Landon’s family was nothing like Octavia had expected. From the moment she and Rossi’s family entered the house to a crowded room of at least thirty-plus onlookers, they were received with pleasant greetings and a couple of hugs
She came prepared for chaos, but the atmosphere was jovial. Many seemed genuinely glad to see Landon—or perhaps they wanted to see evidence of his tattered life. Before long, they had an impromptu church service with testimonies of God’s goodness and songs of praise.
Octavia said, “I know we’ve all shared testimonies, but there is one more thing I would like to say.” Landon’s grandfather consented, so Octavia proceeded while Landon eyed her with a curious expression. Octavia began to perspire as a hush swept through the room. “Thank you everyone for a warm reception.” Deep breath, she coaxed herself. “I don’t know the Landon Thomas that lived here, but I do know the one who lives in St. Louis. He’s a good man who has allowed God’s Word to take root in his heart. You may not recognize the new man, but I can’t see any remnants of what he says he used to be. Please pray for him.”
A few mumbled, “Amen.”
His grandfather quickly filled the lull. “Minister Tolliver, do you mind sharing a scripture.”
“Of course.” Rossi cleared his throat and stood. “God has laid it on my heart to remind us of Christ’s love for the church in Colossians 1:13–14: ‘For He rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.’ I can’t leave here today without commenting on the reception you all have given Landon who has become like a brother to me.” He paused and looked at his cousin. “Sorry, Levi.”
“No harm done.” Levi smirked as everyone laughed.
“We were all born and shaped in sin, but Jesus rescued us. When we live in darkness, Jesus is the light to rescue us…” Rossi said, summing up his sermon minutes after he began. “Landon’s in God’s hands in St. Louis. You all have my word that we’ll have his back and the assurance that God will supply his every need, according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
“Amen,” some mumbled; others shouted and clapped.
As Octavia and the others prepared to leave, Landon grabbed her hand and pulled her to the side.
“Thank you for all the things you said about me, especially the part about me being a good man.” He bowed his head, then looked at her again. “I’ve never been a good man, and to hear someone say I am…you make me want to live up to your and God’s expectations.”
“Landon, have you forgotten the scripture about being tried by fire?”
“No, I haven’t forgotten. It’s in 1 Peter 1, and I’ve been singed.”
She couldn’t resist reaching up and touching his jaw to see if it was as smooth as it looked. Landon captured her hand with his. “I have no right to say this, but I love you, Octavia Winston.”
The soulful gaze in Landon’s eyes made Octavia want to cry. His profession tempted her to make a similar declaration, but not yet. She couldn’t, and Landon seemed to understand it.
“I guess I’d better let you go. I’m bracing for drama when I meet with the mothers of my children tomorrow. I’m having second thoughts about you coming.”
Too bad, she thought as she planted a fist on her hip. “Dear Landon Thomas, this is why Minister Rossi, Levi and Karyn, and I came. Those mothers especially need to see you’ve changed if you want to have a relationship with your children.” She paused. “Do you want a relationship?” She searched his eyes, looking for the truth.
“Yes, I do.”
She exhaled. Whether he knew it or not, his answer was the best way to show her his capability to love her. “Good night.” When she turned around, Octavia hadn’t realized she and Landon had been the center of attention. She blushed.
“We’ll be here tomorrow afternoon, bro, to pick you up. Tomorrow is your test,” Rossi said as everyone was going out the door.
“Please come early enough for breakfast or brunch,” Mrs. Thomas said.
Rossi graciously declined. “Some devils are bound by fasting and praying, so another time?”
“Of course!” Landon’s mother said, and his father suggested they all fast and pray the next day.
The family members who were still there nodded. “Consider it done.” Their willingness to fast impressed Octavia. When it came to walking as a Christian, her pastor taught her that fasting and prayer worked together for their good.
Back in the rental SUV, Octavia retreated to her own thoughts, which was a rewind of how Landon looked at her when he said he loved her. His words were so heartfelt that they over-powered her senses. In the back of her mind, a tiny voice questioned if he had ever told another woman that.
No, she didn’t want doubt to creep in. If he had, then that had been the “old” Landon. Still, her parents didn’t rear foolish women. She lived in the Show-Me-State of Missouri, and she was forming a list when they made it back to St. Louis for him to show her.