I clear my throat.
“Good question, Blake. Hebrews 13:4 teaches us, ‘Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the immoral.’ Thus, we honor marriage by reserving physical intimacy for it.”
A memory erupts in my mind’s eye, fast and vivid:
Jack’s naked body over mine. His breath on my ear. His black hair wisping on my forehead. The moment he took what I gave. His concern and praise. The feel of his length filling me. How he kissed my cheek so tenderly — how he can’t be my husband.
A third, more powerful kick slams against my ribs.
I shudder hard as I stare at the massive audience. The lights are so bright. I’m sweating. All I can hear is my own breathing.
My mouth opens and closes, but no words form.
IfeelGod’s presence through the crowds’ gaze, as if they are seeing my sins instead of this perfect image I’m struggling to portray.
Suddenly, a hand rests on my shoulder. Blake leans near my ear from behind.
“Breathe, Morgan,”
Then he steps beside me and speaks loudly into the microphone.
“She’s overwhelmed by the power of God’s word. We all should be. Because a healthy marriage spreads to every facetof life. Like flowers, it blooms through children, family dinners, and a home that warms the body and soul better than likes and follows.”
Applause echoes.
I join in, wiping away a fake tear to support Blake’s quick action. He saved me without belittling my moment of near collapse.
My stomach knots as I take in a terrifying truth: I feel guilty from touching Jack.
The hypocrisy of facing the world is great. The shame lingers.
Off-stage, I head to the dressing room, frazzled.
“Morgan,” calls Blake.
I turn. “You okay?”
My chin trembles, but I shake my head. “I froze up.”
“You did great. Don’t worry. They loved you.” He smiles. “Still troubled I see.”
I sniffle back a tear.
He wraps an arm around me for a side-hug.
“Let me take you to dinner. Just us. Friends.”
My brow furrows and I glance at Dad, who is in conversation with someone else.
Having dinner with a world-class preacher is the last thing God will frown upon after what I did. Right now, I need his grace. His forgiveness.
“Yeah. Let’s,” I agree softly.
Chapter 27
Morgan
The restaurant is Surf and Turf, a comfortable mix of a relaxed and fancy atmosphere. The scent of lobster and steak fills the air, and soft conversations carry all around us.
