Imagine That Read Online Free PDF Page A

arched oak doors guarding the entrance. For most of his life, his church had brought him comfort at the worst of times. He hoped he could find some peace today.
    The doors were unlocked as always. He headed for the sanctuary and sat down in a pew near the back. Leaning forward, he rested his arms against the pew in front of him.
    God, I don ’ t know what to do here . I don ’ t know how to get over my anger. Don ’ t know what to do with Zach. What do I say when I can ’ t deal with it myself? How can this be Your plan?
    He prayed for what seemed like hours. When he lifted his head, fear still remained, but he supposed one impassioned plea wouldn’t be enough. He did feel a touch of renewed strength, though.
    â€œAfternoon, Nate.”
    Seth Graham — the pastor and a longtime friend — stood by the pew.
    â€œHey, Seth. Did you come in here to practice your sermon?”
    The pastor shook his head and let out a small chuckle.
    Nate cocked his head. “Something funny?”
    â€œNo, I just had a nagging urge to take a walk, so I decided to give in.”
    Seth slid into the pew next to Nate. He didn’t say anything but sat and waited.
    â€œMy mother’s cancer is back,” Nate said. “It’s… everywhere.”
    A moment of silence from the minister. Then, “How soon?”
    â€œA couple weeks, a couple months if we’re lucky.”
    Seth raked a hand through his hair. “Guess I know why I had to come in here now.”
    â€œWe told Zach yesterday. He’s having a tough time.”
    Nate saw compassion, wisdom, and also an abiding sorrow reflected in Seth’s gaze. He knew the pastor understood cancer. Seth’s first wife had died a few years before, so he knew about the hopelessness, the anger, and the terror that clawed at one’s belly like a tiger tearing apart its prey. The fact that Seth had found love again and was about to be married hadn’t completely erased memories of the loss.
    â€œI’m sure Zach’s not the only one having a tough time,” Seth said. “It’s been the three of you for so long. Have you told your dad?”
    â€œWe don’t even know where he is. How did you handle it? How do you get through—” his voice broke.
    The pastor put a hand on Nate’s back. “You treasure each day. Take care of her. Love her. You cry when you have to. And when it’s time, you tell her it’s okay to go.”
    Nate couldn’t imagine such a thing. “How?”
    â€œBy remembering the parting is only temporary. Everything here is simply leading to the day we all go home for eternity.”
    â€œIt’s easy to say, but not so easy to live it.”
    Seth chuckled, but it was not an amused sound. “No. Not easy at all. But your friends will be here. For all of you. Remember that.”

Chapter Four
    Dusk had begun to settle as Nate pulled open the door of Jessie ’ s Treats . The familiar smell of vanilla, chocolate, and a thousand other mouth-watering aromas wafted around him like a delicious blanket as he stepped inside. Several small tables with gingham cloths dotted the dining area. Only two were occupied at the moment. A long glass display offered up sinful desserts of every variety, from cakes to tarts to cookies.
    Nate didn’t see Jessie, however. He walked over to the counter and rang the bell by the register.
    A feminine voice rang out from the back. “Hold on! Right with you! I’m just — Ow! ”
    Metal clanged against cement.
    â€œBlast it!”
    Nate jumped and lunged through the doorway into the kitchen. He stopped short. Emily Sinclair. In Jessie’s kitchen.
    She stared down at the floor with the most forlorn expression he’d ever seen. A metal tray lay at her feet, and cookies were scattered all over the place. She shook her head.
    â€œBlast it!”
    Then she reached into her jeans pocket and pulled out a wad of