She checked the time on her phone. “I have to get home. The staff at Jackson has an early meeting in the morning. But even when I’m not at court tomorrow, I’ll be here.” She touched the spot over his heart. “Every step of the way this week.”
Wendell stood and helped Alicia to her feet. As he did, he took her in his arms. The feeling of her body against his was as natural as his own heartbeat. “I’ll picture you. Cheering me on.”
Alicia stepped back and met his eyes. “Praying for you.”
Wendell raised his brow.
“And for the kids at Hamilton.”
“Them, too.”
Alicia looked up the stairs. “And for those precious babies of yours.”
He had no words. Again he pulled her into his arms and held her until he had two choices. Kiss her or let her go. He stepped away. “I’ll remember tonight forever.” He smiled at her. “I mean it.”
“Me, too.” She leaned close and kissed his cheek. “Can I pray for you? Before I leave?”
Wendell’s heart felt light as a feather. The pressure and anxiety from earlier, completely gone. “Yes. Please.”
And so Alicia Harris—the woman who had been too afraid to stand by Wendell in any matter regarding faith—prayed for him. That God would go before him into the courtroom tomorrow and that the jury would hear Wendell’s heart. That victory would happen for Wendell and Hamilton High and the students who desperately needed the Bible study club.
“And I thank You for a strong, godly man like Wendell Quinn.” Alicia’s voice broke. “A man who believes the words of Alexander Hamilton. That you have to stand for something, or you’ll fall for anything.” She hesitated. “Thank You, God, that I’m not falling anymore. Help us to stand together this week and trust You. For whatever’s ahead. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Wendell smiled. “Well,” he stepped back and looked deep into her eyes, “your Bible reading is paying off.”
She gave him the sweetest look. “Isn’t that what it says in Scripture? The Word of God is alive and active. It changes you.”
He chuckled. “Indeed.” They walked together through the front door and out to her car, where he hugged her goodbye. He wanted to hold on, wanted the moment to linger. But he drew back quickly, so he wouldn’t kiss her. Tonight was about possibilities.
Possibilities that filled Wendell’s heart with happiness. Nothing more. Not yet.
Alicia was part of his life again. She wasn’t afraid. She believed in God with a faith that took his breath. Yes, tonight was about the best kind of possibilities.
And with God on his side, tomorrow would be, too.
Because with God, all things were possible.
? ? ?
ALICIA DIDN’T STOP smiling the whole ride home. She couldn’t guarantee things were headed toward a relationship with Wendell. But after tonight it sure felt that way. She replayed every moment, the way it felt to be surrounded by Wendell’s children while they cooked him dinner, and how her heart leapt when they circled up and prayed before eating.
Chatting over dinner and doing dishes together, helping the kids with homework. All of it made Alicia feel like she’d come home. Like there with Wendell and his family was just where she belonged.
Her heart was so full from the joy of it all, Alicia didn’t notice the car trailing her until she was almost to her condo. Years of dating Jack had taught her never to drive all the way home with a strange car behind her.
Tonight was no different.
She picked up her cell phone from the passenger seat and thought about calling Wendell. But first she needed to make sure she was actually being followed. Jack was out of her life now, so maybe she was only imagining it.
Alicia turned right at the next street and waited. The car behind her turned right, too. Her heart began to beat faster. Who would do this? How come she didn’t notice sooner? Had the person been following her ever since Wendell’s house? God . . . help me here. What’s happening?
At the end of the street, Alicia made a left on a busier road. The main thoroughfare to the freeway. Sure enough, the car behind her did the same thing. She swallowed hard. Should she call Wendell or 911? She was so busy glancing in her rearview mirror she almost rear-ended the car in front of her.
Don’t be afraid, Alicia. Whoever it is, they can’t hurt you. Then she remembered the plan she’d had before. When Jack would sometimes get out of hand. Drive to the nearest police station. Alicia made a right at the next intersection and watched her mirror. The car behind her turned right, also.
Which meant she had just one option. She stepped on the gas and drove straight for the police station, a few blocks away. As soon as she turned left into the parking lot, the car behind her sped off. It was dark that night, not much of a moon and no bright lights in front of the building.
But Alicia was almost sure she recognized the car. It looked like something Jack Renton had driven back when they were dating.
A shiver of fear splashed icy cold through Alicia’s veins. She pulled into a parking spot and sat in the car trembling. No need to go in if the car wasn’t there, right? Nothing to report. She waited five minutes, until she was sure the car following her was gone.
Then she drove to the other side of the parking lot and exited by way of another street. Don’t be afraid, Alicia. Don’t be afraid. She went out of her way to take the longest possible route home, until she was certain no one was tailing her.
God, please help me not to be afraid. She turned onto her street. From a good distance she could see there was no car in front of her house. No one waiting for her.
I am with you, My child. You are not alone.
Yes. Alicia felt herself relax. That was truth. God was with her now and always. She pulled into her garage and clicked the remote to shut the heavy door before getting out of her car. No need to call Wendell or the police or anyone else. God was with her.
The whole thing was probably nothing more than her imagination.
20
Other than the usual armed guards, Luke Baxter was the first person in the courtroom that day. The judge had given permission for the media to be present, and already network vans and trucks were setting up outside, getting their cameras and reporters ready for the start of the trial.
Luke was looking through his notes, going over his opening statement when the courtroom door opened. He glanced that way and saw the one person he’d truly hoped would be here today. The man who had been there for him ever since Luke was a little boy.
His father, John Baxter.
“Son.” His dad smiled and came closer. “I thought you could use a little support.”
“Dad.” Luke went to him and the two hugged. “You have no idea.”
“I can’t do much.” His father put his hands on Luke’s shoulders and looked into his eyes. “But I’ll be sitting in that back corner praying.” He smiled. “I won’t stop.”
Luke was touched to his core. “I can’t believe you drove all this way.”
“One of my kids needs me, I’m there.” John winked at him. “That’s the Baxter way.”
“Yes, it is.” Luke motioned to the chair beside him. “Sit for a minute. We have time.”
The two faced each other and his dad looked at the stack of notes in front of Luke. “So . . . how are you going to win this thing?”
They hadn’t talked much about it since that first day, when Luke got the call that Wendell Quinn needed him. This would be good, explaining things to his father. Just the practice run-through Luke needed.
Luke opened the folder of notes in front of him. “Well . . . religious freedom cases are all about precedent. As you know.” He turned to the first page, the one that detailed his opening statement. “In this case precedent doesn’t work in our favor. So things will be a little unconventional.”
“I like it.” His dad smiled, even though his eyes remained serious, engaged. “The Baxters have always been a little unconventional.”