Sacred Ground
Page 28
The sale of a portion of the forest had provided funds and land for the Grayson Health Clinic, one building of which was already under construction, and for several classrooms for the church.
Gabe was involved with Marie Frye in learning more about sustainable foresting, and in drawing up plans for the new community center.
Public interest in the praise house had been fierce. People wanted it moved out of the forest. Why not put it close to the final resting place of the slaves who had built it, they said.
“I understand what they’re saying.” Gabe and Makima were walking hand in hand to the praise house one summer evening. The air was still balmy and it wasn’t even dusk yet since it didn’t get dark until around eight-thirty.
“But you still want to keep it private,” she said.
“I admit to being selfish about it. This place means so much to me.” They arrived at the clearing. He unlocked the door and they went in.
“It brings such peace to me. I think it’s because I feel surrounded by my ancestors. I like to tell them all the things that are happening. Like about the clinic and the church classrooms and that there’s going to be a monument to them at their cemetery.” He grinned a little self-consciously. “I even came to share the news that Drew won the swim meet this year.”
“You have time yet, honey. Eventually you might want to make it more accessible to the public but you don’t have to hurry.” She glanced at him lovingly and squeezed his hand. “I have some news to share with them.”
“What is it?”
“We’re having a baby to add to the Bell lineage.”
This time when Gabe whooped with joy and hugged his wife, the person he saw was a slight ebony man with a goatee whose eyes smiled at him.
SACRED GROUND
An Arabesque novel
ISBN: 978-1-4268-0063-4
Copyright © 2007 by Adrienne Ellis Reeves
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