Page 22 of Still Afraid

His tickling ceased, and he melted against her, sliding his hand beneath her.

Desire ramped up quicker than she anticipated, and she gently pushed him away.

He whimpered.

“Two more weeks.”

Desire flashed through his eyes.

She giggled.

He leaned in and kissed her gently.

Poirot barked.

They both turned to the dog who stood on the other side of the coffee table staring at them. Apparently he’d finally risen from his new favorite spot in the entryway.

“Fine.” Josh sat up and ran a hand through his hair.

Chloe rolled off his lap and the couch, going to her feet in a single smooth motion.

“I suppose we need a dinner plan.”

“We still have leftovers from Wednesday that need to be eaten.”

“Perfect.” She picked up her wedding binder and slid it into her tote bag. The journal still sitting on the coffee table from last night caught her eye. She picked it up. “I need to get this posted.”

“I’ll get the food warmed while you do that.”

“Would you?”

“Absolutely.” Josh stood and kissed her forehead before striding toward the kitchen.

She took a couple of photographs of the journal with her phone, then went to the website to upload them. Hopefully, the person who owned the journal or at least a family member would see the post.

As Josh sang the last set of songs at church the next morning, he couldn’t help but notice the tightness in Chloe’s voice ringing out beside him. He stole a glance at her.

With hands lifted in front of her, she was deep in communion with the Lord, and moisture rimmed her closed eyes.

Sometimes he wished he could know what she was thinking without her having to say a word. Desperation for Jesus came through in her voice and worship.

Josh didn’t know what to do. Should he hug her? Or leave her to have her moment with the Lord?

Help me understand how to best be available to Chloe, Lord. Will this get easier once we’re married?

Josh lifted his right hand into the air, leaving his left down by his side and near Chloe. Closing his eyes, he intentionally directed his thoughts to Christ and focused on the words of the songs that proclaimed worship diminishes the power of fear. Jesus’ name held the power over life and death.

Chloe bumped into him. “Sorry.”

He took the opportunity to stretch his arm across her shoulders. “No worries.”

She leaned into him.

The song ended, and the next began.

“What a fellowship, what a joy divine, Leaning on the everlasting arms …”

He loved that their church still regularly sang older hymns.