Page 60 of Hooked on Loving Him

“Pay attention, Shari,” he says after a minute, causing me to tune back into Papa Ren’s message.

“God wants you to know that He’s the all-sufficient shepherd who is able to see you through any storm life might thrust you into. I know that sometimes we get through things that make us think God has left us. Remember that God is sovereign and not only guides His sheep, but He also goes before them. Trust God regardless of the path you take, resting in the knowledge that He has already gone before you. God wants you to remember that even when the storm tires you out, He can restore you. Saints, that’s good news. There is no burden too big nor valley too wide to keep God from leading you to a place of victory,” Papa Ren says in a strong and calm timbre.

“I should have been coming over to hear one of Pastor Reese’s messages,” Kayshon whispers.

Nodding, I silently agree because Papa Ren’s message is hitting me deeply and definitely providing me with a light, airy feeling I can appreciate.

“I’m glad our house isn’t too far of a walk from Masani and Kyce’s, or we would have driven instead of walked. I’m so full,” I say, rubbing my stomach.

After church, everyone gathered at Masani and Kyce’s for family dinner, and somehow, Kayshon and I have been suckered into hosting the family next Sunday.

“Do you need to bypass the house and walk off this itis? I’m trying to rub on your booty tonight, Shari.”

Clenching my stomach, I start laughing at the lie in Kayshon’s statement because I know, like he does, that it's not all he wants to do when we go to bed.

“Mhm. I hear you, but no, I’m good. A good trip to the bathroom should set me right.”

“Damn, Shari. You’re about to cause my dick to go MIA and shit. Kill the visual, Jesus,” Kayshon says, releasing my hand to frantically wipe his eyes as I laugh hysterically.

“I’m sorry, boo.”

“No, you’re not. You know what the hell you’re doing saying that sh—damn, Shari.” A deep frown covers Kayshon’s lips as I giggle lightly.

“On another note, where was Jawaan? Isn’t he usually at the dinners?” I ask when my eyes connect with Jawaan’s house.

Unlike most times when Jawaan is home, his driveway is vacant because of his missing vehicle, causing me to wonder about his whereabouts.

“I don’t know. He didn’t answer Kyce or my call today,” Kayshon says, grimacing.

“Is that usual for him?”

“Nah. If he doesn’t call back after I put you to sleep, I’m gonna pop up on his ass,” Kayshon says in a harsh tone as the area around his eyes tightens.

“If I let you out of bed,” I say in a sultry tone I hope will distract him long enough to temporarily shift his thoughts.

“Hm. Say less, Shari.”

*woof, woof, woof*

The sound of a dog barking has Kayshon and I turning to look behind us just as we step onto our porch. Sassy runs full speed from Kyce’s house as he stands on the sidewalk watching his dog come home.

“Well, if I would have known all I had to do was get married for this traitor to return to the crib, I would have?—”

“Stalled a little longer. You know you’re out of practice for dog maintenance,” I say, cutting him off as Sassy hops on the porch with her tail wagging while standing in front of the security door.

“Not even for a minute. Blessings don’t come around often where I’m concerned. So, I’d never do something to cause God to think I’m forfeiting the one He gave me in you.”

“Well, you better pop your shit then, Kayshon Patton.”

“Oh, I’m about to. Come on in here so I can put your ass to sleep, Mrs. Patton.”

God, just in case I neglected to say it… thank You.

The End