Page 28 of Worship Him

“Dinner’s almost ready,” Jackie announces as she leads us to the dining room. “Barrett’s been fussing over the grill all afternoon.”

Marionette practically bounces beside me. “I’ve been waiting all week to see Avery again! She’s so cute!”

“She sure is,” I say, feeling a warmth spread through me at the sight of Marionette’s enthusiasm.

Barrett appears from the kitchen, wiping his hands on a towel. “There they are! Destiny, you look great. And there’s our little superstar.”

“Thanks for having us,” I reply, handing Avery over to Jackie, who coos at her softly.

Barrett nods towards the dining table set for dinner. “Hope you’re hungry. We’ve got quite a spread tonight.”

Jackie rocks Avery gently in her arms as she talks to Marionette about school projects and weekend plans. The normalcy of it all feels like a balm to my frayed nerves.

For a moment I just stand and take it in.

“So,” Barrett starts as we take our seats around the table, “how have you been holding up?”

I take a deep breath, feeling the weight of the past few days lift slightly in this comforting environment. “It’s been... challenging. But being here helps.”

Jackie smiles as she sits down next to me with Avery now nestled in her lap. “You’re always welcome here, Destiny. You know that.”

“Thanks,” I say softly.

Mimi clambers into her booster seat with some help from Barrett and immediately starts playing with her food.

Barrett pours us each a glass of wine—juice for Marionette and Mimi—and raises his glass for a toast. “To family and friends who make everything a little bit easier.”

We clink glasses, and I can’t help but smile at the sense of belonging that fills the room.

Dinner is a warm, lively affair. Barrett tells a joke that has Marionette giggling and Mimi clapping her hands in delight. The table is laden with delicious food, the scent of grilled vegetables mingling with the savory aroma of roasted chicken.

The kids’ laughter fills the air, and for a moment, I let myself get lost in the simple joy of it all.

But as I look around at this perfect picture of family life, a feeling of sadness crashes over me. This is what Avery should have—a home filled with love and laughter. Instead, she’s caught in the crossfire of my mistakes.

After dinner, Barrett takes charge of entertaining the children. Jackie and I retreat to the living room with our wine glasses, the soft hum of conversation filling the space.

Jackie settles next to me on the couch, her eyes searching mine. “I know Barrett has been hounding you about this, but you need to tell Adam about Avery.”

I sigh, feeling the weight of her words. “I know. It’s just... complicated.”

“Complicated or not, he deserves to know,” she says gently but firmly. “His reaction in court wasn’t just anger—it was hurt. I’m certain he still cares about you.”

My eyes sting with unshed tears. “I’m so scared, Jackie. I’m scared he’ll hate me for keeping this from him.”

Jackie reaches out and takes my hand. “He might be angry at first, but you need to give him a chance to be a father. Avery deserves that.”

The tears spill over, and I can’t hold back anymore. “I regret it so much,” I admit through sobs. “Not because I want to get back with him—I just regret starting Avery’s life like this.”

Jackie pulls me into a hug, her warmth comforting me. “You’re doing what you think is best for her, but keeping this secret isn’t fair to anyone—especially that precious angel.”

“I know,” I whisper, my voice cracking. “I just thought... if we were divorced first, it would be easier somehow.”

“Easier for who?” Jackie asks softly.

“For me,” I admit shamefully.

She pulls back and looks me in the eye. “Destiny, you’re strong enough to face this head-on. Telling Adam won’t be as scary as continuing to hide it.”

---