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that. He swung his legs over the side and sat on the bed, his head in his hands.
    What had gotten into him? All he wanted to know was whether he should keep pursuing Chloe. He started praying about it, and all of a sudden he was thinking about marriage and children. Craziness. [_Maybe that’s how God works, _]he thought.
He leads you to logical, or illogical, conclusions.
    Based on that, he thought he had better not encourage Chloe anymore. She was interested, he could see that. If he showed the same interest, it would lead only one direction. In the new chaotic world they lived in, they would eventually grow desperate for each other. Should he allow that?
    It didn’t make sense. How could he let anything compete with his devotion to God? And yet he couldn’t just ignore her, start treating her like a sister. No, he would do the right thing. He would talk to her about it. She was worth it, that was for sure. He would set an informal date, and they would have a chat. He would tell her straight out that, left to his own wishes, he would want to get to know her better. That would make her feel good, wouldn’t it? But would he have the courage to follow through and tell her what he really thought—that neither of them should pursue a romantic relationship now?
    He didn’t know. But he was sure of one thing: if he didn’t set it up right now, he probably never would. He looked at his watch. A little after ten-thirty. Would she still be up? He dialed the Steeles.

    Rayford heard the phone on his way up the stairs. He heard Chloe stir, but her light was off. “I’ll get it, hon,” he said. He hurried to his bed table and answered.
    “Mr. Steele, it’s Buck.”
    “Hey, Buck, you’ve got to quit calling me [_Mister. _]You’re making me feel old.”
    “Aren’t you old?” Buck said.
    “Cute. Call me Ray. What can I do for you?”
    “I was wondering if Chloe was still up.”
    “You know, I don’t think she is, but I can check and see if she’s still awake.”
    “No, that’s all right,” Buck said. “Just have her call me at her convenience, would you?” He gave Rayford his new number.
    “Dad!” Chloe said a few minutes later. “You knew I was awake!”
    “You didn’t answer when I said I’d get it,” he said. “I wasn’t sure. Don’t you think this is for the best? Let him wait till morning?”
    “Oh, Dad!” she said. “I don’t know. What do you think he wanted?”
    “I have no idea.”
    “Ooh, I hate this!”
    “I love it.”
    “You would.”

CHAPTER THREE
    Saturday morning Buck drove to New Hope Village Church, hoping to catch Bruce Barnes in his office. The secretary told him Bruce was finishing up his sermon preparation, but that she also knew he would want to see Buck. “You’re part of Bruce’s inner circle, aren’t you?” she said.
    Buck nodded. He guessed he was. Should it have been an honor? He felt so new, like such a baby, as a follower of Christ. Who would ever have predicted this for him? And yet who would have dreamed the Rapture would take place? He shook his head. [_Only the millions who were ready, _]he decided.
    With the announcement that Buck was waiting, Bruce immediately swung open his door and embraced him. That was something new for Buck, too, all this hugging, especially among men. Bruce looked haggard. “Another long night?” Buck asked.
    Bruce nodded. “But another long feast on the Word. I’m making up for lost time, you know. I’ve had these resources on hand for years and never took advantage of them. I’m trying to decide how to tell the congregation, probably within the next month, that I feel called to travel. People here are going to have to step up and help lead.”
    “You’re afraid they’ll feel abandoned?”
    “Exactly. But I’m not leaving the church. I’ll be here as much as I can. As I told you and the Steeles yesterday, this is a weight I feel God has put on me. There’s joy in it—I’m learning so much. But it’s scary, too, and