would be joining him.
Collin was scheduled to start his program that afternoon. When Matthew had called his mother to make the arrangements, he’d suggested they meet him for church first, then brunch, before journeying over to the ranch to give Collin the tour and explain what would be required of him over the next twelve months. Katrina Broomes had seemed reluctant at first, but with persistence Matthew had changed her mind.
Reflecting back on the conversation, Matthew couldn’t help but note how reserved the good judge had been. Her cool demeanor had intrigued him.
“Church?”
Matthew had smiled into the receiver. “Yes, it’s first Sunday, communion Sunday, but Pastor Barnes will have us out early. He’s not one of those long-winded ministers.”
“I don’t know. I…”
“It will be good for Collin. I was raised in the church and it’s done wonders for me,” he’d said with a light chuckle.
There’d been a brief pause before she responded. “Collin’s been to church before,” she’d said with just a hint of attitude, as though he’d passed judgment on how she was raising her child. Then her tone had softened as she continued. “And it is good for him. I have to admit, though, that since we moved, I’ve been remiss in getting us up on Sunday mornings for service. I haven’t found a new church home that we’re both comfortable with yet.”
“Well, I promise you’ll both enjoy the experience. And afterward we can grab a bite to eat at Nicola’s. They have a wonderful menu. So please, say yes.”
Katrina paused, giving his offer some intense consideration. The man persisted.
“We could always eat somewhere else. Would you prefer French cuisine? I eat most anything, with the exception of fast food. I don’t do burgers from any place that asks whether or not you want to supersize your meal.”
Katrina laughed, her head waving easily from side to side. “What’s wrong with their burgers?”
“Nothing, I’m sure. But a real meal involves real food. I know a great steak house, if you want something more traditional.”
“Italian is fine. We’ll meet you at the church,” she finally responded.
Matthew’s excitement spilled into the receiver. “Great. I’m looking forward to it,” he said.
As he hung up the telephone, dropping the receiver back onto the hook, he suddenly felt awkward. He hoped the judge didn’t think he was out of line. He’d been anxious, overly excited that she was amenable to his suggestions. He had really wanted to make their meeting a date but knew the timing would not be appropriate. He found himself hoping that she’d not found his behavior or his enthusiasm too inappropriate.
Shaking the memory, Matthew looked out to the parking lot just as Katrina pulled her BMW X5 SUV into an empty space. Matthew’s smile widened into a full grin as he smoothed the front of his suit jacket, his excitement building.
As mother and son exited the car, Matthew couldn’t miss the annoyed expression on young Collin’s face nor Katrina’s frustration as she admonished the boy to hurry up. Nor did he miss how stunning the woman was in her navy blue silk suit with its ruffled jacket. Even though the skirt stopped just above her kneecaps, there was no missing the long length of her toned legs and the curve of tight calves above her three-inch pumps.
Matthew had to remind himself where he was as he fought not to stare so blatantly. Mother and son climbed the stairs to meet him, Collin lagging noticeably behind.
Katrina extended her hand in greeting. “Mr. Stallion, I apologize. I hope you haven’t been waiting long, but we were running a little behind this morning.”
Matthew nodded. “Please, call me Matthew, and not to worry… I used to drag my feet and make my brother late every Sunday, too.” He winked an eye in Collin’s direction. “Mr. Broomes, it’s a pleasure to see you again.”
Collin eyed him warily. “Yeah, whatever.”
Katrina shot her son a cautious glare. Matthew shook his head ever so slightly, his gaze meeting hers evenly.
“I’ve got this,” he said softly, his hand tapping lightly against her arm. “He’ll be fine.” His voice rose ever so slightly, his tone deepening. “That will be the last time Collin greets anyone with disrespect.” Matthew’s gaze met Collin’s directly. “Won’t it be, Mr. Broomes?”
The look Matthew gave Collin made the boy take a step back, unsure what might be coming in his direction.
Matthew smiled brightly as he greeted Collin again. “Good morning, Mr. Broomes. I’m glad you could make it this morning.”
The boy nodded, his head bobbing ever so slightly against his lean neck. “Morning.”
“It’s Matthew, Mr. Stallion or sir. I know your mother taught you better. Try it again.”
Collin paused briefly, looking from one face to the other as they stood staring at him. His mother appeared to be holding her breath, waiting for him to mouth off. His new mentor’s stare was unreadable, the man’s dark eyes only slightly menacing. He finally responded. “Good morning, Mr. Stallion.”
Matthew nodded his approval. He directed his next comments to the two of them. “Why don’t we go in and find a seat? My family is waiting for us.”
Family? Katrina’s eyes widened noticeably. The man had said nothing before about them joining any family. As he guided her into the sanctuary, her hand gently clutching the elbow he’d extended, she could feel her legs quivering ever so slightly. She tossed a quick look over her shoulder to see Collin following obediently behind them, his expression more curious than reproachful.
A uniformed usher led them to the front of the church, then guided them to what was clearly Matthew Stallion’s usual seat. Katrina was only slightly taken aback by the two men who sat in the pews in front and in back of them, both of whom bore a stark resemblance to the man by her side. They each possessed the same distinctive features: black-coffee complexion; chiseled jawline; dark, haunting eyes; plush pillows for lips and the same warm, welcoming smile.
Matthew paused to let Collin enter the pew first. Katrina followed, and he took the seat on the end.
He leaned over to whisper in her ear. “This is my brother Mark and his wife, Michelle,” he said, patting the shoulder of the man in front of them. He gestured to the man sitting alone behind them. “And that’s my baby brother, Luke.”
Katrina smiled in greeting as both men wished her a good morning. A minute later John Stallion eased into the church, led by his wife, Marah. The brother named John gestured for Luke to slide down the pew so the two of them could take a seat beside him, tapping Matthew on the shoulder in greeting as he did. Marah leaned forward, her hand tapping Katrina lightly.
“Good morning,” she whispered softly. “Welcome.”
Katrina smiled again, words failing her as she sat there taking it all in. Morning worship service had yet to begin officially, but a praise session was in full swing. An elderly man was standing two pews in front of them, eulogizing everything he’d been blessed with since the last time he’d been in the sanctuary. He’d barely
