“What’s the latest?” Olivia asked, waking Octavia from her slumber. Octavia didn’t have to ask Olivia what she was referencing. She should have never told her sister about the showdown between James and Landon and the sweet brief—too brief—kiss they shared. Since then, Olivia had been hounding her weekly for an update about Landon as if Octavia’s life was a reality TV show. Unfortunately, the lunches they carved out for themselves began to fade with Landon’s need to study for his fatherhood class and the increase of luncheons she attended to network with more affluent clientele.
It had been a long day and an even longer evening with the homeowners’ seminar. Octavia yawned and eyed the time. Eleven-fifteen. She groaned. She really needed the rest.
“Can you believe Landon completed his father initiative program? That went fast. They had a ceremony for the graduating class last Friday morning and several of us attended. I was so proud of him. It was as if he was receiving a master’s degree. Two days ago, a big PR firm downtown offered him a permanent job. We all took him out to celebrate. He’s saved up enough money to fly back to Boston next weekend to see his children before he starts.” Octavia took a deep breath. She would miss him. “That about wraps it up.”
Silence. Silence and more silence. Finally, Olivia mm-hmmmed. “Thanks for updating Landon’s bio, but I was hoping for something that included you and Landon.” She tsked her disappointment.
So would she. Octavia stretched and slid deeper under the light covers. She tried not to make any demands on the man who was trying so hard. “Landon knows I’m here for him, but he’s putting all of his energy on seeing his sons and daughters. He doesn’t have time to invest in ‘us’—not now. Maybe never.” Why did doing the right thing make her heart ache?
“Can’t fault a man for being a man. Are you planning to take the trip again with him?”
“Nah, he’s a big boy. I think he’s got this.” She had to change the subject. “Hey, I do have some exciting news! I’m $210,000 away from making the Million Dollar Club!” That made her giddy. God was giving Landon the desires of his heart and doing the same for her—only she had tweaked her request.
“Go sister, go sis…” They laughed. “So, Landon…” Olivia switched back, and Octavia groaned. “Do you regret loving him?”
Octavia had never told him, but she was sure he knew. She let her heart settle before answering. “No, but Landon Thomas will be a hard act to follow. I can’t imagine another man measuring up to him. He knows God in a way I can’t begin to comprehend.” She sighed. “Maybe one day when I’m telling my nieces and nephews that you’re going to give me—”
Her sister shrieked, then laughed.
“Seriously, I’ll be able to tell your children about a pure love that came from the heart, no materialistic things to cause a distraction, no lust, no letting others sway you, just putting yourself out there to see if there could be that one fish in the water. No regrets, sis. No regrets.”
Olivia said, “I’m glad you’re my big sister.”
Wiping away a tear, Octavia curved her lips upward. “I’m glad you’re my sister, too. Of course, my relationship with Terri has suffered, so I chalk that up as a casualty. There’s a line girlfriends should respect.”
“That’s too bad.” Olivia tsked. “I always thought she had your back.”
“Yeah. As long as she thought she knew what was best for me.”
“As long as you’re all right. If Landon wasn’t a father of four, I would hurt him, but those babies need their daddy, so he’s safe.”
“Bye.” Octavia laughed and rolled over. She prayed that someday Landon would be recognized for a father of the year award, because from where she sat in the bleachers, he was sure trying to earn it.
On the day Landon boarded the plane to Boston, Octavia received the congratulations from Terri. “Welcome—you officially have one million and one hundred thousand dollars in home sales!”
Octavia screamed her excitement as tears fell from her eyes. Terri led her into the small conference room where there were balloons, cake, and in her honor, sparkling juice instead of wine. Her colleagues cheered. Rossi was there as well as Deb and Kai, her fellow praise dancers. Octavia shrieked when a surprise guest stepped from behind Rossi.
“Olivia!” She hugged her sister, smothered her with kisses, squealed, then started the ritual over again. They hadn’t seen each other since last Christmas. Octavia patted the tears on her cheeks. “When did you get in? How did you know…”
Her sister pointed at Terri. “Your friend redeemed herself.” Terri joined them in a group hug. Octavia whispered a prayer of thanks to the Lord Jesus. When she separated, Octavia’s skin tingled from some unexplained sensation.
A throat cleared and Octavia turned in that direction. “Landon?” Her voice trembled as her vision blurred. “Why aren’t you in Boston?”
It was as if everyone in the room held their breath as Octavia gasped for hers. Landon walked toward her. “I’m taking a later flight. Congratulations. This time I brought candy and flowers.”
As Octavia’s tears flowed, Landon made good on his promise. He tugged away from prying eyes and kissed her until she thought she would pass out.