His First Lady Page 12
What would normally have taken Evan back no longer did. “I want that too,” She answered.
Leon smiled and sat up with his arm still around her. “Are you sure?”
Evan smiled. “Yes.” Suddenly, all of her earlier angst about a baby with Leon was gone. She was ready for them to have a family.
“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about. I know you might need to think about it but I think we should consider adopting.”
Evan’s smile dissipated. “What are you talking about?”
“I’m talking about the two of us starting a family. You know it’s what we both want and we’re ready. We are stewards of God’s church,” Leon said with overwhelming joy, “and it’s time that we glorify God with fruit. If it’s not God’s way with our own children then we can bless a child in need to be our own.”
Evan sat up; unable to form words to react to Leon’s suggestion and feeling as if she’d been hit with a ton of bricks.
“Adoption?”
“Yes, I’ve thought about this. We’ve tried, we’ve prayed, the mothers have laid hands on you and God hasn’t blessed us with a child. I believe that this is the way that God may be leading us.”
Evan hated what she felt especially since Leon had worked so hard for the evening. “I think that we should keep trying. It can happen.” She believed it could happen and would stop taking the pills immediately to make certain it did.
Leon nodded. “Yeah baby, it can happen and it will. But since it hasn’t, I want to start the process. There might be a young girl who’s pregnant and in need of a good family for her baby or,” Leon said climbing out of bed with excitement all over his face, “I don’t know, maybe a woman just wanting to give her child the kind of life that she can’t provide. This is what God calls us to do.”
Conviction overwhelmed Evan. Her heart thumped with it. She was ready to have his baby. She was ready to flush every birth control pill down the toilet. Yes, she originally had her reservations but he was here and he loved her and he wanted a family. Who was she to deny him what God had ordained? “Can we try though? I really think we should keep trying before we make such a big decision.”
Leon sat on the bed beside Evan cradling her hand. “Ev, I’m not blaming you. That’s not what I’m doing by suggesting we adopt. I know that I’ve been angry and blamed you for us not having our family and I’m sorry. I just want us to share our love and our family with a child. We can keep trying. We can have ten more if you’re willing.” Leon laughed. “However many you want.”
Evan turned away and stared off at the candles that were still burning. Leon continued to rub her hand then he moved up to her arms. He then scooted closer to her and began rubbing her neck then kissed it. He leaned her back on the bed. She closed her eyes and whispered the word, “yes” to him.
Chapter 26
Leon sat in his Mercedes in the mall parking lot when his cell phone rang. It was Evan. He wasn’t going to answer it but he had her in a good place and he needed to keep her there.
“Hey baby,” he answered tapping his fingers on the dashboard. He was not in the mood for Evan right now.
“Hey, I wanted to make sure that you were on your way because Mimi and her date are a few minutes away.”
Leon closed his eyes and groaned. He had completely forgotten that Evan have invited Mimi and some guy to dinner. “Awww, that was tonight?”
“Tonight.”
Leon hit the steering wheel and swore under his breath. “Um, I have a lot going on; can you do it without me?”
“No, I cannot. I told you about this and she just called to say they’re on their way. I grilled some burgers so it’s really informal. You can take your tie off and relax. But I need you to be here like now.”
Leon winced. Evan had started to whine which would only incense him so he decided to stop it before she continued. “I’ll be there in a little bit.”
“Please Leon,” Evan said before Leon hung up the phone.
Leon grunted as he sat the cell phone on the dash. He had no time to carve out for some dinner with a date that Mimi wouldn’t date for long; he was supposed to be meeting with the contractor when he left this meeting with Ariel. So much was going on with her that he had to make sure that she was doing what she needed to do. Ariel’s SUV pulled up beside him. He unlocked his passenger side door and she quickly switched from her vehicle to his.
“How did your appointment go?” He asked as she slid in the passenger seat beside him.
