Rodeo Hero

by Vannatter, Shannon Taylor;

  He matched her stride as they rounded the house. “You still planning to make the youth trip? It’s just under a week away.”

  “I’ll be there.”

  To spend another endless day with you, so you can mess with my comfort zone.

  ❧

  She’d survived the bus ride with Stetson. The rambunctious teens had kept her occupied enough to keep her mind off him, for the most part.

  The church in Denton was enormous, with building after building. The kind of church it would be easy to get lost in. Somehow Kendra managed to keep up with the other female chaperones and keep the girls in her charge together.

  While the teens heard a salvation sermon earlier, the adults had learned counseling techniques. Three girls and five boys had accepted Christ as their Savior—including Trent—Trouble with a capital T.

  Would his salvation make any difference with Lynn? Would he join her in exile now? Was he ready to take responsibility and be a father? Would they keep the baby and raise it together? Lord, help them to make the right decisions for them and for the baby.

  She scanned the group of girls surrounding her—Gabby, Rayna, Joan—and then did a headcount one more time. All the teens they’d brought were there. The boys and men were in another session with the host church’s youth director.

  The huge conference room was elegant with pale-taupe walls and carpet. Metal chairs with cushioned seats faced a stage that held a podium and microphone. Rounded lights hung on long poles from the ceiling.

  A slender blond woman in her midtwenties stepped to the podium. “We appreciate you all coming today. My name is Angela. I’m the youth director’s wife. Today we’re going to talk about something very important. I need everyone’s attention and no giggling. It might sound funny, but this is a very serious matter. Is anyone familiar with secondary virginity?”

  nineteen

  Kendra’s eyes widened. She hadn’t expected anything quite so bold.

  A few girls held their hands up, along with the other chaperones.

  Kendra raised her hand. At least she wouldn’t look as clueless as she felt.

  “Some girls have made mistakes and had sex with their boyfriends. Either because the boy pressured them, they thought it was cool, they thought everyone was doing it, or because no one ever told them that sex outside marriage is wrong.”

  Angela had grabbed the teens’ attention with the S word.

  “Some girls have made lots of mistakes with lots of different boys.” Angela removed the microphone from the stand. Her heels clicked as she paced the stage. “Once they give in, they feel like they can’t go back. That they have to have sex with the next boy and the next. That sex is the only way they can interest a boy.

  “When girls feel trapped in this cycle of behavior, they lose respect for themselves. They feel degraded, and even dirty.”

  If only the floor would open up and swallow Kendra whole.

  “But I’m here to tell you—you can break out of this cycle. I did.” Angela paused for impact, taking time to make eye contact with each of thirty-one girls in attendance.

  Kendra bit her lip. She’d been practicing secondary virginity for a year. She just hadn’t known what to call it—other than torment.

  “All you have to do is stop.” Angela let the concept sink in. “Stop having sex until you get married. When I was twenty-one, God gave me a wakeup call with an STD and an unwed pregnancy.”

  Several gasps echoed through the crowd.

  “After my treatment and my daughter’s birth, I decided I had to turn my life around. A friend from work had invited me to church several times, so I went. Six weeks later, I became a Christian. Shortly afterward, I heard about secondary virginity. Three years passed before I met the love of my life, a godly man who could overlook my past.”

  Kendra’s eyes burned. She’d met the man she wanted to marry. But too late. He’d never see her as pure.

  “Now I won’t say it’s an easy feat. Once you awaken those feelings and sensations in your body, it’s not easy to say no. But that’s where God can help you. Pray for strength, and He’ll see you through. Don’t put yourself in the path of temptation. Don’t be alone with a boy. Go on double dates or group dates.

  “God got me through three abstinent years. Once I stopped my immoral, indecent behavior, and submerged myself in God’s Word, I began to love myself again. I began to see myself in God’s eyes. Cleansed and whole. I married my husband almost a year ago.”

