The Pastor's Heart

by Desiree Future

  “Robyn I’m sorry. I guess you’re right, I am scared.” Sinclair admitted “I am so used to doing things for myself that I find it hard to let Kingston help me. I mean honestly juggling as much as I do it is a lot. It is extremely hard but it needs to be done and here comes Kingston telling me to sit down and put my feet up while he does everything. I mean I have been independent since I was a kid. It’s something that I just do and now to back off is a lot, especially when that is all I know.”

  “You grew up far too early and now God has blessed you with a wonderful godly man to help you. Take this for whatever and wherever it goes but don’t you push that man out of your life. He just might be the best thing that ever happened to you. As a matter of fact, I know he is because I have never seen you so happy.”

  “Robyn, I...” Sinclair began but Robyn cut her off.

  “I know. I know. I know I’m right. It was you who told me not to let Desmond slip through my fingers. Now three years later we’re still together happily married and soon to be parents.” Robyn slipped in fast.

  Sinclair turned and looked at Robyn, “Oh my God I’m going to be an auntie!” Sinclair exclaimed while she rubbed Robyn’s small belly. “That explains that crazy smoothie you had and going into the baby store. I knew little Omar couldn’t fit into any of those clothes.”

  “Now, get it together because you have the Gala to go to in a few days. You two will be the hottest couple in the room. Stop fighting love and let God show you how to love.” Robyn said as she cried because the hormones had already kicked in early in her pregnancy.

  ********************

  It had been such a busy week at the agency that Sinclairhad barely had enough time to get her hair and nails done. Lucky for her the nail technician was able to squeeze her in at the last minute.

  “Dang not again!” Sinclair said out loud as her bell rang. She walked over and buzzed the bell knowing who it was already. A few minutes later she unlocked her door to find Kingston looking like he stepped off the pages of a classy men’s magazine. Sinclair was at a loss for words that all she could do was smile.

  “You look exceptionally dashing. You are wearing the heck out of that tuxedo.” Sinclair said as she checked out Kingston who was wearing a black and white tuxedo with a satin lapel and matching bow tie. “There is nothing sexier than a man wearing a suit and you are definitely wearing that suit.”

  “Thank you.” Kingston said while he kissed Sinclair. “Nice blue and white robe, now take it off and get dressed please.”

  “I’m sorry Kingston, as usual I’m running late,” Sinclair said as she walked Kingston over to the sofa where he took a seat.

  “Sinclair don’t worry about it. Just go get ready so we can hit the highway.” Kingston said as he picked up a magazine. “You don’t have any open paint in your room, do you?”

  Kingston had remembered on their first date that Sinclair tripped over an open container of paint while getting ready causing them to miss their dinner reservations.

  “Funny.” Sinclair smiled at Kingston. “And no, I didn’t even attempt to open any paint this time.”

  “Good.” Kingston crossed his legs and started thumbing through the magazine.

  “Okay I’ll be ready in like twenty minutes. I promise,” she said running into her bedroom to finish getting ready.

  Sinclair had never been to a gala in her life. She didn’t know what to expect or how to act or even if she should breathe a certain way. Good thing she and Robyn had spoken moments before Kingston arrived. Robyn was able to help calm her nerves. She didn’t know what she was more afraid of, the gala itself or meeting Kingston’s parents. Either way she still had butterflies in her stomach that she hoped would soon go away. Twenty five minutes later, Sinclair did a once over in the mirror and then she emerged from her bedroom to find Kingston opening a box of Fig Newton cookies.

  “I’m ready.” Sinclair announced as Kingston’s Newton’s popped open and flew everywhere upon seeing her.

  His eyes ran from her head to her feet and back again before he even spoke. “You look amazing!”

  Sinclair wore a purple pleated A-line type gown that accentuated her full figure. The gown was adored with gold beads at the neck and waist. She wore her curly hair pinned into a nice bun with a few strands hanging down.

