Spread out on the table in front of them was baked chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans and a salad. Cooling on the counter was what looked like a pan of brownies.
The worries of the day and the unknowns about tomorrow faded as the kids came to him. They surrounded him in a group hug. “Do I have the best kids in the world, or what?” He winked at Alicia, who was standing back a bit, smiling bigger than all of them.
Leah was still in her band uniform. “We made this plan a week ago! Alicia called me and we put together a shopping list.”
“Alicia bought the groceries on the way over.” Jordy smiled at her and then back at Wendell. “It’s like a pre-celebration. Because we trust God for a victory.”
Wendell’s heart melted. “Seriously?” He looked from Jordy to Leah as he kissed his older daughter’s forehead.
“I made the green beans.” Darrell grinned as he made his way closer to Wendell. “Alicia said they’re the best ever.”
Alexandria giggled. “She snuck a taste.” She looked at Alicia. “Right?”
“I did.” Alicia ran her hand along Alexandria’s hair. Then she faced Wendell. “We’ve had the best time.”
Wendell laughed. “Let’s just say this is the highlight of my whole week.”
“That’s what we thought.” Darrell pulled Wendell toward the food. “Now can we pray? I’m starving!”
Wendell put his arm around Alicia as they gathered in a circle near the table. Their eyes met and held. They would talk later. But for now he didn’t need words to tell her how grateful he was for her presence, that she was here tonight. Not just because of dinner. But because spending time with his kids meant they had something else to think about beside the trial.
They had a reason to smile and laugh and serve. All antidotes to fear and anxiety—not just for the kids, but for him.
Jordy reached out and took hold of his sisters’ hands, one on each side of him. “Can I pray tonight?”
Again Wendell was beyond touched. How could he feel anything but hope and joy with a family like this? He thought again of the passionate way Jordy had defended his interest in Cami the other night. How God was so very real to the boy. Wendell smiled at him. “Yes, Son. Please.”
Wendell took hold of Alicia’s hand on one side and Darrell’s on the other. When the circle was complete, Jordy began. “Father, You are always with us. Here and tomorrow and through whatever this week brings. We have already won because of You, and for that we thank You.” He hesitated. “Thank You for this food, and thank You for the best dad any kids ever had. Thanks for Alicia, too.” A smile filled his voice. “It’s good to have her back. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
They sat at the table and the next hour was a celebration of laughter and conversation. Each of the kids shared something from their day. Jordy got an A on a big paper in English. Leah received a letter from her band instructor promising to recommend her for scholarships when the time came for college. Alexandria decided to audition for the lead in her club’s upcoming performance of Little Women, and Darrell made the basketball team.
“What about you?” Alicia smiled at him from across the table. She sat between the girls, the way she had done before their breakup. Everything about the dinner felt like something from a dream.
“Me?” Wendell thought about his day, the somber warning from Luke Baxter, the way his students asked him nervous questions at their club meeting this afternoon. He took a deep breath, grinned at Alicia and then each of his children. “Today was the best day ever because the world’s greatest kids made me dinner!”
Alexandria bounced in her seat. “Don’t forget the world’s greatest girlfriend!”
Wendell shared a quick glance with Alicia before he looked in Leah’s direction. He smiled. “Yes, her, too.” He nodded toward Alicia. “Thank you for pulling it all together.”
After dinner, Wendell worked with Darrell on his science homework and Alicia helped Leah memorize her history flash cards. Through the next few hours Wendell would catch himself watching Alicia, imagining that tonight wasn’t merely her kindhearted way of helping a friend in need.
But that they might stay like this forever.
The kids felt the same way, Wendell could sense it. Each of them loved Alicia—the girls, especially. Being a single father was something Wendell worked his hardest at. But nothing could replace the role of a mother figure in the lives of his girls.
Tonight was proof.
When her homework was finished, Leah asked Alicia to come to the girls’ room and check out a new lip gloss she’d gotten for her band performance. Not to be outdone, Alexandria clutched Alicia’s hand as the three of them walked upstairs. “I have a new lip gloss too. It’s clear, but it’s really pretty. I’ll show you.”
Every moment, every bit of homework help and conversation filled Wendell’s heart like nothing in months had. Not until the kids were upstairs getting ready for bed did Alicia join him in the living room. The two of them sat together on the sofa and Wendell played Matthew West’s newest album in the background.
“What a night.” Alicia’s eyes sparkled. “Just like the kids and I planned.”
Wendell searched her face. He wanted to remember everything about this night. “Thank you . . . it was amazing. I still can’t believe it.”
For a while they sat like that, a few feet between them, their eyes locked on each other. Alicia spoke first. “Do you feel it?”
“Chemistry?” Wendell’s heart was pounding.
“Yes.” Her eyes held the hint of a smile. “You need that.”
“Definitely.” Wendell didn’t blink, didn’t look away. He wanted to kiss her, but this wasn’t the time. “You said you’d be my friend.” His voice grew quieter. His heart to hers. “This . . . feels like more.”
Alicia nodded, but she didn’t look away. “There have been lots of reasons why you and I should only be friends, Wendell.” She pressed her slim shoulder into the back of the sofa. “But now . . .”
The conversation was easy, like a slow dance. “But now . . . ?”
“I don’t know if I can be ‘just friends.’?” Her expression was serious.
“What about your fear?” He didn’t want to bring it up, but the last thing he needed was for Alicia to relapse. “Are you sure?”
“Ah, yes. My fear.” Alicia stared at her hands. “I’ll be honest. Some days it tries to come back.” She lifted her eyes to his. Whatever she was about to tell him, she had clearly come prepared to say it. “At the courthouse that day, I was too afraid to go inside. That’s why I met you at your car.”
“Mmm.” Again he wanted to take her in his arms, tell her she had nothing to be afraid of. Not now, not ever. Instead he stayed focused on her words. “I wondered.” He smiled. “I mean, I was glad to see you. But the parking lot is a strange place to meet.”
Sorrow filled her eyes. “I know. Ridiculous.” She took a deep breath and sat a little straighter. “Anyway . . . I told you I’ve been reading the Bible.” She uttered a slight laugh. “A lot, actually.”
“Good.” He chuckled.
The expression in her eyes grew deeper. “I may always battle anxiety, but with Jesus . . . and you, Wendell . . . I will battle it. And I will win.” She shrugged, and as she did, she looked young and hopeful. The way she’d looked when Wendell first met her. Before Jack Renton. A smile lifted her lips. “What could possibly make me afraid?”
Wendell reached out and put his hand on her shoulder. “Alicia . . . I’ve prayed for this.” He let himself get lost in her gaze. “If you only knew how often.”
“I’m not afraid anymore, Wendell. Not at all.” Tears shone in her eyes. “Whatever happens this week, I’m here.” She paused. “If you’ll still have me.”
She wasn’t saying she was ready for a relationship. But this was a step Wendell hadn’t expected. “By my side, Alicia. That’s where I want you. Please.”