by Pat Simmons
The next morning, David awoke refreshed and ready to start his Friday, so he could fast forward to the evening when he would see Valerie at youth services.
As an SFC member, he had no excuse for not attending the services regularly, but that didn’t mean he was any less committed to his church or community. Things were about to change.
His work day was unproductive as Valerie dominated his thoughts, which sparked him to order more flowers for Valerie. His message was simple: I couldn’t resist.
Christian strolled into his office as David paid for the purchase online. As an afterthought, his brother knocked on the door. “Hey, I thought it would be nice to buy the staff lunch. It’s the end of the month and our sales are good…” Christian flopped on the sofa in the sitting area. “What’s got you grinning?”
“One word.”
“You mean one name—Sister Valerie.”
David nodded. “I took her to The Courtyard last night. I wowed her.” He stood and stuffed his hands in his pants pockets. “It was one of the best dates I’ve ever had, and she loved Ghana.”
“Joy and I went twice ourselves. The first time to Brazil, then we took the children and Reggie created a small scale Disney World replica for them to enjoy,” Christian said.
“And just think, we were part of The Courtyard vision,” Nathan said, appearing in the doorway. He joined Christian on the other end of the sofa and eyed David.
“Don’t you feel like an idiot for delaying your happiness with Valerie because of your Valentine’s Day hang up?”
“Yep. I do, but God set us up anyway. Tonight after youth service, we’re going to a midnight showing of some romantic comedy she’s been waiting to see.” David grinned.
Nathan chuckled and shook his head. David exchanged glances with Christian.
“What’s so funny?” He sat on the edge of his desk, waiting for an explanation.
“God’s sense of humor in you two’s chance meetings. Christian rescued Joy in a checkout line, and you steering clear of Valerie until after Valentine’s Day and you wind up together anyway on that day—even if it was a cheap date with pizza. I’m scared to think of what God has in store for me.”
Christian snickered. “How about an exotic dancer—no, a woman preacher…” His imagination was getting so outrageous that even Nathan had to laugh.
“I can’t believe both of my brothers are hatin’ on me. No offense, Christian, but I don’t know if I could handle a ready-made family of four kiddos.”
“God was in the plan. How could I have resisted my blessing? Speaking of my blessing, since Joy enjoyed her Aruba experience at The Courtyard, I’m thinking about taking her there for our honeymoon.”
Nathan grunted. “I’m surprised you’re not getting married there since you’ve been over the top impressing Joy since you met her.”
“Can I help it that she’s so fine and adorable?” Christian rubbed his chin and nodded. “I’ll run the idea by her and see what she says. She might think it will be too expensive.
“That’s why I go overboard with Joy because she’s the first woman I’ve dated that doesn’t ask me for anything even with four children.”
“Bethani got to me the first time she called me Uncle David. So have you picked a date?”
“Before the year is out, and I can’t wait. It’s hard to be celibate as a saved man when you’ve found your soul mate. Plus, when we were growing up, we were blessed to have a father in the home, and we shared Dad with our friends. It will be my turn to make a difference in three girls’ and one boy’s lives and knock down all the stereotypes about the Black family. I think our president has done a good job of being a role model.”
“Well, I guess you’ll be next.” Nathan eyed David.
“Let’s just say I’m not going for a double wedding. I’m enjoying getting to know Valerie.”
Nathan stood. “Follow your heart, bro.”
That’s exactly what David was doing. Even though he was ninety-nine percent sure that Valerie could be the one, it was the margin of error that haunted him.
Chapter 15
Stretched out on her bed, Valerie wholeheartedly agreed with her mother as they chatted over the phone that David was a keeper.
“I feel so foolish now complaining and whining to God to send me a blessing. I’ve gotten more flowers on my job in one week than the four years I’ve been saved. He’s picking me up for church tonight, and after service, we’re going to see a movie.”
“I’m so happy for you.”
“Brittany wants to inspect him for flaws.”
“I’m so praying for her. When you come and visit tomorrow, bring David. See you around six.” Having the last word, Helen Hart ended the call.
Things seemed to happen so fast within a week that Valerie wanted to slow down and take a deep breath, but hadn’t she been holding her breath for years waiting for this moment?
“Lord, thank You for understanding me when I don’t understand myself.”
Walking into her kitchen, Valerie put together a small salad and added chicken strips to hold her until after service. After she blessed her food, she reflected on her first date with David.
When Valerie realized she had spent more time daydreaming than eating, she seemed to inhale the rest of her salad so she could shower.
Afterward, she brushed her hair into a ponytail, then donned a turtleneck and denim jumper. She finished the look off with boots.
Valerie answered her intercom promptly at seven. “I’m coming down.” She doubted David would ever see the inside of her apartment. The attraction was too strong and the flesh was weak.
They both knew what was at stake if they yielded to the vibes that sparked between them. Plus, their relationship was new.
If they were going to work as a couple, they had to be strong in the Lord.
Grabbing her coat, purse, and Bible, Valerie rode the elevator to the lobby where David greeted her with an engaging smile.
