For the love of Grace

Mama's Church

Mama’s church

Grace POV

It was around one o’clock when we arrived at mom’s church. The beautiful Reston Baptist church. It was a small building. Beautiful white bricks leading up to the arched roof. A shiny gold  cross in the front with Jesus on it. It was really depressing to look at so I tried to avoid eye contact if I could. I always felt like Jesus was judging me for not coming every Sunday. 

"Yoohoo!" I heard a high pitch voice coming from behind me. "Mama I beg of you, do not turn around!" “Gracie Maze what’s the matter with your manners? It’s just Mrs. P! She wants to say hello. You know if you came more, people wouldn’t be so anxious to stop and talk to  you every time they saw you.” Mama said. That’s a bold face lie, I told myself. These women have nothing better to do than sit around and talk. 

When we turned around Mrs. P came up and pinched my cheek. "What am I five?" I mumbled. “What’s that dear?” Mrs. P asked. "Oh, I just asked how you were doing Mrs. P?" I lied. “Oh darlin I’m doing great! Lost twenty pounds since the last time I seen you!” she said as she ran her hands along her hips to emphasize how much weight she lost. I smiled politely. "Will you both excuse me? I am  going to go grab some water." I said and quickly walked away. 

I turned back to make sure they weren’t following me, when I turned back around I walked straight into a man I had never seen before. He was 6’3, short black hair, muscles for days. I don’t know how they stayed in his shirt. Walking into him was like hitting a brick wall, strong and hard. I was still staring at him when I realized I had begun licking my lips. This man is fine. 

“Oh excuse me miss, I didn’t see you there. I’m Dean.” He said politely as he stuck his hand out to shake mine. I took his hand to shake it but he pulled it up to his lips and gently kissed it. Suddenly my mouth was very dry and I forgot how to speak. I cleared my throat and said, "I’m Grace. Most people call me Gracie. It’s nice to meet you Dean. Do you come here often?" Dean laughed and looked down at his boots. "Wow that sounded like a really cheesy pick up line," I said embarrassed.

 “Actually I’m just here helping out my uncle. He recently took over as the church’s preacher.” "Oh, I didn’t realize there was a new preacher." I said. “You would have if you came to church with me more often.” I heard my mother say from behind me. “Who is your friend dear?” "Mama, this is Dean…" I stopped and looked at him to give his last name. “Pritchett. Ma’am it’s nice to meet you,” he replied. 

“Well, a handsome young man and manners. It’s a pleasure to meet you dear.” My mother said as she shook his hand. “Would you like to sit with us during mass?” she said, catching me off guard. "Mama, I’m sure he’s here with someone or busy." I tried to cover up the fact that my mama was trying to make a love connection. “Actually Miss Gracie I would love to sit with you and your mother if you don’t mind.” he said smoothly. "Oh um, not at all," I nervously replied.

 “Shall we?” he said and motioned for us to lead the way. Mama and I walked side by side and I whispered to her as quietly as I could. "Mama! Why did you invite that man to sit with us?" “Darlin, you aren’t getting any younger.” Was all she said and then she took off ahead of me, leaving me speechless. 

Gracie POV

It was so awkward sitting in between Dean and my mother. She kept nudging my arm and making me lean into him. She was being so ridiculous. I am not that lonely that I need my mama to set me up with a church boy. Even if he was dangerously handsome. Dean leaned over to me and whispered, “This is my favorite part.” 

Just then the preacher shouted with his hands in the air “This I give unto you dear Lord! For you are  my saving grace!” Everyone in the pews started shouting Amen and praising Jesus. I looked over at Dean who was now laughing and holding his stomach. "Why is this your favorite part?" I said while laughing too. “He’s so passionate about it and well he just looks funny.” Dean started laughing even harder. Causing me to now hold my stomach and laugh. This man  was ruggedly handsome and funny. A very dangerous combination. 

After Church let out, we all made our way outside where members of the congregation were selling water and small snacks for the kids. “So will you be going to the carnival  this weekend?” Dean asked me as we were walking down the sidewalk to the parking lot. "I didn’t know there was one. I should have known. We used to have them every year. I just haven’t been to any in a few years. Are you going?" I asked. “I am, I have to help out with the ferris wheel for about an hour.” he said. 

"Oh that’s nice of you to volunteer." I said. “Well, it’s for a good cause you know.” "Really? How so?" “Yes, it helps our church to get a new AC unit. It’s hotter than hell in that church,” he said. I couldn’t help myself, I just started laughing. He looked over at me and smiled. “I’m glad you find my jokes  funny. I like to see you smile.” I looked down and tucked my hair behind my ear. I smiled and said "thank you." 

"Well, I better go. I have to close up at my shop, and I need to take mama home before I go. It was really nice meeting you," I said as I turned to walk away. Dean reached out and grabbed my hand and pulled me closer to him. My heart started beating a little faster. This man was gorgeous and all but this is a bit much. I thought to myself. Dean lifted my hand and kissed it before he let it go and said, “You have a nice day Grace. I hope to see you soon.” With that, he turned and walked away. Leaving me standing 

there, speechless, for the second time today.