“We both work for Skyluxe,” she said pointedly.
“Interesting.” Mark took a sip of his water, staring at Sunny over the rim. “I was under the impression that air traffic controllers are employed by the FAA, not the airlines.”
Luke and Sunny exchanged glances as the rest of the table quieted down again, but before they could explain themselves, Orion swaggered out onto the veranda, his eyes covered with black sunglasses.
Sunny leaned over to Luke and whispered, “Showtime.”
He nodded.
Just behind Orion, Pastor Bell walked out with his Bible in hand. Mark stood, rushing over to greet him.
After a warm hug, Pastor Bell surveyed the scene. With a smile and a big, booming voice, he said, “Sorry I’m late. I see y’all started without me. Fair enough.”
After Mark introduced Pastor, he took his seat at the other end of the table. “If I may, let us bow our heads and give thanks. This is a special occasion. A union of not just two people, but of two families. Two lineages. Two legacies.”
Chairs scooted. Heads bowed.
“Father God,” Pastor began. “We thank you for this day. For life, love, and the gift of new beginnings. We ask that You be present in every aspect of this occasion, from the vows to the cake to the people at the table. And the food we’re about to receive. Let it nourish us so that we may go forth in peace, love and joy. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”
After the amens, Orion walked over with his plate, eyeing Luke on Sunny’s left, and Amari on her right.
“Yall didn’t save me a seat?” he said roughly.
Mark signaled Mars again, much as he would have preferred leaving Orion’s dumb ass exactly where he was. With an incline of his head, he let Mars know to put the empty chair next to Drew on the opposite side of the table from Sunny.
“We must remind ourselves that marriage isn’t just a moment,” Pastor said as everyone commenced eating. “It’s a ministry.”
A chorus of hummed agreement sounded around the table.
“We know the Word says in Ecclesiastes 4:9–10, ‘Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.’”
He looked directly at the couple. “That’s the power of partnership. And while there may be fireworks, especially in the beginning, marriage is also about patience. Endurance. Sacrifice. Amen?”
“Amen,” they said in unison.
Sunny stared down at her plate, her appetite waning. She’d done those things. She was patient. She’d endured. She’d sacrificed. She didn’t think herself the type of person to confront a man of God, to call him out in disbelief, but she resented his words. It sounded good, but if only one of the partners wants to participate, what the hell do you do then?
A few chairs down, Mark seethed at the word partner. Pastor was obviously referring to the romantic type, but he couldn’t help that his mind wandered to Sterling.
“Affirmations!” Pastor boomed. “Let’s say a few to carry us into the weekend. Repeat after me. I am surrounded by love.”
“I am surrounded by love,” the table echoed.
“I am patient.”
“I am open to forgiveness.”
Frowning, Mark said that one a little too tightly as he, once again, thought about Sterling.
“I am not bound by the past.”
Sunny said that one a little louder than the others.
“I’m ready for my new beginning.”
The table was most enthusiastic about that one. After the affirmations were said, Mishon brought Pastor a plate and sat with him, while Orion eyed his ex-wife and the man sitting next to her.
He reached across Drew to tap Mark’s arm.