  “Thank you. Here let me help you pick up your cookies.” Sinclair offered, but Kingston stopped her.

  “No, that’s okay, I have them,” he said as he picked up all his cookies while trying to pay attention to what he was doing and not to Sinclair.

  “Okay. I’m going to get my purse off my bed.” Sinclair said as she disappeared in her bedroom for a few seconds.

  Kingston stopped just before they were about to leave. “Before we leave I want to tell you something, Sinclair. First, I want to thank you for coming with me tonight. We are going to have fun and my parents will love you, trust me and one last thing.”

  “Secondly, we’ve been dating now for four and a half months and you are always late. I started telling you we have to be places an hour earlier than normal because I know you will be late and that will actually make us on time.”

  Surprised, Sinclair just shook her head.

  “You are going to be the belle of the ball.” Kingston told a lovely Sinclair

  “But we haven’t even gotten there yet,” Sinclair reminded him.

  “But you are my Belle,” Kingston said as he pulled Sinclair into a loving embrace and kiss before leaving for the Ball. “Now let’s go before I lose my religion with you wearing that dress.”

  An hour and a half later Kingston and Sinclair had finally arrived at the hotel in Virginia. Kingston pulled up to the valet and walked around to get Sinclair but the other valet had already opened her door for her.

  Noticing fear on Sinclair’s face Kingston said ,“Stop worrying.”

  “I’m not worrying,” Sinclair lied. “I’m fine.”

  “You sure are fine. Now shake it off and let’s go have some fun.” Kingston said as he draped Sinclair’s arm around his and started walking towards the hotel’s entrance.

  The grand ballroom was decorated with crystal chandeliers hanging from the twenty feet ceilings throughout the massive room. Crystal vases with red roses sat atop the silver and black linens on the many tables. A red carpeted picture taking stand was set up by the entrance for everyone wishing to have their picture taken. Waiters strolled around a huge ice sculpture offering guests light snacks and drinks. The room was so crowded that Kingston and Sinclair had to stay close to each other as not to be separated.

  The two walked into the lavish hotel and stopped in to check in at the desk when someone called Kingston’s name.

  “Pastor Kingston Carter, how the heck are you?” the tall thin dark complexion gentlemen said as he shook Kingston’s hand.”

  “Joe Hollenbeck, it’s great to see you man.” Kingston said. “How is your lovely wife?”

  “She’s great. She’s around here somewhere.” The tall man replied.

  “Joe, I would like you to meet my companion, Sinclair Madison,” Kingston introduced the two.

  “Nice to meet you,” Sinclair said and smiled.

  “Same here. So Sinclair, what line of work are you in?” The tall man asked her.

  “I’m run a non-profit agency called Aged Out Foster Care in DC. I help former foster care kids transition to independent living as adults.” Sinclair replied as Kingston winked at her.

  “Wow, that’s great. Kingston, she is not only beautiful but she is smart as well. How much are you paying her to be with you tonight?” Joe joked, turning to Kingston.

  “Always the man with jokes, Joe.” Kingston said while holding onto Sinclair.

  “But really Sinclair, Pastor Carter is a good man, he just needs a little fine tuning every now and then but he is a good man.” Joe added, patting Kingston on the shoulder.

  “Well, it was good seeing you but we have to go and find my parents. We’ll catch up mor
e later,” Kingston said as everyone said their goodbyes and went their separate ways.

  “Look, I see my parents over there by the doorway,” Kingston said as he took Sinclair by the hand and slowly walked across the crowded room. Half way he stopped and turned to her. “Just be yourself and you will be fine.”

  “Mom, Dad.” Kingston said as they approached his parents. Turning to Sinclair he made the introductions. “This is Sinclair Madison, the woman who stole my heart.” Kingston said while smiling at Sinclair.

  Clean shaven Calvin wore a handsome black and white tailored tuxedo while his mother Louise wore a beautiful emerald green gown with small sequins on it. To make her look complete she had added her matching clutch purse.