  Kendra pressed a hand to trembling lips. Lord, am I cleansed and whole? Can I ever see myself that way? Can Stetson?

  “Give your past to God. He’s big enough to handle it, big enough to help you handle it, big enough to help you see yourself as the new creature He sees in you.

  “Second Corinthians 5:17 says, ‘Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.’ Embrace that scripture. Let it sink into your soul. If you’re a Christian, God can’t see your sin anymore. It’s covered in Jesus’ blood. You’re a new creature.”

  The words sank into Kendra’s soul. I’m a new creature.

  ❧

  The Christian band’s edgy electric guitars echoed through the Family Life Center. A little too upbeat and verging on rock for Stetson’s taste, but the lyrics spoke volumes, and the boys thought it was much cooler than traditional hymns. At least it reached them.

  Trent sat at the edge of his seat, taking it all in. Thank You, Lord.

  The song ended, and the band exited the stage.

  The youth pastor stepped up to the podium. “We’re glad you came today. I’m Youth Pastor Isaac Johnson. Most of the kids here at God’s Word Church call me Brother Isaac. We’re here to discuss something that affects our youth in a major way. How many of you boys plan to get married someday?”

  Hands went up.

  “Let’s talk about what kind of girl you’d like to marry. A girl who’s slept with half the high school, a girl who’s slept with five guys, or a girl who’s saving herself for her wedding night?”

  Several of the boys snickered.

  “I’m not trying to be funny. This is a very serious subject. I need everyone’s attention. Every time you have sex with a girl, you’re having sex with someone else’s future wife. Unless you marry her.

  “Today’s youth have a skewed view of sex. If it feels good, do it. It’s a contest to see how many girls you can take advantage of.” The youth pastor searched each teen’s face. “You heard me right. Even if the act is consensual, you’re still taking advantage. Most girls have sex because they want to be loved. Guys tell girls they love them just to have sex. Boys take advantage of girls’ emotions, using them for sex.”

  Stetson’s thoughts filled with Kendra. How many times had she been used? She was a victim.

  “I became a Christian at a young age, I never rebelled, and from the beginning I knew I’d be a youth director someday. I wanted to marry a good Christian girl, a virgin, someone who shared my morals and beliefs, and who would be a great example for our youth group.

  “When I met Angela, she hadn’t been a Christian very long. And she’d been intimate with a lot of men.”

  Stetson’s heart did a painful flop. A basketball goal was suspended over the receded stage. He’d love to shoot some hoops about now. Blow off a little steam.

  “So many men that when she had her daughter—out of wedlock—she wasn’t sure who the father was. I had a hard time with that. I tried not to have feelings for her. By that time, she’d turned her life around and embraced secondary virginity. She’d been abstinent for three years.”

  Just as Kendra had been abstinent for well over a year.

  “The more I resisted my feelings for her, the more God kept prodding me toward her. He showed me that He’d forgiven Angela’s past, and that I should, too. In His eyes, she was as pure as I was. I’d judged her and found her unworthy. God had judged her and found her clean. It took awhile and some intense Bib
le study for me to come around to His way of thinking.

  “I challenge you all to honor God with your behavior. If you’ve been sexually active, stop. Trust me, I know that’s not easy. Especially for boys. But look at the girls you see as someone else’s future wife. You have no right to take advantage of their emotions. Ask God to give you the strength to embrace secondary virginity. Wait until you meet the girl you want to marry, and wait until your wedding night to have a physical relationship. Anyone have any questions?”

  A few of the boys asked questions, but Stetson couldn’t focus. Isaac’s message had hit way close to home.

  As the session dismissed, Stetson whispered to Brother Timothy, “I’ll catch up with y’all in a minute.”

  He waited until everyone cleared out then approached the youth pastor. “Could I speak with you?”

  “Of course. What’s on your mind?”

  “I’m interested in a woman with a promiscuous past. And I’m having a hard time. Partly because, like you, I was looking for the perfect Christian virgin girl, and partly because I’m afraid her past might hurt my ministry.”

