Grace Alive: a Christian Romance

by Natasha House

  “Who, Zoe? Do we know him? And what about Jacob?” She exchanged a look with my dad. A very worried look. I could feel the tension in the air like a fog.

  “No, you don’t know him. His name is…Branson. I met him at work.”

  “Work,” my dad repeated, and I could see his mind churning with dark thoughts. He was going to disown me.

  “Yes, work. We hung out a couple times, and I heard the Lord speak to me about him. He is the one for me. That’s why I’ve been having such a hard time with Jacob, Dad. It felt very wrong, and Branson just feels so right,” I finished before I could choke on my words. Now they knew.

  “I want to meet him,” Dad said, and I instantly felt a punch in my gut. “I don’t agree with you, but I want to meet this guy.” Dad stood to his feet and paced the floor. “Zoe, you’re making a mistake. A big, big, mistake.” He snapped his eyes toward me. “You will regret doing this. You won’t be happy with this guy. Jacob is the one for you, I know he is.”

  “I appreciate your concern, Dad, but I know that it was God. I heard Him tell me several times,” I defended, my lips trembling. I was so afraid.

  “Are you sure it was God, sweetie?” my mom asked as she dusted off the front of her dress. Dad looked like he wanted to kill something. My mom just looked exhausted.

  “Yes, I’m sure.”

  Chapter 16

  Dad called Jacob for me the next day and talked to him for over an hour. I had no idea what they were saying, but my dad didn’t sound very happy. He probably was telling him that I was going to go to Hell. Dad wanted to meet Branson immediately, and I was panicking. I hadn’t even told Branson that I felt like he was the one! He was going to run for the hills once he found out! That was so stupid of me. I didn’t work til’ one, so I figured I had better call Branson and tell him my lovely news. I picked up my phone and dialed his number. It rang twice before he answered.

  “Hello?” He sounded horrible.

  “Branson? This is Zoe.” I sat down on my bed and began to play with the corner of the bedspread.

  “Hi, Zoe, what’s up?” His voice was strained.

  “Are you okay?” I asked feeling concerned for him.

  “I’m okay, just dealing. Why did you call?”

  “Can I meet you at the café?” I looked over at my alarm clock.

  “Oh, sure. What time?”

  “Now?” I heard shuffling on the phone, and a baby crying.

  “Now? I have Bree Bree, but sure. I’ll get her ready to go. See you there soon.”

  “Okay. See ya,” I said and hit end on my phone. This was it. This was going to be the end. Once I told Branson what I’d told my parents, he would surely shut me down. He sounded so bad. I wondered what was wrong with him. I got ready to go and headed toward the café where we’d first talked. The place had only a few cars for which I was thankful. I didn’t see Branson’s car yet, so I went inside and found a table. I grabbed a high chair for Bree and calmly waited. What was I going to say to him? Hi, Branson, you are my husband okay? The door opened, and he walked in carrying Bree in his arms. He waved to me and put her in the high chair. He looked like he had, had a rough night.

  “You okay?” I asked as he sat down across from me.

  “Umm..” He looked at Bree and gave her a few toys that he had in his pocket. She smiled in contentment and played.

  “I’m going to grab a coffee, you want one?” he asked. I scanned his face. I wish I could know what he was thinking right now. Something was definitely wrong. I had been a jerk to him and rubbed his past in his face though.

  “Sure. I’ll take a mocha,” I said as he walked toward the counter. He ordered our coffees and then just stood waiting for them. I looked at Bree and saw a small bruise near her eye. Weird. Baby’s bumped their heads all the time, so it wasn’t unusual, but I soon noticed a few more bruises on her. I gulped. What was going on? She sniffled as she bumped her little arm against the table. Her lip quivered.

  “Oh, Bree Bree, it’s okay. Here ya go.” I pulled out my cell phone and let her play with the glowing buttons. She loved that. Branson soon returned with our coffees and set them down on the table. Bree reached for Branson’s, and he smiled sadly. She soon picked my phone back up and started punching at the screen.

  “You wanted to tell me something?” Branson asked as he distracted himself with his coffee. He added sugar and cream. I thought he liked it black? I ignored the way his hand trembled as he did it. Was he okay?