  “So you are the lovely young lady who has my son smitten these days?” The older woman with salt and pepper hair asked of Sinclair while they shook hands.

  “I guess so Mrs. Carter because he certainly has me smitten as well,” Sinclair replied with a smile.

  “None of that here dear. You have done my husband and me, a great service by finally taking our son off the bachelor list away from these vultures, so Miss Louise will do just fine.” Louise said while smiling at her and Kingston.

  Sinclair turned to look at Kingston but he wouldn’t even look at her because he was too embarrassed to even reply.

  “Nice to meet you Sinclair, I’m Pastor Calvin Carter but you can call me Pastor Calvin. And like my beautiful wife said, we are extremely happy that you have taken our son off the bachelor list,” the tall thin framed man said.

  “Sinclair, I just love that gown of yours, it’s so beautiful.” Louise complimented Sinclair while looking at the gown.

  “Thank you. I love your gown more than my own. That emerald green really goes well with your complexion and those sequins are stunning, I really love that.” Sinclair said as she admired Louise’s dress.

  “Where do you shop?” The two said simultaneously. They shared a laugh as Louise led her away from the men so they could talk.

  “We will be back in a few minutes.” Louise said as they took off in the opposite direction.

  Kingston stood with his father looking in the direction where the two went. “She will be fine. You know your mother has to check her out. You’re lucky your sister couldn’t come and then you’d really have a reason to be afraid. Because if both of them were together interrogating Sinclair that could be really rough.”

  “I’m good because I know she will be fine.” Kingston replied as he was offered a small pastry by a passing waiter.

  “Pastor Carter.” Someone called out.

  “Yes.” They both answered as they turned to see who was speaking to them.

  Several hours later they finally arrived back at Sinclair’s apartment exhausted from the long drive home. Sinclair’s hair had half fallen out of the bun and Kingston had loosened his bow tie.

  “I didn’t mean to stay that long at the gala but I wanted to make sure my parents got home safe. I just wish they would have told me before the end of the event they had rented a room at the hotel to stay the night.” Kingston said as they parked in front of Sinclair’s apartment and Kingston went to open Sinclair’s door for her.

  “You are a good son for looking after your parents. That’s a good thing and besides I had a blast,” Sinclair said while grabbing her purse. “I really had fun tonight especially hearing the old stories about you from your parents, they were too funny.” Sinclair laughed hysterically.

  “Please don’t remind me, I get chills thinking about that.” Kingston was having a flashback and it was not good. “Anyway I am glad you had fun.” Kingston said as he stood just staring at her.

  ”What?” Sinclair noticed him staring.

  “Nothing,” he said smiling and then went to embrace her. “Everyone loved you tonight and I do believe my parents have already started planning our wedding.” He said with a laugh.

  “And what makes you say that Pastor Carter?” Sinclair questioned him.

  “Because you are the first woman my parents ever bent over backwards for.” Kingston knew his parents liked Sinclair just as much as he did and that was good.

  “Well I aim to please,” Sinclair batted her eyelashes while Kingston held her in his arms. Kingston pulled a hairpin out of Sinclair’s hair causing her curly hair to fall. “You’re wonderful,” Kingston said with such softness as Sinclair stood on her tip toes to kiss him.

  THE PROSPECT

  With the two windows sitting at an angle in this corner office, the sun was able to shine brightly. The wood desk and large shelves complimented the taupe colored walls. Rounding out the well decorated office were matching chairs for visitors and a leather high chair with its back to the window. Various awards and documents hung nicely on the small but cozy room.

  “Excuse me Mr. Carter, your lunch has arrived.” The young woman informed Kingston during his meeting.

  “I didn’t order anything,” Kingston replied in a confused voice.

  “What would you like me to do Sir?” She asked while standing in the doorway.

  “Beth, you can bring it in here.” He responded even though he knew for a fact he hadn’t ordered anything since he had been in a meeting all morning and lunch hadn’t crossed his mind.

