Second Chance Reunion. Merrillee Whren

      “I have confidence in you, son. They know you’re a good man.”

      Ian tried to keep the surprise off his face. “I thought they didn’t think much of me because of my former behavior.”

      “Not so anymore. They’ve seen how you’ve turned your life around.”

      “They don’t mind that I don’t attend your church?”

      Jordan shrugged. “Why should they? They know you work at The Village. It only makes sense that you would attend church there.”

      “That’s good to know.” Ian could hardly believe how this conversation was working out. Even though he’d been having a lunch meeting with his dad every Friday for years, they’d never talked like this. Why had he doubted God could turn what Ian had termed a difficult conversation into a conversation that enhanced his relationship with his father? This outcome gave Ian the courage to talk about Annie.

      “Then I’ll put you on the agenda for next week’s meeting.” Jordan took another bite of his sandwich.

      Ian took a drink of water, then cleared his throat. “There’s something else I need to tell you about The Village.”

      “You’re dating that pretty blonde who heads the women’s ministry.”

      Ian chuckled. “No, Dad, but it does involve a woman. Annie.”

      Jordan put down his sandwich and stared at Ian. “Annie? What does she have to do with The Village?”

      Trying not to convey any emotion, Ian quickly recounted how Annie had come to be there. Then he held his breath as he waited for a response. Ian had no idea what his dad thought about her these days.

      “You didn’t say how you’re feeling about Annie’s presence there.”

      So his dad wasn’t going to say what he thought about Annie. Instead, he turned the question on Ian. “It hasn’t been easy. That’s what I’ve been praying about. Since she’s shown up, I’ve had to tell Melody about my past. At least, I haven’t had to explain to anyone else.”

      “What did Melody say?”

      “She was surprised. That’s all. But she thinks Annie can help us with the funding crisis because of her financial consulting background.”

      “And you don’t?” Jordan narrowed his gaze.

      “I have my reservations.”

      “Why?”

      Ian wasn’t sure he wanted to denigrate Annie’s image any further. Besides, the whole episode that sparked the deep distrust would make him look as bad as Annie. It was better left untold. “At this early stage in her residence at The Village, how can any of us really trust her? She’s been unreliable in the past. How can we begin to give her access to the financial dealings of The Village?”

      Jordan wrinkled his brow as he raised his eyebrows. “I can’t answer that question. Sometimes, you have to step out in faith. Have faith that God will help Annie stay sober.”

      Ian slowly shook his head. “The last time I saw Annie before she showed up at The Village she only wanted to use me. After that, I didn’t ever want to see her again.”

      “Is that how you still feel today?”

      “She’s a chapter in my life I’d like to forget. Now I can’t.” Even as Ian said the words, he wondered whether he was being completely honest with himself. He certainly wanted her to find her way to a substance-free life. He wanted her to succeed in every way. On a personal level, he couldn’t decipher his feelings.

      “I’m sure this has disrupted your life, but I believe the Lord will use this for your benefit.”

      “I wish I could see how.”

      “You will.” Jordan cleared his throat. “I think Melody has an excellent idea about using Annie’s knowledge of finances to help The Village.”

      “I can’t trust her.”

      “Pray about it. I’ve been praying for Annie every day since your divorce. She and I became very close while you were recovering from your accident. It broke my heart to see her slip back into her old ways.” Jordan’s voice cracked.

      Ian knew little about his dad’s real feelings. He’d refused to discuss these kinds of issues with the man for years because Ian feared disapproval. “How come we’ve never talked like this before?”

      “I sensed that you didn’t want to discuss Annie. You were hurting, and I didn’t want to make you feel worse. I love you both.” Jordan nodded.

      Ian wondered about his dad’s statement. “If you loved us, why did you suggest I give her that ultimatum?”

      Jordan lowered his head and didn’t say anything for a moment. When he finally met Ian’s gaze, Ian saw the sorrow in his dad’s eyes. “At the time, I thought it was the best thing to do. I thought it would give her a wake-up call, but I was wrong. I didn’t mean to cause you hurt, but I didn’t think things could go on the way they were.”

      Ian wasn’t sure what to say. They couldn’t go back and change things. They just had to move forward.

      “The news that Annie is making a go of it does my heart good, and I’ll put in a good word to the board about more funding for this ministry. I want to see Annie and you succeed.”

      “Thanks, Dad.”

      “And maybe this opening with Annie will lead to bringing her family back into the church. You know they left after your divorce.”

      “Annie told me she hasn’t seen them in three years. She said they didn’t want anything to do with her.”

      “I wondered what happened with her parents. They showed up one day out of the blue about three years ago and blamed you and me and the church for Annie’s demise.”

      “What’d you do?” Ian wondered why his dad had never said anything. Probably the same reason they’d never talked about Annie. His dad was trying to protect him. Today’s conversation put a whole new light on his relationship with his father.

      Jordan grimaced. “I sat there and took their accusations. There wasn’t much sense in arguing with them. They said their piece, then left. I’ve been praying for them, too. So maybe you can talk to Annie about trying to reconcile with her parents.”

      “Dad, I don’t think we can dump this much stuff on her all at once.”

      “You’re probably right, but when you get a chance bring it up casually.”

      “Go slow, Dad. Don’t rush her.”

      Jordan grinned. “You still care about her.”

      Ian shook his head. “Don’t get any ideas about me and her. Our relationship is history—ancient history.”

      “Okay. I get the message, but I’ll be praying for you.” Jordan held up one hand. “I have one request. Instead of our lunch meeting next Friday, I want you to bring Annie to dinner at the house.”

      Ian’s heart sank as he swallowed a huge lump in his throat. Was that really a good idea, but how could he refuse his father’s request. “What if she doesn’t want to come?”

      “If you ask, I think she’ll come.” Standing, Jordan picked up the bill from the table. “I’ve got it today.”

      “Okay. Thanks again.” Ian wasn’t sure whether he wanted his dad to be right or wrong about Annie accepting the invitation.

      * * *

      Almost two weeks had gone by since Annie had arrived at The Village. She’d already had her first job interview, and she could hardly wait to talk to Melody about it. All had gone well, but Annie didn’t want to be overconfident. Sunlight glinted off the windows as she approached the administration