I smile through a blush, reaching up to straighten my glasses. When we’re all lined up, Rae makes her gorgeous debut, and I make sure to sneak a glance over at Adam. Sure enough, his eyes are red-rimmed and overjoyed to see her. My heart melts all over again.
The ceremony is over in the blink of an eye. Thank goodness I remembered to do all the things I’m supposed to do. Straighten her dress, take her bouquet, hand her the ring. She and Adam share a tastefully romantic kiss, and just like that, they are Mr. and Mrs. Adam Compton.
The guests cheer as they run back down the aisle to “This Will Be”, by Natalie Cole.
The DJ announces that the couple will be taking photos and asks everyone to proceed to the reception — a grassy area not too far from here, where we spent all morning decorating with sparkly lights and colorful lanterns.
As we all make our way over, I feel a light tap on my shoulder. I turn to see a blonde girl with light blue eyes. She smiles at me.
“Hadley,” I say, “you made it.”
“I did!” She says, “Thanks for the invite.”
Our friendship hadn’t grown the way I thought it would, but she still came to my baby shower and blessed me with a bunch of little girl clothes.
I pull a tendril of her neatly curled hair and it bounces, “Your hair! What’d you do with it?”
“Chopped it all off,” She smiles, “You like it?”
“It’s adorable,” I say, nodding at her shoulder-length curls, “very happy and bubbly.”
“I love it,” she agrees, “I thought to myself, why not go a little Marilyn Monroe, right? You only live once.”
I laugh, “It suits you.”
A server comes by with a tray of sparkling juice. We both take a glass.
She inches closer and brings her voice to a whisper, “Hey, did you hear what happened with Jayden?”
I raise a brow, “No?”
I’d done a good job of trying to forget about him though.
“Well, he moved. To freaking Madrid.”
“What?” I say, “What for?”
She shrugs, “I don’t know. Some job thing I guess. Good riddance, right? One less face we gotta worry about.”
“Amen,” I say, clinking my glass to hers.
Suddenly a strong hand wraps around my waist from behind and I smile as Liam appears by my side.
“Hey, beautiful. Can I steal you for a sec?”
Hadley looks between the two of us, waggles her eyebrows and steps away.
“Who was that?” Liam says, guiding us off to the side.
“Um,” I glance back at Hadley, “It’s a long story.”
“Grace!” I hear from a few feet away.
My mother is weaving her way through the guests, hand-in-hand with her new beau. I got to meet Stan for the first time two months ago.
“About time she brought you around,” I had said to the well-groomed man. He was older, but good looking for his age. The only thing that gave it away were prominent smile lines around his eyes and his dark salt-and-pepper hair. He was good-natured and polite — a gentleman to my mother, and that’s really all I could ask for in a potential stepdad.
“Hey mom,” I say, giving her a squeeze, “Sup, Stan.” We fist bump.
“I don’t think you’ve met Liam yet, have you?” I say to him. My mom had, and loved him. “He’s way better than that Jayden boy,” she’d said.
Liam holds out a hand and Stan shakes it, “I haven’t, but it’s a pleasure.”
“Same here,” Liam smiles.
My mom looks back to me, “So where are Rae and her man headed after this?”
“Italy,” I smile, “Adam’s been saving up.”
“Wow,” mom says, “What a dream!”
“Grrraaaccceee!” I turn and see Aunt Kim running for me.
She bear-hugs me and then eyes my belly, “Oh my gracious, Great-Aunt Kim can’t wait to meet you! “
I smile widely, “Liam, this is my aunt. Well, second cousin, but whatever. She’s Aunt Kim to me.”
She turns to Liam and looks him over, “Oh my my, you are handsome aren’t you? I’ve heard lots about you, Liam — I have high expectations, you hear?”
Liam just laughs, “Yes ma’am.”
After about ten minutes of chatter, mom and Aunt Kim get into a heated discussion about medicine. With them occupied, I turn my attention back to Liam.
“Did you want to tell me something?”
He smiles, rummaging in his pocket, “Well actually, there’s something I wanna give you.”
“Is that Grace I see?” A familiar voice says.
I give Liam a sympathetic look and turn to see Kaya.
“Hey!” I say, giving her a side hug, “How are you?”
She does a little dance — “Happy to be here!”
“Laaaddddiieeess and Gentlemannn!” The DJ calls, “I present to you: Mr. and Mrs. Commmpton!”
We turn our attention to the front of the reception area and Rae is absolutely glowing as she enters with her new husband. Kaya and I cheer.