“Fine.” She sighed as if it was all too much for her. “They’re starting me on my pre-natals and I have a due date; February 11. Why did you pick a doctor so far out? I don’t like the drive,” She fussed.
“You look very nice today,” Leon said not wanting to waste time fussing. He loved when she wore body flattering cuts. Her face was pretty but her body was incredible, he had always thought.
“Thank you,” She said taking a cue from Leon to calm down.
“What did the doctor say? Is everything okay?”
Ariel nodded. “She said that everything looked fine. Do you have my money?”
Leon frowned and reached beneath his set and pulled out an envelope. “Yes, what else did she say?” He asked handing it to her.
“Look, I’ve been through this before,” Ariel said with a scowled look on her face. “I know you haven’t but that’s not my fault. I have an ultrasound next week and you’re more than welcome to come.”
Leon frowned and turned away from her. “You know I can’t do that. Is there anything else you need?”
Ariel opened the envelope and began fingering through the one hundred dollar bills inside. “Yes, I don’t see the credit card.”
“Keep using the one you’ve been using.” Leon said.
“I hate doing that because your name is on it and there are just too many questions.”
“Fine, I’ll have one put in your name.” Leon reached over and held her hand. “I want to see you.” Leon knew that it was all he needed to say for her to know what he meant.
Ariel rolled her eyes at Leon. “I can’t. I’m sick all the time. This morning sickness is killing me,” Ariel said.
Leon looked out the window. “Take a pill for it but I need to see you.”
Ariel clasped her hands together. “Look Leon, I love you and you know it but it’s not like I’m stupid enough to think that you’re going to leave the First lady for me and we’re going to run off into the sunset. I’ve got to hold on to what I have.”
“You think that’s all I want?” Leon asked her.
She just stared at him.
Leon shook his head. “Look, I want you to work on my campaign maybe even be my campaign manager.”
“What?”
“I’m about to be deep in my city council run. You have a business degree and you’re a former beauty queen. You know about campaigning.”
Ariel looked out the window as if giving it some thought. “No.”
“No?” Leon watched her. “I’ll pay you.”
She looked over at him. “Seriously? I’m pregnant.”
Leon looked out of the window. “Stop using this as an excuse. You didn’t with your other pregnancies. Just maybe assist with pictures, ads, venues?”
Ariel stared at him then stared straight ahead. “I’ll think about it.” She frowned.
“And I haven’t mentioned any of this to the church yet or…to Ev.”
Ariel gasped. “Wow Leon.”
“I do what I need to do. Anyways, you need to start preparing Rick for you to go look after your Uncle Ed. His condition needs to be deteriorating at this point. I’m looking at some places in the city. It’ll be closer to your doctor’s office and far enough out for us to be away from everyone.”
Ariel nodded. “I am. But he keeps wondering why I’m sick a lot lately. I’m putting him off but for how long?”
Leon stared straight ahead. “He’s not that smart of a guy, Ariel; so relax.”
Ariel took a deep breath. “It doe
sn’t matter.”
Leon tapped the steering wheel. “Okay, well I’ve got to be somewhere. I’ll call you.” His indirectness was his direct way of telling her to get out of his car.
Ariel made a face at him.
“What’s that for?”
“What’s that for?” Ariel repeated sarcastically. “You don’t get it do you?”
Leon threw his hands up. “Get what? I need to be somewhere. I don’t want to hear it from you and from her?”
Ariel held tightly onto her envelope as she opened Leon’s car door. Leon didn’t look at her as she exited. The last thing he needed was guilt and aggravation. He did care enough to make sure she got back into her SUV and that it started. He looked to see what time it was and knew that Evan was not going to be happy.
Chapter 27
Although they had all been having a great conversation and Evan was enjoying Mimi and Aaron’s company, she was relieved when she heard Leon pull into the garage; he had kept his word. She, Mimi, and Aaron had been in the living room passing the time waiting for Leon. She kept apologizing to Aaron who seemed unbothered assuring her that he understood; being a pastor was all encompassing, he imagined.
