Jaidon took a deep breath and rubbed his palms against his thighs, the fabric of his khakis absorbing the sweat. He’d never proposed before. Should he get down on one knee or stand to propose after the church gave its approval?
“We have a request from someone to join the church.” Matthew unfolded Jaidon’s letter.
Evelyn looked at Jaidon from her seat across the room and winked. Her smile offered him some reassurance. Not that her confidence helped to bolster his. He was more nervous than waiting for a jury to deliberate a court case. He would breathe better once Catherine accepted his proposal.
“Allow me to read the letter we received before I give the decision of the clearness committee,” Matthew said.
Dear New Garden Fellowship,
I want to thank you for the opportunity to worship with you and get to know you. I have learned to take quiet time to focus more on God. Having grown up in a fairly large church, I had become so busy that I forgot this simple truth. Your church has helped me get back to the basics and deepen my faith and commitment. It is my desire to join your church, where I know I will continue to grow as I seek Him.
It is also my desire to pursue marriage to Catherine Wall. She has exemplified the Christian faith and proven what a Godly woman and wonderful wife she will make. Upon your approval of membership, I wish to propose in the near future, so that Catherine and I may begin to make plans for our life together.
Sincerely,
Jaidon Taylor
Matthew folded the letter and laid it on the pew. “After carefully discussing these matters with the clearness committee, it is our decision that Mr. Taylor’s request be denied.”
Jaidon turned to Catherine in horror. Her hand flew to her mouth and she gasped. Tears brimmed her eyes. Her shock reflected his own.
“I don’t understand,” Jaidon mumbled. He stared blindly at Matthew. “Why?”
“It is our feeling,” Matthew said, “that your motives for wanting to join the church are self-serving.”
“What?” Jaidon flew to his feet. Anger bubbled up inside his chest. “Because I want to go to the same church as the woman I intend to marry?”
“That request has also been denied.” Matthew looked at him sternly, but his tone remained level. “You two have only known each other a little over a month. Certainly not long enough to contemplate marriage. I knew Catherine’s father for years and can assure you he would not want his daughter to act rashly and marry someone who converted for his own personal agenda.”
His own personal agenda? This was ridiculous. His chest tightened. Unless he convinced the committee otherwise, he wouldn’t be able to marry Catherine. “Since you knew her father, I’m sure you know of the promise he made his daughter make. It’s this promise that prompted me to convert but not the only reason I’m willing to do so. Seeking the church’s approval is important for us to move forward in our relationship. It’s not like we plan to marry in the next couple months. We would just like to have your approval and know we are working toward a common goal.”
“I’m sorry, Mr. Taylor,” Matthew said. “You have our decision.” A couple of the men sitting near where Matthew stood nodded in agreement.
Matthew made it sound so final. Like there was nothing more that could be done. Their minds couldn’t be changed. “How can you stand there and dictate who can marry and who can’t? That should be a decision between us.”
Jaidon glanced at Catherine. No doubt the look of shock on her face mirrored his own disbelief. What right did they have to choose whether or not they could be together? This had to be a bad dream. Without their approval, Catherine would never agree to marry him. He felt like a failure. His shoulders slumped.
“It’s obvious you aren’t willing to accept our ways, which only serves as evidence that you do not hold the same convictions as we do or support the committee’s authority and final decision.” Matthew folded his hands in front of him.
Catherine saw Jaidon’s face turn pale. He stormed out of the pew and headed for the door.
It wasn’t fair. She didn’t want to date someone else, or marry anyone else either. Jaidon loved her—enough that he was willing to change—for her. If her father were alive, surely he could see that Jaidon was good for her, made her complete.
She stood abruptly. “Please don’t do this,” Catherine pleaded. “We love each other and want to be together. What’s wrong with us wanting to belong to the same church? After all, marriage is about two fleshes becoming one.”
“We feel that you are both acting on physical attraction, which is a bad way to begin a relationship,” Matthew said. “There are plenty of eligible men to choose from. You need to find someone, like my nephew Michael, who already shares your faith and isn’t making a halfhearted attempt to become something he’s not.”
“Something he’s not?” Catherine glared at Matthew. She’d gone out on one date with Michael in high school. She wouldn’t have even done that if Matthew hadn’t pressed her mother, trying to encourage her to be nice to his nephew when they’d moved to the area. Michael, or any other man she’d met, could never stack up to Jaidon. “I can tell you something he is—he’s kind-hearted and giving. Jaidon lives out his faith in the love and dedication he shows to others. He didn’t think anything of putting himself in harm’s way to protect me—”
“Which only shows he has a violent side,” Matthew contested. “He stood up to someone who was violent and possibly deadly. Was he going to talk his way out of it?” He didn’t wait for Catherine to respond. “We are peaceful, and we avoid violence.”
“He—” Catherine stammered.
