“I won’t wake her,” Pastor Landris whispered as he scooped Princess Rose softly up in his arms and carried her out of their room.
When he came back, Johnnie Mae was reading a book.
“What are you reading?” he asked.
“A book about infertility and how certain foods can affect a woman’s ability to get pregnant.”
“Johnnie Mae,” he took the book out of her hands and laid it on the nightstand, “if you and I don’t have a baby, it’s okay. I’m fine either way. I believe God will have His way in this matter when He’s ready.”
“So you believe there’s nothing wrong with me?”
“I believe,” he reached over and picked up the book of house plans, “we have enough on our plates to keep us busy while we wait on the Lord. And again,” he began as though he was preaching a sermon, “I say—Wait on the Lord!”
She shook her head and took the plans out of his hand. “Have you seen anything in here you like so far?”
“A few things. But I really want us to do this together. I don’t want it to be my house or your house. I want it to be our house.”
“I still can’t believe you agreed to do this. We have a house. We didn’t need a bigger house—a minimum one point five million dollars worth of house, at that.”
“Johnnie Mae, this was one of the things that cinched the deal for the remaining church property. Brent and I both agreed we’d be the first to build houses in this new subdivision. That’s going to let people know we’re really serious and committed. And honestly, I kind of wanted us to build a house together anyway.”
She stopped turning the pages. “So you have a problem with this house?”
“This house is the home you built with Solomon,” Pastor Landris said. “I know it has special memories for you and Princess Rose. I respect that. I wasn’t planning on doing this right now, but since the opportunity arose, I’m ready to do it. The bank approved the $18 million loan for the thirty-five acres to start phase one of the church building. They were actually swayed by the new subdivision idea as well. I think Mr. Busby may have also called in a few favors to make this loan happen for the church. We all have a lot riding on this.”
“I still can’t believe they did things so quickly.”
“What quickly?” Pastor Landris said. He took the plan from her and started turning the pages. “We took the bank the business plan and proposal, along with Dexter Iron and Steel’s commitment and recommendation letter. It took all this time and a ton of discussion and paperwork for them to approve us, but they did. Of course, Mr. Busby calling in some favors to make things happen faster for us didn’t hurt either. You can definitely see the hand of God on this. It’s the favor of God.”
“The congregation is really excited about the new building. People are giving from their hearts because they love God and believe in this work. No pressure from you, no scriptural manipulation—just because they love God.” Johnnie Mae watched him turn the pages of the book. “Brother and Sister Watts have made arrangements to buy a lot in the new subdivision, as well as about ten other families.”
Pastor Landris handed the book back to her and popped a page with his hand. “What do you think of this one?”
She looked at the floor plans and specs. “Nice, but do we really need six bedrooms?”
“Let’s see…there’s you, me, Princess Rose, the new baby—”
“You’re just saying that, trying to make me feel you really want one. I don’t think you do, and the more I think about it lately, maybe we don’t need any more children.”
“And miss out on a possible ‘mini me’ running around, driving you crazy?”
She started laughing even though she really didn’t want to. “Landris,” she placed her hand on his face and caressed it. “You’re so wonderful to me…and Princess Rose…my mother…and even my sisters, who aren’t always so nice to you.”
“Believe me, it’s fairly easy,” Pastor Landris said. “Having you in my life and knowing that nothing that comes up, good or bad, gets past our all-knowing Father. Johnnie Mae, I wouldn’t trade our life for all the money in the world.” He kissed her. “Now, back to the house. I need to tell the builder something by the end of this week. Think of it this way: if Rachel doesn’t move out soon, at least we can. Problem solved.”
She laughed. “It’s funny how things work out, huh?” She turned the page and stopped. “Landris, what about this one?”
He leaned over and studied it, then frowned a little. “So you really like that one?”
“Actually, I do. It has casual elegance, sort of reminds me of Oheka Castle, yet it’s more practical,” Johnnie Mae said, comparing it to the place where she and Landris had exchanged their vows.
“Do you want to go with this one or would you rather look some more?”
“Were there others you looked at already you want me to see?” Johnnie Mae asked.
He smiled and turned to the back of the book, pulling off a sticky note and handing it to her.
Johnnie Mae started laughing. “Landris, you’d already picked out that house plan! Why didn’t you tell me that when I said I liked it?”
“I guess I just wanted you to see how much we really do think alike. So, it seems like this is the one. If you get a chance between now and Friday morning, jot down any changes or additions you’d like so we can have the builder incorporate them into the blueprint.” He pulled out a scripture he’d also written down and had placed in the back of the book.
“Johnnie Mae, here’s a scripture I found. You know I believe the answer to whatever we need is in the Word. This is a specific scripture, just for us.”
Johnnie Mae took the scripture and read it out loud. “‘He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the Lord.’ Psalm 113:9.”
“Commit it to your heart, Johnnie Mae. If you really want to be a joyful mother of children, commit it to your heart. For out of the heart, the mouth speaks. And one more thing: when you say it, make it personal. Say: He maketh me to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Just like that.”
“You really do want a baby, don’t you? I’m not the only one?”
