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Hope threw her arms around his legs. “Thank you.”
Jahleel patted her head while Bebe looked on.
The way her insides melted at the sight proved how much danger she was in of losing her heart to Jay once more. Bebe didn’t know if that was a good thing or something to guardagainst. He’d apologized for the past and was so different from Will. Should she give in to her heart’s desire or continue holding herself back?
Jahleel laughed along with Hope and Bebe. They were watchingHome Alone2while eating snacks. So far, they’d watched three movies, had lunch, and now ate popcorn. He couldn’t remember when he’d had such a good time that didn’t require a ton of money.
He frowned. Had he gotten pretentious? Was he throwing his money around instead of showing up and living? He stared at the TV, heart pounding. Every year he sent money home for his parents’ birthdays, anniversary, and Christmas. Never once did he cross state lines to join them in celebration. Staying in Texas had been all about him.Hisneed to maintain distance from his father. He’d always told himself that his mother didn’t mind. That she understood their family dynamics.
How utterly selfish.His lip curled as he straightened up against the couch. Seeing Bebe parent Hope alone showed him how important it was to show up for the people you loved.
Lord, I messed up big time. Please forgive me for ignoring my mother just becausemy dad makes life difficult. Please help me know howto truly honor my parents and protect myself from the condemnation that my dad doles out. Amen.
Jahleel peeked at Bebe. They’d entered into some kind of relationship. What was he supposed to do about her? He couldn’t leave her, but he needed a job. His savings wouldn’t last forever. Should he go through with his business idea or not? Was he still being selfish by entering a relationship when he had no idea how it would work? He rubbed a hand across his face. If he left her now, he’d be a jerk of epic proportions.
Unease fluttered in his chest. He couldn’t mess this up. Bebe meant too much to him, and Hope deserved someonewho would cheer her on every day, not just at random. Jahleel gulped.What do I do, Lord?
“You okay?” Bebe whispered.
He nodded, not sure what to say.
Her eyes searched his. Slowly, she shook her head. “You’re not.”
“We can talk later.” He made a point of glancing toward Hope, who lay on the floor with her blanket.
“You want to leave, don’t you?” Bebe tensed.
“No.”I don’t want to hurt you.
She stared at him, steel and determination stiffening her expression. She didn’t believe him.
Jahleel leaned toward her, his lips by her ear. “I don’t want to hurt you. I’m sitting here realizing I haven’t been the best son, and I’m afraid I won’t be the best boyfriend either.”
She turned, her lips impossibly close to his. “Is that all?”
“Isn’t that enough?” He snorted.
“What matters is how you act now that you’ve realized your faults.” She cupped his cheek. “I don’t need perfect. I just need you to be here.”
“What happens when I go back to Texas?” His breath suspended as he waited for her answer.
“What do you want to happen?”
“I want us to be together.”
Yearning darkened her eyes. “Really?”
“Really.”
She bit her lip. “I’ve been praying, and I’ve been thinking about us, like you suggested. I think we should continue to take it one day at a time. Let’s see where God leads us.”
That almost seemed too easy. In the past, not being able to commit right then and there was a point of contention.But y’all have matured.Still ... “Just like that?”
“If we both want to see where this goes, we’ll eventually figure out all the details.”
“Okay.” He blew out a breath. He could live with that. He’d been telling her God would give them the details. Now it was Jahleel’s turn to remember that and lean on God’s understanding.
Bebe caressed his cheek, then dropped her hand. He captured it, placing a kiss on her palm. Lacing his fingers with hers, he turned his attention back to the movie.
