Page 84 of Dare to Hold
A breath escapes me.
“Amen.”
And just before sleep claims me, peace slips into the room.
Like maybe, just maybe, He heard me.
My fingers brush across my lips, still tingling from last night.
It’s been nearly twenty-four hours, but my heart hasn’t caught up yet. I’ve been floating all day, that giddy post-kiss glow still clinging to me like Gray’s t-shirt—soft, oversized, and impossible to shake.
I’m thankful I work from home. No coworkers to raise eyebrows at the smile that’s been plastered on my face since sunrise. No one to question why I keep pausing in the middle of tasks just to relive every detail—his hands, his words.
I finish up a client call, give my final feedback on a design file, and close my laptop with a sigh of contentment. Technically, I should change for the worship night at church.
But I can’t bring myself to take off Gray’s hoodie. It’s a reminder of the warmth I’ve stepped into, not just with Gray, but with God.
But tonight is important and I need to look presentable.
So I slip out of my pajamas and trade them for my church’s volunteer t-shirt—a soft, navy cotton with “Here to Serve” printed across the chest in bold white letters. I tuck it loosely into a pair of jeans and then stand barefoot for a moment in front of the bathroom mirror, hair a little wild from the day.
I run a brush through it, touch up the waves with my curling wand, and swipe on some mascara and blush. A little more put-together for a night that deserves the intention.
As I lean closer to the mirror to apply a light coat of gloss, my phone buzzes on the counter.
Gray
Almost at sound check. Not gonna lie…feeling a little nervous. New song + packed house = mildly sweating
I smile, fingers still resting on the gloss tube.
Ivy
I can’t wait to hear the song, Gray. You wrote it for the Lord—and He’s going to use it.
Gray
You trying to preach to me through text right now?
Ivy
Maybe I am
Gray
Okay well then…“Blessed is the man whose girlfriend reminds him to calm down and not sweat through his shirt.”- Psalms-ish
A laugh bubbles out of me before I can stop it. I shake my head, trying to steady the eyeliner I’m now attempting to apply.
Ivy
That is not Scripture
Gray
It’s the Message translation. Very niche.
Ivy
