Page 28 of When Forever Comes

My gaze lands on West, whose eyes twinkle in amusement. “I thought I told you nothing over-the-top. A wardrobe of designer clothes was extravagant enough.”

“Would you wear a designer dress to go on a mundane date?” he asks.

“To be honest, Mr. Lockwood, I’ve never worn a designer anything in my life. The closest I got was my wedding dress. And it pales in comparison to each of the outfits in those garment bags.”

He looks nervous. “Is this too much for you?”

I motion to one of the outfits he bought me on a whim. “Yes.”

He chuckles at my dramatics, but his expression sobers. “No, I mean going on a date with me. Since, you know, you were supposed to get married just a couple of days ago?”

“Reminders still sting, and I’m sure they will for a while. But seeing Brad and witnessing how he treats other people, I can’t help but feel like I dodged a bullet. I think God has been nudging me for a while now. It’s why I never got excited about planning. Even dress shopping was boring.”

“Because God never wanted him for you.”

I shrug, feeling stupid for spending so many years with that jerk. “The thought of breaking up with him made it feel like those five years were a waste of time. As if the years we dated were meaningless if we didn’t get married.”

“I can understand that.” West is silent for a beat. “I don’t want to push you into doing something you’re uncomfortable with. Or something that feels too soon.”

“This date isn’t too soon. My breakup with Brad was five years too late.” I never should have accepted his offer for the second date. In retrospect, I should have known he hadn’t truly changed.

“You’re sure then?” West’s expression is hopeful.

“Definitely. So, who’s flying the helicopter?”

A satisfied smile stretches across West’s face. “One thing at a time.” He takes my hand and kisses the back of it. “First things first. Breakfast.”

* * *

“This is incredible!” I shout over the headset.

We are suspended from the clouds, hovering over a circle of waterfalls. They vary in height and width, all of them leading to a crystal-clear pool handcrafted by God. It’s like looking at a little slice of paradise.

“This is something that makes me stand in awe of our Creator,” West says over the headset. His voice is full of wonder and reverence.

Tears spring to my eyes. I fight the urge to take his hand.

“I was thinking the same thing,” I respond.

After becoming a Christian, I knew I needed to marry a man who shared my faith. Brad went through the motions, attending church, listening to Christian music without complaint, and praying with me over meals. But that’s where it all ended. For years, I settled. I don’t know Brad’s heart and I can't confirm or deny his salvation, but when I compare his proclaimed faith and actions to West’s… there’s no comparison. West pours into others while Brad only pours into himself.

I always had to remind Brad to pray before meals. West prayed over our food with sincerity and pure gratitude. Then he prayed over me and our time together. I didn’t have to say a word. West took the initiative to put Jesus at the center of our day, and told me he wants Jesus at the center of our relationship, however it may unfold.

After a delicious breakfast on the roof with all my favorite breakfast foods, West helped me into his helicopter and we flew around the island where he pointed out landmarks, swimming locations, and things to do outside of the resort. Apparently, there’s a gulf where the dolphins come in and allow you to swim with them. It’s a well-kept secret, since it’s West’s land surrounding it, but he’s swam with them a time or two.

Despite his immense wealth, West is humble and kind. If people treated others the way West treats strangers, the world would be a much better place.

He is so much more than I ever hoped for. Even more than I prayed for.

West sneaks a glance over at me and smiles. Its warmth floods me and thaws the places left frozen by Brad’s betrayal.

“I knew you’d love it.”

“Do you want a closer look?” he asks.

It’s in this moment that I feel closest to God, not just because I’m seeing one of His many wonders before my eyes, but because He’s working out His good for me despite my years of disobedience.

The water sparkles in the sunlight, somehow even more breathtaking.

---