L et’s sit somewhere else today.” Catherine held Jaidon’s hand as he guided her to their nicely padded sanctuary seats. She couldn’t believe she was already a member of his church, and before long, she would be part of his family. “We’ve sat in the same general area for months. I’m starting to feel like we’re in high school again and have assigned seats.”
“Fine. We’ll move.” Jaidon chuckled. He changed directions and headed for several empty seats to the left of the section they normally sat in. He scooted down to leave a couple empty seats on the end of the row. “If your mom and Alex don’t find us, it’s your fault.”
“Church isn’t that big.” Catherine nudged him playfully. “And she knows I’m wearing this bright floral sundress. She’ll find us.”
“You’re both here early as usual.” Thomas stopped to greet them. “How is everything going?”
“Fine,” Jaidon said and shook his hand.
“Are you excited about the wedding next week?” he asked Catherine.
Her mother and Alex approached them. “She’s not as excited as I am,” she said and hugged Pastor Burnside. “Thank you for performing the ceremony.”
“It’ll be my pleasure.” The pastor’s smile was sincere. “Good to see you again, Alex. I’m looking forward to officiating your wedding next week.”
“Thank you.” Alex nodded. A rare smile crossed his face. No matter how tough he acted on the outside, Catherine knew he was a softie and adored her mother.
As soon as the pastor moved on, her mother hugged Catherine and sat next to her.
“Hey, kiddo. Jaidon.” Alex winked at her and nodded toward Jaidon. “We going out for lunch later?”
“Sure thing,” Jaidon said.
Catherine watched as their senior pastor went on to greet others. The more she’d gotten to know Thomas, the more she liked him. He watched over the congregation and offered sound spiritual advice. She enjoyed the Bible study she and Jaidon attended on Monday nights. Not only did she take quiet time for God, but she also felt she was learning more of the Word and growing as a Christian.
Her outlook on life had changed so much in the last few months, and it all started when she walked into the center. It was exciting to see other lives changed as well. Tanesha and Daryl not only went to the center regularly but were also attending a local church. The change in their lives had inspired other youth to become involved with the center.
Catherine couldn’t wait to begin premarital counseling classes in a couple weeks. Life with Jaidon, working and ministering by his side, held so much promise. Catherine sighed.
“I know that sound.” Her mother linked her arm through hers. “You’ve got that dreamy look on your face. Whatcha thinkin’ about, kiddo?”
“Marriage.” Catherine nodded toward the front of the sanctuary. “You and Alex are getting married next week.”
“And you wish it were you.” Her mother giggled. “See that engagement ring on your finger?”
Catherine nodded.
“Every time you look at it, just keep reminding yourself that you only have four months until you are Mrs. Jaidon Taylor. And with each new day, you are one day closer to the blessed event.” Her mother kissed her cheek. “I’ll be back from my honeymoon in plenty of time to help you plan your wedding.” “Are you two supposed to be talking in church?” Jaidon whispered, leaning closer.
“Shh.” Catherine let go of her mother’s arm and put an index finger to her lips while trying to contain a laugh. She remembered when she first came to this church and the people were talking before service. It wasn’t the bad thing she’d thought it was, just as long as they didn’t talk during service.
“I’m going to shh you.” Jaidon leaned against her, giving her a small nudge. “And don’t I get any say in our wedding plans?”
“We agreed that you can plan the honeymoon,” Catherine said, “because I’m not having a sports-themed wedding…. And if you plan a honeymoon that includes any sports events, you can count me out.”
“So you won’t mind if I take Alex then?”
Catherine’s mouth flew open.
He laughed.
She jabbed Jaidon in the ribs.
“If we were alone, I’d kiss you.”
She closed her mouth. The smoldering look in his eyes reflected the truth in his words. Catherine licked her lips as she stared at his. Her breath caught. She almost tasted the sweetness of his lips as she thought about his kiss.
“You temptress,” Jaidon said in a breathy tone. “I’ve half a mind to drag you out of here and kiss you anyway.”
“And you call me a temptress?” Catherine turned her nose up at Jaidon as she twisted her head toward her mother. “We’ll be back in a moment, Mom.”
“Make that a couple minutes.” Jaidon laughed. Taking her by the hand, he got to his feet and tugged her swiftly behind him. She followed him to a secluded area outside beneath the shade trees. “Now aren’t you glad I insisted on coming to church early? Or we wouldn’t have time to do this.”
Without giving her time to respond, Jaidon cupped the back of her neck, tilted her head for his lips to claim hers, and closed the gap between them.
She savored the warmth of his kiss. “Mmm. I will never get tired of kissing you.”
“I hope not.” Jaidon laughed and gave her a peck. “Now let’s get back in service. You’re always making me late.”