AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Right, yeah.”
Another pause.
“Weather’s really nice for this time of year,” he offered weakly.
Tenaya nodded. “Perfect for an outdoor wedding.”
Another pause as they both searched for words.
“Your, uh, your leg healing okay?” Tai asked.
“Oh yeah, much better, thanks.”
More tense silence. Tenaya shuffled her feet.
Tai rocked back on his heels. “Well I’m glad you got here safely.”
“Me too.” Tenaya bit her lip. “So...” She trailed off, hugging herself uncertainly. “Can we talk?” she asked in a quieter voice.
Tai’s stomach twisted but he gestured for her to sit. She probably needed to vent her hurt one more time. He braced himself as he lowered into a chair across from her. Whatever she wanted to say, he owed it to her to listen.
But instead of yelling, Tenaya spoke with loving calm. “There’s something real between us. We both felt it,” she said earnestly. “I don’t want you making choices for me. I won’t leave the Creek unless you look me in the eye right now and say you feel nothing.”
Tai couldn’t find the words. A storm of emotions raged inside him. No way he could lie and turn her away.
Tenaya reached out and took his hand. “We owe it to ourselves to try,” she said softly.
Stunned by her bravery and conviction, he realized if he didn’t find the courage to move past his fears, he was going to lose any chance at a future with this extraordinary woman.
A woman his Savior had clearly put in his path for a reason.
He met Tenaya’s expectant gaze. “No, I don’t have feelings for you,” he stumbled out. “I love you, okay?”
Tenaya’s eyes widened in surprise and relief. “That’s convenient, because I love you, too.”
Her words crashed over him like a wave, lifting him, spinning him, filling him with a joy he could barely name.
He took her hands firmly in his own. “I promise no more hiding how I feel. If we do this, it’s all in.” He needed to say that, more for himself than her, clearly. And he meant it. Whatever doubts or fears he felt going forward, he needed to share them.
“I should hope so.” Tenaya pulled him into a fierce hug. As they held each other, she glanced again at the Bible. “Seriously though, words are my thing. Let me help with your speech.”
Tai readily agreed, admitting he was stuck. “I’m stuck on the opening quote. I can’t find anything quite right.”
“Proverbs 27:17,” she said immediately.
Tai groaned, slapping his forehead. “Captain Obvious. Of course. ‘Iron sharpens iron and one man sharpens another.’ It’s perfect. You’re a genius!”
Tenaya smiled. “Not sure about that. But I am tenacious.”
“Thank the Lord for that,” he murmured, drawing her close again.
No matter the challenges ahead, no matter how thick-headed he could be, together, their love would prevail.
EPILOGUE
“Can you move me to the left? I can’t see Kellen.”
Jason’s request filtered up from the tablet’s small speakers.