Aaron was good looking with a kind smile. He was not only neatly dressed with a crisp blue button down and creased khaki slacks but the faint hint of facial hair on his light skin was neatly edged on his chin and his nails nicely manicured. She could clearly see why Mimi liked him though; he was charming and well-spoken and came off as a manly man on the polished side. Nice.
Evan hadn’t seen Mimi blush so many times in one setting as she did as the three of them sat and talked. They were even finishing each other’s sentences which was a bit early Evan thought. Mimi was head over heels and Evan knew she had fallen hard. Hearing Leon placing his key in the front door lock, she stood to her feet with a large smile.
“Good, Leon’s home. I’m starved.” Evan walked out of the living room and into the foyer.
“Hey baby,” Leon said sitting his briefcase on the stand by the door.
“Hey,” Evan smiled. “We were sitting in the living room waiting on you.”
Things were so nice between them lately; it was like Leon was a different person. She loved how affectionate he’d been lately, even calling her baby which she couldn’t remember the last time he had done that; it felt good. Leon walked in to the living room with a gigantic smile across his face as he greeted Mimi and extended his hand to Aaron who stood when he walked in.
“Leon, this is Aaron Middleton. Aaron, this is Pastor Leon Ladson,” Mimi said grinning ear to ear as if anxious to introduce them.
Aaron eagerly shook Leon’s hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you Pastor.”
“It’s nice to meet you Aaron. I apologize that I’m late, I had a late meeting.”
“No problem, I’m just glad to be here. I was just getting to know your wife. You two are very important to Mimi so I couldn’t wait to meet the two of you.”
Evan watched Leon size Aaron up and from the smile on his face, he seemed to approve.
“Any friend of Mimi’s is a friend of ours. I hope that my wife is making you feel at home,” Leon said looking at Evan.
“Yes sir. She’s just as wonderful as Mimi told me she would be.”
“Great. Let’s head to the dining room.” Leon clapped. “I’m going to go wash my hands so we can eat because my wife always insists that I wash my hands when I come from the outside.” Leon joked sarcastically causing them all to chuckle a bit.
Evan beamed as she led the way to the dining room. She was proud that although this dinner had cut into Leon’s plans, he remained the perfect host; grinning and joking. No matter how he felt about a person or the situation he could make them feel like a million bucks.
“Your house is beautiful, Evan,” Aaron said entering the dining area.
“It’s huge,” Mimi chimed in adjusting her red A- line dress as Aaron pulled out her chair.
“Thank you Aaron,” Evan said, “but it’s not that big; I’ll be happy to show you around after dinner,” Evan said. “Let me go get dinner.”
Mimi motioned to get up from her chair. “Can I help?” Mimi asked after her.
“No, just relax and enjoy,” Evan told her friend walking off.
Leon walked in and sat at the head of the table. “So, Aaron, what do you do for a living?”
Aaron who was whispering in Mimi’s ear looked up. “I’m a photographer.”
Evan returned and placed grilled burgers and homemade fries on the table. After placing the coffee pot, hot tea, and dinner additions on the table, she sat down.
“Smells so good,” Aaron said.
“Let’s bless the food,” Leon said before bowing his head.
Evan saw Aaron grab Mimi’s hand. She tried not to watch the two but he seemed to make Mimi so happy which in turn made her extremely happy and relieved. Leon said the blessing then began passing the platters of food around the table.
“So, how does a photography career work? Are you like a freelance photographer or salaried with an organization?” Leon asked as he placed pickles and lettuce on his burger.
“Both actually. I’d like to eventually be on my own full time but it’s one step at a time.”
“He graduated from the New York institute of photography,” Mimi bragged.
“You should see the beautiful pictures I took of her,” Aaron said causing Mimi to blush. “But I’d love to take some pictures of the church maybe the new addition that you’re building; maybe shop a piece to give you some exposure.”
