Page 66 of In This Moment
Every moment, every bit of homework help and conversation filled Wendell’s heart like nothing in months had. Not until the kids were upstairs getting ready for bed did Alicia join him in the living room. The two of them sat together on the sofa and Wendell played Matthew West’s newest album in the background.
“What a night.” Alicia’s eyes sparkled. “Just like the kids and I planned.”
Wendell searched her face. He wanted to remember everything about this night. “Thank you... it was amazing. I still can’t believe it.”
For a while they sat like that, a few feet between them, their eyes locked on each other. Alicia spoke first. “Do you feel it?”
“Chemistry?” Wendell’s heart was pounding.
“Yes.” Her eyes held the hint of a smile. “You need that.”
“Definitely.” Wendell didn’t blink, didn’t look away. He wanted to kiss her, but this wasn’t the time. “You said you’d be my friend.” His voice grew quieter. His heart to hers. “This... feels like more.”
Alicia nodded, but she didn’t look away. “There have been lots of reasons why you and I should only be friends, Wendell.” She pressed her slim shoulder into the back of the sofa. “But now...”
The conversation was easy, like a slow dance. “But now...?”
“I don’t know if I can be ‘just friends.’ ” Her expression was serious.
“What about your fear?” He didn’t want to bring it up, but the last thing he needed was for Alicia to relapse. “Are you sure?”
“Ah, yes. My fear.” Alicia stared at her hands. “I’ll be honest. Some days it tries to come back.” She lifted her eyes to his. Whatever she was about to tell him, she had clearly come prepared to say it. “At the courthouse that day, I was too afraid to go inside. That’s why I met you at your car.”
“Mmm.” Again he wanted to take her in his arms, tell her she had nothing to be afraid of. Not now, not ever. Instead he stayed focused on her words. “I wondered.” He smiled. “I mean, I was glad to see you. But the parking lot is a strange place to meet.”
Sorrow filled her eyes. “I know. Ridiculous.” She took a deep breath and sat a little straighter. “Anyway... I told you I’ve been reading the Bible.” She uttered a slight laugh. “A lot, actually.”
“Good.” He chuckled.
The expression in her eyes grew deeper. “I may always battle anxiety, but with Jesus... and you, Wendell... I will battle it. And I will win.” She shrugged, and as she did, she looked young and hopeful. The way she’d looked when Wendell first met her. Before Jack Renton. A smile lifted her lips. “What could possibly make me afraid?”
Wendell reached out and put his hand on her shoulder. “Alicia... I’ve prayed for this.” He let himself get lost in her gaze. “If you only knew how often.”
“I’m not afraid anymore, Wendell. Not at all.” Tears shone in her eyes. “Whatever happens this week, I’m here.” She paused. “If you’ll still have me.”
She wasn’t saying she was ready for a relationship. But this was a step Wendell hadn’t expected. “By my side, Alicia. That’s where I want you. Please.”
She checked the time on her phone. “I have to get home. The staff at Jackson has an early meeting in the morning. But even when I’m not at court tomorrow, I’ll be here.” She touched the spot over his heart. “Every step of the way this week.”
Wendell stood and helped Alicia to her feet. As he did, he took her in his arms. The feeling of her body against his was as natural as his own heartbeat. “I’ll picture you. Cheering me on.”
Alicia stepped back and met his eyes. “Praying for you.”
Wendell raised his brow.
“And for the kids at Hamilton.”
“Them, too.”
Alicia looked up the stairs. “And for those precious babies of yours.”
He had no words. Again he pulled her into his arms and held her until he had two choices. Kiss her or let her go. He stepped away. “I’ll remember tonight forever.” He smiled at her. “I mean it.”
“Me, too.” She leaned close and kissed his cheek. “Can I pray for you? Before I leave?”
Wendell’s heart felt light as a feather. The pressure and anxiety from earlier, completely gone. “Yes. Please.”
And so Alicia Harris—the woman who had been too afraid to stand by Wendell in any matter regarding faith—prayed for him. That God would go before him into the courtroom tomorrow and that the jury would hear Wendell’s heart. That victory would happen for Wendell and Hamilton High and the students who desperately needed the Bible study club.
