Chapter 36
Morgan
“Aye!” Tommy shouts. “Morgan!”
Tommy and several people jump from their seats and rush over, giving me a hug. All at once. One big embrace.
I return their affection, but my smile won’t go away even when they let go, because...
Jack and a Bible.
Two things that don’t go together.
When the commotion calms down and everyone returns to their seats, I move closer to Noel and Jack, nervous.
Noel combs his hair and swallows hard.
Jack, on the other hand, reclines in his chair, arms crossed, eyes narrow.
Angry.
I dismiss it.
“That was beautiful, Jack. I didn’t realize you knew any verses.”
Noel’s brow scrunches, and his eyes dart from him to me several times. “What is she talking about? You didn’t tell her?”
“Tell me what?” I ask.
Jack smacks the table with his fist to demand Noel’s attention.
“Don’t say a fucking thing,” he orders, low enough that only the three of us can hear.
“Bruh,” Noel replies, flabbergasted. “I figured that’s why Morgan liked you. Are you telling me you never talked about God?”
“Barely,” he mutters. “It doesn’t matter. Drop it.”
But Noel doesn’t.
He throws up his hands in disbelief. “So Morgan Leigh Montgomery actually liked you? I spent hours and hours trying to learn this book and—”
“Noel. Shut. Up,” he growls.
I am more confused than ever, but I don’t appreciate being talked about as though I am not in the room.
I drop into a seat and lean closer, elbows on the table.
First, I speak to Noel.
“I liked Jack for a lot of reasons. How he cared for his brothers, this center. The way he always texted me good morning and goodnight. How he stayed strong in that courtroom. He was protective, loyal, and caring. A man I admire.”
Noel slumps in his chair, his expression half bitter, half surprised.
Then, I face Jack. It’s hard at first. Having him this close is intimidating.
Reflexively, I hold myself, insecure, but speak clearly. “You can also be a cold, stubborn, and incredibly closed-off man. Regardless, please tell me what Noel is talking about.”
He stares for a moment.
“Why are you here, Morgan? Leave before you bring more chaos into my life.”
His words hit like a slap. I’ve been exiled. His memories of me aren’t fond. They led to jail. I am nothing but chaos. Drama in human form. I wasn’t expecting that reaction.
Suddenly, Blake’s voice cuts through the air.
“Wow! What a lovely sight. All these beautiful faces. God’s children learning God’s word.”
The room turns his way.
My father appears beside him. He gives me a cold glare, then smirks.
As if Blake is his attack dog, he taps his shoulder once, triggering Blake to walk into the room.
Paul follows step, phone in hand, surely livestreaming.
“Today, Church of Redemption is visiting Center for Special Hearts to witness this Bible study.” Blake takes my hand like he owns me, beckoning me to stand next to him.
Like the robot I’ve become, I obey and he holds my hand as if I am made of glass.
“Morgan and I are visiting to support and recognize Jack Killborne for continuing his center’s valiant mission.”
He looks at Jack.
“We want you to know, we haven’t forgotten you. I certainly haven’t forgotten what you did to protect my future wife.”
I suppress a wince as Blake tenderly kisses the top of my hand.
Noel snarls, but Jack just stares from under his brow, no longer reclined, and his expression contemptuous.
Blake steps around the table and extends his hand to Jack, intent on shaking hands. The camera leans closer.
“I personally want to thank Mr. Killborne and offer this check for five-thousand dollars to support this amazing place. Our church is forever in your service.”
Jack’s jaw flexes, then he rises to his feet.
I sense it.
He’s furious.
Silently, I pray he doesn’t do something stupid. Not while livestreaming.
“Play along, Jack,” I whisper, but I know he doesn’t hear me.
Jack takes his hand and shakes it firmly.
“Thanks,” he replies brusquely.
Blake turns fully to the camera.
“Jesus wept. John 11:35. You see, Jesus cries upon his friend’s death despite knowing Lazarus would be resurrected. He cried because Jesus was human, showing us God is not distant from our emotions.”