Leon’s eyebrows rose. “Oh, I’d love to see what you can do. We’re growing so much right now.”
“Aaron,” Evan said pouring coffee into her cup. “Mimi mentioned that you met Leon previously which drew you to the church,”
Aaron nodded as he chewed then swallowed. He wiped his mouth. “I did. At the city’s mentor’s luncheon a few months back.” He looked over at Leon. “You probably don’t remember me but you shook my hand,” He said. “I’m glad I visited because it allowed me to meet this beautiful lady right here.”
“Stop it, you’re embarrassing me.” Mimi said.
Aaron nodded. “You don’t meet many young pastors with such huge congregations. Big churches used to scare me but Leon seemed so down to earth.”
“He must have made a good impression on you,” Evan said as if Leon wasn’t in the room.
“He did.” Aaron nodded then looked over at Leon. “How long have you been a pastor?”
Leon grinned. “Seems like forever. I started when I was in college as a youth pastor.”
“That’s great,” Aaron said.
“So Aaron, have you been born again?” Evan asked interrupting his flattery before putting a fry in her mouth.
Aaron’s eyes widened as if unprepared for the question. “Excuse me?”
“Have you accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior?”
“That’s rude Ev,” Leon said looking annoyed at her.
Evan smiled pretending not to be bothered by Leon’s rebuke. It was always weird with her that he never liked to talk about salvation when he was a pastor. “That’s not rude. That’s our whole purpose in life.”
Mimi looked at Evan then at Aaron as if waiting for his reply.
Leon’s face showed his disdain. He wiped his mouth with a napkin. “Well, we certainly don’t invite guests to our home to embarrass them.”
Aaron shook his head. “I’m not embarrassed. Actually, that’s why I came to the church. You get tired of searching for a meaning to life so I’m really trying to find my way around religion, I guess. Mimi makes it look so good.”
Mimi grinned.
“That’s why she’s on the welcoming committee,” Evan said causing everyone to laugh. “Seriously though, please know that we are not about religion. That’s never been Jesus’ thing.” She then looked over at Leon. “We’d love to talk to you about it.”
“I’d like that,” Aaron responded.
“Where are you from?” Leon asked picking fries up with his fork from his plate changing the subject.
Aaron stared at Leon’s fork. “Military brat. I was born in Fort Leonard Wood; Missouri.”
“I love traveling.” Mimi leaned close to Aaron. “He’s been so many places.”
Leon seemed to notice Aaron staring at his fork. Aaron smiled. “You remind me of my dad. The only other man I’ve ever seen that eats French fries with a fork.”
“Smart man; my dad taught me that you only eat fries with your fingers if you’re eating alone,” Leon said before placing the fork in his mouth.
“We both obviously have smart dads.” Aaron placed his napkin on the table. “May I use your restroom?”
Evan stood up. “Of course, it’s down the hall, second door on the right. I can show you.”
Leon wiped his mouth with his napkin and stood up. “Relax, I’ll do it baby. Sit down and eat.”
Chapter 28
Aaron followed behind Leon down the hall toward the bathroom admiring the beautiful artwork on the walls.
“Beautiful paintings; your house is amazing: I love it,” Aaron said seemingly mesmerized at the pieces.
Leon nodded and looked back. “Photography? That’s an interesting profession,” Leon said walking slightly in front of him.
“It is. I enjoy it,” Aaron said as they approached the bathroom. “And if you don’t give me the rest of my money, I’ll show the pictures of Sam’s dead body to every police officer and FBI agent in the state.”
Leon turned around and pushed him against the wall causing the artwork to shake that hung on it. “Thug punk! You must have lost your mind coming into my home!” Leon yelled as low as his anger would allow without alarming the women.
Aaron pushed Leon’s shoulder hard causing Leon to almost lose his balance. They both looked back toward the dining room to make sure that the ladies didn’t budge. “You don’t run nothing here, Pastor. I want my money and I’ll be your worst nightmare until I get it.”