by Robin Caroll
"Let me loan you my Bible and make a couple of suggestions of Scriptures to read. They're ones that helped me." His father left the room.
Maddox followed Pop into the living room. His father lifted his Bible and handed it to him. "If you're serious about salvation, you should read what is called the Roman Road to Salvation."
Maddox took the Bible from his father and ran his hand over the leather cover. "The what?"
"The Roman Road to Salvation. It lays out why and how to become saved. Romans 3:23 explains how we're all sinners. Romans 5:8 tells you how Christ died for all of us. Romans 6:23 explains how we can all have eternal life through Christ. And Romans 10:9–13 shows how we are saved through our belief in Jesus Christ." Pop grinned. "Don't worry, you don't have to remember them all. There's a bookmarker in the book of Romans that has it listed, and all those Scriptures are highlighted in my Bible."
Maddox held the Bible against his chest, not even able to explain the myriad emotions swirling inside of him. "Thanks, Pop."
His father pulled him into a hug. He could feel Pop trembling. Pop kissed his cheek and let him go with a clap on the back. "I'll be praying for you, son. Call me if you have any questions while you're reading."
No way could any words get past the lump in his throat. He nodded, then ducked out of the house. He held the Bible tight as he tromped back to the Mustang.
His heart bammed so hard, and he didn't know why. What he did know was that he was going home to read.
And see if God spoke to him through his father's Bible.
THIRTY-EIGHT
"No man is excluded from calling upon God, the gate of salvation is set open unto all men: neither is there any other thing which keepeth us back from entering in, save only our own unbelief."
—JOHN CALVIN
"THAT'S WONDERFUL ABOUT CAMERON, Alana. I'll let everyone at church know this morning." Layla dug in her closet for her black flats. Hadn't she worn them last Sunday?
"I talked to Fred yesterday. They've got all the residents situated. He said you'd sent a crew over yesterday to start cleanup. Thanks."
"No problem. Once it's cleaned, I can get in to see where we stand for rebuilding." Had she stuffed the shoes under her bed again? Wedging the phone between her chin and shoulder, Layla dropped on a knee and reached for the bed skirt.
"I'll head back home sometime this week. Once Cameron's moved out of the burn unit's ICU." Alana sounded more hopeful than even the last time they'd spoken.
Yes! One shoe found. "Don't rush. We'll handle everything here that needs attention." The other shoe was farther under the bed. Layla lay on her stomach and stretched. "Oh, and I'm visiting Mom this afternoon after church. I'll give her your love."
Sniffles sounded over the connection. "You and Mom . . . it's such an answer to my prayers."
Layla sat and slipped on her flats. "I know. And thank you for being understanding all these years."
"Wasn't easy, I'll tell you that." Alana snickered.
"Yeah, I guess not." Layla grinned as she stood. "Mr. James's funeral is going to be Thursday, Ms. Betty said, and Ms. Ethel's grandson left a voice message yesterday. Ms. Ethel's funeral will be Wednesday evening."
"I'll definitely be back to attend those." Alana coughed into the phone. "So, are you going to give me the scoop on you and Detective Bishop?"
The blood rushed to her face. Layla sat on the edge of her bed. "Maddy? There's not really anything to tell."
"Really? You go from Detective Bishop to Maddox and now to Maddy? And there's nothing to tell? Come on."
Layla smiled into the phone. "I'm working it out."
"Come on, Layla. I'm your sister. Who else are you gonna tell your deep, dark secrets to?"
"I have feelings for him—strong ones, but it's complicated."
"What, he doesn't have feelings for you? Get serious. I've seen the way the man looks at you. Well, when he isn't furious with you." Alana giggled.
"He's not a Christian."
"Oh." Alana sobered. "Well, I'll be praying."
"Thanks." She worried her bottom lip. "Alana, do you think it's selfish for me to want his salvation so I can let myself fall in love with him?"
"Yes. But that doesn't mean it's wrong. I think it's totally understandable."
"How do you think God sees it?"
There was a pause. "You know what, Layla? I think God sometimes puts people in our paths to help us get a message from Him."
Layla frowned. "So, you think all of this was God's doing so Maddox would become a believer? I find that hard to believe."
"Who's to say? I mean, really. We know we can't understand God's ways. Maybe it was all His master plan. Maybe not, but we know He'll take what was meant for evil and turn it to the good."
That made more sense. Layla smiled. "Thanks, sis." She checked the time. "Now I gotta get or I'll be late for church."
"Give everyone my love."
Layla turned off the cordless, returned it to its base, and grabbed her purse. She stepped onto her porch and lifted her face heavenward. The sun shone brightly, warming Eternal Springs. Even the breeze was gentle, reassuring. The calm after the storm.
She climbed into her truck—not an easy feat in a dress—and drove toward the high school. She planned to check out the church's damage next week. God willing, it wouldn't be too bad.
Layla parked in one of the larger spaces in the school's lot, then made her way to the auditorium. Friends and church family members waved and hollered out greetings. Most inquired about Cameron, and she was thrilled to tell everyone of his recovery progress.
