Page 58 of A Taste of Grace

I pulled out my journal and wrote a quick prayer of thanks for giving me a new family, even if Caleb had to pay for it. I was an expensive bride.

“Today is going to be a perfect day,” I declared.

Around 8:00 a.m., Caleb sent me a text.

Caleb:

This is the day the Lord has made. Rejoice and be glad in it.

Me:

Amen. *praying hands emoji*

Caleb:

I woke up early to do my tongue exercises. I’m going to lick you from the top of your spine to your ass then turn you over and brand my name in you before I penetrate you. Have a good day, baby.

I sat on the bed for a full two minutes aroused beyond belief. Nothing I said could top Caleb’s message, so I sent a tongueemoji and continued with the final touches on my morning preparation.

I was excited to leave Grace Toliver and her insecurities behind in the small wedding that would take place in Caleb’s backyard. After a light buffet breakfast at the hotel, I packed my belongings and moved my clothes and toiletries to my car. I peered into the heavens and blew a kiss upward, thankful for joy and a sound mind.

On the way to Caleb’s, I thought about my parents. Caleb was right. They prepared me for motherhood and marriage before I realized that was something I wanted in life. I was built for this. As Caleb reminded me almost every night, God’s plans were bigger than ours.

Six hours later, with self-control I never knew I had or needed, I stood before God and man ready to marry Caleb Evan Stallings. As about twenty of our closest family and friends joined us in the private ceremony, I examined Caleb fully as he stood stoically at the end of his deck where a simple arch of fresh-cut red and white roses intertwined with ivy. Charisma oozed from his perfect pores in a new black suit, his fingers circling his wrist.

I held Uncle Keith’s arm firmly outside the sliding doors of the deck. At the last minute, I asked him to escort me down the aisle, realizing I had family who cared for me if I let them into my heart. Together, we walked toward my future.

I took my time, taking in every good thing about this day—the instrumental love songs tugging at my heartstrings, the massive ferns representing my mother’s love of potted plants, and people who took time out of their lives to celebrate my unexpected marriage. I was not forgotten.

When I spotted Ms. Denise in her lavender two-piece church lady suit with silver sequins and bouncy bob wig, tears filled my eyes as she dabbed hers. I had a mother again.

I thought of my daddy with his big personality. He would have marched me down the aisle and given me to Caleb with the warmest of smiles. Mama and Daddy would have adored my Caleb. He was the kind of man Mama promised would come my way when I finally got married.

Thank you, God, for blessing me with such amazing parents. Because of their love, I know what real love feels like. Please give that to Caleb and me one day.

No matter how this relationship started, I wanted us to prosper. Caleb’s stability and consistency were already priceless.

The service went by in a blur.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife.” Elder Peyton’s eyes danced as he made the declaration.

Caleb flashed his drop-dead gorgeous smile my way and added a wink.

“Pastor, you may now salute your bride.”

“Gladly.” Caleb reached for the back of my neck then pulled me to him.

He started slow and gentle but ended roughly. Every feeling from my erotic dream came back to me as I slipped my tongue between Caleb’s teeth. Within seconds, I devoured his mouth as if my life depended on it. He matched my energy with gusto. When he moaned, I did too. We finally separated, and he whispered in my ear.

“Behave, Grace Stallings. Don’t give these folks a show they’re not ready to see.”

My heart fluttered when he used my new name. I wanted to say, “Forget these people, and let me see that full package in your pants,” but knew that would be inappropriate.

You’re a pastor’s wife now.

I straightened my spine and smiled as one of Caleb’s church members snapped several pictures of us. The guests slowlymoved toward the reception table on the opposite side of the yard, leaving us to ourselves.

I leaned in and hugged Caleb tightly. He grabbed my butt and squeezed it before licking my ear.

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