  “Yeah, I did, but are you okay? You seem really shaken up.” I gripped my coffee but didn’t drink any. He looked away from me his chest rising and falling. I could feel his sadness.

  “No. I’m not okay. I just don’t know what to do about it is all. I’m not…” He looked up for a minute and then put his head in his hands. “I’m not one to judge. I mean…he frickin’ hits her!” he exploded suddenly. He pounded his fist against his palm and leaned forward. Bree looked up in surprise but then kept playing with my phone.

  “Rachel lets him!”

  “Who hits who?” I asked in worry, wanting to touch his hand.

  “Some idiot loser boyfriend Rachel has. He knocks her up, and he’s bruised up Bree. Look at her! They say she just falls a lot. She’s barely ten months old! She started walking a week ago, and they say she just keeps falling. I don’t know.” He sucked in a breath, his eyes smoldering.

  “She kept crying last night because she was sore. He’s hurting my daughter, and I don’t know what to do about it.”

  Suddenly my problems seemed really dumb as I looked at this little baby who was smiling and happily breaking my phone. Well, I hope she wasn’t breaking it. Thank God for Otterboxes.

  “Can you talk to someone about it?” I asked and watched his face for a reaction.

  “What, and tell them her dad used to sell porn? Who are they going to believe?” He pressed his face into his hands and just drew in some deep breaths. Bree grabbed at him.

  “Dadadada….” she said and waved my phone. He looked at her heartbroken and kissed her soft red curls.

  “I can’t even protect her,” he said very quietly, and I could hear the strain in his voice.

  “I’ll help you, Branson,” I said and took his hand. He looked at me in surprise.

  “I thought you said…we couldn’t be friends because of that guy. Jacob was it?”

  “Yeah, that’s what I came to tell you about.” I took a drink of my coffee to build my confidence. He took a drink of his own coffee waiting for me to continue. I could hear the soft chatter of people around us.

  “I told my parents I wasn’t going to court Jacob. That God had spoken to me to court you. I told them we were already courting.” I got through it, but I could feel his complete shock.

  “Wait you did what? You heard God?” He sat back against his chair.

  “God told me you were mine,” I said the words before I could talk myself out of saying them.

  “You believe I’m your husband? After all of this?” he said, and I heard the quiver in his voice. He cleared his throat and softly cupped his daughter’s chin. “You want to court me? Isn’t courting an intention on marriage?” he said in shock.

  “Yes,” I said and smiled at him. It felt good to say it. I don’t think he knew what to do. He stared at Bree then back at me.

  “Wow. I don’t know what to say. Because that day I met you, God told me you were my wife. I was scared to death because I have three kids and my rep…” He let his voice trail away. “Well, it’s not like I’m Prince Charming or something.” He laughed nervously. Bree slammed her little hands against the table. He pulled out a bottle from a backpack that he’d hauled in. She put it up to her mouth and turned her big green eyes on me. She smiled as she sucked on the bottle and milk dripped down her little chin. Ah! She was so adorable! God had told him too?

  “This is freaking me out, but I have to tell you one more thing. My dad wants to meet you. Please, Branson, don’t mention your past. Please. At least not th
e first time. I want him to know I’m courting a normal Christian guy. He’s already freaking out about Jacob. He thinks I’m screwed up now.” My nerves were shot. I can’t believe he didn’t run out the door.

  “No problem. Don’t mention the porn,” he whispered and laughed. How could he laugh about that? Wow. It was just amazing to me that he didn’t have a ton of guilt weighing him down every day. How could he just accept God’s love so easily after all he’d done? Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven--as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little. The scripture sorta drifted through my mind.

  “When?” he asked.

  “He wanted to meet you as soon as possible. Are you available today?” I would have to call into work.

  “I have Bree all day today. She doesn’t go back to her mom’s until tomorrow morning. Can I meet him tomorrow afternoon?”

  I had the next day off.

  “Yeah, I think that would work. I’ll tell him. He’ll want to meet you in his office at the church. Please, don’t say anything about your kids,” I said.

  “I won’t I promise.” He smiled at me. We finished our coffee. This was crazy. Complete insanity! I was going to court Branson? Wow. How was Jacob going to take this?

