Page 77 of Let Me Hold You

Maggie chuckled as she held Levi’s hand and led him to the kitchen. She sat down on the chair she had been sitting on. Levi pulled up the other chair next to her.

“Mom and Dad,” Maggie said. “You met Levi maybe three years ago at the disaster relief in Miami. Remember?”

Dad nodded. “Yeah, we were on furlough and the hurricane happened. Levi and Malachi cooked for the workers.”

“Hello Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs,” Levi said. “Merry Christmas.”

Dad wished him the same, but Mom didn’t reply.

Malachi waved to Levi on his camera. They greeted each other as Maggie tried to figure out how to explain to her parents—especially Mom—about Levi.

She prayed quickly and then decided that the best thing to do was to just tell it as it was.

“Mom and Dad, Levi and I are dating,” she said casually.

First, there was silence.

Dad picked up another potato chip or something and nibbled on it. “I guess it’s someone we know and whom we’ve met. He’s not a total stranger.”

Malachi looked amused, like he was waiting for a shoe to drop.

Maggie dared not look at Mom’s panel on the video chatroom.

She glanced over at Levi, who quietly held her hand under the counter. She felt nervous.

Nonetheless, even if Mom disagreed in any way, it would be hard for Maggie to let Levi go. She had waited a long time for him.

Suddenly Mom clapped like she was at a concert or something. She laughed and clapped again. And then she said the most peculiar thing.

“About time!”

Chapter Eighteen

When Malachi said he had to go to a luncheon at Lakeside Resort, Maggie took the opportunity to exit the family chatroom as well. She felt relieved that there wasn’t any drama from her parents regarding Levi.

He was still sitting there at the breakfast counter, waiting for something.

“Who knew that your participation in the disaster relief in Miami three years ago made an impact on my parents,” she said.

“I was impressed by your parents also. They were in their late sixties and still served. We cooked like crazy, I tell you.” Levi grinned as he seemed to recall some memories that Maggie wasn’t privy to because she hadn’t been in Miami.

“Which tells me that they’re not really retiring when they move to Lakeside. They will be working for the Lord in some capacity. Pastor Fizz had been recruiting them.”

“I’m glad your parents approve of me, and I would like to meet them in person someday.”

Maggie had an idea. “Is the warehouse open next week?”

“Yes, actually. We’re getting new pop-up houses from Hiroki from tomorrow until Saturday. They’re preparing for the second village, remember?”

“Oh bummer. I was thinking that you could come with me to Lakeside if the warehouse is closed.”

“Oh well. Another time then. What’s your plan like next week?”

“I’ll be in Lakeside, visiting my parents and brothers until Sunday after church. Then I drive back to Atlanta.”

Levi thought for a bit. “How about I fly to Lakeside on Friday night and then drive back with you on Sunday after church? That way you won’t be driving alone both times.”

“Wouldn’t it be costly? Flights on holidays are expensive.”

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