She took a seat next to Ms. Betty as the worship band began playing from the stage. They had plenty of room to set up all their instruments. Nice. Maybe when she rebuilt the sanctuary, she could work in a permanent stage.
Pastor Chaney took center stage. Applause erupted as the congregation stood.
Layla got chill-bumps.
The choir lifted their voices in the first stanza of "Amazing Grace." Layla got all warm inside as she sang the hymn that was like a balm to her spirit. As the last note carried across the room, tears filled her eyes.
Thank You, God, for sending Jesus to save us all. Your grace is amazing.
Pastor read passages of Scripture, his voice booming from the stage. Layla shared her Bible with Ms. Betty, reading together from the book of Romans, one of Layla's favorite books of the New Testament.
"But what does it say? 'The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,' that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved."
The Scripture stayed in Layla's mind as Pastor preached a sermon, led a special prayer for Cameron, and the choir led two more songs. After the benediction and final prayer, Layla led Ms. Betty out into the aisle. She couldn't wait to tell Pastor how much she'd enjoyed the service today.
The walkway to the exit was crowded as members of Eternal Springs Christian Church took their time talking to Pastor on their way out. Everyone was so pleased he'd made such a recovery.
Layla followed the crowd, but her mind was still on the Scripture. Jesus is Lord. She smiled as the line inched forward. Yes, He was indeed. Her heart truly believed that.
"Thank you for joining us. Your father tells me you have some questions about faith. Perhaps we could meet tomorrow and talk?" Pastor Chaney spoke to someone two places in front of Layla and Ms. Betty.
"I'd like that."
Her heart stuttered. Maddox!
Layla stood on tiptoe and leaned to see around the people in front of her. Sure enough, she caught the back of Maddox's head, standing alongside his father. He wanted to meet with Pastor? Her lungs nearly exploded as her insides turned to mush.
"Here's my card, son. Call me tonight, and we'll set up a place and time to me
et."
"Thank you. And I really enjoyed the service today." Maddox's voice was clear and strong.
And laced with emotion.
Her own voice caught as the line moved forward and she stood before Pastor.
"I guess we have some rebuilding to do again, Layla."
She smiled and nodded, still not finding her voice.
"I'll call you later this week."
"Okay," she managed to squeak out before she moved out of the auditorium.
The sun's bright beams nearly blinded her. She blinked to focus, determined to find Maddox before he left. She rushed down the stairs.
She needn't have worried. Maddox stood off the sidewalk with his father, obviously waiting. "Layla."
Just the way he said her name made her melt. "Hi, Maddox." She affixed a smile that she hoped wasn't too bright. "Hello, Mr. Bishop. Nice to see you again."
"You too, Ms. Taylor."
"How're you feeling?"
Maddox's father smiled. "Right as rain."
She looked back at Maddox. "Fancy meeting you here."
He turned red. "I'm hoping it'll be a common occurrence."
Her breath hitched. "Really?"
He smiled, and its brightness competed with the sun's rays. "Really. Listen, Pop and I put on a venison roast this morning. We'd really like it if you'd join us. If you don't have plans, that is." Maddox ducked his head and toed a loose rock off the sidewalk.
Electricity zapped through her. "I'd like that." She met his stare as he lifted his head. "Very much."
STILL NO SIGN OF her.
"Stop staring out the window. She'll get here. A watched pot never boils." Pop opened the oven and stuck the pan of yeast rolls inside. "Get some glasses out for the tea."
Maddox moved away from the window and grabbed glasses from Pop's cabinet. One nearly slipped but he recovered. It wobbled.
"Boy, this girl must be the one because she's sure got you all tied up in knots."
A diesel engine sounded in the driveway before Maddox could respond. He rushed to the front door and opened it.
Layla hopped from her truck. She wore jeans and a button-down denim shirt. Her hair had the same flyaway appeal as it had this morning in church.
She'd never looked so good.
Once inside, they sat down to eat. Pop blessed the food, and for the first time, Maddox really paid attention. He looked forward to his talk with Pastor Chaney. Pop had told him to write down questions he had, and Pastor would be happy to help him find the answers.
After lunch Layla insisted on doing the dishes. Maddox helped, because just being around her made him happy. More than he'd ever thought possible.
"I'll be right back," Pop announced, leaving them alone in the kitchen.
"So," Layla handed him a sudsy plate to rinse, "I couldn't help but overhear you're meeting with Pastor tomorrow."
"Yeah. I'm pretty excited."
She handed him a glass. "What did you think of the service this morning?"
"Kinda funny that it was about the part of the Bible Pop had me read last night."
Layla wore that shy smile that nearly slammed his heart into his spine. "That's not funny, that's God."
Her saying that didn't bother him in the least. Matter-of-fact, it made him smile.
She pulled her hands from the soapy water. A bubble drifted up and landed on the tip of her nose. "I think that's all of the dishes." She looked so cute and happy. It felt so right that she be here with him, doing domestic things.
Maddox couldn't resist. He grabbed her by the waist, spun her to face him, and kissed her. Soundly. Thoroughly. With all the emotion bottled inside of him.