  The young woman returned with a paper bag with a note attached to it. “Enjoy this special lunch just for you. Sinclair.” Kingston read the note out loud forgetting that he had a client in his office with him.

  Kingston opened the bag to find lunch from his favorite restaurant Sam’s in Washington DC. He chuckled when he saw a box of his favorite Fig Newtons inside the bag.

  “By the huge grin on your face Mr. Carter I can tell that your wife surprised you with lunch today, you’re a very lucky man,” the Caucasian man commented while sitting across from Kingston.

  Chad Dunbar sat wearing a black three piece suit with a matching black and white tie. With his hair smooth back and pocket watch hanging from his vest pocket he had high hopes in this meeting with Kingston.

  “I am not a lucky man, I am simply blessed. Now if you’ll excuse me for a minute Mr. Dunbar,” he said as he grabbed his bag and headed for the door.

  “You’re the most beautiful and thoughtful person I know. Not to mention your legs are absolutely sexy.” Kingston said as soon as Sinclair answered her cell phone.

  “I take it you got your lunch Mr. Carter?” Sinclair said smiling.

  “I sure did. I don’t know how you knew but I needed these Figs. This meeting was getting heavy so these Figs are just what I need right now. I had already eaten one box of Newton’s and my whole stash is already gone.” He replied as he tore open the box of Fig Newtons and popped one into his mouth.

  “Well, I’m glad that you like it. I know how hard you work and I just thought you could use a little extra today. Besides I knew you would enjoy the Figs and Sam’s is just a bonus.” Sinclair said as she took a bite of her sandwich.

  “I didn’t know that they delivered and especially over here,” Kingston said to Sinclair.

  “They don’t deliver at all. I know how much you love their food so I called in a favor from a friend of mine.” Sinclair knew Kingston would enjoy the meal because it was his favorite.

  Kingston was smiling from ear to ear just talking to Sinclair on the phone. “You have me spoiled.”

  “There is nothing wrong with getting a little spoiled every now and then. Sound familiar Pastor Carter?” Sinclair teased him.

  Kingston found himself now smiling more than ever. “It sure does Miss Madison.”

  “I may not be able to cook but I do know the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. I don’t care if it has to be cooked by someone else as long as you’re eating I’m fine.” Sinclair smiled and took a sip of her iced tea.

  “Well, you already have the pastor’s heart and we are going to work on the cooking part.” He informed her as he bit into his sausage.” Speaking with his mouth full he continued. “I need to tell you some
thing but I don’t want you to get scared?”

  “Sure go ahead. I’m all ears,” she said as she put down her iced tea.

  “You simply blow my mind. Now I’m going to leave it at that for now because I have to get back to my meeting.” Kingston could not believe how God had blessed him with Sinclair, the most beautiful and thoughtful person he knew.

  Sinclair started blushing over the phone. “Awe, that’s so sweet of you.” Sinclair replied in a soft voice trying to hold back her tears. “Now get back to your meeting and knock it out the park like you always do.”

  “Okay I ‘m going and are we still on for tomorrow night? He asked as he continued eating his Figs.

  Sinclair simply replied, “Yes we are.”

  “Great then see you tomorrow night.” He said as he hung up to go back to his meeting.

  Sinclair sat at her desk having the rest of her lunch when she realized what Kingston had said to her. Kingston said she has his heart. She was clearly mistaken she thought to herself. Her cell phone started ringing, awakening her from her thoughts.

  “And yes, I said you have my heart in case you are wondering. Truth be told I love having you in my world. Enjoy the rest of your day,” Kingston said just as quickly as he had called her.

  Kingston ate two more cookies before leaving his lunch with his secretary. “I’m sorry about that Mr. Dunbar but when God blesses you with a good woman you never let a day go by that you don’t tell her how much she means to you.”

  “I total agree, I have a wife myself and not a day goes by that I don’t tell her I love her.” The slender man said while brushing off his three piece suit of invisible dust.