Page 60 of When Forever Stays

“Good morning,” he says, his voice deep and thick.

“Good morning,” I reply.

He wraps me in his arms, and I cling to him, struck again at how good it feels to be here with him. Without barriers, lies, or secrets between us.

“Are you ready to go?” he asks when I pull back. “I really shouldn’t be late today.”

“Well this was a bit of a surprise so give me a few moments and I’ll be ready to go.”

Rhett gives me a smile and presses a kiss to my forehead. My heart warms and I close my eyes, sending up another prayer of gratefulness.

I pop back into my house to grab my purse, keys, Bible, and notebook and to slip on my shoes.

When I come back out, Rhett stares at me as if he’s seeing me for the very first time.

“What?” I ask, but don’t wait for his response as I turn and lock my door.

“Every time I see you, you get more beautiful.”

My cheeks heat, but I do my best to own my blush and turn back to face him after confirming that the door is indeed locked. “You don’t need to flatter me.”

He wraps his arms around me and pulls me to him. Staring down into my eyes, he says, “I’m only speaking the truth, Miss Swann.” His gaze drops to my lips. “My little siren.”

I inhale a sharp breath, and Rhett takes this moment to press a kiss to my lips.

“You are far too tempting,” he says as he pulls back.

The kiss only lasted a second, but it leaves me stunned and I blink up at him. “I could say the same of you.”

We stare at each other for a long moment, a tender look exchanged between us.

“Let’s get you to church. It’s not every day a prior rockstar takes over as worship leader.”

He laces his fingers in mine, and hand in hand, we walk down my front steps to his truck.

Church leadership picked the right man to lead worship. Rhett is perfect for the position which is made even more clear now as I watch him. His energy is palpable. I’ve always thought his voice was incredible, but hearing him up there playing and singing not for himself but for God is more amazing each time.

After the band finishes and welcomes Pastor Ben to the pulpit, Rhett disappears out the stage doors. He then comes in from the back and sits down next to me. He places the Bible and notebook he brought on his lap and takes my hand in his. We’ve spent many evenings reading and studying the Bible together. Studying God’s Word has become as natural to me as breathing and getting to share that with Rhett makes it even more special. When Pastor Ben tells us he’s going to open in prayer, Rhett bows his head and gently squeezes my hand.

Pastor Ben preaches an excellent sermon on grace. As he wraps up, Rhett slips out and heads back to the stage, where he picks up his guitar and strums while we close in prayer.

The next several weeks somehow pass slowly and quickly all at once. Having Rhett in my life is literally my dream come true, and getting to know him more and more strengthens my belief that God has been in this all along. My heart is cautious, but I still believe that Rhett is the one. I believed that to be truefrom the first week we spent together. Back then, that belief was completely illogical and unrealistic, but now, each day confirms it.

I walk out to my porch with a tray of coffees, cream, and sugar. A majority of my core crew is here with Rhett, Rosa, and Crew. We’re missing Olivia, who is deep into editing her newest novel, and West, who is busy with running his exclusive resort.

Right now is a time for us to be together, just existing and enjoying the beauty of friendships and nature.

A gentle breeze chases off the humidity. The sun is high in the sky, making the ocean sparkle like thousands of diamonds. Rhett’s sandalwood cologne mixes with the salty ocean air and I thank God again for this life He’s given me.

Rhett comes up my porch steps holding his phone at his side. I can’t discern the look on his face.

“Did Oscar answer?” I ask Rhett as I place the tray down on the small table.

Rhett shakes his head, his lips pulled into a firm line. “No.” He sits down on the wicker sofa.

Rosa pats his shoulder. “He’ll come around. Right now, Oscar is too blinded by confusion to see the truth—that you love him.”

My heart squeezes at the dejected look in Rhett’s eyes. I can see the desperation on Rhett’s face and the hurt Oscar inflicts each time he doesn’t answer his phone. It’s been weeks of this.

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