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got you in a snit?” Ma asked shrewdly.
    Oh, no. It was just a matter of seconds before Ma knew everything. A diversion was in order.
    “It was good of Jason to pick me up today,” Kelley tried to sound casual but just saying the name had her heart in a mess.
    Ma shrugged. “Seems a good guy. The menfolk were all busy getting the wagons ready to roll. And I had custodial care at church. You’re going tomorrow, right? Pastor Hale is doing great healing up from his heart attack.”
    Praising God and feeling His spirit was no doubt what Kelley needed, but right now, she simply wasn’t in the mood. He kept on letting her down, and down some more, despite her pleas. That flash of a home fire burning she’d felt on the ridge with Jason had been weakness, no more. She was a full-grown woman with goals and talent who should be able to regroup and get Vegeterra up to snuff. She didn’t need anybody, much less a God who kept on ignoring her prayers. She’d figure out what to do all by herself.
    “That’s good about Pastor Hale,” She waffled although she meant the words sincerely. Their pastor was a wonderful man, and she’d been on hand to help bring in emergency help and transportation that Sunday service last December when he’d collapsed. “But I guess it all depends if I get my baking done. We’ve got a horde of tourists expecting my best.”
    Ma’s stare sent Kelley shriveling inside her big apron. Even her jeans felt too loose around her waist. One thing you never did, Ma’s main tenet for life, you just never blew off God. Shame swamped her.
    “Now, girl.” Ma’s smile was grim. “I sure hope you kept up your worship habits in Sunset Hills.”
    “I did.” Kelly assured her. That was most certainly true. Guilt, habit…and her efforts had brought naught. She held off a grumble even as she marveled at Ma’s faith that never wavered.
    Under raised eyebrows, Ma glared now, but in her special way that wasn’t unsympathetic. “Just so you know. The young adults have been meeting in the Fireside Room after services for Bible study. It would be nice for you to catch up with old friends.”
    Kelley’s heart sank. Catching up with old friends was one thing she had hoped to avoid. Faking success or telling the truth was a miserable choice all around. And since when had Bible study been held on Sunday mornings?
    “Bible study has been on Tuesday nights for just ever,” she hoped against hope. She’d be on the wagon train then.
    “Yep, that it has.” Ma busied herself opening the jars of jam even as her gaze never left Kelley. “But until Pastor fully gets his strength back, it seems easier on him to hold a short session right after church. Things are sure to be back to normal soon.”
    But not in time for me to escape this round, Kelly sniffed silently. Ma was a powerful force, especially with her unblinking eyes. “Oh, Ma. Of course I’ll go. I’ll pull an all-nighter if I need to get everything done.”
    “Go where? And get what done? I’ll help if I can.” Jason offered, his unexpected voice sending Kelley’s heartbeats skittering hard around her ribs. He strode into the kitchen on quiet boot heels that should have clomped. Kelley had long noticed the same with her brothers and all the ranch hands. Seemed anybody who worked with animals had learned quiet approaches. She hadn’t known he was coming, yet she was more than glad, make that thrilled, to see him here.
    “Church,” Ma said promptly, giving Jason the same stare. “You goin’ with us this time around, young fella?”
    From Jason’s blush, Kelley reckoned he wasn’t much of a church-goer. Ma never judged her employees, or anybody for that matter, but right now her eyes bored deep into Kelley’s soul.
    Jason smiled at her, then looked at Ma straight on. “I will be taking you up on your invitation this Sunday, ma’am. I’ve visited temples and shrines and cathedrals all over the world. Might as well see how it goes down in