  Chapter 17

  The next day, I sat nervously in my dad’s office. My mom was making coffee, and my dad was shuffling papers around. Branson was already a few minutes late. Dad was going to freak out. It was 1:08 when Branson knocked on the office door. He came in with an apologetic smile.

  “I’m sorry I’m late. Something came up.” He shot me a look, and I knew it had to do with one of his kids. He had dressed up really nice and was wearing a button down gray shirt, with a light suit jacket over top of it, and black pants. His hair was nicely gelled, and he was clean shaven. He looked amazing. I looked at myself and felt underdressed. I had worn my green button down sweater and a pair of jeans.

  “Dad, Mom, this is Branson Tate.”

  Branson held out his hand, and my mom and dad both shook it. I let myself be distracted by my dad’s décor. There were pictures of him shaking hands with big named ministers, a picture of our family, and signs that read scriptures. The back wall had a dark wooden bookshelf, tons of books, and a few more pictures.

  “Nice to meet you, Branson. So, my daughter tells me you two are going to court.” My dad threw a look at me showing his displeasure. My mom cleared her throat and attempted a smile at both of us.

  “We think that’s just wonderful. Zoe has waited for this for a long time.” I think my dad was about to pop a vein when my mom said that. Maybe mom didn’t think I was a complete idiot. I mean one look at Branson and any girl would swoon. Duh.

  “Well, we have some rules we need to talk with you about. Since Zoe is bent on not listening to me about Jacob, whom I’m sure she’s told you about, I want to make sure the man my daughter plans to marry isn’t corrupt.” My dad pulled out a notepad and paper with a list of questions. Was he going to interrogate Branson? Holy crap, Dad! I wanted to say but kept silent. I felt Branson’s fear, but he seemed to hide it pretty well.

  “Yes, sir,” he said. My dad ushered for all of us to sit, and he folded his hands across his desk. I was freaking out. Dad was going to read him the third degree, and for some reason he could tell when people weren’t telling him the truth. He had a gift.

  “Would you like any coffee? My wife Carol made a whole pot.” Was this dad’s attempt at being a host? If so wow.

  “I’m okay, thanks.” Branson fidgeted slightly in his chair. Everyone fidgets underneath my dad’s stare. It’s like looking at the face of God Himself. Yikes. My dad nodded once.

  “Tell me Branson are you a virgin?” my dad asked.

  No! Why in the world would my dad ask that question first! I blushed severely as Branson blanched. He hadn’t expected that. Please, lie, please! I said to myself. I didn’t condone lying but at this moment I wanted nothing more than to hear him lie.

  “No,” he said in a whisper. “I’m not sir.”

  My dad stood up in a growl.

  “Zoe Grace!”

  Did he think I wasn’t a virgin anymore too!

  “Did you sleep with that man?” he roared and came around his desk and grabbed Branson by the collar. “I swear if you corrupted my little girl I will kill you and call on every curse from God on you.” A vein bulged on my dad’s forehead.

  “Dad! No! I’m still a virgin!” I screamed and blushed in embarrassment. My dad was acting like an insane person! I heard my mom start to cry and felt shame wash over me. Who was I to put my parents through this? Branson’s eyes were so wide I feared he was about to run out the door. My dad let go of Branson’s shirt and stepped back.

  “Okay. This is over now. This is not your husband, Zoe, I don’t care what you heard.” He walked back to his desk and grabbed his phone.

  “Dad…” I said and walked over to him. I pulled the phone from his grasp. “I am courting Branson and that’s that. He may not be a virgin, but he gave his heart to Jesus after he did all that stuff. Haven’t you told me that when you accept Christ the old man dies?” My eyes pled with my dad.

  “Zoe, we have prayed for you to have a virgin since you were born. Why would God give you someone who was corrupted by the world? You are going to court Jacob, and that’s final.” My dad grabbed his phone again. Our conversation was done. Tears started pouring down my eyes, and I ran out of the room. What had I expected? For them to embrace this man that I felt was the one for me? A man who was so loving, kind, and joyful? One who actually listened to me when I talked, and was the most loving father I’d ever seen in my life? What had I expected but judgment? I ran into the girls’ bathroom and started bawling. I wrapped my arms around my shoulders as I bent on the floor. I don’t know how long I did that, but I eventually heard a knock on the door.