“Hi,” she said. He immediately engulfed her in another hug that hinted of his muscular strength. The difference was he didn’t linger as they had the night before.
“Ready?” He released her.
Once inside his SUV, David seemed amused with her assessment about their dinner date at The Courtyard. “My favorite part was taste testing together.”
Valerie sighed.
Whenever she was around this man, she was in pure bliss. The conversation stretched until they arrived and parked at Salvation is Free Church.
When he helped her step out, he took her hand and didn’t let it go as they walked toward the entrance. Where she was relaxed on the ride over there, now she was slightly uncomfortable.
Although dinner was their first date, walking into church together would end any speculations, making their status official.
As she anticipated, she and David did receive a few raised brows and double takes. In the sanctuary, David was in sync with her as they knelt almost in unison to pray.
What she wasn’t expecting was his hand to wrap around hers.
Valerie squeezed their connection before surrendering before God her feelings that she was falling for this man.
Either they ended their prayer at the same time, or he waited for her, but David said amen with her. Then he helped her out her coat before she sat. Tuning out David’s presence, Valerie drew her spirit into worship, praising Jesus for answering her spoken and unspoken prayers.
It didn’t take long before Minster Taylor preaching from Jude 1:24, Winning the War on Sin began to ignite the Holy Ghost fire to spread throughout the sanctuary.
“Stop being complacent about your wrongdoing and others’,” the minister admonished. “Call your sins out and then deal with them. The reason people don’t live righteously is because they have no power.”
He looked out into the congregation. “I’m talking about spiritual weapons. Those of you that do have the power of the Holy Ghost, are you choosing not to use your spiritual weapons and allowing the devil to w
hip you up something fierce? You’re only going to return to God’s camp bruised and wounded…”
Perspiration drenched Minister Taylor’s shirt as he continued to preach about holiness. As he closed his sermon and began his call to discipleship, people from all over the sanctuary seemed to form a mob like swarming as bees as they hurried to the altar for the Lord’s salvation.
“It’s all right, come on.” He waved to the audience. “Jesus is a twenty-four/seven God, and there’s no need for an appointment for Him to forgive you then equip you for spiritual warfare.”
By the time the service had concluded an hour or so later, Valerie lost count of those who repented and were baptized in Jesus’ name.
It dawned on her that she and David had said very little to each other during the service. But now as she gathered her purse and Bible, her senses came alive again in his presence.
“Thank you for inviting me to my own church.” There was humbleness to his voice.
“What do you mean?” She frowned, tilting her head to stare into his eyes.
“I’m a member here, but I see what I’ve missed by skipping out on youth services, so thank you for awakening my slacking spirit.”
At a loss for words, Valerie smiled. The awkward moment passed when other church members greeted them, including Joy, Christian and the children.
“I’ve never seen a woman work boots like you,” Joy complimented.
“Thank you.” She looked down at her black half suede, half leather boots. “I can’t buy enough of them. Boots are my weakness.”
While exchanging hugs, Valerie silently chided herself for the slight jealousy she felt against Joy because she had found happiness with four children in tow.
“I like how David lights up when he’s around you, and you’re definitely glowing.”
Thanking Joy for another compliment, Valerie blushed. “This is new for me. Everything is happening so fast…I don’t want to assume too much,” she whispered.
Joy also lowered her voice. “That’s the way love happens, when you least expect it.”
Love? Would their attraction lead to love? If so, David would have to back it up with a ring.
At this point, Valerie couldn’t see herself saying no, even though there was still a lot to know about him.
Christian came behind Joy with the oldest girl by his side and greeted her. “It’s good to see you’re keeping my baby brother in line.” His eyes twinkled with mischief.
Overhearing his brother’s loud assessment, David stepped closer to Valerie, defending his honor. It was so comical witnessing their banter that she and Joy giggled.
“We’d better go, babe,” Christian said, wrapping his arm around Joy’s waist.
Valerie watched how Joy and Christian responded to each other’s affection. It was tender and natural. After they were gone, David turned to her. “Well, it’s just you and me.” He grinned. “Ready?”
“Yes.” He assisted her with her coat and strolled out the sanctuary.
“I’ll get the car while you watched out for me at the door.” David squeezed her hand and walked outside.
“When did all this happen?” Valerie recognized Felicia Jackson’s voice as she came to stand beside her. The two were part of the sick-and shut-in committee. The few times they had spoken or sat together at church, Felicia never came across as a busybody.
“Valentine’s Day,” she confided, but was cautious in what she was willing to divulge.
“Hmm…” Felicia paused as if she was hesitant about what to say next. “Well, I hope it works out.” When she was about to walk away, Valerie stopped her.
The sister knew something. Valerie could sense it. “Wait a minute. Is there something I should know—and I’m not talking about gossip.”
David pulled up at the door and double-parked to come get her. Both women glanced his way. Time was running out. “Felicia?”