He smiled. “Yes. I didn’t know how much until the other day. I don’t want you feeling any pressure from me one way or the other, but I can’t help but wonder what our child will look like.”
“And if I can’t have one? How will you feel then?”
“We’re not going to believe for that. You really desire a baby. That’s what I’m believing God for. I’m not going to compromise. You and I will mix our faith and God’s Word together. I’m doing that daily for so many things: our spiritual growth; our family, both home and the congregation; the church building; our new house; and our baby.”
The builders started framing the Landris’s new house. Pastor Landris held Johnnie Mae’s hand as they walked the land. He repeated Joshua 1:3 as they walked. “‘Every place that the sole of your feet shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.’ Johnnie Mae, these were the words I spoke as Brent and I walked the place where the church will be going up soon. I also spoke them on this property as I chose the land we were to build our home on. God is so good. Look at where He’s brought us from. He’s given us the land.”
She laid her head on his shoulder, and he knew the one thing missing right now for sheer happiness was the baby they both desired.
“If we get good weather, I anticipate we’ll have your house completed no later than the first of July,” Max, the building foreman, said as he walked up to them.
“You startled us,” Johnnie Mae said, popping her head up suddenly.
“Sorry about that. As I was saying, with the house you chose, I believe it’ll be ready to move in by July if we work at full capacity. It’ll be tight, though. My boss has made it clear he wants this done as quickly as we can manage it, with our highest standard of quality, of course. You folks must have friends in high places.�
�
Johnnie Mae smiled at him. Yes, we do. And what a friend we have in Jesus. She now had a due date. Not for a baby yet, but a due date nonetheless.
Chapter 32
Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse.
(Proverbs 1:14)
Sapphire, Angel, and Faith were sitting in the publication room at the church, waiting for Johnnie Mae. She’d called to say she was running a little late. The three of them sat and chatted to pass the time.
“We haven’t had much of a chance to really talk, Faith,” Sapphire said. “I see you in passing some Sundays. I see Hope more—she always makes an effort to speak. I thought she volunteered to help with this project. I’m surprised not to see her here.”
“Yeah, Hope discovered at the last minute there was a slight conflict. Both of us volunteered, but Hope won’t be able to do this after all,” Faith said.
“My name is Angel. Angela Gabriel, but everybody calls me Angel. I’ve met Hope, but not you. Is there a problem maybe we can help with?”
“Nice to meet you, Angel. I’ve heard a lot about you. Hope seems to think the world of you. And no, there’s nothing you can help with.”
Angel looked closer. “It’s amazing how much you two look alike. I mean, in the face, that is.” Angel gave her another quick once-over. “You dress differently, and you have very different personalities.”
Faith noticed the way Angel was looking at her. “We get that a lot. I suppose that’s why they call people who are identical twins, identical.” Faith faked a smile. “So—Sapphire, where’s that hunk of a man of yours? I haven’t seen him around church lately.”
Sapphire looked at her a second before answering her. “He doesn’t attend here any longer. He joined another church.”
“He joined another church? What is that all about? His brother is the pastor here, and he joined another church? Well, I mean, I know this place is not for everybody, but this is his brother,” Faith said as she leaned in closer to Sapphire. She hoped Johnnie Mae would be late enough for her to get all the information.
“It wasn’t anything like that,” Sapphire said. “He went to work at Divine Conquerors Church and one of their stipulations for employment is a person has to be a member.”
“He went there for a job?” Faith made a smacking sound. “What, there wasn’t enough work for him to do something here? As talented as he is?”
“Why are you so concerned?” Angel asked.
Faith turned and looked at her. “Actually, Sapphire and I were discussing this, but since you asked, I’m just concerned about how it looks. Pastor Landris is his brother, and he leaves here and joins another church. I’m sure that’s given people a lot to talk about. I just hadn’t heard about it, that’s all.”
“That’s because Pastor Landris doesn’t like gossip. You may not know this about him,” Sapphire said, “but he’s really good at keeping his mouth shut about things that aren’t everybody’s business. He’s not a tell-all pastor like some.”
Faith looked at Sapphire. “Excuse me. I was just interested in knowing what was going on. I’m not planning to gossip about it or anything. So, Sapphire, why didn’t you go with him? If it’s okay to ask that, that is. I don’t want to cross the line again.” She flashed a look at Angel.
Angel got up and walked over to the computer, turned it on, and waited for it to boot.
Sapphire looked at Angel and back at Faith. “Thomas did what he felt he needed to do. He and I are not married, and I prefer Pastor Landris’s teaching.”
“What are you planning to do when the two of you do marry? Again, I’m not trying to be nosy, so if it’s none of my business, I won’t be offended if you tell me so.”
Sapphire smiled. She glanced out of the side of her eye and noticed Angel was laughing to herself. Angel’s really enjoying this.
“I’m not sure he and I are going to go down that path, at least not for a while. Thomas is working some things out within himself.”
“Hey, look. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pry,” Faith said. “I just noticed I hadn’t seen him around. Usually, you and he sit together, although everybody’s been so busy since so many people have been coming here. Good thing we’re expanding our space. That property for the new sanctuary is gorgeous! In fact, I’m thinking seriously about buying some land to build me a house. Probably not in the rich-folk section like Pastor Landris and some of the others, but I love the area and the whole concept.”
