The Pastor's Wife Wears Biker Boots Read Online Free Page B

have. You’ve been hiding your entire life, and it’s time you stopped. We only get one shot, Opal. One shot. Do you get what I’m saying?” Lily knelt down and looked her life-long friend in the eye.
    This was getting too intense. I gave them a group hug to disrupt the mood. “Oh, ladies, we’re going to have so much fun!” I turned to where the boys stood looking for boots. “The guys’ boots are over there on the right-hand side. Daniel, can you help Timmy?”
    “Are we getting boots, too, Mom?” Patrick asked.
    “Do you want boots?” Dumb question.
    They shouted a deafening “Yeah!” including Timmy.
    We made our choices and kept three clerks busy helping us try them on.
    “Lily, look at all these rivets and buckles and—” I turned sideways in the mirror “Zippers!”
    I had never owned a pair of boots. These were bad boots. The kind of boots you wear and sing that silly song about walkin’ with boots on. I slapped a hand over my mouth to stifle the un-ladylike giggles. Was I acting like a proper pastor’s wife? In the mirror, my eyes twinkled with excitement. I looked around to see if I recognized anyone in the dealership, then walked over to Lily and Opal and whispered so the boys couldn’t hear.
    “Do you think I could wear these with a skirt to church? Can’t you just see Bernice’s face when I walk up to the piano in front of God and everybody wearing them?” My face warmed with the thought.
    Opal and Lily laughed, but then the thought of Bernice seeing me and the thought of her predictable reaction made me feel bad. With her temperament, she’d get way too upset. I’d never be able to do something so bold. “I shouldn’t have said that. Sorry.”
    “I know what you mean. It’s hard to be like Jesus and not be ornery, sometimes.” Lily admired the pair of boots she’d pulled on and moved her feet back and forth in front of a full-length mirror.
    “Yes, well, if that’s the most we suffer for Jesus—refraining from gossiping about people who don’t like us—we suffer very little.” I pulled the zippers up and down on my boots. I loved that sound.
    “His grace is amazing if it keeps this mouth shut.” Lily smiled at me in the mirror, and I smiled back.
    I admired my feet and decided I’d found the perfect pair of boots: tough but stylish with extra zippers, laces, and steel toes. They looked and sounded strong and powerful when I walked. Like leather jackhammers with rattling chains.
    “Can I help you ladies?” A sales clerk looked up from helping Timmy with his boots. “You look like you’re having a good time.”
    “Oh, we are.” I pointed to my feet. “I want these.”
    “And I want these,” Lily said, gesturing toward her feet like a game show hostess.
    “How about you?” The sales clerk looked at Opal.
    “I don’t know. I’m not sure I should be learning to ride a motorsickle at my age.” Opal yanked off the footgear.
    “Oh, come on, Opal. When are you gonna lighten up and start living? You’re not getting any younger.” Lily tilted her head and raised her eyebrows.
    Opal looked hurt.
    “You’re the one who said you’re getting old.” Lily pulled off the enormous pair of leather clompers and admired them.
    I laid my boots back in the box and headed for the counter. “C’mon, Opal, think of all the rumors we’ll start in town.”
    The boys piled their boxes on top of the counter with mine, and I paid the cashier.
    Timmy celebrated by spinning.
    “Kirsten, I think you have a rebellious side.” Lily placed her box on the counter and went to help Opal pack up her black lace-ups.
    “I think I might.” I grinned. The thought of embarking on an outrageous escapade gave me giant butterflies.
    Lily picked up Opal’s boot box and handed it to her. “Tell you what, Opal. If it turns out you absolutely hate riding, I’ll refund your money for the mukluks. Deal?” Lily held out her hand, and Opal reluctantly agreed to the purchase with a limp-fish