Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 77490 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 387(@200wpm)___ 310(@250wpm)___ 258(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77490 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 387(@200wpm)___ 310(@250wpm)___ 258(@300wpm)
It doesn’t prevent lots of fantasizing and self-pleasure on my part, though. My body knows what it’s missing now, and it’s ravenous.
AVA
By Saturday, I’m ready to kidnap them all and lock them in my bedroom, but I can’t. Mom calls during the week to invite me to yet another family dinner, and makes it very clear that my presence is not optional. I almost tell her that I’m a grown woman who sets her own schedule, but decide to attend this one last time. After this, I’ll only go if it suits me.
When I arrive, my brother and Jessica are already there, and so is John. I get a sinking feeling at the sight of him; three times in a row does not bode well. Sure enough, the rest of the family finds other places to be as soon as I’ve sat down, leaving me alone with him.
He smiles at me kindly. “Your mother tells me you haven’t dated anyone recently.”
Oh lord. My stomach clenches, and I hope my momentary panic doesn’t show. Is there anything I can say without lying? “I haven’t had much interest in dating,” I say finally, letting the until recently go unspoken.
His expression turns serious. “Do you feel called to singleness?”
Worse and worse. “I don’t think so,” I hedge, “but I haven’t felt any urgency about marriage, either. I think it just hasn’t been the right time.”
The smile returns. “Perhaps you haven’t met the right person.”
People, I correct him. The right people, and oh boy have I met them. “It’s possible,” I say politely, hoping I don’t sound at all encouraging.
Dinner is even more awkward than usual. John keeps sending me looks across the table. And smiles. It’s all I can do not to excuse myself and run for my life.
He’s the first to leave, but not before he says, “I hope to see you again soon, Ava.” Poor man. That will definitely not be happening.
Before I can make my escape, Jessica goes into the kitchen to clean up, Aaron disappears in the direction of his old room, and my father says, “Ava, please sit down. Your mother and I need to speak to you.”
Dread is a leaden ball in my stomach as I take a seat across from them. Fortunately—or unfortunately?—my father doesn’t keep me in suspense. “You’re twenty-six years old,” he starts.
There is nothing I can say to that (No, really?) that won’t sound snarky, so I keep my mouth shut. “It’s past time for you to be married,” he continues. “John will make you a fine husband, and I’ve given him permission to begin a formal courtship with you.”
Here it is. The moment of truth I’ve been ducking for years, ever since I stopped dating church guys. I can either go along with this ruse, deny everything I am, and reject the men I love—
Yes. I go still as the truth settles over me.
Yes, I love them. All three of them. It’s wrenchingly obvious now, and it makes things very simple.
After several long seconds of silence, my father frowns. “If you have some objection to him, you may say so, but your mother and I are confident that he’s a good fit for you.”
“I’m not marrying John.” I’m proud that my voice doesn’t have a single quaver.
My father’s face turns pale, then red. “What did you say?” His voice is several notches louder than when he started this conversation.
“Nor anyone else you might try to match me with,” I go on as if he hasn’t spoken.
He’s on his feet now, furious, glaring at me. “What is the meaning of this?”
I’ve never been afraid of my father before, but he’s never been this angry. And why should he be? I’ve always done what he wanted.
Grabbing my purse, I stand and go the long way around the couch so I won’t have to cross directly in front of him. “I’m leaving now,” I say quietly, and head for the door. Perhaps I owe my parents an explanation, but I’m not going to give it while my father’s acting this way. I can call them later.
“You’re seeing someone, aren’t you?” my mother says behind me.
I turn partially back toward them. My father scoffs. “He can’t be from the church, or we’d know. Whoever he is, you’ll tell him it’s over.”
“Good night,” I say, and turn away again.
“Ava!” he explodes behind me.
I need to get out of here. My hand is on the doorknob when Aaron grabs my wrist, twisting it in his grip.
“I know you’re seeing Gray,” he snarls under his breath. “Your soul is in peril. If you break it off now, I won’t tell them.”
“Let me go, Aaron.”
“Turn away from your sin and you can be cleansed.” His grip tightens. “Pray with us, right now.”
My parents are up and moving toward me. Jessica emerges from the kitchen. In a few more seconds, I’ll be trapped here.