“No biggie. It’s nothing, really. I recall him telling my male cousins years ago, he doesn’t do Valentine’s Day dates and he’s a stickler. Don’t think other sisters haven’t tried to change his mind, so you’re most definitely special.” She winked and hurried away as David opened the door.
“Not to rush you, but we’re holding up traffic,” he said, ushering her to his illegally parked vehicle.
“Sorry.” Valerie relaxed in the leather seat and buckled her seatbelt. For a minute, she thought she was about to hear about a police record or unclaimed children.
As he concentrated on maneuvering through the maze of vehicles to exit the church parking lot, Valerie dismissed what had to be a rumor. How could David not do Valentine’s Day? He was such a natural at it last week. “I’m glad AMC is a dine-in theatre, because I can use nourishment after that service.”
Valerie nodded. “It does take supernatural energy to be on fire for God. Do you realize it’s been a week since we’ve known each other, and we officially met on Valentine’s Day?” She waited to see if that would get a reaction out of him.
“God set up our blind date and I have no complaints.” Stopping at a light, he glanced her way, then winked. “You?”
“Nope.” Valerie grinned, satisfied that Felicia had received misinformation.
Chapter 16
David planned to utilize all the home training that Dorcas and Kenneth Andersen had taught him when he accepted Valerie’s mother’s dinner invitation.
Always take a gift, his mother had reinforced.
“The gift” wasn’t that simple as he detoured off the highway not far from his destination and walked into the local grocery store.
Most people brought a bottle of wine, but as Christians, his family’s choice of beverage was a bottle of sparkling juice.
Standing in the juice aisle, David was indecisive before selecting two flavors, then he headed to the florist department for a bouquet.
David was almost to the checkout line when he thought about dessert.
Considering the Dierbergs store chain was known for carrying Tippin’s Pies, he detoured to that aisle and picked up a pecan and an apple pie. “Should have gotten a cart,” he grumbled.
Juggling his purchases, David stood in line and chuckled, thinking about his older brother meeting his future wife in a checkout line. As he inched closer to the clerk, his mind wandered.
He chided himself for not pursuing dates that included celebrating Valentine’s Day, yet if it hadn’t been for that day, he might not have had that up close and personal time with Valerie. So he was a happy man.
Truth is stranger than fiction. His mind was still on Valerie as he loaded his items on the conveyor belt. When he glanced up to greet the checker, David came face-to-face with the first woman who helped him craft his no-first-date-on-February-14th policy—Karla.
It had been three years and the memories of her biting words still remained. David had loved her—truly—despite the word from friends that she was a gold-digger and would do anything for money and status. Even act like she was a saint of God.
“I was expecting a ring,” she boldly informed him after she opened her gifts on Valentine’s Day. “I spent a lot of money for tonight. And you bought me a tennis bracelet?” Karla had laughed in his face. “I’ve received better.”
That had done it for him. David had asked for the check, dropped Karla off at her door and cut off all communication with her, including changing his cell number. None of her apologies could make him go back. That had been a low period in his life.
“David?” She seemed just as surprised to see him.
He nodded.
Once the awkwardness had worn off, Karla fumbled as she scanned his items at the register. “Looks like you’re celebrating.”
“Yep.” David watched her every movement as more memories flooded his senses about why he thought she was the one he would spend the rest of his life with.
“I see you’re still not married,” Karla said with a dimpled smile.
David whipped out his credit card to pay for his purc
hases while she bagged his items. “I see you are. Congratulations.”
Scooping up the bags with one hand, he carefully carried the bouquet with the other.
Judging from her bulging stomach, Karla was also pregnant. He couldn’t help but wonder which came first. Shaking his head, David felt pity for her husband.
The woman who had once stolen his heart hadn’t loved the Lord with all her heart. Karla wanted a husband—churched, unchurched, Black or White—by any means necessary.
One thing was for sure, David’s wife would not be working while pregnant on a job that required her to stand on her feet for most of her shift. Back in his SUV, David closed his eyes and rested his head on the headrest.
“Lord, thank You for giving me Valerie.” Refusing to allow the sight of Karla to spoil his evening, David cleared his head and switched his satellite radio to the gospel station.
Whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are pure, lovely, of a good report. If there is any virtue, if there be any praise, think on these things…think on these things…think on these things, the Lord whispered Philippians 4:8 until the air was still.
David grinned. “Thank You, Jesus for comforting my soul.”
As he drove to the address Valerie had given him for her mother’s house, David’s mind couldn’t help but do a comparison.
Physically both women were beautiful, but Valerie had that extra something that made her stand out. Maybe it was her smile, or her beauty mole, or the smoothness of her skin.
Her makeup was at a minimum or unnecessary. Karla had been as fake as her personality, from her lashes to her attitude.
He grunted. There really was no comparison if he wanted a godly woman. Still it was unsettling to see remnants of his past when he was about to take a leap of faith into the future. Soon, David arrived in a gated community of single-family bungalows mixed with townhouses.
Its entrance was unmanned, so he drove through. Gathering his gifts, he got out and balanced the bags with the flowers.
On the short pathway to the front door, he spied Valerie’s car.