“Enough!” Catherine’s mother stood. Everyone stared at her. Normally her mother was very docile…unless her feathers were ruffled enough. The look on her face was one her mother wore when she’d been pushed to her limits. Growing up, when Catherine got in trouble, she knew that look meant don’t press your luck or you’d find out the hard way she’s not the pushover people often mistook her for. Her mother’s eyes had focused on something behind Catherine.
When Catherine turned to follow her mother’s gaze, she saw Jaidon. He hadn’t left; his angry glare remained focused on Matthew. She didn’t blame him for being upset. The committee members didn’t care how she and Jaidon felt. They hadn’t talked with either of them; how could they know their hearts?
Catherine looked back at her mother, silently pleading for her to help.
“You asked Jaidon what I told him that night in church, when he declared before everyone that he wanted to convert.” Her mother smiled. “I told him that no matter what they decide, you have my blessing.”
“Our decision is final,” Matthew said.
“And you’re entitled to your opinion, but in the life of my daughter, I’m the one who can give her my blessing.” Catherine had never seen her mother take such a stand. Not even against her father. “You were only twelve when your father passed away. Way too young to know what love is. Your father should have never made you make that promise to him. It was unfair. You have the power to choose for yourself.”
Catherine nodded. She felt as if a weight had been lifted from her. Her heart soared like a feather, floating in peace. She turned back to Matthew. “I will always cherish my heritage.
But I can’t believe that God would be so stringent to not allow me to follow my heart, or His leading. I choose the love of my heavenly Father and the man He has placed in my life. The man that I want to spend the rest of my life with.”
“If you do this,” Matthew said sternly, “you will force us to read you out of meeting.”
“Do what you must.” She didn’t want to live without Jaidon. Even if she had to suffer the consequences—it was better than giving up love. Catherine turned to step out of the pew, intent on leaving, when she collided with Jaidon. She smiled. “Déjà vu,” she whispered. “Like the first time we met.”
Jaidon laughed. He took a step back, held out a small velveteen box, and opened it. “They can’
t stop us from being together. No matter what they or their committee decides.”
A woman who sat nearby gasped, and Catherine’s mother clapped.
With shaking fingers, Catherine traced her finger over the large beautiful diamond, gleaming in its halo setting, and inhaled deeply. It was unbelievable. He’d even chosen white gold, which she preferred. “It’s beautiful.”
“What do you say?” Jaidon grinned, the most adorable sheepish grin she’d ever seen. “Will you marry me?”
Catherine didn’t need to look at Matthew, the Friends around them, or the clearness committee to answer. “Yes.”
Chapter 11
Three months later
L et’s sit somewhere else today.” Catherine held Jaidon’s hand as he guided her to their nicely padded sanctuary seats. She couldn’t believe she was already a member of his church, and before long, she would be part of his family. “We’ve sat in the same general area for months. I’m starting to feel like we’re in high school again and have assigned seats.”
“Fine. We’ll move.” Jaidon chuckled. He changed directions and headed for several empty seats to the left of the section they normally sat in. He scooted down to leave a couple empty seats on the end of the row. “If your mom and Alex don’t find us, it’s your fault.”
“Church isn’t that big.” Catherine nudged him playfully. “And she knows I’m wearing this bright floral sundress. She’ll find us.”
“You’re both here early as usual.” Thomas stopped to greet them. “How is everything going?”
“Fine,” Jaidon said and shook his hand.
“Are you excited about the wedding next week?” he asked Catherine.
Her mother and Alex approached them. “She’s not as excited as I am,” she said and hugged Pastor Burnside. “Thank you for performing the ceremony.”
“It’ll be my pleasure.” The pastor’s smile was sincere. “Good to see you again, Alex. I’m looking forward to officiating your wedding next week.”
“Thank you.” Alex nodded. A rare smile crossed his face. No matter how tough he acted on the outside, Catherine knew he was a softie and adored her mother.
As soon as the pastor moved on, her mother hugged Catherine and sat next to her.
“Hey, kiddo. Jaidon.” Alex winked at her and nodded toward Jaidon. “We going out for lunch later?”
“Sure thing,” Jaidon said.
Catherine watched as their senior pastor went on to greet others. The more she’d gotten to know Thomas, the more she liked him. He watched over the congregation and offered sound spiritual advice. She enjoyed the Bible study she and Jaidon attended on Monday nights. Not only did she take quiet time for God, but she also felt she was learning more of the Word and growing as a Christian.
Her outlook on life had changed so much in the last few months, and it all started when she walked into the center. It was exciting to see other lives changed as well. Tanesha and Daryl not only went to the center regularly but were also attending a local church. The change in their lives had inspired other youth to become involved with the center.
Catherine couldn’t wait to begin premarital counseling classes in a couple weeks. Life with Jaidon, working and ministering by his side, held so much promise. Catherine sighed.
“I know that sound.” Her mother linked her arm through hers. “You’ve got that dreamy look on your face. Whatcha thinkin’ about, kiddo?”
“Marriage.” Catherine nodded toward the front of the sanctuary. “You and Alex are getting married next week.”
