A petite woman with auburn hair and stylish glasses approached. She wore jeans and a t-shirt, which surprised Sybil. Jeans at church? She didn’t know that was allowed.
“Hi, I’m Hollie.” The woman extended a hand.
Sybil had no polite choice but to shake her hand. Jared still held one hand, so she discreetly wiped her other on her shirt as she lifted it. “Sybil.”
“It’s nice to meet you. Is this your first time?”
“Yes.” Her heart raced. No condemning looks yet, but…
“We’re glad to have you.” Hollie glanced at Sybil’s stomach.
Oh no. Here it comes.
Hollie tilted her chin to Sybil’s midsection. “When are you due?”
“She’s due mid-February.” Jared smiled at her as he answered for her.
“Be sure to leave contact information and let us know when the baby comes. We’ll set up a meal train for you.”
Goodness gracious, they must think she and Jared were married. They wouldn’t possibly offer that if they knew the truth. She felt obligated to clear the air, but Jared had just turned to speak to another friend.
Don’t be afraid. I am with you.
“I’m not married.”
Confusion passed over Hollie’s face, then understanding. She gifted Sybil a smile. “Honey, we’re all in this life together, imperfect and learning. Your baby is a gift, and we’d love to celebrate her birth with you.”
Sybil fought tears of happiness. Rarely had she felt truly welcomed anywhere—even before her unplanned pregnancy. “Thank you.”
“I’m going to grab a seat before they’re all taken, but let me get your number.” Hollie pulled out her phone. “I’d love to meet for coffee or lunch one day and get to know you.”
“Sure. That’d be nice.” She stammered her phone number amidst the overwhelming emotions taking over.
When Hollie turned around, Sybil saw the back of her shirt with the church name across the back. She realized why the church name sounded familiar. It was the same one she’d seen at the restaurant all those months ago.
She didn’t know much about God’s work, but she couldn’t help wondering if she’d noticed that group for a reason, if they were the first seeds planted in a new life for her.
Jared squeezed her hand. “I’m proud of you.”
“Why?” Creases formed on her forehead.
“Because you’re a fighter and a survivor.” He leaned in close, and his breath was warm on her cheek. “I know you’re uncomfortable in unfamiliar territory, but you came anyway. I’m glad you’re here.”
“Thank you.”
A few more ladies stopped by to introduce themselves. One of them, Angie, gave her a welcome packet with church information enclosed, along with a pen and notepad printed with the church’s name and logo.
One of the men from the class stopped by to greet Jared, then handed her a book. “This is the study we’re currently working through. We’re only on the second week, so you won’t be far behind.”
She laughed silently when she saw the theme—an entire study to give a brief overview of the Bible in a way that connected the stories. Perfect for a newbie like her.
Okay, God. I get it. You’ve had this orchestrated for me to find You. Thank You for not giving up, even when I thought You didn’t exist.
To her surprise, she followed along with most of the lesson. A few phrases she didn’t understand, and she made notes to ask Jared about them later. The amount of conversation and discussion also surprised her. The group leader acted more as a facilitator than teacher. She enjoyed the format, and while she hadn’t expected to be in that group, she looked forward to coming back next week.
When the class ended, Jared led her upstairs to the sanctuary, still holding her hand. His support meant everything to her.
They found seats—cushioned chairs in a row, not the pews she’d expected—and sat down. She spotted a co-worker several rows ahead.Another potential new friend. We’ve never connected, but now we have church in common...
