~{Chapter 18}~

Sunday passed by as a relaxed day, and I enter a new work week with a smile on my face and peace of heart.

"Good morning, Miss Garner," the receptionist greets.

"Good morning," I say cheerfully.

I sit down at my desk and turn my computer on, along with my laptop. I take a contract out of one of my files and look it over.

"Miss Garner?" I look up and see my secretary, Miss Stevens.

"Yes?" I say.

She sits down in the chair across from me and says, "I need to tell you something."

I raise an eyebrow. "Personal or work?"

"Both."

I set my paper down and look her in the eye. "Go ahead."

She takes a deep breath, "I don't think I can keep working here."

"Why?" I ask kindly.

"Well," her eyes start filling with tears, "I don't think it'll be a good idea for me to work here when everyone is so conservative and into this whole God thing."

"Amy," I say, using her first name, "I need you to tell me what's wrong and why you're feeling like this. Did someone say something to you?"

She shakes her head. "It's nothing like that. Everyone's so kind, but I don't think they'll continue to be kind when they hear about this."

I stand up and go sit beside her. "What is it?"

She takes a deep breath, "I'm pregnant, and I know the dad won't help me. I've already told him, and he isn't happy."

I take her hand in mine. "Why would you think that would make everyone rude to you? Who would you think you would have to quit your job?"

"All of you have these beliefs, and I know y'all don't agree with having a child out of wedlock. All my life I've had people all around me judging me. They held the same beliefs y'all did. They made my life miserable," she explains.

I sigh and pull her into a hug. "We aren't supposed to be like that."

She pulls out of the hug and asks, "What?"

I take a deep breath; this is my chance to use my experience to help someone else. "I used to be like you. I used to be judged by many, many Christians. It wasn't until I met my sweet James that I found out what Christianity is really about. We aren't supposed to judge. We are supposed to show love to everyone, but it doesn't mean we love the sin. Even if we aren't supposed to love the sin, we aren't called to condemn anyone, and we shouldn't because we are in no way perfect. There are just those people out there who believe that they're better than everyone. Amy, I promise you that every single believer in this office won't judge you or start treating you differently. They know how we're supposed to act. They know that Christ calls us to love and not to condemn people."

"Are you positive?" she asks.

"I'm so positive. Those people who condemned you or always told you that you don't have a chance, are so wrong. They weren't speaking in love like God has told us to. Trust me. Take a leap of faith and stay," I say.

She wipes her tears away with a tissue and nods. "I'll stay. I'll just try it out for a bit and see if it works out."

I smile. "That's all I ask. If it does happen, I can't stop you from leaving. I can tell you that that's not how we're supposed to treat others."

She nods and stands up, giving me a warm hug. "I better get back to work."

I shake my head. "Go home and get some rest. You're looking a little pale. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Are you sure?" she asks.

"Positive. Go home and rest."

She gives me another hug and says, "Thank you so, so much, Miss Garner."

I smile. "Stay strong."

She nods and leaves. I sigh and sit down. I feel so bad for her, and all I can do is show her kindness and love on her. Nobody deserves to feel the way she does, and I can only hope and pray.

My office phone rings, and I stay on the call for at least an hour with an author. Beth walks in just as I'm finishing the call, so I gesture for her to sit down. She sits down and smiles at me.

"Alright, thank you so much. I'll see you soon," I say as I end the call.

"That seemed like an exhausting phone call," she says after I sigh and run my fingers through my hair.

"Just long. How did your talk go with Sam?" I ask.

She sighs. "That's what I wanted to talk to you about. He understood, but then he told me he had to go out of town on a trip, so I'm really confused."

"What did he say?"

"He told me that he understands my feelings and realizes that he probably crossed a line. He said he would let me breathe, but he's gone now. He hasn't answered any of my calls or texts," she explains.

I smile at her. "Why don't we go to dinner tonight? Just you and me, and we can have a fun girls' night out."

"That might help."

"Don't make a big deal about this. I'm sure it's all going to be fine. He probably really did have to go on this trip."

She nods. "You're probably right. I won't stress."

"Yeah, don't stress. I'll see you tonight," I say.

She stands up. "Yeah, I'll see you tonight. Thanks, Kate."

I nod and go back to work. I quickly finish my work for the day. By the time I leave, it's almost seven. Before Beth left to get ready, we agreed to meet at Bella's Steakhouse. I do not bother going home to dress up, so I just hurry down the street to dinner.

When I enter, I catch sight of Beth and hurry over to her. She smiles when she sees me and gives me a small wave. I smile back and sit down across from her.

