The Pastor's Heart

by Desiree Future

  “I was almost to your church when Samantha called and said she got the only interview available this week and it just so happened to be today. All the stores were still closed, so I drove back to my apartment and got her something to wear from my closet. It’s not uncommon for me to toss my plans aside for a client, it’s what I do.” On many occasions she had put her plans on the back burner to accommodate her clients while neglecting her own self.

  “That was very of nice of you especially, on your day off.” Kingston praised Sinclair for a very nice gesture. “I would have loved to have seen you in church today, but nonetheless I’m glad to see you.”

  “Same here, but listen I can’t begin to…” A grumbling sound interrupted her as she was speaking to Kingston.

  Sinclair became flustered, but continued as if nothing ever happened. “I can’t begin to thank you enough for all your help.”

  “Well you are very welcome and you can thank me by having Sunday dinner with me. By the sound of your stomach growling, it sounds like you really need to eat something. Kingston replied as he rubbed Sinclair’s stomach.

  “Hey, watch the hand, you might just lose it since I am so hungry,” Sinclair joked.

  “I’m so sorry.” Kingston withdrew his hand in fear of losing it. “But really I would love for you to come and have dinner with me; I have more than enough food.” Kingston suggested as the sun started to peak from under the clouds in midafternoon.

  Before Sinclair could respond her stomach let out another even louder growl, which caused them both to start laughing.

  “I’ll take that as a yes,” Kingston assumed as he headed toward his house.

  Sinclair was laughing so hard all she could do was shake her head in agreement.

  Soon after, Kingston pulled into the driveway of his two story brick house, which had green plantation shutters lining the huge bay windows. The plush green lawn looked like it had just been freshly cut.

  “This is such a beautiful home,” Sinclair complimented as Kingston opened the door to help her out of the truck. Sinclair marveled at the gorgeous exterior before following Kingston into the house.

  Upon entering his home, they were greeted at the door with a black bench accented with two blue pillows that sat at the base spiral staircase leading upstairs. Further into the house was the living room which had a bold red sofa and love seat ensemble. Standing out the most in the dramatic room was the black baby grand piano which over-looked the huge bay window. The end tables and coffee tables were also black to match the piano and there were pictures of his family hanging on the walls. The kitchen had a wrap-around counter with two bar stools in front of it and plenty of space for cooking and entertaining. The cabinets were a rich cherry wood that complimented the ivory colored walls. In the corner to the right of the back door sat a small table which had a bowl of fruit in the center of it. Attached to the kitchen was the family room, which had a large black leather sectional pointing directly at the fireplace and TV above it. The two windows on either side of the fireplace gave nice views of the backyard.

  “Remember the singer who sang A House Is Not a Home?” Kingston asked while walking through his house.

  “Yes, I remember that song.” Sinclair recalled the smooth melodious singer.

  “Well this is just a house that gives me shelter that I need.” Kingston replied while offering a seat to Sinclair at his counter with bar stools surrounding it. He placed his jacket around another seat and washed his hands at the sink.

  “Well, it’s a nice house that you have here.” Sinclair went on while surveying the massive kitchen and attached family room.

  “Well thank you kindly Miss Madison.” Kingston said as he leaned over on the other side of the sit down counter. “Would you like something to drink while I get our dinner ready?”

  “Sure, what do you have?” Sinclair asked the handsome Kingston.

  “Cranberry juice or a Virgin Mojito. The Virgin Mojito is made with lemon lime soda, lemon and fresh mint.” Kingston asked before retrieving two glasses from the cabinet.

  “The Virgin Mojito sounds tasty; I think I’ll try that.” Sinclair answered him taking in every inch of the handsome man before her.

  For the life of her she couldn’t understand why she felt so comfortable with Kingston when they had only gone out on several dates. She had never felt so comfortable with any man, that is, until she met Kingston.

