“What? No.” She shakes her head. “This was a simple misunderstanding.”
“You can come with us willingly or unwillingly. It’s up to you,” the dark-haired man with cold, dark blue eyes and black hair informs her.
She huffs. “I can walk.”
They usher her outside, and the room instantly lightens. Alexandria’s hard-shell cracks. “She just let me go so easily.”
“Come here, love.” Preacher opens his arms. “It’s not your fault. Your mother took a left turn along her path and it’s going to take some hard truth and rock bottom moments to get her back on track. I’m sorry I let her keep us apart for so long. In that, I failed you. I know I can’t make the years up, but moving forward, I’d like to rebuild a relationship with you.”
“Really?” she asks, her voice small.
“Absolutely. Will you have me?” He glances at me over her shoulder. “Us.”
Sniffling, she nods. “I think I might like that.”
“We’ll figure it all out together as we go.” Preacher strokes her hair, and my ovaries nearly explode at the paternal outpouring of love and support.
“I know I have to file paperwork, so I’ll leave you two here for a bit.” Walking over to the bed, I bend down to kiss Preacher’s forehead.
Alexandria straightens and swipes at her eyes. “Thank you for standing up for me, Queenie. I—” She bites her lip. “I’m not used to that.”
“Anytime, beautiful girl.” I cup her face, and we share a small smile.
We’ve got a long way to go to being comfortable, but this is a seed we can grow. I can see a future with these two stretched out in front of me like a beautiful garden. One full of shared victories, laughter, and love. They are a puzzle piece that’s snapped into place and shown me what’s been missing. Smiling as I leave the room, I’m filled with a sense of peace and a newfound purpose. A fully fleshed out life that gives me the whole package. Career, love, and family of my own have lined up for me like an answered prayer, and I don’t intend to waste the opportunity. Blessings are given and gifted even when asked for in the silence of our hearts. It’s fitting for the man who ministers to everyone else.