Page 121 of Lee

Part of Rori felt she should take the time to think it all over, but another part—one that grew in strength because of Essie’s story about her brother’s unexpected death—made her realize that tomorrow was never promised. What if she didn’t make the decision right then, and on her way home, something happened to her?

“I don’t have any more questions right now.”

“Would you like to pray now?” Essie asked.

“Yes. I would.”

Essie smiled broadly as she came around to sit on the stool next to Rori. Taking her hands, the older woman said, “Let’s pray together.”

As she prayed with Essie, Rori felt a peace settle over her. This was the right decision. She was a child of God now. A part of His family. A family that would be together for eternity.

“I’m so happy for you,” Essie said when their prayer ended. She released Rori’s hands. “I have something for you. I’ll be right back.”

As she sat in the quiet of the kitchen, Rori felt a pang of regret that she hadn’t made this decision sooner. However, she didn’t let the thought linger. Though it would have been better if she’d pursued this sooner, at least she’d finally made the decision.

This was definitely a better late than never situation.

“Here you go,” Essie said as she walked back into the kitchen.

Rori took the items Essie held out to her. After setting them on the counter, she looked them over.

“I bought that women’s devotional Bible a few months ago. Even though, at the time, I didn’t need it. But now you do.” She sat down on the stool again. “Unless you already have a Bible.”

“I don’t. I’ve just been using the app on my phone at church.”

“That works, but this is also good, too,” Essie said, tapping the Bible. “And here is a carrier for it. I got it at the same sale as the Bible.”

Rori ran her fingers over the fabric cover. It was purple—her favorite color—and had black line-drawn butterflies all over it. She loved butterflies and often came across them as she was taking pictures.

Now, though, they represented something more to her. Rebirth. A new creation. From caterpillar to butterfly.

By becoming a Christian, she had shed who she used to be to become something more. Something better.

“There is room for pens and notebooks, too,” Essie said as she flipped it open. With quick movements, she removed the plastic protecting the Bible and fitted it into the cover.

“Thank you so much,” Rori said. “For everything.”

Her words of thanks seemed inadequate these days, but what more did she have?

Essie leaned forward to hug her. “I’m glad that Al and I have been able to help you out. It’s been our pleasure.”

It would have been her mother’s inconvenience. If she’d had to actually lift a finger to help Rori, she would have found it very inconvenient. But God had provided friends who were more like family, and she couldn’t be more grateful.

Rori knew that if it hadn’t been for the support Essie and Al had offered her, and their invitation to attend church with them, she wouldn’t be where she was physically, emotionally, or spiritually.

Essie got up to refresh Rori’s coffee, and they spent the next half hour chatting as Rori finished up her coffee and cinnamon roll. Essie had pulled out a notebook and jotted down the references for passages of the Bible that she thought Rori should read.

When she’d written them all out, Essie tore the paper from the notebook and tucked it into a pocket on the inside of the Bible cover. “And if you have any questions, be sure to text or call me. But then, you could also ask any of the Halversons, since you’ve gotten so close to them.”

“Lee told me he loved me last night,” Rori revealed, unable to keep from smiling.

Essie’s smile grew. “Guess things are progressing nicely.”

“It’s been so amazing. I never thought I’d experience something like what I have with Lee.”

“And now you share a faith, which will only help to strengthen your relationship.”

Rori was sure that Essie was right. What she wasn’t as sure about was telling Lee that she’d just become a Christian. She didn’t think he’d get upset that she hadn’t been a Christian when they’d started to date. He’d never asked her, so she hadn’t lied about it. Surely it wouldn’t matter now.

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