  Sinclair did everything possible not to drool over him when he saw him. He stepped out his Lincoln Navigator wearing a black two piece suit and red tie. Sasha had mentioned how sexy he was but now she really saw it for herself. He had caught her attention on more than one occasion but today was different. Different in a way she couldn’t understand but nonetheless it was a very good different. She didn’t know if it was the way he wore the suit or not, because he was most certainly wearing that suit. Whatever difference it was, Sinclair definitely liked it.

  “Good choice,” Kingston said while he poured her a glass of the Virgin Mojito.

  Not long after they sat enjoying their meal together while having a leisurely conversation.

  “This is delicious what did you do you to this chicken? It’s so mouth-watering.” Sinclair asked wondering what recipe he used.

  “It’s like The General’s Chicken, a secret recipe.” Kingston joked. “But really it’s a secret recipe that has been passed down for generations in my family. If I told you, I have to either kill you or marry you so will not give out the secret.” Kingston said with a laugh. Killing Sinclair was the last thing in his mind, and he honestly wanted the latter.

  “Whatever Pastor Carter. But you can tell your parents I said, they taught their son well. You can truly get down in the kitchen.” Sinclair knew she heard Kingston say marry, her but she ignored it. She continued her nice dinner but kept the comment in the back of her mind.

  “I’ll be sure to tell them.” Kingston said while sipping from his glass.

  “Why do you cook Sunday dinner when it’s, just you?” Sinclair was really enjoying her meal with Kingston and could see herself having more meals with him.

  “My parents have always told me to make Sunday dinner because you never know who might stop in.” Kingston went on while looking directly into Sinclair’s pretty eyes. “I mean who knew I would run into you in my neck of the woods?”

  “And I thank you for inviting me because I would have had a frozen meal or take out for dinner. My cooking skills are very basic. I can make scrambled eggs, and steamed vegetables and my rice comes out either too hard or too soft. And as far as meats go, that’s a whole different story. No matter what I try, it always burns or undercooks,” Sinclair confessed and laughed at her own self.

  “One day I will show you how to make a meal similar to this. It’s not that hard.” Kingston offered as he finished eating the last bit of his baked macaroni and cheese.

  Sinclair looked at him with her eyes slanted. “You sure about that? You do know that I am on a first name basis with my neighborhood firemen?”

  Kingston did not blink an eye but rather smiled. “Yes, I am sure and we won’t need the firemen.”

  “Okay if you say so.” Sinclair responded with uncertainty.

  “Trust me, I will not let you burn down your house or mine. Now if you are done with your food we can have dessert in my backyard,” he said while gathering their empty plates. “You can go outside and I’ll be out in a minute.”

  “I’ll wash the dishes,” Sinclair took the plates from Kingston’s hand and headed for the sink.

  “You know you don’t have to do that? I can do it.” Kingston protested as he followed Sinclair to the sink.

  Sinclair put the dishes in the sink and turned to see Kingston’s gray eyes staring back at her.

  “You came to my rescue today in more ways than one, it’s the least I can do. Not only that but we could have easily eaten out somewhere.” Sinclair started feeling butterflies in her stomach and could not figure out why.

 
Kingston took a step closer to Sinclair, closing the large gap between them. “I didn’t mind rescuing you today and I certainly love having you over for dinner. I prefer home cooked meals compared to eating out anyway and I will put a smile on your beautiful face because I love your smile.”

  Yes Kingston thought, he said it. He loved her smile. He really loved her smile. He had finally made it known he was falling for her. There was nothing left to doubt that he was truly falling for her. He had never have been able to say that to a woman but there was no woman like Sinclair.

  Kingston did not know what came over him. He knew from the moment he saw Sinclair that she would be his wife someday. She had everything he ever wanted in a woman. She had class, style and grace. And although she was a little rough around the edges he saw that as a bonus to her personality. She smiled even when she didn’t know it simply with her beautiful eyes and her dimples. He didn’t know whether he was in love or lust. But he did know one thing and that is he could visually see them making his house a home together one day.

