by Pat Simmons
“We hope that you will return,” the pastor continued. “We want your experience today to be unforgettable. The only way that can happen is if God speaks to your heart, and you listen. God bless you.”
Pastor Archie took his seat again as the choir stood and started a song with a fast beat that energized everyone. Brecee released her hold and joined in. “I love this song,” she told him. “It’s called ‘The Blood Still Works.’”
The lyrics were stirring, and Adrian soon found himself singing along.
When the pastor returned to the podium and asked the congregation to open their Bibles to Acts, chapter 2, Adrian gave Brecee a gentle nudge as she reached for hers. “Mind if I share?”
“Of course not.”
When she looked at him, Adrian caught the warmth of love in her eyes as he’d never seen it before. Why had he waited so long to come to church?
Glancing down at her Bible, he was surprised to see neat notes scribbled in the margins. Clearly, she did more than just read it. Brecee seemed to study it.
“There should come a point in your life when you want to know if what you have with Jesus is real,” Pastor Archie began. ‘‘We’ve heard the phrase 'Every man for himself,’ and when it comes to salvation, it definitely applies. Verses thirty-eight and thirty-nine: ‘Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are ajar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call.’”
Adrian’s heart fluttered at the phrase “the promise...to your children.” Was God talking to him again?
Pastor Archie continued, “Verse forty: ‘And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, ‘Save yourselves from this untoward generation.’”
Is that the message for me? His mind was still stuck on verse 39 when the pastor asked the congregation to stand.
“There is nothing for you in this world,” Pastor Archie said in a warning tone. “Nothing’s permanent. People are practicing self-destruction left and right. It’s time for you to jump ship and save yourselves. Won’t you come to Jesus today? Repent of your sins and be baptized, in Jesus’ name.”
As others began to walk to the front, where several ministers awaited them, Adrian froze in place, his heart pounding. The pastor’s words faded as something stirred within him, but he couldn’t leave his seat. The only thing that kept revolving in his mind was the phrase “the promise.”
Chapter Seventeen
I
t was a spiritual connection with a man that Brecee wanted most in a relationship. That was at the top of her list. Yet Adrian seemed conflicted in his soul after hearing the message.
She exchanged glances with Shae, then looked at Adrian again. He stood there, gripping the back of the pew in front of them, with his eyes closed and his head bowed.
Don’t fight the Lord, she wanted to tell him. Let go. But the decision was his alone. At least God had given him a desire to come to church uninvited this time.
He accepted My invitation, the Lord whispered.
When the pastor had concluded the altar call, Adrian turned and startled her by engulfing her in an embrace. He seemed relieved. She hugged him back before they sat and waited for the offertory.
“I’m glad you’re here,’’ she whispered. “And that I wasn’t playing in the band or in a softball game or something to keep me from enjoying this moment of us together...at church.”
He nodded. “Me, too.”
If she believed in fairy tales coming true, then she would let herself hope that he loved her as much as his tenderness seemed to convey. She felt like she was about to start sobbing. Maybe it was her hormones. Every time they were together, there was more hugging, more holding hands. Now she was holding out for the kiss.
After the pastor gave the benediction, Shae greeted Adrian, and even Sabrina gave him a wide grin, displaying a budding tooth and a tiny wave. When he winked at Brecee’s niece, the baby tried to mimic him, making all three of them laugh.
Taking him by the hand, Brecee introduced him to a couple of saints who approached her with medical questions. Her responses were courteous yet brief. She wasn't up for the lengthy discussions she sometimes engaged in about children’s health, not with Adrian there beside her.
Once they were alone again, she asked him, “Do you have to get back and study?” It was a silly question—of course, he did—but that didn’t stop her from wanting to hear him respond on the contrary.
“Yes,” he said, “and I want you to come with me.” He didn’t blink.
But Brecee did. “Excuse me?”
“Work with me on this.” Adrian squeezed her hand and rubbed his thumb over her knuckles. “I’m trying to multitask on my only day off. I gave God time—”
“Are you coming back to church again?” She couldn’t help but interrupt him. She had to know if this was just a onetime visit.
“And again and again,” he said in a low voice. That earned him a smile as he continued, “But I’m also committed to this group project.” He paused and gazed into her eyes as if they were the only ones in the sanctuary. And they may as well have been, because everyone milling around them seemed to fade into oblivion. Everyone other than Shae, that is; she came into full view right behind Adrian, unashamedly eavesdropping.
“And I want you to be near me.”
Her heart melted at his request. “Ah, that’s sweet, but I don’t want my presence to serve as a distraction.”
Still standing behind Adrian, Shae frowned and flared her nostrils. Girl, she mouthed, you better go.
“I’m distracted when you’re not there,” Adrian told her. “It’ll help me focus just knowing that I can look up and gaze into your eyes; that if I take a deep breath, I’ll catch a hint of your perfume. And when I need to take a break, I might try to steal a kiss.”
Brecee was falling in love. And it wasn’t just puppy love. All it had taken was this busy man’s admission that he needed her. How could she say no to that? “Okay.”
“Well, with that settled,” Shae said, butting in, “I guess Sabrina and I will head out. Rahn’s going to pick her up at the station after the game. Bon appetit.” She didn’t hide her amusement.
