“I never get tired of the scenery here,” Adam commented. “It’s like looking at the face of God and being in awe of his majesty.”
“I agree. I didn’t know it would look like this. My college roommate, Tina, lives here with her husband and their daughter. You may have heard of him. Richard Wilson?”
“The Richard Wilson? The all-pro running back for the Seahawks?” He looked at her in awe.
Laughing, Destiny said, “They’re one and the same.”
“Wow, he’s an awesome running back and a great person. He’s done a lot of charity work throughout the city.”
“I’m not surprised. Tina and Richard were very active in the Fellowship for Christian Athletes during college. They started dating during their junior year, and later the same year they both became born-again Christians. They’re my closest friends, besides my aunt.”
“I hope that one day you will consider me a friend, Destiny.” Adam glanced over at her. Destiny tried to picture it but her mind continued to be a blank. Could he? she asked herself as soon as the thought settled into her head.
One of the last messages she heard from her bishop in South Carolina was about God knowing the plans for her life, and if he knew the plans, then surely it was all going to work together for her good.
When her mother could not be there for her during childhood, Aunt Sara showed up to raise her. When she needed a friend in college, Tina was there. Looking back on the events of today, she knew that God sat her in that seat beside Adam. So yes, she was certain he’d become a friend.
As far as anything else, that would have to be seen. As she looked over at Adam, she responded, “Yes, I believe I will one day consider you a friend.” That lightning-quick movement came and went in his gaze again, it was like the hand of an illusionist making something disappear before the audience could see how it was done.
They both heard Cynthia saying goodbye, indicating she’d gotten off the phone. Destiny saw her hit the off button on the little white cell phone and then she sat back in the deep, black leather seat. Whoever she’d been talking to seemed to calm her because her face seemed to relax as she closed her eyes. That thought pulled her eyes away from the back seat. They all had a multitude of issues to sort out.
A melancholy mood settled in her spirit. Although her aunt and her friend Tina were here, it felt like they were as far away as the moon. She felt a sadness she couldn’t explain. She hated leaving South Carolina for more reasons than she could name. But to let a relationship destroy her life was humiliating. Of course she’d had some rough patches, but it was home—the only home she had ever known, and there was still some uncertainty about whether or not Stanley would be looking for her.
Her gaze drifted out to the hills of the green covering across the landscape in the distance. Tears of unwanted frustration threatened, but she beat them back. She hadn’t been here two hours, and already she was worrying about what life would be like here. She could still hear Stanley’s voice reminding her she didn’t belong anywhere.
The thought that she didn’t belong anywhere cut through her spirit like a sharp dagger. After all of these years she still had difficulties dealing with the abandonment of her father. If he had loved her, wouldn’t he have stayed or at least have tried to find her? But in all of these years there had been no contact whatsoever. That’s why she appreciated Uncle Willie; although he wasn’t a blood relative, he’d been there to support her, for that she was thankful.
The phone in her bag beeped to life, dragging her away from her thoughts. She glanced down at it. With a sigh, she touched the on button and lifted it to her ear. “Hi, auntie.”
“Oh, Destiny. Good. So you’ve landed?”
There was no pause to let her answer, and she didn’t bother to try. She knew there wouldn’t be one.
“Yes, and we’re in route to the house.”
“Are you excited about being here; isn’t it beautiful?” The sigh said more than she’d been able to say so far. Her mind had ways of betraying her at the most inopportune moments. But she said nothing. Her gaze slid to the vast expanses of the land beyond. “I don’t know. Everything is just hills of green but it is beautiful.”
“Good, at least you noticed. You can’t be more than twenty minutes out. When you get here, I’ll have dinner waiting for you and Cynthia. I know you both connected right away.”
“We did and we can’t wait to see you.”
“I’ll see you in a few.”
“Okay.” Ten more words, and Destiny hung up. Glancing over at Adam, she too relaxed now. All she wanted was to get a great meal and find a nice, soft bed where she could finally sleep.
As Adam pulled into the driveway, she saw a welcoming pot of bright pink geraniums beside the doormat and a garden filled with sunshine. Destiny could already picture her life here. In the mornings, she could bring a book, cup of tea, or her laptop and sit to watch the sun come up across the horizon. Yes, maybe this was going to be a wonderful place to call home after all.
Chapter 5
Humming happily, Sara reached for the drying cloth that lay on the kitchen counter. She had been getting things together at the house all day. She knew that with Cynthia and Destiny arriving, they would at least want their beds ready. She had put David and Jonathan down for a nap. That had given her a little time to finish up with the girls’ rooms and fix them a light dinner. She was sure they would be hungry after such a long flight. She smiled while walking out of the kitchen into the living area. The four-bedroom craftsman was the cutest little home, and it would be perfect for her, the girls, and the twins.
Looking in on the twins, she couldn’t help but think to herself. This was perfect for two high-spirited boys. They would be happy in this room together. Especially since both of them were so much alike. There was a cushioned window seat that could be used for storage. It was the perfect place to store all of their cars, trains, and games. The window looked out over the front yard. It was small but just large enough for them. The backyard was fenced in, and the children had enough room to run and play.
