Page 54 of A Taste of Grace

“Hold on, everyone.” I turned toward Mother Wesley and Mother Freeman. “Ladies, please give a brother a chance to shine. I’ve waited this long for my rib. Please don’t snatch my news from me.”

When I said rib, everyone who was seated hopped up. Curtis and the rest of the musicians teased an instrumental praise as a couple of people started dancing. I let them have a few bars then held my hand up again. I shook my head and smiled.

“This is a place of order.” I chuckled.

The cheers got louder. I tried to hold back my laughter but couldn’t. Grace held me by the waist and laughed too.

“I can’t tell you what I have to tell you if you don’t let me.” I spoke through the microphone with a serious look.

Several people shushed as the congregation quieted down but remained standing. I gestured to Grace and drew out my next words.

“I’d like to introduce you to the woman who has agreed to be my wife.”

Tambourines, clapping, and every instrument in the pulpit competed for a starring role in the celebration. As a string of “Praise Hims” waved across the room, I reached for Grace and kissed her cheek. She held my hands in hers and placed her lipsto my ear. I turned off the portable mic so no one would hear what she said.

“Would it be inappropriate for me to kiss you on the lips? Is that allowed in your church by people who aren’t married? I want the hoes to know I don’t play about my fiancé. They can keep their nasty panties in their underwear drawers.”

Those pretty dimples popped and had me smitten.

I glanced at my mother, who had to be the one who shared that mess about the panties. She beamed at me as she waved her big white handkerchief in the air. Although she couldn’t hold water, I couldn’t be angry with her in this moment.

I spoke back in Grace’s ear.

“Let the Spirit move you, sweetheart.”

She nodded, then placed her hand on my cheek before lifting herself on her toes and kissing me on the lips with a combination of passion and respect that had my head spinning. I reached for her waist and held her as she pressed her sweet lips deeper into mine, giving me a little tongue too. When we finally separated, she smiled, then reached for the handkerchief on the lectern.

“So sorry about that, Pastor,” she said softly with mischievous eyes as she wiped her lipstick off my lips.

“No, you’re not.”

Grace smirked before dropping the handkerchief on the lectern.

I barely heard her as the floor beneath us vibrated, and people shouted so loudly the rafters shook.

Grace’s open display of affection and closeness had me just as undone. She was a pro at marking her territory.

I ushered Elder Peyton up to finish the service. He stood by me as I fanned my face with my hands and whispered to him that I needed to sit down. He nodded his understanding and picked up the microphone, ushering in praise throughout the sanctuary. Everyone laughed and clapped as Grace and I heldhands and returned to our seats. Elder Peyton finished the altar call, offering, and benediction.

After service, Grace and I stood at the sanctuary exit, greeting everyone who wanted to meet my future wife and gawk at her engagement ring.

“I’m Mother Wesley. You are so beautiful—perfect for our handsome pastor.” Mother Wesley kissed each of us on the cheek as she held Grace’s hand.

“Thank you, Mother Wesley.” Grace’s gentle voice and smile soon had the elderly woman wrapped around her finger.

She wasn’t the only one. I glanced at her as she smiled at young and old people who embraced her and celebrated our engagement. Grace was a natural hostess with genuine care for people, allowing strangers to hug her and share their stories about the ministry, me, or themselves. Although I knew she supervised a large group of people in her past, I’d never seen this side of Grace. I understood why she grieved the loss of her job. She glowed around people and stood out with undeniable poise and grace.

Grace—What a perfect name for a perfect woman.

In that moment, realization hit me like a ton of bricks. I convinced myself Grace was here for my girls, but I already adored her. Her heart and beauty mesmerized me as much as they did those greeting her in the receiving line. I was honored to be near her and couldn’t wait to get her alone. When the last person exited, I took Grace by the hand.

“Mama took the girls home with her. We have the afternoon to ourselves. Come with me so I can change.”

Grace followed me and waved at several people along the way.

When we entered my office, I closed the door and locked it. She stood in front of my desk and clasped her hands, her shoulders high.

“How did I do?”

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