A Family for Faith. Missy Tippens

on her—and on figuring out how in the world she had managed to pull one over on him yet again.

      Faith wasn’t sure how the youth counselors, Gary and Audra, had roped her into driving the group of kids. She planned to help this once, then get back to service more in line with her gifts—cooking, cleaning, volunteering in the church office…

      After picking up the last child who needed a ride to the Sunday-evening youth group meeting, Faith observed the four middle schoolers in her vehicle, the two girls giggling and the two boys jostling each other around. Her son, Ben, had moved in with his dad five years ago, during seventh grade. Watching the seventh and eighth graders interact made her ache for what she’d missed. Of course, Ben hadn’t been in a good place in seventh grade. He’d hooked up with a bad crowd and hadn’t taken part in the joyful laughter and harmless teasing this bunch of kids enjoyed.

      Like the oppressive humid air, guilt settled over her, pressing her into the contours of the car seat, making it difficult to breathe…reminding her what a failure she’d been.

      She forced air into her lungs and tried not to think of the past. Ben was doing great now and that’s what mattered.

      “We’re here.” Faith dropped the noisy middle school youth at the back of the church where they found the others outside throwing a fluorescent-green Frisbee. “I’ll see you for coffee later.”

      “Thanks!” they called as they piled out of her SUV.

      Her pastor, Phil, flagged her down as he pulled a cloth hanky out of his pocket and swiped it across his brow and into his graying temples. “As you may have heard, Audra and Gary are moving, so I could really use your help with the youth.”

      Teens dealing with peer pressure, sex, drugs. Dealing with crises of faith. Asking my advice…

      It pained her to tell anyone no when they needed her. Especially Phil, who had been kind and tried to make her feel welcome from the day she moved to town. But as much as she loved kids and would like to help, there was no way she was prepared for a youth leadership position. If Phil knew her track record with Ben, he probably wouldn’t even ask.

      Besides, her work schedule wouldn’t permit it. “Phil, you know I’d do anything—clean the church, produce the bulletin, cook the meals. But with my café to run I can’t make such a big weekly commitment.”

      “Think about it. They’d really like you.”

      “I’m sure I’d love them. But this summer is crazy enough with getting ready for Ben’s visit.”

      “Maybe in the fall.” He waved goodbye as he headed toward the air-conditioned building. “Hey, I look forward to meeting Ben.”

      Yes, Ben. Her number one priority continued to be her relationship with her son. Soon to be a senior, he would graduate and move off to college before she knew it. Since he lived forty-five minutes away with his dad—and lived and breathed baseball year-round—time with him was scarce. He’d be coming soon to stay for two weeks. She couldn’t wait, especially since he’d canceled his visit the previous summer. After having to settle for quick trips to ball games or his dad’s house for the past year, she looked forward to uninterrupted time together and wanted it to be perfect.

      First on her to-do list was to train Natalie to run the café while Faith was on vacation with her son so she could give him undivided attention.

      It was her last chance to heal their relationship.

      “I need a life,” Chelsea said later that night as Faith drove toward home, the last orange and pink rays of the sunset fading on the horizon.

      Join the club, she almost said without thinking. Thirty-four years old, divorced half a lifetime ago from a man who chose the partying college life over his wife and new baby, with a nearly grown son who acted like she didn’t exist. Yes, she also needed a life. “Give your dad a break. He’s used to the little girl who depended on him for everything.”

      She sighed and looked at Faith with twinkling brown eyes—more like milk chocolate than the dark chocolate of her father’s. “I had so much fun tonight. Why can’t he let me hang out with my friends more often?”

      “You’re twelve, not sixteen. Be patient.”

      With arms crossed and head shaking, Chelsea tsked, sounding and looking like an adult. “Twelve is old enough to spend the night at my best friend’s house. He won’t even let me do that. And he caught me putting on makeup today and made me wash it off.”

      “You’re beautiful without it.” Just like her mother had been. Faith had seen the photos in Gabe’s living room.

      It had to be tough for a girl Chelsea’s age to go through so many life changes without a mom around. Though Faith’s dad deserted them when she was about the same age, at least she’d had her mom during that transitional time.

      “Well, I like wearing makeup. And it’s going to be a constant battle. Unless…”

      She cut a glance in Chelsea’s direction. “Unless what?”

      “Unless you help me.”

      Oh, boy. Even though she and Gabe had formed a bit of a friendship over coffee, he’d always been private where family matters were concerned. He would not want her butting in. “I’m sure he’s doing what’s best for you.”

      “I don’t think he’d be so stubborn if my mom were here. So maybe if you could sweet-talk him about the makeup…and about letting me hang out at the café…” She turned and pretty much begged with her big brown eyes.

      Faith shouldn’t get involved. She had her own family mess to deal with and might cause a bigger one with Gabe’s family.

      But poor Chelsea. It did sound like Gabe was being overly protective. And she knew personally how that could backfire. He could certainly stand to give Chelsea a little bit of freedom. “If I get the chance, I’ll see what I can do.”

      Chelsea squeezed Faith’s arm and squealed. “Thank you!”

      Of course, Faith had heard the stories of how Chelsea nearly died in the auto accident that killed her mother. She’d spent months in the hospital and rehab. Faith would probably be protective, too, in that situation.

      Just thinking about it brought back memories of worrying about her son when he moved two hours away from her former home in Augusta to live with his dad and stepmom in Atlanta. Will they love him as much as I do? Will they discipline him like he needs? Will they protect him?

      What utter helplessness…and rejection. Pain she never wanted to feel again.

      When she and Chelsea arrived at the house, Gabe stood on his front porch with his arms crossed in front of him. “You’re late.”

      “I’m sorry.” Faith’s watch showed a mere ten minutes after nine. “Had to get the café ready for the morning.”

      “Understandable. But Chels, you should have called.”

      “I would’ve if I weren’t the only person on earth without a cell phone.” She smirked at him and, judging by his scowl, it was not a good thing to do at the moment.

      “The café has a landline. Now go on in and get ready for bed.”

      “Man, I was just teasing.” With all the earlier joy wiped off her face, she stomped inside and slung the door shut with a bang.

      Let it go, Faith. Don’t butt in.

      But she’d promised Chelsea. “Gabe, may I offer a suggestion?”

      She couldn’t read his expression as he recrossed his arms. For a second, she thought he would refuse.

      “I guess,” he said instead.

      He didn’t exactly look receptive, but she plowed ahead anyway. “Lots of kids Chelsea’s age are allowed to do things with their friends. Could you maybe consider giving her a little wiggle