“Sisters,” Brecee mumbled, shaking her head. “I have to change first.”
“And deprive me of this lovely vision?” Adrian shook his head. “Please, not yet. After dinner?” His fake pout made her giggle. She playfully punched him in his arm and was astounded at the solid feel of his bicep.
As he escorted her to her car, Brecee suggested Red Lobster, since she had taste for shrimp. “You can tail me there,” she told him.
“Sure. Just don’t drive too fast and leave me.” Chuckling, he turned and started across the parking lot toward his Audi.
“You’ll pay for that,” she yelled after him, knowing he was referring to her speeding ticket.
The Red Lobster in St. Charles wasn’t far from the church, and they made it there in no time. Brecee parked, then waited for Adrian to come and open her door. They held hands as they strolled inside. Surprisingly, on a Sunday, the wait time was less than fifteen minutes.
Once they had placed their orders—steak for him, coconut shrimp for her—Adrian reached across the table and took her hands in his. Neither of them said a word as they gazed at each other. Adrian’s attention made Brecee feel pretty, and it had nothing to do with what she was wearing. She liked the slow, tender way he studied her.
Feeling herself shiver, Brecee broke the silence. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming this morning? Whatever the reason, I’m so glad you did.” He didn’t have to know she had been praying for the Lord to give him a desire to come.
“It was something your uncle said.”
“Uncle Bradford? What?” That wasn't what God had told her. She leaned back, ready to listen.
“While we were at your sister�
��s house, Bradford piqued my interest about a grandmother I never met and never learned much about. I can’t fathom the idea of a big-time religious person in my family without there being any remnants of that. It just seems odd to me.”
“Dr. Carmen? Brecee, is that you? Wow.”
She turned and recognized Dr. Peter Richards from the hospital. He was staring at her, entranced, as if they hadn't worked together a couple days ago. “You look”—he paused and took a deep breath—”incredible.”
“Yes, she does.” Adrian’s deep voice made his presence known that Dr. Richards had to acknowledge her guest.
Adrian stood up, letting his buff six-foot-something frame tower over her colleague. But Dr. Richards worked out, so it was like stone meeting brick. Brecee didn’t know the details of Dr. Richards’ ethnic background, but he must have had some Asian and Italian ancestors. He was one gorgeous specimen.
Dr. Richards had never shown more than a professional interest in her, but the way he was practically gawking at her right now made her uncomfortable.
Adrian must have sensed it, because he pumped the man’s hand with a scowl on his face. “I’m Adrian Cole.’’
“Dr. Peter Richards.” The doctor yanked his hand back and glanced at Brecee, then looked at Adrian again. “Are you on the medical staff at another hospital?’’
“I am not.” Adrian slipped his hands inside his pockets. Brecee wondered who was hurting worse from that handshake. “I’m a transportation problem solver.”
Her colleague frowned. “I’m not familiar with that occupation. Who’s your employer?”
“Broadway Luxury Motors,” Adrian stated without offering a description of his job.
It must have dawned on Dr. Richards when his mouth formed an o.
Just then, their server appeared with their meals. “Excuse me, gentlemen.” She squeezed her way in between them.
“I apologize for interrupting.” Dr. Richards stepped back. “I’ll let you two eat. Dr. Carmen,” he said with a nod, his eyes sparkling once again. “I’ll see you at our first softball game next Sunday.” He faced Adrian. “Mr. Cole.” He walked away with a swagger Brecee had never seen before.
Brecee didn’t meet Adrian’s eyes but surveyed her baked potato. She couldn’t recall ever seeing one smothered so artistically with sour cream. Adrian didn’t come across as jealous or insecure, but the testosterone was tangible.
He cleared his throat. “Did you tell me you played on a softball team?”
“I thought I mentioned it.”
Twisting his mouth, Adrian went for his smartphone. “What time is the game?”
“One.”
“I’ll be in the stands by twelve thirty.”
Brecee nodded, then reached across the table to take his hands before she blessed their food. First, she had to wipe the smirk off her face, because his behavior was downright funny.
While she was trying to clear her head, Adrian surprised her by saying grace himself. His prayer was brief, but she liked his sincerity.
“Amen,” she said before dipping a shrimp in cocktail sauce.
“Do you have any hand sanitizer in your purse?”
“Sure.” She found the bottle and handed it over.
“Thanks. A man can’t be too careful about picking up germs.”
That was the end of her self-restraint. She dropped her fork, shrimp and all, to cover her mouth before she released a hearty laugh that could rival the one Adrian delivered the day they met.
Evidently, Adrian wasn’t amused, nor did he inquire about what was so funny. He simply cut himself a bite of steak and shoved it in his mouth. He chewed as if it were as tough as beef jerky.
Once she composed herself, Brecee looked at him. It appeared he wasn’t going to broach the subject of what had just happened. She couldn’t wait until her next video chat with her sisters. They would roll when she told them this one.
Finally, the lighthearted banter between them returned.
“After this semester of classes ends, I’m thinking about taking a break rather than doing the summer session.”