Leaving the twins’ room, she went to the kitchen where she heard the car door slam. With excitement and anticipation, she took off her apron and then hung it on the hook behind the kitchen door.
She barely had time to straighten her hair and smooth her yellow blouse over her dark-green corduroy skirt when she heard small footsteps running down the hall. The boys wasted no time opening the door. They thudded across the planking of the front porch. Already smiling and stifling the urge to hurry, she moved through the dining and the living room, crossing to the entry. Looking out the door, she said, “Welcome, everyone.”
“Mommy!” the children shouted in unison, throwing the gate open and running to their mother’s waiting arms.
“You glad to see us, Mommy?” Jonathan asked.
“I sure am,” Cynthia answered, closing her eyes and hugging both of her children tightly.
“We had a good trip, Auntie,” Destiny said as she got out of the car.
“Cynthia, are you all right?” She noticed her watching the gentleman coming around to help Destiny out of the car.
“I’m fine, Miss Sara. Just a little tired and hungry. I’m glad to be here. This is such a beautiful house.” She looked around at the house while watching Adam get their bags out of the car.
Destiny made her way over to give her auntie a warm embrace. “I second that, Auntie. It looks lovely, and I know from the pictures you sent that the inside looks just as gorgeous. I love it already.”
She took the opportunity to look around the front yard. It was well manicured with a lot of flowers. Smiling, she knew what her aunt liked about the beautiful brick craftsman with its rustic wood shutters. Her favorite was the porch that had a cute swing that would be perfect for relaxing; the entire home was fenced in, which would be good for the twins.
Adam walked over to where Destiny was standing. “Where should I put these bags, ladies?”
One of th
e twins he saw hanging on to Cynthia ran over to him, reaching for one of the bags. “Hi, mister. I’m David. I’m real strong. Can I carry one of those bags?”
“So you want to help, huh?” Adam hunkered down eye level with David. “I’ll be glad to let you help if we can get your brother to help as well.” He saw the other boy standing off to the side, watching their interchange. “What’s your brother’s name, David?”
“His name is Jonathan. Jonathan Wheeler.” He glanced over to look at his brother while yelling, “Come on, Jonathan. He said we could help carry the bags!”
Adam, after straightening, shifted his gaze to the approaching figure. “David and Jonathan, I’m Pastor Adam Wheeler.”
Sara, overhearing the conversation, walked over to officially introduce herself. She extended her hand. “Pastor Wheeler, it’s nice to finally meet you. We’ve attended your church a couple of times since we have been here. You have a wonderful church, with a powerful word and a wonderful congregation.”
Sara looked over to Destiny. “Destiny is my niece, but she’s really a daughter, as well as Cynthia.”
“Well, come on, guys,” Cynthia interrupted. “Let’s get in the house so Mommy can see your room.”
“Oh boy, Mommy! Me-ma let us have our own room. She said we were big boys now,” David said while grabbing her hand and forgetting about Adam.
“Yeah, Mommy, and guess what else?” Jonathan said, grabbing her other hand.
Laughing, Cynthia said, “I give up. What else?”
Jonathan looked at her and responded, “We have our own bed. Me-ma said that they were twin beds just like us. So I call mine Jonathan.”
David interrupted, saying, “And I call mine David.”
Destiny grabbed two bags and started walking ahead of Adam. Turning, she said, “You can come on inside. My aunt always cooks more than enough. I know you’re hungry.” Destiny spoke over her shoulder.
Sara laughed. “The boys are always hungry. I made a salad along with some spaghetti. You are more than welcome, Pastor.”
Adam spoke as he entered the small foyer. “Thank you, Miss Sara, but I’ll be leaving. I have to stop by another pastor’s house before I turn in tonight.”
“Well anytime you’re in the area you’re welcomed to stop by. We don’t know too many people. So it’s always nice having company. Now if you don’t mind, I’m going to show Cynthia the boys’ room, and then hers.” With that said, she turned and walked down the hall to the boys’ room.
Destiny returned from her room. At least she assumed it was her room. There were some of her personal things inside.
“Well, Pastor Wheeler, will you be staying for dinner?”
“Not tonight. Remember I told you about my friend Warren, the pastor who lives in the area? He’s expecting me, so I’d better get going.” He started moving to the front door. Before he opened it, he turned to Destiny. Extending his hand to shake hers, he gave an infectious smile before saying, “It was a pleasure keeping you company today. I really enjoyed our time together.”
“I enjoyed meeting you as well. I think I’m really going to like it here,” she said with exhaustion clearly in my voice. “I’ve already met one kind person here, but now the real work begins. I’ll be up to my eyeballs in unpacking and helping to make this our home.” She responded.
Adam nodded his head in obvious understanding. “I’ve been here for years, and I wouldn’t live anywhere else.” He then added, “Why don’t you come to church on Sunday?”
“Thank you, I’d love to come, as a matter of fact, we’ll all come.” She paused for a moment. Shifting her weight, she felt fatigue sinking into her bones, although the conversation was interesting, it was time to bring it to an end.
