Page 40 of Surrender

I was a little nervous about that. Myra loved to party, and I was no stranger to her “lituations”. Whenever we got together for a turn-up, it was always a vibe. I guess I did owe her for keeping her out of the loop. I’d go along with her madness and pray she didn’t get me into too much trouble.

Today was a big day for Kachelle and I.

We were meeting with the relator to look for our first home together. Last night we’d looked up a few properties. Thankfully, we had similar styles and agreed upon the spaces we found most important. We both wanted a large living space and kitchen with adequate dining for entertaining, a sizable master suite with double walk-in closets, and a nice size ensuite. We also agreed on a big backyard, preferably with an in-ground pool.

Since I was making a cash offer, I was hoping to find something that was move in ready. Elizabeth, our realtor, had already curated an additional list of properties based on what we were looking for. She said that some were on the higher end of our budget, but with a little persuasion, they could be talked down.

Kay was up bright and early this morning, moving around my apartment. She told me last night that even though she was excited, she was also very nervous. Getting married was one big commitment, and buying a home together was another. All night, she’d tossed and turned, so I wasn’t surprised when I woke up around three and found her side of the bed empty.

From where I lay, I could see her sitting on the balcony with her knees to her chest. The door was slightly ajar, and I could hear her whispering. As I listened, I realized she was praying. Praying for me. Praying for us and our union. Praying that our hearts would align with His purpose for us in each other’s lives. I didn’t interrupt her. Instead, I’d closed my eyes and prayed along with her from bed.

Eventually, she returned and snuggled up close to me before finally falling asleep. It was now almost nine, and our first viewing was at eleven. Tossing back the covers, I got up from the bed and started for the bathroom. I was at the door when I paused and looked back at the unkemptness of where I’d slept.

My wife made her bed every morning when we got up. It was always nice, neat, even with the fifty-leven throw pillows she insisted on having. I chuckled to myself as I turned around and went back to fix the bed and clean up. It only took about fifteen minutes to straighten up and I had to admit it looked better.

I headed into the bathroom to shower and handle my hygiene. Twenty minutes later, I was out and getting dressed in a plain white tee and a pair of joggers. After slipping on my socks and my favorite pair of J’s, I pulled my locs up into a bun. With a few spritz of my favorite cologne, I stuffed my phone and my wallet into my pocket and headed out front.

The smell of whatever Kay was cooking hit my nostrils and made my mouth water. She stood at the stove singing along to Marvin Sapp’s “Praise Him In Advance”. I strolled over and wrapped my arms around her from behind. She smiled softly as I kissed her temple.

“Good morning, my love,” I said.

“Good morning, baby.”

She tilted her head to give me her lips, and I kissed them softly.

“How did you sleep?” she asked.

“Decent. Did you get enough rest?”

“I got something. I’ll probably need a nap when we’re done for the day.”

“Where’s your mental?”

“I’m okay. I prayed this morning, and I’m at peace.”

“That’s my girl. What do you have smelling so good in here?”

“Homemade biscuits with sausage gravy, eggs, and bacon. I made you some coffee, too.”

“You are gonna have me gaining weight messing around with you.”

She giggled. “I like men with a little meat on their bones. Go on and have a seat. I’ll fix you a plate.”

“I got it. You did all the hard work. Let me serve you.”

I tapped her bottom as I ushered her to the table. Grabbing the plates, I placed them on the counter and took the biscuits from the oven. Once everything was plated, I took them to the table and went back to make my coffee and pour her a glass of orange juice. Seated at the table, we joined hands and bowed our heads as I led us in prayer.

“Father God, we come to you asking that you bless this meal and the hands that prepared it. May it serve as sustenance for our bodies. Father, I ask for Your grace and mercy as Kay and I begin yet another new journey together. May You see fit to bless us with the home of our dreams to raise our family in. Father, I ask that you touch the hearts of both of our families. I know we don’t see eye to eye on our version of marriage, but help them to see the wonderful blessing that is our union. You’ve given me the greatest gift in my wife, and I will honor and cherish her as You cherish us both. These and all blessings we ask in Your son Jesus name, Amen.”

“Amen.”

Kachelle leaned in and kissed me softly before we dug into our meal. She shared her excitement about which houses we would view today. There was one in particular that she had her heart set on, so she wanted to save it for last. As we finished eating, there was a knock at the front door. As Kay cleared the table, I went to answer it, finding Jessa on the other side.

“Good morning!” she said with a wave.

“Hey, Jess. What are you doing here? And why did you knock?”

“One, you’re married now, and I see the way you two look at each other. I’m not trying to walk in on newlywed activities. And two, Kay told me you were house hunting today. I wanted to tag along.”

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