"Have you been waiting for long?" I ask her.

She shakes her head. "No. I just got here."

"Good," I say, "I'm sorry I was late. I lost track of time."

She laughs. "Don't you always?"

I laugh back. We have a great time just laughing and having "girl time" to ourselves. I try to keep her distracted from thinking about Sam, and it seems to be working.

Right before we're about to leave, she leaves to go to the bathroom. I pay the bill, and I stand up to leave when I feel a tap on my shoulder. I turn around and see Sam behind me. I grab his arm and drag him out of the restaurant.

"What're you doing here?" I ask him.

I let go of his arm, and he runs his fingers through his hair while he says, "I need to talk to you."

"And not Beth? You know, you have her extremely worried and paranoid."

"Please," he begs, "I just need to let you know my point of view.

I hesitate before saying, "Meet me at my house. It's just down the road in the field to the right. It should be hard to miss because the porch lights should be on."

He nods and hurries away from me to what looks to be his car. Right after he drives off, Beth comes out.

"I told you to let me pay!" she says when she gets near me.

"Sorry?" I say, trying to be lighthearted.

She seems to catch that I'm not my normal self, so she asks, "What's wrong?"

I sigh because I can not lie to her. "Sam was here, and he wants to meet with me so I agreed."

Her face falls. "He wants to talk to you and not me? Why?"

I try to reassure her by saying, "It's probably nothing. He probably just needs to let some of his feelings out or something. He might be needing to tell someone his feelings, and how he can talk to you without making you feel or be uncomfortable. I'm sure he just needs advice or something. Don't worry. I'm going to go meet with him, and I'll tell you how it goes when I finish."

She sighs. "Alright. I'll see you later. Thank you."

I give her a hug goodbye before walking quickly to my car and driving to my house. I see Sam's car as I drive into my garage. I step out of the car just as Sam comes around the corner. I close my door and gesture for him to follow me inside.

"Thank you so much for agreeing to meet with me," he says as he follows me inside to my kitchen.

I just nod as I set my things down on my kitchen island. He sits at one of the bar stools. I stand across from him.

"What do you need to tell me? It better be something good," I say.

"I've been thinking about my relationship with Beth. I truly did have to leave on a business trip, but I also did some thinking while I was gone. I have come to a conclusion," he says quickly.

I raise an eyebrow. "I meant what I said when I said to take care of her."

He nods. "And I meant what I said in response to your command, which is why I need your help."

"To break up with her? How does that show you care?" I ask.

His mouth opens in shock. "I'm not breaking up with her. It's quite the opposite!"

"Explain."

He sighs and runs his fingers through his hair. "I like her a lot. I just don't know if she feels the same way. I know she had a really messy breakup with her ex-fiancé, but I'm not like him. I love her. I just don't know if she's ready or not."

I almost fall over when he says he loves her. "You've been dating for only a little while. How do you know you love her?"

He smiles at me. "I can't imagine life without her. She's the strongest and most selfless person I've ever met. She's a strong believer and challenges me to become a better man."

I blink my eyes a few times before saying, "Wow. I'm impressed. Just answer one question."

"Of course."

"Are y-you planning on proposing?" I ask hesitantly.

He slowly shakes his head. "I want to give her a promise ring. I know she might not be ready, but I need to take a chance. I just want to know if I have a chance with her. I truly care about her, Kate. I'm not lying when I say that."

"Well alright, then. How are we going to give her this promise ring?" I say.

"Look, I know you think it's too soon and-- wait, what did you say?" he asks, shocked.

I smile at him. "I like you, Sam. I've never seen someone fall so hard and so fast. I know you're a great guy, and despite you causing my best friend to panic, I trust you with her. I'll be happy to help in any way I can. She needs to be happy again, and I find that she's the happiest when she's with you."

"Thank you," he says.

I nod, and we start planning the perfect way for him to give her the promise ring. They have only been dating since I took Josh to go talk to Beth, but this just seems so right. I know it is not a very long period of time, but Sam is genuine, and he proves he loves her whenever he speaks about her. If they are ready to take this next step, I will support them.

It is almost midnight when Sam leaves, but he leaves with a bounce in his step and a look of absolute happiness. I smile and lock all of my doors before I go up to my room and get ready to go to sleep.

I slip under my covers when I finish getting ready, and I do my quiet time. I thank God for all He has done, and I say a prayer for all of the people around me. I turn the light off after I finish and think about Sam's plan to ask Beth.

It is the most perfect idea ever.