With that, Adam opened the door stepping out, he turned and then waved.
Destiny closed the door and leaned back on it while smiling to herself. She didn’t hear Cynthia and her aunt walk in the room.
“It looks to me like someone is excited about more than just this new house,” Sara stated as she turned to head toward the kitchen.
“So do you think Adam realized he was talking to his nephews?” Cynthia asked in a cautious voice.
Destiny was a little shocked to hear this information so soon. But she gave Cynthia a reassuring embrace. “We’re here for each other. Don’t worry about something that hasn’t happened yet. God will work it out for you if you put it in his hands. Don’t ask me why I’m saying this because usually I’m the one seeking answers for my life. But just like for me, God has all of your answers, Cynthia.”
Pulling back to look her in the eyes, she continued, “And if he did recognize the resemblance, he didn’t say anything. Let’s just take one day at time. It’s all going to work out in the end. Now let’s have dinner in our new home.” They both headed to the kitchen to help Sara.
After settling in for the night, Destiny finally let rip a whoop of joy. She sang and danced on the spot as she took in the room again. She quieted as she rounded the room, touching everything—bedspreads, curtains, wardrobe, dresser, mirror, and chairs. The wonderful house was made even better because she owned it along with her aunt. And then there was that attractive Pastor Wheeler that had driven her and Cynthia home. She knelt down and said a quick prayer of thanks.
As Adam got in the car, he was in deep thought. He wondered what he was going to say to his brother. When he saw Jonathan and David, he knew right away. They looked identical to the pictures of him and his brother that their mother had on the mantle above the fireplace. My God, how did Cynthia do it all by herself? He knew that she hadn’t been home in years. Cynthia’s parents disowned her shortly after she left for college. Now he understood why. But why didn’t she tell Marvin?
After a short visit with his friend in SeaTac, Adam drove home. He loved attending conferences, but there was no place like home. Adam shut the door to his condominium. It was his retreat. The inside of it surrounded him with all the things that soothed his soul. Laying his briefcase on the marble kitchen counter, Adam removed his shoes. He sunk his sock-covered feet into the richness of the rug that lay over his dark hardwood floor. Running a slender hand over his coarse, cropped hair, he closed his eyes and inhaled deeply before slowly letting out his breath. This was an exercise he’d learned to do to release the tension and anxiety he was feeling. He walked over to the sink, turned on a steady flow of cool water, and softly splashed his face. He then headed to his bedroom to get cleaned up from his long day of travel.
He sat on the chaise lounge at the foot of his king-size bed. A clock on the mantel of the massive fireplace chimed the hour. It was ten o’clock. He had miles to go before he slept. As he began to unpack his luggage, he couldn’t help but to reflect on his evening spent with Destiny.
He smiled when he remembered how nervous she was when she’d gotten on the plane in Charleston. She was really something—a little afraid to open up at first and she seemed to be a good listener. She also had a sensitive side that was really refreshing. He knew she was not a strong believer, but she had a desire to know the Lord, and he wanted to be the one to introduce her to the blessings of knowing Jesus as Lord and Savior. He had sworn off trying to develop any kind of relationship until he established himself as a pastor. That had been years ago. Now he had a strong desire to find someone to love and someone to share his life with. Greater Community had always been his second love. But now he realized not having someone to share it with was lonely.
On the plane he had talked to Destiny and one thing was certain he knew that she had been hurt somewhere in her life. He sensed that she was running from something, but only God could work that out for her. It was just last week that he had taught the singles that God hates it when they have vain imaginations, according to Romans 1:21 and 2 Corinthians 10:5. Many single women suffered from vain imaginations more than any other group of women. One imagination that single women have was the “prince on a white horse” belief.
When a woman started to ima
gine that God had magically chosen a husband for her, she engages in what the Bible calls a “vain imagination.” It’s an empty imagination, not supported by scriptures. The only “prince on a white horse” whom they would encounter was one named Jesus Christ. Because of the man shortage that they say is in the land, an alarmingly large number of single women are stricken with desperation, panic, anxiety, fear, and anger. He believed these negative emotions had to be dealt with, or they would destroy a woman.
Adam wanted a woman who stood out in the crowd. He’d been patient waiting for what God wanted for him in a wife. He had foolishly put a time limit on God saying that he was going to give him three years to find him the right woman. But maybe God had other plans. One thing was for sure: Adam knew his wife had to be special to understand his calling. She had to love the Lord and love people.
For now he hoped his reaction to seeing Cynthia again had not raised too many red flags. There was something about Destiny that had his heart palpitating. For now, he wanted to be her friend. He wanted them to learn as much about each other as possible. If she came to church on Sunday, he would make it his priority to talk to her about them spending time with each other.
Chapter 6
On Sunday morning Adam rose slowly from his knees and sat on the edge of his bed. He raised his hands, praising God for blessing him to see another day. Looking around the room, he admired all that God had blessed him with since he began his patronage at Greater Community. Serving the Lord was worth all of the sacrifices he had made, and with every passing day God proved it more and more.
No Wasted Tears Page 5
