Excerpt from
Photo Credit:
Pete Stenberg Photography
Cover designed by
J. L. Woodson for
Woodson Creative Studio
Delvin allowed Tailan a few hours of peace. Then
he drew her a bath before going to her, carrying
her from the bed, undressing her, then placing her
in the warm water, hoping it, and he, could soothe
her soul after such a heartwreching episdoe with
Amir.
He slid her a cup of chai tea, and she settled it
on the edge of the tub.
“I chose him because I longed for you. I will not
make that mistake again,” she said, taking a sip of
the dark liquid. “When I come to you, I want it
to be because my heart and mind are clear.” She
locked gazes with him, asking, “Is that fair?”
Delvin took her from the water, dried and oiled
her body, then settled her among the pillows,
praying that she would come to her senses soon.
She slept pitifully, tossing and turning, calling the
names of the children she had abandoned so long
ago. The ones she had left in that horrible situation
all so she could save herself.
Delvin left the pallet he’d placed on the oor. He
slipped into the bed to comfort her, to hold her
until those nightmares had passed.
***
Morning came, and he was still with her, his
arms wrapped around her in a safety net she did
not feel she deserved.
“If you won’t trust me,” he whispered, stroking
a hand down her back. “ask God to help you
through this.”