Redemption Chapter 82 An Outing
By the end of her first trimester, Gabby's sickness and dizziness is starting to pass. She starts to feel more like herself. Her energy increases and she starts to think about all the things that have to be done to prepare for the baby. They have an extra bedroom, the one that was hers. In a few months they should find out the gender of the baby then can start preparing the room, painting and such. For now, she and Eli, as well as Jade and Jillian, are content to buy tiny little gowns, socks, and the like. Evie confides that she and Jade are making something for the baby. ‘’But it is a secret.’’
At the same time, Jade and Jillian are attending church most weeks with them. This particular Sunday, Eli is teaching the children about the different types of love. He asks the children about what types of love they know about.
‘’Mommy and daddy love us.’’ One of the children offers.
‘’My brother does sometimes.’’ A little girl adds. A fit of giggles accompany this admission. Eli smiles.
‘’I am sure your brother loves you at all times, Carly, he just doesn’t always show it.’’
‘’My sister and you Eli.’’ Evie offers.
‘’Oh and my Aunt Jade loves me and she loves Jillian.’’ The sanctuary got silent and a lot of eyes turn to the pew where Jade and Jillian sit with Gabby. Eli is searching for something to say.
‘’Ah right Evie, boys and girls, God wants us to love everyone the same way He loves us, even our brothers.’’ He directs to Carly. The children are laugh as he wonders what to do about Evie's inadvertently outing her Aunt Jade and Jillian. ‘’Okay guys, let’s pray to be able to love everyone with God's love.’’ He sees Gabby bow her head to and knows exactly what she is praying for.
He dismisses them for children's service. He is relieved he doesn’t have to serve their today and can rejoin his wife. The soft twitter of voices is stilled when the choir director invites them to sing another hymn. Eli whispers to all the ladies, ‘’ I am sorry.’’
‘’She is smarter then we knew. It is okay.’’ Jade whispers back. But she looks concerned. Her and Jillian both. Eli offers up a quick prayer that his people are as nonjudgmental as he believes them to be. He knows they will soon find out.
John starts his sermon with an reminder to recall that it is not their job to judge before launching into his sermon on God's love. It was perfect for the time and place. Not planned, at least by the man, but God knew. That is what Gabby is thinking as she holds Eli's hand. Jade and Jillian sit and look between John and each other. They don’t look at the congregation. At the end of the service, they are not sure what to do.
‘’Go get Evie. I will lead them out.’’ Eli tells her. She nods, hugs both ladies, and heads out. Eli leads them out. He, taken the bull by the horns, leads them right to John. They wait as the other congregants, file pass. A few smile at the ladies, a few squeeze their hands. Only a very few walk by without a glance or gesture. Eli leads them up to John after everyone else passes by.
‘’Good morning. We enjoyed your sermon.’’ Jade comments.
‘’Thank you. It really isn't our role to judge and you are welcome in our church anytime.’’
‘’Thank you. We wasn’t sure exactly how to handle it.’’ Jillian adds.
‘’You can be completely open here. Not sure we are ready for a wedding but..’’
Jillian and Jade laugh. ’Neither are we.’’ Jade says. It breaks the tension and they all leave in peace.
