Chapter 27 #2
Brooks nodded, a small smile playing at his lips. “Clarence.”
As they walked to the door, the reverend paused, his hand on the doorknob. “When do you plan to tell Taylor about this little meeting? ”
“Tonight,” Brooks admitted. “Before the gala. No secrets between us.”
“Smart man.” Reverend Bradshaw opened the door. “Tell my daughter to come see me soon I owe her an apology. Good luck tonight.”
“Thanks Clarence.”
The drive back to his place felt like he’d done it floating on a cloud. He’d made it to his place in no time.
Tonight was already going to be special with the gala, the contract announcement, and celebrating their growing family. But Brooks had one more surprise planned, one he hoped would make this night unforgettable.
∞∞∞
Taylor stood in front of her bedroom mirror, putting the finishing touches on her makeup.
The emerald green dress Brooks had helped her pick out hugged her curves perfectly, the silky material draping elegantly over her still-flat stomach.
If she hadn’t known she was pregnant, she never would have guessed.
But she did know, and the secret made her glow from the inside out.
The sound of Brooks’ car pulling into her driveway sent a flutter of anticipation through her. She checked her reflection one last time, hair swept into a sophisticated updo, gold jewelry catching the light, makeup enhancing her natural beauty without overpowering it.
Perfect.
She heard him enter his code and then the door shut. Then she followed the sound of his footsteps, moving through her house made her smile. It was becoming a familiar rhythm, one that made her home feel more alive.
“Taylor?” His deep voice carried up the stairs.
“Up here,” she called back. “Almost ready.”
The stairs creaked as he ascended, and then he was there, filling her doorway with his presence.
Taylor turned, her breath catching at the sight of him in his tuxedo.
Brooks always looked good, the man knew how to dress, but tonight, he was showing out.
The black tux fit him perfectly. His freshly trimmed beard framed his face, and his eyes. ..
His eyes were fixed on her, dark and appreciative, taking in every detail of her appearance.
“Damn,” he breathed, stepping into the room. “Look at you.”
Taylor felt a blush warm her cheeks. “You like it?”
“Like is the wrong word.” He moved closer, his hands settling on her waist as he drew her to him. “You’re beautiful, Taylor. So damn beautiful.”
The sincerity in his voice made her heart giddy. This was what had been missing before, genuine appreciation, honesty, connection.
“You’re not so bad yourself,” she teased, straightening his bow tie even though it was already perfect. “Very James Bond but way sexier and chocolate rich chocolate.”
Brooks grinned, his fingers tracing small circles against the small of her back. “What else?”
Taylor had been fighting the urge to jump his bones. This pregnancy was already showing up. It seemed that it was dragging her through the mud until she acknowledged it. Her nausea, fatigue and headaches had slowed down a bit.
She was happy and ready to coast and enjoy her pregnancy.
Taylor melted into him, her arms sliding around his neck, her body fitting against his perfectly like puzzle pieces. The scent of his cologne, the warmth of his skin, the gentle pressure of his lips against hers it all combined made her thighs shut closed.
When they finally broke apart, both slightly breathless, Taylor rested her forehead against his chest, mindful of her makeup.
“If we keep this up, we’re never going to make it to the gala,” she murmured.
Brooks chuckled, the sound rumbling through his chest. “Would that be such a bad thing?”
“Yes,” she said firmly, though a smile played at her lips. “You’re up for an award, remember? And I want to see you get the recognition you deserve.”
He sighed dramatically, but his eyes danced with amusement. “Fine. Gala first, then I get you all to myself.”
“Deal.” She stepped back, smoothing her dress.
“I need tell you something first. I may be in the doghouse.”
He guided her to sit on the edge of the bed, then took a seat beside her, taking her hands in his. “I went to see your father today.”
Taylor blinked, surprised. “Really?”
“Man to man. I didn’t like how we left it at dinner. I’m a father now and from the second you told me I felt something.”
A knot of anxiety tightened in her stomach. “Brooks, we agreed we’d tell them together. Is he livid? Did he spray you with oil?”
“I know,” he cut in gently. “We will. I needed him to know that I’m serious about you, about our family.”
Taylor searched his face, trying to gauge how the meeting had gone.
Brooks’ thumbs traced circles on the backs of her hands, a soothing gesture. “It was... not as bad as I expected. He wasn’t thrilled and I respect that. But he listened. And by the end, I think we reached an understanding.”
“What kind of understanding?” Taylor asked cautiously.
A slow smile spread across Brooks’ face. “The kind where he called me by my first name and offered me a drink.”
Taylor’s eyes widened.
“And he said congratulations. On the baby, and on...”
“Thank you, baby. You just keep showing up for me in ways I never expected.”
Brooks cupped her face in his hands, his gaze locked on hers.
“I’ll always show up for you, Taylor. Always. Get used to it.”
They stepped outside into the cool evening air, Taylor slipped her hand through his arm and gave it a light squeeze.
“Thank you,” she said softly.
“For talking to my dad. For everything. I love you.”
She’d grown bashful, breathless. She was so happy. Grateful. Full.
Brooks dipped his head, kissing her knuckles .
“No need to thank me. This is just the beginning, Tay Marie. The beginning of everything.”
God had blessed her abundantly, in surplus. Not just with provision, but with protection. With peace. With correction .
And she needed all three.
As they drove toward the venue, hands linked over the console, Taylor found her thoughts already reaching beyond tonight. Toward the life they were building. One surprising, beautiful step at a time.
She thought about the women who’d stayed too long. Who forgave too fast.
If she could tell them anything, it would be this:
God doesn’t stop showing up just because you chose wrong.
He doesn’t revoke His love because you missed the signs.
He’s not tallying your failures, He’s reaching to cover them.
Mistakes don’t make you unworthy. A broken heart doesn’t make you unlovable.
And starting over doesn’t mean you’ve fallen out of favor.
Grace is still for you, even in the mess.
Even when you knew better.
Even when you thought you’d never recover.
Taylor turned to look at Brooks, the man who’d shown her what it felt like to be valued, to be protected, to be loved without condition.
No, this wasn’t how she planned it.
But maybe that was the point.
Because sometimes, God doesn’t reroute you in spite of the detour .
Sometimes, He blesses you through it. She would never be able to thank him enough.