  “May I?” Kingston asked Sinclair softly.

  “Yes you may.” Sinclair replied seeing the desire in Kingston’s eyes. Kingston leaned down as they shared an intimate kiss.

  Sinclair’s butterflies started going full blast in her stomach and she enjoyed every minute of it. “Nice.”

  “Very nice,” Kingston countered her after releasing her from their kiss. “Especially since I didn’t have to bend down that far with you wearing those stilettoes. You’re almost my height now.” Kingston joked.

  “Hey.” Sinclair swatted his arm. “I knew I left something in the car that I needed.” Sinclair looked down and saw she was still wearing her three inch heels she had on for over four hours now. If she didn’t get those shoes off soon her feet would began to hurt.

  “Flats.” They both said at the same time.

  “All women who wear high heels always have their flats with them at all times. Trust me, I know my sister and mom does the same thing. I can get you a pair of my slippers if you like?” Kingston offered Sinclair who was still in his arms.

  “That would be great, I would really appreciate it.” Sinclair said as she stepped out of Kingston’s arms and took her seat back at the table.

  Kingston excused himself to retrieve the slippers while Sinclair started to unbuckle the straps of her shoes. She was having trouble getting off the last shoe when Kingston came back with the slippers for her.

  “Here, let me,” Kingston said unbuckling Sinclair’s shoe and slipping the shoe off her foot. “Better?”

  “Much better, thank you.” Sinclair couldn’t believe she had left her flats in her car and now she was wearing Kingston’s oversized slippers.

  “Now would you please leave the dishes so I can get our dessert? The sun is finally out so we can enjoy it outside.” Kingston had to get Sinclair away from him or the stove would not be the only thing on fire in the kitchen.

  “No problem,” Sinclair simply responded, needing some air anyway.

  Sinclair stepped out into the backyard to be welcomed by a well maintained yard. A barbeque grill sat across from bistro table and chair set. Around the backyard’s perimeter were tall shaded plants and trees. In the center of the backyard was a dark wicker patio set with blue seat cushions. To the far right of yard was an extra wide and extra-long hammock hanging between two shaded trees.

  After the kiss she and Kingston shared she needed some air. She took a seat at the small bistro table on the deck and stared out at the beautifully landscaped backyard. She could see herself hosting many barbeques there with Kingston.

  Sinclair jumped to her feet. She had to get that notion out of her head. What was she thinking? She couldn’t possibly be falling in love with Kingston, for Pastor Carter of all people. Maybe she needed some water or something to get her back to her senses. She couldn’t be the pastor’s wife; she didn’t even know what that meant. Wife! Sinclair screamed in her mind. She had just met the man and already he had said marry her in the same phrase. This just had to be wrong. She should have had her morning coffee because things would have made better sense.

  Kingston stood in his kitchen replaying the kiss over and over in his head. He could have sworn it was the fourth of July because he definitely felt sparks between them. He looked at the calendar and it was only June tenth. He knew if he didn’t separate himself from her for a few minutes he would lose his religion. He opened the freezer and stood there a moment, blankly staring at the contents. This was to cool him off because holding and kissing Sinclair had his loins about to burst. He had never been with a woman who made him feel the way Sinclair did. After their kiss he knew exactly what he was feeling for Sinclair, he was falling for her.

  Kingston got himself together and went to Sinclair in the backyard. “If you thought dinner was great wait till you taste this.” Kingston announced as he came out with two small plates in his hands.

  “I hope you like Banana Pudding.” Kingston said to a smiling Sinclair.

  “Do I ever? It’s one of my favorite desserts, you look like a keeper. I think I am going to keep you around for a while because you’re spoiling me Kingston.” Sinclair added as she dug into her banana pudding.

  “Everyone deserves to be spoiled every now and then. I remembered on our first date you really didn’t have anything to eat but you had white chocolate ice cream. I figured you for a dessert type of person being that you can’t cook.” Kingston remembered that day well, it was the first time he had met a woman that didn’t know how to cook.