“And now, we will do the traditional bouquet toss!” He announces, “If I could have all the single ladies come up to the front pleeeaase.”
I peek over at Liam and he laughs at me, nodding for me to go up there even though I am no longer single.
Hadley, Aunt Kim, Kaya, and I, with a sprinkling of girls from Rae’s family gather together on the main floor.
With a flourish, Rae spins around and tosses the bouquet. If I had to try for it, I wouldn’t have gotten it. I can’t do many quick movements these days — but something about her spin was calculated perfectly to land right into my hands. No effort required. With an open mouth, I stare at the sunflowers in my hands. Everyone around me cheers.
I take my prize over to Liam as the men do the garter toss.
“I’m so sorry,” I say to him, “What did you have to give me?”
He shakes his head with a knowing smile, “Not here. You just enjoy yourself for now and we’ll talk after.”
I frown, “Are you sure?”
“Yes,” He says, nodding to the dance floor, “Now go join
your girls over there.”
Rosie and Rae are getting down to a song I’ve never heard before, but it has an awesome beat. I may be pregnant, but hell if I’m not gonna dance at my best friend’s wedding.
***
By the end of the night, I’m absolutely breathless. The singing, the dancing, and the cleanup after the happy couple left had me shoeless in thirty minutes, and now totally beat. I slowly make my way to a chair and sit as Liam helps pick up the last few things. The extra weight of my belly is no joke on my stamina.
When Liam is done, he walks over to me and holds out a hand, “My queen.”
I smile, taking his hand to hoist myself up.
“Are you ready to go?” He says.
I nod sleepily.
He walks me to the truck. His family had let us borrow it for carrying wedding decorations, but the Brooks family said they could get it all home afterwards.
He opens my door for me and helps me in, giving my hand a kiss before going over to the driver’s side.
“So what’d you have to give me?” I yawn.
“You’ll see,” He says, taking my hand in his.
Instead of making the turn that’d take us to my house, he makes one I’m unfamiliar with. I say nothing of it, but the farther out we go, the more awake I become.
Where is he taking me?
We’re on a dirt road now, headed for a meadowy area when he makes a right turn into the grass and parks the truck.
“Where are we?” I say, looking around. There’s nothing but grassy fields for miles.
He smiles at me, “Stay here a minute.”
It feels like forever that he’s rummaging around in the back, but soon enough he comes to get me, “Okay, you can get out now.”
I raise a questioning eyebrow at him as I take his hand. My bare feet hit the soft grass and I lift
my dress with my hands. I circle around to the back of the truck and my eyes widen. I lift my hands to my mouth.
The bed of the truck is piled with blankets and he has lined the rim with sparkly lights. I can feel him watching me, so I look at him and smile, “Is this for us?”
He chuckles, “Well it’s not for me and bigfoot.”
Smiling, I wrap my arms around him, “This is gorgeous!”
He kisses my neck, “Climb on in.”
He has to help me, but eventually I get up there. I collapse onto the softness of the blankets, sighing with deep contentment.
“Alright,” He says, “Ready for your present?”
I turn towards him, all smiles, and nod like a child.
“Close your eyes,” He says.
I do, holding out my hands.
He puts something small and cold in it, and I open my eyes to see.
“Before you get too excited,” He says, “It’s not an engagement ring. I’ll do a much better job with that. This is more of a … well … a Grace ring.
I stare down at the beautiful piece of jewelry in my hand. It has a simple rose gold band with a smooth pink stone in the middle. I am instantly enamored with it.
“Did you make this?” I say, slipping it on my ring finger. It’s a perfect fit.
“Of course,” He said, “That stone in there is Rose Quartz. You said you weren’t that into diamonds … so instead I picked out one that reminds me of you — an alternative birthstone to diamonds.”
I spread out my fingers, admiring it with a smile, “Hence, a ‘Grace’ ring.”
“Exactly,” He pokes me, “Aren’t you gonna ask me what it means?”
I chuckle, “Of course I am. What does Rose Quartz symbolize, Mr. Cross?”
He smiles, “Some say peace and harmony, some say compassion and empathy, all of which are words I’d choose to describe you. But another reason I picked it is because it is known as “The Love Stone” ... and, well, I love you. So.”
I lock eyes with him, my breath hitching slightly. It’s the first time he’s ever said it. He keeps his gaze on mine until a grin overtakes my face.
“Really?” I say.
He nods.