“Why?” Brecee dabbed at the corners of her mouth.
“So I can spend more time with you.” His voice was soft.
She should have felt ecstatic, but she understood the dedication and sacrifice it took to achieve one's goals. She knew the study cram sessions, the twelve-hour shifts as a resident, the family events she’d had to miss—yes, she knew what he was going through. “Does this have anything to do with Dr. Richards’ rudeness?”
“Maybe.” Adrian frowned. “I have a problem with him, and any other man who presumes to have the right to look at my lady like that, whether or not I’m around.” He paused and took a deep breath.
He’d spoken with just a touch of possessiveness that made it sound sexy. Brecee pushed back her plate.
“That was my temper talking, baby. I’m sorry.” He bunched up his napkin. “However, I am serious about thinking of taking a break, so I’ll have time to treat you like the special lady you are.”
She leaned across the table and silently beckoned him to meet her halfway. “Say that again,” she whispered.
“I'll say whatever you want me to say.” He seemed dazed.
“Am I your baby?”
“Most certainly.” He reached for her hand and brushing his lips across her fingers. His mustache tickled her. She smiled and pulled back.
Holding his gaze, she lifted an eyebrow. “You stay in school, babe.” The endearment had slipped out without her intending it to, but it seemed to please him. “Don’t let a woman get in the way of your goals. It took full focus on mine to achieve them.” It was contrary to what her heart was yelling at her, but, even growing up a spoiled brat, Brecee had been taught not to be selfish. He waved for the server for the check. “You’re not just a woman. You’re Sabrece Carmen, the woman I refuse to let get away.”
Hadn’t Uncle Marcellus said the same thing? She beamed. “You’re a smart man.”
Chapter Eighteen
“T
he man is definitely comfortable in his skin,” Brecee gushed, just thinking about her time spent with Adrian yesterday. She and Regina were sipping coffee during some downtime in the doctors' charting area.
“You’re in love with him,” her friend stated. “That wasn’t a question.”
“Yes, and I didn’t see it coming,” Brecee admitted with a smile. “I kept thinking about our differences so much that I didn’t stop to appreciate how he made me feel.”
“I now pronounce you cured and released from doctor's care,” Regina teased.
“Leave me alone.” Brecee chuckled. “Adrian was right. I enjoyed being close to him, even when he was busy. His study group met at a historic building downtown that houses the T-REX Incubator.”
Regina frowned. “That sounds prehistoric. Is it a museum?”
“No, it’s a headquarters for dozens of aspiring entrepreneurs. They can rent space at an extremely affordable rate while they build their business. I was impressed with the concept. There’s plenty of open space for networking, as well as small private rooms and booths for telephone conferences and Skype chats.”
“You do know you sound like a sales rep and not a doctor,” Regina teased her.
Brecee grinned. “I’m glad he invited me along. It was like walking into his world.”
“So, what did you do during his group meeting?”
“There was a plush lounge with a flat-screen TV and a bar with snacks and other amenities. He can take me along to a group meeting anytime.” She giggled. “Believe it or not, I wanted to sit in and observe, to listen to his ideas, his business strategies... From what little I could hear, Adrian commanded the discussion, citing examples from his sales experience. But he was also a patient and attentive listener. Sales is his calling, and he’s got the people skills for success. He would be comfortable selling just about anything.”
Regina drained the rest of her coffee and pitched the cup in th
e waste can. “Sounds like you’ve found your prince, Cinderella.”
“But?”
“I’m here to remind you that Adrian is a good fit only if he repents and completes Christ’s plan of salvation.” Regina smiled as if trying to soften the blow of her message.
“I know.” Brecee sighed. “Thanks for keeping me grounded. I was hoping he would begin that process yesterday at church. ’
“Oh, he did,” Regina assured her. “He came willingly, of his own accord, which brings me to my next point. I’m glad you haven’t bought into the stereotype that doctors have to marry at their professional level. Love isn’t connected to status.”
“He hasn’t told me lie loves me, or even kissed me, so we’re nowhere near him asking me to marry him.”
Regina rolled her eyes. “We aren’t teenagers anymore, Brecee. Were in our thirties and at our age, men know we’re dating with a purpose in that direction.”
“I hope I won’t regret telling him to take a summer course,” Brecee confessed. “I just don't want getting married at forty years old to be the new thirty.” She wasn’t willing to wait that long. She had only 10 percent of her eggs left, and she needed three or four of them for a family.
“Take it from me,” Regina told her. “I married a doctor while in my residency. It lasted two years. The divorce took one year. It was that experience that brought me to Jesus. If I have to be single for the rest of my life, then I’m trusting that God knows what’s best for me.” She swallowed. “I keep telling myself that I’m good.”
Brecee ached for her sister in Christ who’d had the misfortune of not choosing her mate wisely. Regina’s marriage had been superficial, with the aim of keeping up appearances, and having little to do with love.
Devastating ordeals had a way of putting people on the fast track to salvation. Brecee had understood at an early age that she had been born in sin and shaped in iniquity, as stated in Psalm 51:5.
Praise God, it was her love of music that had drawn her to Christ, prompted her to repent, and brought her through her Nicodemus experience.