the minister, why don’t we go out to breakfast?”
    â€œTo a restaurant?” Emily’s face lit up.
    â€œYes.”
    â€œCould we get pancakes?”
    â€œSure.”
    â€œWe’d like that. Wouldn’t we, Josh?”
    The little boy looked up at Clay and gave a slow nod.
    â€œIt’s a date, then,” Clay promised.
    The crowd around the minister began to disperse, and Clayushered the children in his direction. As they approached, the man gave them a pleasant smile. “Good morning. I’m Bob Richards. Welcome.”
    â€œThank you. Clay Adams.” He grasped the man’s extended hand.
    â€œI’m happy you could join us this morning.” The pastor transferred his attention to Emily and Josh. “Can I meet these two lovely children?”
    â€œThis is my niece and nephew, Emily and Josh.” Clay rested a hand on each of their shoulders. “They just lost their mother…my sister…so they’ve come to live with me.”
    â€œI’m very sorry.” The man’s quiet words were laced with empathy.
    Clay acknowledged the expression of sympathy with a nod. “I’d like to ask your advice, if I may. I’m trying to find someone who can come to my apartment and watch the children while I’m at work, just until things settle down and I can make more permanent arrangements. I’m a construction engineer.” He mentioned the manufacturing facility he’d been sent to build. “I’m new in town, and I thought you might be able to direct me to some resources.”
    The man’s face grew thoughtful. “As a matter of fact, I know someone who’s between child care jobs.” He surveyed the people chatting in small groups. “Give me a minute.”
    He strode across the lawn, and Clay watched in surprise as he stopped beside a slender woman with blond hair. Her back was to him, but when the minister spoke to her she angled toward him, giving Clay a clear view of her profile. He’d expected the pastor to recommend someone older, not a beautiful young woman. But at this point, he’d hire anyone the man endorsed.
    The woman’s gaze skimmed his before she resumed her conversation with the minister. After a bit more discussion, they broke away from the group. Reverend Richards took her arm as they traversed the uneven ground, and Clay discovered the man’s gesture was prompted by more than simple courtesy. The woman not only limped, she used a cane. Was she between jobs as the result of an injury? And with such a pronounced limp, how would she be able to keep up with two active children?
    Despite his concern about her abilities, Clay was struck again by the woman’s delicate beauty. From a distance, he’d guessed her to be in her early twenties. But as they drew close, he realized she was more likely in her thirties.
    After performing the introductions, the minister excused himself. “I’ll leave you two to discuss the details. But if there’s anything else I can do, don’t hesitate to call.” He handed Clay a card. “And I hope to see you again soon at services.”
    â€œThank you.” Clay pocketed the card. “You’ve been very kind.”
    â€œIt’s in the job description. For all Christians—not just ministers.” With a wink and a wave, the pastor headed toward another small cluster of congregants.
    Cate watched him leave, then turned her attention to Clay. “I understand you’re in need of child care on a temporary basis.”
    â€œYes.” He found himself admiring the way her soft hair framed the perfect oval of her face as well as her clear, emerald-green eyes. “My sister was…she recently passed away, and I’m caring for her children.”
    â€œDid you try the child care centers in town?”
    â€œThat didn’t work out. I’d be happy to provide more details, but this may not be