Blake lays his hand on Jack’s shoulder.
“God knows the pain you endured in jail. He wept for your suffering. He felt it with you. And today, God, myself, and others watching from home feel the joy you bring to his children.”
“This fake...” Noel mumbles in disdain. Then, he groans loudly and leans on the table.
“Come on, Jack. This guy got the girl. He’s marrying Morgan. Now he puts his dick on the table like he has the right. Show him up.”
The room collectively freezes, the tension thick. The energy shifts in the air, quiet and dark.
Jack closes his eyes, and when they reopen, there’s something different about him. His voice is intense, commanding attention.
“Jesus wept,” he says darkly. “The shortest verse in the Bible. It’s about the state of being human.”
Then, he removes Blake’s hand from his shoulder as though it is diseased.
“But for you, I’d choose Colossians 3:23. ‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.’”
Another verse that makes me tilt my head.
Jack picks up a Bible.
“Who do you work for, Blake?”
That twinkle in his eye is telling. I know something bad is about to happen. His voice rises.
“You are not working for the Lord, because Morgan wouldn’t look sick when you kissed her hand.”
“I beg your pardon,” Blake demands.
“What man would be fine with his fiancé faking it?” Jack’s gaze shifts to me. He holds up the book. “Name a verse, church girl.”
I swallow, uneasy, but answer the first that stirs in my heart, which has returned to life, racing fast.
“Romans 8:38-39.”
He doesn’t miss a beat.
“Nothing can separate us from love.” His eyes sear into my mine, rendering me speechless. “Another.”
With a tremble, I recall a second verse, which he recites. Flawless.
He tosses me a Bible. “Pick a page. Read the first line.”
I open it on a random page and begin reading. He takes over fast, reciting it word for word.
My eyes are dry from being so wide. I’m absolutely shocked.
“You know the Bible,” I say, side-swept.
“Pick another page.”
I do, and he repeats the feat, but this time, more boisterous, even adding sermon between verses like it’s flowing from his heart.
He’s utterly unrecognizable. That tenor, his grandiose body language, his unwavering confidence. He jumps on a chair and speaks to the heavens. The light in his eyes brightens the room. He’s simply radiant.
He jumps down and rounds the table, his voice carries and hands move like a Southern Baptist preacher in a packed church, captivating and awe-inspiring.
I’m frozen, paralyzed by Jack in the embodiment of a chosen’s form.
And then, he’s standing in front of me, a force greater than my father’s ever was onstage.
His star presence fades. The light dims in his eyes, and the darkness returns. His voice drops, somber and rough.
“Do you love me now, Morgan? I know your damn book.” His knuckles skim along the swoop of my neck, reverently. “Am I worthy?”
My mouth opens and closes several times. It takes a moment for my voice to return.
“Jack... you...” I clear my throat, then the words tumble out. “We’re meant to be together.”
I gasp at my own words.
It’s a declaration as true as me needing air to breathe. It’s from my heart. It’s undeniable now. The voice of God just spilled from his lips, and I can hardly remain standing.
Others wouldn’t see it, but I catch his chest freeze upon hearing my words.
Just as quick, though, he laughs, cruel and dismissive.
“My mother was a preacher. I learned from her. I didn’t tell you.” He shakes his head. “I knew you would want me if I spoke that shit. I don’t believe.”
I shudder, unable to reconcile that with what I just witnessed. “You have to! What you just did... you know every page by heart. Don’t you?”
He drops the Bible and it hits the tile floor with a thud, echoing in the room. I pick it up quickly, cradling it close like the sacred thing it is.
He moves fast, his mouth pressing near my ear in a dark whisper.
“Fucking you was all I needed to love you. It was the most spiritual experience of my life.”
My voice quivers. “You love me? Still?”
He steps back and rolls his eyes. Cold air hits me as he pivots around my body, heading straight for my father.
The two talk, too low for anyone to hear, then Jack disappears out of the room.
Dad’s gaze flicks to me, and for the first time, my father seems lost for words.
I am, too.