I can’t help it anymore. I lean over to kiss him — a deep longing kiss — and when we pull away, I say it fast.
“I love you, Liam Cross.”
“What?” He says, “I don’t think I heard that clearly.”
I giggle, whispering now, “I love you, Liam Cross.”
He rubs at his ears, “Man, I’m gonna have to get my hearing checked.”
I laugh, shouting this time, “I love you, Liam Cross!”
“Theeeerrre it is,” He grins.
We laugh, falling back onto the pillows and staring into the sky.
For the first time, I realize what a beautiful view we have. There’s not a cloud in the sky shielding the blanket of sparkling darkness above. Galaxies of stars are visible, it seems, way out here.
At this moment, with nothing but joy in my heart, I think back to how much my life has changed in the past eight months. I could never have guessed my life would end up here, wrapped in this man’s arms, feeling truly loved for the first time in ages. It makes me think of something Liam said to me,
“God’s plans are not my plans”.
I also recall the first scripture I ever read — the one that started it all —
He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite.
Scripture Highlight Reel
If you read this book all the way through, congratulations! You just had over 46 encounters with scripture in a real life, applicable setting. You were intentional about spending time with God, and that is always time well spent. Enjoy this highlight reel of all the scriptures you officially have in your repertoire!
Psalm 147:4-5 - “He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite.” NKJV
John 14:13-14 - “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son”. NIV
Deuteronomy 31:8 - “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you. He will never leave nor forsake you. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged.” NIV
Joshua 1:9 - “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” NIV
Matthew 11:28-30 - “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” NIV
Psalm 139:13-16 - “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” NIV.
Psalm 32:5 - “Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin.” NIV
1st Peter 3:3-4 - “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle
and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” NIV
Luke 16:15 - “He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God’s sight.” NIV
Galatians 5:19-23 - “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft, hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” NIV
John 14:15-17 - “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even
the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.” ESV
Matthew 4:4 - “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” NIV
Deuteronomy 6:16 - “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” NIV
Luke 4:8 - “Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.” NIV
Philippians 4:13 - ‘" can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." NKJV
James 4:7-8 - “He gives us more grace. That is why scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble. Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and
purify your hearts, you double-minded.” NIV
Hebrews 4:12 - “The word of God is alive and active.” NIV
Matthew 18:15 - “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.” ESV
Jeremiah 1:5 - “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.” NIV
Proverbs 31:8 - “Open your mouth for the speechless, in the cause of all who are appointed to die.” NKJV
1st John 1:9 - “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” NIV
Matthew 4:1-11 – this passage is written in Chapter 15 of Edified.
Identity In Christ List: These 26 scriptures are written in Chapter 32 of Edified.
Acknowledgements
A huge thank-you to my amazing husband — the one who suggested writing a Christian Fiction novel in the first
place, and who helped me find the perfect name for “Edified”. Thank you for brainstorming with me and affirming me as often as I need it. You’re exactly the muse I needed to finish this goal of mine.
Mom, I owe my love for writing to you! Forever grateful for our deep discussions about the books we are writing and laughing because we both understand ‘writer problems’.
Mariah, thank you for always inspiring me, reminding me of what’s important, and believing in me!
One big thank you to my faithful partner in writing, Kaitrin, for all your insight throughout the creation of Edified! Your encouraging comments on my unpolished manuscript turned my doubts about the novel into securities. You helped me see that it was something special and motivated me to see it through.
A big thank you to my amazing production team: My editor, Fatima, for your enthusiasm, and my cover designer, Taylor, for helping me create the book cover I’ve always dreamed of.
Thank you, Abby, for the amazing bachelorette trip that inspired a spontaneous road trip for our two protagonists <3 They needed it, and so did I.
When I began writing Edified, I had not yet joined Chi Alpha, but I slowly came to realize that the campus ministry felt so familiar to me because it was a lot like the little bible study group I had created called Above and Beyond (A&B). My decision to join Chi Alpha felt very spirit-led, and that feeling was confirmed when I met two girls in particular: Kindall and Felisha. Thank you both for countless nights spent wrapped up in blankets, eating cookies, and bringing our cares to the Lord. Girls who pray together stay together!
Lastly, but most importantly, thank you to the One who led this whole process. Many coffee-dates with you and pre-writing prayer sessions really made this book happen, and I will always be thankful that I can use my writing to connect with You! Thank you for teaching me what it means to find my identity in You, and what it means to be patient and persistent … May Your name be glorified in this work.
Edified Playlist
Edified Page 31