“And you wish it were you.” Her mother giggled. “See that engagement ring on your finger?”
Catherine nodded.
“Every time you look at it, just keep reminding yourself that you only have four months until you are Mrs. Jaidon Taylor. And with each new day, you are one day closer to the blessed event.” Her mother kissed her cheek. “I’ll be back from my honeymoon in plenty of time to help you plan your wedding.” “Are you two supposed to be talking in church?” Jaidon whispered, leaning closer.
“Shh.” Catherine let go of her mother’s arm and put an index finger to her lips while trying to contain a laugh. She remembered when she first came to this church and the people were talking before service. It wasn’t the bad thing she’d thought it was, just as long as they didn’t talk during service.
“I’m going to shh you.” Jaidon leaned against her, giving her a small nudge. “And don’t I get any say in our wedding plans?”
“We agreed that you can plan the honeymoon,” Catherine said, “because I’m not having a sports-themed wedding…. And if you plan a honeymoon that includes any sports events, you can count me out.”
“So you won’t mind if I take Alex then?”
Catherine’s mouth flew open.
He laughed.
She jabbed Jaidon in the ribs.
“If we were alone, I’d kiss you.”
She closed her mouth. The smoldering look in his eyes reflected the truth in his words. Catherine licked her lips as she stared at his. Her breath caught. She almost tasted the sweetness of his lips as she thought about his kiss.
“You temptress,” Jaidon said in a breathy tone. “I’ve half a mind to drag you out of here and kiss you anyway.”
“And you call me a temptress?” Catherine turned her nose up at Jaidon as she twisted her head toward her mother. “We’ll be back in a moment, Mom.”
“Make that a couple minutes.” Jaidon laughed. Taking her by the hand, he got to his feet and tugged her swiftly behind him. She followed him to a secluded area outside beneath the shade trees. “Now aren’t you glad I insisted on coming to church early? Or we wouldn’t have time to do this.”
Without giving her time to respond, Jaidon cupped the back of her neck, tilted her head for his lips to claim hers, and closed the gap between them.
She savored the warmth of his kiss. “Mmm. I will never get tired of kissing you.”
“I hope not.” Jaidon laughed and gave her a peck. “Now let’s get back in service. You’re always making me late.”
Epilogue
Four months later
E verything is in place,” Ariannah said. Her peach bridesmaid dress complimented her skin tone and slender figure. “You look gorgeous.”
“Thank you. So do you.” Catherine hugged her. Now that Ariannah had found a guy her own age, she’d given up her schoolgirl crush on Jaidon. It allowed peace to settle between them, which budded into a fast-growing friendship, one Catherine deeply treasured. “I couldn’t have done this without you.”
“I’m glad I could help.” Ariannah moved behind Catherine to straighten her fish-tail train. Catherine loved the wedding dress Ariannah had helped her choose. The sleeveless peach bodice added a flare of elegance yet remained simple in design. She’d opted not to wear a veil but allowed Ariannah to apply makeup, something she normally didn’t wear.
Catherine fanned her face with her hand as they lined up in the order they would walk down the aisle. She placed a delicate, manicured hand in the crook of Alex’s arm and smiled. “Thank you for giving me away.”
“My pleasure.” He kissed her cheek and patted her hand. The wedding march began to play. Catherine lifted her flowers, white stephanotis with peach spray rose bouquet, to her chest and breathed deeply. Ariannah, and then her other bridesmaid, a friend from work, walked slowly down the aisle. Catherine’s stomach fluttered like hummingbird wings. She straightened, squared her shoulders, and smiled as they slowly made their way to the front of the church.
A flurry of excitement coursed through her when she glanced at Jaidon. He looked dashing in his black tuxedo with coordinating peach tie and vest. Kacey and Roberto stood next to him.
She winked at her mother and smiled at Jaidon’s parents. Jaidon stepped forward as she approached him.
“Who gives this woman in marriage to this man?” Thomas asked.
“Her mother and I do.” Alex took her hand and gave it to Jaidon, who kissed it, placed i
t in the crook of his arm, and walked with her the few remaining feet to stand before the pastor.
As they faced each other, Catherine looked into the depths of Jaidon’s sea-blue eyes, drawn by the purity and love shining in them. The pastor allowed them to exchange the vows they’d written.
“I, Jaidon Taylor, promise to live each day serving Him, so that I can better serve you. I promise to be faithful and love you all the days of our lives. May God grant us many,” he said and smiled, “because forever could never be long enough with you.”
She desired nothing more than to enter into marriage in the sight of God with the man she loved with all of her heart… surrounded by family and friends.
SUSETTE WILLIAMS lives in Missouri with her husband and six children. Her family is very competitive and enjoys playing games together, which sometimes can be classified as “contact sports” at her house. She loves to write, scrapbook, sew, and share tips with family and friends on saving money. Visit her online at www.SusetteWilliams.com.
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