Faith turned and looked at Angel. “What about you and Brent? Is that his name?”
“What about me and him?”
“Are you two planning to marry soon? I heard you were helping him with his house plans,” Faith said. She stood up and walked over near Angel. She could see Angel was working in a program called Photoshop, playing around with two different graphics. “That looks nice. Did you do those?”
It was a picture of an angel holding a sword with the words SWORD OF THE SPIRIT engraved on the blade and BIBLE on the handle and one of a shield with FAITH inside it.
“I helped,” Angel said.
“You and Brent make a nice couple. Anything happening there?”
“Just friends. We also work together professionally,” Angel said. “Who told you I was helping him with his house?”
Faith acted like she was trying to recall. “You know…I don’t remember. I’m sure wherever I heard it, it was in passing. I don’t talk to many people. I like staying to myself mostly—less folks getting into my business that way.”
“Oh, I feel you,” Angel said as she closed the graphics off the screen.
“Sorry I’m late,” Johnnie Mae said as she rushed in. “It’s been one of those days.” Johnnie Mae hugged all three women and set her purse down on the table in the corner.
“How’s your mother?” Sapphire asked.
“She has her good days and her bad,” Johnnie Mae said. “Today was a good day. Although I believe my oldest sister is really starting to try her nerves. We had a nice talk today, my mother and I. She realizes she’s getting worse, and she and I have had to consider certain options that will probably be necessary sooner than either of us wants to face it.”
“I just love sitting and talking with her, Angel said. She’s even a lot of fun when her mind travels back in time. Johnnie Mae, your mother was a mess as a young person.” She laughed.
“Yeah, remind me to stop letting you visit her,” Johnnie Mae said, teasing her. “You two have too much fun together. It’s no wonder she prefers reminiscing when you’re around. You’re probably encouraging her so you’ll have somebody to hang out with.”
Sapphire swiveled her chair. “I suppose we should get started,” she said. “We have a lot to do.”
“Oh, I’m sorry,” Johnnie Mae said. “That was very inconsiderate of me. First, I have you three waiting for over fifteen minutes for me to arrive, then I come in talking when I’m sure you have other things to do.” Johnnie Mae took out the notebook with her ideas for the marriage seminar.
She shared her thoughts with them, and they each decided which task they would take on. Angel would handle the layout after everything was finalized. Sapphire would work with Johnnie Mae on ensuring the accuracy of the information, and help with the research. Faith volunteered to type what Johnnie Mae and Sapphire wrote and pulled from the Internet, books, and magazines into one word-processing file. Johnnie Mae preferred typing her information, so if Faith got a copy of it on a disk, she would only have to incorporate other information as directed. After that, Johnnie Mae would edit, correct, change, add, or delete as needed. Faith would make those corrections and hand the word file over to Angel for typesetting and layout.
“We’re going to have to work closely to get this done,” Faith said. “Especially you and I, Johnnie Mae. I’m available at your beck and call. We’ll knock this out pretty quickly, don’t you girls think?”
Sapphire and Angel rolled their eyes at each other.
“And as a thought, Angel,” John
nie Mae said, “most people don’t know this, but our own Pastor Landris is quite the artist. If you need something drawn—nothing big or time-consuming, of course—let me know, and I’ll see if I can’t get him to draw it.”
“He’s quite the talent?” Faith said. “Does he happen to have a brother?” She looked over at Sapphire. “I mean, other than Thomas, of course.”
Johnnie Mae smiled. “No. Thomas is it.”
Faith grunted. “Mmm, too bad.”
“I didn’t know Pastor Landris could draw,” Sapphire said.
“Oh, he’s quite good, in fact. He drew a portrait of me, and it’s rather lifelike. I was taken aback the first time I learned he was that talented,” Johnnie Mae said.
“I’ll keep that in mind,” Angel said. “I believe I’ll have all I need, though. But if you’ll just jot down ideas in an outline form, I can get started. I figure it will take me about two weeks to lay the whole thing out. I’ll get it to you to proof, make your corrections or changes, and give you the final proof copy when I’m finished. After that, we should be good to go to final print and copy.”
“Sounds like a plan to me,” Johnnie Mae said. “I believe with all of us contributing our individual parts, we’ll make this work and end up with one great workbook and one blessed thirteen-week marriage seminar. Let’s schedule it to kick off in June.”
“Saturdays in June may not be convenient for most people,” Sapphire said. “A lot of people have their weddings in June.”
“Then, what about Friday nights?” Johnnie Mae said.
“I think Fridays will work,” Faith said. “I’m usually not busy at all on Fridays.”
Sapphire looked at Faith. “I don’t think you’re supposed to be here for this. Unless, of course, you plan to be married by then?” She looked at Faith as though she expected an answer. “This is a marriage seminar. And unless I’m mistaken, that means it’s for married people only,” she said.
Faith looked at Sapphire. “You never know. A lot can happen between now and June. There are plenty of men out there—a woman just needs to know where to look, the right bait to use, and how to reel the right one in.” She threw Sapphire a stoic grin.
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