And then, overcome by a feeling of peace, both of us drifted off in each other’s arms. My last thought was a simple prayer.
Thank you God, the universe, whoever you are, for bringing this man into my life. I’ll treasure him forever.
Epilogue: Mike
One Day Later
The church was silent as I stood at the pulpit, looking out over my congregation. I could feel the tension in the air, like they were waiting on pins and needles for me to speak. So, I decided to give them what they wanted.
“Well, I’m sure several of you caught the show at the fundraiser on Friday,” I said, drawing a few chuckles from the crowd. “And as much as I’d love to stand up here and say that someone was wrong or preach love or tell you that it was something that’ll never happen again… I can’t.” Silence resumed as dozens of faces stared back at me. “Because the truth is that your new pastor is gay.”
It was so quiet you could’ve heard a mouse fart in the walls.
“And as much as I would like to keep my private life, well…private, I realize that I’m a public servant and therefore, some things will just have to be said.” I stood up a little straighter, putting my arms out wide. “My name is Mike Johnson, and I’m a gay man. I serve God and my community. And my door is always open to those in need. But I also understand that our worldisn’t always accepting of such things. Even today, as I look out over you all, I see at least a handful of faces missing from our congregation.”
My eyes scanned across the room before they landed on Brooks, Rowan, and then Cash.
“But there are new faces here too. Friendly faces. Faces of people who, like me, serve this community while being true to themselves.” I put my arms down, stepping away from the pulpit. “So instead of asking you for permission or acceptance today, I’m going to ask you for forgiveness. Not for me or who I am, but for those in our community who have not yet learned to love their neighbors. Don’t hate them, shun them, or push them away. That’s not what God teaches us. He teaches us to love them anyway, to help them find their own path to the light.”
I took a deep breath, feeling Cash’s steady gaze on me from the back pew where he sat beside Brooks and Rowan. The sight of him there, choosing to stay despite everything, gave me the courage to continue.
“I know some of you are wondering about my relationship with Cash Callahan,” I said, my voice carrying clearly through the hushed sanctuary. “And I won’t insult your intelligence by pretending there isn’t one. Cash and I... we care deeply for each other. He’s a good man who’s been carrying wounds from this community for far too long, and I’ll be damned if I’m going to let anyone tear him down again.”
A few murmurs rippled through the congregation, but I pressed on.
“Now, I understand that some of you may feel uncomfortable with this revelation. You may feel that your pastor should be... different than I am. And if that’s the case, I respect your feelings. But I won’t apologize for loving someone, and I won’t hide who I am to make others more comfortable.”
Mrs. Henderson in the third row was nodding approvingly, while the Pattersons looked uncertain. Dolly, of course, was beaming like a proud mother from her usual spot near the front.
“What I will promise you is this,” I continued, stepping closer to the congregation. “My personal life will never interfere with my calling to serve this community. I will still be here for your weddings, your funerals, your celebrations and your sorrows. I will still visit the sick, comfort the grieving, and counsel those in need. Because that’s what God called me to do, regardless of who I love.”
I paused, letting my eyes sweep across the faces before me. Some looked accepting, others confused, a few clearly disapproving. But they were all still here, still listening.
“If any of you have questions or concerns, my door is always open. If you feel you can no longer worship here because of who I am, I understand and wish you well in finding a spiritual home that suits your needs. But if you choose to stay, know that you’re part of a community that believes love is love, that everyone deserves dignity and respect, and that God’s grace is big enough to cover us all.”
I moved back behind the pulpit, my hands gripping the familiar wood as I prepared to deliver the rest of my message. An unprompted chorus of “amens” echoed through the church, stronger than I’d expected. When I looked up, I saw Cash wiping his eyes with the back of his hand, Brooks patting his shoulder supportively.
“Now,” I said, managing a smile, “let’s sing together.”
As the organ wheezed to life and voices began to rise in familiar harmony, I felt something settle in my chest. This was right. This was who I was meant to be, a pastor who didn’t hide, who stood in truth even when it was terrifying.
When the service ended, I braced myself for the exodus I was sure would come. Instead, I found myself surrounded bycongregation members wanting to shake my hand, offer words of support, or simply say they were glad I’d been honest with them.
“You did good, sugar,” Dolly said as she made her way out. “Damngood.”
But it was Cash’s approach that made my heart race. He waited until most of the congregation had filtered out, then walked slowly up the aisle toward me. His eyes were red-rimmed but bright, and when he reached me, he didn’t hesitate to pull me into his arms right there at the altar.
“I’m so proud of you,” he whispered against my ear, his voice thick with emotion. “I can’t believe you did that for me.”
“I did it for us,” I murmured back, not caring who might see us embracing in the sanctuary. “I love you, Cash. I’m not hiding that anymore.”
He pulled back to look at me, his hands framing my face. “You know there’s gonna be hell to pay for this, right? The church board might try to?—”
“Let them come,” I said, surprising myself with how calm I felt about it. “We’ll face whatever happens together.Nothingwill take you away from me again.”
Cash’s smile was radiant as he leaned down to press a soft kiss to my lips. Behind us, I heard Dolly’s loud whistle of approval echoing through the sanctuary.
“Lock the doors,” she called out cheerfully. “This old church could use some excitement, but we don’t need another repeat of Friday night.”
