The Blue Door by Christa J. Kinde Page B

her offer to meet up while she was in town. The only messages in her inbox for the last few days had been an update notification from Uncle Loren’s missionary blog and a forwarded email full of silly cat pictures from Grammie Esme.
    Giving one of her braids a firm pat, she opened the book she’d just checked out from their library and flipped through the pages. The travel guide detailed the natural splendor and cultural highlights of Greece with big, glossy photographs and easy-to-digest blurbs. “This is where Aunt Ida will be going next,” she murmured to nobody in particular. Momma was still in the little one-room library, helping Zeke and Jude make their picks.
    At first, when she heard steps, she assumed Beau had decided to join her, but the footfalls came too fast to belongto her brother, who walked very slowly while poring over a new book. When the newcomer stepped lightly into the gazebo, she looked up … and blinked.
    A young man with glossy auburn hair that fell smoothly to his shoulders strolled to the opposite side of the wooden structure to peer up and down Main Street, giving her the chance to look him over. He was handsomely dressed in a neat summer suit with a white linen jacket. Prissie darted a glance toward the library doors, hoping the rest of her family wouldn’t take long. They didn’t get many strangers in West Edinton, and something about this one made her uneasy.
    When she peeped back at him, he was leaning against the far railing, his hands in his pockets as he watched her. “How do you do?” he politely inquired.
    “Very well, thank you,” she automatically replied, giving him a cautious smile. “Are you visiting in town?”
    “Oh, I’m from around here,” he replied, gesturing vaguely to the east.
    “Really?” she replied doubtfully.
    He smirked. “Do you know
all
the locals?”
    The challenge in his tone irked her. “No, but you don’t really fit in.”
    “You don’t think so?” he inquired. With a smile, he touched the red handkerchief tucked into his breast pocket, then waved at her. “I think I fit in perfectly … with
you.
”
    It was true. Dressed as he was in red and white, he couldn’t have coordinated better if he’d tried. “I guess we
do
match,” she said with a weak laugh.
    “They say imitation is a form of flattery,” he suavely replied. “So, tell me, have you spoken to Mr. Leggett recently, or are you still giving him the cold shoulder?”
    “You know Milo?” she asked, sitting up a little straighter.
    “Doesn’t everyone?” the stranger laughed.
    “I suppose so,” Prissie cautiously admitted. “Since he’s the mailman.”
    “Oh, Mr. Leggett is
more
than an acquaintance,” the young man announced. “I’ve known him for years … centuries even.” Prissie’s eyes widened, and he held up a finger in a shushing motion. “That’s right, Miss Pomeroy; I’m an angel, too. My name is Adin.”
    Prissie slowly closed her library book and hugged it against her chest. “Do you have a message for me?” she asked wonderingly.
    “I’m not a Messenger, though I know the routine,” he replied with a benign smile. Cutting a small bow, he announced, “You’ve been
chosen
, highly favored one.”
    “I’m not sure what you mean,” she said uncomfortably.
    “Oh, I think you do,” Adin countered. “What are you afraid of, Miss Pomeroy? Do you think the servants of God would harm you in any way?”
    She straightened. “Don’t be ridiculous! They would
never
…”
    “I understand you have some qualms about dealing with us,” he calmly interjected. “I don’t blame you, not
one bit
, but I happen to think that you’re overlooking a golden opportunity! Don’t you want to have an adventure?”
    “No, I don’t,” she replied crisply. “I like my life just fine.”
    Adin’s brows arched in surprise. “Most people wish for more, but you show wisdom beyond your years. Such contentment is admirable!”
    A pleased smile flickered across