Page 43 of A Taste of Grace

“It’s more than that. Hannah and Esther adore you and want you to be their mother. Their happiness matters to me. It is no accident that you dropped into their lives…in our lives.” I corrected myself.

“Whether you marry me now or five years from now, you’re meant to be my wife. I feel it in my soul.”

Grace closed her eyes and steadied herself with her forearms. When she opened them, her eyes were full of tears.

“I’ve been so alone since my mother died.”

“My family can value and support you. We can give you the fresh start you need.”

“If you’re playing with me, I’m going to curse you out so thoroughly you’ll never toy with the heart of a single woman again. I don’t care if you’re a pastor.”

“What are you saying?”

“I’m saying that this impromptu proposal makes no sense but makes sense at the same time. I’ve heard of arranged marriages where people eventually fall in love. They’re becoming more common. I also appreciate the money you’re offering as compensation.”

“And?”

“I want the best for Hannah and Esther. They need the care of someone who sees them for who they are—inquisitive, smart, precocious little girls. You’ve done a wonderful job raising them.”

“Thank you.” I smiled and kissed her on the cheek, appreciative of her kind words.

“But today, I saw the power of God in and on you. You’re a good man who can bring me peace and stability…maybe love. If you’re offering me access to your precious daughters and to you so humbly and sincerely, I’m willing to accept your proposal…for now.”

My spirit soared. I stepped back and rubbed my hands together rapidly, my eyes darting around as I thought about next steps.

“Should I ask someone for your hand in marriage? I know your parents have passed, but I still want to be respectful.”

Grace rested her hand on my arm.

“As long as you consulted with God and are serious about being faithful and kind to me, I’m good. But what about the girls? What will they say?

“I don’t think they’ll oppose since they called you Mommy the first time they met you.”

“I hope you’re right. Are we crazy?”

I intertwined my fingers with Grace’s and rested my forehead against hers.

“No. We’re taking a leap of faith.”

She smiled and took a big breath.

“Okay. Then let’s tell the family about our engagement.”

“She said yes, Mama,” I said the words calmly as Grace and I walked back into the kitchen.

My mother shrieked and rushed toward Grace, almost knocking her down before giving her one of her tight, over-the-top hugs that would most likely be the norm now that Grace agreed to become my wife. She cupped Grace’s cheeks and kissed each of them as the girls ran toward her and tugged the bottom of her apron. Mama still hadn’t paid any attention to me.

“I’ve been waiting for my child to be with someone who would care for him the right way. Thank God for answered prayer.” She pressed her hands in a prayer position and hugged Grace tightly.

Esther ran toward me with a confused look.

“Daddy, why is Maw Maw so happy?”

I squatted and signaled for Hannah and Esther to come my way.

“Ms. Grace is going to be my new wife and your Mommy.”

Like my mother, the girls screamed and jumped up and down. They almost pushed me down and cut between Mama and Grace, wrapping their arms around Grace’s waist.

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