"Excuse me." Pop's voice echoed through the kitchen.
Layla jumped away from him, her face brighter red than Houston's Hawaiian-print shirt.
"I, uh, have something for you, Maddox." Pop held a cardboard box.
"What?" He slipped his arm around Layla's waist again.
"Come on into the living room. Both of you." Pop turned and strolled out.
Maddox pulled Layla to him quickly and planted another kiss on her lips.
She kissed him back, then shoved him away. "Behave. Your father's waiting." She led the way into the living room.
Pop sat in his recliner, the box on the coffee table.
Maddox sat on the couch closest to his father while Layla sat beside him. "What's this?" He motioned to the box.
"Some of your mother's things. I thought you should have them."
He sat still for a moment, waiting for the anger and resentment to rise up. It didn't. He smiled at his father and reached for the box. "What's in here?"
"Some of her pictures. Mementos." Pop shook his head. "Some stuff she had in a box that I never went through."
Maddox opened the box and pulled out a picture of his parents, along with George. "How old were y'all here?" He handed the photo to his father.
"That was taken before our senior party." Pop grinned. "Good times." He handed the picture to Layla. "See what a handsome devil I was back in the day?"
She smiled at Pop. "Back in the day? You're still a handsome man."
His father laughed and slapped Maddox on the back. "Ah, this one's a charmer. But smart. Better keep her."
With a warm glow burning in his gut, Maddox nodded at his father but kept his gaze on Layla's blushing face. "Oh, I intend to."
THIRTY-NINE
"He that cannot forgive others breaks the bridge over which he must pass himself; for every man has need to be forgiven."
—THOMAS FULLER
IT HAD BEEN AS near a perfect day as could be.
Maddox leaned back on his couch, smiling to himself. Being with Layla at Pop's, he'd felt . . . complete. Like everything in his life was finally coming together and making sense.
The case was solved, making his commander happy. Another notch in Houston's and his work-performance record.
Layla was safe, and they had a date tomorrow night. He didn't know where the future would take them, but he'd do his best to make sure wherever it went, they'd go together.
He'd talk with the pastor tomorrow. He'd reread the Scripture his father had shown him, and it resonated inside of him. Made him feel more hopeful than he ever had before.
And Pop. For the first time ever Maddox really felt like he could love his father freely, and that love was returned.
Maddox sighed. He spied the box sitting on the floor. He lifted it and pushed aside the weakened panels.
More pictures. Mom. Mom and Pop. Mom, Pop, and George. Mom holding a baby—him. She looked so happy. So alive.
He set down the pictures and pulled out a minialbum. The first page was her senior picture, with her swirly handwriting documenting important events. Several pages included familiar shots. Then a photo of her hugely pregnant. And her hopes for her baby written around the picture. Maddox's eyes filled with tears. He closed the album and set it on the coffee table.
The next item in the box was a stack of letters. He checked the address and return address. All the letters she and Pop had exchanged when he was away with the military. They were tied up in a red bow. With tightness in his stomach, Maddox set those beside the minialbum. It'd be too much a violation of Pop's and her privacy to read their personal letters.
Only one item remained in the box—a leather book. He took it out and held it, the pages were yellowed with age. Maddox flipped to the front page and scanned his mother's delicate handwriting.
It was her journal.
He started to put it back into the box, but something made him stop. He flipped to a random page and read.
Maddy is getting so big. So much like Tyson. The two men of my heart. What would my life be without them? And George too.
He skipped several pages and scanned again.
Tyson is off again—I can never know exactly where. Now that he's in high school, Maddy needs his father. Thank goodness George is around. I'm a little concerned about him, though. I thought I smelled l
iquor on his breath last night when he came by to fix the leaky sink. I'm worried about him.
Maddox waited for the bitterness to show its ugly head. Nothing. He smiled. Maybe he had been healed of the wounds of the past. He skipped ahead in the journal.
I cannot believe George! How dare he tell me he loves me? He knows my heart belongs to Tyson. He's ruined our friendship with his declaration. I wish Tyson were home.
What? Maddox sat upright on the couch, holding the journal in his trembling hands. Uncle George had loved Mom?
Pop had said George and Mom had dated. George had told him that he'd loved a woman and lost her.
Maddox's stomach turned. Had George been talking about Mom?
He turned the page, not skipping any.
George called today and asked if he could come by. I refused. He called tonight to apologize and asked if he could come by tomorrow night and explain. Tyson gets home next week, and I'd hate for their friendship to be awkward. I told George I'd see him tomorrow night at eight. Maddy has a date, so George and I can talk freely.
The next entry:
I had to kick George out of the house. He's still outside screaming. He told me he'd always loved me, that Tyson wasn't good enough for me, and that he'd be a better father to Maddy. He tried to kiss me! I could smell and taste the alcohol on him. He was drunk. He tried to do more, but I grabbed Maddy's baseball bat and hit him in the gut. He's screaming that if he can't have me, no one should. I don't know what to do. I wish Tyson were here. Should I call the police? Maddy will be home any minute now. George is scaring me. I should call the police.
