Ryan nodded, smiling, arms crossed.“Now that’s what we’re talking about.”
He chuckled.“Right?It seemed dumb to wait, so we’re living the dream in this awesome house I just bought.”He picked up the laptop and showed them the interior of the living area, already boasting framed pictures of Bella’s artwork from school, and a trimmed Christmas tree ready for three weeks.
Someone whistled.
“Sweet pad, man.”
“And it’s going good?”Ryan asked.
He nodded.“It’s had its moments of adjustments, but yeah.Keep praying for us.”
“Always.”
“Newlywed fun.”
And yes, there’d been lots of fun.Thank goodness for Minnie being willing to take Bella overnight.And for his mom and dad, who’d been more than happy to spend time with Bella too.
“And where is the mom living?”
“We decided to give ourselves a chance to find out what life is like without her.At least for the next little while.The apartment downstairs is leased to a medical student Gen knows.She works night shifts, so we never see or hear her, so it’s like she’s not there.”
“That’s great.”
Sure was.God was so good.
He loved being a dad.Loved coming home from road trips to his family.He couldn’t wait until their family expanded, but Gen had said they should wait, as Bella’s upcoming Christmas present of a puppy promised to be adjustment enough.
But it was okay to cruise along now everything had settled down.Gen’s work was going well.He was scoring goals.Bella was enjoying her new school and friends.His parents and her mom were inching closer to finding Jesus.And even with that he’d come to realize afresh that he didn’t need to be pounding their heads with the good news.Just sow seed, water occasionally, and let God bring about the growth.The Holy Spirit didn’t need him to be a helper.But he needed the Holy Spirit to help him.
“So, how is everything going with you, Doug?”Drew asked.
Doug scratched his bristled jaw and shook his head.“Much the same.”
Huh.The lack of commentary about poor JT’s wife made a change.Maybe they’d have a conversation for once where they wouldn’t hear about—
“Yeah, what’s happening with Elsa?”Tom asked.
Apparently not.
There was a moment when it seemed everyone was waiting for Doug to step in, but he was looking away, which left Jai to explain about the recent death of JT’s mother-in-law.
“Wow, that must be so hard for Elsa,” Mike said.
Jai nodded.“It’s even more stress for poor Elsa who is still struggling with her visa.”
“You okay there, Doug?”Luc asked.
“Yep.Sorry, gotta scram.Something’s come up.”
Doug’s screen disappeared.
“That was weird,” Drew said.
Sure was.
Kyle glanced at the computer time.Winced.“Shoot, I need to go.We’ve got a fundraiser on tonight and I need to scoot.”
“Well, good to hear your awesome news.Congrats again.”