  “When I started dating Angela, I did a study on God forgetting sins.” Isaac flipped through his Bible. “Isaiah and Hebrews helped me understand that since God has forgotten Angela’s sins, I should, too. Her testimony has really helped the teens at our church. Especially the girls. I can’t relate to the boys on sexual matters, but through our story, I can.”

  “Does it bother your wife that you’re so open about her past?”

  “Actually, it was her idea. She saw her story as an opportunity to connect with the kids. She has just as big a heart for youth as I do. Together we make a great team. Is the woman you’re interested in involved in your ministry?”

  “Yes. She’s great with the youth group. Especially the girls, and she’s already used her past to caution them on the decisions they make.”

  “Then do that study and pray about it.”

  “I will. Thank you.”

  Brother Isaac clapped him on the back. “Anytime. Glad to help.”

  ❧

  Stetson waited until all the kids got off the bus.

  Kendra walked the narrow aisle between the seats, her gaze glued to the floor.

  “We need to talk.”

  She jumped. “We do?”

  “Definitely, but not now. I’ve got a rodeo in a few hours. How about lunch after church tomorrow?”

  “Alone?”

  “Yes.”

  “I could meet you at Mom’s.”

  “I think when the youth director was talking about not being alone with boys, he meant the kind who pressure girls. I’m a man, and I won’t pressure you.”

  Her eyes widened. “You went—”

  “To the secondary virginity session. The youth pastor recounted his and his wife’s story for the boys.”

  “Oh. She told her side of the story for the girls.”

  “I figured as much. You’ll be safe riding with me. So how about it?”

  “Sure. I’ll see you tomorrow at church.”

  ❧

  Kendra’s legs quivered as she started down the aisle of the church. Stetson was already there. For months she’d made a point of sitting between Rayna and Gabby, but not today.

  A large hand gripped her shoulder.

  She turned.

  Wyatt? With watery eyes.

  She frowned. “Are you drunk?”

  “I’m more sober than I’ve been in months.”

  “What are you doing here?”

  The pianist began playing “How Great Thou Art.”

  Kendra wanted to sit with Stetson. But with Wyatt in tow? Instead, she gestured toward a back pew.

  Wyatt sat, and she settled beside him. “I want to get saved,” he whispered.

  She closed her eyes. For months she’d prayed for him and for Natalie. Even though they were no longer together. “That’s awesome. You came to the right place.”

  As the song service closed and Brother Timothy stepped to the pulpit, Stetson nonchalantly scanned the crowd. A slight frown formed when he saw her. Then Wyatt. His features hardened.

  He obviously thought they’d come together. But this was important. Wyatt’s future hung in the balance, and she couldn’t let him down.

  “What do I do?” Wyatt whispered.

  “Go down front at the altar call. Brother Timothy will explain everything, and then pray with you.”

  “Will you go with me?”

  She nodded and pressed a fingertip to her lips.

  During Brother Timothy’s sermon, Wyatt listened intently, especially at the closing with the plea for salvation.

  “If you don’t know my Jesus, He’s waiting here at this altar for you. Waiting for you to come publicly with a repentant heart, for you to admit you’re a sinner, and you need a savior. It’s as simple as that—won’t you come?”

  The piano began the pleading, prodding “Have Thine Own Way, Lord.”

  Wyatt stood and stepped into the aisle.

  Kendra followed.

  He sought her hand.

  Her fingers entwined with his, and she gave him an encouraging squeeze.

  Together they walked to the front of the church and knelt at the altar. Brother Timothy joined them.

  Kendra prayed while Wyatt asked Brother Timothy questions. The discussion beside her grew quiet, and Wyatt bowed his head. Brother Timothy walked him through the sinner’s prayer.

  Tears seeped from under her lashes, and she dabbed them away. “Thank You, Lord,” she whispered.

  Wyatt stood and helped her to her feet then hugged her with a whoop.

