Page 48 of It Starts With A No

He shook his head again. “You know that no one—not even you—could do all the things He wants. Being angry with someone is considered murder.”

Clary’s lips curled again.

“You never react the way I expect you to.”

She chuckled. “You’re right. No one,” she paused, “not even the awesome and almost-perfect me, can fulfill the law.”

Seth grinned.

“That’s why we need Jesus. He came and fulfilled that contract for us. Then He set the new contract on the table. Believe that He came and died for you. Believe that He’s all that you need. Then confess that He’s Lord. That’s all.”

“You seem like a logical person.”

“Oh, oh.” Clary’s eyes narrowed. “I’m going to be pushed into the one-of-them group again, aren’t I? Illogical because I’m a Christian.”

“Surely you realize that it’s too good to be true.”

She dropped her gaze for a moment before lifting her chin. “If Elton accidentally killed Mr. E—”

“Trust me. If that happens, it probably won’t be accidental.”

She nodded. “And the judge gave you a choice to bear whatever the sentence was in place of Elton. Would you do it?”

That hit him right in the heart, because he would. Not just him. Any of his brothers would volunteer to take the punishment.

“Because as annoying as he is, he’s your brother and you love him.” She gave Seth a rueful smile. “And no matter how evil we are, God still loves us so much He sent His only Son to die for us.” Her eyes shone with tears. “And the only Son—the darling of heaven—left the glorious paradise of heaven to come into this world to suffer and die for us.” She pressed a hand to her chest. “That’s my God.”

Seth couldn’t tear his eyes from her.

He wanted to reach over to her, to touch her face, to draw her close.

Clary’s chest rose as she squared her shoulders. She cracked a mischievous smile and held her hands out toward him. “And He can be yours if you want Him. Would you like to invite Him into your heart?” She chuckled and dropped her hand when Seth narrowed his eyes.

“It’s so annoying when you people do that.”

“Do you think I did that just to annoy you?” She held a hand up. “Actually, I kind of did.” She laughed again. “But I believe that most Christians are so zealous in spreading the word because they love or care enough about the people around them to have the desire to save them.” She leaned back in the chair. “It’d be nice to see you in heaven. And despite how annoying Elton was to me, I wouldn’t wish for him to end up in hell either.”

“What makes you so sure you’re right? What if it’s all a lie and there’s just nothing after death?”

“Instinctively, people know there’s something that will last for eternity. I think that’s why even ancient kings would search high and low for the elixir of life.” She shrugged. “But I don’t have an answer for that. Maybe there’s a right answer, but I don’t have it. I just know.”

“Maybe you just like the idea of having an imaginary friend so you don’t feel alone.”

She shrugged again. “I guess we’ll find out eventually. And I hope that when we get there, you’re right where I am.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m sure that in the space of eternity, I’d like to annoy you every now and then.”

He laughed, but it sounded nice. He supposed he’d like to do that too.

“May I ask why you have a curfew?” Clary checked the time on her watch. “Will your car turn into a pumpkin at twelve midnight? Because my bag and jacket’s in there and I’d like to get them back before that happens.”

Chapter 10

“I need to get home before my brother goes to sleep.” Seth took the empty plate and stood, and Clary followed him around the counter.

“Why?” she asked. “Is he afraid to be at home alone? How old is he?”

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