“Hey, babe,” he says. “Thanks for your help tonight.”
I smirk and lace my fingers behind his neck. “As if I would be anywhere else except with you on Christmas Eve.”
He kisses my lips, then inhales my perfume in that way he does. The way that makes me feel worshiped.
“Remember when we met? In the old center’s hallway just like this?” he asks.
“Yep, and then you called me a Bible bitch.”
A cocky smile tugs at his lips. “And I got you pregnant soon after.”
I pat his chest. “It wasn’tthatfast.”
“I fell for ya fast,” he mumbles.
“I fell first,” I assure him.
He chuckles. “I’ll let you believe that, church girl.”
“Well, are you ready?”
He nods and takes my hand, leading me through double doors that connect the center to my new church.
I purchased the old community theater and remodeled it as a church. The east part of the building was converted into a bigger center. It makes it easier for us to help each other out.
Jack likes to keep me close, too. I always tell him he has nothing to worry about, but I know with Jack, it’ll take time. I don’t mind. I’m here for the long run.
We enter the small auditorium. It still has tattered red velvet curtains that need to be replaced. I added an area for the choir, a ten-foot tall cross, and an organ. It’s a far cry from a megachurch. Instead of fifty thousand attendees, there is seating for five hundred. But it’s mine. I built it. I adore it. The connections to people feel closer and more meaningful.
Blake greets us behind the stage, giving me a hug and shaking Jack’s hand. It is hard to believe thesemen have become friends. Jack was not happy when I told him I’d be preaching with my former fiancé.
Jack shook his head. “Hell no. He’s gay, not blind.”
But with time, they got to know each other. It doesn’t matter to Jack who the men are. Initially, everyone poses a risk. He doesn’t want to lose me.
Every day, though, I show him a woman can love himandhis baggage. In fact, I don’t see Tommy or the center as a burden. Sure, Tommy and the crew can be a challenge, but their enduring happiness is contagious. They delight us every day. It’s amazing how much hugs and smiles can uplift a person. My heart overflows around them. Like Jack says, people with Down Syndrome truly are good and rare.
I look out from behind the curtain. Tommy is in the crowd with Julie and Noel. Beside Noel? His new love interest. A sweet girl named Sierra. Jack says he’s never seen his brother so smitten, which is saying a lot.
The choir singsSilent Night,and the audience sings along.
The congregation is filled with people from all walks of life. It’s something I am proud of. I wanted a church that was more transparent about its leadership, which has attracted people who can relate.
That’s why Blake’s sexuality isn’t a secret, nor is my having a baby out of wedlock. It was... a revelation.
My hands rest on my belly. I started showing early, which was a blessing. I never want to hide who I am again. I left my father’s church after announcing my pregnancy.
Besides, the church and center are the priority at the moment, and I don’t want to rush the wedding just to appear traditional. We’ll have the baby first, then marry.
That conversation was delicate.
“What do you mean, you wanna wait to marry me?” Jack growled.
“I want the ceremony held in the new church, with our child in my arms.”
He did what Jack does. Put up walls and lit a joint, which I promptly threw away. Of course, he fought back.
“Proverbs 18:22. ‘He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.’ I thought you wanted me closer to God?”