  “Zoe? Are you okay? Can I come in there?” Branson asked.

  “Yeah,” I said through my tears and wiped them with the back of my hand. I looked like crap. Branson rushed into the girls’ bathroom and bent down to me, his face filled with love. He pulled me up into his arms and wrapped me in his embrace, and I buried my face in his neck.

  “I’m really sorry, Branson, I’m so sorry.”

  “Don’t be sorry, Zoe, not everyone has the revelation of grace. Not everyone forgives the way my Daddy God does. Come on, I’ll take you for a drive.” He held my hand and led me out of the girls’ bathroom, tears still trying to fall from my eyes. I got a glimpse of my mom’s face as he took me out. She looked afraid. Disappointed. All I did was disappoint them. I felt tears spilling again, and Branson helped me into his car and then climbed in himself.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to cry. I’m sorry,” I mumbled into my arm. I had to stop. I had to stop crying. Their faces though! I couldn’t get the looks out of my head, of my dad and his fierce anger toward me, and my mom’s look of defeat. I started crying again. It wasn’t just about this. It was everything. All the times I felt not good enough for them. All the times I didn’t feel good enough to earn God’s love. It all came rushing out in a waterfall of tears. Branson just rubbed the back of my hand gently and whispered prayers. He stopped the car, and we just sat there, him holding my hand and praying and me crying.

  “I can never be good enough for them,” I said and didn’t even bother wiping my tears away anymore.

  “Zoe, through Jesus you are good enough. You don’t have to earn love from Him; He gave it to you freely. Don’t worry about it. It’s going to be okay.” Branson pulled me into an embrace, and I let him. I could feel a strange pull toward him, and I heard the Holy Spirit whisper, I love you, Zoe. It’s going to be okay. A sense of peace completely washed over me, and I let out a long sigh. How was I going to face my parents when I got home today? Peace I give to you not as the world gives…I heard the scripture and grabbed a hold of it tight. Branson let me go and looked at my face.

  “You did it. You told them. N
ow how does this courting stuff work?” he asked with a smile. I laughed and wiped my tears off my cheeks.

  “It’s easy really. We just hang out together.” I shyly glanced over at his face. “We hold hands, take walks, kiss, and in the end we get a good deal.”

  He touched my cheek. “Yeah? And what’s that?” He tucked some of my hair behind my ear.

  “You get to be mine forever,” I said. This was all happening so fast. So, so fast.

  “Do you want to get some air?” he asked. I nodded, and we both climbed out. I came around to his side of the car.

  “You are really beautiful, Zoe,” he said as he reached for me. I came into his arms and let him just hold me. He rested his chin against my head.

  “Thank you,” I said with a blush.

  “This courting stuff is all very new to me, so I’m not sure how to go about it,” he said and kissed the top of my head.

  “It’s normally a lot smoother than this.” I sighed.

  “I can be smooth.” He turned me around gently and stared into my eyes. He was so hot. It took me a second to recover.

  “Can I kiss you?” he asked politely.

  “Oh…yeah….I…” I stuttered. What if he thought I was a horrible kisser? I’d never done this before!

  “Is this smooth enough?” He bent his lips down a mere inch from mine. I could feel his breath on my face and smell his cologne. “Now what?” he asked in a teasing voice.

  “Now you kiss me,” I said with a tremble. I was so nervous!

  “Like this?” he said, and his lips met mine. They were warm and soft. Butterflies exploded in my stomach, and I wondered if I was doing this right.

  “I’ve never done this before, sorry,” I apologized to him as he pulled away from my lips.

  “It’s okay, I’ll teach you,” he said, and ever so sweetly kissed my lips again.

  “Can we try it for a little longer?” I timidly asked. He interwove his fingers into my hair, and this time his kiss made my stomach flip-flop like crazy. Oh wow! My love for him began to pour out of me. With everything that was going on, he was something good that God had brought me. I had no idea what I was doing, but I began to explore his mouth in a deeper way. I heard him gasp as I gripped the back of his head with my fingers. He trembled beneath my touch. I must be doing okay with this kissing stuff, because he wasn’t complaining.