  Brother Timothy laughed. “It’s good to be in the house of the Lord. This is Brother Wyatt Marshall, a friend of Kendra’s. Wyatt accepted Jesus as his savior this morning.”

  The congregation applauded.

  “He’ll stand in the lobby with me. I hope everyone will give him a warm welcome into the family of God. And pray that Brother Wyatt will find his church home here with us.”

  Brother Timothy asked one of the deacons to pray.

  She and Wyatt followed the pastor to the lobby. She took a peek as they passed her usual pew. Stetson was gone.

  twenty

  As the closing prayer ended and several “Amens” echoed, Wyatt grabbed her hand again. “You’ll stay in the lobby with me.”

  “Of course.” Kendra nodded. “Relax. They won’t bite. They just want to congratulate you.” Where had Stetson gone? They were supposed to have lunch. And she’d been looking forward to it.

  In the lobby, she looked out the double glass doors.

  Stetson’s truck pulled out of the parking lot.

  He’d left without her. He must think something was going on with Wyatt. But he could have at least stuck around and given her the chance to explain.

  ❧

  Stetson pulled into his gravel drive. Alone. His stomach rumbled as he got out of his truck and slammed the door with more force than needed.

  He should be happy. Wyatt Marshall had accepted Christ this morning and secured his eternity. In heaven. And with Kendra.

  A mockingbird sang three different calls as if all were right in the world. He kicked into the gravel, sending rocks flying in every direction. The bird quieted.

  His key jammed in the aged lock; he jerked and twisted until the door finally opened.

  After all this time, he’d never considered she might still have feelings for Wyatt.

  Just as Stetson had finally come to terms with his feelings for her and her past. He’d waited too long. Pushed her away, right into the arms of another man.

  Sinking into his recliner, he pushed back and covered his face with both hands. “Lord, You sent me the perfect woman, but I was too blind to see it. Until it was too late.”

  His stomach rumbled again. He’d skipped breakfast, but bile rose to the back of his throat. He’d lost her.

  And the worst part—he’d have to sit in church with them at every s
ervice.

  The phone rang and his nerves jangled with it. He grabbed the handset without even checking caller ID.

  “Hey, weren’t we supposed to have lunch?” Kendra asked.

  He closed his eyes. “You were busy, so I thought. . .”

  “Yeah I figured you did. Listen, I’m sorry, but Wyatt needs me right now.”

  “I understand.”

  “No, you don’t. You said we needed to talk, and I agree.”

  He should at least apologize to her. He’d held her past over her and probably made her feel inadequate. “Sure. How about the Cattlemen’s Steakhouse tomorrow night?”

  “There’s no sense in you coming all the way to Dallas to pick me up. I’ll meet you there. What time?”

  “Six.” No sense in him picking her up—because it wasn’t a date.

  “I’ll see you then.”

  He pushed End, leaned back, and stared at the textured ceiling. Be happy for her. Wyatt was a changed man. They were both saved and free to be happy. Together.

  ❧

  “I’m so happy for you.” Kendra sat across the table from Wyatt at Mom’s.

  The diner was filled to capacity, as usual, with a number of church groups. Several members of her church had come in and gone to the side with the larger tables.

  “Thanks for sticking with me through the whole thing.”

  “That’s what friends are for.”

  Wyatt frowned. “Is that what we are?”

  “I’d like to be.”

  “You’re amazing. After all the grief I put you through, you care where I spend eternity.” He took a bite of his burger.

  “Just trying to be a good Christian.” She shrugged. “So what happened? What propelled you to church this morning?”

  Wyatt wiped his mouth with a napkin. “Natalie’s pregnant.”

  Kendra’s gaze widened. “Wow. You’re the father?”

  “Beats me. But I could be. She wants to abort.”

  Kendra’s hand flew to her heart. “Oh no.”

  “I’m trying to talk her out of it. I told her I’d marry her whether it’s my baby or not.”

  “Wow.”

  “I love her.”