Shocked when he spoke of starting fresh with new love and life, forgiving the hurt and pain, she sat with rapt attention on Father Tom as the truth spilled from his lips.
She was moved.
Her heart was forgiving with his simple words. Completely unaware of what he was doing for her without knowing her story.
When he was rounding out his sermon, he spoke, “In the first Hebrew Testament of the Bible, the verb translated into English as “create” from the story that begins the book of Genesis is only applied to God. We take what He has created and make anew in our lives. We create from His gifts. Only God can make all things new, and in this, he can grant you the ultimate freedoms. Forgiveness. Hope. Healing. New beginnings.
“Start over, start better, and be true to you. For that is what God wants for us all.
“Amen.”
The breath was stolen from her chest as tears rolled down her cheeks. It was as if he could see into her mind. Pulling out all of her darkest fears and hidden hope.
“What did you think, young Sage?” Startled once again, she jumped in her seat. “Skittish one, aren’t you?” He grinned at her.
“It was beautiful.” She didn’t know what else to say.
He seemed to look into her very soul as he studied her before saying, “Whatever it is that has hurt you, forgive first, healing comes second. Hope will bring you your new beginning.”
“Thank you, Father Tom.” She smiled at him with a wide, genuine grin as she stood from the back pew. Wanting, no needing, to see Lochlan.
“Your welcome anytime!” he called as she fled the church, her feet light as air as they carried her through the doors and to a waiting Braxton.
“Where’s the fire?” He smirked.
“Could we go see Lochlan?” She couldn’t suppress the excitement and relief she was feeling.
He eyed her critically before answering. “Yeah, sure. HBMR isn’t too far from here.”
Confused she tilted her head. “HBMR?”
“The name of their shop—Hogan Bros. Mechanics and Restoration.”
“Oh.” How had she forgotten that?
The drive was short, only a few blocks away, and she noticed the logo on the front of the building. In big bold letters was the acronym and above it was the full title. She understood Braxton’s use of the letters now. She’d never noticed it before.
Stepping out of the car, nerves hit her when she put her hand on the door. She didn’t know why. She’d been there a lot in the past. This time felt different, though. She wasn’t going in there as some silly sheltered girl. She was going in there as a legal-aged woman intent on seeing her… Was he her boyfriend? Fiancé? She didn’t know what they were.
“Sage!” Sophia’s happy voice was comforting as she greeted them before they made it into the office. “How are you? Are you feeling okay?”
“Relax, babe, or you’ll suffocate the poor girl.” Nox’s laughter was full of love for his woman. Sage envied it.
“I feel better.” She smiled at the couple.
“Braxton!” Sophia squealed.
“Watch it,” Nox growled, pulling the woman back into his embrace before she could hug the other man.
Stifling her giggle, Braxton elbowed Sage. “Quiet
you,” he said before turning his attention to Sophia. “How you doing, Soph? He treating you right?”
“Oh, my heavens, yes.” A dreamy look entered her eyes.
“What are you guys doing here?” Nox asked Braxton pointedly.
Before either of them could say a word, another man, the one who was always inappropriate, walked in from the back. “Hey, Soph,” he began before he saw everyone congregated together. Sage took a step back and to the side of Braxton as the man came closer to them. Nervousness overtook her at having someone she didn’t know and wasn’t comfortable with approach her. “Sorry, didn’t mean to interrupt.” He was different this time somehow. Subdued.