  “Well you figured right because I am addicted to white chocolate. Banana pudding is a second on my list of favorite desserts,” she admitted. “My addictions have helped me put on these pounds and that’s why I’m a size sixteen now.” She added as she patted her thighs.

  Kingston put his spoon in his bowl. “I love the way you are. There is nothing wrong with being a thick woman; I just need you to be healthy. And did you ever hear me once complain about the way you look? The only complaint that I have is of you juggling a thousand things. It seems you do everything for everyone but never anything for yourself. Can you tell me why?”

  “I don’t do everything myself.” Sinclair lied through her teeth; she hoped God didn’t strike her down for lying to a man of God.

  “I beg to differ Miss Madison. Correct me if I’m wrong as I go through this.” Kingston said as he undid his tie.

  “What?” A confused Sinclair asked.

  “You run a non-profit business that helps people get the basic necessities that they need. You get donations from all over which requires you to drive to other cities to retrieve the items. You speak at engagements to try to get support for your business. You drop everything for your clients to get them what they need at a moment’s notice if necessary.”

  “But..” Sinclair tried to interject when Kingston put his finger to her lips.

  “Let me finish. You neglect enjoying yourself because you don’t have time. And you repair your own car in the process and did I forget you take care of the backyard for your landlord. Did I miss anything?” Kingston had remembered every single thing that Sinclair had done and it had really bothered him to know she took on so much.

  “Okay, so I lied but I’m used to it, it’s nothing,” Sinclair brushed it off and continued eating her dessert.

  “Well that’s a lot of nothing that you do. You need to slow down.” Kingston was really concerned because Sinclair had her hands full.

  “Thanks for your concern, but I’ll be all right. Besides I have help, I have Sasha my assistant and Oliver,” she said matter of fact.

  “That may be true, but you still do so much. You are a workaholic and you need to slow down before you pass out somewhere.” Kingston explained.

  “I am not a workaholic.” Sinclair replied, shaking her head.

  Folding his arms Kingston responded. “Oh no. When was the last time you went on vacation?”

  “Well….” Sinclair trailed on.
>
  “And staring at the picture of the Eiffel tower in both your living room and office does not count.” Kingston said crossing his legs now.

  With nothing to say Sinclair just shrugged her shoulders.

  “You and my mother are two of a kind.” Kingston said with a chuckle. “After she became First Lady everyone would always ask her to do things for them. She never told anyone no, being the kind woman that she is.”

  “Really?” Sinclair asked twirling her curly hair with her finger.

  “My dad didn’t even know my mother had taken on so much until she started falling asleep during services. He re-delegated all the duties that she was doing and left her in charge of planning the yearly Women’s Day event and that’s all. That was the only time my father ever stood up against my mother and that was literally to save her from herself.” Sinclair had reminded him of his mother in so many ways that it was scary.

  Sinclair just nodded because she did sound just like his mother.

  “Come dance with me.” Kingston said extending his had to Sinclair.

  Sinclair gave him a weird look.

  “I know there is no music. I would sing for you but I can’t hold a note even if someone gave it to me in my hand.” Kingston said while laughing while still holding his hand out to Sinclair. “Dance with me please.”

  “Okay.” Sinclair gave in. Kingston was very persistent and she kind of liked it.

  “I know you have been doing things on your own for so many years but you have me now. And I am going to help you in any way that I can. I just need you to stop playing Super Woman.” Kingston said while slow dancing with Sinclair in his backyard.

  Taking a deep breath, Sinclair looked up at Kingston. “I don’t know who else to be but Super Woman, that’s who I am.”

  “That is not who you are, that is just who you have become to be throughout the years but I plan to change that really soon.” Kingston was not letting up because Sinclair had held the world on her shoulders for so long and now it was his turn to carry her burden. “I also need you to know that I am falling in love with you and I am going to do everything and anything to make you happy.”